Abstract: A drumhead and a method for construction of a drumhead that can easily be installed and removed from most kinds of instrument shells, particularly congas, and also can be employed with the shell without the usual requirement of a standard rim mounted counter-hoop. The drumhead comprises a multi-laminate drumming surface, an oblique oriented multi-laminate circumferential sidewall integrally formed with and disposed around the periphery of the drumming surface and a reinforced counter-hoop supporting shoulder component abutting the lower section of the sidewall. The annular shoulder, which is formed from a hardened liquid resin material, is reinforced with a ring or hoop-like metal shank, which is introduced into the liquid resin before the liquid cures.

Abstract: A braiding method comprising moving bobbin carriers along tracks connecting a plurality of braiding regions to braid cords or strands in a specific braiding region, in another braiding region or in all the braiding regions. The braid may be used as core structure for fiber-reinforced plastics.

Abstract: Electromagnetic launcher apparatus which includes a set of conductive rails and a projectile having an armature which comprises both primary conductive material and phase changeable conductive material. This conducting, phase change material armature comprises material which when exposed to friction induced heat changes from solid to liquid form during the launching of projectiles along the conductive rails. This conducting, phase change material armature has decreased mass particularly useful for long barrel launches.

Abstract: A vortices-activated muzzle stabilizer (2) for a gun, which muzzle stabiliser (2) comprises a cylindrical body (4) having a main vent slot (6) which defines a main gas deflection area and which deflects the gases in the form of gas vortices, a balancing slot (12) which extends at 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the body (4) and which is positioned opposite the main vent (6), a barrel connecting bore (14) for affording a connecting passage between the muzzle stabilizer (2) and the barrel of the and a gas exhaust aperture (20) which is positioned at a downstream end (22) of the body (4).

Abstract: An actuator comprises a plurality of flexible cylinders arranged adjacent to one another. The inside of each of the flexible cylinder is divided into a plurality of pressure chambers with partition walls that extend axially inside the flexible cylinder. The actuator has a pressure adjuster for adjusting pressures in the respective pressure chambers of the flexible cylinders so that the flexible cylinders may operate at individual degrees of freedom in achieving cooperative motions.

Abstract: A fluid storage tank utilizing a shear seal in which a leak proof static shear seal covers the entire head of the piston of the storage tank requiring only a single fluid tight seam to seal off the fluid storage chamber from the remainder of the storage tank. The shear seal has a circumferential notch located proximate to its outer periphery which permits the shear seal to rupture along a predetermined path. Elastomeric annular seals on the piston provide a dynamic seal to prevent the fluid from leaking while the piston is moving to eject the stored fluid. The head of the piston flattens any protruding portions of the ruptured shear seal against the walls of the storage tank.

Abstract: A toaster having an automatic shut-off. The toaster includes a cavity to receive bread and which includes a heating element which may be selectively energized by a switch to cause toasting of the bread. The toaster also includes a carriage mechanism to move the bread between up and down positions. The carriage mechanism includes a bread support extending into the cavity. The bread support is connected to a support frame which rides upon a vertical slide rod. Also mounted upon the slide rod is a lock frame mounted to allow limited movement with respect to the support frame. A spring is connected to the lock frame to bias it into an up position, and the lock frame includes a lock mechanism to releasable maintain it in a down position. The switch for activating the heating elements is activated when the lock frame is in this down position. A release mechanism is provided to release the lock mechanism.

Abstract: A cereal powder production plant includes a device for washing and measuring cereal material, a device for roasting the cereal material passed through the washing and measuring device, and a device for separating and screening carbonized substance generated during the roasting process in the roasting device from the roasted cereal. The roasting device is connected to the separating and screening device by a device for feeding the roasted cereal material. A crushing device crushes the cereal material separated and screened by the separating and screening device, and the separating and screening device is connected to the crushing device by a device for feeding the roasted material from which the carbonized substance is removed.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for cooking foods such as pasta. The apparatus includes a container which receives an amount of water to be heated. A cooking basket is partially submerged in the water inside the container. A drain pipe having a 90.degree. elbow is received in the container. Portions of the drain pipe extend through an opening in the side wall of the container so as to continuously drain water from the container. The drain pipe is rotatable so that the water drain rate may be varied. The drain pipe is held in position until it is rotated again.

