Abstract: A shotgun shell flight path indicator is described which in general includes a shell casing having a primer end having a primer, a propellant disposed within the interior of the casing proximate to the primer adapted for ignition by the primer, and a non-combustible indicator positioned within the casing. The indicator generally includes a base positioned proximate to the propellant where the base has a sufficient mass and size for unaided observation following discharge from a shotgun barrel. The indicator may include ballast integral to the base and pedals extending outwardly from the base to assist in aerodynamic drafting behind expelled shot to visually represent the flight trajectory of the expelled shot of a shotgun shell. The indicator may further include a plug disposed in the casing between the ballast and the propellant where the plug is adapted to compact the ballast within a ballast pocket integral to the base upon discharge of the shotgun shell to reduce peak barrel pressure for a shotgun.

Abstract: In one aspect, an artillery projectile apparatus is provided that includes a carrier projectile containing a payload, and a fuze disposed at an ogive of the projectile and which is configured to eject the payload when the fuze is detonated. The fuze includes a receiver configured to receive location information from a radionavigation source and a processor configured to acquire position data from the receiver. The processor is also configured to estimate a projectile flight path using the position data, to determine intercept parameters of the artillery projectile relative to an ejection plane of its payload cargo, and to adjust an ejection event initiation command time of the payload in accordance with the determined intercept parameters. In some configurations, the present invention dramatically decreases range errors typically associated with delivering artillery payloads to specific targets.

Abstract: A frangible projectile with a specific gravity similar to a lead projectile. The projectile comprises 34-94%, by weight, binder. The binder comprises poly ether block amide resin. The projectile further comprises 6-66%, by weight, ballast. The ballast comprises at least one member selected from a group consisting of tungsten, tungsten carbide, molybdenum, tantalum, ferro-tungsten, copper, bismuth, iron, steel, brass, aluminium bronze, beryllium copper, tin, aluminium, titanium, zinc, nickel silver alloy, cupronickel and nickel. The projectile can be prepared with a particularly preferred specific gravity of 5-14 and more preferably 11-11.5.

Abstract: A front end portion 100 is disposed on the front end of a car body. The floor thereof consists of extruded hollow members 210 that constitute a shock absorber 200. The shock absorber 200 is divided into an upper shock absorber 200 and a lower shock absorber 200. Annealed extruded hollow members are used to form the hollow member 210. The hollow members 210 are disposed so that their direction of extrusion corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the car body. The hollow members 210 are divided longitudinally into two portions by a plate 220. At the width-direction ends of member 210, the face plates 211 and 212 are welded onto plates 223-226. Upon receiving impact load, members 210 fold up into concertinas, absorbing the impact force. Since members 210 are separated by a plate, they deform evenly and continuously into concertinas instead of being bent in half, capable of absorbing a large energy.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and composition for providing chemically-resistant roughened copper surfaces suitable for subsequent multilayer lamination. In one embodiment, a smooth copper surface is contacted with an adhesion promoting composition under conditions effective to provide a roughened copper surface, the adhesion promoting composition comprising an oxidizer, a pH adjuster, a topography modifier, and a sulfur-containing coating stabilizer. In another embodiment, a smooth copper surface is contacted with an adhesion promoting composition under conditions effective to provide a roughened copper surface, the adhesion promoting composition comprising an oxidizer, a pH adjuster, and a topography modifier. Then, in a subsequent step, the roughened copper surface is contacted with an acid resistance promoting composition.

Abstract: The present application relates to a process for the manufacture of pigmented vitreous materials, as well as to pigmented vitreous materials, characterized by the use of soluble pigment precursors and preferably the absence of significant amounts of dispersants. These pigmented vitreous materials can be used as coloured materials for any known purposes.

Abstract: A pallet system includes a pallet body. The pallet body is formed from a first, independently formed first portion and a second blow molded second upper portion insert molded to the first portion. The pallet body may have two to eight recesses for forklift truck fork access. The second upper portion has a generally rectangular surface for carrying loads. The portions may have anti-skid properties, for example, a knurled topside surface or rubber coated bottom. At least one foot is attached to the second upper portion by insert molding. At least one runner may be attached to each foot to form part of the first portion. At least one stringer is attached to each runner to add further stability to the pallet. The runners and feet have channels or protruding members to effectively mate with the second upper portion.

