Abstract: An internal caisson/jacket leg cutter and method provides a frame having upper and lower end portions. The upper end portion has rigging that enables the frame to be lifted. Extensible arms are movably supported upon the frame. The arms extend and retract along generally radially extending lines. Extension of the arms enables them to contact the inside surface of a caisson/jacket leg and thus center and anchor the frame within the caisson/jacket leg interior. A cutting mechanism at the lower end portion of the frame includes one or more rotary cutters or milling devices that cut the caisson/jacket leg wall as these cutters traverse an arc shaped path, tracking the caisson/jacket leg wall.

Abstract: A miter saw for cutting a workpiece is disclosed. The miter saw has a base section, a holder section, a saw blade section, a saw blade support section, and a guide bar. The base section has an upper surface for supporting a workpiece to be cut. The holder section stands from the base portion. The saw blade section has a circular saw blade for cutting the workpiece. The saw blade support section pivotably sup-ports the saw blade section. The guide bar slidably sup-ports the saw blade support section. The guide bar is slidably supported by the holder section. The guide bar extends substantially parallel to the upper surface of the base section. The saw blade support portion is slidable along the guide bar.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are to a cutter including a carriage, a rotary blade mounted on the carriage, the rotary blade including a second blade edge on an outer circumferential part of the rotary blade, a fixed blade including a first blade edge, and a moving mechanism configured to move the carriage along the first blade edge of the fixed blade. The cutter further includes a rotation driving mechanism configured to drive the rotary blade to rotate in conjunction with the movement of the carriage, in a cutting direction.

Abstract: An automatic parallel adjusting scraper includes a drive-force generating part, a transmitting part, a hinge part and a scraping part. The drive-force generating part generates a first step drive force. The transmitting part is movably coupled to the drive-force generating part and transmits the first step drive force to the hinge part. The hinge part is rotatably coupled to the transmitting part and transmits the first step drive force to the scraping part. The scraping part having teeth is coupled to the hinge part. The scraping part is brought into parallel contact with a curved surface of a light guide plate by the first step drive force. Therefore, the automatic parallel adjusting scraper can precisely trace a three-dimensional curved surface of the light guide plate in two steps so that the optical scattering pattern can be continuously and precisely formed on the surface of the light guide plate.

Abstract: A harp support assembly is provided for supporting a portion of a harp. The harp support assembly includes a rod, a base assembly and a harp support member. The rod has a first and a second end. The base assembly is positioned near the first end of the rod, The base assembly has a plurality of legs spread apart and positioned on a surface. The harp support member is positioned near the second end of the rod. The harp support member has at least one support arm providing a harp receiving space to receive the harp.

Abstract: A system for documenting the music learning process of a music student to encourage more students to study long enough to become proficient in their musical form through involvement with an immersive interactive tool. A server computer is programmed to facilitate communication between the music student and other individuals. A music student computer is connected to the server computer. The music student computer is for transmitting and receiving music information related to the learning process of the music student. Likewise, a third party computer is connected to the server computer. The third party computer allows a pre-approved third party to transmit and receive music information related to the learning process of the music student An administrator computer is also connected to the server computer. The administrator computer permits an administrator to coordinate communication between the music student and the third party.

Abstract: A performance apparatus 11 extends in a longitudinal direction to be held by a player, and is provided with an acceleration sensor 23. CPU 21 of the performance apparatus 11 gives a sound source unit 31 of a musical instrument unit 19 an instruction (note-on event) to generate a musical tone. CPU 21 generates a note-on event indicating a sound-generation timing represented by a time when an acceleration-sensor value of the acceleration sensor 23 exceeds a first predetermined value and thereafter has decreased to a value less than a second threshold value ?, which is less than a first threshold value ?, and gives the musical instrument unit 19 the generated note-on event to generate a musical tone.