Abstract: A multiple unit wok apparatus is provided for simultaneously cooking separate ingredients and, when cooked, the ingredients can be easily mixed together if desired. The individual wok units are attached together.

Abstract: According to the invention an apparatus for uniformly distributing a powdered or granular food material for application to a solid food product is provided. A dry ingredient distributor is provided which includes an auger surrounded by a distribution tube having a plurality of openings. Mounted to the distribution tube and vertically spaced therefrom at a preselected distance, is an electrostatic field generation means for generation of a substantially uniform electrostatic field horizontally along substantially the entire length of the distribution tube to generate an electrostatic field in the path of the food material exiting the outlets of the distribution tube.

Abstract: A mechanism for binding nails includes a cutter for cutting a rubber tube into rubber bands. A sleeve has a number of blades coupled to one end. A hook is disposed below the cutter for hooking the rubber band and for moving the rubber band to the blades. A rod is slidably engaged in the sleeve for expanding the blades and the rubber band. The rod includes a magnetic device for attracting nails. A ring is disposed beside the blades and moved relative to the blades for moving the rubber band away from the blades so as to bind the nails automatically.

Abstract: A press includes at least two press units supported by respective bearing brackets. The bearing brackets are coupled together by releasable tension rods which transmit a pressing force. When the two press units are not transmitting a pressing force in a pressing plane, the tension rods are prestressed at a maximum of a fraction of the maximum pressing force. One of the bearing brackets is movable relative to the other bearing bracket along the pressing plane. The bearing brackets are guided by a pair of guide surfaces disposed parallel to the press plane.

Abstract: A ram baler includes a charging passageway, a compacting chamber that is coupled to the charging passageway, a main platen, which moves back and forth in at least one direction in the passageway and compacting chamber, a floor, which bears the weight of the main platen, a series of guide strips on the floor, and a series of wear shoes which are attached to the bottom surface of the main platen, and the bottom surface of the main platen having one or more jack bolts or levers that allow for repair of the wear shoes without requiring the removal of the main platen from the baler. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing a baler that includes forming holes in the bottom surface of the main platen and coupling to the bottom surface of the main platen one or more jack bolts or levers that allow the main platen to have its wear shoes repaired without requiring removal of the main platen from the charging passageway or compacting chamber.

Abstract: A device for positively locking the printwheels (2) fitted to the print drum (1) of a postage meter. A tilting bail (5) locks the printwheels (2) against the force of a return spring (8). A sliding pull rod (26) provided with a yoke (30) that co-operates with a fixed collar (31) disposed coaxially with the rotary drum (1) ensures that locking is secure by preventing an arm (11) of the bail (5) from moving whenever the drum (1) is rotating.

Abstract: The sheet feed print installation of the flexographic type for printing on a semi-rigid material of the corrugated card type comprises:a plate-carrier cylinder having a plate of thickness E.sub.c fixed to the periphery thereof;a backing system, optionally constituted by a backing cylinder;a screened cylinder; anda transfer system having an inlet into which the sheets are inserted one by one.The installation further comprises:a) three or four motors which are mechanically independent, the first rotating the plate-carrier cylinder, the second rotating the screened cylinder, the third rotating the transfer system, and optionally the fourth rotating the backing cylinder; andb) an electronic circuit connected to the second, third, and optionally fourth motors, that receives an input reference signal and that includes means for inputting operating parameters, including at least the thickness E.sub.c of the plates and the print rate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for imaging lithographic plates using laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region, and plates suitable for imaging with the apparatus and methods. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: An inking unit having a cantilevered inking roller and a cantilevered plate cylinder. The plate cylinder and the inking roller are mounted together and for horizontal displacement relative to each other. The plate cylinder and the inking roller are pivotally mounted both together as well as separately on pins arranged in the zone of the cantilever mounting.

