Abstract: Inspection systems and methods for their use comprise: a movable carrier with spaced receptacles, each sized to accept a sample; a first pin positioned proximate to the movable carrier and connected to a first movable member capable of reciprocally moving the first pin alternately into and out of contact with a first end of a sample disposed in one of the spaced receptacles; a second pin positioned proximate to the movable carrier and connected to a second movable member capable of reciprocally moving the second pin alternately into and out of contact with a second end of the sample disposed in the one of the spaced receptacles; a measurement sensor capable of determining a value associated with the sample disposed in the one of the spaced receptacles; and an evaluation device in communication with the measurement sensor for receiving the value, the evaluation device providing a comparison between the value and a predetermined value.

Abstract: A creep tester for a precise and accurate creep test includes a movable actuator capable of loading corresponding to change in length of a specimen, a cam actuator operated in association with the movable actuator, and a self weight actuator. The movable actuator includes upper and lower spherical adjusting seats to hold upper and lower portions of the specimen, a spring disposed on the upper spherical adjusting seat to correspond to a minute deformation of the specimen, upper and lower movable tables respectively contacting the spring and the lower spherical adjusting seat, a load cell and a stationary table disposed on the upper movable table, and a movable loading table disposed below the lower movable table to apply a predetermined load to the specimen. The creep tester can perform a precise creep test by continuously applying a constant load without supplementation of hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining flow in an aspirated particle detector system, includes a plurality of carriers in fluid communication with a particle detector, a flow rate detector in at least one of the carriers that senses a signal transmitted between a first and a second signal transceiver, wherein the first transceiver transceives signals in at least two of the carriers.

Abstract: A Coriolis effect device includes a housing defining an interior chamber having a central axis, an inlet, an outlet, a leading disc and a trailing disc. Each disc is supported for oscillatory movement within the interior chamber of the housing. The leading disc defines a leading flow path in fluid communication with the inlet and interior chamber, wherein a portion of the leading flow path extends radially with respect to the central axis. The trailing disc is axially spaced from the leading disc. The trailing disc defines a trailing flow path in fluid communication with the interior chamber and the outlet, wherein a portion of the trailing flow path extends radially with respect to the central axis. A phase difference between leading and trailing oscillating signals picked up from the disc movement can be used to determine a mass flow rate of fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable conduit, and a driver connected to the conduit that is operable to impart motion to the conduit. A sensor is connected to the conduit and is operable to sense the motion of the conduit and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to detect a single-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a first process during the single-phase flow condition to generate a validated mass-flow measurement. The controller is also operable to detect a two-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a second process during the two-phase flow condition to generate the validated mass-flow measurement.

Abstract: An electronic fluid dispensing apparatus and related method. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are apparatuses comprising a funnel comprising a receiving mouth open to atmosphere, a sidewall that defines a frustum, and an apex that comprises an end portion (the frustum tapers from the receiving mouth towards the apex), a tube fluidly coupled to the end portion (the tube configured to receive a fluid from the funnel, the combined volume of the funnel and the tube being no greater than 64 fluid ounces), and a device coupled to the tube (the device configured to determine a parameter of a fluid that flows through the funnel and tube).

Abstract: For manufacturing a sensor covering a free-form surface, detection elements in which the electric resistance between a first electrode and a second electrode varies when a load is acted on, and cables 12 connecting the adjoining detection elements are provided. Each cable 12 connects a first electrode 21 of a first detection element 11-(i, j) to a first electrode 21 of a second detection element 11-(i+1, j) via first resistances 32-1 to 32-4, and connects a second electrode 22 of the first detection element 11-(i, j) to a second electrode of the second detection element 11-(i+1, j) via second resistances 32-5 to 32-8. The cables 12 can be deformed. The two dimensional load distribution center position detection sensor 2 can cover a free-formed surface. This sensor is easy to manufacture because an elaborate sheet-shaped resistor is not needed.

