Abstract: Disclosed are MEMS accelerometers and methods for fabricating same. An exemplary accelerometer comprises a substrate, and a proof mass that is a portion of the substrate and which is separated from the substrate surrounding it by a gap. An electrically-conductive anchor is coupled to the proof mass, and a plurality of electrically-conductive suspension arms that are separated from the proof mass extend from the anchor and are coupled to the substrate surrounding the proof mass. A plurality of sense and actuation electrodes are separated from the proof mass by gaps and are coupled to processing electronics. Capacitive sensing is used to derive electrical signals caused by forces exerted on the proof mass, and the electrical signals are processed by the processing electronics to produce x-, y- and z-direction acceleration data. Electrostatic actuation is used to induce movements of the mass for force balance operation, or self-test and self-calibration.

Abstract: A symmetrical differential capacitive sensor (60) includes a movable element (66) pivotable about a geometrically centered rotational axis (70). The element (66) includes sections (86, 88). Each of the sections (86, 88) has a stop (94, 96) spaced equally away from the rotational axis (70). Each of the sections (86, 88) also has a different configuration (104, 108) of apertures (102, 106). The configurations (104, 108) of apertures (102, 106) create a mass imbalance between the sections (86, 88) so that the element (66) pivots about the rotational axis (70) in response to acceleration. The apertures (102, 106) also facilitate etch release during manufacturing and reduce air damping when the element (66) rotates. Apertures (126, 128) are formed in electrodes (78, 80) underlying the apertures (102, 106) to match the capacitance between the two sections (86, 88) of movable element (86) to provide the same bi-directional actuation capability.

Abstract: A frequency measuring device measures a natural frequency of a reactor jet pump sensing line supported by a sensing line support bracket in a nuclear reactor. The frequency measuring device includes a base member, a sensing line clamp attached to the base member that attaches to the sensing line support bracket, and at least one actuator attached to the base member. The actuator is positioned relative to the sensing line when the sensing line clamp is attached to the sensing line so that the actuator can strike the sensing line. A proximity probe attached to the base member measures vibration of the sensing line and outputs a vibration signal. A processor receives and processes the vibration signal from the proximity probe to determine the natural frequency.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring operation of a press assembly includes establishing a baseline vibration level for a first location on the press assembly. The baseline vibration level defines a boundary for vibrations beyond which one or more press elements have a reduced life expectancy. Vibrations are measured at the first location and also at a second location during operation of the press. The vibrations measured at the first location are correlated with the vibrations measured at the second location, and a relationship between the vibrations at the first and second locations is established. Vibrations measured at the second location can then be adjusted and compared to the baseline vibration level to determine if adjustments to the press operation need to be made, or if certain press elements will need to be replaced prior to their expected life span.

Abstract: A method of measuring vibration on an operational device. The method includes providing an operational device with a control unit and a vibration sensor having a three axis accelerometer, a digital signal processor, and a communications transceiver. The digital signal processor takes the raw vibration data for each axis of the three axis accelerometer and applies a weighting function to the vibration data for each individual axis. Then stress level data associated with the vehicle operator is used to calculate the instantaneous contributions of the filtered data to the stress level data of the operator to determine instantaneous stress level data that has accumulated over a fixed time interval. After the fixed time interval, the digital signal processor calculates an increase of the stress level of the operator during the time interval to create stress data that is transmitted through a communications transceiver for display.

Abstract: A differential liquid pressure sensor (10) has an upper housing (12) that mounts a connector portion (12a) and receives in a recess a sense element module (14). The sense element module is a body in which a generally U-shaped oil filled passageway (14h) is formed with openings at opposite ends provided on respective first and second diaphragm mounting surfaces. A fluid pressure sense element, such as a piezoresistive sense element (15) is disposed in one of the passageway openings and flexible metal diaphragms (14a, 14b) are mounted on the respective diaphragm mounting surfaces of the module facing a common direction. A lower housing (18) having first and second port connections for the respective diaphragms is disposed on the lower surface of the module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible, resilient capacitive sensor suitable for large-scale manufacturing. The sensor comprises a dielectric, an electrically conductive layer on the first side of the dielectric layer, an electrically conductive layer on a second side of the dielectric layer, and a capacitance meter electrically connected to the two conductive layers to detect changes in capacitance upon application of a force to the detector. The conductive layers are configured to determine the position of the applied force. The sensor may be shielded to reduce the effects of outside interference.

