Abstract: An interchangeable passive electric guitar circuit control and switching module is integrated into an existing guitar to dynamically alter the electronic relationship of the guitar's electric components (i.e. the existing pickups, volume and tone controls, at least one tonality select switch, and output jack) which are connected to the module through a wiring harness. Individual interchangeable modules connected through the wiring harness establish finite and discrete electronic relationships through the guitar's existing electric components to produce a plurality of selectable desired tonality sounds from a single guitar.

Abstract: An explosion resistant cargo container (1), useful for storing cargo on aircraft, is made of side wall panels (6), top wall panels (50) and bottom wall panels (7) mounted onto a frame, where a side door (51) is connected to a top wall, bottom wall and side wall panel by a locking mechanism (5) which has fingers (11) and perforations (21) locked together when closed by wedge action, and where the panels (6, 7, 50) are of, for example, woven polymer sheeting and/or aluminum.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of ammunitions equipped with their rockets, found on the battlefield. Such ammunitions represent a major pyrotechnic risk. The problem consists in destroying the rocket so as to be able to dismantle said ammunition. The method consists in placing said ammunition (1) in a closed chamber (5) to carry out at least once the following cycle: depressurizing the chamber (5), dissolving the rocket (2) of the ammunition (1) with a liquid corrosive agent, drawing off the gaseous effluents towards an auxiliary chamber (7), reopening the chamber (5) after dissolving the rocket (2), removing the ammunition (1), recovering the mixture resulting from the attack of the rocket (2) by the liquid corrosive agent (6) and treating it by pyrolysis.

Abstract: The borehole of many wells, including oil and gas production wells, is frequently cased with a steel or similar metal casing. In order to extract oil or other material existing within the surrounding geologic formation, it is necessary to puncture the casing. Currently, this is accomplished with tubes (guns) containing explosive charges being lowered into the well bore and detonated, causing the tube and well casing to be punctured and the geologic formation shattered. The guns are made from high strength, thick-walled and machined metal. This invention discloses a multi-layered or composite tube that enhances the directional orientation of the explosive charges utilizing less costly and more easily fabricated material. The invention also discloses a gun having properties to allow the desired directionally oriented perforation by the explosive charge without being deformed and jammed within the well casing. Other advantageous are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for providing exceptionally high velocity projectiles and safer, more accurate munitions. Inefficiencies in explosive oxidation rates and initial resistance to velocity acquisition are overcome.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for producing a shield for protecting an area from a pressure blast. The shield, which attenuates the pressure blast, can be used with tall, mobile, and underwater structures, including structures in densely populated areas. One system includes a source for providing an attenuation material, a delivery system that delivers the attenuation material to nozzles, and at least one valve device to control the delivery. A detector is configured to actuate the valve device to an open position in response to a perceived blast threat so that the delivery system delivers the attenuation material to form the shield proximate to a periphery of the protected area.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling an unswept volume in a piston system. The method includes rotating a shaft around a rotation point to drive a piston within a cylindrical volume in a periodic manner, modifying the stroke length of the piston, and moving the center of the shaft relative to the cylindrical volume such that a change in an unswept volume or compression ratio is controlled.

Abstract: A fluidic actuator includes a central elastic tube with an interior bore and a surrounding sheath formed of braided fibers. End fittings are attached to the tube and sheath at first and second ends thereof and include a cap with a hollow cavity into which an end section of the tube and sheath are inserted and embedded in a hardened adhesive. The hardened adhesive seals off the ends of the tube and strongly bonds the fibers of the sheath to the end caps to provide strong mechanical connections. A fluid coupling may extend through one of the end caps to connection to an end of the tube, with an interior bore in the coupling in communication with the bore in the tube to allow fluid under pressure to be supplied to the interior of the tube. A liquid lubricant may be held in the fibers of the sheath to provide lubrication between the elastic tube and the fibers of the sheath to reduce wear and abrasion of the tube and extend the service life of the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a selectively gas permeable membrane that has a superior combination of permeability and selectivity. The membrane composition includes a Type 1 copolyimide uniformly blended with a Type 2 copolyimide, which polymers are defined by chemical structure more specifically in this disclosure. The invention also provides a method of using the membrane of the copolyimide blend to separate components of gas mixtures.