Abstract: An imprinter in accordance with the invention includes a base (31) having a flatbed (32) for receiving a station plate (33) and a credit card (34) to be imprinted on a print receiving element and a carriage 29 movable in first and second directions to cause imprinting, respectively, by first and second rolling platens 42 and 44 each having an axle 50 rotatably supported in the carriage in opposed downwardly extending members (52) of the carriage.

Abstract: An apparatus to apply cleaning fluid to a cylinder of a rotary printing machine with a controlled supply to the exit openings of a distributor device, from which the cleaning fluid can be sprayed on the cylinder with a specific time and space distribution. Guide elements to dam the jet are provided in front of and behind the region of the spray jet so as to limit this region toward the outside. The guide elements are attached to the distributor device and bridge over the distance between the distributor device and the convex surface of the cylinder, while forming narrow gaps between the guide elements and the convex cylinder surface. There is a flow labyrinth at least in the downstream gap.

Abstract: A contaminant removal head is disposed on a holder which is movable along a printing cylinder. The contaminant removal head includes a timing belt having a plurality of contaminant removal blades disposed at a predetermined pitch along the timing belt. The timing belt is rotatably disposed on a pair of spaced-apart timing pulleys driven by a motor that intermittently rotates the timing belt. A control unit controls the motor to position one of the contaminant removal blades adjacent the printing cylinder to remove contaminants therefrom. After contaminants have been removed from the printing cylinder, the motor rotates the timing belt to position a portion of the timing belt between adjacent contaminant removal blades adjacent the printing cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electroexplosive device including a semiconductor igniter chip with improved crack detection features and which fires in a known location. The chip includes diffused regions so that cracks formed therethrough will result in high leakage currents which are easily detected.

Abstract: An initiating element of non-primary explosive type comprising a confinement containing secondary explosive, having a first end adapted for ignition of the secondary explosive by igniting means, optionally via delay and flame-conducting pyrotechnic compositions, a second end adapted for delivering a detonation impuls and a intermediate portion in which the secondary explosive upon ignition is able to undergo a deflagration to detonation transition. At least a part of the secondary explosive is modified to give increased reaction rates at low pressures.

Abstract: The present invention is for a means to relieve stress in slotted solid propellant rocket motors. The invention provides for one or more articulated members located between the outer edge of a secondary slot and the layer of thermal insulation. Also disclosed is a method of forming the articulated members.

Abstract: A full metal jacket hollow point bullet is disclosed which has a portion of the jacket extending within the hollow open front end of the bullet. The portion of the jacket in the hollow front end has a plurality of radial slits and reinforced pointed prongs therebetween. A rearwardly extending completely empty blind bore extends from the tips of the prongs axially rearwardly into the bullet core. The base of each of the prongs is reinforced at the mouth of the front end by a fillet on each side between the ogive portion of the jacket and the base of the prong in the hollow front end. These prongs project generally radially outward upon upset of the bullet in soft tissue after passing through barrier materials such as clothing and deer hide.The jacket has a coating of copper oxide on its inner and outer surfaces which bonds the soft lead core to the jacket and minimizes lead wash.

Abstract: A controlled expanding small caliber bullet is disclosed which comprises a partition-type bullet, a rear cavity filled with a dense core and a high strength insert between the core and the body in the forward portion of the rear cavity.

Abstract: Vehicle able to lay a specially designed track formed from elements (5, 6, 7) joined end to end. The vehicle (8) advances along the track and carries a track element on the carriage. When it reaches the end of the track, the carriage is lowered so that the element can be fitted into the preceding element. The elements are of different types so as to permit track height and direction changes.

Abstract: This invention is an adaptor to convert a paper pallet from a two way entry design to a four way entry design. The pallet with the adaptor might be used to support cargo during that cargo's transportation or storage and is typically constructed of paper. The pallet design onto which the adaptor is placed typically involves a central platform or deck constructed of a honeycomb filler bounded on the bottom surfaces by a corrugated sheet. Runners or legs are included to support the central platform. The adaptor is, in turn, fit onto the bottom of the pallet and separates the runners from the floor in such a way that a forklift or other materials handling device may reach the beneath the pallet from any of four different directions. The adaptor is constructed from a series of honeycomb cores bounded on their bottom and sides by a single folded sheet of corrugate.

