Abstract: A system and method for capturing a sample gas for analysis is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an accumulator that has a variable volume. A volume of the sample gas is fed to the accumulator. The system also has an analyzer. An aliquot of the sample gas is withdrawn from the accumulator and fed to the analyzer. The analyzer analyzes a desired component of the sample gas.

Abstract: Method and system for obtaining a liquid sample from a particulate matter-containing liquid in, e.g., a specimen container. A receptacle is used that has an inlet and a chamber for collecting the liquid sample. A discharge passage accommodates upward flow of liquid from the container. The discharge passage preferably has an upper discharge port, and at least one intake submerged in the liquid in the container. A flow-metering passage prevents particulate matter above a predetermined size from passing into the receptacle chamber. Liquid transfer commences after the receptacle inlet is placed in liquid-tight communication with the discharge port. Operation of mechanized system also is disclosed, as well as an arrangement and method for handling multiple receptacles at a liquid transfer station.

Abstract: A gas sorption sample chamber contains a plurality of thin-film substrates and fluidly couple said substrates to a Sieverts' device or other gas sorption analyzer. The thin-film substrates are held in proximity to each other in the sample chamber in a columnar arrangement, either in a stacked or slightly spaced configuration, to reduce free-gas volume in the sample chamber, thereby improving sorption test accuracy. The interior geometry of the chamber is configured to provide a minimal clearance between the thin-film substrates and the internal surfaces of the chamber, so that essentially all of the chamber volume is occupied by thin-film sample material and inactive substrate material. To facilitate use in a glove box, the chamber may be configured with a removable sample cartridge in which thin-film substrates are placed so that all substrates may be loaded and unloaded as a group.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing electromagnetic effects. In one advantageous embodiment, the apparatus has a chamber, a door connected to the chamber, a gas supply system attached to the chamber, a plurality of electrical connectors attached to the chamber, a removable platform, and a specimen holding. The chamber has an opening into an interior space located in the chamber. The door closes to seal the opening and prevents a flammable gaseous mixture in the interior space from leaking out of the interior space of the chamber. The gas supply system is configured for connection to the gas supply system to allow introduction of the flammable gaseous mixture into the interior space. The removable platform is moveable into and out of the interior space of the chamber through the opening.

Abstract: A method for predicting (a) the seriousness of side effects to be expected in humans after consumption of foods or nutritional supplements containing oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and/or (b) the acceptance of such foods or nutritional supplements by consumers, characterized by analyzing the foods or nutritional supplements with automated solid phase micro extraction (SPME) followed by ammonia negative chemical ionization mass spectrometric detection.

Abstract: Inspection of objects, such as semiconductor wafers, can be performed using a diluted scan wherein not all of an inspected area is actually imaged. Instead, a dilution plan can be devised based on the desired amount of area to be skipped and the particular parameters of the inspection, such as the size of each unit area to be imaged or not imaged and the distribution features of the wafer. When the same area is inspected in multiple wafers, the wafers can be inspected in sets using a dilution plan whereby a wafer (or inspected area) can be statistically inspected using diluted scans of the set of wafers. Similarly a die or group of dies of a specified type can be statistically inspected using diluted scans of a set of dies (or group of dies). When statistical inspection is used, the end results of such inspections, such as defect densities and distributions, can be corrected to account for inaccuracies that may be introduced when certain portions are imaged more often than others due to the dilution plan.

Abstract: An electrical condition monitoring method utilizes measurement of electrical resistivity of a conductive composite degradation sensor to monitor environmentally induced degradation of a polymeric product such as insulated wire and cable. The degradation sensor comprises a polymeric matrix and conductive filler. The polymeric matrix may be a polymer used in the product, or it may be a polymer with degradation properties similar to that of a polymer used in the product. The method comprises a means for communicating the resistivity to a measuring instrument and a means to correlate resistivity of the degradation sensor with environmentally induced degradation of the product.

Abstract: A test piece for mechanical property testing, the test piece is generally elongate having two opposing surfaces. Each surface comprises at least one integral loading land. Preferably there are two lands on one surface and one or two on the other for three- or four-point bending testing.

Abstract: A cable cover for an ultrasonic flow meter is disclosed. In some embodiments, the cable cover includes multiple interlockable pieces configured to couple to a spoolpiece of an ultrasonic flow meter. Each interlockable piece includes a body having a dowel and a slot. The interlockable pieces are assembled in a series with the dowel of each interlockable piece inserted into the slot of another interlockable piece.

