Abstract: A continuous atmospheric horizontal dustfall flux measurement apparatus includes: a dust sampling port that includes a ceiling plate, a side wall, and four or more partition plates; a suction pipe; a continuous dust amount measurement device that continuously measures a dust amount per unit time; a blower or a compressor; an exhaust port, wherein the side wall is a plate that has a vertical center axis and has a side surface with a substantially circular or polygonal truncated cone shape widened upward, and wherein the side wall includes a suction port which is formed at the lower end thereof so as to be connected to the suction pipe and an external air inlet which has four or more openings disposed at the same interval in the circumferential direction of the side wall at a constant height near the upper end thereof.

Abstract: An analysis method using an analysis apparatus are described herein. By way of an example, the analysis method includes a first step of driving a pressurizing pump and a pressure-reduction pump, and of filling a liquid from a supply piping in an interior of a resistive body through which a sample passes, a second step of discharging, from a discharging piping, some of the liquid filled in the interior of the resistive body, and of securing a space in the interior of the resistive body for filling the sample, a third step of supplying the sample into the space, a fourth step of causing the sample to travel in the interior of the resistive body, and a fifth step of measuring a travel time of the sample in the interior of the resistive body by using the flow rate sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for measurement of airflow in a duct is described. The apparatus combines a Pitot tube, sensing apparatus, control apparatus, a display, control switches and a handle into a unitary structure that is holdable with a single hand while performing obtaining measurement data.

Abstract: A sensor equipped wheel support bearing assembly, in which the load imposed on the wheel support bearing assembly or a tire tread of a wheel tire can be accurately detected without being affected by the rolling elements, includes rolling elements interposed between plural opposed rolling surfaces defined in outer and inner members. One of the outer and inner members that serves as a stationary member is provided with one or more sensor unit. The sensor unit includes a strain generating member, having two or more contact fixing segments fixed to the stationary member, and a sensor for detecting such strain. The strain generating member in the sensor unit is arranged at a position departing from a line passing through a center of the rolling elements and extending in a direction defined by the rolling element contact angle.

Abstract: A displacement sensor (4) for detecting relative displacement of a shaft (1) relative to a housing (3). The sensor (4) comprises four elastomeric pads (6-9) mounted on the flexible strip (5), each elastomeric pad (6-9) having an electrical resistance which varies with force applied to the pad (6-9), and an electrical connector located within the flexible strip (5) for providing electrical connections to the elastomeric pads (6-9). In use, the sensor (4) is positioned so that the region of the strip (5) which carries the pads (6-9) is wrapped around the shaft (1).

Abstract: A screw fastener testing method for verifying the status of a previously tightened screw fastener with respect to installed torque and actual torque growth per angle of rotation properties includes applying an increasing tightening torque on the fastener, measuring the torque magnitude at the start of rotation, of the fastener, measuring the rotational movement of the fastener after the start of rotation, calculating the torque growth per angle of rotation for a certain predetermined test interval of rotation from the start of rotation, comparing the torque magnitude indicated during rotation and the calculated torque growth per angle of rotation during the test interval of rotation with predetermined reference values (Tstart, KR) or (TE, KP), respectively, characteristic for the actual fastener when tightened to a desired target torque level, and approving or disapproving the fastener status in view of the reference values.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for canceling the effects of magnetic field noise in a torque sensor by placing three sets of magnetic field sensors around a shaft, the first set of field sensors being placed in the central region of the shaft and the second and third sets of field sensors being placed on the right side and left side of the field sensors placed at the central region, respectively. A torque-induced magnetic field is not cancelled with this arrangement of field sensors but a magnetic near field from a near field source is cancelled.

Abstract: An implantable active pressure transducer including a pressure sensing element and associated sensor circuitry together enclosed within an innermost glass packaging. The pressure sensing element is anodically bonded to the innermost packaging substantially aligned with an opening defined therein. An outermost biocompatible metal packaging forms a cavity divided into first and second chambers by an intermediate partition. The innermost packaging is disposed within the first chamber without physically directly contacting or being fixed to the outermost packaging. A barrier plate is hermetically sealed to the intermediate partition to hermetically isolate the battery and communication circuitry from a pressure transmitting fluid. Inductive coupling is used to communicate data detected by the pressure sensing element internally within the implant.

