Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring gases permeation through a material (M), comprising the steps of: Forming a mixture of isotopic gases in a mixing enclosure (14), each isotopic gas corresponding to a target gas for which permeation through the material (M) is sought, the isotopic gas having a mass number different from that of the corresponding target gas; Filling with the mixture of isotopic gases a first chamber (11) of a permeation enclosure (10) comprising first (11) and second (12) chambers, the first chamber (11) being separated from the second chamber (12) by the material (M); Simultaneously analyzing the isotopic gases having permeated through the material (M) and being present in the second chamber (12), in order to simultaneously calculate permeation through the material (M) of each of the corresponding target gases. The invention further relates to a device for implementing such a method, and a method for using this device.

Abstract: A method of measuring the transmission rate of a permeant through a container and determining shelf life of product within the container based upon loss of the permeant through the container. The method includes the steps of (i) placing a sealed container containing a perishable product and a permeant within a sealed retention chamber, (ii) periodically measuring concentration of the permeant within the headspace of the retention chamber until a substantially steady state increase in permeant concentration within the headspace is sensed, and (iii) calculating a shelf life for the sealed container by dividing an amount of permeant loss, previously established as correlating to product expiration, by the sensed steady state increase in permeant concentration.

Abstract: An instrument for detecting leaks in a hermetically sealed package. The instrument includes (i) a hollow needle, (ii) a mass flow rate sensor in sealed fluid communication with the lumen defined by the hollow needle, and (iii) a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump is in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the needle for evacuating gas from the hermetically sealed package, and in fluid communication with the mass flow rate sensor for directing mass flow from the evacuated package into operable contact with the mass flow rate sensor so as to permit sensing of any continuing mass flow from the evacuated package. The instrument may further include an oxygen sensor in sealed fluid communication with the lumen defined by the hollow needle for analyzing the oxygen concentration of the gas within the hermetically sealed package.

Abstract: A method of detecting a leak in a fluid system, which includes a switch that changes state according to pressure in the fluid system. The method includes changing pressure in the fluid system with a pump assembly. The pump assembly includes a predetermined leak that is in fluid communication with the fluid system and that causes the switch to change state after a predetermined time period. The method also includes detecting a leak in the fluid system if the switch changes state within an amount of time less than the predetermined time period.

Abstract: A rheometer can be used to measure yield stress and viscosity of a cement-based material with excellent results. It mainly includes a drum and at least one adaptive vane assembly. The adaptive vane assembly is replaceably connected to a shaft. The shaft rotates relative to the drum. The ratio of radius (r1) of the adaptive vane assembly to radius (r0) of the drum is between 0.1˜0.6. The shaft is rotated with a minimum rotational speed more than 0.001 rad/s, and then can measure its torque at constant speed. Accordingly, the rheometer can greatly reduce the disturbance of vanes of the adaptive vane assembly upon the cement-based materials and reduce the slippage among particles and the vanes. Moreover, the minimum shear stress is defined as a yield stress.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for detection of an analyte in liquid chromatography with increased detection sensitivity and signal resolution.

Abstract: An ion-based triple sensor is disclosed. The ion-based triple sensor may include an ion sensing unit, configured to measure an ionic current intensity, a pressure sensing unit, configured to measure a pressure, and a temperature sensing unit, configured to measure a temperature. The ion-based triple sensor may further include a signal processing unit coupled to the ion sensing unit, the pressure sensing unit and the temperature sensing unit. The signal processing unit may include a filtering component, configured to filter at least one of the ion, pressure and temperature measurements, and a data acquisition component, configured to sample the filtered measurements and communicate the samples to a controller.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at a method, system and apparatus that may include an oxidation catalyst, a first sensor positioned upstream of the oxidation catalyst, a second sensor positioned downstream of the oxidation catalyst. The first and second sensors may respond differently to the concentration of NO and NO2. In addition, the first and second sensors may provide signals, which may be received by a processor to determine oxidation catalyst efficiency.

