Abstract:
A sabot 7 having a rearward end and a central longitudinal channel 1 which is engageable with projectile 33 has an anisotropic compressive strength distribution such that on individual radial planes the compressive strength in a first principal material direction P1 radiates from the central channel 1 towards the rearward end of the sabot. This permits a more even distribution of force at the interface between the sabot and the penetrator.The sabot may be constructed from a fibre reinforced plastic composite, containing a single or a double array of fibres.
Abstract:
The invention comprises devices for mitigating the explosive reaction of a munition when it is subject to an external thermal hazard threat. The devices are based on the use of shape memory alloys. In one arrangement there is device which consists of a connector that is at least in part formed from a shape memory alloy, which typically undergoes large dimensional changes when heated or cooled through a particular transition temperature range. The connector in this invention is designed to form a locking engagement, between two components of a munitions casing at one temperature, but when subjected to external heating through the transition temperature range will deform to allow the connector to disengage and thus release the two joined components, allowing any build up of pressure to be released quickly. Advantageously if the co-operative parts of the connector and components are threaded portions, then the locking engagement will be capable of being dismantled during normal servicing of the munition. The co-operative parts of the connector may be integral with the components to be connected. In another arrangement the device is an annulus and is located around a munitions casing such that upon heating through its transition temperature range will cause the annulus to contract, thereby rupturing the munitions casing, allowing any build up of pressure to be released quickly.
Abstract:
One embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes using a portable computing device to remotely control devices and/or systems wirelessly. Specifically, a software timer application operating on the portable computing device enables its user to predefine the time, date, and the operation(s) that one or more properly enabled devices and/or systems perform in the future. That is, the timer software operating on the portable computing device is able at some predefined time to wirelessly trigger an action or a sequence of actions from devices and/or systems. For example, a user of the portable computing device is able to utilize the timer software to program a predefined date and time that the portable computing device will turn on a favorite radio program and turn up the thermostat. The wireless communication of the portable computing device may occur using a radio frequency (RF) technology like Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11, or HomeRF.
Abstract:
Stretch wrap films are used to hold goods to pallets during storage and shipping. A multilayer stretch wrap film with at least one outer layer of a polypropylene and polystyrene mixture, and other layers of blends of polyethylenes. The film of the present invention optimizes physical properties enabling the film to exhibit superior abrasion resistance in order to protect wrapped contents from damage and exposure during shipment as well as good cling thereby eliminating the need for taping of the film in order to secure the contents.
Abstract:
A tree stand substantially comprising at least three generally vertical upright members, at least as many supporting members as upright members and a continuous connecting member. Wherein said upright members are positioned such that the trunk of a tree may be slotted between and be supported by said upright members in a substantially upright position, each supporting member is rigid, is fixed at one end to one of the upright members such that there is at least one supporting member attached to each upright member, and extends generally radially outwards from its associated upright member in such a manner that its other end is level with or lower than the base of the upright member to which it is attached and when the stand is in use the stand rests on and is supported by the connecting member or radially outmost end portions of all the supporting members and said continuous connecting member joins all of said upright members and all of said supporting members in a reinforcing manner such that the stand is a single rigid object.
Abstract:
Two private networks are connected to each other through a public network. A first of the private networks has a firewall which prevents unsolicited messages from the public network into the first private network. The firewall does allow messages from the first private network on to the public network, and then on to the second network. The firewall also allows messages from the public network into the first network, if the message is in response to a message originating within the one network. The first network periodically sends status messages to the second network. The second network can respond to the status messages, and requested that the first network establish a directed circuit with the second network. However, the time period between status messages can be excessively long. Therefore, a wedge message, which is smaller and more frequent, is sent from the first network to the second network. The second network sends a response message to the first network. When the first network receives the response message, the first network prematurely sends the status message.
Abstract:
A purge valve for an evaporative emission control system. The purge valve includes an actuator, a valve body, and a valve closure member disposed in the valve body. The actuator is disposed along a longitudinal axis, and includes an electromagnetic coil having a hollow core extending along the longitudinal axis, a stator disposed in the hollow core, and a permanent magnet armature disposed proximate the stator. The valve body is disposed proximate the actuator, and defines a flow passage extending along the longitudinal axis. When the coil is unenergized, the permanent magnet armature is magnetically attracted to the stator, and the valve closure member is spaced from the armature by a lost motion distance.