Abstract: A transmission assembly, particularly for a straightening machine, has a least one drive and a number of power take-offs, which stand in an effect connection with the drive for a transfer of torque. At least one power take-off is coupled with a torque monitoring device independent of other power take-offs to monitor a power take-off moment that is in effect at the power take-off in question. The torque monitoring device is configured as a function of a result of the power take-off monitoring. The transmission assembly may be connected with a torque transfer mechanism, particularly articulated shafts, of a straightening machine for straightening materials, particularly in plate or strip form, having an arrangement of straightening rollers between which the material to be straightened is conveyed and which are driven by way of the torque transfer mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gearbox (10), and to a method for producing the gearbox (10) with axial tolerance compensation, in particular for displacing movable parts in a motor vehicle, that includes a housing (12) that is composed of at least two housing parts (14, 16), a pinion (34), and a worm gear (26) that has a central axial recess (42). The inventive method includes the following production steps: the worm gear (26) and the pinion (34) are located as separate parts on a common central axis (28) in at least one of the two housing parts (14, 16) the two housing parts (14, 16) are joined and connected along the axis (28) such that, during axial assembly of the two housing parts (14, 16), the pinion (34) is pressed into the recess (42) of the worm gear (26) in a non-rotatable manner.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a motorized vehicle is disclosed which is reliable and requires less maintenance. The drive mechanism includes a differential having at least one rotatable shaft extending outward therefrom and having a first gear mounted thereon. A drive shaft having a first end and a second end with a gear mounted to each of the first and second ends rotatably meshes with the first gear on the rotatable shaft. The first gear also provides a pivot point for the drive shaft. The drive mechanism further includes a hub capable of supporting a rotatable member. The hub has a second gear mounted thereto which rotatably meshes with the gear mounted to the second end of the drive shaft. Lastly, the drive mechanism includes a hollow support arm extending between the pivot point and the hub. The hollow support arm has a vertical vector and completely encloses the drive shaft.

Abstract: A toothed mobile part (1) for play take-up in a gear, particularly in horology, having certain (7) of its teeth fixed and entirely rigid, and other (8) of its teeth each intercalated between two rigid teeth (7) and elastically deformable, is characterised in that said elastically deformable teeth (8) consist of spring blades each comprising a gear flank (9), and in that for each spring blade (8) the distance (12) measured on the pitch circle (13) of the mobile part (1), between the gear flank (9) of the spring blade (8) and the corresponding flank (10) of the one among the two adjacent rigid teeth (7) facing the gear flank (9) is smaller than the distance (14), again measured on the pitch circle (13) of mobile part (1), between the gear flank (9) and the corresponding flank (10) of the other adjacent rigid tooth (7).

Abstract: An automatic cable length adjustment mechanism includes first and second members that slidably engage one another. A spring biases the members apart, and a releasable one-way ratchet-type mechanism interconnects the parts after the parts shift relative to one another to take up slack in a Bowden cable or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the one-way ratchet arrangement includes a plurality of cantilevered levers having teeth or the like that engage rows of teeth.

Abstract: A gear changing device (1) has a gear lever (3) to operate a vehicle gear box, and several sensors to detect the movement of the gear lever with respect to the surroundings as a result of a force exerted by a user on the gear lever. The gear-changing device also has two electrical motors (5, 7), which are connected to the gear lever (3) via transmissions (9, 11). The transmission (9, 11) are formed by self-braking worm-worm wheel transmissions. The gear lever (3) can only be shifted if the electrical motors are actuated. The electrical motors shift the gear lever or permit the movement of the gear lever, depending on the sensor signals. The movement speed of the gear lever in this is such that it appears to the user that he has to overcome resistance to be able to shift the gear lever, so that the gear lever exercises a haptic effect.

Abstract: A neutral adjustment mechanism for dual lever steering controls is disclosed. The dual lever steering controls include two levers that are each independently pivotable forward and reverse to drive a zero turning radius mower. The neutral adjustment mechanism includes a control pivot connected to each lever of the dual lever steering controls that pivots with forward and reverse pivoting of each lever. A steering link has a first end with an adjustment point, a ball joint adjacent the adjustment point connecting the steering link to the control pivot, and a second end pivotably connected to an input control lever of a hydrostatic transmission pump. An operator seat may be positioned over the steering links. Under the operator seat, adjustment access holes are provided for adjusting the steering links while the operator seat remains in place.