Abstract: A tire characteristic judging device judges a tire characteristic in the following way. At first, a load applied to a tire and a cornering force generated in the tire in time series while the tire is rolling are acquired. Then, an applied load variation amount is calculated from the acquired time-series applied load information and a cornering force variation amount calculated from the acquired time-series cornering force information. Next, an evaluation value is calculated based on the applied load variation amount and the cornering force variation amount. The calculated evaluation value and a preset reference value are compared with each other and whether or not the tire satisfies a desired characteristic is judged according to a result of comparison.

Abstract: A testing method and apparatus for ground liquefaction and dynamic characteristics in the original position utilizing a boring hole, wherein the dynamic strength and deformation characteristics of a soil layer against a dynamic repetitive load, in an optional position in the ground can be obtained by a simple method. A measuring cell based on a three-chamber construction is used, and upper and lower soil layers (J1, J3) with an intermediate soil layer (J2) therebetween are alternately subjected to a dynamic repetitive load, and what influence there is on the intermediate soil layer (J2) is investigated from the relation between pressure and displacement.

Abstract: A leaf spring load measuring device of the present invention comprises a weighing mechanism, a measuring mechanism, a metering mechanism, and a control mechanism. The weighing mechanism applies a load heavier than a working load to a leaf spring, thereby bending the leaf spring in its thickness direction, and maintains the resulting state for a predetermined hold time. The measuring mechanism measures a load value of the leaf spring in a manner such that the spring is subjected to a load within a range of the working load. The metering mechanism meters a displacement of the spring when the load value is measured. The control mechanism controls the weighing mechanism, the metering mechanism, and the measuring mechanism, and has a timer function to meter the hold time.

Abstract: An integrated sensor for automated systems includes a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and a network interface. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the flow sensor includes a temperature sensor (26) which determines the temperature of the fluid flowing in a flow path (12). A heater (18) is coupled to the flow path, and is energized by a controller (20) with sufficient electrical power to raise the temperature of the heater above the measured fluid temperature by a fixed temperature difference. In order to aid in determining the temperature difference, a sensor (24) may be associated with the heater (18). The amount of power required to maintain the temperature difference is a measure of the flow velocity. The volumetric flow rate is the product of the flow velocity multiplied by the area of the flow sensor. The mass flow rate is the product of the volumetric flow rate multiplied by the mass density of the fluid. In a particular embodiment, the pressure sensor is ratiometric.

Abstract: A thermal-type fluid flow sensor comprises a heating resistor formed on a thin film of a substrate, and plural thermal sensitive resistors configuring a bridge circuit. The thermal sensitive resistors are disposed on the thin film of the substrate so as to be located on an adjacent upstream side and an adjacent downstream side of the heating resistor in a stream direction of fluid to be measured. Resistor traces for the thermal sensitive resistors are formed so that the respective thermal sensitive resistors exhibit substantially equal changes in resistance with each other to distortion caused in the thin film.

Abstract: An environmental-state determination apparatus includes a pair of detection electrodes which provide therebetween a capacitance which changes in accordance with a state of a surrounding environment, for example, the level of a liquid. A detection signal is input to a signal passage connected to the detection electrodes. A first capacitance parameter representing the capacitance of the detection electrodes is detected on the basis of a signal output from the signal passage in the connected state. The detection signal is input to the signal passage from which the detection electrodes are disconnected. A second capacitance parameter representing the capacitance of the signal passage is detected on the basis of a signal output from the signal passage in the disconnected state. The first capacitance parameter is corrected by subtracting therefrom the second capacitance parameter. The state of the surrounding environment is determined on the basis of the corrected first capacitance parameter.

