Abstract: A computer includes a processor, a PCIe-compatible interface bus that includes a root that is connected to the processor, and a routing complex that is connected to the root and is controlled by the processor. The computer also includes a first interface slot that is connectable to the root by the switches, a second interface slot that is connectable to the root by the switches, and an extended interface slot that is connectable to the root by the switches. The switches are configured based on properties of a first peripheral device to define a first switching configuration when the first peripheral device is connected only to the first interface slot and to define a second switching configuration when the first peripheral device is connected to both of the first interface slot and the extended interface slot.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor, a PCIe-compatible interface bus that includes a root that is connected to the processor, and a routing complex that is connected to the root and is controlled by the processor. The computer also includes a first interface slot that is connectable to the root by the switches, a second interface slot that is connectable to the root by the switches, and an extended interface slot that is connectable to the root by the switches. The switches are configured based on properties of a first peripheral device to define a first switching configuration when the first peripheral device is connected only to the first interface slot and to define a second switching configuration when the first peripheral device is connected to both of the first interface slot and the extended interface slot.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic training system includes a firing block assembly housed in a first container, a pressure-armed trigger module having two triggers housed in a second container, and a power pack/switch system that connects the firing block assembly and triggers. The first and second containers are remote from each other, and may be made from common objects that might be found in combat zones. Quick-release pins inserted through components of the firing block prevents their separation by exploding ordinance within the firing block, maintaining close electrical contacts within the firing block. The pressure-armed triggers employ a mechanical system that energizes an electrical circuit when pressure is released. Such triggers are arranged such that opening or moving the container triggers an explosion at the remote firing block assembly.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic training system includes a firing block assembly housed in a first container, a pressure-armed trigger module having two triggers housed in a second container, and a power pack/switch system that connects the firing block assembly and triggers. The first and second containers are remote from each other, and may be made from common objects that might be found in combat zones. Quick-release pins inserted through components of the firing block prevents their separation by exploding ordinance within the firing block, maintaining close electrical contacts within the firing block. The pressure-armed triggers employ a mechanical system that energizes an electrical circuit when pressure is released. Such triggers are arranged such that opening or moving the container triggers an explosion at the remote firing block assembly.

Abstract: Mine-like explosion simulators are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, a landmine simulator device includes a blast fixture; a lower portion of said blast fixture having a proximal end, a distal end and a hollow area therebetween, said hollow area being configured so as to direct channeling of an audio signature internally for maximum sound; and a top portion of said blast fixture having a top plate and a blast cover, said top plate having an opening for engaging and aligning with said proximal end of said lower portion, and said blast cover being configured so as to release a visible signature externally for maximum exposure.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for simulating an actual explosion of an explosive device includes one or more firing devices and a control module. A firing device comprises a pyrotechnic device operable to direct a pyrotechnic explosion in a predetermined direction to simulate the actual explosion of the explosive device. The control module receives a trigger signal from a trigger device, which is operable to send the trigger signal in response to a trigger event. The control module detonates the firing devices in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for simulating an actual explosion of an explosive device includes one or more firing devices and a control module. A firing device comprises a pyrotechnic device operable to direct a pyrotechnic explosion in a predetermined direction to simulate the actual explosion of the explosive device. The control module receives a trigger signal from a trigger device, which is operable to send the trigger signal in response to a trigger event. The control module detonates the firing devices in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: A method and device for shortening the production run in a stereolithographic process in which a series of layers of liquid or virtually liquid material are cured by exposure to light to form an article. According to the method, at least one covering structure that closely fits the shape of the article is provided on at least one side of the article, whereby a region of reduced disturbance is created between the article and the covering structure during positioning of the layers of liquid or virtually liquid material. The length of time needed for the material to settle is thus substantially reduced.

Abstract: A sandwich panel has a core formed of a plastic sheet having columns of equally spaced points displaced from one side, and other columns of similarly spaced points displaced from the other side, the columns on the two sides being interleaved and the points in adjacent columns on the same side being staggered, with the points in the other-side columns being disposed in rows with the oncoming one side column. The displaced points on a side form somehat cone-like structures which intersect the cone-like structures formed by displaced points on the other side to form structures constituting tetrahedrons and octahedrons when assembled and cemented between the layers of a panel. An apparatus and method for forming the core from a heated plastic sheet, involve passing the sheet between two rollers having projections which displace the points to each side. Another apparatus and method involve forming core shapes over stationary projections. Complex and compound structures may be created.

Abstract: An insulation hanger for supporting a compressible insulation blanket upon a supporting wall which is formed of three pieces, the first of which is an end weldable stud welded to the supporting surface and upon which the blanket to be secured is impaled. The end weldable stud includes a plurality of annular grooves of reduced cross section providing a shoulder at the juncture between the groove and the body of the stud. A flat washer like blanket retainer is utilized which has a keyhole aperture which permits the retainer to pass over the stud through a larger hole to compress the blanket and thereafter to be moved translationally to an aperture of size approximating the groove to interlock the blanket retainer with the shoulder of the stud.

Abstract: A knife assembly for composite tape laying machines is disclosed which has a knife movable to a fixed distance from a tape support platen so that the knife, which is transversable across the platen will completely sever a composite tape but not a paper backing tape. A floating presser foot serves to hold the reeled tape snuggly against the platen while cutting is taking place, and the float relative to the knife will accommodate variations in composite tape thickness.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for replacing or repairing missing or damaged abrasion resistant wearbars utilized in high velocity cyclone boilers. A retrofit wearbar having an aperture therein is utilized in conjunction with an end weldable stud wherein the wearbar and stud are placed in position over a damaged wearbar or against the boiler tube in the case of a missing wearbar and the stud end welding technique utilized to fuse the wearbar and stud in place with the damaged wearbar or boiler tube in the case of a missing wearbar in situ. An arc shield is utilized which has a projection from the weld fillet cavity thereof which cooperates in conjunction with the aperture of the retrofit wearbar to provide alignment of the stud in the wearbar and prevent shorting of the stud to the wearbar during the welding cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for replacing or repairing missing or damaged abrasion resistant wearbars utilized in high velocity cyclone boilers. A retrofit wearbar having an aperture therein is utilized in conjunction with an end weldable stud wherein the wearbar and stud are placed in position over a damaged wearbar or against the boiler tube in the case of a missing wearbar and the stud end welding technique utilized to fuse the wearbar and stud in place with the damaged wearbar or boiler tube in the case of a missing wearbar in situ. An arc shield is utilized which has a projection from the weld fillet cavity thereof which cooperates in conjunction with the aperture of the retrofit wearbar to provide alignment of the stud in the wearbar and prevent shorting of the stud to the wearbar during the welding cycle.