Abstract: Shotshell type ammunition includes a hull, a sabot disposed within the hull, and at least one projectile disposed within the sabot. The hull has a rimless first end that includes a primer for firing the ammunition. The hull also has a seat surface for seating the hull against a complementary seat surface in a firing chamber of a firearm. The seat surface is located a distance from an outer end surface of the hull at the rimless first end. The hull further includes an outer cylindrical side surface extending from the rimless first end of the hull to the seat surface of the hull. Methods of fabricating such ammunition includes forming such a hull, providing one or more projectiles within a sabot, and disposing the sabot with the one or more projectiles therein at least partially into the hull. Shotgun type firearms are configured for firing such ammunition.

Abstract: A mechanism for a repeating firearm has a body pivotably mounted within the receiver and movable between a first position where it blocks motion of the bolt carrier, and a second position where it engages either the trigger or the hammer to prevent discharge. In operation the body is moved from the first position to the second to release the bolt carrier, which moves into battery. The body is then allowed to move out of the second position toward the first position. The rife may be discharged by a pull of the trigger, and the bolt carrier moves out of battery and is arrested by the body before moving back to battery. If the body is maintained in the second position during operation its engagement with the trigger or hammer prevents discharge of the firearm.

Abstract: A trigger assembly for use with a firearm has a hook carried by and pivotal with a selector to engage an aft tab of a hammer in the safe position of the selector.

Abstract: A firearm having a gas piston system includes a bolt carrier, an adjustable gas piston block located forward on the firearm and an over-the-barrel spring and guide rod arrangement, all of which is housed and contained in a top rail that runs the length of the firearm and that maintains the alignment of these firearm components. The firearm further includes components that provide full auto firing capability. These components include a specially designed auto bracket that cooperates with a modified bolt carrier and a modified upper receiver.

Abstract: A piston connected with a piston rod is fitted in an outer tube having a hydraulic fluid sealed therein, with the piston rod projecting out of the outer tube. A seal part for the piston rod includes a rod guide, a seal case, an oil seal, a dust seal and a securing member, which are inserted into an end portion of the outer tube and secured by first and second staked portions. The sliding part of the piston rod is sealed with the rod seal and a seal lip of the oil seal. The area between the seal case and the outer tube is sealed with an O-ring and a seal member. The pressure resistance of the seal part can be increased to a considerable extent by two-point staking by the first and second staked portions and two-stage sealing by the rod seal and the oil seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding element, which comprises a support and a coating applied by means of thermal spraying on the support, wherein the coating comprises at least two phases and at least one of the at least two phases is recessed in respect of the other phase of phases.

Abstract: A food processor includes a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a blade assembly. A rotating disk is adjustable relative to the blade assembly to vary the thickness of the food items cut by the blade assembly. The rotating disk includes a blade support having a plurality of slots that receive a flange of the blade assembly.

Abstract: Described is a screw filter press comprising a screw shaft, which has at least one coil turn and two screw shaft ends, the shaft axis of which is oriented parallel to the gravity vector and which is supported on one side via the upper screw shaft end thereof and which is connected to a rotary drive, and which is enclosed coaxially, at least in its lower partial area in a so-called filter area by a cylindrical filter tube, which is provided with openings and at which a filtrate space adjoins radially, to which underpressure can be applied.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing leather including an ink acceptor applicator that applies ink directly onto a surface of the leather; an ink applicator that applies ink to the ink acceptor and/or the leather surface; an additive applicator that applies additive onto the ink acceptor, the ink and/or the leather surface; a barrier having a surface configured to contact the acceptor, ink and additive on the leather surface; and a heater that heats the surface of the barrier to a predetermined temperature or a temperature within a selected temperature range such that the barrier, which is substantially impervious to the ink and has a melting point higher than the select temperature range, contacts at least the acceptor ink and additive on the surface directly to liquefy the acceptor ink and additive into the leather and the acceptor, ink and additive fuses and penetrates into the leather.

Abstract: A gravure printing system is disclosed. The gravure printing system of the present disclosure is provided with a central roll having a plurality of discrete cells disposed upon an outer surface thereof. A first of the plurality of discrete cells receives a first fluid from a first position internal to the central roll and a second of the plurality of discrete cells receives a second fluid from a second position internal to the central roll, the first fluid being different from the second fluid. The first and second cells are disposed adjacent each other upon the outer surface.

