Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein provide for igniting or disabling explosive devices through the generation of strong electrical fields and/or the discharge of electrical energy. In one embodiment, a remotely controlled vehicle is provided to remotely detonate or disable improvised explosive devices. The vehicle may contain a high-voltage power supply powering a Tesla coil. The secondary coil of the Tesla coil is attached to an electrode that is swept across an area where an explosive device may be present. The strong electric field around the electrode may induce current within an explosive device or wires connected thereto resulting in the explosive device being ignited or disabled. Discharges from the electrode may directly ignite explosive material or disable detonation control circuitry. The electrode may be located distal to the vehicle and the vehicle itself may be hardened to enhance survivability in the event of an explosion in proximity to the electrode.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic time delay element which includes a casing made from a plastics material, a pyrotechnic composition inside the volume, a membrane inside the volume against one end of the pyrotechnic composition and a primary explosive inside the volume on an opposing side of the membrane.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a less lethal munition including a ring airfoil projectile. The flight trajectory of the projectile has increased accuracy resulting from the aerodynamic stabilization of the projectile. In some embodiments, the projectile is both aerodynamically stabilized and spin stabilized.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system includes a module including an airbag and an inflator. The inflator includes a housing (12) in which a combustion chamber (16) containing a pyrotechnic propellant is arranged in which hot gas is generated and which housing includes at least one escape orifice (22) toward the environment of the inflator (10), as well as a coolant reservoir (24) arranged in the housing (12) in which coolant is accommodated prior to activation of the inflator (10) and which has at least one coolant outlet orifice (28?). The coolant outlet orifice (28) is arranged in direct vicinity of the outlet orifice (22). Upon activation of the inflator (10) coolant flows out of the inflator into the protection system and wets an adjacent wall (32) of the protection system against which also the hot gas is flowing.

Abstract: There is provided a method of filtration for a rail vehicle or other off-highway powered system. The method includes determining a filter load of a primary filtration system to an air intake of an engine. The method also includes determining that the filter load exceeds a specified threshold. Additionally, the method includes de-activating the primary filtration system. The method further includes activating a secondary filtration system to the engine.

Abstract: A rail road freight car truck has a truck bolster and a pair of side frames, the truck bolster being mounted transversely relative to the side frames. The mounting interface between the ends of the axles and the sideframe pedestals allows lateral rocking motion of the sideframes in the manner of a swing motion truck. The lateral swinging motion is combined with a longitudinal self steering capability. The self steering capability may be obtained by use of a longitudinally oriented rocker that may tend to permit resistance to deflection that is proportional to the weight carried across the interface. The truck may have auxiliary centering elements mounted in the pedestal seats, and those auxiliary centering elements may be made of resilient elastomeric material. The truck may also have friction dampers that have a disinclination to stick-slip behavior. The friction dampers may be provided with brake linings, or similar features, on the face engaging the sideframe columns, on the slope face, or both.

Abstract: A collision energy absorption column is provided on an end side of a railroad vehicle structure and extends from an end beam toward a roof structure. The collision energy absorption column includes a metal outer member having a transverse cross section of a channel shape, and an inner member made of reinforced plastic provided along an inner circumference of the outer member and extending in parallel with the outer member. The outer member is configured by joining two column halves extending along a column axis after arranging the two column halves are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the column axis of the outer member. The joined part of the column halves extends along the column axis. The outer member is coupled to the end beam and roof by a fastener. The inner member extends between the end beam and a part of the roof structure, excluding the fastening parts.

Abstract: A polypeptide solution of the present invention is a polypeptide solution in which a polypeptide derived from natural spider silk proteins is dissolved in a solvent. The solvent contains at least one selected from the following (i)-(iii): (i) DMSO; (ii) DMSO with an inorganic salt; and (iii) DMF with an inorganic salt. Further, in the present invention, an artificial polypeptide fiber is obtained by: using the polypeptide solution as a dope solution; and extruding the dope solution from a spinneret into a desolvation bath so as to eliminate the solvent from the dope solution and form a fiber to produce an undrawn yarn. Moreover, in the present invention, a polypeptide is purified by subjecting the polypeptide solution to heat treatment and thereafter removing an undissolved substance therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the protection of surfaces against damage by applying a protective layer, wherein said surface is brought into contact with an aqueous polysaccharide solution having gelatinizing properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to ‘mix composition determination method of coarse graded high modulus asphalt concrete with skeleton embedded structure’, which belongs to the road engineering design field. The invention use low labeled hard asphalt AH-30# with penetration degree no greater than 30 (0.1 mm); the nominal maximum aggregate size no smaller than 26.5 mm; building mineral aggregate gradation of the mix by the idea of course aggregate gap gradation; using gradation design method of asphalt mixture based on closest compact condition to select the optimal oil-stone ratio.