Abstract: A differential adjuster that utilizes a tool interface for affecting either a coarse adjustment or a fine adjustment is presented. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a differential adjuster includes an intermediate actuator sleeve with a tool interface to accommodate a tool for performing fine adjustments. In some embodiments, a differential adjuster includes a main body with a tool interface to accept a tool for performing coarse adjustments. By utilizing a tool interface, rather than a knob, embodiments of the differential adjuster according to the present invention can be formed with small form factors.

Abstract: This invention relates to a load sensor-equipped operating apparatus, which comprises an operational member (16) which is movably operated; a reaction force member (22) which receives an operating force of the operational member transmitted thereto, and on which a reaction force corresponding to the operating force is acted; at least one pivotal connecting portion (20) which is interposed between the operational member and the reaction force member, and pivotably connects a pair of a first member and a second member relative to each other to transmit the operating force; and a load sensor (30) which electrically detects the operating force.

Abstract: In an activation device for controlling the power of a vehicle drive having a foot pedal, in which the foot pedal is pivotably mounted such that it can abut against a rigid end stop, a switching element which can be displaced by the pivoting movement of the foot pedal is mounted ahead of the end stop in the pivoting path of the foot pedal. The displacement of the switching element requires a reaction force which originates from the switching element to be overcome. The intention is to prevent or reduce a possible abutting noise which can occur when the foot pedal impacts on the switching element at a high impact speed. The device includes a spring element connected ahead of the switching element in the pivoting path of the foot pedal. The spring force of the spring element is less than the reaction force originating from the switching element for a displacement by the foot pedal.

Abstract: A brake handle having a supporting frame, a handle and a push unit; wherein: the supporting frame has a receiving space; a piston is installed in the receiving space; the handle has a first sliding groove; the push unit has a second sliding groove; the second sliding groove is installed with an adjusting unit; the handle and push unit are pivoted to the supporting frame; the handle and push unit are pivoted to the supporting frame; the push unit resists against the piston; the adjusting unit passes through the first sliding groove and second sliding groove so as to pivotally install the handle and the push unit; and a screw rod is screwed to the adjusting unit. The screwing operation of the screw rod with respect to the adjusting unit will adjust an elevation of the handle.

Abstract: A handlebar assembly for a bicycle includes a handlebar tube, a sleeve, a clamping member and an end cap. Thus, the clamping plate of the end cap is clamped between any two of the clamping member, an end portion of the sleeve and an outer wall of the handlebar tube without obstructing the contact space between the clamping member and the outer wall of the handlebar tube so that the clamping member can directly clamp the handlebar tube completely or indirectly clamp the handlebar tube locally through the clamping plate of the end cap, thereby enhancing the clamping effect of the handlebar assembly.

Abstract: Gear system for driving screws of a twin-screw extruder with two parallel drive shafts (1, 2) of different length, of which the longer drive shaft (1) bears a drive gear wheel (3). The shorter drive shaft (2) has rotationally fixed connection by way of a pinion (6) to three distributor shafts (13, 14, 15), which can be driven from the longer drive shaft (1) by way of an annular gear wheel (20) which has internal teeth (19) and, on the distributor shafts (13, 14, 15), gear wheels (16, 17, 18) intermeshing with these teeth. On the longer drive shaft (1), there is a pinion (5) directly intermeshing with the pinion (6) of the shorter drive shaft (2). In order to achieve good division of the loads, the annular gear wheel (20) also has outer teeth (21) which intermesh with gear wheels (22, 23) of two intermediate shafts (24, 25), which intermesh by way of further gear wheels (26, 27) with the drive gear wheel (3).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing titanium by reaction of titanium tetrachloride with magnesium in a reactor, wherein the temperature in the reactor is above the melting point of magnesium and below the melting point of magnesium chloride, wherein the reaction results in formation of particles comprising titanium, and wherein the particles are removed from the reactor and processed in order to recover the titanium.

