Abstract: Described are very high molecular weight (e.g., over 2 million, such as 3-20 million g/mol) starch-based materials, and formulations including such, which can be spun in spunbond, melt blown, yarn, or similar processes. Even with such very high molecular weights, the formulations can be processed at commercial line speeds, with spinneret shear viscosities of 1000 sec?1, without onset of melt flow instability. The starch-based material can be blended with one or more thermoplastic materials having higher melt flow index value(s), which serve as a diluent and plasticizer, allowing the very viscous starch-based component to be spun under such conditions. The particular melt flow index characteristics of the thermoplastic diluent material can be selected based on what type of process is being used (e.g., spunbond, melt blown, yarn, etc.). The starch-based material may exhibit high shear sensitivity, strain hardening behavior, and/or very high critical shear stress (e.g., at least 125 kPa).

Abstract: Described are very high molecular weight (e.g., over 2 million, such as 3-20 million g/mol) starch-based materials, and formulations including such, which can be spun in spunbond, melt blown, yarn, or similar processes. Even with such very high molecular weights, the formulations can be processed at commercial line speeds, with spinneret shear viscosities of 1000 sec?1, without onset of melt flow instability. The starch-based material can be blended with one or more thermoplastic materials having higher melt flow index value(s), which serve as a diluent and plasticizer, allowing the very viscous starch-based component to be spun under such conditions. The particular melt flow index characteristics of the thermoplastic diluent material can be selected based on what type of process is being used (e.g., spunbond, melt blown, yarn, etc.). The starch-based material may exhibit high shear sensitivity, strain hardening behavior, and/or very high critical shear stress (e.g., at least 125 kPa).

Abstract: A programmable RF attenuator having a first connection node and a second connection node is disclosed. The programmable RF attenuator provides RF attenuation between the first connection node and the second connection node based on at least a first attenuation control signal. The programmable RF attenuator includes a first RF attenuator circuit and a first reactance compensation circuit, such that the first RF attenuator circuit includes a first shunt transistor element and a first shunt resistive element, which is coupled to the first shunt transistor element. The first shunt transistor element receives the first attenuation control signal. The first reactance compensation circuit is coupled to the first RF attenuator circuit and at least partially compensates for reactive characteristics of the programmable RF attenuator that affect an attenuation flatness of the programmable RF attenuator.

Abstract: A programmable RF attenuator having a first connection node and a second connection node is disclosed. The programmable RF attenuator provides RF attenuation between the first connection node and the second connection node based on at least a first attenuation control signal. The programmable RF attenuator includes a first RF attenuator circuit and a first reactance compensation circuit, such that the first RF attenuator circuit includes a first shunt transistor element and a first shunt resistive element, which is coupled to the first shunt transistor element. The first shunt transistor element receives the first attenuation control signal. The first reactance compensation circuit is coupled to the first RF attenuator circuit and at least partially compensates for reactive characteristics of the programmable RF attenuator that affect an attenuation flatness of the programmable RF attenuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for machining a flexible foam. The flexible foam is treated to temporarily harden the foam. The hardened foam is machined. The foam is then returned to its original flexible state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for machining a flexible foam. The flexible foam is treated to temporarily harden the foam. The hardened foam is machined. The foam is then returned to its original flexible state.

Abstract: An acoustic duct silencer is disclosed having opposed sidewall baffles which are disposed in a duct such that a cavity is defined between the baffles and the adjacent duct sidewalls, the space between the baffles bordering a passageway in the duct for the flow of a fluid medium therethrough. Each baffle features an array of generally parallel, spaced-apart elongate slots which substantially span the vertical or horizontal breadth of the baffles. The baffles preferably have a relatively large effective thickness so that the slots formed therein have a significant depth to them. In this manner, an integral array of resonators are provided having a significant slot or throat depth for the attenuation of low frequency sound.

Abstract: A variable slant work board pivotally mounted to a base such as a table or desk. A winch actuated segmented arm supplies an upward force on the underside of the work board to pivot it upwardly toward the fully raised vertical position. A horizontally disposed expansion spring is attached by cable to the underside of the work board to bias it toward the fully lowered horizontal position. The work board is infinitely adjustable between the vertical and horizontal positions.

Abstract: A falling block rifle action which is cocked by the downward movement of the breechblock and which includes a safety mechanism for blocking not only a trigger movement but also the movement of the striker and other interconnecting linkages. An adjustable extractor mechanism coupled to the cocking lever in central relation to the chamber accommodates a wide variety of types and sizes of cartridges.

Abstract: An apparatus for replicating three-dimensional articles which comprises a frame means for supporting, in parallelly disposed relationship, the article to be replicated and a blank workpiece. A parallelogram working frame is supported on the base frame means, with the parallelogram working frame being arranged for both longitudinal and transverse motion. The parallelogram working frame supports and carries a motor driven cutter assembly, and the cutter assembly includes a cutter head which is rotatably driven along a certain working axis. A laterally spaced stylus is provided for making contact with the surface of the article to be replicated. The parallelogram working frame carries a counterweight at the end opposed from the cutter assembly so as to accomplish ease of positioning, adjusting, and maintaining the cutter assembly in operative disposition.