Abstract: A treatment solution for an insulation coating of grain-oriented electrical steel sheets includes at least one selected from phosphates of Mg, Ca, Ba, Sr, Zn, Al and Mn; colloidal silica in a proportion of 0.5 to 10 mol in terms of SiO2; and a water-soluble vanadium compound in a proportion of 0.1 to 2.0 mol in terms of V, relative to PO4:1 mol in the phosphates.

Abstract: A highly loaded concentrate pellet composition includes an active ingredient in a concentration of at least about 60% by weight, and a low molecular weight binder in a concentration of up to about 35% by weight. The active ingredient is evenly dispersed in the binder. The binder has a melting point that permits the composition to melt under shear in an extruder. The binder is non-metallocene and non-stearic.

Abstract: The invention relates to O/W wax dispersions based on water, an emulsifier and a wax phase containing predominantly aliphatic hydrocarbons and polar compounds having chain lengths of at least 18 carbon atoms, and also plaster compositions comprising the O/W wax dispersion, and the use of the O/W wax dispersion.

Abstract: A particulate material for the production of a cement foam which material includes particles including, attached to the particle surface, a surfactant which renders the particles hydrophilic, the surfactant including a moiety which is hydrolysable under alkaline conditions, which surfactant, after loss of the moiety by alkaline hydrolysis, renders the particles partially hydrophobic.

Abstract: Embodiments provided herein relate to removing liquid from soil or other moisture rich media. In some embodiments, a method for solidifying sludge is provided and involves providing a sludge, fluidizing the sludge to form a fluidized sludge, adding a gelling agent to the fluidized sludge in an amount sufficient to form a slurry, and adding a dewatering agent to the slurry in an amount sufficient to dewater the slurry, thereby solidifying the sludge.

Abstract: Fly ash contaminated with activated carbon is treated to neutralize the activated carbon by placing the contaminated fly ash in a rotary mill and introducing ozone. The result is that entrained air in concrete made from activated fly ash will contain greater than 4 percent entrained air.

Abstract: An ergonomic workstation (100) includes a plurality of lifting columns (106) that support a work surface assembly (120) including a lower support structure (121) that supports an upper work surface (131) suspended over the lower support structure and is configured to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A bifurcated dashboard assembly (123) includes a back portion (124) fixed to the support and a front portion fixed to the upper work surface. A monitor support structure (140) is fixed to the support structure, and includes a second lifting column (146) with a curved horizontal support (144) configured to support a plurality of monitors (90). The vertical position of the monitors is adjustable, but the horizontal position is fixed. The user focal length is adjustable by slidably adjusting the upper work surface.

Abstract: The invention is a wheeled device that provides a base to place all items stored underneath a bed. It enables the user to: 1) fully utilize the entire space underneath their bed. 2) Organize their items in a manner of their choosing (i.e. storage containers) and quickly access those items. 3) Prevent damage to stored items as it provides a “moveable” floor (i.e. no dragging items across floor). The invention provides a low profile wheeled platform by using two hinged bases together that unfold and form a single platform. Each half of the platform is supported by 4 casters each and handles located on the front serve as devices to push or pull the entire platform into place. The platform is without sides by design so that objects of any shape or size can be placed onto the platform. The invention can be folded, latched and easily transported with its handles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for firearm storage; and more particularly, a safe and secure handgun mini-vault apparatus for a loaded handgun that allows an authorized user rapid, unobstructed and effortless access to the handgun. The handgun mini-vault system of the present invention not only provides for relative ease of assembly and aesthetically appealing appearance, it also permits access to the handgun without the need to manually manipulate a locking device. The locking system of the present invention utilizes RFID technology to allow authorized users to open the mini-vault by simply waiving an RFID chip in proximity to the mini-vault interrogator.