Abstract: A device for sampling surfaces for the presence of compounds is provided, including a housing having a proximal end adapted to receive it negative pressure gradient and a distal end adapted to contact the surfaces; a heating element spaced from the distal end; a primary filter spaced from the heating element; and a secondary filter spaced from the primary filter, the secondary filter removably received by the housing. Also provided is as method for sampling a surface for the presence of compounds, the method including contacting the surface to dislodge the compounds from the surface; capturing first fractions of the compounds with a primary filter while allowing second fractions of the compounds to pass through the primary filter; heating the primary filter to volatilize the first fractions; capturing the volatized first fractions and the second fractions with a secondary filter; and analyzing the secondary filter to identify the compounds.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-section sediment pore water sampler, which comprises a plurality of sampling units arranged coaxially and separated with each other; this arrangement ensures no water exchange occurred between two adjacent sampling units, collection of the sediment pore water samples from different depths of a same position is realized, whereby to facilitate organic pollutant sampling in sediment pore water at different depths according to different time resolutions. Furthermore, as the heights of the sampling units as well as the clearances between two neighboring sampling units may be various, in use users can configure the sampler according to the actual condition of the time resolution required, thus this sampler can also help improve the time resolution of water sampling.

Abstract: A probe system for measuring a measured variable of a fluid, comprising: A probe body, which is connectable to the process container by means of a process connection; axially shiftable in a guiding passageway of the probe body between a measuring position and at least two different treatment positions; an immersion tube, which has a protective cylinder on its front end immersible in the fluid; a measuring probe held in the immersion tube, having a measuring head, wherein the measuring head is arranged within a region of the protective cylinder having openings; a first treatment chamber formed between the guiding passageway and the immersion tube; a second treatment chamber formed between the guiding passageway and the immersion tube and adjoining the first treatment chamber on a side of the first treatment chamber facing away from the process connection; and a seal arranged between the first and second treatment chambers, wherein the immersion tube has a first section with a first outer diameter and a second

Abstract: A method and system for a shaft coupling assembly is provided. The assembly includes a first coupling half coupled to a distal end of a first shaft wherein the first coupling half includes one or more projections extending away from the first coupling half. The shaft coupling assembly also includes a second coupling half coupled to a distal end of a second shaft wherein the second coupling half includes a media configured to matingly engage the one or more projections in an axial direction, the projections include a relatively large length to width ratio, the media displaces orthogonally to the insertion direction an amount sufficient to facilitate the insertion for each individual projection while substantially preventing gross movement of all of the projections in total such that a linear force or torque applied to one coupling half is transmitted through the mated projections and media.

Abstract: In a hydraulic control arrangement for an automated shift transmission, in particular a dual clutch transmission in a motor vehicle including a hydraulic control arrangement, the hydraulic control arrangement has a main pump and a controllable additional pump which jointly ensure that oil is supplied to the hydraulic control arrangement. The additional pump can feed into a control channel of a lubricating pressure slide and build up an adjustable lubricating fluid control pressure. The lubricating fluid pressure in the lubricating cooling system is adjusted in a simple and inexpensive manner by lubricating pressure slide changes modifying the lubricating control pressure in the lubricating cooling system.

Abstract: A power shift parallel shift transmission with parallel torque transmission branches, the input sides of which have an intermediate element which can be connected by an associated power shift element to a common input element, and the output sides of which can be connected by drive output elements with a common output element and can be connected to the appropriate intermediate element by a transmission ratio step that is engaged by an associated clutch. The transmission ratio steps are sequentially distributed in alternation in the order of their transmission ratios across the intermediate elements and in groups of adjacent transmission ratios across the drive output elements. To simply increase the number of gear steps in a space-saving manner, at least one of the drive output elements is in driving connection with the common output element via at least two alternatively shiftable output transmission ratio steps that have different transmission ratios.