Abstract: A print head assembly (119) for printing a print medium (PM) onto a workpiece (W) through a printing screen (105) which includes a screen element having a pattern of printing apertures therein, the assembly comprising: first and second carriages (141) which are in use movably supported on respective ones of first and second guides (117); and first and second print head units (143, 145) which are mounted in adjacent, parallel relation to and between the carriages, wherein the print head units each comprise first and second print head actuators which are mounted on respective ones of the carriages, and a support member (151) which extends between the print head actuators, such as to be movable vertically thereby, and in use supports a printing element.

Abstract: A screen-printing squeegee, as well as an apparatus for screen printing, includes an elastic application element and a holding apparatus for the application element. The holding apparatus is divided, as viewed over the width of the application element, into a plurality of holding sections which can move with respect to one another, in which a leaf spring element is provided. The leaf spring element interconnects the holding sections which can move with respect to one another.

Abstract: A device and method are described for the easy and rapid loading and unloading of flexographic sleeves from flexographic processing machines. The device includes internal chucks that hold on to the end of a sleeve or sleeve adapter. The chucks are rotatably mounted within a flexographic processing machine to permit sleeve processing. In addition, the chucks may move to accommodate a large range of sleeve or adapter diameters and lengths. The method permits the loading and unloading of sleeves with a minimum amount of sleeve handling and without additional end pieces or adapters.

Abstract: A variable cutoff printing press includes a plate cylinder, a plate cylinder support removably supporting the plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder, a blanket cylinder support removably supporting the blanket, an impression cylinder and an impression cylinder support. An actuator for moving the blanket cylinder support accommodates different blanket cylinder sizes, the actuator further moving the impression cylinder support so that regardless of blanket cylinder size a gap exists between the blanket cylinder support and the impression cylinder support. An on impression actuator moves the impression cylinder support against the blanket cylinder support to set a desired print load. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A container system for containing a plurality of ink pads including a cover and a plurality of bases. The cover defines a cover mounting portion. Each base defines a support surface, a first base mounting portion, and a second base mounting portion. Each of the support surfaces is adapted to support at least one of the ink pads. The cover mounting portion is capable of engaging any one of the first base mounting portions to detachably attach the cover to the plurality of bases. The first base mounting portions are capable of engaging the second base mounting portions to detachably attach at least one of the bases to at least another of the bases. The container system operates in a stack mode and in a single mode. In the stack mode, the cover is detachably attached to one of the plurality of bases, and the one of the plurality of bases to which the cover is detachably attached is detachably attached to another of the plurality of bases.

Abstract: A method for making a flexographic printing master includes the steps of providing a flexographic printing support; applying image-wise on the flexographic printing support subsequent layers of radiation curable liquid by an inkjet printing device whereby one or more applied layers are immobilized using a curing device before one or more subsequent layers are applied, such that a relief with a top hat profile is obtained; and grinding the relief so that the height DT of a top hat segment is reduced. An imaging apparatus includes structure to perform the above method.

Abstract: A heating step is performed in a printing operation where a gas jet emitting from a nozzle assembly impinges the exterior surface of a printing plate. The gas impingement provides rapid and specific convective heat flux to the exterior surface of the printing plate.

Abstract: A method of setting web tensioning in a processing machine for processing a material web, in particular in a shaftless printing machine, wherein, for the purpose of setting the web tensioning in a first web-tensioning portion, which is bounded upstream by a first clamping location and downstream by a second clamping location, the first clamping location is given a control command, and at least one clamping location which is located upstream of the first clamping location, as seen over the course of the web tensioning, and at least one clamping location which is located downstream of the second clamping location, as seen over the course of the web tensioning, are precontrolled in dependence on the first control command, where the second clamping location is not adjusted.

Abstract: An intermediate transfer member (34) (ITM) transfers ink solids from an image bearing surface to a substrate. The ITM has an outermost surface having an absorptivity of less than or equal to about 5 percent when measured after 36 hours of immersion in Isopar L at 100 degrees Celsius. An imaging liquid developer system (22) deposits the ink solids and an ink solids carrier onto the outermost surface of the ITM, wherein the imaging liquid developer system (22) is configured to supply the ink solids carrier at a reduced thickness or reduced density as compared to more absorptive ITMs.

Abstract: An apparatus for perforating a wellbore comprises a housing, at least one perforating charge disposed within the housing, a detonation cord coupled to the at least one perforating charge, and a booster coupled to an end of the detonation cord. The booster comprises a booster body having a first end and a second end, a cavity defined within the booster body between the first end and the second end, an explosive material disposed within the cavity adjacent the first end, and a locking feature disposed adjacent the second end, where the locking feature is configured to allow the booster to engage the end of the detonation cord in a first direction and resist movement in a second direction.

