Abstract: A stand-alone computer application for solving decision problems, conducting decision and risk analyses, and for globally optimizing the operation of systems and processes is disclosed. Running on a personal computer, the application embodies three major methods. The first method is project oriented and includes highly modularized procedures for solving and analyzing sequential, probabilistic and multi-objective decision problems. It enables a user to specify and to seamlessly integrate prioritized objectives, performance measures, utility functions, decisions, choices, outcomes, probabilities, multi-dimensional costs and external parameters into an objectives-based decision model. It further includes procedures to assist a user in the construction of objectives hierarchies, utility functions, cost functions and probability expressions.

Abstract: A drop-on-demand printer having a row of ink ejection locations (2) for ejecting plural ink droplets, each ejection location (2) having an associated ejection electrode (40) to which a voltage is applied for causing electrostatic ejection of the droplets from the respective ejection location (2); a guard channel (5) disposed between adjacent ejection locations (2), each guard channel (5) having an electrode (50) disposed therein; and control means for applying a voltage to said guard channel electrodes (50), said applied voltage being the average of the voltages applied in operati n over a given time to the adjacent ejection location electrodes.

Abstract: The invention provides a drop-on-demand printer having a row of ink ejection locations for ejecting plural ink droplets, each ejection location having an associated ejection electrode for causing electrostatic ejection of the droplets from the respective ejection location. An intermediate electrode system has one or more rows of intermediate electrodes 3 spaced from the ejection locations between the ejection locations and a substrate on to which the droplets are printed during use. Plural conductive tracks 5 are provided, each corresponding to a respective intermediate or ejection electrode 3 and supplying a voltage to an electrode in use. Tracks 5 have a resistive element 14 either disposed immediately adjacent the corresponding electrode or actually forming the electrode 3.

Abstract: A stand-alone computer application for solving decision problems, conducting decision and risk analyses, and for globally optimizing the operation of systems and processes is disclosed. Running on a personal computer, the application embodies three major methods. The first method is project oriented and includes highly modularized procedures for solving and analyzing sequential, probabilistic and multi-objective decision problems. It enables a user to specify and to seamlessly integrate prioritized objectives, performance measures, utility functions, decisions, choices, outcomes, probabilities, multi-dimensional costs and external parameters into an objectives-based decision model. It further includes procedures to assist a user in the construction of objectives hierarchies, utility functions, cost functions and probability expressions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of ejecting material from a liquid within a chamber (5), comprising: controlling the application of first voltage pulses (A) to a first electrode (9) associated with the chamber and second voltage pulses (B) to a second electrode (19) associated with the chamber, such that when a voltage pulse (A) is applied to the first electrode (9) a voltage pulse (B), inverted with respect to the pulse (A) applied to the ejection electrode (9), is applied to the second electrode (19).

Abstract: There is disclosed an ejection apparatus for ejecting material from a fluid. An ejection cell (5) contains fluid from which the material is to be ejected and has an ejection upstand (6) which defines a location from which the material is ejected. One or more ejection electrodes (9) are disposed in the cell substantially surrounding the ejection upstand (6).

Abstract: A nozzle plate apparatus for an inkjet printer has a nozzle aperture (8) which includes a plurality of elements (9) sub-dividing the aperture into a plurality of smaller apertures.

Abstract: An apparatus for ejecting material from a liquid has an ejection location 91) with an electrode (3). An electrical potential is applied to the ejection location electrode to form an electric field at the location together; liquid is supplied to the ejection location which contains the particulate material to be ejected from the ejection location. A secondary electrode (5, 8) is disposed adjacent to the ejection location and the voltage on the ejection location electrode is controllable so as to reduce the sensitivity of the head to influence by external electric fields.

Abstract: An ejection apparatus for ejecting material from a liquid has an ejection cell (2) for containing the liquid in use. The cell (2) has a protrusion (3) disposed so as to be contacted by liquid in the cell on more than one side and defining a predetermined location for a meniscus of the liquid at an opening in the cell. An ejection electrode (6) is disposed in the cell at a position inwardly of the cell with respect to the predetermined location of the meniscus.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for generation and ejection into air of discrete agglomerations of a particulate material with a proportion of liquid from a liquid having the particulate material therein. The apparatus defines an ejection location (128) and an electrical potential is applied to the ejection location to form an electric field at the location, and liquid (122) with the particulate material is supplied to the ejection location. An oscillating voltage (A) is applied to the ejection location, the magnitude of the voltage being below that required to cause ejection of particles from the ejection location, and an ejection voltage (B) is superimposed on the oscillating voltage additively with the oscillating voltage in order to cause the sum of the voltages at the ejection location to exceed the threshold required for ejection, when required.

Abstract: A device for generating droplets of fluid has a fluid supply reservoir and an electromechanical transducer. Electrodes are arranged to cause expansion and contraction of the transducer in a dimension perpendicular to the applied electric field. A perforated element is coupled for movement with the expansion and contraction of the transducer and is positioned for contact with the fluid supply for dispensing droplets therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of master batches used for the compounding of additives into raw PVC (polyvinyl chloride) before fabrication. More particularly, it relates to the process of the preparation of master batches involving a minimum of thermal degradation.

Abstract: A wire skinning and wrapping tool which is able to perform two successive skinning and wrapping operations includes a bit able to rotate and to slide to and fro in a hollow sleeve. During each skinning operation the bit moves in a forward direction away from a cut-out portion which is located at the base of the sleeve and through which the insulated wire is fed. After each wrapping operation the bit moves in a backward direction while it rotates over an angle of 180.degree. together with the sleeve. Prior to the first skinning operation the wire is fed through the cut-out portion perpendicularly to the sliding direction and is pushed forward by the bit during the skinning operation. Prior to the second skinning operation the insulated wire which extends from the wire wrapped connections to the wire feeding means via the hollow sleeve is cut at the wire feeding place.

Abstract: A yarn supply device for a rectilinear knitting machine capable of supplying the needles of the machine with a predetermined quantity of yarn irrespective of the speed of operation of the machine. The supply device comprises a yarn feed unit incorporating a drive member such as a pulley around which the yarn is wound in order to obtain positive drive engagement, the pulley being driven by an electric motor energized with an error signal derived from the output signal of a transducer sensitive to the actual displacement speed of the yarn feed device, and a signal representing the desired speed derived from the displacement and speed of a cam bar and thrower bar of the knitting machine. Arrangements are made for compensation in the error signal for the different stretch in the yarn in dependence on the position of the thrower with respect to a fixed yarn guide, and also for the inertia of the drive member of the yarn feed unit.