Abstract: In a pressure sensor with double measuring scale: a monolithic body of semiconductor material has a first main surface, a bulk region and a sensitive portion upon which pressure acts; a cavity is formed in the monolithic body and is separated from the first main surface by a membrane, which is flexible and deformable as a function of the pressure, and is arranged inside the sensitive portion and is surrounded by the bulk region; a low-pressure detecting element of the piezoresistive type, sensitive to first values of pressure, is integrated in the membrane and has a variable resistance as a function of the deformation of the membrane; in addition, a high-pressure detecting element, also of a piezoresistive type, is formed in the bulk region inside the sensitive portion and has a variable resistance as a function of the pressure. The high-pressure detecting element is sensitive to second values of pressure.

Abstract: A system for measuring the weight of a seat occupant is used to control airbag deployment. The system is incorporated into a vehicle seat supported on inboard and outboard track assemblies. The inboard and outboard track assemblies are mounted to a vehicle structure such that a center track portion remains unsupported. A first sensor assembly is mounted to the inboard track assembly and a second sensor assembly is mounted to the outboard track assembly. The first sensor assembly generates a first signal in response to measuring deflection of the inboard track assembly due to seat occupant weight. The second sensor assembly generates a second signal in response to measuring deflection of the outboard track assembly due to seat occupant weight. A central processor determines seat occupant weight based on the first and second signals. The central processor communicates with the airbag system to control the deployment of the airbag based on seat occupant weight.

Abstract: The load on an aircraft component, such as the load on a landing gear leg during braking, is measured with a contactless, all-weather displacement measuring system. The system includes a control unit a controllable microwave emitter of electromagnetic radiation and a microwave detector comprising a plurality of antennae. When the aircraft component is subjected to a load relative movement of the emitter and detector is caused. The detector generates in response to microwave radiation received from the focused beam of radiation emitted by the emitter a signal that is received by a signal processor of the control unit. The signal received by the control unit depends on the relative positions of the emitter and detector. The control unit is arranged to provide an output signal representative of the load sustained by the aircraft component. The system may be used to control braking in dependence on the output signal so as to maximize braking efficiency without overloading the landing gear leg.

Abstract: A method for measuring the rigidity of paper or other products made from cellulose fibers wherein the paper is torn and a digitized sound recording is made during the tearing process which is then analyzed to determine the percentage of time during which characteristic frequencies are present during the tearing process. It has been found that this percentage correlates well with rigidity.

Abstract: Tension monitoring is described using a sensor which may exhibit an offset for which compensation may be provided to produce a zero voltage amplified output or to increase dynamic range. An arrangement determines whether a power reset is responsive to a battery bounce such that an initially-measured system start-up parameter can be retained. The start-up parameter is automatically saved at start-up if the power reset is responsive to a start-up from a shut-down condition. The start-up parameter may be a zero tension amplified output responsive to the sensor offset at zero tension. Protection of a tension data set is provided such that no opportunity for altering the data set is presented prior to transfer of the data set. A housing configuration forms part of an electrical power circuit for providing electrical power to an electronics package from a battery.

Abstract: The invention related to a flow meter for measuring the flow rate of a fluid flowing in a pipe according to the magnetic-inductive method. To this end, the flow meter comprises the pipe itself as well as an electrode arrangement integrated in the pipe and a magnetic system also integrated in the pipe for generating the measuring/magnetic field.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for measuring solid particles, e.g. sand, in a fluid flow in a pipe, comprising at least one acoustic sensor for registering acoustic signals generated from collisions between particles and a surface. The pipe comprises a constriction through which the fluid flow passes, and that at least one of said acoustic sensors are positioned in relation to said constriction, and on a surface facing toward the flow so as to receive acoustic signals resulting from collisions between particles and the surface.

Abstract: A gobo wheel with automatic detection system that automatically detects a rotational position of the gobo. The rotational position can be detected by a magnetic marking system. Each of the gobos can be randomly placed within the holder. the position of the gobos can be automatically determined during a start up routine for example, and then those positions can be stored and used for later determination of a position.

