Abstract: A pressure-released brake assembly restrains a projectile in a launch tube prior to launch and automatically releases the projectile at launch. A brake assembly housing defines cavities that extend substantially radially out from the projectile when the housing is attached thereto. A brake pad adjoins the housing and has holes formed therethrough with each hole being aligned with one of the housing's cavities. Means are provided for positioning a loose-fitting pin partially in each of the brake pad's holes and partially in a correspondingly aligned housing cavity. When a launch pressure is generated in the projectile's launch tube, the launch pressure acts on each pin via the holes in the brake pad. The launch pressure causes the positioning means to fail and drives each pin out of engagement with the brake pad to effectively uncouple the brake pad from the housing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a monobloc gun barrel by calculating an optimal residual stress profile and then applying tailored autofrettage mandrels which are mechanically pressed down the bore of a large caliber barrel, the mandrel size optimized to create a residual stress distribution on the interior of the bore within the design constraints imposed by the worst-case heat flux scenario.

Abstract: Flash suppressors having novel expansion features are disclosed. In one embodiment, a suppressor apparatus includes an attachment portion adapted to attach to a gun barrel, and a suppressor portion coupled to the attachment portion. The suppressor portion has a suppressor bore therethrough that is adapted to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the gun barrel to allow a projectile from the gun barrel to pass therethrough. The suppressor bore is defined by at least one bore surface having at least one expansion groove disposed therein. The expansion groove may be partially-circumferentially disposed about the suppressor bore, or may include a plurality of expansion grooves. In another embodiment, a flash apparatus includes a suppressor portion having a plurality of longitudinally elongated members spaced apart about a circumference of the suppressor bore, each elongated member being separated from adjacent elongated members by a longitudinal slot, at least one longitudinal slot having non-parallel sidewalls.

Abstract: A projectile firing gun or weapon barrel is adapted with a gas porting system having conduits and outlets specifically configured, positioned and adapted for maximizing reductions in muzzle jump and/or recoil in accordance with principles of reverse thrust. The conduits or flow tubes are contemplated to be configured to function as nozzles whereby varying the shape and size of the conduit walls can maximize the outlet velocity of gases flowing at subsonic as well as supersonic velocities and the stream of redirected gas flow can be concentrated. The system incorporates porting holes located further rearward than at the barrel muzzle, but at a proven safe distance from the barrel chamber, which porting holes are in fluid communication with gas conduits/nozzles.

Abstract: A blank cartridge device is disclosed. According to one example, the blank cartridge device includes a frame, a threaded bush, a nozzle body, and a cover bushing. In such an arrangement, the frame may include first and second longitudinal sides and front and rear sides, wherein the rear side includes a laterally open recess, and wherein the frame is laterally deferrable on a muzzle flash eliminator of an automatic firearm. The nozzle body may include a male thread on the outer periphery of the nozzle body and may be adapted to be screwed into the threaded bush and to extend into the muzzle flash eliminator.

Abstract: A hard armor composite includes a rigid facing and a ballistic fabric backing. The fabric backing is carried by the facing, and includes an array of bundled high-performance fibers. The fibers have a tensile strength greater than 7 grams per denier and a denier per filament ratio of less than 5.4.

Abstract: A stealth weapon module (10) including a weapon support cage (11) and a weapon (12), with the weapon module (10) able to be stowed beneath a retractable hard roof (15). The roof (15) is raised and lowered by a hydraulic motor (16), and includes a stabilizing cloth (15b) that keeps the roof (15), made of interconnected slats (15a), from pulling apart or otherwise changing shape as it is raised and lowered, even at rates of travel of several inches per second. The weapon module (10), with any of various different roof designs including the retractable hard roof (15), can be incorporated into either a transportable shell (20), able to be moved from one application to another, or can be built into (and so specially adapted to) a structure, such as the back/cab of a sports utility vehicle.