Abstract: A heat switch 570 is disclosed as well as a gradiometer having the heat switch. The heat switch is formed from a non-magnetic material such as a semi-conducting material. The semi-conducting material may be provided by way of a Hall effect device. The heat switches are arranged in the gradiometer on a circuit board 856. The circuit board 850 has conducting strips 856 which are connected to conducting strips on a sensor 71 by bridges 852. The heat switch 570 is connected on the opposite side of the circuit board 850 to the strips 856 and processing circuitry 859. A copper substrate 865 is provided on the same side of the circuit board as the heat switch 570 to conduct heat away from the heat switch 570 when the heat switch is closed.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a sensor, particularly, a yaw rate sensor, which is housed inside a housing. In order to detect the potentially dangerous influence of mechanical vibrations upon the output of the sensor, the vibrations are sensed at the location of the sensor, and the sensor or an electronic device interacting with the sensor is switched off for as long as the vibrations exceed an established intensity. The method and system of the present invention can be used in a driving dynamics control system of a road vehicle, for example.

Abstract: An accelerometer includes a cantilever mass with a thin beam element between the mass and the fixed end of the accelerometer. The end of the mass is tapered. A limiting member has an aperture that is tapered corresponding to the taper at the end of the mass and positioned to surround the tapered end of the seismic mass. The beam accelerometer as well as the limiting member is placed in a cylindrical housing whereby the limiting member is moved along the taper of the seismic mass to adjust the spacing between the limiting member and the inner wall of the housing to thereby adjust the amount of movement of the seismic mass. In one embodiment the aperture of the tapered limited member also surrounds the seismic mass but the gap between the inner wall of the tapered limiting member and the outer wall of the seismic mass is adjusted to determine the amount of movement of the beam.

Abstract: First and second detection frames are supported by a substrate to be rotatable about first and second torsion axes. A first link beam is connected to the first detection frame on an axis located at a position moved from a position of the first torsion axis in a first direction crossing the first torsion axis and directed to one end side of the first detection frame. A second link beam is connected to the second detection frame on an axis located at a position shifted from a position of the second torsion axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction. An inertia mass body is displaceable in a thickness direction of the substrate by being linked with the first and second detection frames by the first and second link beams, respectively. This constitution makes it possible to obtain a highly precise acceleration sensor hardly influenced by disturbances.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a detection element having a plurality of piezoelectric ceramic layers laminated together and a pair of retaining members that retain an end portion of the detection element in a longitudinal direction thereof at two principal surfaces of the end portion. The detection element includes electrodes between the ceramic layers and on principal surfaces. The detection element obtains a voltage or a charge generated in the detection element in response to an application of acceleration from the principal-surface electrodes and the interlayer electrodes. The piezoelectric ceramic layers are not polarized in areas between the principal-surface electrodes and the interlayer electrodes within a retaining area in which the detection element is retained by the retaining members.

Abstract: An opto-acoustic transducer assembly includes a substrate; at least one layer of opto-acoustic material coupled to a surface of the substrate, where the at least one layer of opto-acoustic material generates sound waves when struck by pulses of pump light; and an acoustic lens configured to focus sound waves generated by the at least one layer of opto-acoustic material towards a sample. The acoustic lens is further configured to collect sound waves returning from the sample and to direct the returning sound waves to the at least one layer of opto-acoustic material. The at least one layer of opto-acoustic material is responsive to the returning sound waves for having at least one optical property thereof changed, where the change is detectable from a change in a characteristic of reflected pulses of probe light that are time delayed with respect to the pulses of pump light.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vibration sensing apparatus and a washing machine having the same. The vibration sensing apparatus includes a variable resistor having variable resistance values according to each displacement, a displacement transmission unit interposed between the variable resistor and a vibrating body for transmitting each displacement of the vibrating body to the variable resistor, and a vibration detector for detecting each vibration of the vibrating body based upon the changes in the resistance values of the variable resistor. The vibration generated while operating the washing machine can be sensed in real time to prevent collision and noise from being generated due to excessive vibration.

