Abstract: Candidates for selection in a weighted arbitration system are assigned priority weights and random weights. The winning candidate is determined using a tree of selectors such as a comparators. At each stage of the tree, the candidate having the greatest priority weight is selected to pass to the next stage. If multiple candidates are tied for the greatest priority weight, the candidate having the greatest random weight is selected to pass to the next stage.

Abstract: A ferrule for coupling a tube to a fitting body of a fitting assembly. The ferrule may include a reduced thickness portion near a nut end of the ferrule, the reduced thickness portion being thinner than adjacent portions of the ferrule and configured to flex when the fitting assembly is made up. The ferrule may include a thin section toward the bite end of the ferrule, and an axially middle portion, between the thin section and the reduced thickness portion, may be configured to bow radially outwardly during assembly. The reduced thickness portion may have a radial thickness less than any other portion of the ferrule between the nut end and a bite edge of the ferrule closest to the nut end.

Abstract: Candidates for selection in a weighted arbitration system are assigned priority weights and random weights. The winning candidate is determined using a tree of selectors such as a comparators. At each stage of the tree, the candidate having the greatest priority weight is selected to pass to the next stage. If multiple candidates are tied for the greatest priority weight, the candidate having the greatest random weight is selected to pass to the next stage.

Abstract: A ferrule for coupling a tube to a fitting body of a fitting assembly. The ferrule may include a reduced thickness portion near a nut end of the ferrule, the reduced thickness portion being thinner than adjacent portions of the ferrule and configured to flex when the fitting assembly is made up. The ferrule may include a thin section toward the bite end of the ferrule, and an axially middle portion, between the thin section and the reduced thickness portion, may be configured to bow radially outwardly during assembly. The reduced thickness portion may have a radial thickness less than any other portion of the ferrule between the nut end and a bite edge of the ferrule closest to the nut end.

Abstract: A ferrule (120) for coupling a tube (112) to a fitting body (114) includes an outer cam surface (124) for bearing against the fitting body or another ferrule; an inner surface (126) defining a central bore (128) extending through a length of a body of the ferrule along a longitudinal direction from a bite edge (138) to a nut end (129); a recess surface (134) defining a counter bore extending from a bite end (137) to the bite edge (138), the bite edge (138) thereby recessed from the bite end (137).

Abstract: A method to reduce the risk of identity theft prevents the gathering and correlation of personal information on an individual's private real property. The method selectively obscures identification indicia on personal property when the personal property is located on private real property.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for use with a sample analyzer comprises a sample probe insertable into a process stream, and an extraction cylinder including a variable volume chamber and a piston movable by an actuator back and forth in the cylinder to increase and decrease the volume of the variable volume chamber. A sampling valve is connected between the extraction cylinder and the sample probe, with a sample line connecting the sampling valve to the sample probe, and the variable volume chamber having a capacity substantially greater than the combined volumes of the sample probe, sampling valve and sample line.

Abstract: A fluid fitting assembly (100), suitable for use in extreme working temperature conditions, can comprise a receiving member (110) with an inexpensive port design (e.g., SAE J1926 and/or ISO 6149), a standard fitting member (112), and a metal seal member (200). The seal member (200) comprises a ring portion (212) and a shoulder portion (218/220) extending radially from a head-adjacent region of the ring portion (212). The outer radial surface of the ring portion (212) seats against the chamfer section (126) of the receiving member (110) and the head-adjacent axial surface of the shoulder portion (218/220) seats against the undercut section (136) of the fitting member (112).

Abstract: A fluid fitting assembly (100), suitable for use in extreme working temperature conditions, can comprise a receiving member (110) with an inexpensive port design (e.g., SAE J1926 and/or ISO 6149), a standard fitting member (112), and a metal seal member (200). The seal member (200) comprises a ring portion (212) and a shoulder portion (218/220) extending radially from a head-adjacent region of the ring portion (212). The outer radial surface of the ring portion (212) seats against the chamfer section (126) of the receiving member (110) and the head-adjacent axial surface of the shoulder portion (218/220) seats against the undercut section (136) of the fitting member (112).