Abstract: Rapid cycle pressure swing adsorption processes, systems and apparatus for the separation of a multi-component feed gas mixture by selectively adsorbing at least one more readily adsorbable component in a bed of adsorbent material are provided.

Abstract: A system for recovering water from the atmosphere includes water sorbent assembly composed of a water adsorbent material and a heat exchanger. The water adsorbent material traps water present within the air drawn through the sorbent assembly. Once the sorbent assembly is fully saturated, exhaust gases generated from a power plant are routed through a heat exchanger in thermal contact with the water adsorbent material to remove water within the sorbent assembly into a condenser, and from the condenser to a water storage container.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for abating at least one acid or hydride gas component or by-product thereof, from an effluent stream deriving from a semiconductor manufacturing process, comprising, a first sorbent bed material having a high capacity sorbent affinity for the acid or hydride gas component, a second and discreet sorbent bed material having a high capture rate sorbent affinity for the same gas component, and a flow path joining the process in gas flow communication with the sorbent bed materials such that effluent is flowed through the sorbent beds, to reduce the acid or hydride gas component. The first sorbent bed material preferably comprises basic copper carbonate and the second sorbent bed preferably comprises at least one of, CuO, AgO, CoO, Co3O4, ZnO, MnO2 and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method and a device for filtering polluted air, in which the air is successively subjected to the processes of extracting grease/fat and water, drying air still containing residual humidity, and adsorbing smells/odors. The filter device includes, in a direction of flow a Foucault current filter, layers of expanded metal, a filter for drying the air, and an odor filter, all in a filter housing. The filter for drying the air and the odor filter are, preferably, combined in a filter cassette that is disposed on the filter housing such that it can be changed/replaced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering a clean liquid condensate from a synthesis gas at elevated temperatures and pressures. The apparatus includes at least one heat exchanger for reducing the temperature of the synthesis gas down to below 200° F. (93° C.) so as to form a syngas condensate at elevated pressure. The syngas condensate is flashed so that it separates into a liquid phase condensate and a gas phase. The liquid phase condensate is primarily water, dissolved ammonia and particulates. The gas phase contains carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, various sulfur containing compounds and trace amounts of other compounds that may have been dissolved in the syngas condensate. The gas phase is removed from the flash tank and sent to a sour gas treatment unit and/or flare. The liquid phase condensate is then filtered so as to remove larger sized particulates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing volatile contaminants, such as methyl tertbutyl ether (MTBE), from water or other supplies of liquid. In one embodiment of the invention, a gas is sparged through a helical flow of liquid to strip away contaminants. The flowrate of the helical flow of liquid and the flowrate of the gas are held at an optimum ratio to maintain flow stability and maximize stripping efficiency. In another embodiment of the invention, the liquid is processed through a series of stripping stages until volatile contaminants are stripped to a desired level. A portion of the liquid is recycled within each stage, while a system flow of liquid passed from one stage to the next. The flowrate of the recycled flow and the flowrate of the system flow have a ratio that provides improved system capacity while ensuring proper volatile removal.

Abstract: A particle collector comprises a housing defining an enclosed chamber. An inlet opening in the housing provides fluid communication between a source of gas and particles and the chamber and an outlet opening provides fluid communication between the chamber and the exterior of the housing. The outlet opening is connected to a pump for drawing gas and particles through the housing from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. A collecting member having an adhesive on at least a portion of the surface is disposed in the chamber between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The adhesive surface of the collecting member is positioned adjacent to the inlet opening. When gas and particles are drawn through the housing, the inlet opening directs a stream of gas and particles at the surface of the collecting member. Particles having an aerodynamic equivalent diameter of less than about 2.5 &mgr;m are captured.

Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing apparatus, including a fluid storage and dispensing vessel having an interior volume, in which the interior volume contains a physical adsorbent sorptively retaining a fluid thereon and from which the fluid is desorbable for dispensing from the vessel, and a dispensing assembly coupled to the vessel for dispensing desorbed fluid from the vessel. The physical adsorbent includes a monolithic carbon physical adsorbent that is characterized by at least one of the following characteristics: (a) a fill density measured for arsine gas at 25° C. and pressure of 650 torr that is greater than 400 grams arsine per liter of adsorbent; (b) at least 30% of overall porosity of the adsorbent including slit-shaped pores having a size in a range of from about 0.3 to about 0.72 nanometer, and at least 20% of the overall porosity including micropores of diameter <2 nanometers; and (c) having been formed by pyrolysis and optional activation, at temperature(s) below 1000° C.

Abstract: The objective of the invention is to minimize the deformation of the plastic container filled with beverage that is to be heated to be served. A non-carbonated beverage is filled in a plastic container at a normal temperature. The head space of the plastic container filled with the non-carbonated beverage is injected with carbon dioxide gas to replace a portion of the air in the head space. The container in which a portion of the air in the head space has been replaced with carbon dioxide is sealed with a cap at its mouth. The beverage sealed inside the plastic container is heated to be served to consumers.

Abstract: A soy milk coagulating device includes: a coagulation vessel with an internal volume of 1,000 cc or less; two electrode plates facing each other to form a pair in the vessel; and a power feed controlling mechanism for controlling electricity fed to the electrode plates, and in the soy milk coagulating device, the power feed controlling mechanism is composed of: a tofu control system which is provided to heat soy milk to a set temperature at an average heating rate of equal to or less than 8° C. per minute, or at an average heating rate of more than 8° C. per minute and equal to or less than 15° C. per minute, and to keep the soy milk at the temperature for at least 5 minutes; a yuba control system; and switching unit which is provided to switch between the two control systems.

Abstract: Device for preparing a coffee drink having a visually appealing crema layer comprises a container for receiving flavor-containing materials and allowing it to interact with pressurized hot water to produce a coffee drink, an orifice for converting the coffee drink into a high speed drink jet, and a cyclone channel located below the orifice and adapted to interact with the jet to generate a cyclone zone therein during preparing the coffee drink. The cyclone zone stays alive by constantly drawing air in from atmosphere to emulsify with the coffee drink within the cyclone zone and constantly driving the resulting emulsion out of the cyclone zone as a result of the momentum of the jet. The emulsion separates into a coffee drink layer and a crema layer on top of the coffee drink upon being received in a cup.

Abstract: The invention provides cooking apparatus (10) comprising a base unit (12) having an inner shell (40) which defines an interior compartment (51), a combustion chamber (14) for holding combustion material; and insulating means (16) including a first annular air channel (18), at least partially surrounding the interior compartment (51).

Abstract: An automatic device for heating and frothing a liquid, in particular milk, comprises a container (1) for the liquid, inside which a first tube (6) for introducing pressurised steam into the liquid is removably mounted. The first tube (6) has an inlet in correspondence of the bottom of the container (1), for receiving steam from a duct located within a support base (3) of the container (1), and is secured, for at least part of its length, to a second tube (7) for introducing air into the liquid.

Abstract: Ice cream products are made quickly by mixing ingredients with a liquefied gas in an open container from which clouds of vapor emanate. A deflector close above the open container keeps the vapor from rising away from the container and directs it laterally and downwardly around the container. A source of colored light is visible through openings in a powered mixer used to produce the ice cream products, and a heater prevents the products from freezing to the container. The ice cream products are made in a place where customers can see and feel the vapor.

Abstract: A weighing and flavoring system includes a measurer for measuring articles, a flavoring apparatus disposed downstream of the measurer for supplying flavoring in a predetermined quantity, thus flavoring the articles, a check measurer that measures the quantity of the flavored articles, setting means for setting at least one threshold value based on the quantity of the articles as measured by the measurer, and a sorting unit that performs sorting according to the weight of the flavored articles based on the threshold value.