Abstract: A differential pressure transmitter includes first and second process fluid inlets. A differential pressure sensor is disposed within the transmitter and has first and second sensor inlets. A first isolator diaphragm is located proximate the first process fluid inlet and is operably coupled to the first sensor inlet through a first fill fluid volume. A second isolator diaphragm is located proximate the second process fluid inlet and is operably coupled to the second sensor inlet through a second fill fluid volume. Measurement circuitry is operably coupled to the differential pressure sensor and configured to measure an electrical parameter of the sensor and provide an indication of the measured parameter. A third fluid volume substantially surrounds the differential pressure sensor. The third fluid volume exerts a compressive force on the differential pressure sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at methods and apparatuses for facilitating the establishment of a reference pressure within a reference chamber of a pressure transducer. The transducer has a housing and a cover, the housing defining a reference chamber and an aperture. A meltable sealing material is disposed on at least one of the cover and the housing. The apparatus includes a pressure chamber that is rotatable between a first position and a second position, a pressure source that is connected to the pressure chamber, a guide that is attachable to the transducer near the aperture, and a heater for selectively heating the pressure chamber to a temperature sufficiently high to melt the sealing material. The cover is positioned in an internal space of the guide. The guide is attached to the transducer near the aperture.

Abstract: A semiconductor pressure sensor includes a diaphragm; a resistor provided on a top surface of the diaphragm; an insulating film formed on the diaphragm and the resistor having a penetrating part exposing a top surface of the resistor; and a wiring pattern formed from the top surface of the resistor exposed by the penetrating part to a top surface of the insulating film; wherein a distance between a first crossing part where a plane orthogonal to the top surface of the diaphragm meets a top end of a side plane of the penetrating part and a second crossing part where the plane orthogonal to the top surface of the diaphragm meets a bottom of the side plane of the penetrating part is equal or greater than a thickness of the insulating film by a factor of a square root of two.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compensation apparatus for compensating for thermally induced relative axial positional changes between two components, having a first compensation part which brings about an axial temperature-compensating movement of one of the compensation parts via a conical sliding face in a corresponding recess of a second compensation part if the radial extent of at least one of the compensation parts changes in a temperature-induced manner. In order to optimize the compensation capability of this apparatus, and to make it as far as possible independent of production tolerances of its installation surroundings with particularly simple means, there is provision for at least one compensation part to have a joint with a joint width which is variable during operation and imparts mechanical radial spring properties to the compensation part.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for evaluating the properties of material used in the manufacture of pulling rolls. In one embodiment, a method is provided for aligning plates comprising the material along an axis and compressing the plates to form a cartridge. The plates can be compressed by a piston. The cartridge can be rotated by a motor. In one embodiment, the cartridge, while rotating, is contacted with a cutting surface to produce a surface finish on the cartridge. Properties such as compressibility, recovery and resiliency, and hardness can be measured.

Abstract: A spring supported lower clamper for direct tensile test, comprising a lower connection member, a lower end cap for holding a sample, a lower chain for connecting the lower connection member with the lower end cap, and spring-type supporting provisions for supporting a broken-apart lower part of the sample formed during the tensile test and the lower end cap. During the tensile test, the sample, the lower end cap and the lower chain are supported by the spring-type supporting provisions. Thus the sample can be prevented from being broken abruptly when a tensile force in the sample reaches its maximum level, and the mechanical behavior after the maximum tensile force is reached can be measured.

Abstract: A multi-axis fatigue testing device includes a multiple input, multiple output mechanical linkage driven by a plurality of actuators and a controller operating each of the plurality of actuators in real time and in synchronization to produce user-defined multiple fatigue cycle profiles.

