Abstract: A sabot is used for enclosing a payload, such as a missile or projectile, during launch. The sabot includes a series of panels that are held together prior to launch by engagement with a cap having protrusions or delay pins that maintain the panels in a closed condition. When the launch is initiated, the cap begins to slide out of engagement with the panels. The cap is configured such that the disengagement does not occur immediately upon movement of the cap; instead the protrusions are sized to delay opening of the panels until the sabot and missile have cleared the launcher. Then the panels rotate outward and drop away from a base the sabot, for example using self-releasing hinges. The base of the sabot may be configured to disengage from the payload by introduction of pressurized gases into a space between the base and an aft end of the missile.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to customizing instant messaging traffic. An aspect includes receiving a first association between a contact and a category and a second association between the category and one or more receiving client devices. A status from the one or more receiving client devices is routed to the contact based on the first and second associations. Additionally, a message from the contact is routed to the one or more receiving client devices based on the first and second associations.

Abstract: Some embodiments pertain to a projectile that includes a casing and a sensor that is wrapped around the casing. As an example, the sensor may be wrapped around a longitudinal axis of the casing. The sensor obtains environmental data that the projectile is exposed to when the projectile is inside a cannon tube. As an example, the sensor may obtain pressure data that the projectile is exposed to during launch of the projectile when the projectile is inside the cannon tube. The sensor may include a plurality of segments that at least partially surround the casing. In some embodiments, the segments may be separated from the casing due to pressure that the projectile is exposed to during launch.

Abstract: Some embodiments pertain to a projectile that includes a casing and a sensor that is wrapped around the casing. As an example, the sensor may be wrapped around a longitudinal axis of the casing. The sensor obtains environmental data that the projectile is exposed to when the projectile is inside a cannon tube. As an example, the sensor may obtain pressure data that the projectile is exposed to during launch of the projectile when the projectile is inside the cannon tube. The sensor may include a plurality of segments that at least partially surround the casing. In some embodiments, the segments may be separated from the casing due to pressure that the projectile is exposed to during launch.

Abstract: A computerized method of monitoring and modifying student performance may include collecting student information from a plurality of sources, storing the information electronically in a retrievable form, and reviewing the student information for student issues, which may have a negative impact on performance of a student. If such student issues exist, communicating with a student regarding the same, creating an action plan to improve or terminate the student issues, and implementing the action plan. Time factors, the specific student issues, the student information, including prior history and collaboration of appropriate student advisors, are combined to establish and implement the action plan. This is followed by monitoring of the student of interest in respect of certain student issues, updating student information, and applying time factors related to individual issues in the monitoring of such subsequent student performance.

Abstract: In the field of motion video object tracking, environmental noise and other such sources of movement can lead to false tracking and tracking of unimportant objects. The present invention uses user-defined exclusion regions within a motion video camera's field of view to ignore the origination of object track data. Therefore, the user defines in advance, those regions that may generate false alarms within a motion video camera's field of view. The use of user-defined zones in conjunction with object detection and tracking techniques provides a video surveillance system that has greater object tracking accuracy than existing systems.

Abstract: A rip saw with multiple saws adjustably positionable along a power-driven arbor. A clamp or hold-down assembly is provided on its upstream side, and on the downstream side, of the arbor and its saws. Each assembly is passable along an inclined path that converges on the path of travel of work through the machine. The assemblies inhibit fluttering in and otherwise stabilize boards as they are being cut by the saws.

Abstract: An object retention form liner is described for use in holding and transferring objects, such as thin bricks to the finished surface of concrete structures. The form liner is produced by strategically positioning a plurality of bricks in a face-up position in a flat, shallow mold. Recesses sized to fit the bricks can be provided in the surface of the mold with a sealing ridge provided between each of the recesses. The bricks are positioned in the recesses and a liquid elastomeric material is poured into the mold to cover the bricks. Reinforcing fiberglass mesh can be embedded in the elastomeric material to provide additional tensile strength to the liner. Upon setting, the liner and retained bricks are removed from the mold and the liner can be stored, shipped or used in concrete construction. The liners are attached to the inside surface of concrete forms and the bricks are held rigidly in place while the concrete is poured and sets.

Abstract: A method of producing panels from boards wherein a subassembly of boards is prepared on a conveyor and crowded against indexing pins. The trailing board in this subassembly is then cut lengthwise by a saw, to produce a panel assembly of predetermined width. Adhesive is then applied between contiguous edges of the boards in the panel assembly, and the boards then consolidated into an integral panel.

Abstract: Saw mechanism including a power-rotated saw arbor. A shifter is mounted on the arbor at one location, and a saw collar is mounted on the arbor at another, spaced location. A shifter bar extends between the shifter and collar. A tapered element extending from the shifter seats within a corresponding tapered seat on one end of the shifter bar, and another tapered element extended from the collar seats within a correspondingly tapered seat on the opposite end of the shifter bar.

Abstract: Arc discharge lamps driven at frequencies in excess of 20 kHz may exhibit the phenomenon of `acoustic resonance` in which longitudinal and lateral acoustic waves are supported in the arc tube. This is a problem because the acoustic wave may give rise to an instability in the discharge arc, causing it to stretch or gyrate and invariably to extinguish. In some cases damage may be caused to the arc tube. A power supply suitable for an arc discharge lamp comprises a drive circuit arranged to supply voltage to the lamp and control means for causing a characteristic of the voltage to vary, with time, in accordance with a pseudo random sequence in order to reduce, or eliminate, acoustic resonance in the lamp.