A communications transmitter includes a baseband processor configured to generate amplitude, angle, in-phase and quadrature baseband signals and a combination modulator that is configurable to modulate in the polar domain and, alternatively, in the quadrature domain. The combination modulator includes a quadrature modulator and a separate and distinct angle modulator that is configured to serve as a local oscillator for the quadrature modulator. In one embodiment of the invention the combination modulator is configured to modulate in the quadrature domain when the transmitter is operating according to a first communications condition (e.g., first transmit power level or first modulation scheme) and is configured to modulate in the polar domain when the transmitter is operating according to a second communications condition (e.g., second transmit power level or second modulation scheme).

Embodiments of digital high-speed bi-phase modulator and method for bi-phase modulation are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the digital high-speed bi-phase modulator comprises a high-speed digital divider, a high-speed digital multiplexer, and matched signal paths provided between the divider and the multiplexer. The high-speed digital divider is configured to receive a carrier signal and generate complementary output signals. The high-speed digital multiplexer is configured to switch between the complementary output signals and generate a bi-phase modulated output at a carrier frequency (fc) modulated with a bi-phase code. The bi-phase code may be provided to control inputs of the multiplexer.

In various embodiments, systems and methods for generating high-precision pulse-width modulation include a delay-locked loop comprising multiple delay units having time-variable delays, control logic for selecting a subset S of the multiple delay units to thereby generate a time-invariant shift amount having a precision finer than that of a system clock and circuitry for applying the shift amount to rising and falling edges of a pulse-width modulation waveform to thereby generate a high-precision pulse-width modulation waveform.

This disclosure relates to methods and systems to reduce high voltage breakdown jitters in liquid dielectric switches. In particular, dielectric liquids have been produced that contain a suspension of nanoparticles and a surfactant to reduce the breakdown jitter. In one embodiment, the suspended nanoparticles are Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) nanoparticles.

An electric switch for application to high- and very high-voltage circuit breakers and switches comprising a flexible toroidal helical spring (8) placed in a groove of a control rod (1) carrying a movable resistance-insertion contact (2), and springs (4) placed about the movable resistance-insertion contact to cause the springs to be compressed until a certain value is reached, at which value the movable resistance-insertion contact causes the flexible toroidal helical spring (8) to deform under pressure enabling the movable resistance-insertion contact (2) to be withdrawn. Among other uses, the switch is suitable for use in a resistance-inserting device that does not need additional mechanical moving parts. For application to high- and very high-voltage circuit breakers and switches.

A sealed solenoid, magnetically operated electric power switch is suitable for use as capacitor, line and load switch operating at transmission and distribution voltages that includes no dynamically moving seals through the sealed container housing the contactor portion of the switch. The sealed solenoid switch includes a magnetically operated drive system with an actuator that magnetically couples across the container wall to avoid the use of a moving or sliding seal as part of the drive system. The sealed solenoid switch may also include a ballast resistor and resistor contact located inside the sealed container to avoid another seal as part of the ballast system. A magnetic latch holds the switch in a closed position, and a spring holds the switch in the closed position, to avoid the need for an energizing current to maintain the switch in either position.

The high voltage relay consists of a main body (1). One set of electrical contacts (2a, 2b) upper and lower respectively. High voltage connections to connect the voltage being switched (3a, 3b) are electrically connected to the upper and lower contacts respectively. Several size options for the electrical contacts will allow for a wide range of currents. A cylinder (4) driven by a fluid (e.g. Air, Nitrogen, Hydraulic fluid) moves the electrical contacts together during the ON state of the device. During the OFF state of the device the cylinder moves the electrical contacts apart to isolate the switch voltage. The greater the High Voltage being switched the greater the distance the electrical contacts must be moved apart in the OFF state. The cylinder is supplied the fluid power from a small solenoid (5) on the device. This solenoid has control voltage connections to actuate the device.

An electrode assembly for a circuit breaker is provided. The electrode assembly includes a conductive assembly and a heat transfer assembly. The conductive assembly includes a stem portion and a contact portion. The heat transfer assembly includes a number of elongated bodies, a first heat transfer surface, and a second heat transfer surface. The first heat transfer surface is disposed on the conductive assembly. Each heat transfer assembly body includes a second heat transfer surface. Each heat transfer assembly body is coupled to the conductive assembly with the first heat transfer surface coupled to a number of second heat transfer surfaces.