Abstract: Process for synthesis of a synthesized audio signal, in which at least one audio signal of contact is produced for each excitation contact of a sequence of contacts carried out on a vibrating body (2). A partial attenuation signal of remanence is generated from at least one vibration signal representative of the vibration of the vibrating body (2) generated by at least one excitation contact, named partial contact, the partial attenuation signal of remanence being representative, of a partial attenuation of at least one remanent audio signal of contact, resulting from an excitation contact that is previous to said partial contact. The synthesized audio signal after said partial contact is produced by mixing the audio signal of contact of said partial contact and each remanent audio signal of contact affected by the partial attenuation signal of remanence. The invention extends to a device (3) for synthesizing said synthesized audio signal.

Abstract: A guitar-family-characteristic-sound selector switch (63) is incorporated into an electric guitar and used in conjunction with the normal guitar pickup selector switch (62) and the volume and tone controls. This guitar-family-characteristic-sound selector switch invokes different pickup (61) combinations and resistance/capacitance/inductance circuitry (68) in order to generate sounds characteristic of at least two other guitars in addition to the normal sound of the host guitar. In one implementation, the family selector switch is a single user controllable switch that makes the system is intuitive in that a single guitar-family-characteristic-sound selector switch is all that needs to be operated to put the guitar in the mode of sounding like one of three or more styles of guitars following such selection; the pickup selector, volume and tone controls are used in the usual manner.

Abstract: A mechanism for setting a fuse, applied to the structure of a firearm 5, includes a setting device 2, adapted to program the fuse, the setting device 2 being fixed to a support structure 13 and having a reference portion 21 and a setting portion 22, rotating around the longitudinal axis of the fuse, adapted to set the fuse of a cartridge. The setting mechanism includes a support structure, the support structure supports a control device of the position of the setting device 2, formed by a movable equipment 31 from an actuator of a vertical movement 34 and from an actuator of a horizontal movement 35. The actuators are able to move along a horizontal “X”-axis of the support structure, along a vertical “Z”-axis, the same movable equipment 31 for the positioning of the setting device 2, with respect to the cartridge, kept in a predetermined position.

Abstract: Gas guns and methods for accelerating projectiles through such gas guns are described. More particularly, gas guns having a first injection port located proximate a breech end of a barrel and a second injection port located longitudinally between the first injection port and a muzzle end of the barrel are described. Additionally, modular gas guns that include a plurality of modules are described, wherein each module may include a barrel segment having one or more longitudinally spaced injection ports. Also, methods of accelerating a projectile through a gas gun, such as injecting a first pressurized gas into a barrel through a first injection port to accelerate the projectile and propel the projectile down the barrel past a second injection port and injecting a second pressurized gas into the barrel through the second injection port after passage of the projectile and to further accelerate the projectile are described.

Abstract: Provided is a barrel insert for use with a barrel containing a plurality of axially stacked projectiles. The barrel insert has a proximal and a distal end, the distal end adapted to engage a proximally disposed projectile disposed in the barrel. The barrel insert also defines an expansion volume for propellant gases for launching the proximally disposed projectile at a predetermined velocity.

Abstract: A drive for a breech/breech carrier renders it axially adjustable relative to a weapon barrel. The drive includes a motor, two engaging cams mounted on a chain arranged below the breech and guided around two sprocket wheels. A slide is mounted in a guide at the bottom of the breech/breech carrier so as to move at a right angle to the direction of fire, with a groove extending over its entire width. The respective engaging cam entrains the breech in forward motion relative to the direction of fire, or in reverse motion, once the shot is fired, and transports the breech forwards, is displaced from the groove, and moves backwards without the breech, thereby allowing breech rest periods in a forward position. During firing, the slide moves, whereas it remains stationary when no shot is fired so no further engaging cam can entrain the breech backwards.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing protection from ballistic rounds, projectiles, fragments and explosives. The apparatus includes a core, grinding layer and bonding layer. The core is shaped and configured as a structural truss of the apparatus, in which the core includes a plurality of parallel, adjacent rows and the core distributes and dissipates force impacting on the apparatus. The grinding layer is positioned on at least one side of the core facing towards potential threats, in which the grinding layer grinds rounds, projectiles, fragments or other materials impacting the apparatus, helping to dissipate the impacting material and its momentum. The bonding layer bonds the grinding layer together and the grinding layer to the core and provides an outer coating to the apparatus on a side of the apparatus facing potential threats and through which rounds, projectiles, fragments or other materials impact and penetrate the apparatus.