Abstract: A tactile load cell that has particular application for measuring the load on a phalange in a dexterous robot system. The load cell includes a flexible strain element having first and second end portions that can be used to mount the load cell to the phalange and a center portion that can be used to mount a suitable contact surface to the load cell. The strain element also includes a first S-shaped member including at least three sections connected to the first end portion and the center portion and a second S-shaped member including at least three sections coupled to the second end portion and the center portion. The load cell also includes eight strain gauge pairs where each strain gauge pair is mounted to opposing surfaces of one of the sections of the S-shaped members where the strain gauge pairs provide strain measurements in six-degrees of freedom.

Abstract: An optical static and dynamic torque sensor provides a measurement of torque, torque angle, shaft speed or shaft direction by optically detecting the overlapped position of spatially arranged apertures on discs attached to input and output ends of a flexure as torque is applied to the flexure.

Abstract: A position sensor, which can detect a steering column twist of a first magnetic rotoric structure including a plurality of radially oriented magnets and a second statoric structure including two concentric gear rings extended by radially oriented teeth. The rotoric structure is substantially disc-shaped and includes a ferromagnetic head supporting the plurality of magnets, the statoric structures are provided with interleaving teeth and the position sensor includes a third collector structure including two flow closing parts, one of which is fixed, and which define at least one air gap in which at least one magnetosensitive element is arranged.

Abstract: A capacitive force sensor (100) includes a substrate (101) having at least one electrode pair (102,103) defining a capacitance disposed thereon. The substrate (101) is fixed relative to a first plate (106). A drive circuit (104) is configured to apply a voltage relative to a circuit ground (105) to the electrode pair (102,103). The first plate (106) is separated from a second plate (107) that is coupled to circuit ground (105) by a compliance member (108,109). The compliance member (108,109) is configured to oppose a compression force (110) while allowing the first plate (106) to physically move relative to the second plate (107). A capacitive detection circuit (111) is then configured to detect a change the capacitance when the compliance member (108,109) is compressed. The compression force (110) is then determined from the change in capacitance and the spring constant of the compliance member (108,109).

Abstract: Gas resistance of an image is evaluated by placing the image in a mixed gas atmosphere containing at least ozone and nitrogen dioxide. The mixed gas atmosphere is controlled such that the concentrations of ozone and nitrogen dioxide are not less than 75 ppb and not less than 150 ppb, respectively, and the mixed gas is continuously supplied to the surface of a sample bearing the image at a flow rate not less than 0.2 m/s and not more than 3.0 m/s.

Abstract: An in-line pipe inspection tool has one or more inspection platforms (28, 30) which are connected to an elongate wheeled trolley by link arms (20 to 26). The trolley unit (10, 12) has drive means for driving the point of connection of the first link arm (20, 22) to the trolley (10) relative to the point of connection of the second link arm (24, 26) to the trolley (12), thereby to move the inspection platforms (28, 30) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the trolley (10, 12). Thus the inspection platforms (28, 30) are movable which is relative to the trolley (10, 12) to permit the tool to be adapted to pipelines of different diameters. Moreover, the platforms (28, 30) preferably have permanent magnets which contain a rotatable magnet. The rotatable magnet permits the net magnetic field generated by the platform to be varied.

Abstract: An inspection device 1 is provided to inspect a headrest return prevention mechanism 50 that prevents return of a headrest at a position supporting the head of a seated person by moving forward at a rear collision. The headrest return prevention mechanism 50 is provided with a bracket 52 and an engagement piece 51 which can return to a normal position again after being displaced from the normal position to a fixed position. The inspection device 1 comprises a base 11, a clamp mechanism 12 that fixes the bracket 52 to the base 11, a load applying mechanism 13 that applies a load to the engagement piece 51 so as to displace it from the normal position to the fixed position, a displacement sensor 14 that measures the fixed position when the engagement piece 51 is displaced from the normal position to the fixed position, and a computer 15 that determines whether the engagement piece 51 has been displaced to a predetermined fixed position or not based on the fixed position measured by the displacement sensor 14.

