Abstract: A variable frequency synthesizer and method of outputting the variable frequency is disclosed. The synthesizer comprises a first reference frequency, a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) receiving the first reference frequency and outputting a tuned frequency, a variable frequency comb generator receiving the tuned frequency and outputting a variable frequency comb comprised of a plurality of comb lines, a mixer receiving the variable frequency comb and a signal from an oscillator and outputting an intermediate frequency, a phase lock loop (PLL) receiving a second reference frequency and the intermediate frequency and outputting a phase lock signal, and the oscillator receiving the phase lock signal and outputting a variable synthesized frequency.

Abstract: A variable frequency synthesizer and method of outputting the variable frequency is disclosed. The synthesizer comprises a first reference frequency, a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) receiving the first reference frequency and outputting a tuned frequency, a variable frequency comb generator receiving the tuned frequency and outputting a variable frequency comb comprised of a plurality of comb lines, a mixer receiving the variable frequency comb and a signal from an oscillator and outputting an intermediate frequency, a phase lock loop (PLL) receiving a second reference frequency and the intermediate frequency and outputting a phase lock signal, and the oscillator receiving the phase lock signal and outputting a variable synthesized frequency.

Abstract: A variable frequency synthesizer and method of outputting the variable frequency is disclosed. The synthesizer comprises a first reference frequency, a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) receiving the first reference frequency and outputting a tuned frequency, a variable frequency comb generator receiving the tuned frequency and outputting a variable frequency comb comprised of a plurality of comb lines, a mixer receiving the variable frequency comb and a signal from an oscillator and outputting an intermediate frequency, a phase lock loop (PLL) receiving a second reference frequency and the intermediate frequency and outputting a phase lock signal, and the oscillator receiving the phase lock signal and outputting a variable synthesized frequency.

Abstract: A variable frequency synthesizer and method of outputting the variable frequency is disclosed. The synthesizer comprises a first reference frequency, a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) receiving the first reference frequency and outputting a tuned frequency, a variable frequency comb generator receiving the tuned frequency and outputting a variable frequency comb comprised of a plurality of comb lines, a mixer receiving the variable frequency comb and a signal from an oscillator and outputting an intermediate frequency, a phase lock loop (PLL) receiving a second reference frequency and the intermediate frequency and outputting a phase lock signal, and the oscillator receiving the phase lock signal and outputting a variable synthesized frequency.

Abstract: A torque coefficient measuring device can be used to measure an axial load produced by a torque applied to a threaded component which is mounted to the fixture. The measuring device can include a base defining a chamber therein. A load sensor is disposed within the chamber of the base. A movable load pin is housed within the base and arranged such that an axial load placed upon the load pin is transmitted to the load sensor. An attachment member is adapted to be connected with the threaded component. The attachment member is operably arranged with the load pin such that a torque applied to a threaded component mounted to the attachment member places an axial load upon the load pin.

Abstract: An electronically controlled, brushless DC, electromagnetic induction drive apparatus for use in a paintball marker active loader capable of directly driving the feeder element in the active loader while providing user selectable torque transfer capability and rotational speed whether used to continuously or intermittently rotate the loader feeder element. A plurality of selectively polarity reversible electromagnets are disposed in the loader housing and act to move a plurality of magnetic drive elements disposed on the rotating feed cone to rotate the feed cone and cause paintballs to be fed into the paintball marker via a feed tube. A controller linked to the marker firing sequence manages the sequential polarity changes of the electro-magnets to cause the feed cone to rotate in response to movement of paintballs in the feed tube.

Abstract: A torque coefficient measuring device can be used to measure an axial load produced by a torque applied to a threaded component which is mounted to the fixture. The measuring device can include a base defining a chamber therein. A load sensor is disposed within the chamber of the base. A movable load pin is housed within the base and arranged such that an axial load placed upon the load pin is transmitted to the load sensor. An attachment member is adapted to be connected with the threaded component. The attachment member is operably arranged with the load pin such that a torque applied to a threaded component mounted to the attachment member places an axial load upon the load pin.

Abstract: A pneumatic drive for an active paintball loader capable of supplying paintballs to a paintball marker at a sufficiently high rate that is coordinated with firing the marker using compressed gas to a provide the motive power.

Abstract: A method for making a degradable practice mine including the steps of covering a flat work surface with a polyethylene sheet to serve as a release film, weighing out the materials in a ratio of 10 parts sand to 1 part polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), mixing 1 part PVA with 10 parts sand making a sand/PVA mixture, filling a mold with the sand/PVA mixture, consolidating the sand/PVA mixture to make a consolidated form in the shape of a mine, and heating the consolidated form to make a hardened mine form mimicking the shape and launching characteristics of a tactical mine.

