Abstract: A method for detecting decrease in tire air-pressure including the steps of: detecting rotational information of the respective tires; storing rotational information; detecting whether the vehicle is running on a flat road or not; detecting whether the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating; comparing rotational information of both front wheels with rotational information of both rear wheels when it has been determined that the vehicle is running on a flat road and that the vehicle is neither accelerating nor decelerating; and judging simultaneous decompression of both front wheel tires or simultaneous decompression of both rear wheel tires on the basis of a relationship between a value obtained through comparison of the rotational information of both front wheels and both rear wheels and a specified threshold. It is possible to judge simultaneous decompression of both front wheel tires or both rear wheel tires when employing the present invention.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a tire pressure, comprises the steps: measuring at least one parameter that influences the tire pressure, calculating the optimum tire pressure &rgr;opt on the basis of the at least one measured parameter, comparing a measured tire pressure p with the optimum tire pressure &rgr;opt in order to generate a deviation signal in the event of a predetermined deviation.

Abstract: An open jet wind tunnel having a test section, a nozzle exit and a collector in which the leading edge of the collector is configured with at least a portion being non-uniformly spaced from the nozzle exit.

Abstract: A sheet separation and feeding system for measuring substrate bending stiffness and thereby basis weight on a real time basis. Provided is a corrugator having a plurality of parallel ribs, with one or more sheets of the substrate provided below the corrugator wherein a predetermined gap exists between a topmost sheet of the sheets and the corrugator. A vacuum is applied between the corrugator and the topmost sheet, wherein the vacuum is sufficiently large to raise the topmost sheet, thereby deflecting and bending it into a profile corresponding to the arrangement and size of the corrugator ribs and bending stiffness of the substrate. One or more sensors are provided for measuring the deflection of the topmost sheet. The vacuum, an air knife output and/or a fluffer output are then adjusted according to predetermined rules and the measured deflection.

Abstract: A universal mounting bracket by which any one of a variety of conventional water meters for measuring the volume of water consumed by a user is mechanically coupled in close proximity to a conventional data logger that is adapted to transmit a signal to a remote receiver which is indicative of the volume of water consumption measured by the water meter. The universal mounting bracket has a flat base that is connected to the bottom of the water meter and a flat face that is connected flush against a side of the data logger, whereby the water meter and data logger lie in spaced side-by-side alignment with one another. A pair of threaded bolts extend through respective bolt holes in the flat base of the universal mounting bracket for receipt at correspondingly threaded receptacles formed in the bottom of the water meter.

Abstract: A liquid measurement system including interface apparatus for sharing the excitation and signal processing of an ultrasonic transonic transducer and temperature measuring device remotely located at a liquid container is disclosed. The interface apparatus includes a common conduction path coupled to both of the ultrasonic transducer and the temperature device for conducting first excitation signals to the ultrasonic transducer and the corresponding echo signals therefrom, and for conducting second excitation signals to the temperature measuring device and the response signals therefrom, and an interface circuit for governing the conduction of the first and second excitation signals over the common conduction path from their generating sources and for providing a balanced interface for receiving both of the echo signals and response signals from the common conduction path.

Abstract: A sensor element for electrically measuring the position of liquid levels, comprising a substrate (2) and a plurality of electrodes (3) that can be contacted individually and that are mounted on the substrate, characterized in that the electrodes comprise sensor-active partial electrodes (5) that are networked with electrical connections (7), with the partial electrodes of two respective electrodes always being positioned opposite one another, separated by a distance, as partial electrode pairs (11) and with the electrode pairs (8) thus formed recurring periodically over the length of the sensor. Quasi-digital measuring methods are derived from the behavior of the impedance of the electrode pairs, whereby the liquid level is measured by detecting a conductivity boundary in a capillary filling.

Abstract: A liquid level measuring apparatus is provided, which includes an input circuit configured to receive electrical signals from level sensors configured to provide an electrical signal proportional to a liquid level in a tank portion. The input circuit provides a single output signal proportional to the combined liquid level in one or more liquid storage vessel portions. The apparatus may further include or be connected to a transmitter such as a wireless transmitting device.