Abstract: The method of the present invention for handling scrap tires, includes a step of providing a compacting apparatus to a scrap tire generator, such as a tire retailer. Before compacting the tires, the tire can be marked with a unique identifier assigned to every tire generator. By marking the scrap tires with a unique identifier, the scrap tires can be tracked on their way to the final destination. The compacting apparatus provides volume reduction of the scrap tires individually into a form that can have a reduction of at least fifty percent of original cubic volume. The tires can be pinched to maintain the compacted tire in the compacted form and prevent the compacted tire from regaining its original shape. The compacted scrap tires can be accumulated inside a tire collection enclosure, such as a trailer or dumpster. The collected tires can be transported with much more weight efficient loads of the tires to a transfer station, a recycling facility, or an end user.

Abstract: Lubricating liquid fed from a reservoir to a compression mechanism is collected by a circumferential wall that surrounds the drive shaft of the compression mechanism and rotates synchronously with it immediately after liquid is discharged into the space inside the housing with or without compressed fluid. Liquid is then urged outward under centrifugal force from an outlet formed at a preset axial location of the circumferential wall. Exiting liquid is received by a fixed liquid return cover that surrounds the circumferential wall near its outlet and led back to the reservoir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for screen printing for producing security foils for objects of value such as papers of value consisting of a carrier foil and a cover layer applied thereto, the cover layer having the form of characters or patterns and/or coating-free areas in the form of characters, patterns or the like. A printing raw form is fastened in a printing machine and, before a printing operation, a reversible imaging process is performed in which the screen printing raw form having a certain number of screen openings of predetermined mesh width is provided uniformly and completely with lacquer or ink so that all screen openings are closed, and then selected openings are reopened so as to be ink-permeable for the printing operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printing group pertaining to a printing machine, comprising at least two cylinders, i.e. a form cylinder and a transfer cylinder. Said transfer cylinder can be optionally brought into a print-on position or a print-off position along a linear adjustment path. Both cylinders can be driven in a mechanically rotating manner, independently from another printing group, by means of at least one drive motor arranged on the frame in a fixed mode.

Abstract: A marking assembly for use with any stud sensor or a surface of other objects, which the person wishes to make a mark on.

Abstract: Segmented air distribution bar having air control valves along the length of the bar.

Abstract: A economical liquid metering device which dispenses in a digital steps the supply of liquid provided to predetermined circumferential stripes on a rotating surface. Further advantages are: the ease of liquid change because the entire mechanism which is in contact with the liquid, is exchangeable; the liquid is protected from drying and contamination; the liquid remaining at the end of a run, may be safely reused at a later time; the liquid is dispensed in digitally predictable quantities, may be reused at a later time, and each computer pulse dispenses a predictable quantity of the liquid. To provide a continuous flow, the volume and operation rate between pump pulses may be controlled, so that the dispensing rate becomes substantially continuous.

Abstract: An ink fountain mechanism is disclosed for adjustably metering the thickness of the layer of ink in a plurality of zones axially across a fountain roller for a printing press. The ink fountain mechanism includes a plurality of metering blocks, horizontally aligned and axially adjacent to one another with side-by-side upper support surfaces. forming a substantially continuous support surface along the length of the fountain roller. Each upper surface of the metering blocks is adjustably spaced from an ink receiving fountain roller. A plurality of adjustment bolts are each separately and threadably engaged with each of the plurality of metering blocks. The adjustment bolts are slideably supported in a main beam that extends the length of the fountain roller. A plurality of lever actuated cams are pivotably held adjacent to the heads of each of the adjustment bolts.

