Abstract: A pressure sensor has a measuring cell, a measuring cell mount and an electronic sensor system connected to the measuring cell. The pressure sensor is designed as a modular unit in which the electronic sensor system and its electric connections are protected against moisture and mechanical loads, in which the electronic sensor system is embedded in a protective cushion, and in which the protective cushion is surrounded by an encapsulation.

Abstract: A process sensor module includes a housing with a first fitting that rotatably mates with a corresponding fitting on a bus adapter module. Integrated circuitry in the housing includes a process sensor. A two conductor circuit energizes the integrated circuitry, communicates a sensed process variable to the bus adapter module and communicates data from the bus adapter module to the integrated circuitry. A rotatable coaxial electrical contact is sealed in the first fitting and connects the two conductor circuit to the bus adapter module.

Abstract: A load cell for use in dynamic testing apparatus for mechanically testing samples includes an accelerometer mounted in the load cell on the same axis as the line of action of the mechanical force applied to the specimen under test. The resultant signal from the combination of the normal output from the load cell and the output from the accelerometer compensates for errors introduced by the mass of the moving grip used to grip the specimen in the apparatus.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter includes a flow passage and an ultrasonic transducer for measuring the flow rate in the flow passage wherein the ultrasonic transducer is equipped with a piezoelectric material having electrodes on the opposed surfaces thereof, one of which is used as an ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving surface and faces the flow passage. The lengths of the sides of the transmitting/receiving surface is so determined that the vibration in the electrode direction is the main mode, preferably that the ratio of the lengths of the sides of the transmission/reception surface to the thickness is not greater than 0.8. Consequently, because the flow meter uses the thickness longitudinal vibration of the piezoelectric material as the main mode, the ultrasonic transducer has a high sensitivity, a high speed response and a small size and the ultrasonic flow meter has a high accuracy and is compact.

Abstract: A transit time ultrasonic flow sensor uses a pair of transducers that alternate between transmitting and receiving operational states, the operating frequency of a reference oscillator driving the transmitting transducer is controllably varied so as to maintain a constant phase relationship between the transmitted and received signals. A second oscillator is slaved, in frequency to the reference oscillator just before the alternation in operational states takes place and retains that frequency for most of the next operational state, and so forth. Fluid flowing along a line between the two transducers causes one of the two oscillators to swing to a higher frequency, and the other to swing low with respect to each other. A difference frequency between the two oscillators is detected and used as a basis for calculating the rate of fluid flow. In preferred versions of the invention the pair of transducers and an acoustic reflector are configured as a probe that can be inserted into the flowing fluid.

Abstract: A liquid flow meter for directly measuring the velocity of a liquid is disclosed. The liquid flow meter includes a pair transducers arranged facing each other in a conduit through which the liquid flows. The liquid flow meter also includes a transmitter means for causing the transducers to simultaneously transmit an acoustic wave packet directed for reception at the other transducer. A differential receiver means is also included whereby the differential receiver means has inputs each coupled to a corresponding one of the transducers for detecting an acoustic signal received thereby and determining a difference between the two received signals. The difference being related to the velocity of the liquid within the conduit. The transmitter means and the differential receiver means are each matched to the transducers to ensure substantial reciprocity to thereby substantially avoid phase and/or amplitude variations in the received signal. A method for measuring the velocity of a liquid is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improvement to the prior art differential pressure fluid flow meter described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,581. The prior art fluid flow meter includes a longitudinal recess angled to the surface of the vessel so as to form a ramp, and a dynamic port surface angled extending from the floor of the ramp to the surface. The dynamic port is formed in the dynamic port surface and is connected through a dynamic port channel to a pressure transponder. The improvement comprises combining the above described differential pressure fluid flow meter with a low pressure port, at an angle less than 90 degrees to the dynamic port, wherein fluid flow draws pressure from the low pressure port in a direction counter to fluid flow entering the dynamic port.

