Abstract: Various embodiments provide a self-sealing system comprising a visco-elastic sealant material, an enclosed multi-cell structure surrounding the visco-elastic sealant material, and an integral pressure reservoir configured to maintain positive pressure within the enclosed multi-cell structure and provide potential energy to move the visco-elastic sealant material. In one embodiment, the enclosed multi-cell structure can have first and second skins, and an outer edge configured to contain visco-elastic sealant material between first and second skins. In one embodiment, the enclosed multi-cell structure can also have a plurality of nodes configured to connect first 100 and second skins. In one embodiment, at least one of the nodes has elasticity and can function as a tension spring. In one embodiment, at least one of nodes is loaded with releasable tension to provide a portion of the potential energy to move the visco-elastic sealant material.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an abrasion resistant transparent armor composite may comprise an elastomer facing layer and a urethane backing layer, wherein the facing layer comprises a Shore A hardness from about 45 to about 80, a tensile strength from about 4000 to about 8000 psi., a Bashore hardness of about 46, and a softening point at least about 380° F. The elastomer may comprise a polyester based urethane polymer. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve and/or modify the performance characteristics of the abrasion resistant transparent armor composite. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide abrasion resistant transparent armor for use as, for example, a composite to layer over a vehicular window, an airplane canopy, and building windows.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a self-sealing system comprising a visco-elastic sealant material, an enclosed multi-cell structure surrounding the visco-elastic sealant material, and an integral pressure reservoir configured to maintain positive pressure within the enclosed multi-cell structure and provide potential energy to move the visco-elastic sealant material. In one embodiment, the enclosed multi-cell structure can have first and second skins, and an outer edge configured to contain visco-elastic sealant material between first and second skins. In one embodiment, the enclosed multi-cell structure can also have a plurality of nodes configured to connect first 100 and second skins. In one embodiment, at least one of the nodes has elasticity and can function as a tension spring. In one embodiment, at least one of nodes is loaded with releasable tension to provide a portion of the potential energy to move the visco-elastic sealant material.

Abstract: An exemplary, substantially optically transparent armor composite is disclosed as comprising: a first layer comprising a first glass material; a second layer comprising a first kinetic energy absorbing urethane material; a third layer comprising a second kinetic energy absorbing urethane material, wherein the third layer comprises a Shore D value less than the Shore D value of the second layer; and an inter-layer comprising a thermoset elastomer disposed between the first layer and the second layer, between the second layer and the third layer, wherein the elastomer is in-situ cured at a temperature from about 70° F. to about 110° F. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve and/or modify the performance characteristics of the transparent/translucent armor composite. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide lightweight transparent armor for use as, for example, bulletproof windows in vehicles and buildings.

Abstract: An exemplary, substantially optically transparent armor composite is disclosed as comprising: a first layer comprising a first glass material; a second layer comprising an articulated second glass material; a third layer comprising a kinetic energy absorbing urethane material; and an inter-layer comprising a thermoset elastomer disposed between the first layer and the second layer, between the second layer and the third layer, and among articulated elements of the second layer, wherein the elastomer is in-situ cured at a temperature from about 70° F. to about 110° F. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve and/or modify the performance characteristics of the transparent/translucent armor composite. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide lightweight transparent armor for use as, for example, bulletproof windows in vehicles and buildings.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an optically clear polyurethane/polyurea polymer may comprises an impact resistant material comprising: a first polycarbonate layer; a second layer comprising a first elastomer; a third glass layer; a fourth layer comprising a second elastomer; and a fifth polymeric layer. In another exemplary embodiment, the third glass layer may be articulated and/or embedded in the second layer. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve and/or modify the performance characteristics of the transparent armor composite. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide lightweight transparent armor for use as, for example, bulletproof windows in vehicles and buildings.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus providing a substantially optically transparent/translucent composite armor material is disclosed as having: a first layer of hard transparent material (i.e., a glass facing layer) adapted for attachment to a second layer of polymer backing (i.e., a kinetic layer) and a layer of elastomeric bonding material disposed between the first and second layers. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve and/or modify the performance characteristics of the transparent/translucent armor composite. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide lightweight transparent/translucent armor for use as, for example, bulletproof windows in vehicles and buildings.

Abstract: Wire Circles are enclosed, interlocking, slotted, circular spools designed to incase excess wires. They may vary in size and color. The primary use would be for those wires of smaller gauge but not limited to them. Primary utility would be for computer, and audio-video products.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a direct current electric arc furnace for melting or heating raw materials or molten material. The furnace comprises a refractory lined vessel for holding raw or molten metal material. The furnace also comprises a first top electrode and at least a second top electrode. Each of the top electrodes enters the vessel above the raw or molten material and has a position in the vessel. The furnace comprises at least one bottom electrode mounted in the bottom of the vessel and in electrical contact with the raw or molten material in the vessel. Additionally, the furnace comprises an electrical power supply mechanism with conductors to electrically connect to the top electrodes and the bottom electrode in order to input electrical energy into the material through the top and bottom electrodes in the form of arcs which deflect toward each other and define a hot area.

Abstract: A direct current electric arc furnace for melting or heating raw material or molten material includes a refractory lined vessel for holding raw or molten material in its interior. The furnace includes at least a first top electrode. The first top electrode enters the vessel interior above the raw or molten material. The furnace includes at least a first bottom electrode mounted in the bottom of the vessel and in electrical contact with the raw or molten material in the vessel. The furnace includes an electrical power supply mechanism which electrically connects to the top electrode and the bottom electrode in order to input electrical energy into the material through the top and bottom electrodes in the form of an arc. The bottom electrode has opposite electrical polarity to the electrical polarity of the top electrode. The furnace also includes a mechanism for cooling the first bottom electrode with a spray of water and air that contacts the first bottom electrode.