Abstract: A blanket protection system that is adaptable for use in a military vehicle. The blanket protection system includes a blanket comprising a carrier, a ballistic insert, stitch lines, and a plurality of buckles. The portion of the stitch lines extend between at least a portion of the plurality of buckles. In addition, the carrier comprises an interior. Moreover, the ballistic insert is disposed in the interior.

Abstract: A piston assembly includes an annular body defining a groove, with a ring disposed within the groove. The piston assembly includes a centering device disposed within the groove between an inner face of the ring and a root of the groove. The centering device centers the ring concentrically within the groove when the ring is in an uncompressed condition, prior to installation into a bore of an engine block, to prevent the inner face of the ring from moving radially outward beyond an outer edge of the groove when the ring is in the uncompressed condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to an emission cleaning system which is disposed on the intake tract of an internal combustion engine and has at least one device for taking in air and also at least one filter unit and a control/regulating device.

Abstract: A system includes a controller and an apparatus that includes a housing having a volume and an inlet. The inlet can receive a fluid that includes a gas and a liquid. The apparatus also includes a baffle that partitions the volume into a first portion and a second portion. The baffle extends from a base of the housing. The first portion can receive the liquid and separate the liquid into a first part and a second part. The second portion can receive the second part of the liquid from the first portion. The controller regulates an amount of the second part of the liquid in the second portion such that a level of the second part of the liquid is higher than a height that the baffle extends from the base of the housing, thus enabling the use of the extra surge capacity in the vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a rotary gas separation device, such as a rotary pressure swing adsorption device. The rotary pressure swing device can include, for example, a rotor with a plurality of adsorber elements, a stator with a plurality of conduits, and a rotary valve comprising a seal assembly positioned between the rotor and the stator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane/amine column system and process for removing acid gases from natural gas on a floating liquefied natural gas vessel. Several process configurations are provided to deal with a reduction in the effectiveness of the amine column by increasing the amount of acid gases being removed by the membrane system prior to the natural gas being sent to the amine column.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for treating a natural gas stream comprising sending a natural gas stream to at least one membrane unit to produce a permeate stream containing a higher concentration of carbon dioxide and a retentate stream containing a lower concentration of carbon dioxide. Then the retentate stream is sent to an adsorbent bed to remove carbon dioxide and other impurities to produce a natural gas product stream. The regeneration gas stream is sent through the molecular sieve adsorbent bed to desorb the carbon dioxide. In one process flow scheme, the regeneration stream is combined with the permeate stream from the membrane unit. Then the combined stream is sent to an absorbent column to remove carbon dioxide from the permeate stream to produce a second natural gas product stream. In the alternative flow scheme, a second membrane unit is used to improve efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new type of polyimide membranes including hollow fiber and flat sheet membranes with high permeances for air separations and a method of making these membranes. The new polyimide hollow fiber membranes have O2 permeance higher than 300 GPU and O2/N2 selectivity higher than 3 at 60° C. under 308 kPa for O2/N2 separation. The new polyimide hollow fiber membranes also have CO2 permeance higher than 1000 GPU and single-gas selectivity for CO2/CH4 higher than 20 at 50° C. under 791 kPa for CO2/CH4 separation.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for exchanging gas in an oxygenator device, and methods for preparing and using such oxygenator devices. The systems and methods can be used to transfer oxygen to blood to assist lung function in a patient.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for separating gas components from a gas stream. The methods are particularly advantageous in that an environmentally friendly biomass absorbent is used to assist in the separation process. The invention is particularly suited to separate water soluble gas components from a gas stream. The water soluble gas components can be used to condition the biomass for additional use, such as a conditioned feed for a biofuel. In general, the conditioned biomass will have increased enzyme digestibility, making the conditioned biomass highly suitable as feedstock for biofuel production.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system is provided that may be utilized to provide stability to air flow through a hood scoop. The present invention may also be utilized to straighten and smooth out air flow through a hood scoop and accompanying air filter media. The present invention utilizes an air filtration media which may be inserted into at least a portion of a vehicle hood scoop and may filter out particulate and may also slow air flow down temporarily in order to straighten and/or smooth turbulent air flow through the air filtration media.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes at least three filter elements for filtering fluid, and a frame having a pyramidal frustum configuration that has at least three sides. The frame includes a frame structure for supporting the filter elements at the sides such that the filtration apparatus has a pyramidal frustum configuration. The filtration apparatus may be part of a filtration assembly. The filtration apparatus may be utilized within an associated method.