Abstract: The present invention provides fluid sampling device comprising a sampling head having a series of openings through it from one major surface to the other, a plurality of conduits at the downstream side of the openings and a plurality of sample containers. The openings are selectively opened and closed through the use of switches mounted within each opening and the head of the device members, each switch being movable within said head between closed and open positions. The conduits (e.g., flexible tubing) are equal in number to the openings, with each conduit connected to an individual port fitting arranged on a face of the head downstream of the respective opening. Similarly, the sample containers (e.g., flexible bags) are equal in number to the conduits, with each sample container connected to an individual conduit opposite the connection to the port. A specific configuration for the device, as well as a kit containing pre-sterilized components of the fluid sampling device, are also described.

Abstract: A method and system to deposit rapidly, accurately and efficiently liquid droplets onto a sample plate. A liquid from which the droplet is formed contains sample molecules, matrix molecules or a mixture of both sample and matrix molecules. A sample plate is positioned with respect to a position below a portion of the liquid, such as a droplet. A power supply forms an electric field between the sample plate and the liquid, which pulls the droplet to a target location on the sample plate. A plurality of capillary columns is provided for simultaneous or successive multiple depositions via application of one or more high voltage pulses between the liquid sample array and a sample plate.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus of submergence aggregate according to the present invention comprising a stock bin for storing fine aggregate, a fine aggregate feed hopper placed under the stock bin, a vibrating feeder placed under a discharge opening of the fine aggregate feed hopper, a screen device placed in the vicinity of an exit of the vibrating feeder, a measurement tank placed under the screen device, an electrode-type displacement sensor as means for measuring a water level placed above the measurement tank, and load cells as mass measuring means for measuring a mass of the measurement tank.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a destination point with a gas having a selectable known humidity. A gas having an initial relative humidity is alternately directed in accordance with a duty cycle along a wet path effective for humidifying the gas to provide a wet gas, and a dry path effective for either maintaining the initial relative humidity of the gas or dehumidifying the gas to provide a dry gas. The wet and dry gas is blended to produce a blended gas having a selected relative humidity based upon the selected duty cycle.

Abstract: A metal element inspection device comprising a conveying portion for sequentially transporting a plurality of metal elements, wherein a flank side recessed part formed in a metal element for a Continuously Variable Transmission belt is placed on a rail and travels along that rail; and an inspection rod inserted in noncontact with an opposite side recessed part of that metal element in the conveying state. The inspection device inspects for the existence of foreign matter being present as a result of interference by an uplifted portion of a metal element from the rail due to foreign matter lodged between a flank side recessed part of a metal element and the inspection rod, or interference by foreign matter lodged between an opposite side recessed part of that metal element and the inspection rod.

Abstract: A contour follower includes a plurality of sensors spaced around a waterjet nozzle, each of the sensors being configured to measure a distance between a working surface and a first plane, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle. The sensors may include hall-effect sensors lying in the first plane and magnets lying in a second plane, parallel to the working surface. A detecting circuit processes signals from the sensors to determine an angle of the working surface, relative to the first plane, and a distance between an aperture of the nozzle and the working surface. A collision detection sensor provides a signal in the event the device approaches to within a selected distance of an obstruction in the plane of the working surface. A shield plate blocks and dampens secondary spray-back of cutting fluid occurring at low angles above the working surface.

Abstract: A leadscrew drive has a leadscrew follower, and a leadscrew. The leadscrew is formed as an elongated annular leadscrew shell having a thread-form outer surface. The leadscrew may be fabricated by depositing a leadscrew-shell material, such as nickel, onto a mandrel having a thread-form outer surface, so that the thread-form outer surface of the mandrel is replicated in an outer surface of the leadscrew-shell material. The mandrel may be removed, to leave a hollow leadscrew shell, or left in place.

Abstract: A force amplifier has a guide track, a non-locking screw threadedly engaging the track to spirally move in response to an axial input force applied to the proximal end of the non-locking screw. The force amplifier includes a compliant component coupled to the non-locking screw by one end and to a self-locking screw by the other end. The compliant component is configured to transmit a torque generated by the non-locking screw to the self-locking screw, which is actuated to move spirally along the track while generating an axial output force greater than the input force.