Abstract: A liner for a shaped charge is provided for improved penetration of a target formation. The liner is formed from a combination of high density particulate and low density particulate.

Abstract: A cluster munition may include a plurality of submunitions that are ejected from a delivery vehicle. Each submunition is single target discriminating and includes electronic self-destruct and self-deactivate capability. Each submunition includes a microprocessor and a wireless communication device connected to the microprocessor. Each submunition includes a deployable antenna/stabilizer that functions as an antenna for the wireless communication device and as a stabilizer to stabilize the descent of the submunition. Optionally, the deployable antenna/stabilizer may also facilitate ejection of the submunition from the delivery vehicle. The submunitions may wirelessly communicate with each other and with other entities.

Abstract: Techniques are described for penetrating protective vehicle armor. In one example, a penetrator round assembly comprises a main penetrator rod comprising a tungsten alloy and a solid nose engaged to the main penetrator rod.

Abstract: A zip line or trolley system kit for propelling a person or an object using gravity along an extended cable line suspended between two trees or towers. The zip line system having a frame with one or more wheels, an adjustable length seat, a handle and a braking system for slowing the speed of descent of the zip line system. The trolley system having at least two wheels spaced apart at a suitable distance to increase ride smoothness and improve sliding of the zip line system along the extended cable. An actuator of the braking system allows for the rider to control of the speed of descent of the zip line system.

Abstract: A multiple cable zip line ride is provided. The ride includes a support structure with a cross beam mounted to the support structure for routing and mounting of a plurality of cables of the zip line ride. The cables are mounted to the cross beam such that multiple users can travel simultaneously in the same direction along the cables. The cross beam provides for the mounting of additional safety cables and tensioning devices.

Abstract: A car wash dolly of the type used in connection with multi-tier car wash conveyors comprises, in mirror image arrangement, first and second pairs of stainless steel journals having external bearing surfaces and polymeric rollers mounted for rotation on said bearing surfaces wherein the journals are nitro carburized and mechanically polished prior to assembly.

Abstract: Inductrack III configurations are suited for use in transporting heavy freight loads. Inductrack III addresses a problem associated with the cantilevered track of the Inductrack II configuration. The use of a cantilevered track could present mechanical design problems in attempting to achieve a strong enough track system such that it would be capable of supporting very heavy loads. In Inductrack III, the levitating portion of the track can be supported uniformly from below, as the levitating Halbach array used on the moving vehicle is a single-sided one, thus does not require the cantilevered track as employed in Inductrack II.

Abstract: A desktop elevator for providing a platform at an elevation adjustable by a user. The desktop elevator is positioned on a support surface and is provided with left, right, front and back frame members orthogonally attached to one another end to end. A platform is vertically adjustable to and from the support employing front and back rotatable brace members positioned on opposing frame members. The brace members together with channels, cutouts, locking pins and locking arms, enable the platform to be selectively distanced from the support upon moving the platform to and from it when locking latches are disengaged from the locking pins, the platform being drawn to and remaining adjacent to the support when pressure is supplied to the platform toward said support.

Abstract: An adjustable desk apparatus includes an auxiliary work surface that is movable between a sitting configuration and a standing configuration. When in the sitting configuration, the auxiliary work surface is located adjacent to a primary work surface of an existing desk so as to accommodate working while sitting. When in the standing configuration, the auxiliary work surface is upwardly displaced from the primary work surface of the existing desk so as to accommodate working while standing. The adjustable desk apparatus also includes a base member that interfaces with the existing desk. An adjustment assembly includes at least one counterweight and corresponding counterweight sprockets configured to selectively urge the auxiliary work surface toward the standing configuration when actuated by a user. A pin couples the auxiliary work surface to the base member so as to hold the auxiliary work surface at a desired location.

Abstract: A portable and adjustable tattoo work station, comprising several components, in combination. There is a work platform which has a recess therein. There is a work platform connector and a shaft. The work platform connector couples the work platform and the shaft. There is a clamp coupled to the shaft. Lastly, there is a magnetic positive recess plug, which is coupled to the clamp.

Abstract: An extrudable fused solid comprising a matrix which comprises starch and a plasticizer, and which has continuous fiber under tension disposed within the matrix. Further a process for producing the fused solid, and a pallet which is at least partially composed of the fused solid.