A highlighter strip including adhesive to form a removable bond with a substrate, constructed from a translucent and colored material. The highlighter strip can be affixed over writing or other markings, which highlights the indicia that remains legible. One or both ends of the strip can omit the adhesive, thereby providing a grabbing portion to facilitate removal from an initial position and optionally subsequent positions. The strip can be included in a set of strips affixed to each other and optionally affixed to another base; such as a notebook, binder, or other entity where one would expect writing, text, or other indicia requiring highlighting.

An amplifying structure includes a main amplifier configured to amplify a first signal; and a peak amplifier configured to amplify a second signal, each of the main amplifier and the peak amplifier including, respectively, a hybrid power device, the hybrid power device including, a first power transistor die configured to amplify signals of a first frequency, and a second power transistor die configured to amplify signals of a second frequency different than the first frequency.

Embodiments include systems and methods for accurately controlling gain of a high-speed variable-gain amplifier (VGA) without adversely impacting bandwidth performance. Embodiments include a VGA with a variable resistor, for which resistance is a function of a control level. A gain calibration system controls the control level by using a gain control feedback subsystem to sample outputs of a duplicate VGA, which includes a duplicate variable resistor. The sampled duplicate outputs are compared to a target gain generated by a reference generator. The control level can be fed back to control the gain of the duplicate VGA until the target gain is reached. The control level can also be fed to the actual VGA to control its gain. By performing gain control on the duplicate VGA without interfering with the output signal path of the actual VGA, the actual VGA's gain can be accurately controlled without impacting its bandwidth.

High impedance, high frequency nanoscale device electronics configured to interface with low impedance loads include an impedance transforming stage constructed of multiple nanoscale devices, such as carbon nanotube field-effect transistors. In an embodiment of the present invention, an impedance transforming output stage of a multistage amplifier is configured to drive a 50 ohm transmission line with unity voltage gain using multiple carbon nanotube field-effect transistors in parallel. In a further embodiment, a receiver provided for an electronically steered receive array is a monolithic, lumped-element system formed from nanoscale devices and configured to interface with the external electrical systems via a single transmission line.

A light emitting apparatus including: a plurality of light emitting elements; a drive circuit including a transistor and a capacitor having one end connected to a gate of the transistor; and a signal supply circuit for receiving a digital gradation signal and outputting an analog voltage signal to the drive circuit, including a computation circuit configured to correct the input digital gradation signal to generate a corrected digital gradation signal, in which the drive circuit is configured to conduct an auto-zero operation which reduce the gate-source voltage of the transistor to a threshold voltage by flowing the drain current to the capacitor, and the computation circuit is configured to generate the corrected digital gradation signal by multiplying a correction coefficient to the input digital gradation signal subtracted by a particular signal common to the plurality of light emitting elements.

One or more embodiments of the present invention pertain to an all solid-state microwave power module. The module includes a plurality of solid-state amplifiers configured to amplify a signal using a low power stage, a medium power stage, and a high power stage. The module also includes a power conditioner configured to activate a voltage sequencer (e.g., bias controller) when power is received from a power source. The voltage sequencer is configured to sequentially apply voltage to a gate of each amplifier and sequentially apply voltage to a drain of each amplifier.

An apparatus, particularly a chuck for retaining a thin part for micro-machining processing, is disclosed. The chuck is formed of a plate-shaped body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The plate-shaped body includes a light-transmissive material, and at least one of the first surface or the second surface is a roughened surface. The chuck can be incorporated into a micro-machining system using a chuck support that allows light through to backlight a processed part for inspection.

A thin film of a low-thermionic-work-function material is maintained on the cathode of a device for producing a high-current, low-pressure gas discharge by means of sputter deposition from an auxiliary electrode. The auxiliary electrode includes a surface with a low-work-function material, such as thorium, uranium, plutonium or one of the rare earth elements, facing the cathode but at a disposition and electrical potential so as to extract ions from the gas discharge and sputter the low-work-function material onto the cathode. By continuously replenishing the cathode film, high thermionic emissions and ion plasmas can be realized and maintained over extended operating periods.