Abstract: An apparatus for multiplexing gear engagement control in an automatic transmission is provided. At least two friction engagement devices are configured to selectively engage and disengage a different gear ratio of the transmission. A trim system is configured to selectively supply engagement and disengagement pressures to at least one fluid passageway. A first control valve is fluidly coupled directly to the at least one fluid passageway and directly to each of the at least two friction engagement devices. The first control valve is configured to selectively route the engagement and disengagement pressures through the first control valve directly to the at least two friction devices.

Abstract: A synchronizer actuation assembly for actuating at least one synchronizer member includes a barrel cam, at least one shift fork, a hydraulic piston assembly, and a motion converter. The barrel cam includes at least one cam groove that circumscribes the barrel cam and defines at least a neutral position and a first engaged position. The at least one shift fork has a first end portion disposed in the at least one cam groove and a second forked end portion. The hydraulic piston assembly includes a housing and a piston disposed in the housing. The motion converter includes a translatable input member engaged with the piston of the hydraulic piston assembly, a rotatable output member rotatably coupled with the barrel cam, and a direction selection mechanism. The translatable input member is selectively rotatably coupled with the rotatable output member in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction.

Abstract: A mechanism with an inner race, which has cams, an outer race and rollers between the cams and the outer race. The inner race has a first notch while the outer race has a second notch with a narrow portion and a wider portion. A member is disposed in the first and second notches. Positioning of the member in the first notch and the narrow portion of the second notch inhibits relative rotation between the inner and outer races and power is not transmitted between the outer race and a power transmitting member, such as a gear. Positioning of the member in the first notch and the wider portion of the second notch permits some relative rotation between the inner and outer races to cause the cams to urge the rollers outwardly so that the outer race frictionally engages the power transmitting member to facilitate transmission of rotary power therebetween.

Abstract: A twin clutch transmission can be made sufficiently small and can easily be mounted on a motorcycle without biasing the lateral weight balance. In this transmission, a first clutch is arranged to input rotation power transferred from a crankshaft to a first main shaft and to output the rotation power to a rear wheel via an odd-numbered transmission gear mechanism, and a second clutch is arranged to input rotation power transferred from the crankshaft to a second main shaft and to output the rotation power to the rear wheel via an even-numbered transmission gear mechanism.

Abstract: A parallel gear unit (20) for a gearbox (30) for a wind turbine includes at least a low speed shaft (21) and a high speed shaft (22), each shaft (21, 22) having a gear (23, 25) with helical teeth, the gears (23, 25) of each shaft (21, 22) being adapted for meshing with each other. The low speed shaft (21) is rotatably supported by roller bearings (24a) and the high speed shaft (22) is rotatably supported by sliding bearings (24b). A gearbox (30) including the parallel gear unit (20) and a wind turbine including such a gearbox (30) are described.

Abstract: A gear and drive system utilizing the gear include teeth. Each of the teeth has a first side and a second side opposite the first side that extends from a body of the gear. For each tooth of the gear, a first extended portion is attached to the first side of the tooth to divert flow of fluid adjacent to the body of the gear to reduce windage losses that occur when the gear rotates. The gear may be utilized in drive systems that may have high rotational speeds, such as speeds where the tip velocities are greater than or equal to about 68 m/s. Some embodiments of the gear may also utilize teeth that also have second extended portions attached to the second sides of the teeth to divert flow of fluid adjacent to the body of the gear to reduce windage losses that occur when the gear rotates.

Abstract: In the present invention, there are provided a movement member which includes an engaging section, which is engaged with an intermediate part of an operation shaft of a joystick device, and operates as one body with the operation shaft at a time of performing an inclining operation of the operation shaft, and a damper case in which the movement member is movably inserted, and which holds a viscous fluid which increases a sliding resistance of the movement member when the movement member is moved. Thereby, a desired operational sensation can be always obtained, and a stable bending operation can be performed.