Abstract: Static and/or dynamic balancing of a CT gantry is provided by electronically positionable masses incorporated into the gantry structure that may be moved to nullify gantry imbalances caused by variation in components specifications or replacement of components on a balanced gantry.

Abstract: An inertia detecting transducer having a reliable detection element. The element is kept to be free from deposition of gas and organic substance generated from resin adhesive. A first case of the transducer has an opening and a circuit component mounted thereon, and is provided with an external electrode and a first connection electrode. A second case includes a detection element mounted inside thereof, and an opening of the case is sealed with a sealing plate. The second case is further provided with a second connection electrode. The second case is attached to the first case so that the former covers the opening of the latter. The second connection electrode and the first connection electrode are electrically coupled. In the above-described configuration of the present invention, if an inertia detecting transducer gets a partial damage, either one of the detection element and the circuit component remaining intact can be re-utilzed.

Abstract: A method, in at least certain aspects, for ultrasonically inspecting a tubular member, the tubular member having an inner surface, an outer surface, and two spaced-apart ends including a first end of the tubular member, the method including transmitting sonic beams to the tubular member with transducers such that sonic beams are reflected from the inner surface of the tubular member, the outer surface of the tubular member, and from the first end of the tubular member, sensing the first end of the tubular member, completing inspection of all or of substantially all of the outer surface of the tubular member for outer surface defects while continuing to inspect the inner surface of the tubular member for inner surface defects, continuing to inspect the inner surface of the tubular member for inner surface defects, the transducers continuing to transmit sonic beams for the inspection of the inner surface of the tubular member until the transducers are near the first end of the tubular member; and apparatus for

Abstract: A system (200) monitors a load associated with a load carrying member. The system (200) may include a voltage divider (240) and a computer device (250). The voltage divider (240) measures inductance associated with load sensing elements (210) that monitor the load carrying member. The computer device (250) determines displacements of the load sensing elements (210) based on the inductance associated with the load sensing elements (210) and determines the load associated with the load carrying member based on the displacements of the load sensing elements (210). The system may be designed to be portable and/or DC powered.

Abstract: A deflection sensing assembly comprises a square plate with attachment holes in each of the four corners for attachment to a structural element along which deflection is to be measured. The sensor is attached to the structural element such that only two opposed corners of the plate lie along the deflection axis. The sensor assembly is removably attachable and it has been found that there is a high degree of independence between deflections in the temperature compensation axis and deflections in the deflection axis.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow meter of the present invention includes: a measurement flow path 6 through which a fluid to be measured flows; ultrasonic transducers 8 and 9 provided respectively on an upstream side and a downstream side with respect to each other along the measurement flow path 6; an upstream aperture hole 11 and a downstream aperture hole 12, the aperture holes 11 and 12 for exposing the ultrasonic transducers 8 and 9 to the measurement flow path 6; a first influent suppressor 15 provided in a vicinity of at least the downstream aperture hole 12 for reducing inflow of the fluid to be measured into the aperture hole 12; a second influent suppressor 16 provided on an upstream side of the measurement flow path 6 with respect to the aperture holes 11 and 12 for reducing the inflow of the fluid to be measured into the aperture holes 11 and 12; a measurement control section 19 for measuring a propagation time of an ultrasonic wave between the ultrasonic transducers 8 and 9; and a calculation section 20 for ca

Abstract: A flow rate measuring apparatus includes: flow rate detection section 2 and 3 provided in a fluid flow path 1; a measuring section 10 for measuring an output from the flow rate detection sections 2 and 3; a cycle setting section 9 for setting a measurement cycle of the flow rate detection sections 2 and 3; a resolution setting section 7 for setting a measurement resolution of the measuring section 10; a flow rate calculation section 11 for calculating a flow rate based on an output from the measuring section 10; and a measurement control section 12 for controlling each of the sections.

