Abstract: A hybrid superconductive device for stabilizing an electric grid comprises (a) a magnetic core arrangement at least partially carrying an AC winding the AC winding connectable to an AC circuit for a current to be limited in the event of a fault; (b) at least one superconductive coil configured for storing electromagnetic energy; the superconductive coil magnetically coupled with the core arrangement and saturating the magnetic core arrangement during use. The hybrid superconductive device further comprises a switch unit preprogrammed for switching electric current patterns corresponding to the following modes: at least partially charging the superconductive coil; a standby mode when the superconductive coil is looped back; and at least partially discharging the superconductive coil into the circuit. Optionally, hybrid superconductive device comprises at least one passage located within said magnetic flux. The passage conducts a material flow comprising components magnetically separable by said magnetic flux.

Abstract: The invention provides a bullet. The bullet comprises a bullet-shaped body of a first metal composition, which body has a hollow cavity defined therein along the axis of the bullet with an opening at the point of the bullet shaped body. The bullet further comprises a plunger of a second composition, preferably metal, which metal is harder than the first metal, and shaped generally complementary to the hollow cavity. Hollow empty cavities may preferably be provided between the plunger and the hollow.

Abstract: The invention provides a bullet. The bullet comprises a bullet-shaped body of a first metal composition, which body has a hollow cavity defined therein along the axis of the bullet with an opening at the point of the bullet shaped body. The bullet further comprises a plunger of a second composition, preferably metal, which metal is harder than the first metal, and shaped generally complementary to the hollow cavity. Hollow empty cavities may preferably be provided between the plunger and the hollow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to suspensions of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane crystals in a liquid phase (said liquid phase is composed, to at least 85% by weight, of a nonsolvent for hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane, said nonsolvent consisting of at least one nonflammable hydrofluoroether, and includes from 0 to less than 15% by weight of an organic solvent for hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane, more volatile than said nonsolvent, chosen from the group consisting of esters, nitriles, ketones and their mixtures), the production of said suspensions and their use to manufacture pyrotechnic objects. The use of said at least one hydrofluoroether as nonsolvent is particularly appropriate.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a pyrotechnic gas-generating product, the composition of which comprises: guanidine nitrate, basic copper nitrate, and potassium perchlorate. Characteristically, said potassium perchlorate represents between 8% and 20% of the total weight of said pyrotechnic product and said composition additionally contains at least one oxide, chosen from metal oxides, metalloid oxides and mixtures thereof; said at least one oxide having a melting point below the combustion temperature of said pyrotechnic product and said at least one oxide representing between 1% and 5% of the total weight of said pyrotechnic product. Said at least one oxide improves the combustion, at low pressure, of said pyrotechnic product.

Abstract: The main subjects of the present invention are: a process for obtaining a solid composite propellant (with a polyurethane binder filled with ammonium perchlorate and with aluminum): characteristically, the ammonium perchlorate charge of said propellant is obtained from at least two charges each having a specific monomodal particle size distribution. It is thus sought to reduce the thrust oscillations and the alumina deposits at the back of the engine; a solid composite propellant, the solid propellant charges and the associated rocket engines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic gas generator (10) for a car airbag (12), the generator including a pyrotechnic charge and a pyrotechnic initiator (28) situated in a combustion chamber (14) and suitable for being actuated by a first detection system (30) for detecting an imminent collision state and/or by a second detection system (32) for detecting an actual collision state. The pyrotechnic gas generator of the invention further includes a gas flow passage (16, 18) between said combustion chamber (14) and said airbag (12), and at least one valve (34) suitable for being moved from a first position in which it defines a first flow section to a second position in which it defines a second flow section greater than said first flow section, or vice versa. In particular, the valve (34) is arranged in such a manner as to define a greater flow section when the pyrotechnic initiator (28) is actuated by the first detection system (30).

Abstract: A triggered-stroke actuator with a damped return stroke. According to the invention, the actuator houses a piston (15), and a gas generator (19) including a fast combustion pyrotechnic charge, and further houses a pyrotechnic charge (38) of combustion that is slower than the combustion of said gas generator (19).