Abstract: A vortex flowmeter is disclosed, which includes, among other features, a closed measuring tube, through which a flowable medium that is to be quantitatively measured flows, the medium flowing against a disturbing element that is arranged in the measuring tube. A vibration sensor is arranged downstream in the direction of flow detecting the vortex frequency generated by the disturbing element. An electronic evaluation unit is disposed downstream of the vibration sensor converting it into an electric signal corresponding to the quantitative flow rate or volumetric flow rate. The relative position can be changed between the measuring tube and the disturbing element and/or the measuring tube and the vibration sensor in a signal-optimizing manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for damping an ultrasonic signal propagating in the wall of a pipe, the apparatus including at least one damping structure for securing at least one sensor to the wall of the pipe, wherein the at least one sensor includes a transmitter component and a receiver component for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic signal, wherein the at least one damping structure is associated with the outer wall of the pipe for damping the ultrasonic signal propagating within the wall of the pipe and a processor that defines a convective ridge in the k-? plane in response to the ultrasonic signals, and determines the slope of at least a portion of the convective ridge to determine the flow velocity of the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for damping an undesired component of an ultrasonic signal. The apparatus includes a sensor affixed to a pipe. The sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitted ultrasonic signal includes a structural component propagating through the pipe and a fluid component propagating through a flow in the pipe. The receiver receives one of the transmitted components. The apparatus includes a damping structure. The damping structure dampens the structural component of the ultrasonic signal to impede propagation of the structural component to the receiver. The damping structure includes one of a housing secured to the pipe to modify ultrasonic vibrational characteristics thereof, a plurality of film assemblies including a tunable circuit to attenuate structural vibration of the pipe, and a plurality of blocks affixed to the pipe to either reflect or propagates through the blocks, the undesired structural component of the ultrasonic signal.

Abstract: A method for determining the flow rates of a fluid comprising a multi-component mixture of a gas and at least one liquid in a pipe, the method comprising the following steps: a) the multi-component mixture flow is conditioned to create a symmetrical annular gas concentration flow condition, b) the density distribution and/or dielectric constant distribution in said symmetrical flow within a cross-section of the pipe is determined, c) a function describing the radial distribution of density and/or radial distribution of dielectric constant is determined, d) the velocity of the multi-component mixture is determined, e) the temperature and pressure are obtained, and, f) based on the knowledge of densities and/or dielectric constants of the components of the fluid mixture, and the result from the above steps a-e, the volume and/or mass flow rates of the gas and liquid components of the fluid mixture are calculated. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The torque sensor includes a plurality of coil units having a substantially cylindrical shape, the coil units including a plurality of detection coils arranged to face a magnetic characteristic change portion formed on a rotary shaft. The coil units include a first coil unit and a second coil unit, and the first coil unit and the second coil unit are disposed in the axial direction of the shaft. The first coil unit and the second coil unit are fixed in an integrally molded resin. Thereby, there is provided a torque sensor having a high productivity and an easy configuration and a method of manufacturing the torque sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for the automated measurement of properties related to a stack gas stream, flow velocity for example. A probe assembly (24) is introduced into a stack through a test port and operated by an automated mechanism mounted on the test port to position a sensing tip (28) at various locations within the gas stream at proper yaw angle. A framework (30, 32, 34, 36) of the automated mechanism provides bearing support for the probe assembly while allowing the probe assembly to translate on the framework along an axis but constraining the probe assembly from turning on the framework about the axis. With a gripper assembly (44) gripping the probe assembly and another gripper assembly (56) released, a linear actuator (40) can move the gripper assembly (44) along the axis to translate the probe assembly on the framework.

Abstract: A speed sensor fastened to a front fork constituting a bicycle with a cable tie includes a sensor body having a reed switch detecting movement of a front wheel in the bicycle, and a rubber pad tied up on the front fork and rotatably holding the sensor body to vary a distance between the front wheel and the reed switch.

Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism for use as a continuously variable transmission that includes an input shaft, a cam member, a torque-splitting mechanism cooperating with the cam member, and a torque output assembly for coupling the torque splitting mechanism to an output shaft when there is substantially zero relative velocity between the moving parts to be disconnected to minimize torque feedback to the input shaft.

