Abstract: An apparatus may comprise an outer skin having an exterior side and an interior side, an internal structure positioned relative to the interior side of the outer skin, and an inner skin. The internal structure may be capable of absorbing a blast load applied to the exterior side of the outer skin. The internal structure may be located between the outer skin and the inner skin.

Abstract: A convertible ballistic shield includes a plurality of cooperating ballistic panels. Each ballistic panel has a threat-side surface and a protected-side surface, and opposing end edges. A first elongated panel strap is attached to the threat-side surface of one of the ballistic panels between its opposing end edges. A second elongated panel strap is attached to the protected-side surface of an adjacent one of the ballistic panels between its opposing end edges. A ring connector is slidably linked to both of the first and second panel straps. The ring connector is adapted for slidably interconnecting the adjacent panels together wherein the threat-side surface of one panel is adapted to overlie the protected-side surface of the adjacent panel, and the adjacent panels are slidably movable relative to one another such that an overall length of the ballistic shield is selectively adjustable between a fully retracted condition and a fully extended condition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an armor system that protects vehicle occupants from lands mines or improvised explosive devices. In the preferred embodiment, the armor system has an arc member, a membrane, reactive blocks, and a reactive block enclosure. The armor system is designed to dissipate, neutralize, and redirect explosion energy, fragments and shrapnel, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle occupants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an armor system that protects vehicle occupants from lands mines or improvised explosive devices. In the preferred embodiment, the armor system has an arc member, a membrane, reactive blocks, and a reactive block enclosure. The armor system is designed to dissipate, neutralize, and redirect explosion energy, fragments and shrapnel, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle occupants.

Abstract: A driving device for pivoting a flap with respect to a body includes a cylindrical pressure tube having a closed first end and a second end with a seal, a piston dividing the pressure tube into a first working chamber and a second working chamber, a piston rod extending through the first working chamber and the seal, a gas under pressure in the first and second working chambers, and a sealing and guiding cap fixed to the second end of the pressure tube. An outer tube has a closed first end and an open second end which receives the pressure tube in a telescoping manner, thereby forming a third working chamber between the second end of the pressure tube and the first end of the outer tube, wherein a fluid can be conveyed into and out of the third working chamber.

Abstract: An axial piston machine is provided. The pivoting cradle of the axial piston machine has variable tilt. The axial piston machine has at least one adjustment device extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the axial piston machine. The axial piston machine further has a return element for returning to a position of the pivoting cradle. The return element and the adjustment device are disposed in a plane extending parallel to an axis of rotation of the axial piston machine and perpendicular to a pivoting axis of the pivoting cradle.

Abstract: A pump device and method minimizes the quantity of air in a vehicle brake system by reducing the volume of detrimental space. The device includes a piston movable between first and second end points, a line system that conducts fluid through the device, and a closing element, movable between an open position releasing the flow of the fluid and a closed position interrupting the fluid flow, that selectively releases the flow of the fluid through the device. The line system includes a through-line formed in the piston for conducting the fluid through the piston. By virtue of a section of the through-line that receives the closing element in the piston, a force is generated that is transmittable from the fluid to the closing element that moves the closing element in the direction of its closed position when the piston is moving in the direction of the first end point.

Abstract: A method for controlling heating processes in a coffee machine which is particularly suitable for preparing coffee on the basis of coffee pads. The coffee machine comprises a continuous flow heater and a pump used to convey water through the continuous flow heater. According to the inventive method, the temperature is measured in the region of the continuous flow heater and/or water which is conveyed by the pump. In order to avoid steam overpressure and to ensure a sufficient, constant temperature during the entire steeping process, the amount of water which is conveyed by the pump is influenced according to temperature. The invention also relates to an electronic control device.

Abstract: A coffee machine brewing chamber for a coffee pad. Said brewing chamber comprises a top part that is provided with openings for the water which is delivered to the brewing chamber as well as a bottom part. The top part of the brewing chamber is embodied in a monolithic manner. The invention further relates to a coffee machine that is equipped with such a brewing chamber.

Abstract: An exchangeable air and aroma tight sealed container for powdered drink constituents is designed as a multi-portion container (12) in order to permit a rational preparation scheme for a milk or milk foam generation.