Abstract: An input device and detection device each have separate electrodes with one electrode for detecting input in a vertical direction and a plurality of electrodes for detecting input in a horizontal direction. An elastic body has a conductive portion opposite to the electrodes with a thin portion opposite to the vertical-detection electrode. A storage depressed portion is formed on the thin portion. A space between the elastic body and the electrodes changes by input. A slider is connected to the elastic body and is movable only in a horizontal direction, a hard pressing body stored in the storage depressed portion of the elastic body, and a key top opposite to the pressing body and vertically movable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of, and to a device for, checking cigarettes (12) during the production or packaging of the cigarettes (12), a push rod (35) being displaced axially in the direction of a cigarette end, with the result that, in the event of the incorrect formation or absence of a cigarette (12), the push rod (35) assumes a position other than an ideal position. The invention is based on the problem of improving the operation of checking cigarettes and of configuring this operation such that it is less susceptible to malfunctioning. This problem is solved by a method according to the invention in that an electric, magnetic or electromagnetic field assigned to a sensor (32, 53) is influenced in dependence on the position of the push rod (35), a signal which corresponds to the push-rod position being generated as a result of said field being influenced. The invention also relates to a device for implementing said method.

Abstract: A by-wire shift lever device for a vehicle that is compact, lightweight, and has a desirable operability. The by-wire shift lever device includes a shift lever; a lock release switch provided in the shift lever; a position sensor for transmitting a position signal according to a direction and an amount of operation of the shift lever; and an actuator for applying an external force to the shift lever. When the shift lever at a predetermined position is operated in a certain direction without operating the lock release switch, the actuator is driven to apply an external force in a direction opposite to the direction of operation to the shift lever so as to prohibit the operation of the shift lever to other shift positions.

Abstract: In a very simple production and assembly process, reliable stop absorption between a drive-side gear wheel (1) and a driven-side carrier (2) is obtained when there is a mutual relative movement between the gear wheel (1) and the carrier (2) that is caused by the stop. To this end, a cam (2.1) of the carrier (2) elastically deforms a spring element (1.1) of the gear wheel (1) via a tangential stop bevel (1.11; 1.12). The gear wheel (1) and the carrier (2) are preferably configured as injection molded parts, which are axially spaced and interconnected when produced and assembled and which can be axially fit together by releasing or breaking the connection.

Abstract: In a brake-force splitting gear for a manually actuated parking-brake system in a motor vehicle, brake force is transmitted via cable assemblies both to a wheel brake or shaft brake on the vehicle transmission and to wheel brakes of at least one driven vehicle axle. The wheel brakes of each vehicle axle being articulated in each case via a differential element mounted in a housing or frame. The splitting gear includes a lever mechanism comprising at least two balance beams or levers which split the brake force between the transmission brake and wheel brakes.

Abstract: A steering wheel for vehicles is provided which comprises a hub for attachment on a steering column and a clamping screw. The hub has a central, substantially cylindrical passage for accommodation of an end section of the steering column and at least one slit extending parallel to the passage. Two hub sections are defined on opposite sides of the slit. The hub sections have aligned bores that extend substantially tangentially to the passage. A first one of these bores has an internal thread, and the clamping screw is adapted to extend through a second one of these bores and to be screwed into the first one of the bores, thereby clamping the hub on the steering column end section. A screw holder is attached to the hub for limited movement in an axial direction of the clamping screw against spring force. The screw holder has a recess for passage of the screw and simultaneous engagement into the thread of the screw. The screw holder is formed by a bracket of spring steel.

Abstract: A plurality of leg portions for mounting and a pair of engagement portions are formed at a mark. While the leg portions for mounting and engagement portions are being inserted through, the mark is mounted in a recess portion of a pad cover. Thereafter, a spring formed in a substantially annular shape is mounted to the leg portions for mounting, and bent end portions of the spring are resiliently engaged with the engagement portions. Accordingly, as compared with prior structures utilizing heat-caulking and metal-caulking, the mark can be mounted to the pad cover simply and reliably, and costs and the space which is used can be reduced.