Abstract: A motor-driven actuator extends and retracts a piston rod. The actuator includes a housing, an electric motor having a motor shaft, a piston rod slidably extendable and retractable with respect to the housing, a speed-reduction stage coupled to the motor shaft and rotating a drive shaft parallel to the motor shaft, a speed and direction-change stage coupled to and driven by the drive shaft and rotating a wheel gear substantially perpendicular to the motor shaft, and a driving stage coupled to and driven by the wheel gear and extending and retracting the piston rod relative to the housing along a direction parallel to the motor shaft. The actuator also includes a position detector detecting when the piston rod is in the extended and retracted positions. Preferably, the position detector includes Hall effect sensors and a permanent magnet mounted on a piston driving the piston rod.

Abstract: A transmission configuration includes an automated dual-clutch transmission having two transmission sections with respective input shafts, respective output shafts and respective motor clutches. The motor clutches are connected, on a motor side thereof, to a drive shaft and to a respective one of the input shafts on a transmission side thereof. A drive-side speed sensor unit is disposed at the drive shaft. An input-side speed sensor configuration includes sensor wheels connected, fixed against relative rotation, to respective ones of the input shafts, and pulse sensors disposed stationary with respect to a housing and within an effective range of the respective sensor wheels. The input-side speed sensor configuration is configured to detect a speed of the input shafts and a direction of rotation of at least one of the input shafts. A method for controlling an automated dual-clutch transmission is also provided.

Abstract: An automated manual transmission to which a shift position sensor of the present invention is practically applied has a hydraulic shift actuator that includes a cylinder and a piston that moves in the cylinder in accordance with a speed change operation of the transmission. The shift position sensor comprises a magnet mounted in the piston to move therewith, and a magnaflux detector mounted to a fixed member of the transmission near the hydraulic shift actuator to detect a magnaflux produced by the magnet. The cylinder is so constructed as to cover the magnet even when the piston is subjected to a stroke in the cylinder.

Abstract: An automatic transmission according to the invention includes: a hydraulic pressure supply unit which is disposed, together with a gear train, inside a case and switches a shift state (gear ratio) of the gear train based on a supply of hydraulic pressure from hydraulic fluid; a control unit which is disposed in the case and detachably connected to the hydraulic pressure supply unit, and electrically controls the hydraulic pressure supply unit; and a storage portion which is provided in the case and temporarily stores hydraulic fluid supplied to the gear train, and cools the control unit by the stored hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A supporting unit in a moving table device, easily connected to a base and a table, is provided. A supporting unit (U?) has a pair of planar bearing plates. Inside the planar bearing plates are positioned spherical bearing plates, respectively. Further, a spherical axial member is sandwiched between the spherical bearing plates (34a, 34b). A planar bearing is formed between each of the planar bearing plates and each of the spherical bearing plates. A spherical bearing is formed between each of the spherical bearing plates and the spherical axial member. Thus, the supporting unit (U?) is provided with a certain degree of movability in five-axis directions. With the high degree of movability, the supporting unit (U?) can be easily connected to a base and a table.

Abstract: A hubbed rotor adapter plate for refinishing a hubbed rotor is provided. The hubbed rotor adapter plate includes an adapter drum and a self-centering bearing mechanism sleeve mountable on a brake lathe arbor to secure a hubbed rotor during a refinishing operation.

Abstract: A pipe cutting apparatus having a frame and first and second pipe support arms. The pipe support arms are pivotally attached to the frame. First and second pipe support members on the first and second arms together with a third pipe support member securely grip the pipe at substantially equally circumferentially spaced locations. A camming member is used to place the first and second pipe support arms in predefined locations for holding differently sized pipes. An linkage assembly causes the third pipe support member to biasingly engage the pipe. A two-part tool shield is provided together with a depth adjusting assembly for facilitating the cutting and beveling of the pipe. A power transmission assembly transfers power from a motor on the frame to a tool located on a pivoting arm. The frame may be manufactured using an adhesive filler material for enhancing the rigidity, strength and accuracy of the components.