Abstract: In a case of printing documents having a plurality of pages (documents number c) on output sheets so as not to exceed a limited output sheets number a, the limited output sheets number a and an output copies number b are set (S1 and S2), and the documents number c is confirmed in reading the documents (S4). When the limited output sheets number a, the output copies number b, and the documents number c are recognized, a print document pages number d which is a number of original images that should be printed on each output sheet is set in accordance with the foregoing values (S5). When the print document pages number d is set, an output mode which allows the documents to be printed in accordance with the print document pages number d is set (S6), so that a printing operation is carried out (S7). Further, in S1, each of allowable amounts of sheets stored in (i) sheet feeding means, (ii) delivery means, and (iii) post-processing means may be recognized as the limited output sheets number a.

Abstract: This invention relates to a printing control method and apparatus, a computer program product, and the like in which printing data is held in a hierarchical structure and a printing job is issued to a printer to cause the printer to print. In the printing control method according to the present invention, different setting values can be set in the lower and upper layers of the hierarchical structure as printing setting data containing double-sided printing or single-sided printing setting. When a setting value different from that of the upper layer is set in the lower layer of the hierarchical structure, the printer is instructed on a setting in the lower layer for each printing data to which the setting value is applied.

Abstract: A device and method that employs a detonation event as an energy source for producing a pyrotechnic output. The device includes an initiation charge that is selectively detonated by an exploding foil initiator. Byproducts from the detonation event are attenuated by a barrier that is disposed between the initiation charge and an ignition charge. The barrier participates in a chemical reaction with the detonation byproducts to oxidize and burn. In this regard, the barrier serves as a fuel that is employed to ignite the ignition charge. The device includes a sealed housing in which the initiator, initiation charge and ignition charges are housed. The housing ruptures in response to the heat and pressure generated by the ignited ignition charge to release the pyrotechnic output.

Abstract: A support member for supporting a mortar shell (1) into a barrel (2) of a weapon, and a method for attaching said supporting member (6) to a tail (4) in the mortar shell (1). The supporting member (6) includes a support element (8) provided with a rim flange (7) and a firing mechanism (15). The support element (8) is supported by means of one or more attachment pieces (10) against a front rim (23) in guiding fins (5) in the mortar shell (1). The attachment pieces (10) include a predetermined deformable point enabling the detachment of the fired mortar shell (1) from the supporting member (6).

Abstract: A device, system and method permitting on-line explosives-based cleaning and deslagging of a fuel burning facility (31) such as a boiler, furnace, incinerator, or scrubber. A coolant, such as ordinary water, is delivered to the explosives (101) to prevent them from detonating due to the heat of the on-line facility. Thus, controlled, appropriately-timed detonation can be initiated as desired, and boiler scale and slag is removed without the need to shut down or cool down the facility.

Abstract: A cartridge for firearms includes a bullet connected to a casing. The casing includes a cylindrical wall that extends to an end member opposite the bullet, a hollow interior formed by the wall and the end member, and a receptacle for receiving a priming composition. Anvils or projections are provided in the casing to compress the priming composition between the end member and the projection or anvil with a firing pin engaging the end member. Propellant in the hollow interior is ignited by the compressed priming composition.

Abstract: A ballistic projectile (10) includes a body (12) defining a hollow, open-ended payload cavity (22) covered by means of a cover portion (26) fitting as a spigot into a socket (12.1) defined by the body (12). Peripheral seats in the form of grooves (32), (34) are provided in register in peripheral slide surfaces of respectively the cover portion (26) and the body (12) forming the spigot-socket combination. A peripheral, discontinuous shear ring (36) is received within the respective grooves (32), (34) to bridge the interface and thus to lock the cover portion to the body. Pressure selectively generated in the payload cavity shears the ring (36) to allow parting of the cover portion to expose the payload cavity.

Abstract: A method and system for extracting and targeting multiple submunitions from a delivery vehicle. Each submunition may be self-extracting, recoil-less extracting, self-spin initiating, and/or sensor fuzed.