Abstract: In a method for determining a dividedness and/or position of a batch material (7) existing essentially in the solid phase in an arc furnace (1) having a furnace vessel (2), acoustic signals (Ne, Ng, Nd) are generated by an arc discharge (6) between an electrode (3a, 3b, 3c) and the batch material (7). The acoustic signals (Ne, Ng, Nd) reflected and/or transmitted through by the batch material (7) are measured by acoustic sensors (5a, 5b, 5c, 5e, 5g, 5h, 5s, 5t), wherein at least one acoustic sensor (5a, 5b, 5c, 5e, 5g, 5h, 5s, 5t) is provided per segment (Sn) of the furnace vessel (2) subdivided into a plurality of segments (Sn), and wherein the dividedness and/or position of the batch material (7) in the arc furnace (1) is determined by evaluating the measured acoustic signals (Ne, Ng, Nd).

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus and a process for in-line substantially continuous degassing of aluminium and/or aluminium alloys, in absence of chlorine and through the injection of at least one metal halide salt that includes a halogen and water and an inert gas, in a transfer trough before casting.

Abstract: Circular saw blades are treated in a straightening machine for eliminating unevennesses in the saw blades. The machine is provided with rollers for straightening uneven sections of the saw blade (1). The straightening rollers are sets of balls (22, 22?, 23, 23?) which are pressed from both sides against the blade while a relative movement between the blade and the balls takes place. This movement may either be circular or along radial tracks of the blade. Alternatively, disc-shaped rollers are arranged with their axes perpendicular to a radius of the saw blade, and are running along radial tracks according to a relative movement between the saw blade and the rollers.

Abstract: A manually or mechanically/hydraulically operable tong of light weight and high load capacity by means of a multi-layer interlocking construction achieved by cutting the shapes from plate steel by known means, assembling the plate sections in suitable order, and retained with each other by cylindrical steel pins (8) forming a multi hinged tool capable of engaging the job circumference on two or more points equally via replaceable jaw dies (15) retained radially and axially.

Abstract: A wrap around tong system is provided with a rotary drive tong and backup tong that remain positioned around the pipe string as the pipe string is run into or out of the wellbore. The tong system is affixed to the drill floor and does not rotate or move laterally to the pipe string. The power tong system is moved upwardly and downwardly to position the rotary drive tong and backup tong at appropriate postions on the pipe string. The rotary drive tong provides both spinning and torquing for making or breaking connnections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure of wrench, which is mainly that a handle extends out from one side of a ratchet wheel integrally, a plurality of forefront surfaces and grooves are disposed around the internal periphery of the opening of the ratchet wheel in an interlaced order, and the forefront surfaces each has a concavity disposed on the middle portion of the protruded curved surface thereof. The concavities have different shapes from grooves and both are to be used to accommodate a workpiece. Besides, projected stop parts are provided on inside of the opening, with which the objectives of being suitable for various workpieces in multiple specifications and preventing the workpieces from passing through the ratchet wheel randomly would be achieved.

Abstract: A joint tool includes a first wrench assembly configured to be placed in gripping contact with a rod, a second wrench assembly including jaws configured to grip and rotate a rod when the second wrench assembly is rotated in a first direction and to rotate relative to the rod when moved in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction, and a drive assembly mounted to the first wrench assembly and coupled to the second wrench assembly, the drive assembly being configured to rotate the rod in the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: A wrench structure rotatable in multiple orientations includes a head portion, an extension element, and a holding portion. The rear end of the head portion has a first protruding connection part. The extension element includes a front end having a first concave connection part in connection with the first protruding connection part and a rear end having a second protruding connection part. The first concave connection part has a first side and a second side connected by a bottom edge. A stopping device is provided at an appropriate position on the bottom edge. The holding portion includes a front end having a second concave connection part in connection with the second protruding connection part and a rear end. The second concave connection part has a first side and a second side connected by a bottom edge. A stopping device is provided at an appropriate position on the bottom edge. It fixes the second protruding connection part as it rotates to a desired orientation.

Abstract: A multi-purpose cable crimpring tool includes upper and lower dies configured to compress and deform various types of cable ferrules and/or core pins. When brought together, the upper and lower dies are configured to form a plurality of cable crimping cavities. Some cable crimping cavities are shaped as irregular polygons to allow substantially even distribution of swage loads on a cable ferrule being compressed and deformed therein.