Abstract: A rack for positioning food slabs in a horizontal cooking area such as over a grill includes a rectangular frame which carries a plurality of bent rod food slab supports at a rearward tilt. Each support includes a pair of outer risers having interned lower ends. The outer risers extend over opposite sides of the frame, with the interned ends extending through apertures in the frame sides. Between the outer risers, the rod is bent in a digital waveform and includes forwardly extending lower cradle having upwardly sloped shoulders for engaging the bottom of a food slab. Notches are provided in the upper edge of the frame sides forwardly of each aperture and a notch engaging post extends from the cradle shoulders which are adjacent each outer riser. The ends of the frame are lapped and hinged, so that the frame may be folded along a longitudinal axis for compact storage, with the slab supports nested within the folded frame.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for compaction of silicon powder in a reactor to minimize oxidation of the silicon, which compaction is in part effected by using the drop in pressure across a filter for exit gases from the reactor, the silicon powder being passed along a duct towards an exit of a reactor. The compaction is in addition carried out mechanically with the aid of a piston arranged at a gas exit, the filter advantageously being arranged on the piston, the filter being permeable to the gases, but collecting the powder. A method is also provided for compaction of silicon powder using an apparatus as described above.

Abstract: A device for reducing the press angle control error caused by press load variation, where the device includes: a reference value output unit that outputs a press angle reference value, a press angle detection unit, a speed command unit, and a driving unit. The press angle detection unit detects a press angle of the corresponding press machine and outputs a press angle detection value. The speed command unit outputs a command speed value of a motor of the corresponding press machine based on the press angle reference value and the press angle detection value. The driving unit controls the motor speed of the corresponding press machine based on the command speed value. The device further includes a correction unit that corrects the press angle reference value or the command speed value so the difference between the press angle reference value and the press angle is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A waste bin with an automated waste compaction mechanism and a automated gate lifting mechanism for convenience usage. The present invention makes use of sensors and switches to allow the compaction and gate mechanism to operate automatically. The unique combination of components also ensures the reliability of the mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printing system for printing bottles or similar containers, having at least one electrical print head operating according to the inkjet principle and displaceable along a transport route for the containers for printing the containers disposed at a printing position, and having a supply system for supplying the at least one print head with printing paint or ink.

Abstract: An impression cylinder (6) comprises a cylinder core (71) encompassing a bearing shaft (79), and a removable sleeve (63) that is slid onto the cylinder core (71). The cylinder core (71) has an electrical contact point in the form of a double-crimpted metal ring (100) as well as a non-rotating brush (102) as a power supply. A conducting zone (631) of the slid-on sleeve (63) rests against the electrical contact point (100). The electrical contact point (100) and the power supply (102) are electrically insulated from the rest of the cylinder core (71) encompassing the bearing shaft (79) such that the rest of the cylinder core (71) is not charged during operation. The bearings (12) of the impression cylinder (6) therefore do not need to be electrically insulated with a lot of effort.

Abstract: A printing unit of a printing press, such as a web press constructed as a periodical printing press, having at least one printing couple, wherein the printing couple or each printing couple comprises a form cylinder, a transfer cylinder, an inking unit, and preferably a dampening unit. A drive motor is associated with at least one printing couple, and drives the form cylinder or the transfer cylinder of a respective printing couple. In accordance with the invention, a flywheel mass is associated with at least one drive motor which drives the form cylinder or the transfer cylinder of the respective printing couple, where the flywheel mass is connected to the rotor of the respective drive motor in a torsionally rigid manner.

Abstract: A printing unit contains a dampening unit and an inking unit which includes a screen roller with a circumference and an ink applicator roller with a circumference and a gap having an arc length or curve length, the ink applicator roller resting against the screen roller. The circumference of the screen roller and the circumference of the ink applicator roller and the arc length or curve length of the gap are dimensioned in predetermined proportions relative to each other so as to avoid ghosting.