Abstract: A powdery/granular material flowability evaluation apparatus and a powdery/granular material flowability evaluation method are provided to evaluate the flowability of a powdery/granular material in a dynamic state of the powdery/granular material. The powdery/granular material flowability evaluation apparatus (A) has a hopper (111) for storing a powdery/granular material to be measured, a vertical tube (11) having a flow-in port (1121) connected with a discharge port (1112) of the hopper (111) through which the powdery/granular material is discharged, a vibrator (2) for giving vibration to the tube (11), a laser vibrometer (3) for measuring the amplitude of the tube (11), an electric balance (4) for measuring the weight of the powdery/granular material fallen through the tube 11 from the hopper (111), and an evaluation value calculating section (512) for calculating an evaluation value evaluating the flowability of the powdery/granular material based on the measured amplitude and weight.

Abstract: A starter and a method of manufacturing the starter are disclosed wherein the starter comprises a case, a housing disposed in front of the case, a pinion moving body slidably received by the case and the housing, and a lever unit having a lever, swingably supported on a lever support member, for actuating the pinion moving body to an operative position to allow a pinion to be brought into meshing engagement with a ring gear of an engine to start up the same. The lever support member is mounted on the case via a positioning mechanism composed of positioning components, formed on the lever support member, and the positioning components, formed on the case, with which the positioning components engage, respectively.

Abstract: A driving mechanism for a massaging device includes a housing, a driven gear rotatably mounted in the housing, a driven shaft secured to a first side of the driven gear, and an adjusting shaft mounted on a second side of the driven gear. Thus, when the driven gear is rotatable in a first direction, the adjusting shaft and the driven shaft are rotated with the driven gear simultaneously, so that the two swinging members are moved in the same direction, and when the driven gear is rotatable in a second direction, the adjusting shaft and the driven shaft are rotated with the driven gear with a time lag, so that the two swinging members are moved in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Rotational motion of a male screw member is converted to linear motion of a female screw member that is screw engaged with the male screw member, thereby causing movement of a rod member for clamping an object. When a load from the object becomes larger than a predetermined value, and exceeds the frictional force of a viscous material and a friction plate, the female screw member is gradually turned and clamping continues while movement of the rod member is decelerated.

Abstract: A separable carrier block assembly constructed for cooperation with a threaded lead screw of a machine. The carrier block assembly is constructed of mating block body halves comprising a first body half and a second body half. The mating body halves are separable at generally midway the depth of the carrier block body. The inside faces of the first and second block halves have cooperating and mating lands and grooves which are constructed and arranged to form a unitary nested carrier block body. A generally threaded semi-circular bore is formed into the inside faces of the first and second block body halves and extends generally midway of the depth of the nested carrier block body and extend along the length of the block body. The threaded bore matches the threads of a threaded lead screw. The threads of the threaded bore are preferably beveled. A second bore extends through the depth or thickness of the carrier block body and is located normal to and spaced from the threaded bore.

Abstract: An electrical shifting device for a vehicle includes a shift lever, a slider, and an actuator. The lever is rotatable about perpendicular axes to be able to deflect from a neutral position in anyone of different deflection directions. The lever includes a projection which extends along a first deflection direction. The slider is displaceable along a slider direction perpendicular to the first deflection direction. The slider has stages each engageable with the lever projection to limit the lever deflection in the first deflection direction. Each stage is different to limit the deflection of the lever in the first deflection direction to a different extent as a function of which stage engages the lever projection. The actuator positions the slider along the slider direction such that a selected slider stage engages the lever projection thereby allowing the lever deflection in the first deflection direction to be limited to different extent.

