Abstract: The invention is a process and device for exchanging heat energy between three or more streams in a microchannel heat exchanger which can be integrated with a microchannel reactor to form an integrated microchannel processing unit. The invention enables the combining of a plurality of integrated microchannel devices to provide the benefits of large-scale operation. In particular, the microchannel heat exchanger of the present invention enables flexible heat transfer between multiple streams and total heat transfer rates of about 1 Watt or more per core unit volume expressed as W/cc.

Abstract: A recoil mitigation apparatus for a projectile-firing device, such as an explosives disrupter, is provided. At least one brake shoe is positioned proximate the projectile-firing device and means are provided for urging the at least one brake shoe toward the projectile-firing device. The urging of the at least one brake shoe provides a frictional force to mitigate the recoil of the projectile-firing device. In a preferred embodiment, at least one pair of brake shoes are provided. In a further preferred embodiment, the each of the at least one pair of brake shoes are positioned in a facing, spaced apart relationship and the at least one pair of brake shoe combination is positioned in a coaxial relationship to the projectile-firing device.

Abstract: A multi-channel device fabrication process and multi-channel devices made therefrom wherein two ribbons of sheet material edge webs and, optionally, additional webs and/or support members are secured to a ribbon of sheet material base web. The resulting partial laminate is separated into subassemblies, each subassembly comprising a base and two edge strips and, optionally, additional strips which cooperate to define a plurality of open channels with, optionally, support members. A plurality of subassemblies may stacked together with an end plate to form a complete stack, the edges of each subassembly being attached together to form a complete unit. One or more headers or manifolds may be attached to the outside of the complete unit to provide combined fluid inlet to, and egress from, the unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for separating hydrogen. In preferred embodiments, the apparatus and methods utilize microchannel devices with small distances for heat and mass transfer to achieve rapid cycle times and surprisingly large volumes of hydrogen separated in short times using relatively compact hardware.

Abstract: A braking system is provided for mitigating the linear or rotational motion of an object having an axis, the linear or rotational motion being coaxial with the axis. In particular, the motion is the type which is the result of an impulse imposed over a short period of time, typically less than one second. The object whose linear or rotational motion is to be mitigated is disposed coaxially within a tube. The braking system includes at least one brake shoe positioned within an annular free space defined by the outer surface of the object and the inner surface of the tube. The at least one break shoe may be urged against the outer surface of the object or the inner surface of the tube to effect the mitigation.

Abstract: A recoil-mitigated projectile-firing device comprising a firing assembly, the firing assembly comprising the projectile-firing device secured within a tube and the recoil-mitigated projectile-firing device further comprising a brake assembly surrounding a portion of the tube. The brake assembly comprising at least one brake shoe supported within a frame and means for urging the at least one brake shoe against the outer surface of the tube. When the projectile-firing device is discharged, the firing assembly moves relative to the brake assembly and the frictional force mitigates the recoil.

Abstract: A portable explosives disrupter for de-arming improvised explosive devices includes a barrel for housing a projectile, a mechanism for firing the projectile from the barrel, a breech which may be adapted to house a variety of firing mechanisms, a light-weight, semi-rigid, three-dimensionally flexible, recoil-absorbing system for orienting the device in relation to a target and minimizing the effects of recoil on the accuracy of the device, and a means for accurately aiming the explosives disrupter at a target. Three different firing mechanisms are provided, the first employing a firing pin and shock tubing, the second employing a metal sphere and shock tubing, and the third employing a firing piston and a source of compressed air.

Abstract: An integrated, automated system for terminating an optical fiber with an optical connector which includes a process for preparing adhesive for injection into an optical connector, an apparatus and process for injecting adhesive into an optical connector, an apparatus for inserting a fiber optic cable into an optical connector, and a process for curing an adhesive following insertion of optical fiber into the optical connector. Devices and methods that utilize vibratory or wave energy throughout the assembly process are also provided, as are feedback modules that enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the system.

Abstract: A portable explosives disrupter for de-arming improvised explosive devices includes a barrel for housing a projectile, a mechanism for firing the projectile from the barrel, a breech which may be adapted to house a variety of firing mechanisms, a semi-rigid, flexible support system for orienting the device in relation to a target and minimizing the effects of recoil on the accuracy of the device, and a means for accurately aiming the explosives disrupter at a target. Three different firing mechanisms are provided, the first employing a firing pin and shock tubing, the second employing a metal sphere and shock tubing, and the third employing a firing piston and a source of compressed air.

Abstract: A low-cost, portable filtration system for supplying collective protection to a single room inside a residential or commercial building which includes an air-impermeable panel, a filtration assembly for removing airborne biological or chemical agents mounted within the impermeable panel, and an adjustable frame, adapted to be mounted in an opening to the enclosure, for supporting the impermeable panel and the filtration assembly. The filtration assembly includes at least one filtration unit and a blower mounted either upstream or downstream from the filtration unit as well as a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure differential across the impermeable panel after the system is installed, and a control module for controlling the speed of the blower. The individual components of this invention are packaged as a portable kit and may be rapidly assembled and installed in the event of biological or chemical airborne contamination of the interior of a building.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, fully integrated water purification device which includes a receptacle modified to accommodate a filtration assembly for purifying water, and to store water following purification. The receptacle provides separate openings for water intake, and water outflow. The filtration assembly includes a pump and a multistage filter cartridge. Pump action draws water into the water purification device and forces the water through the multistage filter and into the receptacle. Purified water may be stored in the receptacle until consumption.