Abstract: A powered dispenser for dispensing individual sheet segments from a continuous roll of sheet material provided with spaced tear lines comprises a powered feed mechanism, a releasable, powered drive mechanism, a powered transfer mechanism, a pair of web sensing sensors, a capacitive sensing system providing automatic sensitivity adjustment, and control circuitry. A dual power supply system provides a mechanical lock-out functionality, and the control system is protected from electrostatic build-up on the surface of the feed roller. The web sensor, and an antenna plate of the capacitive sensing system, are provided on respective printed circuit boards mounted in overlying relation. Utilizing signals received from the pair of web sensors and the capacitive sensing system, the control circuitry senses the presence of a user to activate the powered drive mechanism, and prevents further dispensing of the sheet material until a previously dispensed segment is separated from the roll.

Abstract: A case activated drum powder measure includes a measure body, a powder drum, a drive assembly and an actuation assembly. The measure body includes a drum receiver, an actuation tube and a hopper. The powder drum includes a powder cavity and is retained in the drum receiver. One end of an expanding die is secured to the actuation tube and the other end is secured to a loading press. A connecting rod transmits linear motion from the actuation assembly to rotate the powder drum through the drive assembly. Gun powder fills the powder cavity through the hopper. A case is retained in a shell holder retained in a ram of the reloading press. A lever arm is pulled, which causes the ram to push the case into the expanding die. Upward movement of the case causes the gun powder in the powder cavity to fall into the case.

Abstract: An object such as an aircraft in flight is obscured from infrared detection when viewed from an external viewing location. The method includes providing the object having an externally viewable hot region associated therewith, wherein the hot region has a temperature greater than 150° C. A source of an obscuring agent is provided, wherein the obscuring agent comprises a mixture of carbon dioxide gas and water vapor. The obscuring agent is ejected from a dispensing location so as to flow between the hot region and the external viewing location. The obscuring agent has a temperature of less than that of the hot region.

Abstract: A landmine detection and neutralization apparatus and method is disclosed. The apparatus to determine the location of landmines, comprises at least two detection modules utilizing different infrared, sound, and/or optical detection and a remotely operated miniature airborne vehicle, that may carry the detection modules at an optimum altitude over a surface that may contain landmines. The neutralization device may be a microwave and/or infrared wave generator. The method for determining the location of landmines comprises using at least two different landmine detection techniques where the techniques are infrared, sound, and optical detection, operating the detection techniques in a close proximity to a surface that may contain landmines and maintaining this close proximity by operating a remotely operated miniature airborne vehicle. Neutralization may be achieved by directing microwaves or infrared waves at detected landmines.

Abstract: An arrangement for recoilless launch including a non-gaseous reaction mass having a weight in a range of about 25% to about 75% of a weight of a projectile. For the same projectile energy, less propellant is required than a rocket, which minimizes backblast and reduces before-launch weight. The recoilless launching is adapted to shoulder-launched projectiles in a confined space. The reaction mass may be particles associated with a propellant so as to be released concurrently as the propellant turns into gas and accelerated by and with the propellant gas in a nozzle.

Abstract: A passively-actuated apparatus for providing shock-absorption between a missile and a missile canister prior to missile launch, and for moving out of the path of a missile during missile launch. The apparatus comprises a snubber coupled to a passive actuator that drives a snubber from a position wherein the snubber is engaged with a missile to a position wherein the snubber is cleared from the path of any portion of the missile during launch. The actuator is purely mechanical in nature, and is passively-actuated by the motion of the missile itself as the missile begins launch.

Abstract: A military vehicle having an armed turret and a swinging arm to move this armed turret. The vehicle is equipped with a gripping mechanism apt to attach the armed turret to one end of the swinging arm. This gripping mechanism has one male part connected to the end of the swinging arm and one female part connected to the armed turret, this male part can be locked mechanically into the female part due to at least one bolt activated by a hydraulic device. The turret is applied in self-defense of designed military vehicles intended to do engineering type projects.