Abstract: This invention, as a unit, is a training adjustable combination sight, primarily intended to be mounted on a vehicle of smaller vessel for close-in defence of these against air and ground attacks. In its entirety, aside from the required sight sensors (16-18) situated in an intentionally elevatable sensor housing (4), the combination sight entails a weapon (8) that is controlled by the sensors. The sight sensors (16-18) included in the combination sight can also be utilised for fire control of exterior weapons located elsewhere as well as for gathering purely surveillance data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a powered aiming platform for pointing devices such as firearms, illumination devices, or sensing instruments, remotely controlled by a hand-controller device, with video feedback of the aiming position and audio feedback of the exact direction and speed of positioning movements. The present invention overcomes the safety and accuracy limitations of manual and conventional remotely-controlled aiming mechanisms, thereby allowing operators to point devices accurately and quickly with predictable, precise control. In the case of firearms, the present invention maintains a steady position after repeated firing.

Abstract: A cartridge which is to receive a pasty material and has a cylindrical hollow cartridge body and a de-aeratable piston comprises a two-part piston consisting of a piston part and cover part in which the cover part seals the de-aeration path after the de-aeration.

Abstract: In a fluidic drive for disposition between two components which are movable relative to each other comprising a hollow body with a duct for supplying fluid to, and discharging it from, the hollow body wherein the hollow body consists at least partially of a bellows structure, non-resilient ring elements extend around the hollow body in each of its pleats and a connecting structure extends at least at one side of the hollow body and interconnects the non-resilient ring elements.

Abstract: A fluid power linear drive has a drive housing (1) in which a housing chamber (4) is located containing at least one piston (5). The drive housing possesses two housing parts (2 and 3) placed alongside each other, which at mutually facing joint faces (16 and 17) are provided with half chambers (18a and 18b) constituted by elongated, groove-like recesses, which half chambers are united in a complementary fashion to form at least one housing chamber (4).

Abstract: A process and a device for separating and exhausting gas bubbles from a flowing liquid, especially in a microfluidic system, are proposed. Radial deflection of the liquid, a preferably annular deaeration chamber from which gas can escape through gas separation material, and a following discharge filter are characteristic. The discharge filter is made of a hydrophilic material which forms pores or small channels. Optionally, there is an inlet filter of the corresponding material upstream of the deaeration chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a monolith reactor process for the production of syngas from hydrocarbon and oxygen feeds. The syngas is cooled and separated to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and the purification equipment utilized in this separation process recycles tail gas and fuel gas to the syngas feed gas line and recycles methane from the carbon monoxide separation system for feed back to the monolith reactor. This process results in almost complete carbon to carbon monoxide conversion and very high carbon monoxide and hydrogen recoveries.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing nitrox includes, in one embodiment of the invention, an oxygen enricher to produce oxygen-rich air and a mixing chamber coupled to the oxygen enricher. The mixing chamber is adapted to combine mixing air with the oxygen-rich air to produce nitrox. A method is disclosed that includes removing nitrogen from air to produce an oxygen-nitrogen mixture having an oxygen concentration greater than desired and diluting the oxygen-nitrogen mixture with mixing air having a less than desired oxygen concentration to obtain nitrox having a desired oxygen concentration.

Abstract: A process for concentrating and recovering methane and carbon dioxide from landfill gas includes absorption of commonly occurring pollutants using a carbon dioxide absorbent which itself may be an in situ recoverable constituent. Separated methane is concentrated into a high heating value fuel, and a carbon dioxide product may also be recovered. Process streams may be used to provide fuel for compression and refrigeration and to regenerate carbon dioxide absorbent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for nebulizing a tracheostomy tube are disclosed. A nebulizing pad includes a flap and an absorbent central core for containing a nebulizing agent. The absorbent central core is saturated with a nebulizing agent and placed proximate to the opening of a tracheostomy tube by adhering the flap to an edge of the tracheostomy tube. A user nebulizes the tracheostomy tube by inhaling air through the absorbent central core into the tracheostomy tube. As inhaled air passes through the absorbent central core, at least a portion of the nebulizing agent intermixes with the air in vaporous form. This moistened air vapor intermixture then enters the tracheostomy tube and nebulizes the tube and the trachea.