Abstract: A pallet system includes a pallet body. The pallet body is formed from a first, independently formed first portion and a second blow molded second upper portion insert molded to the first portion. The pallet body may have two to eight recesses for forklift truck fork access. The second upper portion has a generally rectangular surface for carrying loads. The portions may have anti-skid properties, for example, a knurled topside surface or rubber coated bottom. At least one foot is attached to the second upper portion by insert molding. At least one runner may be attached to each foot to form part of the first portion. At least one stringer is attached to each runner to add further stability to the pallet. The runners and feet have channels or protruding members to effectively mate with the second upper portion.

Abstract: A kitchen assembly includes a vertically adjustable dining table capable of selectively shifting to a position depending on consumer requirements. More specifically, the kitchen assembly includes a countertop having a main work surface supported above a first base portion in a substantially horizontal plane and a vertically adjustable tabletop assembly. The tabletop assembly includes a dining surface supported by a plurality of vertically adjustable support members above a second base portion designed to shift the dining table along an adjustment path. A protective apron is arranged between the respective surfaces to prevent foreign objects from entering the adjustment path. Through operation of a control, a user can selectively set the vertical height of the dining table with respect to the countertop. Preferably, the user can set the height of the table through operation of a remote control, irrespective of the presence of objects on the dining surface.

Abstract: In one aspect, a grate segment for a burner, comprises a substantially rigid body (30) having a dispersed array of cavities (38) filled with a refractory material. In another aspect, a solid fuel gasifier includes a housing (12) defining a gasifier chamber (14), and a solid fuel inlet (21), grate structure (22, 24) in the gasifier chamber. The grate structure includes base means, a plurality of agitator segments (32) positioned relative to the base means for reciprocating movement to agitate a fuel load in the gasifier, and means to support the base means and the agitator segments so that the latter reciprocate in a direction at a substantial inclination to both horizontal and vertical. In use of the gasifier a deep burden of fuel accumulates on the grate structure and the outward stroke of the reciprocation of the agitator elements is in the overall direction of flow of the fuel burden or generally oppositely thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the control of a cleaning system for a boiler which incorporates factors related to the overall operation and efficiency of the boiler. Current values of plant data parameters associated with the boiler furnace are compared with respective setpoint values. The process then determines if the furnace is to be cleaned based on this comparison.

Abstract: A pivot mechanism for pivotally attaching two members about a pivot axis comprises a first member defining a first pivot hole, and having first and second bearing surfaces oriented perpendicular to the pivot axis. A second member defines a second pivot hole aligned with the first pivot hole, and a pivot plate defines a plate pivot hole aligned with the first and second pivot holes such that inner surfaces of the second member and pivot plate are parallel to the bearing surfaces. Wear pads are located between the inner and bearing surfaces. A pivot pin extends through the pivot holes. The pivot plate and second member are squeezed against the wear pads, and the second member and the pivot plate rotate together with respect to the first member. A residue deflector deflects residue clumps falling off a front seeder leg away from the path of a rear seeder leg.

Abstract: A large-waterplane-area ship operable to efficiently operate at a high-Froude velocity. In one embodiment of the invention, a large-waterplane-area ship includes a hull structure having a plurality of exclusive hull portions protruding from a main body of the hull structure. Each hull portion has a length shorter than the length of the main body and each hull portion has a buoyancy wherein the combined buoyancy of each hull portion is sufficient to support the main body above a waterline. As such, each hull portion acts independently and exclusively of other hull portions with respect to the effects of wave drag. Therefore, the ship overcomes wave drag at lower velocities.

Abstract: A dock stabilizer is provided that attaches about a piling on a dock or a pier to stabilize the dock or pier. In one aspect, the dock stabilizer utilizes a plurality of roller assemblies that are spaced axially and laterally apart from one another to reduce twisting or rocking of the dock. At least one of the roller assemblies may have a roller disposed a predetermined distance from the surface of the dock to counteract a moment arm and provide equilibrium on the dock.