Abstract: A shifting device (11, 40) with a servo-assistance mechanism (10), in particular for a transmission (30) of a motor vehicle which comprises an assembly for selecting and engaging a gear of the transmission (30) and an element (20) upon which acts a manual shifting force to be assisted. The servo-assistance mechanism (10) can produce a performance characteristic curve which, as a function of the manual shifting force or a shift phase, has ranges with different gradients or proportions with respect to the manual shifting force. Elements (88, 90, 106, 108), upon which a servo-pressure acts, are present in the servo-assistance mechanism (10) for producing the characteristic. In the control system of the servo-assistance mechanism (10), path limitation units and at least one elastic element (84, 110) are provided, upstream from and/or in the servo-assistance mechanism (10), to limit the servo-assistance force in a path-dependent manner for each gate or gear.

Abstract: In accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present teachings, a surgical device can include a first pair of articulably coupled links, a second pair of articulably coupled links, and a tension member coupled to the first pair of links and the second pair of links such that altering tension in the tension member exerts a force tending to articulate the first pair of links and the second pair of links so as to bend the first pair of links and the second pair of links. The surgical device can be configured such that the first pair of links has a lower resistance to bending than the second pair of links upon altering the tension in the tension member.

Abstract: A hexapod actuator device, notably used in flight simulators or driving simulators, includes six legs. A first end of each leg is notably mobilizable along a straight segment by virtue of a motorized carriage. The hexapod actuator comprises notably six segments of straight lines that may be coplanar or inclined with respect to the ground. A second end of each leg may be mounted free on a ball joint with three degrees of freedom in rotation. Each of the ball joints is secured to a mobile platform. The device lies in the field of systems allowing motion to be imparted to pilot cabins for example.

Abstract: A structure is realized that is capable of preventing interference of respective friction plates (39, 40a, 40b) with other members existing therearound or with the body of a driver, and furthermore that facilitates, when assembling, insertion of a tension rod (17a) through a circular hole (47) and longitudinal elongated holes (18a, 18b) formed in the respective friction plates (39, 40a, 40b). The respective friction plates (39, 40a, 40b) are arranged between both of the side faces of a displacement bracket section (36) and the inner face of supporting plate sections (22a) that constitute a fixed side bracket (15a). Moreover, the end edges of the respective friction plates (39, 40a, 40b) symmetrically present in pairs are connected by connecting sections (45, 46a, 46b), to thereby integrate the left and right friction plates (39, 40a, 40b) so that the respective holes (45, 18a, 18b), through which the tension rod (17a) is to be inserted, can be easily aligned.

Abstract: In a parking brake system, a locking tooth of a ratchet plate includes a first area for contacting and retaining a locking claw of a ratchet pawl in an equilibrium state when a parking brake lever is pulled up; and a second area in which the locking claw remains in a state of halfway engagement of tooth tips when a pressing force of a release rod is released. When the locking claw comes into contact with a portion closer to a tip of the locking tooth beyond the first area, a line of force is maintained due to the pressing force of the release rod. The system is configured such that even if an occupant erroneously pulls up the parking brake lever while the release rod is pressed, it is possible to reliably prevent halfway engagement of tooth tips in a ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: The stem (1) is provided with elements (3) for attaching the stem to the upper end of a pivoting tube and elements (25) for attaching a handlebar to the stem. The rear attachment elements (3) include articulation members (8) that make it possible to adjust the tilt of the stem (1) and tightening elements (10, 11, 19, 21) that make it possible to lock the stem in an angular position. The tightening elements are of a semi-cylindrical shape extending crosswise into a housing (12) that has an opening (12?) downward that makes it possible to insert the pivoting tube (4). The tightening elements at their upper and lower ends are provided with a receiving recess (13, 14) that is adapted to the pivoting tube and extend crosswise in the housing that has a cylindrical wall (15) cooperating with the first tightening element (10) so as to define the articulation members.

Abstract: A switch for a vehicle includes: a first operating member provided on a mounting surface of the vehicle, the first operating member being operable by tilting; and a plurality of projections provided on the first operating member, the projections being operable by pushing, wherein the first operating member is shaped line symmetrically so that a central part of the first operating member is dented most; and the projection projects forward with respect to the central part of the first operating member, and the projection is uplifted along an outer wall part of the first operating member.

