Abstract: A hollow tube projectile and launch cup system comprises a cylindrical hollow tube with an inwardly chamfered leading end and a plurality of elongate vents spaced evenly around a cylindrical wall. The elongate vents are configured to have a semicircular leading edge and an elliptical trailing edge. The trailing edge is configured to extend at an acute angle from an inner perimeter of the cylindrical wall to an outer perimeter thereof. The disclosed launch cup comprises an outwardly chamfered leading end and a plurality of elongate exterior ribs spaced evenly around an otherwise cylindrical wall. The ribs are configured to extend longitudinally from the leading end toward the trailing end and blend into an anterior skirt on the trailing end. The trailing end is configured in a receptacle aft for explosive propulsion and the leading end is configured in a receptacle fore to receive the hollow tube projectile therein.

Abstract: A hollow tube projectile and launch cup system comprises a cylindrical hollow tube with an inwardly chamfered leading end and a plurality of elongate vents spaced evenly around a cylindrical wall. The elongate vents are configured to have a semicircular leading edge and an elliptical trailing edge. The trailing edge is configured to extend at an acute angle from an inner perimeter of the cylindrical wall to an outer perimeter thereof. The disclosed launch cup comprises an outwardly chamfered leading end and a plurality of elongate exterior ribs spaced evenly around an otherwise cylindrical wall. The ribs are configured to extend longitudinally from the leading end toward the trailing end and blend into an anterior skirt on the trailing end. The trailing end is configured in a receptacle aft for explosive propulsion and the leading end is configured in a receptacle fore to receive the hollow tube projectile therein.

Abstract: A disclosed heat exchanger device for a heat exchanging fluid comprises a continuous conduit arranged in an Nth pass plurality of descending rows and columns interconnected at at least one transitional point(s). The transitional point(s) are arranged in a pattern of parallel U-tubes which in any two adjacent rows slope in the same direction wherein an end view of the first transitional points resembles a herringbone pattern. A heat exchanger system disclosed comprises a continuous conduit or a plurality of fluid channeling conduits arranged in a lattice of rows and columns, wherein an outside cross section of the conduit is polygonal, especially square but having an inner circumference, a.k.a. Square Pipe™. An outside shell for the conduit is adapted to contain and to channel a fluid therein. A plurality of heat deflectors and flow channeling baffles are arranged adjacent the conduits in a free-floating relationship to the conduits.

Abstract: A railroad tie that is positioned on a rail bed as part of a rail system comprises a first end section, a second end section, and a middle section The middle section extends between and couples the first end section and the second end section The first end section has a first width The second end section has a second width The middle section has a middle width that is at least five percent different than the first width and the second width The middle width can be at least five percent less than the first width and the second width Additionally, the first width can be substantially equal to the second width Further, the middle section can extend away from the first end section at a first angle of between approximately 75 and 95 degrees