Abstract: A semi-submersible offshore platform (1) comprising:

Abstract: A floating playground includes floating modules which provide buoyancy to a variety of recreational implements. Rigid flotation vessels filled with foam provide buoyancy to the modules. The modules have a frame and plurality of posts which can support a variety of recreational implements. The modules float individually or can be connected together to from a floating playground with a variety of recreational implements. The modules are also mobile so they can be moved from location to location and interchanged with other modules to form a dynamic playground.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for installing a self-floating deck structure with at least one recessed cavity on the bottom of the self-floating deck structure onto a buoyant substructure. The self-floating deck structure is aligned over a submerged buoyant substructure and the top of the buoyant substructure is inserted into a recessed cavity in the self-floating deck structure until the buoyant substructure mates with the self-floating deck structure at a point above the water surface. The self-floating deck and the buoyant substructure are connected by welding or one or more mechanical device.

Abstract: Presented is an enhanced Surface Effect Ship (SES) that offers the high efficiencies of the pressurized air cushion supported generic flexible bow and stern seal SES but without the generic SES's shortcomings that are due largely to its 80 percent total hull width flexible bow and stem seals. This is accomplished in the instant invention by use of forward extending rigid bow members positioned both sides of a pressurized hull supporting gas cushion where the width of the sidehulls make up a majority of the width of the instant invention enhanced surface effect ship with the remainder, less than 35 percent of vessel width normally, made up by a moveable seal member disposed between the bow members. Gas cushions may extend forward into undersides of the bow members to further reduce wetted area resistance. Longitudinally oriented fluid fences may be incorporated to at least partially separate portions of the gas cushion and thereby dampen pressure perturbations in the gas cushion(s).

Abstract: A towing system, especially useful in wake boarding is described. Using a beam mounted to a tower and a carriage that travels over the beam, a towline attached to the carriage of one variation of the system offers a rider more air time and eliminates certain burdens created with the towline/rope. Further, more room to gain speed and set up for the wake jump, more air and natural feeling during the air time due to the elimination of rope tightening otherwise experienced. A number of other possible system variations and options in addition to the basic beam and carriage configuration are also disclosed. Preferably, the beam and carriage are configured to offer a virtual pivot point for the tow rope that is pushed forward of where the beam is mounted.

Abstract: A boat ladder has a rigid I-beam support with steps pivotally attached for making the ladder compact, with the ladder pivotally engaged with a compartment in the boat hull for storing the ladder when not in use.

Abstract: A pylon with a molded hollow tapered body having an inclined side wall extending upwardly from a support base and molded steps in the side wall defining alternating horizontal step surfaces and vertical step surfaces. The body optionally includes a cap with a central opening, a substantially square base tapering to a circular conical cap, two orthogonal grooves in the cap, a rectangular aperture above a horizontal step surface, and a keyhole aperture in a vertical step surface.

Abstract: A assembling structure of an indicating needle for an instrument includes a case body having an upper case and a lower case (13), an indicating needle shaft (19) rotatably pivoted by the upper case and the lower case, and a top portion (19A) of the indicating needle shaft is projected to outside from the upper caser (13), and an indicating needle (32) provided on the projection. A concave portion (34) is provided on a shift supporting portion of the indicating needle shaft (19) in a bottom surface of the lower case, a lower end portion (19B) of the indicating needle shaft (19) is projected into the concave portion (34), and the projection amount is smaller than the depth of the concave portion (34).

