Abstract: A pickup system for a cajón percussion instrument that includes pickups coupled to the cajón that provide pickup signals to a control box that provides a system output signal. Pickups can be located on different or the same panels of the cajón. Pickups can be near one another to produce similar pickup signals. The system can include audio processors for modifying the pickup signals. The audio processors can include filters for changing amplitude verses frequency responses. The control box can include a summing device for combining the pickup signals. The system can include one or more output jacks. The pickup signals can be provided to different output jacks. The pickups can include piezoelectric pickups, microphones, coils and magnets, or other types of pickups. The control box can include tone and volume controls accessible and adjustable by a player to modify the system output signal.

Abstract: A rim raising device attaches to a drum rim, or operates remotely from a drum. The device provides additional elevation above the drum, and increased surface area to a section of the drum rim such that a percussion technique is enhanced. The increased elevation provides space for other components to attach to the drum rim. A trigger assembly comprises at least one piezoelectric sensor and/or at least one force sensor that detect the force. The piezoelectric sensor generates an intensity sensitive signal. The force sensor generates an on/off, linear signal that produces sound, or serves as a gate for the piezoelectric sensor. The force converts into both types of signals, and wirelessly transmitted to a sound module for generating a predetermined sound. A transmitter on the device uses wireless technology, or an instrument cable/wire to transmit the signal. A vibration suppression portion inhibits interferences and other unwanted vibrations.

Abstract: A payload deployment system includes a mount for receiving one or more payload modules that each include one or more payloads to be deployed. The payload modules also each include a sleeve, with the one or more payloads are in one or more openings in the sleeve. The payloads may be contained in respective containers, such as hermetically-sealed containers, that are in the openings. The electrical coupling may be wireless coupling, for transferring electrical power to the payload module(s), and for communication, such as networked communication, between the mount and the one or more payload modules. The wireless coupling may be inductive coupling that involves overlap of inductive elements such as wire coils. The payload deployment system may also include one or more translators for translating commands and/or other communications between the one or more payload modules and a platform to which the payload deployment system is coupled.

Abstract: An armor system includes an appliqué comprising a high fluid retaining material (HFRM) and a plate configured to hold the appliqué against a compartment, wherein the armor system is adapted so that upon impact of a blast wave upon the plate, the HFRM is vented away from the compartment. The armor system may be adapted to a vehicle. In another embodiment, an armor system includes a plate operably connected to a plunger, one or more rods of brittle material operably contained within a tube, wherein the armor system is adapted so that upon impact of a blast shock wave upon the plate, the plate transfers the blast shock wave to the plunger and thence to the contents of the tube. Optionally, the tube also contains HFRM.

Abstract: A durable ceramic and metallic coating has been applied to ceramic tiles to protect the tiles while undergoing a molten metal casting operation. The plasma sprayed coating consists of a ceramic top coat layer of aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, or other oxides with or without a metallic bond coat layer and with or without a functionally gradient coating. This coating protects the underlying ceramic tile, which is composed of boron carbide, silicon carbide, alumina (Al2O3) or other type of hard ceramic, from reacting chemically with the molten metal. The molten metal is cast around the ceramic tiles to create a lattice of ceramic tiles that are used for protection from projectiles and shrapnel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ballistic layer for a ballistic multilayer arrangement (1), wherein it is formed by an absorption layer (2, 2a, 2b) that entirely or largely comprises expanded glass (21) and by a ballistic multilayer arrangement (1) with an impact side (A) and a back side (B), wherein at least one of the layers is formed by such an absorption layer (2, 2a, 2b) that entirely or largely comprises expanded glass (21).

Abstract: A bottom plate assembly for securing a bottom plate to an armored vehicle for adding to the existing armor or replacing the existing armor on the underside of the vehicle. The bottom plate assembly secures bottom plate to the vehicle hull by securing the bottom plate to the sidewalls of the vehicle.