Abstract: Waste material is incinerated by a partial combustion in a furnace on step grates and the heated combusted product is supplied in a rotary kiln in which the waste is liquified. Solid waste material passing through the grate is collected with ash products, separated from flue gases, including boiler ash, fly ash and residue from flue gas cleaning. The collected products are returned to the inlet of the rotary kiln where these products are introduced along with he combusted waste. In this manner, the slag, boiler ash, flue ash and other harmful residual products from the combustion process are fused into the liquified waste to form a glass-like mass from which salts and heavy metal cannot be leached out.

Abstract: The system (10) for collecting and disposing of contaminated waste products such as medical sharps and other medical wastes includes a housing (11) and its telescopic cover (9) which are fabricated of biodegradable and combustible material such as natural cellulose and non-natural cellulose. An absorbent biodegradable and combustible absorption package (30) or insert (35) can be placed in the bottom of the holding chamber (12) for absorbing any liquids emitted from the sharps and other wastes, and for enhancing the combustion of the medical sharps and other wastes when the housing is placed in a furnace. When the housing is burned it evolves no more than trace levels of sulfur or chlorine and yields substantially only biodegradable ash.

Abstract: A weed killing system utilizes hot water or steam, alone, or in combination with an herbicide to kill weeds. Cart, backpack, and vehicle mounted versions are disclosed in propane and electrically powered embodiments. A cart mounted version includes a detachable wheel assembly to allow selective conversion into a manually manipulable wand, and may be provided with an angularly adjustable bifurcated distribution nozzle. In electrically heated embodiments, Salt may be added to the heated water in order to increase the boiling point to enable higher effective application temperatures. A gas powered version includes a microprocessor control system for regulating water level in a tank portion of a heater, gas supply to a burner assembly, electric spark ignition of the burner assembly, and hot water or steam outlet dependent upon temperature and pressure levels in the tank portion.

Abstract: The device according to the invention, which is used to make a border or a collar on the edge of a piece of fabric, defines a U-shaped channel the end (14) of which is seen in the figures, which is delimited by an outside wall (17) and an inside wall (18), the wall (18) being mobile with respect to the wall (17) so that the device can thereby be adjusted to different strip widths (4).

Abstract: An automatic valve is attached to the lower edge of the transom of a boat. The valve is a short tubular device that is aligned with a hole in the transom and mounted on the transom in a substantially horizontal plane, in a watertight manner. The inner end of the device may follow the slope of the transom. However, a cap, hinged at its top, covers and seals the outer end of the device, and the bottom of the outer end projects out beyond the top to provide enough slope for the cap to be held by gravity against the outer end. This closes the valve against water pressure from the outside, but allows bilge water to flow out when there is no external pressure. The valve may be, normally, under water, but can drain the bilge when the hull is out of water, or moving quickly enough through the water to clear the transom.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing an elongated flexible article in a coil coaxially out a deployment axis. The dispenser includes a receptacle with a storage volume about the deployment axis. A partitioning structure in the storage volume includes circumferentially spaced sets of axially extending, deflectable fingers that define portions of storage channels for each turn in a coil. Flexible restraining bands attached to the receptacle overlie the storage volume to retain the turns axially within the storage channels. The structure prevents random turn positioning of individual turns of the coil. Deployment from the dispenser occurs without tangles, kinks or knots and proceeds smoothly and quietly.

Abstract: A boat trim control system that includes a boat having a bull and means such as trim tabs mounted to the hull for trimming attitude of the boat as the bull is propelled through the water. The system includes facility for selectively adjusting the trim tabs to maintain a desired boat attitude under varying load and sea conditions. A sensor is mounted on the boat hull to provide an electrical sensor signal as a function of boat attitude, and is connected to electronic control circuitry responsive to the sensor signal for determining attitude of the boat bull. This electronic control circuitry further includes facility for operator setting of a desired boat attitude.