Abstract: A mechanically stable porous activated carbon molded body has a lattice structure which includes carbonised resin and pyrolysed silicone resin and in which activated carbon particles are embedded. A process for the production of such a body includes mixing activated carbon particles, carbonisable resin, pyrolysable silicone resin and optionally further additives with the addition of a liquid phase to provide a workable mass, molding the mass to give a molded body, drying the resulting molded body and pyrolysing the dried molded body. The invention further concerns a filter system including such a body.

Abstract: An air cleaner with aroma generation is disclosed.

Abstract: A beverage making apparatus for preparing a plurality of different beverages, the apparatus comprising: a receptacle station for receiving a receptacle for the beverage; a capsule receiving station having walls defining a cavity for receiving a capsule containing a beverage making ingredient; an inlet for introducing water into a capsule in the station to produce a beverage; and a beverage outlet for directing an outflow of beverage from the cavity to the receptacle station; wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of different beverage outlets that are interchangeable for making different beverages.

Abstract: A coffee machine, particularly an espresso machine, comprising a brewing device (6) for producing and dispensing coffee via a coffee dispensing nozzle (11), as well as a hot water boiler (2) having a fresh water supply line (1) and a hot water line (10) coming out into a brewing chamber (5) of the brewing device (6), and a control unit (4). The coffee dispensing is controllable by said control unit (4). A heating element (13) is disposed on the hot water line (10) between the hot water boiler (2) and the brewing chamber (5), by means of which heating element the water flowing from the hot water boiler (2) into the brewing chamber (5) is able to be brought to brewing temperature. The brewing temperature can thereby be maintained at a virtually constant value whereby improving the quality of the coffee dispensed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a residue container for a coffee machine, the container having an insert of absorbent material for absorbing the moisture contained in the coffee grounds.

Abstract: A processor and process method for preparing pre-cooked ground meat. An augered heated tube allows meat to be cooked as it is tumbled and moved through the tube. The cooked ground meat can be mechanically degreased through a mechanical process such as spinning to provide a meat product that has a controlled fat content. Then the meat can be packaged and irradiated to provide a pre-cooked meat product that is easy to use and that has a long shelf life.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a vacuum stripping process comprises a first stripping vessel (2); at least one second further downstream stripping vessel (3), said at least one second further downstream stripping vessel (3) containing at least two trays (12), (13), (14) and (15) each provided with sparging means (16), (17), (18) and (19) respectively, and further comprises a collector (4) connecting said first stripping vessel (2) and said at least one second stripping vessel (3), said collector (4) being provided with inlet openings above each said tray (12), (13), (14) and (15) and said collector (4) being connected to a pump (5) with a discharge into said first stripping vessel (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting and removing the cores of produce such as fruit or leafy vegetables, particularly cabbage or lettuce, prior to the processing of the vegetable. The apparatus has a coring tube, a shaft, and a chisel, where the coring tube is attached to the distal end of the shaft, and the proximal end of the shaft is inserted into the pneumatic chisel. The coring tube has a cylindrical coring blade at its distal end, which is inserted into the fruit or vegetable to be cored using a rapid linear and/or rotational oscillation motion provided by an electric or pneumatic driver. Cut portions of the fruit or vegetable can be removed from the proximal end of the coring tube.

Abstract: A stamper with a sharp protrusion/depression pattern is obtained, and high precision information media can be produced using this stamper. A method of manufacturing a stamper comprises the steps of manufacturing a photoresist master 100 by laminating a light absorption layer 103 and a photoresist layer 104 on top of a substrate 102, and then forming an protrusion/depression pattern 106 in the photoresist layer 104 by forming and developing a latent image, providing Pd on the surface of the protrusion/depression pattern 106 as a preliminary treatment to conducting electroless plating onto the protrusion/depression pattern of the photoresist master 100, and forming a stamper 120 by forming a thin metal film 108 on top of the Pd-containing protrusion/depression pattern surface by using electroless plating, forming a Ni film 110 on top of this Ni thin film 108 using electroforming, and then removing the thin metal film 108 and the Ni film 110.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printing machine, comprising a support stand (2), a plate (4) rotational with respect to the stand (2) about an axis of rotation (A-A), means for driving the plate in rotation, at least two mandrels (6) for holding two articles to be printed in succession, the said mandrels being carried by the plate (4), means (94) for driving the mandrels in rotation about axes of rotation (B-B) parallel to the axis of rotation (A-A) of the plate (4), and a plurality of workstations (18, 18A, 18B) distributed around the rotational plate (4). This machine is characterized in that it comprises means for the displacement of each mandrel in a plane parallel to the plane of the plate (4), in order to modify the spacing between the axis of rotation (B-B) of the mandrel and the axis of rotation (A-A) of the plate, and in that the said means for the displacement of the mandrels are designed to synchronize the displacement of each mandrel (6) with the rotation of the plate (4).