Abstract: A heat exchange method and system for heat transfer includes a plate fin and tube or finned tube heat exchanger that reduces the plume of a stream that is being rejected to atmosphere by reducing the water dew point of the stream.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for integrating the heat transfer zones of plate fin and tube and finned tube exchangers and a catalytic mass transfer zone. The invention also provides a method for in situ regeneration of existing coated surface and augmentation of existing coated surface, or catalyst performance.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a composition for a pyrotechnic compound that can be used as a thermal fuse in a gas generator comprising a pyrotechnic charge, said pyrotechnic compound having a self-ignition temperature that is lower than that of the pyrotechnic charge of the generator so as to be capable of initiating combustion of the pyrotechnic charge in the event of abnormal heating of the generator before said pyrotechnic charge reaches its self-ignition temperature. This composition is characterized in that it can be metered out and deposited in the form of an adhesive onto any appropriate support of the generator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brace apparatus having a core member configured to absorb energy generated by seismic or other forces by undergoing plastic deformation. A buckling restraining assembly is included for maintaining the structural integrity of the brace after the core member has undergone plastic deformation. The buckling restraining assembly includes one or more bearings is located proximal the core member. The bearings are adapted to minimize friction between the core member and the buckling restraining apparatus. An air gap is positioned between the core member and the one or more bearings of the buckling restraining apparatus are adapted to prevent bonding of the core member and buckling restraining assembly. Projections are included in the core member of the brace apparatus to minimize movement of the middle portion of the core member relative to the buckling restraining assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brace apparatus having a core member configured to absorb energy generated by seismic or other forces by undergoing plastic deformation. A buckling restraining assembly is included for maintaining the structural integrity of the brace after the core member has undergone plastic deformation. The buckling restraining assembly includes one or more bearings is located proximal the core member. The bearings are adapted to minimize friction between the core member and the buckling restraining apparatus. An air gap is positioned between the core member and the one or more bearings of the buckling restraining apparatus are adapted to prevent bonding of the core member and buckling restraining assembly. Projections are included in the core member of the brace apparatus to minimize movement of the middle portion of the core member relative to the buckling restraining assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brace apparatus having a core member configured to absorb energy generated by seismic or other forces by undergoing plastic deformation. A buckling restraining assembly is included for maintaining the structural integrity of the brace after the core member has undergone plastic deformation. The buckling restraining assembly includes one or more bearings is located proximal the core member. The bearings are adapted to minimize friction between the core member and the buckling restraining apparatus. An air gap is positioned between the core member and the one or more bearings of the buckling restraining apparatus are adapted to prevent bonding of the core member and buckling restraining assembly. Projections are included in the core member of the brace apparatus to minimize movement of the middle portion of the core member relative to the buckling restraining assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brace apparatus having a core member configured to absorb energy generated by seismic or other forces by undergoing plastic deformation. A buckling restraining assembly is included for maintaining the structural integrity of the brace after the core member has undergone plastic deformation. The buckling restraining assembly includes one or more bearings is located proximal the core member. The bearings are adapted to minimize friction between the core member and the buckling restraining apparatus. An air gap is positioned between the core member and the one or more bearings of the buckling restraining apparatus are adapted to prevent bonding of the core member and buckling restraining assembly. Projections are included in the core member of the brace apparatus to minimize movement of the middle portion of the core member relative to the buckling restraining assembly.

Abstract: A brace apparatus having a core member adapted to absorb energy by undergoing plastic deformation and a buckling restraining assembly that maintains the structural integrity of the brace apparatus once the core member has undergone plastic deformation. A core member having a variable width middle portion is provided to control deformation of the core member such that the middle portion center undergoes plastic deformation before the middle portion first and second ends. A core member is provided which includes a core stiffener permitting the brace apparatus to have a longer longer length relative to the core member cross-sectional area while providing both a desired yield point and the stiffness needed rigidity required for structural support. One or more projections are provided having a stress reduction voids which reduce the cross sectional area of the core member to eliminate stress risers that would otherwise be present at the portion of the core member corresponding with the projections.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brace apparatus having a core member configured to absorb energy generated by seismic or other forces by undergoing plastic deformation. A buckling restraining assembly is included for maintaining the structural integrity of the brace after the core member has undergone plastic deformation. The buckling restraining assembly includes one or more bearings is located proximal the core member. The bearings are adapted to minimize friction between the core member and the buckling restraining apparatus. An air gap is positioned between the core member and the one or more bearings of the buckling restraining apparatus are adapted to prevent bonding of the core member and buckling restraining assembly. Projections are included in the core member of the brace apparatus to minimize movement of the middle portion of the core member relative to the buckling restraining assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to structural braces. More particularly, the present invention relates to a brace apparatus that has an effective length capable of undergoing plastic deformation that is greater than the length of the brace apparatus. The brace apparatus has a first core member having a deformable region of an effective deformable length and a second core member having a deformable region of an effective deformable length. The total effective deformable length of the brace apparatus is the sum of the effective deformable length of the first core member and the second core member. This allows the brace apparatus to have a greater deformable length relative to the length and size of the brace. Additionally, the greater deformable length reduces the strain on the core members enabling the brace apparatus to undergo a greater amount of deformation for a larger number of total cycles without buckling the brace.