Abstract: A printing plate making apparatus which scans a recording medium by light beam in a predetermined pixel pitch, thereby engraving a surface of the recording medium to make a printing plate, wherein an upper surface of a convex portion of light power of the light beam engraving all or part of an adjacent region which is adjacent to a convex portion which is to be left in a convex shape on a surface of the recording medium is set to an threshold engraving energy or less, and light power of light beam in a vicinity region in vicinity of outer side of a region defined as the adjacent region is brought higher than light power in the adjacent region.

Abstract: A method of assembling (R, V) a print unit (1, 2) belonging to a printing machine, the print unit (1, 2) comprising a frame (9), a print carriage (7), able to be inserted into and attached to the frame (9), and a doctor blade system (14), independent of the print carriage (7) and able to be attached to said frame (9), comprises the steps consisting in: placing the doctor blade system (14) on an empty transport device (16), inserting said transport device with said doctor blade system (14) into said frame (9), attaching said doctor blade system (14) to said frame (9), removing said empty transport device (16) from said frame (9), inserting said print carriage (7) into said frame (9), and attaching said print carriage (7) to said frame (9).

Abstract: A method for calibrating a rotary printing press, in which a bearing structure for a printing cylinder is adjusted relative to another component of the printing press, and positions of the bearing structure are measured, including the steps of mounting a calibration tool on a mandrel that is supported in the bearing structure, the calibration tool having at least one contact sensitive switch, moving the bearing structure until the at least one switch contacts the other component, and upon detection of a signal from the at least one switch, storing a measured position of the bearing structure as a reference position.

Abstract: A method for individualizing security documents provides that high security quality, application-neutral printed image 1 identical for a group of security documents is overprinted with second printed image 2 individualizing the security document, whereby the printing ink of second printed image 2 is repelled by the printing ink of first printed image 1. The printing ink of the second printed image is therefore deposited only in the areas of the first printed image where no printing ink of the first printed image is present. Preferably, the first printed image is produced by intaglio printing and the second printed image by means of liquid printing ink, in particular by the ink jet method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a screen print reflection transfer product and to reflection transfer systems produced by this method. According to said method, the reflecting color is provided with a multitude of reflecting particles, said reflecting particles protruding from the surface of the top color coat.

Abstract: A method of igniting one of a pyrotechnic material and primer during or after an all fire setback acceleration. The method including: positioning a mass element along an inclined surface; biasing the mass element in a direction into the inclined surface such that the mass element traverses the inclined surface upon the all fire setback acceleration against the biasing; drawing the mass element toward one of a pyrotechnic material and primer with the biasing after the mass element traverses the inclined surface. The method can further include delaying the drawing until the mass element experiences a set forward acceleration. The delaying can include drawing the mass element into a delay well after the mass element traverses the inclined surface and drawing the mass element across a delay wedge when the mass element experiences the set forward acceleration.

Abstract: A method of small-charge blasting, a rock drilling unit and a front guide to be used therein. By means of a rock drill machine provided in the rock drilling unit, a hole is first drilled into a material to be excavated and, subsequently, a drilling tool is pulled out of the hole. Next, one or more propellants comprising a propellant charge are fed to the bottom of the hole through a propellant feed channel provided in connection with a feed beam. Then, the hole is sealed and the propellant is ignited, whereupon a high gas pressure is generated, which causes fractioning in the material to be excavated. During the feeding and ignition of the propellant, the rock drill machine is kept in a parallel direction with respect to the hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved kinematic countermeasure flare and method of constructing the same wherein the housing has integrated internal features. The flare nose weight is set at the end of a die core prior to molding for integration with the housing. Longitudinal grooves and other recesses in the die core allow for the formation of internal longitudinal ribs which propellant can bond to and a retaining bead for retaining the nose weight in the housing which are integrated with the housing. Propellant is cast into the formed housing. A propellant shaping mandrel is then inserted into the formed housing thereby forcing the propellant into the internal cavity created by the integrally molded longitudinal ribs, the shaping mandrel and the wall of the flare housing such that the propellant is bonded to the interior housing wall and the longitudinal ribs.

Abstract: A shot cup for holding shot in a shotshell has a generally cylindrical sidewall, having a closed proximal end, and an open distal end, and at least one distally-facing petal connected to the sidewall at its proximal end, the petal configured so that it is widest at a point intermediate the proximal and distal ends of the petal. The at least one petal being capable of opening outwardly after the shot cup leaves the shotshell.