Abstract: A control knob assembly is disclosed that may be generally used for the quick zeroing adjustment of a dial thereof. A control knob assembly includes a housing with a shaft rotatably supported therein. A ring is coupled to the shaft in such a way that rotation of the ring causes rotation of the shaft. The ring has a plurality of holes distributed therearound and extending longitudinally therethrough from a first side thereof to a second side thereof. A knob is disposed about the shaft adjacent the first side of the ring. The knob is rotatable about the shaft and slidable therealong. A spring is coupled between the knob and ring for biasing the knob towards the ring. A pin extends from the knob to engage one of the holes at the first side of the ring when the spring is free to bias the knob towards the ring. A spring-loaded detent mechanism mounted in the housing engages one of the holes from the second side of the ring.

Abstract: A composite flywheel rotor includes a flywheel hub having tapered outer surface and an axis of rotation and a flywheel rim having an axis of rotation coinciding with the hub axis of rotation. The flywheel rim has multiple rings axially press-fit together to precompress the rings to form a composite flywheel rim. Each ring is made of approximately equal radial thickness and the entire non-dimensionalized radial thickness ratio of the assembled rim should be between approximately 0.38 to 0.48. The rim is optimally made up of four or five individual rings, each of which rings has tapered inner and outer diameters, preferably tapered at small angles to produce large radial forces when the rings are pressed onto each other and the hub by pressing axially, resulting in a high radial compressive preload in the assembled rim. A taper angle of 1-5° is suitable.

Abstract: A pedal driving mechanism for a bicycle which contains structurally improved pedal arms on which pedals are installed to increase the rotary radius of the pedals during the running of the bicycle to obtain optimum driving energy with minimum physical energy consumption, wherein the structure of pedaling mechanism defines a joining line formed by the tooth-coupling of a fixing gear and a rotary gear with the axle line of a driving arm at a right angle, and the trace of the linkage formed by a connection arm and a connection link is set to move in a spiral motion forced to rotate with respect to the center of the fixing gear.

Abstract: The present invention has several aspects to it, one of which is the provision of a chisel point which is straight and tapered from its thinnest part at the extreme front to a thicker part at the rear thereof for causing a sweep to wear longer than prior art sweeps. This sweep also improves soil penetration and is self-sharpening. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an earth working sweep having a front end, a right side, a left side, and a central upper portion for connecting the sweep to an implement. It also has a right rear wing portion and a left rear wing portion with an intermediate portion connecting the front end to the central upper rear portion and the left and right rear wing portions. A right edge and a left edge have concave edges on the front and convex edges on the back so as to form a somewhat S-shaped configuration which reduces scrap when being made and adds to the longevity and performance of the sweep.

Abstract: A wire stripper capable of automatically grasping a coated wire, cutting the coating with cutters, rotating the cutters and stripping the cut coating away with only one electric motor. The wire stripper is provided with a reversible main spindle which is supported on a machine frame and allowed to slide crosswise so as to enable gripping operation of the grippers as well as nipping and cutting operation of the cutters. The main spindle is provided with a lead-screw shaft with which a nut block is coupled so that the lead-screw shaft advances by forward rotation of the main spindle to close the grippers and the cutters as well as to rotate the cutters. The nut block is then moved backward by the lead screw of the lead-screw shaft after the main spindle has stopped advancing and the cutters are then withdrawn to strip the cut coating away from the core.

Abstract: Pliers with a first operating jaw and a first plier handle fixed thereto, have a second operating jaw mounted pivotably on the first operating jaw, and have a second plier handle which is articulated on a section of the second operating jaw. The section is oriented towards the rear plier end, having a connecting element between the first and second plier handles for the purpose of forming a toggle lever, and has a catch which is arranged at the front end of the second plier handle and is intended for preventing the plier handles from spreading apart before they have reached their closed position, the catch engaging, for this purpose, in a row of teeth. The row of teeth is provided on the second operating jaw.

Abstract: A reversible cutting tip for a cutting tool has a cutting wedge defined by a first face and a first flank. The cutting wedge has a clearance angle of 0° to 3°. The first flank is produced by applying a first coating to the cutting tip and the first face is produced by applying a second coating to the cutting tip. The tool is employed for removing cuttings from a workpiece by the cutting tips and for subsequently smoothing the crack surface of the workpiece, created by removing the cuttings, by employing the first flanks.