A method and apparatus are disclosed for efficient endothermic processing of liquids and the precipitation of dissolved elements and chemical compounds. Improvements over prior systems include system layout, components and modes of operation of the system. Applications of the system include destruction of toxic wastes and sewage treatment, precipitation of chemical compounds and elements including metals from solution (brine, sea water, industrial waste), sterilization and water purification, catalytic formation of chemical compounds, and processing of hydrocarbons.

An auxiliary lighting system for a high-intensity discharge lamp. In one embodiment, the auxiliary lighting system has an auxiliary light source, an HID lamp status circuit having an input for connection to a status signal representative of the operational state of a high-intensity discharge lamp wherein the HID lamp status circuit determines whether the status signal meets predetermined signal criteria, a switch circuit having a first state that effects application of a voltage source to the auxiliary light source, and a second state that isolates the voltage source from the auxiliary light source, and a control circuit responsive to the HID lamp status circuit for controlling the switch circuit. The control circuit has a first state when the HID lamp status circuit determines that the status signal meets the predetermined signal criteria and a second state when the HID lamp status circuit determines that the status signal does not meet the predetermined signal criteria. When the control circuit is in the first state, the control circuit outputs a control signal for input into the switch circuit that configures the switch circuit into the first state. When the control circuit is in the second state, the control circuit outputs a control signal for input into the switch circuit that configures the switch circuit into the second state.

The present invention is a serial to parallel data conversion method and device where new serial data are stored within a first n-bit register prior to presentation at an n-bit parallel output. Subsequently, additional data are stored within a second n-bit register while the data stored within the first register are presented at the parallel output. Data storage and data presentation are thereafter alternated, thereby eliminating the problem of setup time seen in prior art.

An indirectly heated cathode C1 comprises a heater 1, a double coil 2, a mesh member 3, and a metal oxide 10. An electrical insulating layer 4 is formed on the surface of heater 1. Heater 1 is inserted into and positioned at the inner side of double coil 2. Mesh member 3 is disposed along the length direction of double coil 2 at the outer side of double coil 2. Double coil 2 is grounded by being connected to the ground terminal of heater 1 via a lead rod 7. Metal oxide 10 is held by double coil 2 and disposed to be in contact with mesh member 3. Metal oxide 10 and mesh member 3 are exposed to the outer side of indirectly heated electrode C1 so that the surface of metal oxide 10 and the surface of mesh member 3 make up a discharge surface and mesh member 3 is in contact with the surface part of metal oxide 10.

Apparatuses, methods and systems for lighting fixture determining its power usage and monitoring its operational health are disclosed. One embodiment includes a method of a lighting fixture determining its power usage. The method includes sensing, by an ambient light sensor, an intensity of light emitted from the lighting fixture, and estimating power usage of the lighting fixture based on the sensed intensity of light.

A sleigh for travel over a snow covered surface adapted to be disassembled or knocked down into a storage or transport position, from an operating position, is shown. Runners of the sleigh are pivotally connected to a floorboard along side edges thereof. The runners are locked into an operating position and may be unlocked to fold against a bottom surface of the floorboard in a stored position. An upper body including a seat is formed of multiple planar pieces which are dependently interlocked with each other for assembly and later disassembly. Means are provided for interlocking the runners to a hitching assembly to which a horse is conventionally harnessed.

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for charging electrically powered devices. In accordance with the invention, the device is powered by two storage or charge receiving devices. One of these devices is capable of receiving a substantial charge very rapidly while the other device requires a longer time to receive a charge. The advantage is that the powered device can be used almost instantly and continually while at the same time rebuilding electrical charge. The present invention further relates to a system for protecting the charging device from being damaged from an electrical surge, such as from a lightening strike.

High pressure pump systems with reduced pressure ripple for use with waterjet systems and other systems are described herein. A pump system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes four reciprocating members operably coupled to a crankshaft at 90 degree phase angles. The reciprocating members can include plungers operably disposed in corresponding cylinders and configured to compress fluid (e.g., water) in the cylinders to pressures suitable for waterjet processing, such as pressures exceeding 30,000 psi.

A railroad freight car multipiece spring seat assembly including a spring seat, a top plate, and a spring. The spring seat is adapted to operably engage one end of a spring assembly in a railroad freight car draft gear. The top plate is adapted to operably engage with each of a plurality of friction shoes arranged in the railroad freight car draft gear. The spring of the multipiece spring seat assembly is operably disposed between the spring seat and the top plate.