Abstract: A soil opener has a frog mount adapted to be coupled to a shank or other mounting member of a farm implement. A spreader is removably coupled to the frog mount and includes forward and rearward product delivery channels that are intended to be flow-coupled to product delivery tubes or hoses of the farm implement. A tip is removably coupled to the spreader. The leading edges of the frog mount, the spreader, and the tip, as well as the geometry between these components are such that drift is minimized even when the soil opener is pulled through the soil at higher speeds, e.g., excess of 5 mph. The soil opener may be equipped with an optional soil gathering module that gathers soil lifted by the tip and redirects the soil to a position generally rearward of the opener.

Abstract: Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation view of a single row unit (10) of a conventional row crop planter such as the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,438,006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. As is well known in the art, the row units (10) are mounted in spaced relation along the length of a transverse toolbar (12) by a parallel linkage (14), comprised of upper and lower parallel arms (16, 18) pivotally mounted at their forward ends to the transverse toolbar (12) and at their rearward end to the row unit frame (20).

Abstract: A feeder movement compensation algorithm for use within a processor controlled sewing machine. The sewing machine configured with a reciprocating needle and thread, and including a stitch plate upon which fabric to be sewn is positioned beneath the needle and thread. The machine also includes a feeder mechanism driving a feed dog thru a movement. The feed dog movement pushes the fabric along the stitch plate and the reciprocating needle and thread form stitches in the fabric. During the stitch cycle, the feed dog movement completes at least one feeder stroke. The feeder stroke includes a portion of the feed dog extending above the stitch plate and moving along the direction of feed. The feeder stroke thus pushes the fabric along the stitch plate. The compensation algorithm calculates a theoretical feeder stroke length based upon a desired stitch.

Abstract: A system for attaching handles to a workpiece, such as for attaching handles to a border material for a mattress. The system includes a pair of sewing heads movably mounted along a sewing area. The sewing heads can be moved from a first position for sewing the handles to the border in a first orientation, such as a horizontal orientation extending along the length of the border, to a second position for sewing the handles to the border in a different orientation, such as a vertical orientation extending across the width or height of the border.

Abstract: A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. Each of the frames extends upwardly in an inverted u-shape, providing a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames.

Abstract: An air lubrication system of an outer installation type has good efficiency. An air recovering device includes a recovery side chamber provided on a bottom of a ship on a stern side from an air ejecting device which supplies air bubbles to the ship bottom. The recovery side chamber includes air intake holes formed in a portion of the recovery side chamber opposite to the ship bottom through a gap. The air recovering device also includes a recovering section recovering air inside a recovery side chamber. The air bubbles acquired from the air intake holes are accumulated inside the recovery side chamber to generate pushing pressure so that air can be smoothly recovered from the recovering section.

Abstract: A method of creating a watertightness barrier for a wall of a watertightened thermally insulating tank, involves steps of: arranging a repeating structure including alternately a strip of sheet metal and an elongate welding flange connected to the support surface, so that the turned-up lateral edges of the strip of sheet metal are positioned against the adjacent welding flanges, welding the turned-up lateral edge to the welding flange using a straight welded seam along a first longitudinal portion, continuing the straight welded seam with an end portion which is deviated in the direction of an upper edge corner, and producing a watertight edge corner welded seam along a second longitudinal portion of the strip of sheet metal such that the edge corner welded seam watertightly meets the end portion of the welded seam.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for stowing a sail of a sail boat. The system may include a furling stick, and ribs extending therefrom, for gathering the sail upon lowering of the sail. The system may further include leech sticks mounted on the sail for defining segments at which the sail folds upon stowing of the sail against the furling stick.

Abstract: A watertight door system that provides for subdivision of cargo holds, and having a door frame assembly with a sliding door. Conveyor support stringers are movably connected to the sliding door and conveyor idlers are movably connected to and the conveyor support stringers. A linear actuator associated with the door frame assembly selectively actuates the door between an open and closed position, whereby actuation of the door by the hydraulic cylinder causes the conveyor support stringers to move with the door, and the conveyor idlers to be lowered without removal thereof. Belt side plugs are positioned on either side of the door frame assembly, and can move both inwardly against a conveyor belt edge and outwardly from the conveyor belt edge.

Abstract: A chock insert for a maritime craft comprises a body 10 arranged to be received within or mounted to a chock. The body 10 has a passageway therethrough to allow passage of a rope. The body 10 defines a rope running surface over which rope passing through the passageway can run, the rope running surface comprising a plastics material.