Abstract: A bicycle cable assembly mainly includes an external protection tube composed of several hollow sleeves hooking together. Hooks and engaging edges of the sleeves hook together so that the external protection tube is formed and can be properly adjusted according to a length of a cable and a special position by increasing or decreasing the number of sleeves. Also, the hook hooking the engaging edge can prevent the external protection tube from being arbitrarily disassembled by others. Also, it is possible to effectively prevent an inner protection tube from exposing to the outside and thus being damaged. Thus, a protection layer can be indirectly added to the bicycle cable assembly.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal system that controls a reaction force of an accelerator pedal in a case that a vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed includes: a vehicle speed sensor; an accelerator pedal connected to a rod having a predetermined shape; a switch that generates a signal corresponding to at least one predetermined speed limit and a selected mode among a plurality of predetermined modes; an engine management system that receives signals from the vehicle speed sensor and the switch; an accelerator pedal position sensor that detects an operating position of the accelerator pedal and generates a corresponding signal; a pedal control unit that receives a vehicle speed signal and a switch signal from the engine management system, and outputs a control signal when a vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit; and a reaction device that is disposed to an upper portion of the accelerator pedal, and that, in response to the control signal of the pedal control unit, generates a reaction force depending on the select

Abstract: An improved bicycle crankshaft assembly, including a crank axle with an axial axle axis, a first axle end, and a second axle end axially opposed to the first axle end; a first crank arm connected to the crank axle at a first crank arm interface adjacent the first axle end; a second crank arm connected to the crank axle at a second crank arm interface axially spaced from the first crank arm interface; a first bearing surrounding said crank axle adjacent said first axle end for rotation of said crank axle about said axial axis; a second bearing surrounding the crank axle and axially spaced from the first bearing. The crank axle includes reinforcement fibers for structural reinforcement of the crank axle and the crank axle is an integral crank axle that simultaneously contacts both the first bearing and the second bearing.

Abstract: In a cover arrangement for a machine tool for covering guide and drive structures, comprising a pleated wall arrangement which can be expanded and compressed upon movement of a carriage between which and a machine wall it is connected. The pleated wall structures is provided with armor lamellas which are anchored to the pleat sections of the wall structures and over-lap for covering the pleated wall structure which is movably supported on guide tracks which are disposed in planes extending at an obtuse angle facilitating installation and removal of the cover arrangement.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drive spindle (1) for the main drive of a rolling stand, which has: a first shaft (3) for transmitting torque from a drive motor (2) to a coupling element, especially to a multiple spline profile, and a second shaft (5) for transmitting the torque from the coupling element, especially the multiple spline profile, via a swivel joint (4) to a roll (6) of the rolling stand, wherein the swivel joint (4) has a wobbler (7), which is rotationally rigidly connected with the roll (6), and a second spindle head (8), which is rotationally rigidly connected with the second shaft (5), and wherein the rotational connection between the wobbler (7) and the spindle head (8) is produced by sliding bearings and a journal (9), which is rotationally rigidly connected with the spindle head (8) but is supported in a way that allows an angle of inclination (?) between the axis of rotation (10) of the roll (6) and the axis of rotation (11) of the second shaft (5).

Abstract: A matrix drill bit and method of manufacturing a matrix bit body from a composite of matrix materials is disclosed. Two or more different types of matrix materials may be used to form a composite matrix bit body. A first matrix material may be selected to provide optimum fracture resistance (toughness) and optimum erosion, abrasion and wear resistance for portions of a matrix bit body such as cutter sockets, cutting structures, blades, junk slots and other portions of the bit body associated with engaging and removing formation materials. A second matrix material may be selected to provide desired infiltration of hot, liquid binder material with the first matrix material to form a solid, coherent, composite matrix bit body.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench includes a body with a first jaw fixed to the body, and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw. A lever mechanism is coupled to the body and the second jaw to effect motion of the second jaw relative to the first jaw. The wrench also includes a locking mechanism having a free state in which the first and second jaws move relative to each other, and a locking state in which the first and second jaws are locked from movement away from each other. The locking mechanism changes from the free state to the locking state after an object is gripped between the first and second jaws. The locking mechanism includes a pawl coupled with the lever mechanism, the pawl being arranged to move linearly into engagement with the body when the locking mechanism changes from the free state to the locking state.