Abstract: A method of reciprocating a spindle of a reciprocating saw, including the steps of reciprocating the front end of the spindle along a first path during the cutting stroke and along the same first path during the return stroke, and adjusting the saw such that the front end reciprocates along a second path during the cutting stroke and along the same second path during the return stroke, the second path being oblique to the first path. The present invention also provides a method of reciprocating a spindle of a reciprocating saw, including the steps of moving the front end along a first cutting path during the cutting stroke, the first cutting path characterized by movement at least partially in a first cutting direction, returning the front end along a return stroke (e.g., along the first cutting path), and adjusting the saw such that the front end moves along a second cutting path during the cutting stroke, the second cutting path characterized by movement at least partially in a second cutting direction.

Abstract: A clutchless wire cutting apparatus for successively cutting off leading end portions of a predetermined length of wire from a wire stock. The wire is advanced through a cutting station which includes the cutting apparatus. The cutting apparatus includes an electrical motor whose output is coupled to the cutter mechanism which performs the successive wire cuts. A proximity switch or sensor located downstream of the cutting station signals a controller each time the wire reaches the desired length to periodically generate an electrical current to the electrical motor for selectively intermittently driving the motor at a relatively high frequency corresponding to the frequency at which wire cuts are made. The motor may also be continuously driven for cutting shorter wire lengths. The motor has an output on an motor shaft which is coupled to a cutter shaft via a belt drive. The cutter shaft includes an eccentric cam which acts directly on the wire cutter.

Abstract: The conveyor product transfer apparatus of the present invention includes at least one product transfer member mounted for translational (and preferably reciprocating) movement between product conveying surfaces or between a discharge or receiving station and a conveying surface separated by a distance sufficient to provide equipment clearance for an operation performed upon product transferred by the transfer member. Preferably, each transfer member is mounted for reciprocating translational movement between ends of conveying surfaces that are separated a distance apart, and has a sliding member in sliding engagement with a track to facilitate such movement. Each transfer member is coupled to an actuation assembly for movement thereof. The actuation assembly is preferably a camshaft assembly. To support the conveyed product during product processing operations (e.g.

Abstract: A base having a plurality of pins extending upwardly therefrom is provided. A support is provided over the base. The support has an upper surface and a plurality of holes extending therethrough. The pins extend through the holes and upwardly beyond the upper surface of the support. An actuator is provided beneath the support. A board having a plurality of integrated circuits bonded thereto is provided. The integrated circuits form a repeating pattern of integrated circuit packages across the board, and the board has a plurality of holes extending through it. The board is placed over the support upper surface with the pins extending into the holes in the board. While the board is over the support upper surface, it is cut to separate the integrated circuit packages from one another.

Abstract: Cast metal parts are created for use in making machinery. When these parts are formed, unwanted material remains in the openings of the parts. This material, called flash, must be removed. In the method of the present invention, the cast parts are placed on a platen of a trim press that has multi-part punches attached thereto that are configured to self-align with the openings in the cast part and operative to evenly remove the flash. The invention also relates to a punch that initially breaks through the flash with a stationary punch that removes a majority of the flash inside the opening of the cast part. Next, a moving or self-centering punch self-aligns to the opening in the cast part and operates to remove the remaining flash. The inventive punch may also include a mounting base for attachment of the multi-part punches to the plate or platen of the press.

Abstract: A screwdriver tool box structure includes a receiving body, two transparent covers, and a cover body mounted on one transparent cover. The cover body has an outer periphery provided with a flange face, for increasing friction during use and operation. A seat is mounted in the cover body, and an insertion recess is formed in the seat for allowing insertion of a first driver head, so that the cover body may function as a screwdriver. The seat has receiving recesses, for receiving multiple second driver heads, and a plurality of holes formed in the cover body are communicated with the receiving recesses, so that a user may see through the holes if the second driver are contained in the receiving recesses.