Abstract: Present invention teaches a foldable multi-pane shielding device consisting of a number of connected rigid planar pieces that can be easily deployed when drawn out and set up in a corner of a room or a classroom; a protrusion mechanism in between two connected straight pieces will create a small angle when clicked into place, providing a bow-like tensioning structure and a “pie” safety zone to be formed when the two side pieces are engaged to the walls on the two sides

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle seat post structure, and more particularly, to a structure provided with a hydraulic actuator within which is configured with an upper oil compartment, an intermediate oil compartment, and a lower oil compartment; the three oil compartments intercommunicate. It is characterized in that the bicycle seat post structure provides an upper valve moving simultaneously with the pin and configured between the upper oil compartment and the intermediate oil compartment; the upper valve will be closed to disconnect the upper oil compartment from the intermediate oil compartment when the pin is in a state of locking. Thus, the valve will stop moving up because it is positioned above the upper and the intermediate oil compartments and consequently controlled by the oil within the compartments, so as to stop the seat sliding upward and further to be combined with the bicycle frame as a whole.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a control system of a powered machine. The control system includes a hydraulic motor configured to drive a track system of the machine. The motor is operable with a variable displacement. A control valve is fluidly coupled to the motor. In addition, the control system includes a controller and an electro-hydraulic valve disposed in electrical communication with the controller and fluid communication with the control valve. The electro-hydraulic valve receives a signal from the controller, and based on the signal, the electro-hydraulic valve hydraulically varies the start of control pressure of the motor.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking an actuator piston within an actuator cylinder housing is disclosed. The locking mechanism comprises a locking pin that is moveable between extended and retracted positions. The locking pin can be moved using a controller, such as a hydraulic controller, for example. In the extended position the locking pin engages the actuator piston thereby locking the actuator piston in a specific position. The locking mechanism includes a mechanical bias (such as a spring or other mechanical system) that biases the locking pin towards an extended position to lock the actuator piston when counter-pressure on the locking pin is lower than the pressure provided by the mechanical bias. The locking pin can be hydraulically operated so that hydraulic pressure that forces the actuator piston to retract also exerts force on the locking pin to move it from a locked position to an unlocked position.

Abstract: To provide an oscillating actuator which is capable of easily changing an oscillation start position of a shaft. An oscillating actuator includes an actuator main body 2 having a shaft 4 which is configured to oscillate about an axis L in a predetermined range of angle by means of a compressed air, and a fixing plate 3 for fixing the actuator main body 2 to a load device 30, wherein the actuator main body 2 and the fixing plate 3 are connected together by a connection mechanism 5 so as to be displaceable relative to each other in the rotation direction of the shaft 4 so that an oscillation start position A of the shaft 4 is changed by displacement of the actuator main body 2 and the fixing plate 3 relative to each other.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator includes a tubular bladder having first and second ends, an expandable and collapsible sleeve provided on the tubular bladder, a fluid inlet fitting provided in fluid communication with the tubular bladder and at least one mechanical connection provided along the tubular bladder. The hydraulic actuator may have flexibility and an overall diameter of less than about 5 mm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder head (1) for a two-stage reciprocating piston compressor, comprising an intercooler (9) that is designed as a cooled overflow channel (14) between the pressure side of the first stage and the suction side of the second stage, wherein the overflow channel (14) has a substantially slot-like cross-section, and the overflow channel (14) is in addition divided by at least one indirectly cooled center rib (15) so that therefrom at least two overflow channel portions (14?) and (14?) are created, wherein the cylinder head (1) has a cylinder head upper part (2) and a cylinder head lower part (3), the cross-section of the indirectly cooled center rib (15) is divided in its longitudinal extent thereby forming a passage gap between the overflow channels (14?) and (14?) that run on both sides, and one portion of the center rib (15) is formed from the cylinder head upper part (2) and the other portion of the center rib (15) is formed from the cylinder head lower part (3).

Abstract: A piston has a one-piece body having a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is integrally formed with the first portion, is flexibly movable between a first position and a second position relative to the first portion, and is biased toward the first position. The first portion has an orifice, and the second portion has a seal member. When the second portion is disposed in the first position, the seal member is disposed in a sealed arrangement with the orifice, and when the second portion is disposed in the second position, the seal member is disposed in an unsealed arrangement with the orifice.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston for a brake caliper, which can be actuated in combined fashion, of a disk brake, which piston 1 is produced by shaping processes from a metallic material, in particular from a planar metal sheet, and which piston 1 is formed as a pot which is open on one side and which has a longitudinal axis, a wall and a piston crown, and which piston has a twist prevention facility for a drive nut. The invention is based on the problem of providing a robust piston construction which is better capable of tolerating erroneous repair work. To solve the problem, it is proposed that the twist prevention facility has, between the piston and drive nut, at least one reinforcement for protecting against plastic deformation of at least one driver.