Abstract: A Coriolis mass flow sensor includes a flow tube, a light source positioned adjacent a first side of the flow tube and a light detector positioned adjacent a second side of the flow tube. A drive device is operatively situated relative to the flow tube for vibrating the flow tube, such that the flow tube moves through a path defined between the light source and the light detector. In other aspects of the invention, a Coriolis mass flow sensor includes a flow tube and a frame having the flow tube mounted thereon. A drive device is operatively situated relative to the frame for vibrating the frame and at least one pick off sensor is situated relative to the flow tube so as to measure the twist in the flow tube due to Coriolis force. Other aspects of the invention concern a straight-tube Coriolis mass flow sensor. A flexible flow tube defines a generally linear flow path.

Abstract: A load detection structure for seat having support leg member, which comprises: a load detection unit whose one end portion is pivotally provided in the support leg member; a limiter element for limiting vertical movement of another end portion of the load detection unit; and a stopper element for limiting further excessive vertical movement of such another end portion. The load detection unit is connected via bolts and nuts with the seat and includes: a strain plate member; a reinforcement plate member attached on a securing portion of the strain plate member through which the bolts and nuts pass; and a buffer cover member which is attached to a free end of the strain plate member, defining the afore-said another end portion of the load detection unit. A strain gauge is provided at a deflectable area of the strain plate member. The stopper element is provided at the bolt.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for measuring the size, concentration and size distribution of particles in a fluid by determining the characteristics of an acoustic speckle signal of the particles and relating these characteristics to the size and concentration characteristics of the particles. The method and the apparatus are especially useful for the measurement of the size distribution of small particles in optically opaque liquids.

Abstract: A self-backdriving jackscrew apparatus including a biasing member connected to a screw portion of a jackscrew that exerts backdriving force on the screw to turn the screw in a rotational direction that returns a nut portion of the jackscrew to a home position on the screw.

Abstract: A transmission has only a single, minimal orbiter in which an input gear and an output gear, each being connected to separate input and output shafts, are interconnected through an orbiting cluster gear that meshes with only the input and output gears. The cluster gear is carried by a web that is itself rotated by a hydraulic control motor through a first clutch. When rotation of the web is prevented, rotation of the input gear produces rotation of the output gear at a predetermined reduction of the input drive, this gear reduction being continuously diminished proportional to the speed of rotation of the web in a first direction. When the vehicle reaches highway speeds, the control motor is disconnected and a second clutch is activated to connect a predetermined overdrive that is located between the engine drive and the transmission rather than being conventionally positioned between the transmission and the final output shaft.

Abstract: A device for amplifying mechanical and geometrical advantage having a base structure, a first link member having a first end and a second end, and a first compliant flexural joint pivotally interconnects the first end of the first link member to the base structure. A second link member is also provided having a first end and a second end. A second compliant flexural joint pivotally interconnects the first end of the second link member to the base structure. Furthermore, a third link member is provided having a first end and a second end. A third compliant flexural joint pivotally interconnects the first end of the third link member to the second end of the first link member and a fourth compliant flexural joint pivotally interconnects the second end of the third link member to the second end of the second link member.

Abstract: A robot is disclosed in which load torque imposed on motors is reduced and therefore small-sized motors can be used. In the robot, an arm member, a first link, a second link and a third link constitute a parallel linkage, and the first link and the third link are coaxially pivotally supported on a base. With a pivotal shaft for pivotally connecting the second link and the third link, one end of a fourth link having shorter link length than the link length of the third link is pivotally connected to the second and third links and one end of a fifth link having the same link length as that of the fourth link is pivotally connected to the other end of the fourth link. The other end of the fifth link is pivotally supported on the base with a pivotal shaft to which the rotary shaft of the motor is coupled, so that the fifth link can move according to the rotation of the motor.

Abstract: A terminal assembly for connecting a core member of a remote control cable assembly to a control member includes a housing, an isolator secured to the housing with a snap-fit connection and having a deflectable wall at least partially forming a passage for receiving the control member, an adjuster movable between an installed position wherein the adjuster prevents outward deflection of the wall away from the passage and an uninstalled position wherein the wall is free to outwardly deflect away from the passage. The adjuster is secured to the isolator with a snap-fit connection in the installed position. The isolator includes a flange within the passage which is adapted to cooperate with the control member to secure the control member to the isolator when the adjuster is in the installed position.