Abstract: A drive unit for a watercraft, in particular for an inflatable boat, with a motor unit and with a pump unit for the intake, acceleration and expulsion of water, which pump unit is in a driving connection with the motor unit via a power train, and with fastening members for detachably mounting the drive unit to a watercraft. The inboard motor unit and the outboard pump unit are connected with one another via supporting members which serve to support the motor unit, are fastened to a housing enclosing the pump unit and, together with the power train, penetrate a plate which is arranged between the two units, forms a front side of the housing and is detachably connected with the transom of the watercraft.

Abstract: A rear access step configuration for pontoon boats is provided. The hollow cylindrical hulls of the boat are modified to form a slightly forward slanting truncated end at the rear of the boat. Steps are formed at the rear end and internally of one of the cylinder hulls to allow a person in the water to climb directly onto the boat at the rear end thereof. A pivotable step is positioned at the rear bottom edge of the step configuration to assist a person in the water to mount the hull end. It can be retracted up and out of position when not in use to avoid drag and spray when the boat is on motion. Hand rails are also provided along the step configuration with a slight forward slant to aid a person in climbing on the boat.

Abstract: A tennis score keeper and display device includes an elongated support pole, a pair of attachment brackets mounted at locations spaced from one another along the support pole and being adapted to secure the support pole to and alongside a tennis net support post, and a score display mast mounted to an upper end of the support pole. The mast has a pair of opposite vertical end portions and a pair of opposite vertical side portions extending between and interconnecting the opposite end portions. A row of vertically spaced numbers are defined on each of the opposite vertical side portions of the score display mast. A row of vertically spaced pockets are defined on each of the opposite vertical end portions of the score display mast.

Abstract: The invention concerns materials which exhibit photonic band gaps in the near infrared and visible regions of the optical spectrum and methods of preparation of such materials.The materials manufactured according to the invention are particularly suitable for use in the optical analog to semiconductor behavior, in which a photonic band gap material, or a plurality of such materials acting in concert, can be made to interact with and control light wave propagation in a manner analogous to the way that semiconductor materials can be made to interact with and control the flow of electrically charged particles, i.e., electricity, in both analog and digital applications.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer heat treatment method for improving the yield of devices which are end products by sampling sliced single-crystal silicon wafers made by CZ method to previously calculate the thermal donor concentration of each portion on the wafers and providing them with the IG heat treatment process which causes oxygen precipitation nucleus under the heat treatment condition determined according to the thermal donor concentration so that the change value (delta Oi) of the initial oxygen concentration (initial Oi) before the IG heat treatment to the oxygen concentration after the heat treatment will be kept within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A method for producing a crystal film of an organic compound from a molten liquid or solution of the organic compound on a substrate or between a pair of substrates, the substrate or at least one of the pair of substrates having on a part of the surface thereof a three-dimensional geometrical structure capable of controlling the direction of the crystal growth of the organic compound, and the other part of the surface thereof than the part having a three-dimensional geometrical structure being smooth. The resulting crystal film comprises a sufficiently large single crystal for application to a practical element with its orientation controlled in an arbitrarily selected direction.

Abstract: A poultry collection device for gathering poultry and loading the poultry into carrying cages. The poultry collection device includes a poultry-engaging assembly mounted on the front end of a wheeled frame, which assembly is characterized by a pair of rectangular panels, each fastened along a longitudinal edge to four spaced chains which each engage a pair of sprockets mounted on respective parallel cylinders elevated above the ground. As the device is driven forward, the cylinders and panels are rotated to push the poultry from the ground below the cylinders onto a conveyor belt, which carries the poultry rearwardly onto a sloped holding platform provided on the frame behind the conveyor belt. The poultry then tumble into one of three holding cages provided on the frame behind the holding platform. An emptying mechanism sweeps the poultry from the holding cages into a tiered, compartmented carrying cage placed on the rear end of the frame behind the holding cages.