An integrated self-supporting and deformation-resistant modular driver's cabin structure for mounting to the front end of a rail vehicle body and for providing a driver space and a windshield opening, is composed of a composite sandwich structure with a single, common, continuous outer skin layer, a single, common, continuous inner skin layer and an internal structure wholly covered with and bonded to the inner and outer skin layers, the internal structure comprising a plurality of core elements. The driver's cabin structure comprises at least: side pillars each having a lower end and an upper end, and an undercarriage structure at the lower end of each of the side pillars. The fiber-reinforced sandwich located in the side pillars is provided with several layers of fibers oriented to provide a high bending stiffness. The fiber-reinforced sandwich of the undercarriage structure is such to transfer static and crash loads without flexural buckling.

A railcar draft gear assembly having an axially elongated spring assembly comprised of an axially stacked array of individual spring units and further including cooperating instrumentalities for maintaining the spring assembly generally axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the railcar draft gear assembly during operation of the draft gear assembly while maintaining the individual spring units in generally aligned relation relative to each other.

A device for coupling tilting railroad cars onto a high-speed railroad train comprises a coupler and a shock absorber held in a shock absorber frame, each joined by a coupling pin via a coupling joint. The frame includes a front inner surface with a front end wall opening and a cylindrical surface extending to a semi-circular concave inner surface. The joint includes a rounded convex surface engaged with a semi-circular concave surface, a circumferential surface of a short cylinder receiving the rear portion of the coupler, and an insertion hole which is provided in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the short cylinder. The frame has a removal hole and an air removal pin of the coupling pin facing each other at a position to rotate at a predetermined angle in a circumferential direction in the assembled state, and at a position coaxial with the coupling pin in the assembled state.

The coupler system of a railway car truck is constructed such that basic overall appearance may be maintained, but the actual material of which it is constructed is changed. According to one embodiment, the coupler is constructed from cast austempered ductile iron; whereas cast iron has a density, 0.26 lbs/in^3, which is approximately 8% less than steel, 0.283 lbs/in^3, thereby allowing for a reduction in weight over steel. A suitable austempering process is used to produce the austempered metal coupler and components thereof. A second benefit of embodiments of the present invention provides for a more efficient use of materials, meaning less metal is used to make the same final shape, as a way of reducing the coupler weight. Both factures combined allow for a lighter weight coupler, while utilizing the standard designs. Alternate coupler configurations are disclosed for further reducing coupler weight.

Disclosed is a method of producing a chemically pure and stably dispersed organic nanoparticle colloidal suspension using an ultrafast pulsed laser ablation process. The method comprises irradiating a target of an organic compound material in contact with a poor solvent with ultrashort laser pulses at a high repetition rate and collecting the nanoparticles of the organic compound produced. The method may be implemented with a high repetition rate ultrafast pulsed laser source, an optical system for focusing and moving the pulsed laser beam, an organic compound target in contact with a poor solvent, and a solvent circulating system to cool the laser focal volume and collect the produced nanoparticle products. By controlling various laser parameters, and with optional poor solvent flow movement, the method provides stable colloids of dispersed organic nanoparticles in the poor solvent in the absence of any stabilizing agents.

A fluid filter assembly with sight glass provides an upper housing carrying a transparent sight glass for visualizing the interior of the filter assembly and fluids passing therethrough. A sight glass retainer secures the sight glass within the upper housing. A screen filter is carried between the upper housing and a mating lower housing. A fluid inlet port is defined in the upper housing above the screen filter and a fluid output port is defined in the lower housing below the screen filter. The sight glass retainer carries plural fluid deflectors and plural sight glass supports for fluid dispersion and fluid cooling. A pressurized air input communicating with fluid inlet port allows pressurized air to be injected into the assembly to force fluids through the screen filter and out of the filter assembly. A low pressure drain valve and a bypass valve are carried in the lower housing.

A machine for dosing a product in capsules, includes a rotating turret which has seats suitable for receiving empty capsules and a dosing device for dosing the product in the capsules. The machine further includes a feeding unit having a first weighing device for weighing empty capsules, a transfer arrangement for transferring empty capsules, when weighed, to predetermined seats of the turret for being filled with the product, a second weighing device for weighing capsules filled with the product, and a processing device connected to the first and second weighing device for receiving data relative to weights measured by the first and second weighing devices and for calculating for each capsule a difference between the weight measured before and the weight measured after filling. In this manner, a respective quantity of dosed product is calculated.