Abstract: An extension for the handle bars of a motorcycle includes an insert with a projection that fits within the handle bars. The handle bars and insert are keyed so as to prevent rotational movement thereof relative to each other. A parallel bar that is clamped to the handle bars retains all of the parts in place.

Abstract: A steering wheel cover for covering a section of a steering wheel with at least one covering piece which surround the steering wheel body along the section of the steering wheel to be covered and which may be fixed relative to the steering wheel body by means of a catch connection. The catch connection is produced by the engagement of a catch element with a corresponding catch segment. An additional catch lock with a stop-face may be provided, on which the catch element may rest and which hinders a release of the catch connection.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a first tubular and a second tubular, in certain aspects, the first tubular extending through a power tong and the second tubular extending through a backup tong, the apparatus including positioning apparatus for guiding the power tong with respect to the backup tong and for maintaining said power tong and said backup tong in a certain juxtaposition during a tubular stabbing operation, the positioning apparatus including a plurality of spaced-apart locating rods projecting from one of said power tong and said backup tong and a plurality of spaced-apart blocks on the other of said power tong and said backup tong, and each block having a recess shaped to receive an end of one of the plurality of spaced-apart locating rods.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a ratchet wheel received in the bore of a head and having a number of teeth, and having an engaging hole for receiving a socket adapter. A pawl may control the ratchet wheel to be driven by the head. The socket adapter includes a shell engaged in the ratchet wheel, and a shank extended from the shell for engaging with a tool member. Two balls are engaged in the shell and the shank. A shaft is slidably engaged in the shell and the shank for selectively actuating the balls to engage with the lower portion of the ratchet wheel and the tool member simultaneously.

Abstract: A wrench includes a head, a gear, an engagement element and a bent spring. The head defines a circular space and a crescent space communicated with the circular space. The gear includes a plurality of teeth and is received in the circular space. The engagement element includes a concave face formed with a plurality of teeth and a convex face and is received in the crescent space. The teeth of the engagement element are engaged with some of the teeth of the gear. The convex face contacts a wall of the crescent space. The bent spring is received in the crescent space so that first a section of the spring contacts the wall of the crescent space and a second section of the spring contacts the engagement element. When the head is rotated in a first direction, the gear tends to rotate the engagement element relative to the head in a second position opposite to the first direction so as to enhance the engagement of the teeth so as to avoid rotation of the bead relative to the gear.

Abstract: A slide switch adjustable wrench uses a laminated steel construction method that includes a stepped surface to form a guide for the worm gear driven moving jaw. A molded or similarly formed body is sandwiched between the steel housing sides to form a sturdy structure. The body provides cavities, bearings and other features to support and guide moving parts within. A rack and pinion drive system uses simple molded gears to amplify about 2 inches of switch travel into about 6 turns of the worm gear. An overmolded rubber edge grip bonds to the body to create a recess in the body; this recess seamlessly fits the steel sides to form a smooth continuously contoured grip surface.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench comprises a handle and a head extending from the handle. A jaw is mounted in a clamping space of the head and movable relative to an end of the clamping space upon operation of a knob. A clamping member is mounted to an end of the jaw. An elastic element is provided for biasing an end of the clamping member into the clamping space so as to press against a fastener in the clamping space. The adjustable wrench drives the fastener when the adjustable wrench is turned in a first direction. The adjustable wrench is turned freely without driving the fastener when the adjustable wrench is turned in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A tool for receiving adapters and sockets of various sizes. One embodiment includes a first receiving end having outer and inner cavities being substantially rectangular with the inner cavity having a smaller diameter than the outer cavity. A second extension end is positioned opposite the first receiving end and includes outer and inner extensions being substantially rectangular shaped with the outer extension having a smaller width than the inner extension. Another embodiment includes a first end having at least two receiving cavities axially aligned. A first receiving cavity is positioned proximate the first end and has a larger diameter than a second distal receiving cavity. A second end includes at least two receiving cavities axially aligned including a third receiving cavity positioned proximate the second end having a larger diameter than a fourth distal receiving cavity.