Abstract: An adsorbent canister includes a casing defining a first adsorption chamber, a second adsorption chamber and a diffusion chamber therein, and an adsorbent capable of adsorbing the fuel vapor and filled in the first adsorption chamber and the second adsorption chamber. The first adsorption chamber and the second adsorption chamber communicate with each other via the diffusion chamber. The casing has on a side wall thereof a fuel introducing port configured to introduce fuel vapor into the first adsorption chamber and an air communicating port configured to introduce air into the second adsorption chamber. The diffusion chamber has at least one of a first diffusion chamber and a second diffusion chamber. The first adsorption chamber is positioned above the first adsorption chamber and extends over the entire length of the first adsorption chamber. The second diffusion chamber is positioned below the second adsorption chamber and extends over the entire length of the second adsorption chamber.

Abstract: In a vaporized fuel treatment apparatus a partition wall member is housed in an inner cap, and a gas-liquid separation chamber and a fuel adsorption chamber are defined on either side of the partition wall member. Further, a partition plate is provided on an open end of the inner cap. Wall portions are formed respectively on the partition wall member and the partition plate, and a conduction passage is defined in the fuel adsorption chamber by these wall portions. As a result, air containing vaporized fuel can be guided to every corner of the fuel adsorption chamber. Further, a through hole is provided in a central portion of the partition wall member, and therefore liquid fuel is prevented from flowing into the fuel adsorption chamber even when a fuel tank is tilted.

Abstract: Antimicrobial electret material are described. In some embodiments, the materials comprise a unitary web comprising an antimicrobial surface treatment and having certain properties. In other embodiments, an antimicrobial electret material is described comprising an electret web comprising an antimicrobial surface treatment wherein the surface treatment comprises a sparingly soluble silver-containing compound, a photosensitive antimicrobial agent that forms reactive oxygen species, a biguanide compound, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an apparatus and method for certifying a filter in a containment system without decontaminating the containment system prior to certification. The apparatus generally comprises a valve assembly selectable between at least three operational states. A first state prevents flow from prevents flow through a port of a housing. A second state fluidly couples the port to test equipment necessary to test a filter disposed within the housing. A third state seals the port but fluidly couples the test equipment to a decontamination system.

Abstract: An automatic bread making machine that sequentially performs a mixing/kneading process, a leavening process, and a baking process includes: a bread container that is used to contain a bread making ingredient and that has a passive spindle that permits selective attachment of a mixing/kneading blade or a grinding blade in a bottom part of the bread container; a baking chamber that is provided inside a cabinet of the automatic bread making machine and that houses the bread container; a first driving spindle that is disposed in a bottom part of the baking chamber and that is so disposed that it can be coupled to the passive spindle to feed it with rotation for the mixing/kneading blade; and a second driving spindle that is disposed in the bottom part of the baking chamber in a position deviated from the first driving spindle and that is so disposed that it can be coupled to the passive spindle to feed it with rotation for the grinding blade.

Abstract: A device for continuous production by extrusion cooking of a co-extruded food product containing whole solid pieces, of the type including an extrusion die (20) provided with a contact face at the end of the outlet of a cylinder (11) of an extrusion machine (10) having at least one screw (13) for processing at least one starting material and driven in rotation within the cylinder. The extrusion die (20) is provided with a bore (23) for forming a continuous tubular string of the food product in a direction forming an angle with the axis of the extrusion machine (10). Directly at the outlet of the die (20) and in the axis of the bore (23) for forming the continuous string, the device includes elements (30) for directly incorporating at regular intervals the whole solid pieces (2) into the continuous string of food product without altering the initial dimensions thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a freshness prolonging device for foodstuff for prolonging a shelf life of foodstuff by storing the foodstuff in a high electric field atmosphere. The freshness prolonging device for foodstuff includes an electrode plate to be removably mounted on a surface opposed to foodstuff stored in a food storage unit and a power source for applying a high voltage to the electrode plate. The electrode plate is composed of an electrically conductive rubber sheet hermetically sealed with a cover composed of a resin sheet.