Abstract: An aid for the connecting of a piece of jewelry together that has a pliers type construction. The aid includes a first handle and a first jaw connected by a pivotal joint with a second handle and a second jaw. The first jaw has a distal end portion with an inwardly facing surface that defines a notch. The second jaw has an elongate arcuate distal end portion that fixes the position of a biased clasp of a piece of jewelry. The notch of the first jaw engages a lever of the clasp and opens the clasp while it is fixed in position by the second jaw. The aid includes a bias that urges the jaws to a closed position and retains the clasp in an open position.

Abstract: A method of making a power transmission belt/belt sleeve by bias cutting sides thereof using a cutter. A belt/belt sleeve preform is trained around at least two spaced shafts and driven as the sides are reconfigured by the cutter. The cutter may reside within a cutting space bounded by an inner circumference of the traveling belt/belt sleeve preform. The belt/belt sleeve preform has a starting shape wherein spaced sides thereof are parallel to each other. Parts of the sides may be maintained parallel after the bias cutting is performed. A power transmission belt with bias cut side surfaces is also contemplated.

Abstract: A splitter for installation behind a rotating blade of a table saw to prevent contact between the kerf of a work piece and the upwardly moving rear portion of the saw blade. The splitter is indexed from the side of an actual kerf rather than from a side of the saw blade. In this manner, variations in kerf width resulting from variations in blade width and vibration of the saw blade are accommodated. Splitters having work piece contacting surfaces with incremental amounts of offset relative to the side of the kerf may be selected to provide a desired degree of interference and resulting force between the splitter and the work piece.

Abstract: A paper cutting apparatus is disclosed as including a cylindrical cutting roller with a number of closed-loop cutting ridges on its outer cylindrical surface and a support roller, in which the cutting roller is rotatable relative to the support roller to move a piece of paper or cardboard material relative to and between the cutting roller and support roller to cut out part of the piece of paper or cardboard material.

Abstract: A kit for constructing a sawhead comprises a pair of plates adapted to be stacked upon and secured to one another by bolts to form a plate stack. The kit further comprises a pair of elongate guide receivers. Each guide receiver has a longitudinal axis and an interior wall which defines a bore extending through the each guide receiver and through which bore the longitudinal axis extends. The interior wall has a cross-section which is substantially constant along the length of each guide receiver. The guide receivers are adapted to be mounted to the plate stack by bolts at respective operative positions whereat the longitudinal axes are oriented parallel to one another and whereat the guide receivers are spaced from one another in a direction transverse to the axes.

Abstract: A blade clamping device comprises a main body which includes two opposited sidewalls and a base plate connected therebetween for defining a cavity for receiving a blade therein. A fixing device mounted between the two sidewalls. A pivot lever is pivotly mounted on the main body about an axis for driving the fixing device to fix or release the blade. A spring is biased between the main body and the pivot lever, which can hold the pivot lever in a predetermined position at which the fixing device clamps the blade tightly. The blade clamping device of the present invention can be kept in the position where the blade is released such that the blade can be easily detached or inserted as required. Furthermore, the operation becomes convenient and easy because of the short moving distance of the operation handle when an operator turns round the pivot lever to fix or release blade.

Abstract: A system and/or method for securing areas (e.g. airport terminals, courtrooms, embassies, borders, property surrounding critical infrastructure, areas within cities/towns, etc.) against terrorists is provided. In certain example embodiments, a system and/or method is provided wherein individuals pass (e.g. walk, drive, etc.) through a gateway before gaining access to a secured area. Signals capable of detonating certain explosives that might be carried by the individuals passing through the gateway are emitted in or proximate the gateway. The gateway may be shielded to minimize damage to the surrounding areas. In certain example embodiments, arc currents are generated to trigger the detonation of explosives. In certain example embodiments, explosives may be detonated using cellular signals.