Abstract: A direct current electric arc furnace for melting or heating raw material or molten material. The furnace includes a refractory lined vessel for holding raw or molten material. The vessel has at least an old furnace shell having a bottom electrode which is replaceable with a new furnace shell having a bottom electrode such that the new furnace shell is placed in an operating position and replaces the old furnace shell. The furnace includes at least a first top electrode. The furnace includes at least a first bottom electrode mounted in the bottom of the vessel and in electrical contact with the raw or molten material in the vessel. The furnace includes an electrical power supply mechanism which electrically connects to the top electrode and the bottom electrode in order to input electrical energy into the materials through the top and bottom electrode and the form of an arc. The bottom electrode has opposite electrical polarity to the electrical polarity of the top electrode.

Abstract: A direct current electric arc furnace for melting or heating raw material or molten material. The furnace includes a refractory lined vessel for holding raw or molten material in its interior. The furnace includes at least a first top electrode. The first top electrode enters the vessel interior above the raw or molten material. The furnace includes at least a first bottom electrode mounted in the bottom of the vessel and in electrical contact with the raw or molten material in the vessel. The furnace also includes an electrical power supply mechanism which electrically connects to the top electrode and the bottom electrode in order to input electrical energy into the material through the top and bottom electrodes in the form of an arc. The bottom electrode has an opposite electrical polarity to the electrical polarity of the top electrode. The furnace includes a mechanism for stirring the molten material in the vessel and guiding the arc in the vessel.

Abstract: A string instrument, such as a violin, is made of graphite fiber cloth and unidirectional graphite fiber sheets and epoxy resin. The instrument includes a unitary body, including a back, a rib, a neck, and a pegbox, all molded as a single or unitary element. A belly and a soundboard are separately molded of the same material and they are appropriately secured to the body. A string assembly is secured to the body and disposed over the belly. A pair of reinforcing struts are secured to the neck and to the rib. A sound post is disposed between the back and the belly, and a bridge is disposed on the belly, and strings of the string assembly are secured to pegs extending through the pegbox, over the bridge, and to a tail piece. The tail piece is in turn secured to the rib by an end pin remote from the neck.

Abstract: A method of forming an Ilizarov ring includes forming two half rings, each of which comprises a length of resin impregnated cloth. Cloth is pre-impregnated with a resin and then wound to provide a plurality of layers in a three dimensional orientation, and then the resin impregnated cloth is placed in a mold. After the resin impregnated cloth is pressed and cured in the mold, the material is removed from the mold and is appropriately machined. Two half rings are secured together to form a single ring.

Abstract: A method of forming an Ilizarov ring includes forming two half rings, each of which comprises a length of resin impregnated cloth. Cloth is pre-impregnated with a resin and then wound to provide a plurality of layers in a three dimensional orientation, and then the resin impregnated cloth is placed in a mold. After the resin impregnated cloth is pressed and cured in the mold, the material is removed from the mold and is appropriately machined. Two half rings are secured together to form a single ring.

Abstract: A disposable mouth to mouth resuscitation device includes a one way valve for preventing the victim's breath, saliva, mucus or disease agents from contact with the resuscitator's mouth or respiratory tract. The one way valve is in a plastic body from which extends a curved airway tube for placing in the victim's mouth. At the other end of the plastic body is a flexible tube leading to a mouth piece at its opposing end, for insertion into the mouth of the resuscitator. A mouth and nose mask is connected to the plastic body, adjacent to the curved airway tube, for sealing over the nose and mouth of the victim during resuscitation. When the victim exhales, his breath and other exhaled materials are exhausted through a side port in the plastic body and into the atmosphere.

Abstract: This fitting is designed to be applied to a flexible walled tank, of the type employed in aircraft to hold fuel or other liquids, to provide a reinforced opening for receiving attachments, such as, connectors, gauges, pumps, conduits, and the like. The fitting is composed of a plurality of layers or plies of fabric reinforced elastic material, certain layers being mechanically connected to each other and all of the layers being adhesively joined at contacting overlapped portions into an integral unit. The layers are sized and shaped to give the unit inner and outer ring portions, the former being substantially solid and the latter having spaced flexible layers. Parts of the layers forming the inner ring portion of the unit have openings which are aligned to receive internally threaded elements for screws used to fasten the attachments to the fitting and hence to the tank.

Abstract: An armor system matrix is provided, having a multiple layer system of very hard geometric objects tensionally restrained in their layers by fiber material interwoven about the objects with the objects and fiber material being bonded together by an adhesive material. The objects are substantially spherical ceramic material which may be of different dimensions, each ceramic sphere being substantially in contact with adjacent spheres on the same and adjacent parallel layers. Larger ceramic spheres may be located in the layers closer to the exposed surface of the armor system. The tensional relationship of the ceramic objects in each layer effectively distributes the impact of projectiles over a greater surface area.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed by which a number of thin, disc-like wafers are moved in a linear path and fed into such path on a discrete basis from a supply or feeding station. The individual or discrete wafers are moved into engagement with a pair of endless belts which, in effect, define the linear path and are arranged one over the other with the facing portions of the belts being spaced apart by at least the diameter of the wafers to be interposed therebetween. As the wafers are moved through the linear path by the belts, they are moved between pairs of brushes, each of a pair being rotatably mounted on a respective side of the path for engaging and cleaning the surfaces of the wafer, the pairs of brushes extending in the direction of movement of the wafers.