Abstract: A furnace is provided suitable for metallurgical processes, comprising at least one section comprised of refractory bricks with an outer shell plate adjacent to the refractory bricks, including exterior bricks whose external faces adjacent the shell plate define gaseous media cooling channels extending along the exterior of the refractory bricks between them and the shell plate. The furnace further comprises cooling plates within the cooling channels and joints between the successive courses of bricks. Advantageously, the conductivity of the cooling plates is at least 5 times the conductivity of the refractory lining into which it is inserted. Suitable materials include copper and copper-based alloys, brasses, bronzes, cast irons, aluminum alloys, silver, high-temperature steels, refractory metals and their alloys, graphite, silicon carbide, and aluminum nitride.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing mercury emissions are provided herein. The methods, generally, include the steps of burning a heavy metal containing fuel source and introducing sorbent materials and introducing one or more halogen compounds into the combustion chamber and/or exhaust stream to remove the heavy metal.

Abstract: A rotary hook (1) of a lockstitch sewing machine composed of at least one hook body (2) includes a cylindrical cavity (11) and a basket (6, 6b) free to rotate in the cylindrical cavity (11), a bobbin case (8, 8b) housed in the basket (6, 6b) and a bobbin (4, 4b) housed in the bobbin case (8, 8b), elements (30, 40, 50, 60, 61, 70,) suited to create a friction between the bobbin case (8, 8b) and the basket (6, 6b), so as to prevent the bobbin case (8, 8b) to move freely and to vibrate within the plays present between the bobbin case (8, 8b) and the basket (6, 6b) and to consequently reduce the noisiness created during the sewing operation.

Abstract: A looper module for tufting machines in which loop pile tufts of yarns are formed in a backing material in a chained stitch formation includes a module body in which a series of looper assemblies are received. The module body generally includes a series of slotted openings in which the looper assemblies are received, and further can include a looper support section that projects upwardly from the module body and includes a series of slotted openings formed in spaced series therealong. The looper assembly generally includes a primary looper, having a loop pile looper portion and a pattern looper portion. First and second transfer loopers are attached to the body of the primary looper. Each of the transfer loopers generally includes a throat portion that generally extends along and inwardly toward a throat of the loop pile looper portion of the primary looper.

Abstract: A swinging motion reducing apparatus includes a flywheel 20, a gimbal 11, a gimbal supporting section 12, a damper 13 and a lock mechanism 14. The gimbal 11 rotatably supports the flywheel 20. The gimbal supporting section 12 supports the gimbal 11 through a gimbal shaft 15 such that the gimbal 11 can swing. The damper 13 brakes a swinging motion of the gimbal 11. The lock mechanism 14 locks a swinging motion of the gimbal 11.

Abstract: A movable floating moorage including a set of n parallel floating booms, each comprising a main pontoon and secondary pontoons extending in a transverse direction. Some of the secondary pontoons are in register with one another in two adjacent booms and are adapted to bear on one another in the transverse direction. The moorage includes two series of n+1 lines actuated by winches and including, for each boom, two lines extending from this boom in two opposite ways in the transverse direction and connected respectively, either to an adjacent floating boom, or to a fixed anchorage. The booms are connected together and to any fixed support solely by these two series of lines.

Abstract: An arrangement of floating platforms is provided, including (a) an anchored main platform and (b) one or more outer platforms, each of which being connected to the main platform by at least one connection element. One or more of the main and/or outer platforms are rotatable about a vertical axis by drive units which are fixed thereon. Marine engines having a propeller propulsion system are provided as drive units on the main platform and/or the outer platforms.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle includes an optical beam operating system having a radiation generator, a radiation emission device, and a radiation transmission device connecting the radiation generator to the radiation emission device. The radiation generator is provided on or in the underwater vehicle. The radiation emission device can be brought to the water surface by the underwater vehicle.