Abstract: A self-adjusting pliers is operable to grasp a workpiece between an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The pliers includes an upper arm having the upper jaw and a lower arm, with the lower jaw linked to the lower arm but not integral with the lower arm. A control arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the control arm has a first pivotable connection to the upper arm adjacent to an end of the upper arm remote from the upper jaw, and the second end of the control arm has a second pivotable connection to the lower arm at an intermediate location along the length of the lower arm. An upper control arm pivot pin provides the pivotable connection between the first end of the control arm and the upper arm, and a spring biases the control arm so as to resist rotation of the control arm about the upper control arm pivot pin. A support extends downwardly from the upper arm toward the lower arm and has a guide thereon.

Abstract: A pliers having a replaceable gripping member for pliers jaws in the form of a threaded cylinder received in a threaded bore with part of the threaded cylinder extending out of the jaw in which it is mounted to provide a gripping surface formed of a segment of the threaded cylinder. The mating jaw has a recess to receive the projecting segment. A method of renewing the gripping surface includes rotating the threaded member to expose a different portion of the threads in the projecting segment, after removal of damaged threads in the projecting segment by filing the cylinder, if necessary. A hexagonal recess is formed in the end of the cylinder to enable installation, renewal of the segment and replacement of the entire cylinder using an Allen wrench. For non-sparking applications, the pliers are formed of aluminum bronze and the gripping member is formed of beryllium copper.

Abstract: Disclosed are pliers for suction cup capable of removing easily a suction cup from an eyeglass lens. The suction cup includes a lens holding portion for holding the eyeglass lens and a mounting base formed integrally with the lens holding portion. The pliers comprise first and second pinching portions relatively movable close and apart to each other for pinching the mounting base, opposed surfaces formed on the first and second pinching portions to oppose the mounting base, and an engaged convex portion provided on at least one of the opposed surfaces of the first and second pinching portions to contact with the mounting base.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a universal lug wrench that can be used by ordinary people to loosen and fasten the lug nuts 12 on automobile tires 14 without undue strain on the users part. This is made possible by a supporting adjustment stand 16 and the longer arm 18 of the wrench 20. The present invention 10 is also easy to disassemble and store and also versatile as the sockets 22, 23 for the lug nuts 12 of different sizes can easily be interchanged. The purpose of the wrench 20 is to exert a torque on a lug nut 12 at the socket 22 end and around the axis by pressing the handle end 21. The improved wrench of the present invention 10 eliminates the unwanted torque generated by a conventional wrench 24. The present invention 10 has an extension 54 for the sockets 22 that are inserted into the adjustable clamp 56 and provides a pivoting point for the wrench 20. Various sockets 22, 23 can be interchangeably used for lug nuts 12 of different sizes.

Abstract: An impact wrench (1) having a handle (3), an arm (7) pivotally connected to the handle (3) and of unitary construction with the handle (3), and a key (11) on the arm (7) for coupling with a keyseat of a wrench tool, such as a socket of a socket wrench. An impact surface (2) is located at an upper end of the handle (3) and has an impact-resistant cap (5). In use, a socket is fitted to the key (11) and placed into engagement with a nut or bolt which needs to be loosened. Striking the cap (5) with a hammer in the direction of arrow 17 causes rotation of the arm (7) and the socket and for the nut or bolt to loosen.