Abstract: The cartridge ammunition (1) comprises a projectile (11) and a cartridge shell (10) receiving the same. The cartridges of the ammunition are magazined in a belt (31) and are pulled out of the belt by means of an unbelting device and transferred into the lock of the automatic firearm so that the individual projectiles (11) can be shot from the automatic firearm at a high shooting frequency. To minimize the forces abruptly exerted on the bottom flange of the cartridge shell (10) by means of the removal of the cartridge ammunition from the belt, at least one recess (33) is provided in the bottom flange (32) of the cartridge shell (10), thus increasing the bending elasticity of the bottom flange, e.g. by reducing the thickness of the bottom flange. The recesses (33) may e.g. be designed as a groove (33a) or as a series of blind bores (33b) that extend in parallel to the edge of the bottom flange.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive, device and method of use thereof for disrupting the jet of a shaped charge and thereby significantly reducing the penetrating capability by over 90% thereof; thus providing a means to mitigate the damage caused by the premature or accidental jetting of the shaped charge. The device has a central support, along which radiate a plurality of increasing radius, generally hemi-circular, thin discs—such that the outline of the disc edges thereof form a cone that models the interior of the hollow open mouth of the shaped charge—importantly, the discs are staggered along the length of the central support. The device, which can be molded of inexpensive plastic, must be lodged fully within the hollow open mouth of the shaped charge at the time of the premature or accidental jetting—to provide the desired mitigation.

Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead includes a plurality of projectiles in a projectile core, explosive segments about the plurality of projectiles, and an isolator between adjacent explosive segments. There is an external detonator on an outer surface of each of the explosive segments proximate an isolator, and an internal detonator inside of each explosive segment adjacent the projectile core.

Abstract: An invention in which a projectile device is deployed from a compressed air firing system that, upon impact of the projectile device into a target, the projectile device embeds itself in the intended target's outer surface or material. In one application, a GPS receiver and transmitter provided within the projectile device relays position data to a receiving apparatus that is monitored by a stationary or mobile conveyance. In another application, the projectile device, may include remotely operable explosives which are preferably triggered once the target is an area where the explosives can be detonated with minimal collateral damage.

Abstract: A system for conveying persons has at least one track along which a plurality of vehicles or groups of vehicles are moved by continuous conveying cables. At least two mutually successive conveying cables are arranged in line with one another and each has a drive so that they may be driven independently of one another. The vehicles are coupled to the cables with clamping devices. The clamping devices arranged on the vehicles spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the system. When there is a transfer of a vehicle from a first to the successive conveying cable, a control device uncouples at least the first clamping device, from the first conveying cable and thereupon couples it to the successive conveying cable. Then, a further clamping device is uncoupled from the first conveying cable and coupled to the successive conveying cable.

Abstract: Truck assemblies, systems and methods are provided for transferring weight supported by various wheels, and axles. The vehicle suspension method includes operating the suspension in a first mode with a first effective suspension spring rate; and operating the suspension in a second mode with a second, different, effective suspension spring rate.

Abstract: Lateral pressure which develops in the front wheelset when traveling along a curved track is decreased while suppressing an increase in costs as much as possible. A two-axle truck for a railway car has a front wheelset having wheels with a first tread gradient and a rear wheelset having wheels with a second tread gradient which is different from the first tread gradient. The tread gradient of the wheels of the rear wheelset is larger than the tread gradient of the wheels of the front wheelset.

Abstract: A the low floor vehicle includes a journal member which couples a pair of wheels and is attached to a truck frame; and a truck frame lateral beam arranged along a vehicle width direction closer to the center of the truck frame than the journal member. The journal member is turnable with respect to the struck frame. A pair of left and right stub links extending between the journal member and the truck frame lateral beam, are provided. Axes passing both ends of the pair of stub links are arranged to tilt so as to widen a space between the ends in the vehicle width direction with going from the truck frame lateral beam toward the journal member. Both the ends of the stub links are attached to be pivotable respectively around axes which extend in a height direction to the journal member and the truck frame lateral beam.