Abstract: There is provided a roll surface machining method which makes it possible to machine a roll with a reduced amount of data. The roll surface machining method for forming a three-dimensional pattern of protrusions or recesses in the surface of a roll by using a cutting tool, the method including the steps of: setting a machining start position of the cutting tool with respect to the surface of the roll by C-axis indexing of the roll and positioning of the roll in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) both with respect to the cutting tool; and rotating the roll at a predetermined speed and moving the cutting toot and the roll relative to each other at a predetermined speed in the axial direction of the roll by C-Z axis interpolation, thereby forming the three-dimensional pattern in the surface of the roll.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw blade, for use in a portable power reciprocating saw including a chuck for releasably engaging the saw blade, includes a tang having an elongated axis and being engageable with the chuck for attaching the saw blade to the reciprocating saw. The saw further includes a blade portion having a cutting edge that defines a plurality of cutting teeth. The cutting teeth define a repeating pattern of successive groups of teeth. Each group of teeth is less than about a half inch in length, and includes a plurality of laterally offset teeth, at least one relatively high first tooth and at least one relatively low second tooth. Prior to tooth set, the at least one relatively high first tooth is at least about 0.002 inch higher than the at least one relatively low second tooth.

Abstract: A method of producing packages of flowable materials may include: passing a plurality of coupled packages through a cutter having a blade with dual cutting edges; and severing adjacent packages in a region proximate ends thereof by a single stroke of the blade so that only one edge of the blade contacts the region. In addition, a cutter may include a housing that is substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis thereof, the housing defining an opening having opposing first and second sections each with an arcuate region proximate a tapered region, the opening further comprising a central region disposed between the first and second sections. The cutter may include a blade with dual cutting edges, the blade disposed proximate the central region of the housing.

Abstract: A cutting device for food products having a handle, a neck portion, and a circular cutting blade. The handle is generally curved relative to its longitudinal axis and includes a top surface with a finger stop, the finger stop engaging a user's index finger during use. The handle length is sized in proportion to a typical user's hand so that a free end of the handle is proximate the user's palm. During use, the user's index finger engages a finger stop and top and bottom surfaces of the handle. A method of using such a flat food item cutting device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems to drive rotary presses are described. In one described example, a rotary press system includes a first rotary press and a second rotary press adjacent to the first rotary press. The first and the second rotary presses are to receive a strip of material. A drive member is operatively coupled to the first and the second rotary presses and a motor coupled to the drive member rotates the drive member to cause the first and second rotary presses to process the strip material.

Abstract: This table for a chopper folding device comprises a surface (20) for application of products to be folded (17), the application surface (20) extending along an application plane (PA), a folding opening (22) suitable for the passage of the products to be folded (17), at least one first guide portion (28) disposed adjacent to the folding opening (22) and comprising a first guide surface (32) inclined with respect to application plane. The table (12) comprises guiding means suitable for urging the product to be folded towards the first guide surface (32) and a first main suction hole (36) which opens on the first guide surface (32). Application to folders of rotary presses.

Abstract: A circular saw blade includes a generally flat disk with a cutting periphery defined by a plurality of carbide teeth arranged in spaced relation around the perimeter of the disk and projecting radially outwardly from the disk. Each tooth of the cutting periphery includes a pair of spaced-apart primary side faces, a cutting face having a cutting edge with a top bevel angle within the range of at least 25 degrees to about 50 degrees, and at least two secondary side faces. Each secondary side face extends between the cutting face and a respective one of the pair of primary side faces and has a relief angle relative to the immediately adjoining primary side face. The circular saw blade of the present invention is ably suited to provide a smooth cutting finish without splintering of the top and bottom edges in connection with a wide variety of cuts, including crosscutting and ripcutting.

Abstract: Composite or plastic molded articles used in a grand piano piano action. The articles make up a piano action with less dynamic mass which is, thus, more responsive. In addition, the new action provides the extremely valuable collateral benefits of increased efficiency of manufacture and maintenance. The invention also provides the capability to achieve true half stroke design in both the sharp and white keys at the same time. Additionally, the application discloses a universal composite grand piano piano action that is capable of being installed into any brand of grand piano.

Abstract: A universal grand piano piano action that has adjustable connections between the repetition base, heel, and rest cushion bracket of the piano action to provide a one-size-fits-all after-market replacement piano action for any grand piano. Other components of the grand piano piano action, such as the jack and flanges, may require specific design and manufacture for each brand of grand piano. This invention is the first piano action to allow for true simultaneous half stroke keyboard design for both the white and sharp keys of a piano and includes the method for installing such.