Abstract: A support and tensioning frame for a stencil to enable solder paste to be applied to printed circuit boards and other electronic substrates includes a support frame engaged with at least two opposed mounting members. Each mounting member includes at least one projection for engaging an aperture in a stencil to mount the stencil under tension. A permanent-biasing mechanism engages one or more of the mounting members to place the stencil under tension. A second biasing mechanism engages the mounting member to provide a bias opposite that of the permanent-biasing mechanism to facilitate release of a mounted stencil.

Abstract: A stamper with a metal plate positioned between a platen and a stamp die is disclosed. The metal plate results in an improved imprint by providing better support to the stamp die. The stamper further comprises a removable ink pad and a rotatably reversible platen with cam mechanism. The metal platen plate with it's adjoining stamp die face downwards when the stamper is in an imprint position and the metal platen plate with it's adjoining stamp die face upwards when the stamper is in a re-inking position.

Abstract: A hinge system for mounting a servo-motor to an apparatus is provided. The hinge system comprises a hinge plate securely connected to the apparatus, a door plate for connection to a servo-motor. A hinge assembly connects the door plate to the hinge plate. The servo-motor is attached to the door plate, and includes a coupling device. The coupling device is provided for operable engagement with a drive train in the apparatus when the door plate is in a closed position. An adapter plate can be connected to the door plate between the door plate and the servo-motor to allow for adjustment of an axis of the servo-motor.

Abstract: An image forming device for planographic printing plates which, before printing, carries out water developing and heating processing after the water developing, of a planographic printing plate which can be developed by water, the image forming device includes: a laser recording section which forms a latent image by laser-exposing an image recording layer portion of the planographic printing plate at a weak laser power of an extent that one-third, at a surface side, of the image recording layer in a direction of thickness thereof can be hardened; a water developing section which strips film of unexposed portions of the image recording layer by causing a film-stripping medium, which is selected from the group consisting of steam, water, aqueous liquids, and mixtures of a gas and at least one of water and an aqueous liquid, to hit the planographic printing plate on which a latent image has been formed at the image recording layer portion by the laser recording section; and a post-development heating processing

Abstract: Method for checking the correctness of impositions and correct mutual register of the print pages at the front side and the rear side of different types of printed matters using a check print apparatus comprising two cooperating printers (1, 2) placed directly above each other and arranged to print the “front side” and the “rear side”, respectively, of a check print sheet (3), and in which the printers (1, 2) are rotated 180° about a vertical axis in relation to each other, and in which the exit (4) of the upper printer (1) is directly connected to the entrance (5) of the lower printer by means of a simple guide path (6).

Abstract: Electronic control module for a detonator comprising a printed circuit board (1) equipped with components of the circuit, enclosed in a tubular casing (12) embedded in a blocking resin (15) of the board in the casing, wherein a shielding screen (3) is interposed between the board (1) and the tubular casing (12), which screen has an insulating face turned towards the casing (12) and a conductive face (6) turned towards the board, the conductive face being electrically connected to the earth wire of the printed circuit board (1).

