Abstract: A seal arrangement (40) between relatively movable components (42,48) includes at least one magnet (54) on a first component (48) and at least one magnet (56) on the second component (42). A clearance (55) is defined between the at least one magnet (54) on the first component (48) and the at least one magnet (56) on the second component (42). Springs (58) bias the at least one magnet (54) on the first component (48) and the at least one magnet (56) on the second component (42) towards each other. The at least one magnet (54) on the first component (42) and the at least one magnet (56) on the second component (42) are arranged to repel each other against the spring (58) to control the clearance (55).

Abstract: An apparatus (14) for locating a source of acoustic mission in an article (10) comprises a plurality of spaced transducers (18) which supply output signals corresponding to detected acoustic emission activity to a processor (24). Artificially induced acoustic emissions (12) are generated in the article (10) by directing a laser beam (33) onto the article (10). A camera (40) produces an image of the article (10) and any laser flashes. A processor (42) converts the positions of the laser flashes to coordinates on the article (10). A processor (24) analyses parameters of the acoustic emission in the output signals and the coordinates of the laser flashes to infer the mathematical relationship between the parameters and location of acoustic emissions.

Abstract: A portable container and display stand particularly useful for music educational purposes comprising a plurality of hingedly connected panels made from a single sheet of rigid, lightweight material having a plurality of transverse fold lines. One of the panels is fixed in a folded position and attached to the base panel. Light weight borders form an enclosed container area when the various panels are folded, thereby providing a relatively small, lightweight and portable container for transporting and storing papers or other written materials, such as books, magazines or sheet music. Unfolding the various panels to place the device in a display stand mode is a simple process involving easy manipulation of the top two panels. When unfolded, the device forms a display stand for displaying written material in an easily viewable position.

Abstract: A process for treating a substrate, e.g., lignocellulosic pulp or cellulosic pulps with a mixed peracid solution comprising percarboxylic acid and Caro's acid which results in a higher conversion rate of the active oxygen in the hydrogen peroxide in order to provide an inexpensive and effective delignification and/or bleaching solution and the process for making the mixed peracid solution.

Abstract: The stress wave activity produced during a first generation of a piece of handwriting in an enrollment procedure is put into a store and the stress wave activities produced for subsequent generations of the piece of handwriting in the enrollment procedure are used sequentially to produce a weighted average of the stored stress wave activity and the stress wave activity of the subsequent generation of the piece of handwriting and replaces the stored stress wave activity; the weighted average includes a weighted average of amplitudes and times of events. For subsequent generations of the piece of the handwriting are resequenced in order of increasing difference from the respective stored stress wave activity. The subsequent generations of the piece of handwriting are again used to sequentially produce weighted averages and replace the stored stress wave activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for testing the response of a stress wave sensor to check that the transducer and amplifier are working satisfactorily.A pulse generator is connected to the stress wave sensor at a point between the transducer and the amplifier. The pulse generator supplies an electrical pulse to the stress wave sensor. A pulse cancelling device prevents the electrical pulse going directly to the amplifier. The electrical pulse causes the transducer to emit stress wave energy into a structure to which the transducer is acoustically coupled. The transducer detects the stress wave propagating in the structure and supplies an electrical signal to the amplifier. The electrical signal is amplified by the amplifier and demodulated by demodulator. A processor measures the peak and area of the demodulated amplified electrical signal and comares them with stored values.

Abstract: The stress wave activity produced in a surface by a writing instrument during the generation of a given piece of handwriting is detected by a transducer and is electrically processed. The stress wave activity is compared with a stress wave activity, produced during at least one previous generation of the given piece of handwriting, held in a store, by a processing unit in order to determine whether the detected and stored handwriting pieces have a common author. If the detected and stored handwriting pieces are determined to have a common author a weighted average of the stored stress wave activity and the detected stress wave activity is produced. The weighted average includes a weighted average of the amplitudes and a weighted average of times of events. This weighted average stress wave activity then replaces the stored stress wave activity in the store.

Abstract: A fluid level monitor for monitoring the level of fluid in a vessel comprises an inverted U-shaped propagation member which allows the propagation of stress waves therethrough. A first limb of the propagation member is immersed in the fluid in the vessel and a second limb is positioned outside the vessel. A transmitter transducer and a receiver transducer are acoustically coupled to the second limb of the propagation member. The transducer transmit stress wave pulses into the propagation member, the stress wave pulses produce a diffuse stress wave field in the propagation member which is damped by any fluid contacting the first limb of the propagation member. The transducer detects the stress waves propagating in the propagation member and produces an electrical signal corresponding to the level of the diffuse stress wave field. An analyzer measures the decay rate of the diffuse stress wave field which is indicative of the level of fluid in the vessel contacting the propagation member.

Abstract: A stress wave load cell comprises a propagation member to which is acoustically coupled a transmitting transducer and a receiving transducer. Electrical pulses are supplied to the transducer form a pulse generator and the electrical pulses are converted into stress wave signals which propagate through the propagation member. The transducer detects the stress wave after propagation through the propagation member and supplies an electrical signal to a processor which gives a measure fo the load applied on the load cell.Damping members apply a damping load on the propagation member when a load is applied to the load cell. The damping members damp the propagation of the stress waves in the propagation member and the decay rate of the diffuse stress wave field set up in the propagation member is dependent upon the load applied on the load cell.

Abstract: A process for desulfurizing carbonaceous material containing inorganic bound sulfur, organic bound sulfur, or conbinations thereof. The process comprises reacting the carbonaceous material at desulfurization conditions with a hydrogen source material in the presence of a reaction accelerator to enhance production and reactivity of atomic hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen source. The reaction is prefereably carried out in the presence of a flowing reaction medium which carries away hydrogen sulfide products and other volatile desulfurization products separating them from the carbonaceous material.

Abstract: A device to rest and balance firearms at continuously adjustable height to enable firing from the prone, kneeling, sitting and standing positions. The device includes two hollow cylindrical telescoping rigid tubes, the inner of which includes a top member defining an upper firearm supporting yoke and the outer of which has attached to it a continuously adjustable spring-locking device defining a lower firearm rest. A strong, flexible cable is provided within the tube which, with the upper firearm support used as a handle, converts the device to an animal choke stick. A detachable ground spike is mounted to the base of the outer tube and doubles as a knife. A separate attachment for insertion into the top of the inner cylindrical tube is further provided for resting and balancing cameras.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a component in which the surface of the component is scanned with a loud speaker, the sonic output of which is arranged to be at such a frequency or frequencies as to cause any cracks, fractures or unbonded regions within the component to generate transient stress wave emissions. An acoustic emission transducer is attached to the component surface so as to detect any such transient stress wave emissions and thereby provide evidence of the existence of any such cracks, fractures or unbonded regions.

Abstract: A pitted drupe containing a crisp gel stuffing of finely divided vegetable material, low methoxyl pectin, a slowly soluble calcium salt, and acid to maintain the gel at a pH of from 2.8 to 3.9. The stuffed drupe is fermented in brine at the same pH.