Abstract: A streamer steering device to be attached to a streamer or a source of a marine seismic survey system. The streamer steering device includes a casing configured to be attached to the streamer or to the source; a wing assembly connected to the casing and having an active surface used to control depth and/or lateral position of the streamer; and an actuating mechanism located inside the casing and connected to the wing assembly, the actuating mechanism being configured to change a state of the wing assembly from an operational state to a folded state. The active surface has substantially the same area during the operational state and the folded state.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for visual identification of valves in multi valve distribution and transmission systems, and particularly for municipal utility infrastructures such as mainline, connection, drain, pressure district, pressure regulating and pressure sustaining valves. In an embodiment, color coded valve box inserts are made to specifications, inserted and secured into place at the opening of multiple valve boxes to easily and accurately identify the different types or sizes of valves. Each color represents a different type or size of valve, as established by the municipality. A color coding chart identifying the different types or sizes of valves may be placed at each point of access to the valves to assist in identification of the different types of valves.

Abstract: Pressure maskers for masking at least one passageway of an article include a body portion that surrounds at least a portion of the article around the at least one passageway, at least one fluid inlet connected to the body portion that provides a conduit for pressurized masking fluid to pass from an exterior of the pressure masker to an interior of the pressure masker, wherein the article is at least partially disposed within the interior of the pressure masker, and at least one seal that seals the body portion at least partially around the article such that the pressurized masking fluid that enters the interior of the pressure masker is at least partially forced through the at least one passageway.

Abstract: Method of ablating the surface of a substrate including providing a dry substrate and an electrolyte source, ablating the surface of the dry substrate to at least partially remove a native oxide layer, and immersing the ablated dry substrate in the electrolyte source, in which the dry substrate is ablated prior to being introduced into the electrolyte source. Also provided is a method of ablating the surface of a substrate that includes providing a dry substrate and an electrolyte, depositing a portion of the electrolyte on the substrate at a thickness of less than 10 microns and ablating the surface of the substrate with the electrolyte applied thereon. System for use in the ablation of the surface of a substrate are also provided.

Abstract: A coating apparatus produces a spray of charged droplets and controls the spray angle of travel of the spray toward the object to be coated. Electrically charging droplets minimizes the amount of coating material required to uniformly coat a surface as compared to conventional web coating techniques such as blade coating. An inductive ring guides the spray charged droplets as they exit the nozzle of a spray device. The electrostatic repulsion between the charged droplets insures that a uniform coating of liquid formulation can be applied to a web surface.

Abstract: A bird feeder of the tube-type having a vertically disposed hollow body portion formed of a clear plastic material. The body portion has a plurality of inverted, truncated funnel members or baffles positioned therein in a vertically spaced-apart relationship which maintain a certain amount of feed at that level even though the main feed supply has dropped below that funnel member or baffle. The baffles direct feed to feed openings formed in the body portion.

Abstract: A feeder comprising an elongate receptacle for food; a removable part; and an elongate restraining pin positioned within the feeder. The direction of elongation of the elongate restraining pin is parallel to that of the feeder. When in an engaged position, the elongate restraining pin is engaged with the removable part so as to couple the removable part to the feeder, and, in a retracted position, is disengaged with the removable part as to uncouple the removable part from the feeder.

Abstract: A pet fountain assembly that includes a cover with a drinking bowl formed therein that straddles a sidewall of a basin that can be user-provided enclosing a pump within a pumping chamber defined therebetween. The cover has a downwardly extending sidewall divided by openings that can be generally U-shaped or V-shaped into a plurality of supports on which the cover. In a preferred embodiment, one of the supports is disposed outboard the basin sidewall resting on the ground and another one of the supports is disposed inboard the basin sidewall resting on a bottom of the basin providing a water passage enabling water from the basin to reach the pump. The inboard support can provide an overflow spillway as well as define a shroud disposed between the pump and water in a lower drinking bowl of the basin. The basin can include an outwardly offset seat that locates the pump.

Abstract: A shrimp aquaculture structure including a set of at least two raceways each having a length, width, and at least one depth to give an average depth, and including two ends, two side walls having a top, a sloped bottom joining each side wall at two side wall junctions. Some of five raceways may be stacked at least partially on top of another of the five raceways. According to another embodiment, the disclosure relates to a process of shrimp aquaculture by using the set of five raceways and sequentially transferring shrimp form one raceway to another once the shrimp reach a given average size.