Abstract: Steel pistons used in many internal combustion engines are generally composed of a skirt and a crown. The skirt's function is to reduce the lateral and rotational movement of the piston in the cylinder while the engine is in operation. Lateral and rotational frictional forces imparted to a piston during engine operation cause the piston to scrape off the lubricating oil film present on the cylinder wall. The reduced oil film thickness increases piston and cylinder wall wear due to metal to metal contact. The subsequent metal to metal contact produces a phenomenon called scuffing. This disclosure incorporates several design modifications to the piston and results in a significant reduction of the lateral and rotational motion of the piston during engine operation. The reduction of piston motion reduces the amount of oil film removed from the cylinder wall and increases lubrication efficiency. The Increased lubrication efficiency realized reduces frictional wear power loss and scuffing.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, and systems for generating an alert message based on a determined crossing of a weight threshold of a filter.

Abstract: A fuel vapor removal method for an aircraft includes removing an ullage mixture from ullage of a fuel tank of an aircraft, exposing the ullage mixture to adsorption media on the aircraft to reduce its fuel-air ratio, and returning the reduced fuel-air ratio ullage mixture to the fuel tank. A fuel vapor removal system onboard an aircraft includes a fuel tank, having ullage containing an ullage mixture, a pumping device, configured to pump the ullage mixture in a closed loop from the fuel tank ullage and back, an adsorption system, interposed in the closed loop, and a controller, including a microprocessor and system memory. The adsorption system includes an adsorber having adsorption media capable of adsorbing fuel vapor from the ullage mixture, and the controller is programmed to activate the pumping device, to pump the ullage mixture from the ullage, through the adsorption system, and return a reduced fuel-air ratio ullage mixture back to the ullage.

Abstract: A method for metering an additive for a regeneration process of a particle filter activated in the exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a diesel engine, the quantity of the additive to be metered in being calculated from the soot production of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method of producing an activated carbon, comprising selecting a raw material for direct-activation, applying a solution of at least 50% phosphoric acid by weight at a ratio of from 0.01 pounds to 0.3 pounds of phosphoric acid solution per pound to the raw material selected for direct activation to produce a phosphoric acid treated raw material, and direct-activating the phosphoric acid treated raw material via a gas activation process to produce an activated carbon.

Abstract: A partial wall-flow filter has an inlet end, an outlet end, and a plurality of parallel channels disposed and configured to flow fluid from the inlet end to the outlet end. The channels are defined by a plurality of porous walls. A first portion of the channels have a first hydraulic diameter Dh1, a second portion of the channels have a second hydraulic diameter Dh2 smaller than the first hydraulic diameter Dh1, and the ratio of Dh1:Dh2 is in the range of 1.1 to 1.6. At least a portion of channels having hydraulic diameter Dh1 are plugged at the outlet end, and channels having hydraulic diameter Dh2 are flow-through channels.

Abstract: An air separation module includes a housing, a bundle of hollow fiber membranes, and a clam shell axial support assembly. The axial support assembly includes two supportive elements, each supportive element including a flow-through component. The flow-through component includes a plurality of openings through which a supply of fluid (e.g. oxygen enriched air) may pass. The axial support assembly is secured around the bundle of hollow fiber membranes at a position radially inward from the housing and radially outward from the fiber bundle.

Abstract: A gas separation module includes at least one inlet port, a plurality of outlet ports, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes. Individual fibers have a feed end and a product end with a retentate interior side and a permeate exterior side. The module includes a feed tubesheet within the shell segregating the at least one inlet port and the permeate side of the fibers. The feed tubesheet includes a matrix and at least one segment joint. The segment joint separates segments of the feed tubesheet from one another. A formation method includes positioning a hollow fiber membrane material in association with at least one tubesheet segment joint and applying a matrix. The method includes forming a feed tubesheet from cured matrix and the segment joint and forming a plurality of hollow fiber membranes from the fiber material. The segment joint separates segments of the feed tubesheet from one another.