Abstract: A water quick disconnect assembly for improving removal of cages from an outside water supply. The assembly automatically turns off a water supply and disconnects a cage from a cage rack system. A water line connector attaches to an outside water supply. A water valve positioned within a cage barrier is locked to the water line connector when water is supplied to the cage. A linking member pivotally attaches to the water line for closing the water line. A knob assembly attaches the linking member to a pull cable. When the pull cable is pulled away from the cage, the water line connector is pivoted in a clockwise direction for disconnecting the water supply to the cage. The knob assembly provides positive visual indication of whether the cage is connected to the water supply or disengaged from the water supply. The quick disconnect system is a positive unlocking system.

Abstract: An animal restraining device for restraining an animal on a flat support surface is disclosed. Elongated bar members extend substantially parallel to the flat support surface. Clamps are attached to the ends of the bar members for clamping the elongated bar members stationary with respect to the flat surface. The clamp means include a support surface to be placed on the flat surface for supporting the bar members in a spaced relationship from the flat surface and a clamping surface for clamping against an edge surface of the support. The length of the bar members may be adjusted and hence a distance between the clamping surfaces of mutually opposite clamps. Tie-down straps are provided for fastening the limbs of the animal to the bar members. In an alternative embodiment, the restraining device is a frame placed on the support table, with supports to raise the frame above the table.

Abstract: A fluid heater or boiler is disclosed which has a fire tube or combustion chamber surrounded by a reservoir containing a fluid to be heated. The combustion chamber is defined by an inner shell and the reservoir is defined by an outer shell. The inner and outer shells are joined by one or more flue tubes which are thermally expandable along the axes connecting their points of attachments to the inner and outer shells. The heater is constructed so that the inner shell is deflected relative to the outer shell, when the flue tubes or inner shell expand or contract, thus accommodating the thermal expansion. The flue tubes may optionally be adapted to flex perpendicularly to their axes, as well as deflecting the inner shell, to accommodate thermal expansion. The inner shell may also be suspended within the outer shell by the flue tubes connecting the inner and outer shells.

Abstract: A desuperheater is disclosed which employs an acceleration orifice within a steam conduit to increase the velocity of steam flowing therethrough, creating a region of low pressure steam. A nozzle having an enclosed elliptical discharge orifice sprays small droplets of cooling water in a semi-elliptical hollow cone pattern directly into the region of low pressure steam flow. Evaporization of the cooling water into the steam is optimized allowing effective control of the steam temperature. Nozzle fouling and plugging is reduced because the droplet size created by the nozzle is small in comparison to the nozzle orifice.

Abstract: A removable flow rate-restricting device (25) is placed and fixed in a through-opening (18) of the tube plate (15) level with which is fixed the tube (6), from inside the water box (9). The flow rate-restricting device (25) includes an orifice plate which is inserted into the opening (18) of the tube plate.

Abstract: A reverse-flow cooling system for an internal combustion engine uses an aqueous, boilable liquid coolant, having a saturation temperature at least equal to water. The engine is provided with discrete combustion chamber and cylinder bore cooling chambers that are cooled by a coolant pumped from a heat exchanger first to the combustion chamber cooling chamber, thence to the cylinder bore cooling chamber. Gases found in the combustion chamber cooling chamber are condensed in a condenser and then returned to a relatively low pressure area of the cooling circuit.

Abstract: A hydraulic roller tappet for an internal combustion engine wherein the tappet body is formed of hardenable cast iron, the roller axle is formed of a through hardened steel and wherein the axle bores in the body and the axle are dimensioned such that the axle is in floating relationship with the bores. In a preferred embodiment the axle is axially retained by retaining rings received in grooves formed in the body.

Abstract: A multiple valve internal combustion engine and specifically a cylinder head and valve operating mechanism therefore. The cylinder head is formed from a two part construction and an arrangement is provided for operating the valves that permits a maximum volume cooling jacket to be formed on the exhaust side of the cylinder head. The camshaft and tappet mechanism for operating the valves is formed in a second cylinder head portion and a port extends through both cylinder head portions for serving the combustion chamber of the cylinder head. Various cam drive arrangement including either gear or chain drives are also disclosed.