Abstract: An engine includes an engine case split into an upper case and a lower case. A crankshaft and a transmission input shaft are rotatably supported at a mating surface between the upper and lower cases, and a transmission output shaft rotated by the transmission input shaft is supported in the lower case. One side face of the lower case has a circular opening through which the transmission output shaft can be inserted from the outside. An eccentric bearing holder holding a bearing that rotatably supports one end of the transmission output shaft is mounted in the opening in a detachable manner from the outside. The axis of the transmission output shaft deviates from the center of the eccentric bearing holder toward the transmission input shaft. The inner diameter of the opening is larger than the outer diameter of the largest one of transmission driven gears of the transmission output shaft.

Abstract: A preload structure for a ball screw in the inner surface of a nut is formed a helical groove whose lead is different from the lead of the adjacent helical groove to produce a lead deviation between the helical groove of the nut and the helical groove of the screw. By such arrangements, the lead deviation can be used to achieve the preload objective, thus reducing the fitting number demanded of the circulation system. Consequently, not only the single circulation system fittings can be used, but also the length of the nut is shorter and without extra machining, and the producer only needs to control the deviation of the interval helical track during rubbing to achieve various preload changes.

Abstract: The position of a lever is adjustable relative to its bearing via a locking clip that is arranged opposite to a catch. The lever is arranged in a bearing shell with a ball therein in which the lever is arranged so as to be displaceable with the catch attached. The locking clip is guided in the walls of the ball, and the locking of the locking clip and catch in the closed state of the bearing shell forms a positive engagement. The adjustable ball bearing apparatus for shift levers and selector levers compensates for tolerances in the installation of a lever between the ball, the bearing shell, and the axis of the lever.

Abstract: The present invention provides a parking brake tensioning apparatus, method, and system. Generally described, the device is for adjusting the tension cable of a parking brake in a vehicle. The device has an inner housing for receiving the handle of the parking brake. Also, the device has a deformable member attached to the housing, and is preloaded with a predetermined load. The device further has a force probe, or rod, having a first end connected to the deformable member and a second end in contact with a component of the vehicle. In addition, the device has a switch for generating a control signal when a predefined force value is applied to the deformable member by adjusting the tension of the tension cable through an adjustment tool. Furthermore, the device has a relay for transmitting the control signal to the adjustment tool once the predefined force value is reached, thus disabling the adjustment tool. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: A method of making razor blades from a strip material includes offsetting and flattening steps.

Abstract: A jar opener comprises a pair of handles, a pivot connecting the handles for pivotal movement, and a head section having a pair of jaws extending from the pivot opposite the handles and pivotable by the handles to close for gripping a lid of a jar and to open to release the lid. The jaws have a pair of inner gripping portions adjacent the pivot for gripping a lid of a relatively larger diameter, and a pair of outer gripping portions adjacent the inner gripping portions and further from the pivot than the inner gripping portion for gripping a smaller lid or bottle cap.

Abstract: An adjustable spanner with electronic strain gauge function which comprises a head; an fixed jaw extending from the head; and sliding groove being transversally formed at one upper side of the head; a handle connected to a lower side of the head; at least one strain gauge; a hollow connecting tube having one end connected to the handle; the hollow connecting tube being installed with an output display device; a clamping surface of the moveable jaw and a clamping surface of the fixed jaw being formed as a working area for clamping a screw device; and a positioning portion being installed on the moveable jaw and at a non-working area below the working area; the position portion facing toward a clamping opening between the clamping surfaces of the moveable jaw and fixed jaw; and the positioning portion being capable of resisting against the screw device.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a handle a shank is inserted into an axial recess in the handle. Multiple first teeth extend inward from an inner periphery of the axial recess. Two plates extend axially from the top end of the handle and each plate includes a hook which has an inclined surface. A movable member is mounted to the top end of the handle and includes two extensions and each extension has a second inclined surface. A tubular member is mounted to the shank and multiple second teeth extend outward from the tubular member and are removably engaged with the first teeth. The two hooks removably hold the tubular member when a large torque is needed to be output, and the two hooks release the tubular member by pushing the movable member to move the two plates outward, the shank and the tubular member can be co-rotated with small torque.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for continuous lengths of filaments bundles, film ribbons, filamentary-type or other material in strip like form is disclosed containing a tube that is readily adjustable in very small increments relative to rotating blades. A housing surrounds the exit end of the tube and rotating blades which is attached to a suction device. The device creates a high velocity flow of air through the tube which aligns the filamentary material for cutting. An insert may be placed in the tube which contains an upper surface or anvil at its outer end. The tube and/or the insert in the tube is adjustable in two dimensions relative to one or more blades rotating in a plane transverse to the axis of the tube. These adjustments which may be made during operation of the cutting process to facilitate a cleaner, uniform cutting of the filamentary material.