Abstract: The citrus press comprises a retaining base and a plurality of prongs arranged upright on one face of the retaining base, wherein a severing part is formed at least at the tip of each prong, for severing segment membranes of citrus fruit.

Abstract: This invention is intended to provide a large-capacity servo press apparatus driven by multiple motors, the servo press apparatus enabling a drive at a high efficiency and with reduced torque pulsations in a simple structure. The disclosed servo press comprises a slide that is moved up and down by a plurality of crank structures (including eccentric rings and connecting rods), main gears that drive the crank structures, a plurality of drive gears interlinked with the main gears directly or indirectly, intermediate gears interlinked with the main gears directly or indirectly, and servo motor sets connected to drive shafts to drive the drive gears. In each of the servo motor sets, a plurality of servo motors are directly connected to each servo motor shaft.

Abstract: The invention provides a servo press machine including a slide moved up and down by multiple crank structures, the machine which provides perfect synchronism between main gears driving the respective crank structures and in which a compact, efficient power transmission structure can be implemented in a simple construction. In the servo press machine including the slide moved up and down by the multiple crank structures, synchronous distribution gears are driven by servo motors; the multiple main gears are driven in synchronism by the synchronous distribution gears; and each of the crank structures is driven by each of the main gears.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus is described. The apparatus has a plurality of radial arms each having a printing head associated therewith. A target area is in alignment with at least one of the printing heads wherein a design is applied to a target article at the target area by the printing head. A means for providing relative movement between the target area and the printing head provides multiple passes between a squeegee associated with the printing head and the target area. A means for providing a pressure between the squeegee and the target area is regulated such that a first pressure between the squeegee and the target area on a first stroke is not equal to a second pressure between the squeegee and the target area on a subsequent second stroke.

Abstract: A device for feeding dampening solution in an offset printing unit is presented. The device comprises a plurality of nozzles (22), each of which comprises an orifice (24), wherein each nozzle (22) is configured to eject a solitary droplet of dampening solution of a predetermined volume through said orifice (24) to a roller/cylinder (2, 5) of said offset printing unit, and a control means connected to the plurality of nozzles (22) and programmed to allow a predetermined number of nozzles to eject solitary droplets such that a film of dampening solution is provided across hydrophobic areas and hydrophilic areas of a printing plate of said offset printing unit.

Abstract: There is described a device and method for magnetically transferring indicia to a coating composition, such as an ink or varnish, applied to at least a part of the surface of a substrate, the coating composition comprising at least one type of magnetic or magnetizable particles. The device comprises a body subjected to a magnetic field generated by appropriate electromagnetic means, which body carries determined indicia in the form of engravings on a surface of the body, which engravings influence orientation of field lines of the magnetic field. The body comprises at least one layer of material of high magnetic permeability in which the engravings are formed. In unengraved regions of the layer of material of high magnetic permeability, the field lines of the magnetic field extend substantially parallel to the surface of the body inside said layer of material of high magnetic permeability.

Abstract: A lightweight portable intaglio press comprises three assemblies: a print table assembly, a side rail assembly and print head assembly. A work piece is positioned on the upper surface of print table assembly (the platen) and between left and right side mounting rail of the side rail assembly. The print head assembly comprises a frame, a print roller rotationally affixed to the frame, a pair of side rail rollers rotationally affixed on either side of the frame and substantially above and behind the print roller on the frame and a pair of handle levers securely affixed to the frame forward of the print roller. An increase in downward force on the work piece at the print roller is realized and related to the ratio of distance between the pair of side rail rollers and the print roller, to the distance between the print roller and the point on the pair of handle levers where downward force is applied.

