Abstract: A method of assembling a portal can include obtaining a stile, wherein the stile can include a first stile and a second stile; arranging a thermal strut and insulative bar between the first stile and the second stile, wherein the insulative bar can define a lock groove; arranging a lock assembly within the lock groove, wherein the lock assembly can include a fastening plate rotatably coupled to the lock assembly; and coupling the lock assembly to the stile by rotating the fastening plate and, thereafter, engaging fasteners to provide friction between the fastening plate and the insulative bar.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat pump system and method heat pump system comprising a first Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) core and adapted to convert movement of the core into energy in response to a temper-reature change. A second Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) core in fluid communication with the first core and adapted to convert movement of the second core into energy. A third Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) or elastocaloric core in fluid communication with the first and second cores and adapted to convert movement of the third core into energy. The first core, second core and the third core are arranged in series and a control system provides waste pressure from the first core to the second core and/or third core.

Abstract: The invention provides heat pump system a Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) or elastocaloric material core positioned in a housing and adapted to absorb thermal heat and store energy in response to a first fluid inputted at a first temperature. The housing is configured to receive the fluid at the first temperature via an inlet to cause the SMA or NTE or elastocaloric material core to change state. A device is configured to apply stress on the SMA or NTE or elastocaloric core in the housing to cause the SMA or NTE or elastocaloric core to change state. A support system is configured to engage with the material in the core to prevent the material buckling when the stress is applied wherein the support system comprises a series of buckling supports positioned along at least one length of the SMA or NTE or elastocaloric material core. The support system provides a mechanical buckling support and heat transfer optimisation for fluid flow in a SMA heat pump during compression.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy recovery method and system comprising a first Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) core and adapted to convert movement of the core into energy in response to a change in temperature, and a fluid provides a temperature change to activate the first core, to generate a power stroke; and a back load is applied to the SMA core with a force higher than a maximum relaxation force of the SMA core. The advantage of the invention is to be able to allow a multistage variable loading regime on an SMA engine to increase the system efficiency. The invention provides a method of transferring large reciprocating forces into a steady rotary motion.

Abstract: A system for protecting and alerting individuals in indoor environments of active shooter incidents includes a foldable shield wall, a bulletproof door panel, a foot bolt, an early warning blue light system (EWBLS), and at least one key fob. The foldable shield wall, the bulletproof door panel, and the foot bolt are mounted adjacent to each other. The foldable shield wall is mounted to a structural wall of a room, wherein the room is within a building, so that the foldable shield wall functions as a barrier between the victims and active shooter. The bulletproof door panel is mounted onto a main entry door of the room. The foot bolt is mounted onto the main entry door. Both the door panel and the foot bolt reinforce the existing entry door to withstand gunfire and force entry. The at least key fob is communicably coupled with the EWBLS.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy recovery device comprising a plurality of Shape Memory Alloy (SMAs) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements arranged as a plurality of wires positioned substantially parallel with each other to define a core wherein the wires are selected to have different dimensions such that the plurality of wires are activated at substantially the same time in response to a temperature change.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy recovery device comprising a plurality of Shape Memory Alloy (SMAs) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements arranged as a plurality of wires positioned substantially parallel with each other to define a core wherein the wires are selected to have different dimensions such that the plurality of wires are activated at substantially the same time in response to a temperature change.

Abstract: A container for eggs which uniformly orients eggs so that a substantial amount of surface area of the egg is uniformly presented for marking and viewing. The container has receptacles that may include one or more guidance features configured to automatically guide eggs to settle into a preferred resting orientation with the eggs uniformly centered and tilted slightly backward within their receptacles. The receptacles are designed to resist movement of the eggs from their resting orientation during marking, shipping or handling. Optionally, guidance and stabilizing features may cooperate to maintain eggs in a desired resting orientation.

