Abstract: A housing has a bud portion abutting an elongated stem portion. The bud portion is to fit within an ear. The bud portion has a primary sound outlet at its far end that is to be inserted into an outer ear canal, and abuts the stem portion at its near end. A speaker driver is inside the bud portion. Electronic circuitry inside the housing includes a wireless communications interface to receive audio content over-the-air and in response provides an audio signal to the speaker driver. A rechargeable battery as a power source for the electronic circuitry is located inside a cavity of the stem portion. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A system for neutralizing prescription drugs, narcotics and other harmful substances, including a staging area for an initial collection and sorting of prescription drugs, narcotics and other harmful substances to be neutralized, a containment chamber assembly operatively connected to the staging area for granulating the prescription drugs, narcotics and other harmful substances, a waste grinder/vacuum assembly operatively connected to the containment chamber for destroying any packaging that contained the prescription drugs, narcotics and other harmful substances, and a neutralizing assembly operatively connected to the containment chamber for neutralizing the granulated prescription drugs, narcotics and other harmful substances, with a neutralizing agent.

Abstract: A system for neutralizing prescription drugs, narcotics and other harmful substances, including a staging area for an initial collection and sorting of prescription drugs, narcotics and other harmful substances to be neutralized, a containment chamber assembly operatively connected to the staging area for granulating the prescription drugs, narcotics and other harmful substances, a waste grinder/vacuum assembly operatively connected to the containment chamber for destroying any packaging that contained the prescription drugs, narcotics and other harmful substances, and a neutralizing assembly operatively connected to the containment chamber for neutralizing the granulated prescription drugs, narcotics and other harmful substances, with a neutralizing agent.

Abstract: A method for forming a ceramic matrix composite bearing includes preparing a layup slurry from a mixture of water, pre-ceramic polymer and refractory filler. The method further includes forming a concentric stack of slurry-impregnated fabric sleeve layers over a rod-shaped inner mold and applying an outer mold to form a mold assembly. The method also includes heating the mold assembly to form a tubular green body and rough cutting the green body to bearing length. In addition, the method includes heat-treating the bearing and performing a polymer infiltration and pyrolysis treatment. The method further includes conducting dimensional stability treatment processes on the bearing and final grinding and machining to meet pre-determined specifications.

Abstract: A handguard comprising a plurality of layers of composite material. At least one of the layers is a ceramic matrix composite and at least one of the layers, and preferably the outer later, is a carbon fiber reinforced composite. In addition, the outermost layer is preferably a woven fabric carbon fiber reinforced composite. In one embodiment, one or more ceramic matrix composite layers is sandwiched between layers of carbon fiber reinforced composite. In another embodiment, an innermost layer is a ceramic matrix composite and the outermost layer is a carbon fiber reinforced composite.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus may include a mounting structure. A first arm may be secured to the mounting structure and may extend from the mounting structure. A load cell may be mechanically coupled to the first arm to detect a first load applied to the first arm by relative movement between the first load cell and a viscous material in which the first arm may be submerged or at least partially disposed. A second arm may be secured to the mounting structure and may extend from the mounting structure. A second load cell may be mechanically coupled to the second arm to detect a second load applied to the second arm by relative movement between the second load cell and the viscous material. In one embodiment, load data related to the first and second loads may be used to estimate or determine at least one characteristic of the viscous material.

Abstract: The present application teaches fire-resistant structures and methods for wellhead outlets, and methods of using same. In one embodiment, the fire-resistant structure includes a plurality of spacing assemblies (32a-f) that space a plurality of fire-resistant panels (42, 44, 46, 48, 49, 50, 53, 55) away from the exterior surface of a wellhead outlet (1), such that a space or volume is created between the fire-resistant panels (42, 44, 46, 48, 49, 50, 53, 55) and the exterior surface of the wellhead outlet (1).

Abstract: A handguard comprising a plurality of layers of composite material. At least one of the layers is a ceramic matrix composite and at least one of the layers, and preferably the outer later, is a carbon fiber reinforced composite. In addition, the outermost layer is preferably a woven fabric carbon fiber reinforced composite. In one embodiment, one or more ceramic matrix composite layers is sandwiched between layers of carbon fiber reinforced composite. In another embodiment, an innermost layer is a ceramic matrix composite and the outermost layer is a carbon fiber reinforced composite.

Abstract: The present application teaches a color-changing component for a firearm and methods for constructing same. In some embodiments the component is a magazine comprising a photochromatic body that changes color and/or opacity based on the introduction or removal of light to the body. In alternate embodiments the component is any type of weapon-mounted aiming or sight-aiding device for which it would be desirable to reduce the risk of reflective glare or glint.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus may include a mounting structure. A first arm may be secured to the mounting structure and extend from the mounting structure. A load cell may be mechanically coupled to the first arm to detect a first load applied to the first arm by relative movement between the first load cell and a viscous material in which the first arm may be submerged or at least partially disposed. A second arm may be secured to the mounting structure and extend from the mounting structure. A second load cell may be mechanically coupled to the second arm to detect a second load applied to the second arm by relative movement between the second load cell and the viscous material. In one embodiment, load data related to the first and second loads may be used to estimate or determine at least one characteristic of the viscous material.