Abstract: There is disclosed a solid state non-lethal directed energy weapon. The non-lethal weapon may include a solid-state source to generate a high-power millimeter-wave initial wavefront, a main reflector, and a sub-reflector to reflect the initial wavefront to the main reflector. The main reflector may direct the reflected wavefront in a bore-sighted direction toward a target. The wavefront directed by the main reflector may have a power density selected to deliver a non-lethal deterring effect on the target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for controlling a hydraulically driven motor, forming part of a hydraulic system in which hydraulic fluid under pressure forms a main flow through a main duct in which the motor is connected. The motor drives a varying load, and one or more valves (7) are adapted for controlling the hydraulic fluid flow through the motor on the one hand during operation and on the other hand for starting and stopping of the motor. One of the valves consists of a flow control valve (7) which is connected in the main duct (1) downstream of the outlet of the motor, and the flow control valve (7) is integrated with the motor housing (50).

Abstract: The present invention is a hydraulic locking cylinder assembly comprising a bi-directional control relief valve integrated with a piston. More particularly, the present invention is a bi-directional control relief valve for a hydraulic cylinder, fully integrated with a piston, and having a single poppet valve that performs the function of both a direction control valve and a relief valve.

Abstract: A drive unit with a radial interior drive element and a radial exterior drive element as well as a free-wheel arranged between the interior drive element and the exterior drive element. The interior drive element and the exterior drive element are axially displaceable in reference to each other.

Abstract: A butt joining method is provided that is capable of joining together two members with high strength and high accuracy by utilizing plastic deformation. A bolt-shaped member having a female part at one end thereof and a piston rod having three annular grooves on a forward end part (male part) fittable to the female part are butted against each other with the female and male parts being fitted to each other. In this state, the side wall of the female part is radially pushed into the annular grooves on the piston rod by mechanical clinching technique. At this time, the pushing process is performed so that clinch portions formed by the pushing process are staggered between mutually adjacent ones of the annular grooves, thereby ensuring the desired joining strength and suppressing the elongation of the material, and thus preventing opening of the butt joint between the bolt-shaped member and the piston rod.

Abstract: A sealing system for a pump having a plunger includes a housing having an internal chamber adapted to receive a portion of the plunger. Primary and secondary seals are located within the internal chamber and adapted to sealingly engage the plunger. The primary seal communicates with the fluid being pumped. A barrier fluid chamber contains a barrier fluid in contact with the primary seal and the secondary seal. A pressure referencing device has an inlet port in communication with the pumped fluid and an outlet port providing fluid at a pressure magnitude equal to a peak pressure of the pumped fluid. A pressurizing device is in communication with the fluid at the peak pressure and the barrier fluid to maintain the barrier fluid pressure at a magnitude greater than the peak pressure of the pumped fluid such that the pumped fluid is restricted from leaking past the primary seal.

Abstract: This invention uses a hydraulic system to seal the brew chamber of a coffee maker. The sealing mechanism consists of a heating part, sealing part and slider drawer. The heating part provides the hot water and forms a chamber that allows the piston seal to expand for sealing. The slide drawer is the region where the coffee is extracted and the crema is created. The claimed invention differs from that previously known in the art in that it does not employ a mechanical locking system but rather a hydraulic system for locking. This results in a tighter and more secure lock fit of the brew chamber than previously has been known in the art. In addition, because a hydraulic system for locking is used, locking of the brew chamber is accomplished without manual force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a product for heating or cooling including freezing of food items in a rotating closed pipe serpent. The technology includes a closed non-circular rotating pipe serpent for processing of food items, where the food items are transported in a preparation liquid through the pipe serpent during either heating or cooling. The invention secures a gentle but efficient mixture of the food items that prevents clogging, which secures a homogeneous thermal processing of the individual food items, which again secures a high quality of the final food items. Simultaneously the products used for processing are easy to clean, which results in low costs. The process can be run entirely automatic without the involvement of manual labor, which results in minimal demands for process resources and ensures a high standard of hygiene.