Abstract: A method for arranging eggs in a container. Eggs placed in receptacles of the container come to a resting orientation, by virtue of the contouring of the receptacle, such that a long axis of the first egg is tilted toward a rear portion of the container at nearly uniform angles slightly offset from a vertical axis, and parallel side-to-side. Using features of the container, movement of eggs from their resting orientation, as well as twisting (spinning) about their long axes is resisted during marking, shipping or handling. The orienting of eggs in the receptacles or compartments thereof may be aided by use of an egg orienter. Tilting of the eggs may be facilitated by using receptacles or compartments which are asymmetrically contoured with respect to the vertical axis.

Abstract: A method for arranging eggs in a container. Eggs placed in receptacles of the container come to a resting orientation, by virtue of eh contouring of the receptacle, such that a long axis of the first egg is tilted toward a rear portion of the container at nearly uniform angles slightly offset from a vertical axis, and parallel side-to-side. Using features of the container, movement of eggs from their resting orientation, as well as twisting (spinning) about their long axes is resisted during marking, shipping or handling. The orienting of eggs in the receptacles or compartments thereof may be aided by use of an egg orienter. Tilting of the eggs may be facilitated by using receptacles or compartments which are asymmetrically contoured with respect to the vertical axis.

Abstract: A container for eggs which uniformly orients eggs so that a substantial amount of surface area of the egg is uniformly presented for marking and viewing. The container has receptacles that may include one or more guidance features configured to automatically guide eggs to settle into a preferred resting orientation with the eggs uniformly centered and tilted slightly backward within their receptacles. The receptacles are designed to resist movement of the eggs from their resting orientation during marking, shipping or handling. Optionally, guidance and stabilizing features may cooperate to maintain eggs in a desired resting orientation.

Abstract: A method for arranging eggs in a container. Eggs placed in receptacles of the container come to a resting orientation, by virtue of eh contouring of the receptacle, such that a long axis of the first egg is tilted toward a rear portion of the container at nearly uniform angles slightly offset from a vertical axis, and parallel side-to-side. Using features of the container, movement of eggs from their resting orientation, as well as twisting (spinning) about their long axes is resisted during marking, shipping or handling. The orienting of eggs in the receptacles or compartments thereof may be aided by use of an egg orienter. Tilting of the eggs may be facilitated by using receptacles or compartments which are asymmetrically contoured with respect to the vertical axis.

Abstract: A safety razor blade unit mounted for pivotal movement relative to a razor handle is biased to a normal rest position by a magnetic return force generated by a pair of magnets that are so disposed that the return force increases as the pivotal displacement of the blade unit from the rest position increases.

Abstract: A safety razor blade unit mounted for pivotal movement relative to a razor handle is biased to a normal rest position by a magnetic return force generated by a pair of magnetic that are so disposed that the return force increases as the pivotal displacement of the blade unit from the rest position increases.

Abstract: A safety razor blade unit mounted for pivotal movement relative to a razor handle is biased to a normal rest position by a magnetic return force generated by a pair of magnetic that are so disposed that the return force increases as the pivotal displacement of the blade unit from the rest position increases.

Abstract: A safety razor blade unit mounted for pivotal movement relative to a razor handle is biased to a normal rest position by a magnetic return force generated by a pair of magnetic that are so disposed that the return force increases as the pivotal displacement of the blade unit from the rest position increases.

Abstract: A laser marking apparatus has a number of individual laser devices (1) mounted at angles to one another. The output ends (2) of the laser devices are disposed closely adjacent to one another and a number of laser beam redirectors (5) are disposed to intercept the laser beams (3) emitted from the laser output ends (2) so as to extend the length of the laser beam paths and to decrease the angle between said laser beams (3).

Abstract: An acoustic diagnostic system for detecting misalignment of switch blade contacts in power distribution systems is disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the high frequency component of the acoustic signal generated by the make and break of electrical contacts in high energy power distribution equipment is filtered and demodulated to produce a waveform from which significant timing information is provided. A method for producing these waveforms is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric arc heated, high velocity, oxidizing gas jet is used to ignite pulverized coal as the coal is fed in an air stream through the coal burners in a conventional coal-fired, suspension type steam boiler.