Abstract: The present invention is a platform for an electronic device such as a tablet computer or personal video player. The platform for an electronic device with a screen preferably comprises a rectangular device case with a landscape position and a portrait position and a lockable entry port lid. The case has a view port for the screen and four attachment blade ports. One blade port is on each side of the device case. The platform has two adjustable support legs with an attachment blade, padded end and a string lock. The attachment blades are insertable into the blade ports and lock with a snap tab into the port. The platform further has a length of string with a sleeve of padding and an adjustment loop attached to each leg. The string can be adjusted so the platform has a deployed mode and a carrying mode.

Abstract: A pallet made up of plural hollow sections of generally rectangular transverse profile formed from metal tubes, the sections having upper walls facing in the same direction and being secured together in side-by-side and/or end-to-end array to constitute a load-bearing platform. The lower wall of each section may have a longitudinal central rib projecting toward the upper wall for additional strength. The tubes can be hollow transversely corrugated cylinders of metal such as aluminum, used as cores for winding strip material. A method of making the pallet includes the steps of deforming plural metal tubes with generally radially directed pressure to produce the pallet sections, and securing the sections together.

Abstract: A body having a buoyant inducing element for supporting upon a body of water. The buoyant inducing element includes a plurality of bladders deployable into an end-to-end perimeter extending arrangement relative to the body. In a further design, a pressurized tank is contained within the body and holds a volume of a compressed gas and in communication with the deployable bladders. The body may also include upper and lower vertically displaceable halves, with the elevation of the upper half causing one way air inlet valves disposed within a bottom surface of the lower halve to fill an expanded interior defined between the halves, via vacuum inlet pressure acting upon the one way valves.

Abstract: A structurally reinforcing pallet having an insert exhibiting a three dimensional shape with a top, sides and bottom. A plasticized material is applied over the insert according to a selected thickness and in order to encapsulate the insert. A first plurality of upper edge projecting and positional locating rim portions are exhibited about a periphery of an insert incorporated into a first pallet and, in combination with a second mating plurality of recessed underside edge extending locations exhibited about a periphery of a further insert incorporated into a second pallet, enable multiple stacking of pallets in laterally stabilized fashion.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for a symmetrical table leg fastener table. The table affords simplicity without having to match sets of legs to particular corners of the table. The table comprises a table top frame having a rim around an interior of the table top frame. Four corner assemblies are attached to each corner of the rim of the table top frame. The corner assemblies are set to bisect each corner. Each corner assembly includes a first metal clip attached to a rim of a first side of the table frame, a second metal clip attached to a rim of a second side of the table frame, and a U-shaped metal clip coupled to the first metal clip and the second metal clip. Four table legs are each attached to a corner assembly.

Abstract: A seed meter for an agricultural seed planter, wherein the seed meter includes a rotating distributing seed disk defining a plurality of radially spaced apertures. The seed disk or drum is operatively connected to a vacuum source for creating a pressure differential between the exterior and the interior of the seed disk so as to pick up seeds for dispensing. Secured to the exterior surface of the seed disk are a plurality of arm members, which include an end portion defining an aperture that is positioned over a corresponding aperture formed about the periphery of the seed disk. As the drum is rotated through a supply of seeds, individual seeds are urged onto the apertures of the arm members and corresponding seed disk apertures, and held in place by the vacuum.

Abstract: A method of sowing watermelon seeds is provided, specifically a method for sowing triploid seedless watermelon seeds and enhanced watermelon pollenizer seeds in the same seedling tray through the use of a mechanical seeder.

Abstract: A row crop unit for use in an agricultural seeder includes a furrow opener for opening a furrow in the soil, a seed metering system for metering seed to be placed in the furrow, and a seed placement system for placing seeds in the furrow. The seed placement system and the seed metering system are in communication with each other and at least in part define a seed travel path associated with the furrow. A furrow closer covers the seed in the furrow with soil. A seed temperature conditioner is associated with the seed travel path for varying a temperature of seed traveling through the seed travel path. A temperature sensitive sensor is positioned to sense seed which has been deposited in the furrow between the furrow opener and the furrow closer. An optional packaging tube holds a temperature sensor or sensor array. A lens is mounted with the same tube. A larger diameter tube may be positioned around the sensor packaging tube. A positive air pressure/air flow may be introduced between the two tubes.