Abstract: A method for making a degradable practice mine including the steps of covering a flat work surface with a polyethylene sheet to serve as a release film, weighing out the materials in a ratio of 10 parts sand to 1 part polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), mixing 1 part PVA with 10 parts sand making a sand/PVA mixture, filling a mold with the sand/PVA mixture, consolidating the sand/PVA mixture to make a consolidated form in the shape of a mine, and heating the consolidated form to make a hardened mine form mimicking the shape and launching characteristics of a tactical mine.

Abstract: A vacuum debulking table for fiber reinforced thermoplastic prepreg includes a base, a base table mounted to the base, and a platen mounted to the base table. The platen has a frame and the base table includes a vacuum aperture located within the frame. A vacuum pump is connected to the vacuum aperture. The platen includes a heat generator. The table further includes tooling conforming to the frame and a kit to be debulked. A pair of opposing pressurized cylinders is coupled to the base at a first end. A top cover is mounted to the base and attached at a second end of the opposing pressurized cylinders. The top cover includes a flexible bladder. An insulator is mounted to the base table surrounding the platen. An insulation cover blanket is configured to be drawn between the insulator and top cover. An activation switch activates a programmable controller connected to the pressurized actuator control, the heat control and the vacuum control.

Abstract: Coating composite material sabot parts for reducing depleted uranium corrosion and sealing the surface of a machined composite sabot commences with cleaning the composite material sabot parts. Rinsing the composite material sabot parts, drying the machined composite sabot, and wiping the composite material sabot parts with a solvent follows cleaning. A moisture resistant insulator film is applied on the composite material sabot parts. Excess material is abrasively removed and additional coats are applied. The parts are wiped with a solvent between coats.

Abstract: A compression mold apparatus for compressing a segment has a base having an elongated and substantially semi-circular mold cavity and an end plate including a blade mounted thereon. The mold cavity has a top opening. A ram is aligned with the top opening. The ram includes two fixed opposing planar flank surfaces. The two fixed opposing planar flank surfaces are nominally centrally separated by a ram groove for mating with the blade while allowing linear movement within the mold cavity. A ram press is connected to the ram for translating the ram linearly along the blade within the mold cavity. A plurality of cartridge heaters is mounted in the base and arranged around the mold cavity for heating the segment.

Abstract: A converter circuit connected between the signal light control system of a towing vehicle and the turn signal and brake lamps of a towed farm implement discriminates between braking signals and turn signals appearing at the same pin positions of a connector receptacle by timing the duration of the signals. In a second embodiment providing for enhanced lighting of farm implements when traveling on public roads, latching relays establish circuits for flashing the brake lamp in the direction of turn. A switch may be provided to enable the enhanced lighting when the towing vehicle is a tractor, or disable the enhanced lighting and permit the implement turn signal and brake lights to mimic the operation of the turn signal and lights on a truck when the towing vehicle is a truck.

Abstract: A front end loader is provided with a seat switch that is closed when an operator sits in a seat and a seat belt switch that is closed when a seat belt is fastened. Closure of the seat switch enables a programmable controller which begins executing a program. The program repetitively checks the status of the seat and seat belt switches and enables the hydraulic controls for the boom and bucket only if (1) the seat belt switch is not closed at the time the operator sits in the seat and (2) subsequent to sitting in the seat the operator fastens the seat belt. The system makes it inconvenient for an operator to defeat the purpose of the seat belt by fastening it and sitting on it since, on each entry into the operator's cab, the operator must unbuckle the seat belt before sitting in the seat in order to enable the boom and bucket controls. To deter theft, the operator may lower the boom and bucket to engage the ground and then enter any two-digit lock code using two manual switches.

Abstract: The specification of the present application discloses a self-rolling swimming pool cover which extends when connected to a pressure source and returns to a rolled position when disconnected therefrom. The cover comprises a cover member, collapsible conduit means extending in one direction of the cover member and coil spring means extending in the same general direction as the conduit means. When a fluid pressure source is connected to the conduit means, it expands and in so doing, causes the cover to unroll from its compact state. When the pressure source is disconnected the conduit means is allowed to vent and collapse as the coil springs urge the cover to its rolled state. The cover will operate on the fluid pressure readily available from the discharge side of a circulating pump with the vented water being discharged from the rolling of the cover merely entering the pool.

Abstract: Railway three-axle, three-motor locomotive trucks are provided with a bolster spring-supported on the truck frame for lateral and vertical movement and having a central opening to accommodate the middle axle motor while minimizing the over-all height of the truck, a plurality of vertically nonyielding body-support bearing elements on the bolster spaced apart transversely and longitudinally of the truck to prevent tipping of the bolster relative to the body, a swivel connection between the body on the bolster, and a draft connection between the bolster and truck frame at a level at least as low as the axles to provide low-level transmission of traction forces between the truck frame and bolster and thereby reduce axle-to-axle load transference and thereby improve adhesion.