Abstract: An inflatable shallow draft fishing boat having a removable, inflatable paddleboard floor that provides stable flotation for at least two standing adults, the boat also including an adjustable, detachable rowing frame. The boat can be maneuvered and propelled by oars, a push pole or a small motor. The detachable rowing frame may hold a cooler seat and may also serve as an elevated push poling platform. The rowing frame allows the rower to switch his rowing position from facing the stern (for best speed) or face the bow (for better visibility when searching for fish). The paddleboard floor may be held in place by frictional engagement when the boat and the paddleboard are inflated; alternatively, the paddleboard may be removed and function independently as a stand-up paddleboard that can be used for fishing, swimming, or similar recreational water sports.

Abstract: A lockable mounting system comprising a cylindrical mount having a pair of radially extending flanges and a tubular collar with a cooperatively shaped recess located on an inner surface to engage with the flanges of the mount. In use, the collar is inserted over the mount such that that the recess is able to pass over the flanges when they are rotationally aligned. The collar is prevented from becoming detached from the mount when the recess and flanges are rotationally misaligned.

Abstract: Provided is a SiC single crystal manufacturing method whereby growing speed improvement required to have high productivity can be achieved, while maintaining flat growth in which uniform single crystal growth can be continued at the time of growing a SiC single crystal using a solution method. In this SiC single crystal manufacturing method, a SiC single crystal is grown in a crucible from a Si solution containing C. The SiC single crystal manufacturing method is characterized in alternately repeating: a high supersaturation degree growing period, in which the growth is promoted by maintaining the supersaturation degree of C in the Si solution higher than an upper limit critical value at which flat growth can be maintained, said supersaturation degree being at a growing interface between the Si solution and a SiC single crystal being grown; and a low supersaturation degree growing period, in which the growth is promoted by maintaining the supersaturation degree lower than the critical value.

Abstract: Aromatic molecules are seeded on a surface of a growth substrate; and a layer (e.g., a monolayer) of a metal dichalcogenide is grown via chemical vapor deposition on the growth substrate surface seeded with aromatic molecules. The seeded aromatic molecules are contacted with a solvent that releases the metal dichalcogenide layer from the growth substrate. The metal dichalcogenide layer can be released with an adhered transfer medium and can be deposited on a target substrate.

Abstract: Highly textured [111] oriented films such as MgO crystalline films are deposited by e-beam evaporation on ordinary soda-lime glass. Semiconductor films such as silicon can be deposited on these MgO films using eutectics at temperatures below the softening point of ordinary glass and having extremely high textured and strong [111] orientation. The invention may be used for efficient and cost effective solar cells, displays, etc.

Abstract: A graphoepitaxy template to align a self-assembled block polymer adapted to self-assemble into a 2-D array having parallel rows of discontinuous first domains extending parallel to a first axis, mutually spaced along an orthogonal second axis, and separated by a continuous second domain. The graphoepitaxy template has first and second substantially parallel side walls extending parallel to and defining the first axis and mutually spaced along the second axis to provide a compartment to hold at least one row of discontinuous first domains of the self-assembled block copolymer on the substrate between and parallel to the side walls, and separated therefrom by a continuous second domain. The compartment has a graphoepitaxial nucleation feature arranged to locate at least one of the discontinuous first domains at a specific position within the compartment. Methods for forming the graphoepitaxy template and its use for device lithography are also disclosed.

Abstract: A film forming device for a solar cell includes a chamber including a body configured to receive a substrate, the chamber defining a hollow portion, a heating device at the hollow portion, and a heat insulating member for surrounding the substrate and the heating device.

Abstract: Non-contact method and apparatus for Drying, Conditioning, Shaping and Manipulating of sheet fed Media. These functions are performed either on one side, or simultaneously or delayed one from the other on both sides, of the Media. For Drying, the energy applied is minimized to that necessary to supply latent heat of vaporization permitting use in, for example, low cost printers. No friction is introduced in the transport path enabling high speed, reliable Media transport. A region is established between Media and Platen wherein heat, support, and chemical or other processing may occur in a controlled way. Relatively few, inexpensive, and small parts are needed lowering the cost, energy, and space requirements for performing the various functions allowing for new applications in many fields. Media is supported a specific distance from a Platen by a balance of Fluid forces. The Media and the Platen bound a region in which forced convection greatly enhances process rates otherwise be limited by diffusion.