Abstract: A connecting and adjusting structure for a crank assembly used in a bicycle contains a first tube of a first connector including a first hollow portion, the first connector including a first bearing seat to receive a first ball bearing, the first bearing seat includes a first engaging tab, a first adjusting rib, and the first tube, a second connector including a second bearing seat to receive a second ball bearing, a dustproof cover, and a retaining ring, the second bearing seat including a second engaging tab, a second adjusting rib, and a second tube, a second crank including a central shank with plural T-shaped teeth and second internal screws, a first crank including a hollow post with a Tee groove fixed to engage with the T-shaped teeth, and a screw is inserted through the hollow post to be screwed with the second internal screws.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular transmission system, comprising in at least one transmission stage with a housing a plurality of transmissions with different multiplications, each having a first transmission step comprising an annular gear with a pinion offset, said pinion off-set being identical for all transmissions of one transmission stage. The modular transmission system is provided with at least one first pinion of the angular gear with a first serrated crown gear in a crown gear serration and a second pinion with a second crown gear in a spiroplan gearing.

Abstract: A mechanical device for reducing the energy absorbed by an electrical motor of a hoisting plant. The device includes at least one first rotating member moved by the motor of the hoisting plant. The device also includes a second rotating member connected to the first member through a gear transmission. At least one third rotating member is connected to the second rotating member through a bevel-gear transmission. The device further includes a fourth rotating member operatively connected to the rotor of the electric motor. The fourth rotating member and the third rotating member are connected through a transmission with flexible elements or through a gear transmission which develop a transmission ratio equal to unity. The transmission elements of the device are designed to enable rotation of the fourth rotating member in a direction of rotation concordant with that of the first rotating member.

Abstract: A corkscrew for removing a cork or a stopper from a bottle containing wine, or other beverage or food product is disclosed. The corkscrew has socket (19) which is provided with vertical axis that is dimensioned to receive the neck of a bottle, while corkscrew spiral (2) is arranged axially within the socket. A CPU is electrically communicated with battery pack, and is charged to determine whether the battery pack can perform sufficient work to open a cork and to provide a signal to the LED display (13) that indicates the number of corks which can be removed using the corkscrew. The corkscrew can be operated with one hand since physical force or dexterity are not required to operate the corkscrew, and prevents accidental injury or damaging of work surface since CPU is electrically communicated with battery pack.

Abstract: The present invention can include an apparatus having both a wire nut receiver and a wire insulation stripper thus allowing a user to strip insulation from wires and then connect them using a wire nut with the same apparatus. The apparatus can include a wire nut receiver defining a cavity having a proximal end and a distal end and one or more stripper blades disposed adjacent to the distal end of the cavity of the wire nut receiver. The apparatus can also include a driver, such as for example a hex driver, connected to the wire nut receiver and the one or more stripper blades. Alternatively, the apparatus can be configured such that the diameter of the one or more stripper blades relative to a rotational axis is variable, which in turn allows a user to easily account for different thicknesses or gauges of wire to be stripped.

Abstract: An oil filter wrench for use in tightening or loosening an oil filter includes a band assembly configured to be placed over the oil filter; a handle assembly attached to the band assembly for use in tightening and turning the band assembly; and a layer of flexible or compressible high friction material applied over a portion of the band assembly to reduce slippage between the band assembly and the oil filter.

Abstract: A wrench for a valve includes an elongated member having a first end portion and a second end portion. A first leg and a second leg are attached to the first end portion. The first leg and the second leg extend at an angle with respect to each other to form a gap therebetween. The first leg and second leg both having an inner surface for engaging with an outer surface of a bonnet and both legs having a front surface for engaging with a side surface of a rib attached to the outer surface of the bonnet. The wrench also including a handle attached to the second end portion.