Abstract: A tool for dislodging lubrication-blocking debris from machinery elements. A housing includes a forward internal chamber. An adapter receives an explosive charge element and completes the chamber. The adapter includes an exteriorly-threaded portion for affixation of the tool to a lubrication access hole. A firing mechanism is positioned and spring loaded at a rear chamber of the housing. In use, the tool is inserted in place of a grease nipple and the explosive charge element detonated, for example, by striking the exposed end of the firing mechanism with as a hammer. A pulse of pressurized gases is thereby generated to clear the blocked lubrication passage.

Abstract: A firing lever assembly is disclosed for use in a firearm having a housing extending in a longitudinal direction and a bolt assembly adapted for longitudinal movement within the housing. The firing lever assembly includes a carrier defining a through hole and a firing lever having a first end adapted for insertion into the carrier. A spring guide rod is sized for insertion into the carrier through hole and adapted for longitudinal movement between an extended position and a retracted position, and a recoil spring disposed about the spring guide rod. The spring guide rod in the extended position engages the firing lever to secure the first end of the firing lever in the carrier, while the spring guide rod in the retracted position is disengaged from the firing lever to allow removal of the firing lever from the carrier.

Abstract: A firearm heat sink is provided that may be easily affixed to, and removed from, a firearm. The heat sink is provided with a plurality of cooling fins. In a preferred embodiment, the firearm heat sink is held in place by a cooperating collet and ring on each end of the heat sink. In an alternate embodiment, the firearm heat sink is formed in halves and is mechanically fastened together about the barrel of the firearm. In either embodiment, an underlying heat conducting material optionally may be added to insure a proper thermal path between the firearm and the heat sink.

Abstract: This is a gas-flow device for semiautomatic or automatic shotguns, which consists of a gas-flow cylinder, closed at the front part by a flange with gas discharge ports (17) around the ammunition magazine, opposite the cylinder, a circular valve (18) that moves axially for controlled opening and closing of the discharge ports. The valve is kept in the closed position by a pre-stressed spring (19) and it moves to the open position when the gas pressure in the expansion chamber increases beyond a set value.

Abstract: A simplified piston pump which is featured in that the number of components for the assembling thereof can be minimized, that the assembling thereof can be simplified, and low in manufacturing cost thereof. This simplified piston pump comprises; a cylinder having at least one protrusion formed on the inner surface of a proximal end portion of said cylinder for preventing the piston from slipping out; and a piston shaft having a structure wherein the outer surface of the piston shaft is contacted with the inner surface of the cylinder to prevent the decentering of the piston shaft and wherein a groove is formed thereon to ensure the reciprocative movement of the piston.

Abstract: A dual alloy metallic piston is made by casting a first alloy into a mold to form a corresponding first portion. Before the first alloy solidifies, a second alloy is cast into the mold to form a corresponding second portion of the piston. The first and second portions are joined across a transition zone which is a blend of the two alloys.

Abstract: An air-decant device for the aeration and decanting of liquids stored in containers, comprising a pump which can pump air through the device to the liquid in the container and/or pump liquid from the container over an exposed surface or through a special nozzle to create a dome shaped flow of liquid to aerate the liquid before returning it to the container. In addition, the pump can pump liquid from the device via decanting attachment to decant the same to another container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing kneader for kneading and providing thermal regulation of pasty products. The kneader includes a vessel, temperature regulators for selectively cooling and heating the vessel, a rotating tool for agitating products in the vessel and for exchanging heat with the products, a non-rotating tool for diffusing gas to the products and a controller with display. The invention enables precise regulation of temperature of the products in a scalable production process. In one instance, the invention may be extended to function as a sourdough fermenter for the production and preservation of sourdough.

Abstract: The present invention is a barbecue grill assembly having a frame with a work surface secured by a sliding mechanism, such as a sliding track assembly. The present invention alternatively provides a work surface being a slidable burner cover assembly for an auxiliary burner of a barbecue gas grill. The assembly includes a burner cover having a body portion disposed over the auxiliary burner in a closed position and a slide mechanism attached to the grill and the cover to allow the cover to be slidably moved from the closed position to a second position wherein the auxiliary burner is exposed from underneath the body portion of the burner cover. The slide mechanism also provides extended cantilever support for the work surface in the second position.