Abstract: The adaptive brake application and initial skid detection system allows rapid brake application and prevents deep initial skids. Brake torque is compared with a predetermined threshold brake torque. Wheel velocity error signals are also generated to indicated the difference between the wheel velocity and a reference velocity signal. A torque bias modulator integrator responsive to brake torque signals adjusts the wheel velocity error signals to provide an anti-skid control signal. The torque bias modulator integrator can also be initialized to the value of the measured brake torque when the wheel velocity error signals indicate the beginning of a skid. Brake torque difference signals are generated to indicate the difference between brake torque and a commanded brake torque, and an adjusted brake torque error signal is generated in response to the brake torque difference signals.

Abstract: A pipe gripper includes an adjustable throat for receiving a pipe and a bore having an unbroken inner circumference that exceeds 180 degrees.

Abstract: The adaptive brake application and initial skid detection system allows rapid brake application and prevents deep initial skids. Brake pressure is compared with a predetermined threshold brake pressure. Wheel velocity error signals are also generated to indicated the difference between the wheel velocity and a reference velocity signal. A pressure bias modulator integrator responsive to brake pressure signals adjusts the wheel velocity error signals to provide an anti-skid control signal. The pressure bias modulator integrator can also be initialized to the value of the measured brake pressure when the wheel velocity error signals indicate the beginning of a skid. Brake pressure difference signals are generated to indicate the difference between brake pressure and a commanded brake pressure, and an adjusted brake pressure error signal is generated in response to the brake pressure difference signals.

Abstract: The adaptive brake application and initial skid detection system allows rapid brake application and prevents deep initial skids. Brake torque is compared with a predetermined threshold brake torque. Wheel velocity error signals are also generated to indicated the difference between the wheel velocity and a reference velocity signal. A torque bias modulator integrator responsive to brake torque signals adjusts the wheel velocity error signals to provide an anti-skid control signal. The torque bias modulator integrator can also be initialized to the value of the measured brake torque when the wheel velocity error signals indicate the beginning of a skid. Brake torque difference signals are generated to indicate the difference between brake torque and a commanded brake torque, and an adjusted brake torque error signal is generated in response to the brake torque difference signals.

Abstract: A pipe joiner includes a power assembly and first and second attachment retainers, each retainer configured to accept a pipe claw. A frame supports the first and second attachment retainers. The power assembly is coupled to the frame in such a manner that operating the power assembly draws the retainers toward one another.

Abstract: The adaptive brake application and initial skid detection system allows rapid brake application and prevents deep initial skids. Brake torque is compared with a predetermined threshold brake torque. Wheel velocity error signals are also generated to indicated the difference between the wheel velocity and a reference velocity signal. A torque bias modulator integrator responsive to brake torque signals adjusts the wheel velocity error signals to provide an anti-skid control signal. The torque bias modulator integrator can also be initialized to the value of the measured brake torque when the wheel velocity error signals indicate the beginning of a skid. Brake torque difference signals are generated to indicate the difference between brake torque and a commanded brake torque, and an adjusted brake torque error signal is generated in response to the brake torque difference signals.

Abstract: The adaptive brake application and initial skid detection system allows rapid brake application and prevents deep initial skids. Brake pressure is compared with a predetermined threshold brake pressure. Wheel velocity error signals are also generated to indicated the difference between the wheel velocity and a reference velocity signal. A pressure bias modulator integrator responsive to brake pressure signals adjusts the wheel velocity error signals to provide an anti-skid control signal. The pressure bias modulator integrator can also be initialized to the value of the measured brake pressure when the wheel velocity error signals indicate the beginning of a skid. Brake pressure difference signals are generated to indicate the difference between brake pressure and a commanded brake pressure, and an adjusted brake pressure error signal is generated in response to the brake pressure difference signals.

Abstract: The adaptive brake application and initial skid detection system allows rapid brake application and prevents deep initial skids. Brake pressure is compared with a predetermined threshold brake pressure. Wheel velocity error signals are also generated to indicated the difference between the wheel velocity and a reference velocity signal. A pressure bias modulator integrator responsive to brake pressure signals adjusts the wheel velocity error signals to provide an anti-skid control signal. The pressure bias modulator integrator can also be initialized to the value of the measured brake pressure when the wheel velocity error signals indicate the beginning of a skid. Brake pressure difference signals are generated to indicate the difference between brake pressure and a commanded brake pressure, and an adjusted brake pressure error signal is generated in response to the brake pressure difference signals.

Abstract: A pipe gripper includes an adjustable throat for receiving a pipe and a bore having an unbroken inner circumference that exceeds 180 degrees.

Abstract: The adaptive brake application and initial skid detection system allows rapid brake application and prevents deep initial skids. Brake pressure is compared with a predetermined threshold brake pressure. Wheel velocity error signals are also generated to mediated/indicate the difference between the wheel velocity and a reference velocity signal. A pressure bias modulator integrator responsive to brake pressure signals adjusts the wheel velocity error signals to provide an anti-skid control signal. The pressure bias modulator integrator can also be initialized to the value of the measured brake pressure when the wheel velocity error signals indicate the beginning of a skid. Brake pressure difference signals are generated to indicate the difference between brake pressure and a commanded brake pressure, and an adjusted brake pressure error signal is generated in response to the brake pressure difference signals.