Abstract: A single pin initiator including a header body forming an eyelet, a header lip surface and a connector shell. An initiator canister is connected to the header body and defines a first storage chamber, wherein a supply of initiation charge material is contained. A pin is positioned within the eyelet, with a pin head portion extending into the first storage chamber defined by the initiator canister. Electrical communication between the pin and the header body is provided by a bridgewire connected to the header body and preferably contacting a flat surface of the pin head portion. A supply of initiation pyrotechnic material is disposed on at least a portion of the bridgewire, and is in initiation communication with the supply of initiation charge material. Also disclosed is a passive restraint system assembly including the single pin initiator assembly of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transmission relationship with the percussion-actuation end of a detonator. The connector blocks of the present invention comprise a slot (7, 26, 46, 64, 87) for the retention of shock tubes therein, wherein the slot is configured to induce a bend (8a, 27a, 47a, 91a) in the shock tube(s). In this way, the position of the shock tube(s) relative to the detonator is significantly improved. Air gaps between the shock tubes and the detonator, resulting from manufacturing tolerances, can be substantially eliminated. Moreover, the connector blocks of the present invention provide an increased security of shock tube retention, thereby reducing the risk of accidental shock tube removal or displacement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing propellant powder charges intended for heavy barrel weapons, such as canons and howitzers, and with a high degree of filling and a high energy content, and also to propellant powder charges produced in accordance with this method. The charges according to the invention are distinguished by the fact that 70 to 95% of their weight consists of a more coarsely grained powder and 30 to 5% consists of a granular powder with a smaller grain size. These two powders have the same of different chemical composition, and one or more of them can be surface-inhibited.

Abstract: Blasting method of array of onion-shaped drill holes having a cylindrical upper portion and an onion-like lowermost portion, in which an array of cylindrical drill holes is drilled in a site that should be blasted. For each of the cylindrical drill holes, an onion shape is imparted to the bottom portion of the drill hole. The onion shaped cavity is filled with a primary explosive charge, a portion of the drill hole, above the primary explosive charge, with buffer material, another portion of the drill hole, above the buffer material, is filled with a secondary explosive charge and the remaining portion of the drill hole is filled with additional buffer material. Then the primary and secondary explosive charges are detonated.

Abstract: A fireworks artillery shell for use as a consumer firework which may be propelled by the use of a mortar is provided which includes a casing, a lift charge, an effects charge, a timing fuse and an ignition fuse, and seals. The seals are provided within the casing above and below the effects charge to increase the burst effect of the effects charge. The lift charge is positioned within the casing and below the lower seal, and upon ignition, lifts the fireworks artillery shell into the air. The seals promote a harder break and more explosive effect from the effects charge without interfering with the lifting charge.

Abstract: A projectile carrying sub-munitions which may exhibit orientational sensitivity utilizes a resilient member to prevent individual grenades from rotating out of the desired orientation. As a skilled artisan would readily understand, the sub-munitions is one type of rotationally sensitive device. Other types of rotationally sensitive devices include but are not limited to grenades, grenade fuses and sub-munition fuses. In the described embodiments, artillery shells carrying grenades packed in circular arrays around a central longitudinal axis may exhibit orientational sensitivity with some types of slide fuses, such that an optimal orientation is that the slide fuse faces outwardly along a radial line from the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An incendiary 10 includes a plurality of containers 12 each containing a volume of a first substance such as potassium permanganate which, when mixed with a second substance such as glycol which is injected at a later time, reacts exothermically to generate a flame. Frangible couplings in the form of tabs 16 couple or connect adjacent containers 12 together. Thus the incendiary 10 is in the form of a flexible belt having a plurality of containers 12 which are mutually held together until separated by a dispensing/initiating machine. Each container 12 includes a flat surface 22 and a receptacle 18 having an opening 20 which opens onto the flat surface 22. A seal 24 extends across and closes the opening 20.

Abstract: A bellows, spool, and collar system for dispensing projectiles and submunitions with a predictable and uniform pattern is disclosed. The system utilizes projectiles densely packed in a spool. A plurality of spools is packaged in a missile, bomb, or similar tubular device with an energetic bellows actuator between each spool. The energetic bellows actuator expands rapidly to push a spool of projectiles out of the tubular housing. Timing means is provided for each bellows to provide proper axial spacing between spools prior to subsequently timed release of the projectiles.