Abstract: A plurality of unconventional negative tribo-charging materials are described for use as the powder contact surfaces in tribocharging and corona powder spray guns, gun compounds, and powder delivery system components. The invention also provides a short barrel tribo-charging powder spray gun having an interchangeable powder contact insert and nozzle, with turbulence inducing air jets. The invention further provides novel tribocharging and corona gun designs. Improved powder coating systems are made possible wherein, for example, negative tribo guns can be utilized with negative corona guns to coat different parts of the same workpiece in a powder coating system and to realize a repair coating process. Also proived is an inside-out configuration in which pressurized air directs powder coating material outward towards a charging surface. Additional configurations provide airjet induced tribocharging and conventional tribocharging portions combined in a single gun.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a multilayer thin film and an apparatus thereof, which are able to form a thin layer at an accuracy of 0.5 nanometers or less on at least a specified layer during formation on a substrate (W) and to increase the yield of multilayer thin film products. X-rays are irradiated from X-ray irradiating means (6) onto the surface of a multilayer thin film during formation on the substrate (W) at angles from 0 to 1.5 degrees, and the obtained reflected X-rays are measured by X-ray measuring means (7) while varying the incident angle &thgr;, wherein reflectivity curve depicting the intensities of the reflected X-rays are obtained with respect to the scattering angle 2&thgr;, and the reflectivity curve, whose scattering angles exist in a range of 0 to 1 degree, of the reflectivity curve is analyzed.

Abstract: A semiconductor process system (10) includes a measuring section (40), an information processing section (51), and a control section (52). The measuring section (40) measures a characteristic of a test target film formed on a target substrate (W) by a semiconductor process. The information processing section (51) calculates a positional correction amount of the target substrate (W) necessary for improving planar uniformity of the characteristic, based on values of the characteristic measured by the measuring section (40) at a plurality of positions on the test target film. The control section (52) controls a drive section (30A, 32A) of a transfer device (30), based on the positional correction amount, when the transfer device (30) transfers a next target substrate (W) to the support member (17) to perform the semiconductor process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved gas gate for interconnecting regions of differing gaseous composition and/or pressure, more particularly between atmosphere and a vacuum. The gas gate includes a cylinder within a housing situated between the regions of differing gaseous pressure. A web of substrate material is adapted to move between the regions with at least one roller in the first region and at least one roller in the second region. The rollers are positioned to create sufficient tension as the web advances over the top peripheral portion of the cylinder between the two regions or under the bottom peripheral portion of the cylinder between the two regions. In an exemplary embodiment, the gas gate is characterized by the height of the passageway between the top plate of the housing and web of substrate advancing over the top peripheral portion of the cylinder and the height of the passageway between the bottom plate of the housing and the bottom peripheral portion of the cylinder.

Abstract: In a parallel plate type plasma processing apparatus (1), a baffle plate (28) is fitted between a ceiling (2b) and side wall (2a) of a chamber (2). The baffle plate (28) confines plasma into the upper portion of the chamber (2), and at the same time, constitutes a return route of a return current to a high frequency power source (27). A return current flowing through the baffle plate (28) returns to the high frequency power source (27) via the ceiling (2b) of the chamber (2).

Abstract: A plasma reactor operable over a very wide process window of pressure, source power and bias power includes a resonant circuit consisting of an overhead electrode having a first impedance, a wafer support pedestal having a second impedance and a bulk plasma having a third impedance and generally lying in a process zone between the overhead electrode and the wafer support pedestal, the magnitudes of the impedances of the overhead electrode and the wafer support pedestal being within an order of magnitude of one another, the resonant circuit having a resonant frequency determined by the first, second and third impedances.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the aquaculture of marine deposit feeders, such as Arenicola marina and Arenicola defodiens. The method comprises providing a foodstuff such as brewery yeast or waste from fish farms within the substrate housing the worms. The foodstuff is conveniently particulate or microparticulate to aid intimate admixture with a substrate, which is typically sand.