Abstract: A rotary cutter comprises a first knife located on a knife shaft having a longitudinal axis, a second knife spaced from the first knife by an adjustable cutting gap, a control unit including a drive for turning at least one of the first knife or the second knife, and an adjusting mechanism for moving at least one of the first knife or the second knife in the direction of the longitudinal axis to adjust the cutting gap. The adjusting mechanism comprises a first signal transmitter for detecting a zero position of the first and second knives; a second signal transmitter for detecting the cutting position of the first and second knives; and an adjustment drive coupled to the first and second signal transmitters for movement of at least one of the first or second knives from the zero position to the cutting position.

Abstract: A die adaptor system includes a lower adaptor including a first press adaptor plate and a lower binder plate. The lower forming plate has a raised upwardly facing contact surface that is encircled by the lower binder plate. The die adaptor system also includes an upper adaptor having an upper forming plate and an upper binder plate. The upper forming plate has a raised downwardly facing contact surface that is encircled by the upper binder plate. A tool package is formed when the upper and lower adaptors are abuttingly engaged along the downwardly and upwardly facing contact surfaces. The tool package can be removed from the press and a new or different tool package can be inserted. A rack and pinion lift mechanism is integrated below the lower adaptor, to allow the tool package to be raised to a height high enough for removal from the press machine.

Abstract: The punching die of the invention has a head 22 held by positive engagement. The head 22 is held on the shaft 21 of the die 8 in that by means of plastic deformation, for instance by radial application of pressure, material is positively displaced radially inward, so that a protrusion 28 is embodied which rests over a large area on the wall of a recess 23. A more secure, more durable force transition is assured.

Abstract: An improved system and operating method for a smoke generator machine and control room to be enclosed into a single trailer for the training of personnel in the art of visible smoke opacity compliance monitoring of industrial smoke discharge from smoke stacks by distinguishing the variations of smoke opacity emission based on the requirements set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA said smoke generator is principally used for production of white and black smoke for simulating smoke discharge from industrial smoke stacks by heating various fuels to the flash point in burn boxes to create white or black smoke and venting said smoke through a duct system to a smoke stack by creating a artificial draft by a speed control fan.

Abstract: A device to separate the links (M1, M2) of an ammunition belt, such belt exiting a weapon after firing and in which the links are mounted so as to pivot angularly with respect to one another, a relative pivoting position of a first link (M1) with respect to the following link (M2) enabling the first link to be unhooked, the device incorporating at least one tab integral with a support of the weapon and placed in proximity to the exit of the belt from the support, and able to make each link pivot with respect to the following one, wherein the at least one tab is placed above an exit of the belt, the at least one tab being pushed by the exiting of a first link (M1) against the action of a spring and which cooperates with a rear edge of the body of the first link (M1) to make it pivot with respect to the following link (M2), thus unhooking it. In alternative embodiments, the at least one tab is an elastic tab adapted to be deformed by the exiting first link.

Abstract: A fire control mechanism provides semi-automatic, burst, fully automatic, and safe modes for a firearm. The fire control mechanism includes first, second and third shafts. A hammer is rotatably mounted on the first shaft and biased for rotation about the first shaft in a first direction. An auto sear is mounted on the second shaft and engageable with the hammer. A semi disconnect is mounted on the second shaft and engageable with the hammer. A primary sear is mounted on the third shaft and engageable with the hammer.

Abstract: An air balance structure that compensates for the weight load of a movable member driven in a straight line along the vertical axis, with a simplified structure and at reduced cost. The box-shaped movable member has an open bottom that accommodates the stationary member therewithin, in which state the movable member is movably supported in the vertical direction by an air bearing created using a gap between the stationary member and the movable member. An air balance chamber that contains pressurized air is formed inside the movable member. After pressure-adjusted air is supplied from the outside to the gap from a jet port through a pipe inside the stationary member, the air flows into the air balance chamber. This flow seals the pressurized air inside the air balance chamber. Pressurized air exhaust is exhausted externally from an exhaust port through a pipe and a flow adjusting device.

