Abstract: A process for defuzing explosive projectiles using fluid jet technology. It is preferred that two or more projectiles be defuzed simultaneously in the same defuzing apparatus. The explosive material can also be removed from the casing by fluid jet technology, after the projectile has been defuzed.

Abstract: A process is provided for making thermoplastic-composites from recycled thermoplastics (polyolefins) together with phosphogypsum waste by-product from the phosphate fertilizer wet process or, in an equally preferred embodiment with fluorogypsum waste by-product from fluorine production wet process to produce lumber profiles. The process involves (a) admixing phosphogypsum (calcium sulfate) and/or fluorogypsum (calcium fluoride) waste byproduct and/or Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) gypsum and/or crude gypsum and/or calcined gypsum with thermoplastics and a functionalized compound with or without coupling agents to produce a filled thermoplastic-composite composition, and (b) melt processing the composition to produce a filled thermoplastic-composite article.

Abstract: An electronic controller (10) having one or two rotational position detectors (48), a tilt/shake sensor (50), and optional press controls (18). A user may rotate control knobs (14) causing the position detectors (48) to create rotation signals (80) from which the amount of rotation can be resolved and the direction of rotation detected. Tilting or shaking of the electronic controller (10) causes the tilt/shake sensor (50) to create a tilt/shake signal (84), and pressing (or releasing) the press controls (18) can create press signals (82). A processor system (46) processes and integrates all of these signals (80, 82, 84) into a data signal (86) which is communicated over a communications interface (16) to a computerized device or system employing the electronic controller (10) as an input device or system.

Abstract: An agricultural growth control device (2) includes an organic, biodegradable, layer (6) and an impermeable sheet (4) affixed to the underside of the organic layer to form a unitary ground collar (8). The ground collar defines at least one hole (10) to allow growth of a plant (P) therethrough while suppressing the growth of weeds or grass around the plant. The impermeable sheet is preferably formed from a slurry of cellulosic fiber and water and the organic layer is preferably formed from a slurry of fiber, water and finely chopped organic material, such as straw, manure, leaves or almond wood chips. The fiber and chopped organic material provide a semi-rigid mulch cover for suppressing weeds around the plant. The mulch cover is easily positioned around the plant and, once it is so disposed, will be relatively impervious to severe weather, such as heavy rainfall and winds. The chopped organic material, particularly almond wood chips, enhance the appearance of the mulch cover.

Abstract: An agricultural growth control device (2) includes an organic, biodegradable, layer (6) and an impermeable sheet (4) affixed to the underside of the organic layer to form a unitary ground collar (8). The ground collar defines at least one hole (10) to allow growth of a plant (P) therethrough while suppressing the growth of weeds or grass around the plant. The impermeable sheet is preferably formed from a slurry of cellulosic fiber and water and the organic layer is preferably formed from a slurry of fiber, water and finely chopped organic material, such as straw, manure, leaves or almond wood chips. The fiber and chopped organic material provide a semi-rigid mulch cover for suppressing weeds around the plant. The mulch cover is easily positioned around the plant and, once it is so disposed, will be relatively impervious to severe weather, such as heavy rainfall and winds. The chopped organic material, particularly almond wood chips, enhance the appearance of the mulch cover.