Abstract: A gas separation membrane, containing: a support; and a separating layer formed on the support, the separating layer containing a resin; the separating layer containing, at the side thereof opposite to the support, a hydrophilic modification treatment surface, the hydrophilic modification treatment surface involved in a layer having a film thickness of 0.1 ?m or less, and the hydrophilic modification treatment surface provided with a surface contact angle measured by using water thereon in the range of 60 degrees or less.

Abstract: Active carbon filters and systems that are operative to detect active carbon filter degradations are provided. The active carbon filter can include a carbon filter comprising activated carbon and defining a filter surface; a first piezoelectric wafer active sensor on the filter surface that is electrically isolated from the carbon filter; and a second piezoelectric wafer active sensor on the filter surface that is electrically connected to the filter surface; and an impedance monitoring device electrically connected to the first piezoelectric wafer active sensor and the second piezoelectric wafer active sensor. Methods are also disclosed for determining if any degradation has occurred in an active carbon filter.

Abstract: Water dispenser and coffee making devices that include a cabinet configured to house a water bottle in a bottom half of the interior portion of the cabinet; a cold tank that is configured to receive water from the water bottle, which is connected to an evaporator; one or more hot tanks that are configured to receive water (directly or indirectly) from the cold tank, which are connected to a heating coil to heat the water that is contained therein; and a coffee making device located on a top side of the cabinet, which (i) receives water from the hot tank, receives a disposable cartridge that contains coffee grinds for a single-serving of coffee, and causes water to contact the coffee grinds to produce a coffee beverage and (ii) employs a blunt- and sharp-ended spike, which are positioned to make water entry and exit apertures in the coffee cartridge, which are positioned in a way that prevents user injury from such spikes.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a first reservoir for receiving a liquid to be used for preparing a beverage. A hot water generator (‘HWG’) has an inlet end, an outlet end and a passageway extending therebetween. The inlet end of the HWG is connected to the first reservoir. Liquid from the first reservoir flows into the HWG through the inlet end. A selector valve is connected to the outlet end of the HWG. At least a portion of the selector valve is movable by a user between a first valve position and a second valve position.

Abstract: Combined water dispensers and coffee making devices are disclosed, which include a cabinet configured to house a water bottle in a bottom half of the interior portion of the cabinet; a cold tank that is configured to receive water from the water bottle, which is connected to an evaporator; one or more hot tanks that are configured to receive water (directly or indirectly) from the cold tank, which are connected to a heating coil to heat the water that is contained therein; and a coffee making device located on a top side of the cabinet. The coffee making device receives water from the hot tank, receives a disposable cartridge that contains coffee grinds for a single-serving of coffee, causes water to contact the coffee grinds to produce a coffee beverage, and employs a set of spikes to make water entry and exit apertures in the cartridge.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a first reservoir for receiving a liquid to be used for preparing a beverage. A hot water generator (‘HWG’) has an inlet end, an outlet end and a passageway extending therebetween. The inlet end of the HWG is connected to the first reservoir. Liquid from the first reservoir flows into the HWG through the inlet end. A second reservoir is connected to the outlet end of the HWG. The second reservoir includes a discharge port, a gas vent and a skirt extending from a wall of the second reservoir further than the gas vent. The skirt at least partially surrounds the gas vent. At least a portion of the skirt is spaced laterally inwardly from an outer sidewall of the second reservoir.