Abstract: A reformer controller is electrically coupled to both a fuel reformer and an engine control unit. The reformer controller is configured to communicate with the engine control unit to monitor an engine load signal between the engine control unit and an internal combustion engine. The reformer controller operates the fuel reformer in response to the engine load signal. A method of operating a fuel reformer is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic control unit for a combustion engine having a water coolant passageway in heat transfer adjacency to the unit and adapted to remove heat from the unit. An ECU for combustion engine, comprising: electrical input circuits, electrical control circuits, electrical fuel injection output drive circuits, electrical oil pump output drive circuits and electrical ignition circuits. An ECU is disclosed which is adapted to verify firing of the ignition coils of the engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1010 or 2000) is provided. The internal combustion engine includes a housing (1013 or 1068) and a piston assembly (6, 1012, and 2038) disposed in the housing. The piston assembly is substantially stationary relative to the housing. A cylinder (1, 1014, and 2040) is movably disposed within the housing. A combustion chamber (20, 1033, and 2064) is disposed between the piston assembly and the cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for varying a compression ratio of an engine having a block and a head mounted thereto. The apparatus and method includes a cylinder having a block portion and a head portion, a piston linearly movable in the block portion of the cylinder, a cylinder plug linearly movable in the head portion of the cylinder, and a valve located in the cylinder plug and operable to provide controlled fluid communication with the block portion of the cylinder.

Abstract: A valve arrangement for a rotary valve assembly for use in an internal combustion engine of the piston and cylinder type, wherein the cylinder head/combustion chamber is of the hemispherical type, the valve seals being positioned in angled relationship to the hemispherical heads so as to permit charging of the cylinder with a fuel/air mixture and evacuation of spent gases.

Abstract: An actuating drive for valve drives having a variably adjustable stroke, for actuating valves of internal combustion engines is provided, which can be arranged in cylinder heads having usual dimensions, next to the valve activation mechanisms, in advantageous manner. The element that is changeable in its angle position is provided with a guide toggle coupled in fixed rotational manner, which is in engagement with an actuating shaft arranged adjacent to it, guided in the cylinder head in displaceable manner. This actuating slide has an actuating bridge in the region of the actuating path, with which contact surfaces of the actuating lever are engaged on one or both sides. The actuating slide is coupled with an actuating motor, which effects the axial actuating movements of the actuating slide counter to the forces introduced by the actuating lever.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is presented, in which the valves (11) are adapted to be actuated by a valve actuation arrangement (12), the valve actuation arrangement (12) comprising actuation adjustment mechanisms (17), adapted to assume a first position whereby the valves can be actuated according to a first valve lift mode, and to assume a second position whereby the valves can be actuated according to a second valve lift mode. Further, the position the actuation adjustment mechanisms (17) at a first set of cylinders is controllable through a first mechanism control system (22), and the position of the actuation adjustment mechanisms (17) at a second set of cylinders is controllable through a second mechanism control system (23), whereby the first set of cylinders consists of cylinders which are consecutive in a firing sequence, during operation of the engine according to at least one engine operation mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tensioning rail for a traction drive, especially for an internal combustion engine, said tensioning rail comprising a fastening end section with a pivotable fastening means and a tensioning arm area having, at a predetermined distance from said pivotable fastening means, a pressure-application region for contact with a tensioning piston of a tensioning device, at least one second pressure-application region being arranged on the tensioning arm area at a predetermined different distance from said pivotable fastening means.

Abstract: A stop and start control apparatus of an internal combustion engine prevents fuel supplied in a specific cylinder at the time of stopping the engine from being discharged in an unburned state. When an ignition switch is turned off in a state that the unburned fuel is sealed in the combustion chamber of a specific cylinder during idling stop, the unburned fuel is combusted to prevent the unburned fuel from being discharged. The vibration occurring at that time can be suppressed by rotating the motor generator in the counter direction to the rotation direction of the crankshaft. After the unburned fuel is sealed in the combustion chamber of the specific cylinder, if it is estimated that the unburned fuel is discharged, the exhaust valve corresponding to the specific cylinder is closed at the predetermined timing, or the unburned fuel is combusted, whereby the unburned fuel is prevented from being discharged. Thus, deterioration of emission can be avoided.

Abstract: An intermediate resin molded body 30 is put between two outer resin molded bodies 10, 20, and a molten resin is injected substantially simultaneously into a first interface between one outer resin molded body 10 of the two outer resin molded bodies and the intermediate resin molded body 30 and a second interface between the other outer resin molded body 20 and the intermediate resin body 30, so that the two outer resin molded bodies 10, 20 and the intermediate resin molded body 30 are welded together.