Abstract: Manufacture of a fluid connector fitting from an elongate metal stock, such as a plate or barstock, or a billet having an indefinite length and the potential for one or more centerline inhomogeneities which may extend along a longitudinal central axis thereof. In one embodiment, a metal stock is provided as having a cross-section of a first dimension which may be at least about equal to the extent of a first or second widthwise extent of the fitting and a second dimension which is at least about twice the extent of the other widthwise extent of the fitting. The stock is sectioned through the second dimension thereof along its longitudinal central axis to equally divide it into at least first and second workpieces. Each of the workpieces extends along a corresponding longitudinal axis thereof and has a cross-section of a first and a second width which may correspond, respectively, to the first and second widthwise extents of the fitting.

Abstract: A reaction system for use in combination with a fluid-powered wrench tool in assembling or disassembling large size tube fittings of a variety including a fastener or nut which is threadably engagable with a port end of the fitting body. The system includes a reaction member attachable to the tool as extending along a central longitudinal axis disposed general parallel to the line of action of the cylinder assembly of the tool from a forward end face positionable in confrontation with the fastener to an opposite rearward end face. The system also includes an associated wrench member which is provided as having a rearward shank end mountable to the reaction member and a forward jaw end configured to receive the external surface of the fitting body in an engagement which delimits the rotation of the fitting body in a first direction about the axis of rotation of the fitting fastener.

Abstract: Stabilizers for isocyanate cross-linked composite modified double base propellants are provided. These stabilizers have good solubilities in the propellant matrices and have good stabilization properties. The stabilizers of this invention are compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.2 is a straight or branched chain alkene radical having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, R.sub.3 is a straight or branched chain alkyl radical having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, n is an integer from 1-3, m is an integer from 1-3, and y is an integer from 1-3.

Abstract: As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the instant invention provides a concave filter 530 which comprises two oppositely disposed geotextile fabric sheets 560A and 560B. Fabric sheets 560A and 560B are porous for filtering the liquid from the slurry solids and may be fabricated from a geotextile material such as the material composing filter sheets 330a and 330b (see FIG. 4). Disposed between fabric sheets 560A and 560B is at least one drainage grid 350 such as the drainage grid 350 illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 4A.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dewatering radioactive waste slurry solids. The apparatus includes a vacuum pump for applying a vacuum to a suitable flexible filter and collapsible membrane combination in which the slurry solids are contained so that the slurry solids are compressively dewatered when the vacuum is applied. The apparatus further includes a container for suitably storing the resulting dewatered slurry solids.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dewatering radioactive waste slurry solids. The apparatus includes a vacuum pump for applying a vacuum to a suitable flexible filter and collapsible membrane combination in which the slurry solids are contained so that the slurry solids are compressively dewatered when the vacuum is applied. The apparatus further includes a container for suitably storing the resulting dewatered slurry solids.

Abstract: Apparatus for dewatering radioactive waste slurry solids. The apparatus includes a vacuum pump for applying a vacuum to a suitable flexible filter and collapsible membrane combination in which the slurry solids are contained so that the slurry solids are compressively dewatered when the vacuum is applied. The apparatus further includes a container for suitably storing the resulting dewatered slurry solids.

Abstract: Certain urethane compounds containing m-phenylene substituents are useful as stabilizers for composite modified double base (CMDB) propellants. Examples of these novel urethanes are 1,3-bis(N-methoxyphenylurethane)benzene, 1,3-bis(N-m-tolylurethane)benzene, 1,3-bis(N-m-chlorophenylurethane)benzen e, 1,3-bis(N-m-phenylurethane)benzene, 1,3-bis(N-ethylurethane)benzene and bis(m-methoxyphenyl)urethane.