Abstract: A firing pin block for inhibiting unintended firing of a firearm is disclosed. A first end portion of the firing pin block is configured to couple to a slide of a firearm. An arm extends from the first end portion along a longitudinal axis. The arm has a distal end portion. The arm is resiliently flexible to permit displacement of the distal end portion along a second axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis. The distal end portion has a hammer engagement surface. The hammer engagement surface is configured to contact a hammer to effect displacement of the distal end portion. The firing pin block has a protrusion extending downwardly from the arm along the second axis. The protrusion is positioned between the first end portion and the hammer engagement surface along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method and backup system for backing up a supply oxygen in an air separation plant in which during normal operation, a stream of oxygen-rich liquid is pumped through a main flow path, extending from a surge tank to a heat exchanger, to deliver an oxygen product. The surge tank receives the oxygen-rich liquid from a bottom region of the lower pressure column of the plant. Additionally, during normal operations, a stream of the oxygen-rich liquid is also introduced to a reserve storage tank through a backup flow path. During a transient operation, where the air separation plant has ceased operation, the surge tank is isolated and liquid is pumped from the surge tank through an auxiliary flow path to an auxiliary vaporizer to continue the supply of the oxygen product and the surge tank is replenished with oxygen-rich liquid previously stored in the reserve storage tank.

Abstract: A method and backup system for backing up a supply oxygen in an air separation plant in which during normal operation, a stream of oxygen-rich liquid is pumped through a main flow path, extending from a surge tank to a heat exchanger, to deliver an oxygen product. The surge tank receives the oxygen-rich liquid from a bottom region of the lower pressure column of the plant. Additionally, during normal operations, a stream of the oxygen-rich liquid is also introduced to a reserve storage tank through a backup flow path. During a transient operation, where the air separation plant has ceased operation, the surge tank is isolated and liquid is pumped from the surge tank through an auxiliary flow path to an auxiliary vaporizer to continue the supply of the oxygen product and the surge tank is replenished with oxygen-rich liquid previously stored in the reserve storage tank.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling addition of a supplementary oxygen stream into a steam methane reformer utilizing both the supplementary oxygen stream and a primary oxidant stream to support combustion of a fuel stream by burners firing into a radiant section of the reformer. The combustion generates heat to support endothermic heat requirements of the reforming reaction conducted in reformer tubes to obtain an enhanced rate of production of a product gas stream produced by the endothermic reaction. In the method, a temperature is obtained that is at least referable to a reformer tube wall temperature measured at a location of inlet regions of the reformer tubes at which a maximum temperature is produced at the enhanced rate of production.

Abstract: A burner has a central port and 3 or more outer ports whose axes are angled toward or away from the central port axis. Sequentially varying the outer port(s) from which material is injected at a high enough momentum to deflect the flame from the axis of the central port changes the orientation of the flame with respect to the central port axis.

Abstract: A method of generating electricity in synthesis gas in which a fuel is combusted in a gas turbine to generate the electricity that at least about 60 percent by volume is derived from a source independent of the synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is produced by reacting a hydrocarbon stream, by for example, partial oxidation, autothermal reforming or steam methane reforming. After the synthesis gas stream is cooled, heat is transferred from the heated synthesis gas stream to the fuel prior to combustion in the gas turbine. All or at least a portion of the heat is transferred at a temperature no greater than about 500° F. and at a flow ratio of the fuel to the gas turbine to the synthesis gas stream from at least about 1.5. The heating of the fuel to the gas turbine lowers fuel consumption and thereby the total expenses involved in generating electricity and syngas.

Abstract: A switch assembly for triggering the release of a door latch that provides improved tactile feedback to a user when actuated is disclosed. The switch assembly provides a tactile response to the user that indicates proper actuation by the force feedback that is provided to the user as the button is displaced during actuation. The switch assembly includes an elastomeric button and a base supporting the button. An electrically conductive static contact is supported by the base. An electrically conductive moveable contact, also supported by the base, is operatively disposed between the button and the static contact. A film is disposed over the moveable contact and fixed to the edge of the base, sealing both contacts from the atmosphere. The film thereby effectively divides the interior of the switch assembly into an open first chamber located between the film and the button, and a closed second chamber located between the film and the base.

Abstract: A pedal actuated switch assembly The switch assembly comprises a housing, a linear actuator resiliently supported in the housing and coupled with the a pedal for linear movement relative to the housing, a rotational actuator rotatably supported in the housing and coupled with the linear actuator such that the linear movement of the linear actuator produces a rotational movement of the rotational actuator, and an electrical switch supported in the housing and controllable by the rotational movement of the rotational actuator for selectively opening and closing the electrical switch.

Abstract: A multi-position switch assembly mounted in a housing. The switch assembly includes a rotatable member, a set of first electrical conductors disposed along a first circumference and a set of second electrical conductors disposed on a printed circuit along at a second circumference. The switch assembly also includes an actuating mechanism that selectively provides electrical contact between at least one of the first conductors with one of the second conductors to close a circuit when the member is rotated. The first conductors may be either stationary or rotatable with the member. The actuating mechanism for the stationary conductors includes a cam, a bearing retainer and a pad with resilient buttons. The rotatable conductors are spring-biased and guided in a slot on the printed circuit board.