Abstract: An engine air intake manifold has two main body sections that are divided along an airflow direction and mated tightly against each other at oppositely facing mating parts so as to form an air intake passage therein. A gas passage is formed along the mating parts. The gas passage opens into a downstream portion of the air intake passage and supplies a secondary additive gas thereto. Preferably, the engine air intake manifold has air intake branch pipes with valve mounting blocks for mounting air intake control valves to a downstream portion of the air intake branch pipes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intake manifolding for an internal combustion engine in which the swirl of at least one intake charge flowing into a combustion chamber through at least one intake port opening is variable, the intake port opening being controlled by an intake valve and at least one intake valve comprising at least two intake flow paths formed by intake passages that are completely independent of one another, said flow paths rejoining in the region of the valve chamber, at least one of the intake passages being configured as a primary passage and at least one intake passage as a secondary passage, the flow through the secondary passage being variable by means of a control facility and the secondary passage being configured as a neutral or tangential passage.

Abstract: A first balancing shaft and a second balancing shaft are provided for an internal-combustion engine having four cylinders in a V-arrangement. The free inertial forces of the second order are reduced by way of the balancing shafts. The second balancing shaft is arranged in the point of intersection of the cylinder Vs above the crankshaft. The rotation center points of the two balancing shafts and of the crankshaft are situated on a perpendicular axis of symmetry which extends through the point of intersection.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a fuel system component disposed on an engine body in a vehicle, the apparatus including a protector including a first wall and a second wall connected with the first wall. The first and second walls extend toward the engine body and cooperate with each other to surround the fuel system component. The second wall has one end opposed to the engine body with a clearance. A first fastening member fixes the first wall to the engine body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an engine and a method for producing the engine.

Abstract: An engine part that contacts oil during engine operation has a coating layer that provides one or more oil additives into the oil during a desired period of engine use. The coating layer includes one or more oil additives that are incorporated into the oil over the period of engine use as well as a coating matrix that releases the additive(s), e.g. by dissolution or diffusion of the additive(s), into the oil over the desired period of engine use. The additives replenish the oil to maintain or improve oil performance over the period of engine use.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having at least one piston with an adjustable stroke length. The engine includes a connecting rod attached to the piston and a crankshaft. The crankshaft has a journal portion that extends along a length that is non-perpendicular to a movement axis of the piston. The crankshaft may be moved in a longitudinal direction with respect to the piston to adjust the position of the connecting rod on the journal portion and to thereby adjust the stroke length of the piston.

Abstract: A rotary machine configured to product rotary power by igniting intake products that are not compressed to produce combustive products, directing the pressure produced by combustive products to a rotatable expansion ring that rotates a distance proportional to the pressure and exhausting the combustive products from the rotary machine.

Abstract: There is provided a control system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of matching an output torque of the engine with a demanded torque excellently when the combustion mode is switched, thereby enhancing drivability. A demanded fuel amount and a demanded torque of the engine are calculated according to detected operating conditions of the engine. A combustion mode is determined to be either the stratified combustion mode or the homogeneous combustion mode according to the demanded torque. A pre-switching demanded fuel injection time period and a pre-switching demanded torque are stored. When the combustion mode is switched, a switching-time demanded fuel amount (limit value) is calculated according to the stored pre-switching demanded fuel injection time period and pre-switching demanded torque, the current demanded torque, and an estimated combustion efficiency parameter.

Abstract: An air induction manifold has manifold air passages. A carrier has air passages to communicate air from the manifold air passages to an engine. The carrier has a first sealing interface for a manifold and a second sealing interface for an engine cylinder. The first sealing interface seals the communication of air between the manifold air passage and the carrier air passage. A valve is mounted to the carrier that controls the communication of air through the carrier air passage.

Abstract: A controller (31) of a knocking index value calculation device in a spark ignition engine (1) determines operating conditions of the engine (1), estimates an in-cylinder pressure at a reference crank angle, which is set at a predetermined crank position after compression top dead center, using these operating conditions, estimates a temperature of unburned gas in the cylinder at the reference crank angle using these operating conditions, and calculates a knocking index value using the in-cylinder pressure and unburned gas temperature.