Abstract: The food protector apparatus of the invention attaches directly to the food pan such that the food protector shield is at the proper location with respect to the food pan. Because the food protector apparatus is attached to the food pan, proper installation of the food pan ensures that all of the corresponding standards and health code requirements are met. Thus, it is virtually impossible for the food protector to be installed in a countertop in a way that fails to meet those standards and requirements.

Abstract: Recyclable waste byproducts are efficiently collected for recycling at stores or other locations by compacting the recyclable waste as layers in a composite bale with cardboard. The composite bales can be formed using existing cardboard balers that retailers or other stores typically already have for baling recyclable cardboard. In one embodiment, the composite bales are preferably formed with a bottom layer of cardboard, a middle layer of one or more types of recyclable waste byproducts, and a top layer of cardboard. The layered structure can be modified to omit one of the cardboard layers or to add additional waste byproduct or cardboard layers.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for directing the motion of a knife mechanism in a bale wrapping apparatus which reduces actuation and acceleration forces in the knife mechanism thereby improving operational efficiency and durability of the mechanism and actuator.

Abstract: The invention provides, with a simple technique, a jig for reliably stemming one or a plurality of flow paths and/or a portion of reaction fields continuously provided in a reaction chip, and for making the flow paths and/or reaction fields independent, and a reaction ship processing apparatus.

Abstract: A method for aligning the leading edge of printing plate (110) to an axially disposed slot (70) in a cylindrical surface (30) of an imaging drum (20) comprising at least one printing plate clamp (90) having a clamp surface (100) disposed parallel to the slot, the method comprising straightening (210) the leading edge against the clamp surface and positioning (220) the leading edge to protrude over the slot by rotating the imaging drum under the plate. The straightening comprises resting (200) the leading edge of the plate on the cylindrical surface of the imaging drum and rotating the imaging drum about its cylindrical axis (60) to contact with the clamp surface a point along the leading edge of the plate and to rotate the plate until its leading edge is in alignment with the clamp surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energetic igniter charge consisting of a mixture of at least one secondary explosive and an optical doping material in powder form. In accordance with the invention, the optical doping material is a metal. The energetic igniter charge can be used in a detonator as well as in an igniter.

Abstract: A safe and arm device includes a booster base assembly having a booster base housing and a barrier. The booster base housing includes a shaft port extending substantially in line with a longitudinal axis, at least three initiator ports disposed about the axis, and a matching number of explosive transfer paths in respective communication with the at least three initiator ports. The barrier includes a matching number of fire-train transfer ports and a drive shaft. The drive shaft of the barrier is coupled within the shaft port of the booster base housing allowing the barrier to be selectively rotationally positioned about the axis into at least one of a safe position and an arm and fire position, allowing the fire-train transfer ports to be substantially aligned with the explosive transfer paths when the barrier is positioned in the arm and fire position. A booster basket assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An assembly for transferring passenger-carrying vehicles to and from an amusement park ride conveying a train of vehicles without stopping for passenger loading. The assembly includes a transfer vehicle and a vehicle receiver positioned in the vehicle train. The vehicle receiver includes a connection mechanism, such as an electromagnet selectively operable to capture and release the transfer vehicle. A turntable is positioned adjacent to the track and selectively rotates at a rotation rate. The turntable includes an engagement mechanism, such as an electromagnet, on its periphery operable to capture and release the transfer vehicle (e.g., to capture when the vehicle receiver releases and vice versa). The rotation rate and the ride speed synchronize turntable rotation with travel of the train to mesh placement of the turntable engagement mechanism proximate to the connection mechanism of the vehicle receiver to facilitate hand off of the transfer vehicle without stopping the vehicle train.