High-altitude balloons and apparatuses for filling such high-altitude balloons are provided. As an example, an apparatus for filling a high-altitude balloon includes a tube extending through envelope material of the balloon is provided. The apparatus also includes a flange connected to a first end of the tube. The flange is connected to an interior surface of the balloon. A fitting is connected to a second end of the tube. The fitting is configured for attachment with an apparatus for filling the balloon with lift gas. In addition, methods of filing high-altitude balloons with lift gas and methods of manufacturing balloons are also provided.

A controller used in a buck-boost converter includes a clock generator, an error amplifying circuit, a comparing circuit, a proportional sampling circuit, a logic circuit, a pulse width increasing circuit, first and second driving circuits. Based on a clock signal generated by the clock generator, the proportional sampling circuit samples the difference between a current sensing signal and a compensation signal generated by the error amplifying circuit, and generates a proportional sampling signal. The pulse width increasing circuit generates a sum control signal based on the proportional sampling signal and a logic control signal generated by the logic circuit, wherein a modulation value adjusted by the proportional sampling signal is added to the pulse width of the logic control signal to generate the pulse width of the sum control signal. The first and second driving circuits generate driving signals based on the sum control signal and the logic control signal.

A ballast circuit for a Light Emitting Diode (LED) has a regulator element coupled to the LED and to an input voltage source. A control circuit is coupled to the LED and to an input voltage source. A first switching device is coupled in series with the regulator element. A second switching device is coupled to the input voltage and the control circuit.

In various embodiments a controller for controlling the operation of a switched mode power supply is provided, the controller comprising: a first signal source configured to provide a first set of signals including a set signal and a clear signal, wherein the first set of signals may correspond to a first mode of operation of the switched mode power supply; a second signal source configured to provide a second set of signals including a set signal and a clear signal, wherein the second set of signals may correspond to a second mode of operation of the switched mode power supply; a selecting circuit coupled to the first signal source and to the second signal source, the selecting circuit being configured to select either the first set of signals or the second set of signals; a switching signal generating circuit coupled to the selecting circuit and configured to provide a switching signal to the switched mode power supply based on the set of signals received from the selecting circuit.

A method and apparatus for lighting a flight deck on an aircraft. A status of the aircraft is identified by a processor unit. The processor unit controls the lighting on the flight deck in response to the status of the aircraft to indicate the status of the aircraft.

A method of creating at least one flight plan of an aircraft includes entering a creation objective which illustrates a type and general characteristics of the flight plan to be created, automatically generating a flight plan outline, automatically generating a targeted request for information relating to missing parameters, entering the requested information relating to the missing parameters, and supplementing automatically the flight plan outline and automatically deleting any discontinuities to create, in a definitive manner, the flight plan.

A passively torque-balanced device includes (a) a frame; (b) a drivetrain including a drive actuator mounted to the frame and configured for reciprocating displacement, an input platform configured for displacement by the drive actuator, a plurality of rigid links, including a proximate link and remote links, wherein the rigid links are collectively mounted to the frame, and a plurality of joints joining the rigid links and providing a plurality of non-fully actuated degrees of freedom for displacement of the rigid links, the plurality of joints including a fulcrum joint that is joined both to the input platform and to the proximate rigid link; and (c) at least two end effectors respectively coupled with the remote links and configured for displacement without full actuation.

A variable length light shield is disclosed for an electro-optical sensor within a nose cone. The light shield includes a base, a telescopic shade supported by the base, and a ring rotatably supported about the base. The light shield also includes a guide tube disposed proximate the ring with an end extending away from the ring about a side of the telescopic shade. The light shield further includes an extension spring supported by the guide tube with an end coupled to the telescopic shade. Additionally, the light shield includes a cable extending through the guide tube and the extension spring, with one end of the cable coupled to the ring and another end of the cable coupled to the telescopic shade. The extension spring is configured to exert a force on the telescopic shade to extend the telescopic shade. Rotation of the ring causes retraction of the telescopic shade.