Abstract: A method for preparing a contact surface of an implantable bone, joint or similar prosthetic component subject to contact or motion includes the steps of mounting the prosthetic component on a turning or cutting machine and cutting the face of the prosthetic component with a diamond cutting tool using computerized control of tool position along a cross direction to machine cut a super finished surface. The variations of contour and the surface roughness are both under about 0.5 micrometers, and preferably under about 0.2 micrometers or less. The super finished surface generates wear particles at an asymptotically low or residual level during wear-in which may enhance wear characteristics and reduce local reaction or systemic rejection effects. The component is preferably formed by a strong hard polymer, such as UHMWPE.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for trimming an irregular open end of a container body is disclosed. The improved trimmer cartridge includes a sealed gear housing, for retention of interior lubricant and to reduce contamination. An adjustment mechanism, accessible from the exterior of the housing, is provided to adjust a gap between two blades of the trimmer cartridge. The adjustment mechanism provides improved control over the gap width, which is between 8-25% of the can metal thickness. Additionally, a tang that is removably connected to a shaft for a first blade provides rotational power for the trimmer. The tang is replaceable without requiring the housing to be opened or requiring replacement of the blade shaft. Another blade shaft is provided for a second blade, with the two blade shafts having substantially equal mass. The trimmer also includes spur gears, which do not have the thrust load associated with prior art helical gears.

Abstract: A sheet material cutting apparatus includes a cutting head and a knife frame rotatably coupled to the cutting head. A blade defining a cutting edge is coupled for reciprocation to the knife frame, as is a primary sharpener for sharpening substantially the entire cutting edge of the blade after it becomes dull from operation. A presser foot having a secondary sharpener mounted thereon, is also coupled to the knife frame for movement between a raised non-working and a lowered working position. The secondary sharpener includes a sharpening member engageable with the cutting edge of the blade via the action of an actuator, for sharpening a portion of the blade's cutting edge between primary sharpening operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for halving pieces of product includes a loading conveyor for conveying individual pieces of product and having a planar surface defining a plane tilted with respect to the horizontal and a lift conveyor comprising a moving surface positioned adjacent to the loading conveyor and oriented in a plane parallel to the axis of the loading conveyor for receiving pieces of product from the loading conveyor and for conveying them in an upward direction substantially at a right angle to the plane of the loading conveyor. The lift conveyor has a plurality of flites spaced along the lift conveyor, each flite supporting, one at a time, the pieces of product. A cutting blade is positioned to engage each piece of product as it moves along the lift conveyor so as to cut each piece of product into two pieces.

Abstract: A table saw having a rotation structure includes a work table, a suspension rod, a swing seat, a rotation seat, a push lever, two torsion springs, and a threaded rod. When the threaded rod is rotated, the push lever is displaced horizontally to push the rotation seat to rotate, so that the circular blade is moved upward, thereby adjusting the cutting height of the circular blade. Thus, the push lever is urged by the elastic force of the two torsion springs, so that the push lever is closely and rigidly combined with the threaded rod, thereby eliminating the clearance between the push lever and the threaded rod, so that the cutting height of the circular, blade is adjusted exactly and precisely, thereby enhancing the cutting efficiency of the table saw.

Abstract: Embodiments of an punch machine and a quick-change die assembly are shown and described. The die assembly may be quickly installed and removed from the punch machine, without bolting or unbolting of either machine housing or the die assembly itself. The die assembly is slid into the machine through a hole in the machine housing and into a position which mates part of the die assembly with the push-bar. A clamp, with a handle outside the machine, is then pivoted against the die assembly. The push-bar is adapted to be self-supporting without being bolted to the die assembly, keeping the push-bar in place without manual adjustment and alignment. The die assembly preferably includes a die, pin retainer, and punch pins, and preferably includes a flexible, pivotal, or hinged pin strap to secure the pins to the retainer.

Abstract: A saw chain for a chain saw including alternating center and side link pairs with certain of said side links being cutting links and certain of said center links preceding said cutting links having guard portions to inhibit kick back. Said guard portions including a forward and rearward guard portion, the rearward guard portion in overlapping relation with a depth guide of the cutting link. A relief spacing between the guard portions facilitates chip carriage and the guard portions cooperatively form a ramp to guide wood being cut over and onto the depth gauge for controlling the depth of cut taken by the cutting link.

Abstract: A mechanized device for externally grabbing and rotating the operating capstan of a railroad car bottom discharge gate is disclosed which utilizes a pair of spaced converging, opposed normally open gripper fingers operable between a closed and an open position, operated between a closed and an open position by a reciprocating fluid cylinder and a motor for rotating the gripper mechanism relative to the cylinder to thereby rotate the capstan to operate the gate.