Abstract: Projectile systems are provided herein employing an inhibiting and/or marking substance for impairing/marking a living target, such as a human or animal target. In preferred embodiments, the projectile system includes a generally frangible projectile that is optimally filled to at least about 50%, with the substance to be delivered to the target, such that the substance is radially dispersed into a cloud upon impact. In one implementation, the substance delivered comprises a powdered inhibiting substance, such as a powdered pepper. In one implementation, the powdered inhibiting substance comprises a substance having one or more capsaicinoids.

Abstract: An anti-personnel projectile launched from a weapon shell required at impact to have a low lethality consequence, in which the projectile is fitted in the shell in a shape characterized by a blunt end in the direction of flight and maintained in this shape by oppositely directed air resistance and propelling forces to obviate a change of shape during flight that might cause a serious injury.

Abstract: A ring airfoil style paintball comprises a ring airfoil carrying a marking agent. The marking agent is located in one more compartments of a body of the ring airfoil. In one embodiment, marking agent is located in an annular ring in a nose section of the body, or in a plurality of spherical compartments in the nose section of the body. In one embodiment, the ring airfoil style paintball is connected to a sabot when launched. Cartridges comprising a sabot containing the ring airfoil style paintball are launched from a launcher. In one embodiment, the cartridges are launched with a compressed air charged. The launcher includes a magazine for sequentially delivering cartridges for launch. A stripper associated with the launcher strips the sabot from the ring airfoil paintball, and an ejector ejects the stripped sabot from the launcher.

Abstract: A bullet includes a frontward facing aperture. Contained within the aperture is a relatively hard bullet frontal element that provides advantageous bullet impact performance. In one embodiment, the frontal element is a steel sphere that provides advantageous penetration and weight retention when the bullet impacts laminated glass., such as an automobile windshield.

Abstract: A bullet includes a frontward facing aperture. Contained within the aperture is a relatively hard bullet frontal element that provides advantageous bullet impact performance. In one embodiment, the frontal element is a steel sphere that provides advantageous penetration and weight retention when the bullet impacts laminated glass, such as an automobile windshield.

Abstract: A bullet jacket, and method of making a bullet jacket are disclosed, wherein bullets placed therein will, when fired, expand at low velocities, while maintaining high weight retention at higher velocities. The bullet jacket is preferably made of a copper based material, and comprises a solid base portion and an upper end portion defining a cavity therein, in which a bullet core material is located. The walls of the cavity decrease in width away from the base and curve inwardly to form an ogive shape. The length of the cavity section of the bullet jacket is between 58 to 61 percent of the total length of the bullet jacket, and the total weight of the solid base portion of the bullet jacket is between 48 to 52 percent of the total weight of the bullet jacket. The bullet core is made by using conventional means to seat and enclose the bullet core within the bullet jacket of the present invention. In manufacturing the bullet jacket, the jacket mouth or lip thickness is made to be between 0.025 to 0.

Abstract: When intervention ammunitions are fired in shooting ranges, subsequently there occur high levels of released energy, stop butt damage, at the target. Therefore the invention provides a complete destruction shell, in the form of an encased shell, characterized in that the core (3) of the shell consists of balls (4, 5) or metal granular materials, and the balls (4, 5) or granular materials are compressed without forming inclusions.

Abstract: The disintegration of a bullet in the body of a wild animal is determined by the power output of the bullet and therefore by the effect of the shot. A different type of disintegration is required for small as opposed to large animals. According to the invention, a disintegrating hunting bullet is provided in the form of an enveloped bullet, characterized in that the core (3) is made of balls (4,5) or granules made of a metal substance and the balls (4,5) or granules are pressed free from cavities in order to create set rupture points.

Abstract: A non-lethal impact munition or projectile having a nose composed of a frangible, rigid, polymer foam material such that the nose crushes upon impact with a target to disperse energy, thereby reducing the kinetic energy transferred to the target. Most preferably, the munition or projectile is provided with a cavity to retain a payload, such as marker agents, lacrimators, irritants, inflammatory agents, odorants or inert powders, such that the payload is laterally dispersed upon impact to further dissipate energy transferred to the target.