Abstract: A donut making arrangement includes a drip tray for placement over a source of cooking heat, and a donut maker with base and cover. The base has a head defining a recess for receiving batter and cover has a lid for engaging over the recess. The head and lid have shapes and sizes to engage into the opening so that when the batter has been cooked to a selected extent on one side, aligned handles connected to the head and lid are used to turn the donut maker over to cook the batter on the opposite side to create a donut.

Abstract: A rotatable broiling driver includes a positioning plate, an accommodating member, a transmitting member, a motor, a battery base, and an outer cover. The accommodating member is provided with a changeover switch. The transmitting member has one end formed with an insert groove for a spit to be inserted therein and the other end receiving the spindle of the motor. The battery base has an electric wire respectively connected with the motor and the changeover switch. In using, after the broiling driver is assembled with a broiler and the spit inserted in the transmitting member, press the change-over switch to an ON position to start the motor to let its spindle drive the transmitting member rotate together with the spit to carry out broiling, having a small size to be carried about conveniently and applicable to any site.

Abstract: A stencil printer includes a printing drum which has an ink-permeable peripheral wall and is rotated about a predetermined axis of rotation with a stencil master wound around the peripheral wall, a back press roll which associates with the printing drum to nip and convey a printing paper, and an internal press roll which is provided in the printing drum to be movable back and forth toward and away from the back press roll and pushes the peripheral wall of the printing drum toward the back press roll. An internal press roll drive mechanism moves back and forth the internal press roll between a first position where the internal press roll is held away from the back press roll and a second position at a distance from the first position toward the back press roll and is able to freely change the distance between the axis of rotation of the printing drum and the second position.

Abstract: A compound recording method and compound recording apparatus are provided for producing a printed product. The apparatus includes a plurality of image forming devices to form images on a plurality of recording sheets based on a plurality of image data arbitrarily obtained. Each of the image forming devices forms a separate image on a separate recording sheet in parallel with other image forming devices, and a sheet finisher is provided to accept the plurality of recording sheets ejected from the plurality of image forming devices and apply a designated finish-processing to the plurality of recording sheets on which the images are already formed by the plurality of image forming devices.

Abstract: There is provided a lithographic plate material which can be desensitized by distilled water or a fountain solution used for other lithographic plates, without desensitizing using an etching solution, and with less scumming in non-image portions of the print. The lithographic plate material has an image-receptive layer formed on a support and containing polyvinyl alcohol cross-linked by tetra alkoxy silane hydroxylate, titanium oxide microparticles, and silica having an average particle size of 1 nm to 100 nm. The image-receptive layer has a surface with an arithmetic mean roughness of not less than 0.40 &mgr;m and less than 1.20 &mgr;m, a contact angle of less than 50 degrees with distilled water at room temperature, and ink-receptiveness for hot-melt and lipophilic ink.

Abstract: An article is produced that utilizes a transparent substrate having a dye sublimation image incorporated preferably into a rear surface thereof. A light reflective coating is applied to the rear surface so that the image is evenly illuminated by a light source located behind the substrate, the image when illuminated having striking depth and clarity. The method for producing the imaged transparent substrate uses a minimum number of steps to provide a low cost high quality article.