Abstract: A current detection resistor is connected between an output terminal of a high voltage generator and an air motor. A coater current detector detects a coater current supplied to a coater based on a potential difference taking place on both terminals of the current detection resistor. The high-voltage control device serves to discriminate based on the coater current detected by the coater current detector whether the coater is caused to be close to a coating object. When it is discriminated that the coater is caused to be close to the coating object, the high-voltage control device outputs a shut-off signal for shutting off supply of the power supply voltage to the power supply voltage control device.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for coating medical devices such as an intravascular stent, are disclosed in the method, a 2-D image of a stent is processed to determine (1) paths along the stent skeletal elements by which a stent secured to a rotating support element can be traversed by a dispenser head whose relative motion with respect to the support element is along the support-element axis, such that some or all of the stent skeletal elements will be traversed (2) the relative speeds of the dispenser head and support element as the dispenser head travels along the paths, and (3), and positions of the dispenser head with respect to a centerline of the stent elements as the dispenser head travels along such paths The rotational speed of the support and relative linear speed of the dispenser are controlled to achieve the desired coating thickness and coating coverage on the upper surfaces, and optionally, the side surfaces, of the stem elements

Abstract: A system for coating articles which includes a coating booth, a conveyor system, which guides the articles through the coating booth, and at least one application unit, which is carried and guided by a handling device. A central supply unit having a tank for storing CO2 in liquid or solid form and which is able to remove CO2 from the tank and supply it at a suitable pressure to a collecting line connected to at least one cleaning apparatus, which includes at least one nozzle of suitable design for delivering CO2 for cleaning purposes. Under program control a relative movement between the nozzle and the application unit is induced, such that all surfaces of the application unit to be cleaned can be reached by CO2.

Abstract: A plating apparatus is described. The apparatus includes: a substrate holder configured to hold a substrate in a vertical position; at least one processing bath configured to process the substrate held by the substrate holder, a transporter configured to grip and horizontally transport the substrate holder; at least one lifer configured to receive the substrate holder from the transporter, lower the substrate holder to place the substrate holder in the processing bath, elevate the substrate holder from the processing bath after processing of the substrate, and transfer the substrate holder to the transporter; and a controller configured to control operations of the transporter and the lifter.

Abstract: An injection system for an apparatus for depositing thin layers by vacuum evaporation includes a container (4) for receiving a material to be evaporated, container heating elements adapted to evaporate the material, at least one injection ramp (1) including an inner conduit connected to the container so as to receive the evaporated material and a plurality of nozzles (3), each nozzle including at least a communication channel so as to diffuse the evaporated material into the vacuum evaporation chamber. The injection ramp (1) includes a plurality of injection modules (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) mechanically connected to each other in series along a longitudinal direction (5), each injection module including a plurality of injection nozzles, and the injection ramp includes elements for adjusting the orientation of the injection modules about the longitudinal direction so as to align the injection nozzles along a line parallel to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A masking portion (recessed portion) 20 is provided at the center of a rear surface of a carbonaceous substrate 10. The masking portion 20 includes a first bore portion 20a and a second bore portion 20b. The first bore portion 20a has an inner wall in which a female screw portion 21 is formed. A male screw portion 7a of a masking jig 7 is screw-fitted to the female screw portion 21. The masking jig 7 is fixed to a film forming jig 2. The carbonaceous substrate is thus supported in a standing posture, and the carbonaceous substrate is provided, on a surface, with a firm such as a SiC film or a TaC film except for the recessed portion by introducing gas into the apparatus in this supported state.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is increasing the efficiency of utilizing an EL material and providing a deposition method and a vapor deposition apparatus which is one of the film formation systems which are excellent in throughput and uniformity in film thickness in forming an EL layer. According to the invention, evaporation is performed by moving or reciprocating an evaporation source holder in which a plurality of containers (crucible) each encapsulating an evaporation material are set only in an X direction while moving a substrate at regular intervals. Further, in the plurality of evaporation source holders, film thickness meters of adjacent evaporation sources are disposed alternately so as to sandwich the movement pathway of the substrate.