Abstract: A piston and method of making a piston which involves providing a single piece piston blank that, after casting or forging, is separated into separate upper and lower portions. The upper portion is machined to develop a piston head having that includes a cooling gallery portion and the lower portion is machined to develop a piston body having a cooling gallery portion, a skirt and a pair of opposed pin bores. After machining the piston head and piston body are attached together and the resulting assembly is machine finished into a finished piston.

Abstract: A beverage making apparatus for producing a desired beverage using a heated brewing substance. The apparatus includes a system and method for preventing initiating of a heating cycle when an insufficient amount of water is retained in the apparatus. Additional features of the brewer are provided to facilitate movement of water through the system.

Abstract: A plunger device for use with a beverage press having a screen for filtering fines from an infused beverage. A flexible seal is provided that is compressible to function properly in different sized containers. The seal may be made of a material such as rubber or rubberized plastics or the like and may have a width that is greater than its thickness. Various seal embodiments including ascending, descending and non-circular embodiments are disclosed. Brew control and multiple access openings are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method according to this invention is comprised of a forming step to form a sheet from a block of bread dough that is kneaded from the raw materials for bread, a further forming step to form a bar-like dough by rolling or folding the sheet a cutting step to cut the bar-like dough, and a placing step to place the bar-like pieces of dough that were cut at the cutting step into a baking mold so that at least one cutting plane faces upward. If there are air bubbles between layers of the bar-like pieces of dough, the air bubbles can escape from a cutting surface of the bar-like pieces of dough when they rise and expand at the fermenting and baking steps.

Abstract: A hand press includes a body, a movable handle and a hinge pivotally coupling a proximal end of the movable handle to the body. The body includes a pressing container having one or more side walls and a bottom and a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism includes a plunger shaft, a plunger coupled to a first end of the plunger shaft, a driver engaging the plunger shaft and an actuator link coupled between the movable handle and the driver. The plunger forms a top of the pressing container. A method for pressing items using the hand press is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making and using an economical and disposable kitchen utensil, by forming a dished, semi-circular or semi-elliptical receptacle, by cutting an existing dished circular or elliptical food plate in half, resulting in two matching units, or by manufacturing a dished semi-circular or semi-elliptical receptacle in the shape of half of a dished circular or elliptical food plate, that will be used for the collection and transfer of prepared food items located atop a kitchen chop board or countertop surface to a cooking, serving, refuse or other kitchen receptacle.

Abstract: The invention provides a unit for printing a web of paper including a frame and at least a first and a second printing group, each printing group including a blanket cylinder and a plate cylinder, the printing unit also including a throw off mechanism for supporting and moving the cylinders, into at least one throw-on configuration, in which the blanket cylinders are pressed against each other and against the plate cylinders, and a throw-off configuration, in which the blanket cylinders are spaced apart from each other and from the plate cylinders. The throw-off mechanism includes at least a first system for returning the mass of at least a first cylinder of the first printing group towards a first cylinder of the second printing group and vice-versa so that the first cylinders form mutual counterweights when the printing unit moves between the throw-on and throw-off configurations thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for at least partially demetallizing a metallized film that has a metallized side and an opposite support side.

Abstract: A method for controlling the initiation of an electronic detonator when located in surrounding ground, the method comprising the steps of: measuring the actual spatial position of the said detonator in relation to one or more adjacent detonators; and calculating the time of initiation of the said detonator based upon its actual spatial position.

Abstract: A projectile may be used in a boat tail or base bleed configuration. The projectile includes a warhead casing having a nose end and a base end; a payload disposed in the warhead casing; a motor body attached to the base end of the warhead casing and having an igniter disposed therein; a base closure attached to the motor body, an exterior surface of the base closure being tapered to form a boat tail, the base closure and the motor body defining an interior volume; a propellant disposed in the interior volume, the propellant being used for base bleed operation; and a converter attached to the base closure and extending into the interior volume.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of removing half ties from vaults in a railway bed, including detaching a section of rail from one or more of the underlying half ties of the railway bed. A section of rail may be elevated above the railway bed. In the alternate, the half ties may be cut at positions flanking the rail to form sectioned half ties. A tool of a hydraulic hammer is inserted along one of the half ties until the tool approaches a bottom edge of the half tie. The angle of the tool is lowered to a substantially horizontal angle. The tool is advanced substantially horizontally to free the first one of the half ties from the railway bed and the first one of the half ties is then removed.