Systems and methods for managing umbilical lines and one or more jumpers are provided. An example of a system includes a deployment platform carrying a winch and spool assembly, a tether management assembly, and an integrated electrical and/or hydraulic umbilical line extending between a spool on the winch and spool assembly and the tether management assembly. The winch and spool assembly is configured to deploy and to support the umbilical line. The tether management assembly includes a winch and spool assembly for deploying a flying lead and/or annulus jumper adapted to connect to an emergency disconnect package of a well control package for a well. A set of buoyant modules are connected to or integral with a portion of the umbilical line to be used to form an artificial heave compensation loop.

There are provided a dividing wall distillation column for producing high-purity acrylic acid, and a fractional distillation method using the same. The dividing wall distillation column includes a condenser, a reboiler and a main column having a dividing wall. Here, the main column is divided into a column-top zone, an upper feed zone, an upper outflow zone, a lower feed zone, a lower outflow zone and a column-bottom zone. Accordingly, since one distillation column can be used to realize the same effect as that obtained from the use of two distillation columns, the dividing wall distillation column can have an effect of reducing the costs of equipment to produce high-purity acrylic acid, as well as an energy-reducing effect, compared to a conventional process system.

This invention relates to a high efficiency apparatus for manufacturing an aqueous wood smoke solution in the form of a liquid smoke desired concentration by burning wood, wooden chips or sawdust in a limited amount of air. Wood consumption per unit of liquid smoke is significantly smaller comparing to conventional methods, while the air pollution is reduced to a negligible level.

A device (1) comprises a source (20) for emitting ultraviolet light, an inlet (30) for letting in fluid to the device (1), an outlet (40) for letting out fluid from the device (1), and means (51, 52) for performing a straightening action of a flow of fluid through the device (1). The flow straightening means comprise at least one flow straightening element (51, 52) having inlet openings for letting in fluid at one side and outlet openings for letting out fluid at another side, wherein each inlet opening is in communication with a plurality of outlet openings, and wherein the element (51, 52) comprises a maze of randomly arranged, interconnected holes. In such a structure, a water element that is moving from one side of the element (51, 52) to another side may take one of various paths, as a result of which variations in inlet conditions can be dampened.

In one aspect, a lighted tip for attachment to a flexible rod comprises a tip body having proximal and distal ends, a mechanical connector at the proximal end, a lens connected to the distal end, a light source that emits light through the lens, and a holder coupled to the light source and the lens. A circuit is completed or interrupted as the holder moves in relation to the tip body, thereby switching the light source on or off. In another aspect, a lighted tip for attachment to a flexible rod comprises a lens forming a distal end of the lighted tip. The lens is cylindrical over at least some of its length, and the tip further includes a light source at least partially within the cylindrical lens portion and a mechanical connector at a proximal end if the lighted tip, for connecting the tip to the flexible rod.

A height adjusting device for a vehicle suspension seat includes: a control valve having an air injection pin and an air discharge pin formed therein; a first push support having one end rotatably coupled to the control valve and pressurizing the air injection pin when rotated in one direction; a second push support having one end rotatably coupled to the control vale, pressurizing the air discharge pin when rotated in one direction, and disposed to correspond to the first push support; a first push rod pressurizing the other end of the first push support so as to rotate the first push support; and a second push rod pressurizing the other end of the second push support so as to rotate the second push support, and disposed to correspond to the first push rod.

Improved hair straightening topical compositions comprising transglutaminase, sodium metabisulfite, and a system for stabilizing the pH of the composition, and for inhibiting the generation of sulfur dioxide. Optionally, one or more additional hair straightening agents, that are capable of affecting secondary, tertiary and quaternary protein structures of human hair may be included. Optionally, polylysine may be included which, in combination with TGase, acts to form a surface barrier film and moisture shield around human hair. The invention includes methods of using such topical compositions.

Disclosed are fast-curing, inexpensive corn-gluten resin compositions, methods for making them, methods for forming them into solid articles. In some embodiments, the resin composition includes corn meal gluten and a non-toxic organic acid.

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.

A wire straightener comprises a wire feed path, a first set of rollers disposed in a first plane along the wire feed path, a second set of rollers disposed in a second plane along the wire feed path, the first and second planes being substantially perpendicular to one another, a first motor operable to adjust a position of at least one of the rollers of the first set of rollers when actuated, and a second motor operable to adjust a position of at least one of the rollers of the second set of rollers when actuated.