Abstract: A method, comprises receiving a flow of milk at an inlet of a manifold. The inlet comprises a first end coupled to a hose that receives a flow of milk from a teat cup and a second end terminating in a chamber of the manifold. The manifold comprises one or more other inlets and a plurality of outlets. The plurality of outlets includes one or more milk collector outlets and one or more drain outlets. The method proceeds by causing the flow of milk to be directed to a corresponding milk collector outlet by causing a shut-off valve corresponding to the inlet to open, and by causing a drain valve corresponding to the inlet to close. The method concludes by causing the flow of milk to be directed to a corresponding drain outlet by causing the shut-off valve corresponding to the inlet to close, and by causing the drain valve corresponding to the inlet to open.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and mitigating leakage currents is disclosed. The data acquisition system records data from multiple monitoring locations over extended periods of time to identify stray voltage and/or leakage currents present at the monitoring location. The data is processed to identify trends in the stray voltage and/or leakage currents and to suggest methods for mitigating the same.

Abstract: A device comprising: a support base and an chamber, located on the support base, having an entry opening so that an animal can enter and exit the chamber; wherein the chamber includes an axis of rotation that forms an angle of about 80 degrees or less with a vertical plane.

Abstract: A vacuum induced aquatic environment comprising two or more compartments, each adapted to receive aquatic fluid; the two or more compartments disposed sufficiently proximal to each other to allow the aquatic fluid to partially or completely fill the two or more compartments; at least one of the two or more compartments operatively engaging one or more vacuum tubes; and the one or more vacuum tubes operatively engaging one or more motive means capable of creating a vacuum in the at least one of the two or more compartments. Alternatively, a vacuum induced aquatic environment further comprising one or more removable vacuum tubes.

Abstract: A problem with conventional rearing apparatuses for deep-sea organisms was difficulty in supplying dissolved gas into water in an appropriate amount. A dissolved gas supplying device 1 for supplying dissolved gas such as hydrogen sulfide, methane and hydrogen to water in a water tank, includes: a circulation path 11 to take out the water from the water tank A and return it to the water tank; a pressure pump 12 to allow the water to flow through the circulation path 11; a gas cylinder 13 filled with gas to be dissolved; a dissolved gas supplying means 14 that is disposed in the circulation path 11 to allow the water to pass through it and to dissolve the gas of the gas cylinder 13 in the water; and a gas regulating valve 16 to open/close a gas channel 15 that connects the gas cylinder 13 to the dissolved gas supplying means 14. With this configuration, the device can supply the dissolved gas into the water in an appropriate amount according to need.

Abstract: An object is to maintain the hydrogen sulfide concentration in rearing water at a constant value without measuring the hydrogen sulfide concentration in the rearing water. The present invention includes: a water tank 10 that stores rearing water W leaving a gas phase at an upper part; a gas sensor 50 to detect hydrogen sulfide gas concentration in the gas phase G; and a hydrogen sulfide supplying means F to supply hydrogen sulfide to the rearing water W based on a detection signal output from the gas sensor 50 so as to maintain a hydrogen sulfide concentration in the rearing water W at a predetermined value.

Abstract: An animal euthanization assembly provides a method for humanely anesthetizing and euthanizing animals using small but effective single doses of agents dispersed from a single one use container. The assembly includes a box having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall defining an interior space of the box. A lid selectively couples to the box wherein the interior space is enclosed. A valve is coupled to the box. A canister has a dispensing nozzle selectively engageable to the valve wherein contents of the canister are dispensed into the interior space of the box when the dispensing nozzle is engaged to the valve. An anesthetizing agent and a euthanizing agent are dispensed from the canister when the dispensing nozzle is engaged to the valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to organic lawnmowers, and in particular an organic lawnmower including a kennel for a rabbit. The lawnmower includes a wooden frame, a screen spanning the frame, an animal kennel resting on the frame above the screen, and a rabbit occupying the kennel. The lawnmower is pushed to a desired location in a grass lawn, and the rabbit grazes the grass at his or her leisure, through the screen. The lawnmower is periodically moved to a fresh patch of grass, and the grazing continues. This improved lawnmower is economical, enjoyable, and environmentally friendly.