Abstract: A mandrel is disclosed for securely holding a screw bit during use, but allowing easy removal of the screw bit for replacement. The mandrel includes a socket having a chamber housing a locking mechanism such as a split-ring. The mandrel further includes a release mechanism such as one or more ears for moving the locking mechanism from a first position where the screw bit is held within the socket and a second position where the screw bit may be removed from the socket.

Abstract: There is provided a wheel lathe in which the wheelset center of wheels and a spindle center can be aligned in a simple structure without using a centering part for synchronous lowering from above, and the horizontal distance from the wheelset center is measured at the position of a point along the circumference of the wheel and away from the topmost point of the wheel, such as of a point on an external edge, by a displacement meter having a fixed height, whereby the appropriate required lifting amount (lifter-required displacement) is automatically computed and the wheels are raised to allow the spindle to be appropriately fixed on a consistent basis, the device to be simplified and otherwise improved, and significant reductions to be attained in assembly and adjustment man-hours.

Abstract: A power tool in one embodiment includes a work-piece support surface, a swing arm assembly movable along a swing path between a first swing arm position whereat a portion of a shaping device supported by the swing arm assembly extends above the work-piece support surface and a second swing arm position whereat the portion of the shaping device does not extend above the work-piece support surface, a mechanical fuse positioned to maintain the swing arm assembly in the first swing arm position, an actuator configured to apply a force to the mechanical fuse sufficient to break the mechanical fuse and to force the swing arm assembly away from the first swing arm position and toward the second swing arm position, and a control system configured to actuate the actuator in response to a sensed condition.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing sheet material from a sheet material dispenser are described. Dispenser embodiments include drive and tension rollers supported within a housing forming a nip therebetween. Pulling of sheet material through the nip and against the drive roller rotates the drive roller. Dispenser embodiments may include a cutting mechanism powered by drive roller rotation with an improved carrier-supported blade permitting highly-efficient dispenser operation. Dispenser embodiments may include a sheet material tail length adjuster which permits the attendant to shorten or lengthen the tail length extending away from the dispenser. Dispenser embodiments may further include a sheet material conservation feature which imposes a delay between dispense cycles encouraging use of a single sheet of material and discouraging sheet material waste.

Abstract: A clamping cutting guide to assist a carpenter in performing various wood techniques comprises a guide plate, a pair of guide rods, and a spring-loaded clamping portion. The guide rods extend perpendicularly downward along side areas and are inserted into respective springs to provide a clamping force to the stationary guide plate and a mobile clamping plate. The cutting guide also comprises a pair of pivoting handles open the clamp portions during loading/unloading of a desired object to be cut, thereby allowing a user to operate the guide using a single hand.

Abstract: A separating device for cutting off individual containers (12) from a frame network made of a plastic material, particularly of polypropylene, has at least one punching device at least partially separating the containers (12) from a waste frame. Because the punching device can be moved by a ball screw drive (46) that can be driven by a drive unit, particularly in the form of an eclectic motor (48), along a punching axis (44) from a starting position to a punching position and back again, the separation can be done at high speed, determined by the screw shaft that can be driven by the electric motor.