Abstract: A method of sowing watermelon seeds is provided, specifically a method for sowing triploid seedless watermelon seeds and enhanced watermelon pollenizer seeds in the same seedling tray through the use of a mechanical seeder.

Abstract: A combination floating pontoon boat and air-cushion supported hovercraft having a frame and a plurality of pontoons pivotally and retractably mounted to the frame for pontoon boat mode, and a second position extending laterally outward from the frame in hovercraft mode. A skirt is attached to and extends from the frame, the skirt on a first position being retracted against the bottom of the frame. In a second position, the skirt extends downward from the frame and forms an air-receiving pocket beneath the frame for hovercraft operation. A first power system moves the frame through water when the pontoons are in their first position. A second power system drives air into the air-receiving pocket when the skirt is in the second or hovercraft position, and a third power system propels the frame in a longitudinal direction when air is driven into the air-receiving pocket.

Abstract: A mooring system for a vessel and a method of mooring a vessel are provided. The mooring system comprises a turret structure; a swivel unit mounted on the turret structure; a bearing assembly for rotatably mounting the turret structure at deck level of the vessel such that the turret structure extends into a moonpool of the vessel and such that the swivel unit is disposed above deck level; a plurality of conduits for fluid communication disposed in the turret structure; a buoy structure retrievable into the moonpool of the vessel and connectable to the turret structure; a locking assembly for mechanically locking the buoy structure to the turret structure; and wherein the turret structure is rotatable as one to align the conduits to corresponding riser valve structures on the buoy structure prior to mechanically locking the buoy structure to the turret structure.

Abstract: A floating vessel is equipped with perforated plates which exhibit both an added-mass effect and a damping effect. The addition of porosity to an added mass plate phase-shifts the added mass force so that it becomes at least partially a damping force which does not depend on large velocities to develop a large damping force. Preferred porosity is in the range of about 5% to about 15% of total plate area. A semi-submersible vessel may have damper plates fitted between its surface-piercing columns, within a support grid in the area between the pontoons and/or extending from the sides of its pontoons. A truss spar offshore platform may have damper plates installed within its truss structure intermediate its hull and ballast tank. Drill ships and similar vessels may be equipped with damper plates extending from the sides of their hulls to reduce both heave and roll.

Abstract: The invention is a method for mooring a marine vessel (P) using three or more anchor lines (11a, 11b, . . . ) comprising—laying out each anchor line (11) with an anchor in a desired position relative to the platform, with a seabed anchor chain (10) extending towards the desired position of the platform (P), with the seabed chain (10) connected to a fiber rope's (20) arranged for being extended through the sea and connected to an anchor winch chain (30) and being tightended by an anchor winch (31) on the vessel (P), wherein the fiber rope (20) is prepared by being packed to a bundle or coil (21) arranged in a protective container (24) on the seafloor, and arranged for being released and pulled out of the container (24) at a predetermined pulling force, and arranged for being picked up and connected to the anchor winch chain (30).

Abstract: An unmanned submersible vehicle for use in a body of liquid having a top surface and in air overlying the top surface includes a hull, an integral antenna, and an antenna positioning system. The hull has first and second opposed ends. The hull includes a first hull portion adjacent the first end and a second hull portion adjacent the second end. The antenna is disposed within the first hull portion and/or is mounted on the first hull portion. The antenna positioning system is configured to reorient the hull from a transit position to a signal position.

Abstract: A telescoping boat railing including a rod having a first end with a fastener and a second end that telescopes relative to an opening in a hollow top rail of a boat. The top rail is supported horizontally by one of a plurality of vertical support members of a railing for the boat, which railing defines an opening for accessing the boat. Across the railing opening from the fastener is a receptacle formed co-linearly with the fastener and extending from a horizontal portion of the top of the railing. The rod is pulled out of the opening in the top rail in the direction of the receptacle and is removably attached by connecting the fastener and the receptacle. To return the rod to its nested position, the fastener is disconnected from the receptacle, and the rod is telescoped back into its nesting position in the hollow of the top rail.