Abstract: Shooting targets and associated components and methods. A shooting target includes a disc-shaped body having a top wall and a circumferential side wall extending from the top wall. The shooting target can include (1) a structural reinforcing rib extending along the body; (2) a frangible break line extending along the body; (3) a whistle configured to produce an audible noise as the shooting target flies through air; and/or (4) a connector configured to couple a separate component to the shooting target. The separate component can enhance the visibility of the shooting target. The body of the shooting target can be formed from a biodegradable material.

Abstract: A shooting target launcher, associated components and methods. In some embodiments, the launcher spins one or more helicopter-like shooting targets to launch the targets. A target connector receives the targets. The target connector is rotated about an axis of rotation to rotate the targets about the axis of rotation. The targets have fan blades that, when rotated, propel the target through the air. Other embodiments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A shooting target launcher and associated components and methods. The launcher spins one or more helicopter-like shooting targets to launch the targets. The targets have fan blades that, when rotated, propel the target through the air. The launcher includes a housing and a target connector that receives the shooting target. The target connector rotates about an axis of rotation to rotate the shooting target for launching. A manually-powered prime mover is operatively connected to the target connector and rotates the target connector about the axis of rotation for launching the shooting target.

Abstract: Shooting targets and associated components and methods. A shooting target includes a target body having a central hub and a plurality of fan blades extending outward from the central hub. The target body can include a phosphorescent section and/or a frangible break line. The target body can be made of a first material and a second material different than the first material. The second material is softer than the first material. The shooting target can include a whistle for producing an audible noise as the shooting target flies through air. The shooting target can include a connector for coupling a separate component to the shooting target. The shooting target can include a light source (e.g., LED).

Abstract: The present technology relates to systems, devices and methods for the production of highly dehydrated and pure magnesium chloride and aluminum chloride.

Abstract: A blockage detection system for detecting aircraft probe blockages includes a processor, a communication device, and computer-readable memory. The computer-readable memory encoded with instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to execute a blockage detection algorithm. The processor receives a static pressure and an impact pressure from one or more aircraft probes. The processor converts the static pressure and the impact pressure to a correlating variable, via the blockage detection algorithm. The processor evaluates the correlating variable, via the blockage detection algorithm, to determine if a value of the correlating variable exceeds a threshold indicative of a blockage. The processor outputs a blockage indicator, to a receiving system in response to the correlating variable exceeding the first threshold indicative of a blockage. The processor is further able to determine if the blockage has cleared by reference to an external comparative pressure measurement.

Abstract: The present technology provides for devices, methods, compositions, and systems for the environmentally friendly production of alkalinity units in ocean water for facilitating carbon sequestration.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a system for detecting security vulnerabilities in at least one of cyber-physical systems (CPSs) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices is disclosed. The system includes one or more processors configured to construct an attack directed acyclic graph (DAG) unique to each CPS or IoT device of the devices. The processors are further configured to generate an aggregate attack DAG from a classification of each device and a location of each device in network topology specified by a system administrator. The processors are also configured to calculate a vulnerability score and exploit risk score for each node in the aggregate attack DAG. The processors are further configured to optimize placement of defenses to reduce an adversary score of the aggregate attack DAG.

Abstract: A blockage detection system for detecting aircraft probe blockages includes a processor, a communication device, and computer-readable memory. The computer-readable memory encoded with instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to execute a blockage detection algorithm. The processor receives a static pressure and an impact pressure from one or more aircraft probes. The processor converts the static pressure and the impact pressure to a correlating variable, via the blockage detection algorithm. The processor evaluates the correlating variable, via the blockage detection algorithm, to determine if a value of the correlating variable exceeds a threshold indicative of a blockage. The processor outputs a blockage indicator, to a receiving system in response to the correlating variable exceeding the first threshold indicative of a blockage. The processor is further able to determine if the blockage has cleared by reference to an external comparative pressure measurement.

Abstract: A system and method for providing one or more pressurized fluid barriers for a fluid end of a reciprocating pump can comprise energization of, using a clean fluid, one or more components provided at distinct different locations of the reciprocating pump to a pressure greater than a cyclical pressure of the reciprocating pump associated with operation of the reciprocating pump to output fracking fluid.

Abstract: A 3G/LTE proxy system may enable LTE wireless communication by a UE roaming in an LTE VPMN but associated with a 3G carrier. The system may include an EPC configured to proxy as an LTE-capable HPMN for the UE as the UE is attached to a VPLMN. The system may include a 3G MSC configured to proxy as a 3G-capable VPMN for the HPMN. The system may include a translator. The translator may be configured to translate a data communication from an LTE data standard to a 3G data standard, and vice versa. The translator may be configured to translate a text communication from an LTE text standard to a 3G text standard, and vice versa. The translator may be configured to translate a voice communication from an LTE voice standard to a 3G voice standard, and vice versa.