Abstract: Bottled water dispensers are disclosed that include a cabinet having an exterior portion and an interior portion. The interior portion of the cabinet is configured to house a water bottle in an upright position. The dispensers include a cold tank; at least one hot tank, which is connected to a heating element that is configured to heat the water that is contained within the hot tank; and a central processing unit (CPU), which is programmable by a user through a control panel. The CPU is configured to communicate with the heating element and cause power to be delivered to the heating element according to a defined protocol. The protocol may specify (i) the frequency and magnitude of pulsed energy to be delivered to the heating element from a power source; and (ii) a set temperature, or range of temperatures, for water contained within the hot tank and cold tank.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for manufacturing food products. In a general embodiment, a system for manufacturing a food product is provided and includes at least one heat exchanger, at least one food product tank, at least one steam source having a steam valve, a computer having a computer processor, and a computer-readable medium accessible to the computer and containing a software program therein that is programmed to cause the computer processor to automatically control the steam valve to move from a first position to a second, calculated position to maintain a temperature of a heating medium that is sufficient to maintain sterility of the food product during a recirculating water-to-food product transition in the heat exchanger. Methods for manufacturing food products are also provided.

Abstract: A microwave oven of the present invention includes: a liquid crystal touch panel configured to display display screen images each including operation buttons, each of which accepts input from a user; a proximity detector portion configured to detect, as proximity input from the user, proximity of the user to the operation button included in the display screen image; a heating control portion and a display control portion configured to execute functions in accordance with the input to the operation buttons, the functions being respectively associated with the operation buttons; a standard button image storage portion configured to store proximity input enable/disable information pieces such that each of the proximity input enable/disable information pieces is associated with at least a part of the display screen image, the proximity input enable/disable information pieces each indicating whether to permit the proximity detector portion to detect the proximity input; and an enable/disable determining portion co

Abstract: An indicator device for proving an announcement of the status of a burner control knob, A base plate attaches to and rotates with a burner control shaft on a stove. An attitude sensing switch mounted with the base plate changes its conductive state when a burner control shaft moves from an “off” position. An annunciator senses the change in conductive state to initiate an announcement of that event.

Abstract: Water jetted from holes of a rotating pipe strikes against the inclined surfaces of blade plates to be radially jetted from a water supplier. The water radially jetted from the water supplier produces water jet flows (jet flows) under an intermediate layer. The striking of the water jetted from the holes against the inclined surfaces of the blade plates causes the rotation of a circular plate, the blade plates, and the rotating pipe. The directions of the water jet flows change in accordance with the rotation of the circular plate, the blade plates, and the rotating pipe.

Abstract: A rotisserie having a first support structure with a rotisserie motor affixed thereto, the rotisserie motor having a receptacle for receiving a spit rod. A second support structure defines a slot for receiving the spit rod. The first and second support structures are mounted to side shelves on a grill on opposite sides of a cooking grate. The side shelves each define at least one mounting aperture for retaining the support structures in upright positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a grilling apparatus. The grilling apparatus is particularly configured to allow foods to be cooked over an open flame while minimizing flames and smoke. The flams and smoke are sufficiently reduced to permit the grill to be used indoors. The apparatus employs a grill and an underlying collection plate that cooperate in a manner that limits cooking fluids such as grease from dripping onto the open flame. It also suppresses flames generated by the fuel source. In one particular embodiment, the grill and collection plate are positioned over a stove.

Abstract: Disclosed is a grilling apparatus. The grilling apparatus is particularly configured to allow foods to be cooked over an open flame while minimizing flames and smoke. The flames and smoke are sufficiently reduced to permit the grill to be used indoors. The apparatus employs a grill and an underlying collection plate that cooperate in a manner that limits cooking fluids such as grease from dripping onto the open flame. It also suppresses flames generated by the fuel source. In one particular embodiment, the grill and collection plate are positioned over a stove.

Abstract: A strawberry huller includes a blade that is attached to a housing, with a plunger configured to rotate the blade with respect to the housing. After the blade is inserted into the strawberry the plunger is pressed, causing the blade to rotate about the stem. The rotation of the blade produces a circular cut around the stem for ideal separation of the hull.