Abstract: An overhead transport apparatus includes a guide rail unit having a main rail having a pair of rail members, and a branch rail branching off the main rail; an auxiliary guide rail provided along the branch rail at an upper part of a branching region in which the branch rail branches off the main rail; a transport vehicle having a vehicle body, a pair of wheels attached to the vehicle body and moving along the guide rail unit, and a driving motor mounted on the vehicle body and driving the wheels; a roller provided in the transport vehicle, and ascending in order to move the transport vehicle toward the branch rail with the auxiliary guide rail, or descending in order to move the transport vehicle toward the main rail; and a control part controlling the ascending/descending movement of the roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnet assembly for the suspension and guidance of suspended vehicles and transport systems. The aim of the invention is to create an intrinsically stable, contactiess magnetic suspension and guidance system composed of an assembly of magnetic elements and a superconductor assembly for suspended vehicles and transport systems. According to the invention, at least one part of the magnetic element assembly is physically connected to the superconductor assembly. In addition, the magnetic element assembly and the superconductor assembly are magnetically intercoupled to maintain a stable distance between at least two magnetic elements, by the utilisation of a magnetic field that is frozen in the superconductor. The magnetic assembly can be used in particular in those vehicles and transport systems that are configured to be displaced along a magnetic rail without making contact with the latter, thus enabling a displacement devoid of friction and abrasion.

Abstract: The nature of this invention called “Lane Power” is the electrical power source for the hobby of slot cars.

Abstract: Angular and axial offsets between the motor vehicle rotor (3) and transmission pinion (6) are intended to be compensated by a coupling which can be mounted in an easy manner. According to the invention, a curved teeth coupling (9) is mounted between the motor shaft (4) and the pinion shaft (6) and includes a first coupling section (10) with internal tooth system and a second coupling section (11) with external tooth system, whereby the first coupling section (10) is securely connected to the pinion shaft (6) and the second coupling section (11) is securely connected to the motor shaft (4). The coupling sections (10, 11) can easily be pushed into each other, when the motor (2) is mounted onto the transmission (1).

Abstract: A corrosion protective lacquer is for producing a corrosion protective coating, and a method is for removing the corrosion protective coating. For a more favorable removal, while maintaining simultaneous corrosion protection, the corrosion protective lacquer, and thus also the corrosion protective coating produced from it, includes protective substances that react with oxygen. The corrosion protective coating is abraded by the abrasive effect of the brake linings during braking, the protective substances of the corrosion protective coating being rubbed into the braking surface.

Abstract: A composition for sealing at least one fluid leak in heat exchange systems comprises at least one solvent, and fibrillated fiber in an amount and of a size sufficient to become entrained in and seal the one leak. At least one corrosion inhibitor is present in an amount sufficient to aid in prevention of corrosion of at least two metals. The corrosion inhibitor is compatible with coolants having organic acid corrosion inhibiting agents therein, and with coolants having silicate corrosion inhibiting agents therein.

Abstract: Europium compounds represented by the general formula (1) and water-base ink compositions containing the same: 1

Abstract: A catalyst ink is provided, comprising: 25-95% by weight water; 1-50% by weight of at least one solid catalyst, typically a highly dispersed platinum catalyst; 1-50% by weight of at least one polymer electrolyte in acid (H+) form; and 1-50% by weight of at least one polar aprotic organic solvent. The catalyst ink typically has a viscosity at 1 sec−1 of 10 Pa·sec or less. The catalyst ink typically does not ignite spontaneously when dried to completion in air at a temperature of 80° C. or greater. The catalyst ink may be used in the fabrication of membrane electrode assemblies for use in fuel cells.

Abstract: An aluminum hydroxide composition is disclosed, having diminished tendency to cause discoloration on heating at 177° C. of a plastic composition whose major polymeric component is polyvinyl chloride, comprising aluminum hydroxide and an amount, effective in diminishing discoloration, of at least one inorganic perchlorate salt selected from the group consisting of alkali metal perchlorates and alkaline earth metal perchlorates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Aluminum trihydrate slurries comprising aluminum trihydrate particles, an acrylic dispersant, citric acid, synthetic hectorite clay, optionally a compound to adjust pH, a biocide and water. These slurries may be mixed with titanium dioxide slurries to produce a stable slurry blends useful in paper and paper-board applications.