Abstract: A stamp has a frame, a stamp assembly and a skidproof assembly. The stamp assembly is mounted slidably on the frame. The skidproof assembly has four non-slip elements made of rubber and mounted respectively on the corners of the stamp assembly. Therefore, the skidproof assembly of the stamp prevents the stamp from slipping and increases steadiness of the stamp.

Abstract: A method of deactivating an on-press ink and/or fountain solution developable lithographic printing plate is described. The printing member comprises on a substrate a photosensitive layer soluble or dispersible in ink and/or fountain solution and capable of hardening upon exposure to a laser. The plate is exposed with a laser, deactivated, and then on-press developed with ink and/or fountain solution. The deactivation is carried out by overall applying to the plate a deactivating agent, heat, or a radiation that has different wavelength from the laser and does not cause hardening of the photosensitive layer. The deactivation allows the plate to be handled on press under white light or other light that is unsafe for a non-deactivated plate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling application of a substance to a substrate involve the use of a nanoparticle-based gating agent that blocks the substance from or attracts the substance to the substrate. The apparatus and methods may utilize ink jet technology to apply the gating agent directly to the substrate or to an intermediate surface.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an imprint mask includes a quartz plate. The quartz plate has a plurality of concave sections formed in part of an upper surface on the quartz plate, and impurities are contained in a portion between the concave sections in the quartz plate.

Abstract: A method of further inserting a partially inserted leading and/or trailing edge of a printing plate into respective lock-up slots in a plate cylinder of a printing press to allow register slots in said edges to engage with lateral pins or a register mechanism in said lock-up slots is disclosed. The method comprises the step of positioning a pushing element relative to the curved surface of the plate cylinder, on which a printing plate is disposed with its leading and/or trailing edges partially inserted into their respective lock-up slots, such that said pushing element will engage and push a raised portion of said printing plate, adjacent to said partially inserted leading and/or trailing edge, down onto the surface of the plate cylinder and the leading and/or trailing edge further into their respective lock-up slots, as said plate cylinder rotates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lithographic apparatus includes a first detection unit for detecting a first mark formed on an original and a second mark formed in each of a plurality of shot regions on a substrate, a second detection unit for detecting the second mark, and a processing unit for performing a process of detecting the second mark by the second detection unit to obtain an array of the shot regions, a process of obtaining a positional relationship between the first mark and the second mark, which are detected by the first detection unit, for each of the shot regions upon moving the substrate using the result of obtaining the array of the shot regions, and a process of transferring a pattern of the original onto each of the shot regions upon aligning the original and the substrate for each of the shot regions based on the positional relationship.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image recording apparatus includes a printing unit and an entry angle changing mechanism. The entry angle changing mechanism is disposed further along the upstream than the printing unit in a conveying direction and changes the entry angle of the paper with an upper surface not printed and a lower surface printed, after printing on the first surface if printing on both sides is performed by the printing unit.

Abstract: An ink used to form a black matrix on a substrate using an off-set printing device, wherein the off-set printing device includes a stage on which the substrate is placed, a printing roll which is covered by a blanket, and a cliché which includes a concave portion and a convex portion, the ink includes: an organic pigment; a binder; a thermally cross-linkable monomer; a printing solvent that has a boiling point equal to or more than 100 degrees Celsius; a carrier solvent that has a boiling point less than 100 degrees Celsius; and an additive.

Abstract: A method of transferring a transfer foil having an image forming layer through a transfer gap of a printing press under a foil cycle timing control that is selectively changeable such that it can be turned on, turned off, or is adjustable in its frequency and period of operation as a function of operating parameters of the press.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system of powered bomb guidance includes a munition and a guidance system operable to detect a relative position of a target. The guidance system determines course corrections to direct the munition to the target and generates a control signal reflective of the course corrections. One or more explosive guidance units are disposed at one or more control surfaces disposed along an outer surface of the munition. Each explosive guidance unit is mechanically coupled to one of a plurality of control surfaces and in electrical communication with the guidance system. Each explosive guidance unit is configured to detonate in response to receiving the control signal from the guidance system and is further configured to apply force upon detonation to the control surface to which it is coupled.