Abstract: In a sheet-like object identification method, a printing quality of each image of a sheet printed with a plurality of images is inspected. A sheet-like object in a printing state wherein all printed images are defective and a sheet-like object in a printing state wherein printed images mixedly include non-defective and defective printed images are identified on the basis of an inspection result. Different identification information are imparted to the sheet-like object in the printing state wherein all the images are defective and the printed sheet-like object in the printing state mixedly including non-defective and defective images on the basis of identification results. A sheet-like object identification apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: For the purpose of providing markings, in particular printing, on a material web (11) for producing blanks (10), the material web (11) is stopped temporarily, with the result that a printing unit (34) can provide the marking or printing. In order to ensure that the marking is positioned precisely in each case, the relative positioning between the material web (11) and printing unit (34) is controlled by a printed-mark reader (37), which is assigned to the printing unit (34). In the case of incorrect positioning, the material web (11) is moved, for correction purposes, in the conveying direction or counter to this until the correct relative positioning is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrostatic printing aid to assist with the transfer of printing ink that contains flammable solvents during printing with a high-voltage generator for generating an electrostatic high voltage and with a voltage device to transfer the high voltage onto a web to be printed that is in contact with a printing cylinder or plate, characterized in that the high-voltage generator is equipped with an output limiter and in that the voltage transfer device comprises slip rings, slip ring brushes, contact rollers or springs, and/or electrically conductive roller or ball bearings.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator adapted for insertion into a sealed gas unit includes an igniter over which a nonconductive body is molded. The nonconductive body resists the pressure inside a sealed gas unit and protects the igniter from that pressure. The body provides substantially all of the structural support for the igniter. The body is molded onto a retainer, onto which a cup is attached to form a pressure seal and a hermetic seal against the gases within the sealed gas unit. Because the body carries substantially all of the structural loads exerted by the gas within the sealed gas unit, the cup can be made substantially thinner than previously possible.

Abstract: An initiator (14c) for a secondary explosive receptor charge is provided by forming a length of detonating cord (14) into a helical coil containing a plurality of windings with a cutoff barrier provided by, e.g., a separating rib (46) between adjacent windings. The adjacent windings may be not more than about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) apart. The detonating cord (14) may be wound about a spindle (16) which may optionally provide the separating rib (46). The coil may be a tapered coil which may define a taper angle of e.g., from about 2 to 4 degrees. Alternatively, the coil may be a cylindrical coil, or the cord may be configured in a planar spiral. Optionally, the detonating cord in the helical coil may have a core of explosive material with a loading of less than 15 grains per foot of the cord, e.g., less than 12 grains per foot of the cord, or a loading in the range of from 8 to 12 grains per foot of the cord. The coil may consume about six inches of the cord.

Abstract: An explosive charge such as a cast booster charge (10, 110, 210) includes an explosive charge (14, 114, 214) having a first explosive matrix material (114a, 214a) with discrete bodies (118, 218) of a second material embedded therein. In some embodiments, discrete bodies may comprise explosive material and the first explosive matrix material (114a, 214a) may be more sensitive to initiation than the explosive material of the discrete bodies (118, 218). In a separate aspect of the invention, the discrete bodies may have a minimum dimension of at least 1 millimeter or, optionally, 1.6 millimeter, regardless of the explosive properties of the material therein. In a particular embodiment, discrete bodies may be shaped as cylindrical pellets rounded at at least one end. The cast booster charge (10, 110, 210) may be produced by melting the first explosive, disposing discrete bodies therein and cooling the molten material to solid form.

Abstract: The product includes a self-propelled aerial pyrotechnic device and an upright launch tube for the device. The device is closely confined within the launch tube so as to be maintained in an essentially truly vertical orientation in preparation for launch. The device itself comprises a body containing pyrotechnic display material and an engine that serves to propel the body when ignited. A stabilizing base, preferably integrally molded from synthetic resinous material, is attached to the lower end of the body and is in the nature of a framework having a plurality of symmetrically disposed, long legs interconnected at various locations by strut structure. The engine is received within a socket at the upper end of the stabilizing base and is adhered to interior surfaces of the legs to provide a secure connection between the body and the base.

Abstract: A play set for use with unpowered (e.g. {fraction (1/64)} scale) toy vehicles having non-steerable, free rotating wheels includes a closed loop track with a conveyor that raises such unpowered toy vehicles from a lower end to an upper, elevated end and a driven, tilting roadway that randomly directs toy vehicles from the upper level to either of two track branches. At least part of each track branch can be opened to release a toy vehicle from the track. A merge track section joins together a lower level end of each of the two track branches and leads to the lower end of the conveyor. The upper end of the conveyor and the tilting roadway are simultaneously supported by a single and driven by a single motor.