Abstract: The invention, as embodied herein, comprises a kinetic energy driven projectile for defeating unexploded ordnance or buried land mines. This projectile has been developed to address the specific problem with similar devices in that the kinetic energy by itself does not sufficiently fracture the explosive material within a mine in order to fully defeat the mine. This invention adds a small amount of insensitive high explosive material but that is cap sensitive to one tip of the projectile, along with a novel initiation mechanism, so that the detonation of the high explosive material can more fully fracture the explosive material within a mine. This allows a neutralization agent to completely react with all of the explosive material within the mine, thereby consuming the entire fill.

Abstract: A unique phasing pattern is provided that maximizes the effective perforation geometry of a wellbore. The improvement overcomes the problems associated with multi-phase guns of the past that failed to account for the fact that the gun rested on the low side of the casing. In one embodiment of the present invention, the phasing is arranged so that there is a zero phase tunnel formed. The zero phase tunnel is located at approximately the location where the gun rests against the low side of the well. Further, tunnels are formed by shape charges at plus and minus forty-five degrees and at plus and minus ninety degrees. This can also be referred to as a penta-phase. In another embodiment of the invention, charges can also be placed to allow for a plus and minus one hundred and thirty-five degrees pattern in addition to the penta-phase pattern described above. This expanded pattern can also be referred to as a hepta-phase pattern.

Abstract: A recoil buffering apparatus for use with an artillery gun of the type comprising a breech assembly (15) connected to a barrel (12), the breech assembly (15) having a firing mechanism for firing a projectile through an open end of the barrel (12). The recoil buffering apparatus comprises a recoil buffering means adapted to be fixed to the barrel (12) and movable therewith during recoil action of the barrel (12) caused by firing of the projectile, and a support means associated with the recoil buffering means for supporting the recoil buffering means and thereby supporting the barrel (12) and breech assembly (15) through the recoil buffering means. An elevating apparatus and a traversing apparatus for an artillery gun are also described. The artillery gun can also be provided with a muzzle brake (11).

Abstract: An organic cargo handling system, includes a tactical vehicle, a bed disposable on the vehicle, the bed including a tiltable bed portion, the tiltable bed portion including a quick hitch, the tiltable bed portion quick hitch is translatably disposed on a track, the track being operably coupled to the tiltable bed portion, quick hitch being powerable in a first direction along the track and being powerable in a second opposed direction along the track, and a cargo handling apparatus being couplable to the quick hitch for selective engagement with an article to be transported on the tactile vehicle to advance said article up the tiltable bed portion for loading thereon and to urge the article down the tiltable bed portion for offloading thereof. A vehicle bed and a method of deploying material in a field are further included.

Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a valve housing having first, second, and third valve ports, an actuation rod, a first tip valve actuated by the first end of the actuation rod to allow or block fluid passage through the first valve port, and a second tip valve actuated by the second end of the actuation rod to allow or block passage through the second valve port. A vacuum booster diaphragm subassembly includes a vacuum booster diaphragm and a grommet attached to the vacuum booster diaphragm. A vacuum booster assembly includes the above-described solenoid valve, includes primary and secondary diaphragms, and includes the above-described grommet attached to the secondary diaphragm, wherein the secondary diaphragm is the above-described vacuum booster diaphragm.

Abstract: A brake booster 1 includes a valve mechanism 6, and a solenoid 8 which operates the valve mechanism 6. When the solenoid 8 is energized, a solenoid plunger 26 and a valve seat member 11 move rearward relative to a valve body 3, whereby the valve mechanism 6 is operated to actuate the brake booster 1 without depressing a brake pedal. A core member 27 which forms a magnetic path for the solenoid 8 is disposed rearward of the solenoid plunger 26 so as to be movable axially of the valve body and so as to move in linked relationship with a valve plunger 13. The invention allows the size of the solenoid 8 to be reduced.