Abstract: A pinion shaft assembly for operation in a power end of a reciprocating pump includes a tubular member coupled to first pinion gear member via an interference coupling extension, possibly having a protruding alignment key operable to engage a slot formed on an inner wall of the first end of the tubular member to ensure correct rotational orientation of the first pinion gear member and the tubular member and to help prevent rotation of the first pinion gear member relative to the tubular member. The tubular member is also coupled to a second pinion gear member via an interference coupling extension, possibly having a protruding alignment key operable to engage a slot formed on an inner wall of the second end of the tubular member to ensure correct rotational orientation of the second pinion gear member and the tubular member and to help prevent rotation of the second pinion gear member relative to the tubular member.

Abstract: A retainer assembly and plug for a fluid end of a pump system includes a retainer body. A plurality of tongues are movably arranged about the retainer body. The tongues are moveable between a pre-installed configuration and an installed configuration depending on the position of the retainer body relative to the tongues. In the installed configuration engaging flanges of the tongues are positioned in a retaining channel formed in a bore of the fluid end and retain the retainer assembly to the fluid end. A plug is configured to sealingly fit to the bore of the fluid end inboard of the retainer assembly and a locking mechanism is configured to secure the retainer assembly to the plug, and when so secured, the position of the retainer body is maintained relative to the plurality of tongues and the retainer assembly is maintained in the installed configuration.

Abstract: A 3G/LTE proxy system may enable LTE wireless communication by a UE roaming in an LTE VPMN but associated with a 3G carrier. The system may include an EPC configured to proxy as an LTE-capable HPMN for the UE as the UE is attached to a VPLMN. The system may include a 3G MSC configured to proxy as a 3G-capable VPMN for the HPMN. The system may include a translator. The translator may be configured to translate a data communication from an LTE data standard to a 3G data standard, and vice versa. The translator may be configured to translate a text communication from an LTE text standard to a 3G text standard, and vice versa. The translator may be configured to translate a voice communication from an LTE voice standard to a 3G voice standard, and vice versa.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a system for detecting security vulnerabilities in at least one of cyber-physical systems (CPSs) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices is disclosed. The system includes one or more processors configured to construct an attack directed acyclic graph (DAG) unique to each CPS or IoT device of the devices. The processors are further configured to generate an aggregate attack DAG from a classification of each device and a location of each device in network topology specified by a system administrator. The processors are also configured to calculate a vulnerability score and exploit risk score for each node in the aggregate attack DAG. The processors are further configured to optimize placement of defenses to reduce an adversary score of the aggregate attack DAG.

Abstract: A retainer assembly and plug for a fluid end of a pump system includes a retainer body. A plurality of tongues are movably arranged about the retainer body. The tongues are moveable between a pre-installed configuration and an installed configuration depending on the position of the retainer body relative to the tongues. In the installed configuration engaging flanges of the tongues are positioned in a retaining channel formed in a bore of the fluid end and retain the retainer assembly to the fluid end. A plug is configured to sealingly fit to the bore of the fluid end inboard of the retainer assembly and a locking mechanism is configured to secure the retainer assembly to the plug, and when so secured, the position of the retainer body is maintained relative to the plurality of tongues and the retainer assembly is maintained in the installed configuration.

Abstract: A long sleeve cartridge for being inserted into a fluid end block of a pump is disclosed. The long sleeve cartridge includes a body and a sleeve bore extending through the body. The sleeve bore includes a first inner diameter and a second inner diameter. The first inner diameter is less than the second inner diameter. A first aperture is located on the body, and a second aperture is located on the body in a radial position substantially diametrically opposite of the first aperture. A packing seal assembly is secured within the long sleeve cartridge. The packing seal assembly includes one or more seals and a biasing mechanism to provide a compression force on the seals. The packing seal assembly is arranged within the second inner diameter when the packing seal assembly is disposed within the long sleeve cartridge.

Abstract: A system and method for providing one or more pressurized fluid barriers for a fluid end of a reciprocating pump can comprise energization of, using a clean fluid, one or more components provided at distinct different locations of the reciprocating pump to a pressure greater than a cyclical pressure of the reciprocating pump associated with operation of the reciprocating pump to output fracking fluid.

Abstract: A pinion shaft assembly for operation in a power end of a reciprocating pump includes a tubular member coupled to first pinion gear member via an interference coupling extension, possibly having a protruding alignment key operable to engage a slot formed on an inner wall of the first end of the tubular member to ensure correct rotational orientation of the first pinion gear member and the tubular member and to help prevent rotation of the first pinion gear member relative to the tubular member. The tubular member is also coupled to a second pinion gear member via an interference coupling extension, possibly having a protruding alignment key operable to engage a slot formed on an inner wall of the second end of the tubular member to ensure correct rotational orientation of the second pinion gear member and the tubular member and to help prevent rotation of the second pinion gear member relative to the tubular member.

Abstract: A long sleeve cartridge for being inserted into a fluid end block of a pump is disclosed. The long sleeve cartridge includes a body and a sleeve bore extending through the body. The sleeve bore includes a first inner diameter and a second inner diameter. The first inner diameter is less than the second inner diameter. A first aperture is located on the body, and a second aperture is located on the body in a radial position substantially diametrically opposite of the first aperture. A packing seal assembly is secured within the long sleeve cartridge. The packing seal assembly includes one or more seals and a biasing mechanism to provide a compression force on the seals. The packing seal assembly is arranged within the second inner diameter when the packing seal assembly is disposed within the long sleeve cartridge.