Abstract: There is provided a punching unit capable of punching holes in high-performance by increasing a punching force and by rotating a punch. A guide hole that guides the punch in the vertical direction is formed to have a narrow upper part, a wider lower part and inclined surfaces between them. An actuation pin engages with a cam and the punch moves up and down to punch a hole when a cam member reciprocates. The actuation pin abuts with the inclined surface of the guide hole at the punching position, so that the punch is rotated and a cam inclined angle is reduced by an inclined angle of the guide hole, allowing a large punching force.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented herein that provide for ignition of explosive devices through electric and/or electromagnetic discharge. In one embodiment, an electrostatic discharge is directionally propagated through air to conduct electric current to the explosive device. The electric current may ignite the explosive device via heat, via triggering of ignition circuitry, via induced electric current conduction to the explosive material therein and/or via direct electric conduction to the explosive material therein. Alternatively, or in addition to, electromagnetic energy may be directionally propagated to the device through a waveguide. Such electromagnetic energy may be in the microwave region and may heat and/or induce electric current in the explosive device. In either instance, the directionally propagated energy may be time varying.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented herein that provide for ignition of explosive devices through electric discharge. In one embodiment, an electrostatic discharge is directionally propagated through air to conduct electric current to the explosive device. The electric current may ignite the explosive device via heat, via triggering of ignition circuitry, via induced electric current conduction to the explosive material therein and/or via direct electric conduction to the explosive material therein. Alternatively or additionally, a system is configured with a vehicle to distally position the propagated energy to the explosive device such that damage caused by the explosive device is reduced.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a muzzle brake that can be attachably connected to a weapon system having a barrel comprising: a housing; a front opening defined in the housing having a diameter generally the same size as the caliber of the barrel to which the housing can be attached; an impact plane included in the housing having an angle of incident greater than 90 degrees defined between the impact plane and the longitudinal axis of the housing; an eddy plane included in the housing having an angle of incident defined between the eddy plane and the longitudinal axis of the housing that is greater than the incident of angle of the impact plane; and, a concave surface included in the housing and carried by the eddy plane; a forward port defined by the impact plane, eddy plane and concave surface in the housing so that a portion of the gas expelled from the barrel is deflected outward from the housing upon contacting the impact plane and a portion of the gas expelled from the barrel is deflected by the concave

Abstract: Lightly armored vehicles and stationary objects are often the target of attacks by means of hollow-charge projectiles. Numerous variants of armor plating have been developed to counter such attacks, which results in additional loads, and these require expensive production. A light protective layer (1) which is simple to produce contains rods (3) arranged in a matrix, which project out from the object to be protected. If a corresponding hollow-charge projectile hits such a protective layer (1), the front nose (101) thereof is damaged, so that in most cases the initiation of the hollow charge does not occur. Preferably the rods (3) are covered externally by polymer layers (9, 10) and additionally a crumple layer (8) is attached in front of the object to be protected.

Abstract: A vehicle includes one or more structural vent channels for blast energy and gas and debris dissipation. The structural enclosure of a vehicle includes a hull floor and encloses or defines a compartment for crew, cargo, or crew and cargo. The channel provides a passage through, around, or through and around the vehicle, by which blast energy and debris can be dissipated from explosions beneath the vehicle. Objects can be mounted within, above, or below the channel with breakaway mounting fixtures. The channel can serve as a storage compartment for objects that would be sacrificed during a blast.

Abstract: A storage system (10) for artillery ammunition, capable of containing artillery ammunition (100) of various types and comprising a plurality of drums (11) rotating about a central axis (Y) of their own and having a plurality of cells (11a), each adapted to contain one of the ammunition (100). The storage system (10) includes a rotatable support (12), which can turn about an axis of rotation (Z) of its own, parallel to the central axis (Y), on which the plurality of rotary drums (11) are rotatably pivoted. The system further includes at least one data processing unit for the automated selection of a drum (11?) from among the plurality of rotary drums (11).

Abstract: A firearm having reduced recoil including a front slide connected to a rear slide by way of a slide link. Firing the firearm causes the rear slide to recoil and transfer energy, by means of the slide link, to the front slide. The front slide moving in the direction opposite the rear slide thereby reducing the recoil of the firearm. After reaching full recoil, the front and rear slides return to their resting positions.

Abstract: The pressure in the downstream side of a pneumatic cylinder's piston (1g) is allowed to exhaust. At a certain point, the downstream exhaust is blocked, causing the pressure to rise against the downstream side of the piston. A valve (5) opens when the downstream chamber has reached its maximum pressure. The output of valve (5) opens a second valve (3). Valve (3) rapidly exhausts the remaining air on the downstream side of the piston (1p). With no air on the downstream side of piston (1p), piston (1p) stops and does not bounce back. Changing the volume of inactive regions (1m) or (1n) sets the stopping point to coincide with the end of stroke of piston (1p). A check valve (4) and orifice (6a) allow the air in the pilot port in valve (3) to slowly bleed out, resetting valve (3) for the next cycle.