Abstract: Key is pivotably supported by a key frame, and the front end of the key is normally urged upward by a pivot lever. Load member drivable by an actuator is provided rearwardly of a mass body of the pivot lever. Key switch and proximity sensor detect a pivoting position of the key responsive to depression and release operation of the key. Load control circuit performs driving control of the actuator, in accordance with the pivoting position of the key, to move the load member back and forth, to thereby cause the load member to engage (or contact) with the mass body in a depression stroke and terminates the engagement in a release stroke.

Abstract: A device for generating a note signal upon a manual input is described which comprises an operating means which is implemented to enable a user of the same, as an input, to define an input angle or an input angle range as the input signal, and a controller which is implemented to receive the input signal and to generate a note signal associated with a pitch class based on an assignment function and on the input signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for converting digital music scores to Braille, and vice versa and for creating Braille and digital music scores directly from music keyboard entry. The system and methods are embodied in computer programs which can extract note data from a digital score or Midi file, and correlate the note data with Braille cell data in a computer processor. A digital Braille score is created from the Braille cell data, and can be output as an embossed score, as a printed simulated Braille score or on a refreshable Braille display. The computer programs can also create digital scores from input Braille scores. Hardware components can include a music keyboard having a processor, a digital storage device and an integrated refreshable Braille display.

Abstract: An improved music notation system for songs is disclosed that is suitable for easy teaching and learning a song. The words of the song are placed on a musical staff with optional cleft, key signature, and time signature at the level at which the notes would appear in the standard notation system. Different fonts are used to indicate whether the note should be regarded as a sharp, a flat, or a natural. Non-numeric symbols are used to indicate the duration of the note, and may be placed above or below the words of the song.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for playing a musical composition in an audible and visual manner. In one aspect, a visual representation of a phonograph playing an analog record is transmitted to a viewer/listener along with the actual analog audio generated by same. Such transmission may occur via television networks, the Internet, or other similar networks. In another aspect, such visual representations are played with digitally recorded audio in a time-correlated manner. In yet another aspect, such visual representations are recorded with digital audio in a soft format such as a digital file, MP3 file, or the like for use with portable audio and visual devices, for streaming via the Internet, for use in gaming, and/or for use as software. Such visual representations may also be displayed at live events such that the timing of the video play and the performance of the live or recorded audio is correlated.

Abstract: Automatic playing and recording apparatuses for an acoustic/electric guitar allow a user to play in concert along with music of other musical instruments outputted by an automatic playing apparatus by adding the automatic playing apparatus to an acoustic/electric guitar, or to record/process user's guitar music or ensemble music and then reproduce/output the guitar music or the ensemble music according to user's need by adding a recording apparatus to an acoustic/electric guitar.

Abstract: A cold-launch uses shape-memory-alloy (“SMA”) actuators to accelerate materiel to a required launch velocity. The SMA actuators are arranged into one or more actuation stages. SMA actuators within a given actuation stage are simultaneously triggered. Actuation stages, however, are triggered sequentially, each triggering adding to the velocity of the materiel.

Abstract: A perforating gun system having a relief system for relieving high pressure during unexpected high temperature or situations that may produce rupture of the gun body. The relief system may be responsive either to high temperatures as well as high pressures. In the high temperature situation, the relief system has a fuseable link that melts thereby allowing movement of a piston to open vent communication between the inside of a gun body in the ambient conditions. Similarly, a pressure device includes a piston responsive to pressure that moves under high pressure within the gun body thereby exposing a port enabling communication between the inside of the gun body and the ambient conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of store ejection from aircraft. More specifically it relates to cartridges used in ejector release units for stores. The invention aims to provide a cartridge that can be used in existing ejector release units that overcomes some of the problems (such as; only a one-time use, the need for cleaning of ejector units, the erosion of ejector units and the need for a holder to be used) of pyrotechnic or hot gas cartridges but without compromising performance. The present invention provides a cartridge for use in an ejector release unit, the cartridge comprising a gas chamber for containing gas under pressure, an outlet of the gas chamber for releasing the compressed gas to drive a release mechanism in the ejector release unit, and a release valve associated with the outlet and arranged to be operable to open the outlet upon activation of a firing pin of an ejector release unit. An ejector release unit containing such a cartridge or pair of cartridges is also provided.