Abstract: There is provided a press machine which can apply a large compression force to a mold as well as impart smooth vibration only in a rectilinear advancing direction to the mold, and thereby can improve the press-formability. A main slide and a sub-slide constitute a slide and at the same time a cylinder-piston mechanism. During press-forming, a compression force is transmitted to the sub-slide (an upper mold) through hydraulic pressure applied interlockingly with driving of the main slide, and the sub-slide is vibrated with the hydraulic pressure being periodically changed. Favorable press-forming can be performed even under relatively difficult press-forming conditions, by controlling the vibration such that a vibration frequency of the sub-slide (the upper mold) becomes 9 Hz or higher but 33.3 Hz or lower and a vibration amplitude of the sub-slide becomes 0.05 mm or larger but 0.5 mm or smaller.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for disabling electronic media according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a destroyer within a housing. The electronic medium may be placed in the housing and the destroyer may destroy the electronic media. A verification system permits proper destruction of the electronic medium to be verified.

Abstract: A rotary embossing device, in particular for making Braille embossments, includes a drive shaft and at least one embossing tool disposed thereon. The embossing tool includes a roller body, a mounting system and a tool sleeve. The tool sleeve is mounted to the roller body by the mounting system. The mounting system includes at least one mounting ring disposed between the roller body and the tool sleeve. The at least one mounting ring is advantageously engaged with an adjustment device for rotating the at least one mounting ring to adjust the angular position of the tool sleeve. The mounting ring includes at least one elastomeric ring and the mounting system further includes an axially displaceable mounting cover for compressing the at least one elastomeric ring. Tool sleeves can therefore be easily and quickly mounted and adjusted.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one control parameter from a number of parameters of an inking unit of a printing press is disclosed. Based on at least the control parameter, a value of an ink density on a substrate to be printed by the printing press is calculated by an inking unit model and the calculated value is used as input quantity for controlling instead of an actual value. Here, the calculated value is exclusively calculated based on a number of parameters of the inking unit at least at times.

Abstract: One object is to provide a structure including a thin primer film formed by a dry process and tightly bound to a fluorine-containing silane coupling agent. In accordance with one aspect, a structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a substrate; and a thin primer film containing at least one substance selected from the group consisting of silicon, titanium, aluminum, aluminum oxide, and zirconium and formed on a surface of the substrate by a dry process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a printing plate for waterless offset printing. A method for producing a printing plate for waterless offset printing is proposed, having the following method steps:-providing a substrate;-applying an ink onto the substrate using an inkjet printing technique; and-fixing the applied ink on the substrate. The method is characterized in that the substrate has a surface tension of >35 mN/m, preferably >38 mN/m, and the ink has a surface tension of <30 mN/m, preferably <25 mN/m, when fixed on the substrate. The ink is applied into substrate regions which should not have printing ink during the offset printing process.

Abstract: The invention describes a machine for printing material webs (4), which comprised a station (1, 11, 41) for monitoring the printed material web (4), with the station (1, 11, 41) for monitoring the material web (4) comprising a sensor for monitoring the material web (4) and at least one counter support (2, 12) for guiding the web (4), with at least one counter support (2, 12) being located on the side of the web facing away from the sensor (3, 13), and with the surface of the counter support facing the material web at least partially being made from a porous or perforated material. It is characterized in a surface of the counter support facing the material web (4), showing a reflector (34) and/or a background illumination (39).

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor includes a photosensitive layer and a protective layer in this order on a support, the photosensitive layer contains a sensitizing dye, a polymerization initiator, a polymerizable compound and a binder polymer, and the protective layer contains a polymer which has a repeating unit represented by the formula (1) as defined herein and a repeating unit represented by the formula (2) as defined herein in which a sum of the repeating unit represented by the formula (1) and the repeating unit represented by the formula (2) is 90% by mole or more based on total repeating units constituting the polymer.

Abstract: The invention is an energetic unit comprised of: a container comprised of a base, an upper part, and a cover; a substrate located in the base and comprised of a thin, ribbon-like strip of flexible material that provides electrical contact to external firing circuits; a semiconductor bridge (SCB) chip electrically and physically attached to the substrate; and one or more layers of energetic material which, are packed into the upper part of the container between the SCB chip and the cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to decoys for heat-seeking missiles and methods of producing and using the same. The decoys axe designed to be kinematic or pseudo-kinematic, producing one or more infra-red radiation emitting clouds that give the appearance of a moving infra-red target in the airspace in which the decoy has been released.

Abstract: A method for providing permanently colored steel shot for shot shells through anodizing and shells manufactured utilizing the shot.