Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling and/or regulating an annealing or heat treatment furnace (2) of a production line (1) processing metal material, which comprises the annealing or heat treatment furnace (2) and at least one measuring instrument (7, 8, 17), which detects at least one material property of a strip material (6) located in the production line (1), wherein the annealing or heat treatment furnace (2) and the at least one measuring instrument (7, 8) interact in a regulating and/or control circuit of an automated process control, which regulates and/or controls the annealing or heat treatment furnace (2) in connection with a furnace control, wherein according to the invention, a solution is created wherein an improvement of the process control over the previously known prior art can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical draft cooling tower that employs air cooled condenser modules. The aforementioned cooling tower operates by mechanical draft and achieves the exchange of heat between two fluids such as atmospheric air, ordinarily, and another fluid which is usually steam. The aforementioned cooling tower utilizes a modular air cooled condenser concept wherein the air cooled condensers utilize heat exchange deltas and uniquely designed fluid flow dividers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical draft cooling tower that employs air cooled condenser modules. The aforementioned cooling tower operates by mechanical draft and achieves the exchange of heat between two fluids such as atmospheric air, ordinarily, and another fluid which is usually steam. The aforementioned cooling tower utilizes a modular air cooled condenser concept wherein the air cooled condensers utilize heat exchange deltas and uniquely designed fluid flow dividers.

Abstract: A cooling system (20) includes a media exchanger (50), a cooling section (22), and a cooling circuit (120) for circulating a cooling fluid (130) between the media exchanger (50) and the cooling section (22). The media exchanger (50) receives outside air (38) and the cooling section (22) receives return air (32) from and interior space (34). When the cooling fluid (130) circulates into the cooling section (22) via the cooling circuit (120), the temperature of the return air (32) is reduced through indirect heat transfer between the cooling fluid (130) and the return air (32) to produce conditioned air (84). The conditioned air (84) is provided as supply air (46) into the interior space (34). When the cooling fluid circulates into the media exchanger via the cooling circuit, the temperature of the cooling fluid is reduced through direct heat transfer between the cooling fluid and the outside air.

Abstract: A hybrid heat pipe assembly includes a baseplate dimensioned to be placed in surface contact with a device. The baseplate is configured to extract heat from the device. A plurality of fins is bonded to the baseplate. The fins are configured to transfer a first portion of the extracted heat from the baseplate to air surrounding the fins. A complex heat pipe extends from the baseplate and has an end positioned within the baseplate. The complex heat pipe is configured to receive and transfer a second portion of the extracted heat transferred from the baseplate. The complex heat pipe is configured to transfer the second portion of heat to a heat pipe fin stack to which.

Abstract: A heat pipe has an evaporator portion, a condenser portion, and at least one flexible portion that is sealingly coupled between the evaporator portion and the condenser portion. The flexible portion has a flexible tube and a flexible separator plate held in place within the flexible tube so as to divide the flexible tube into a gas-phase passage and a liquid-phase artery. The separator plate and flexible tube are configured such that the flexible portion is flexible in a plane that is perpendicular to the separator plate.

Abstract: This invention provides an economical helical polymeric heat exchanger that packages tightly for handling and then is quickly assembled to its full length prior to placement in either the ground or water.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided comprising a stack of heat exchanger plates (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) formed of sheet metal having a three-dimensional structured pattern (2, 3), each heat exchanger plate (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) having a groove (10), a gasket (9) being arranged in said groove (10) and resting against an adjacent heat exchanger plate (1a), said groove (10) having a bottom inner surface (11), said inner surfacebottom (11) having at least a protrusion (14, 15) directed to said adjacent heat exchanger plate (1a). It is intended to minimize the risk of a leakage. To this end in the region of said protrusion (14, 15) said gasket (9) is compressed more than in a region out of said protrusion (14, 15).

Abstract: A heat exchanger that is constructed with a heat exchanger shell having inlet and outlet plenums and fluid inlet and outlet ports, and a tube sheet construction disposed in the heat exchanger shell. The tube sheet construction includes at least two separate tube sheets and a plurality of tubes that extend between the separate tube sheets. Each tube sheet includes at least two planar tube sheet segments and an interstitial layer disposed between the at least two tube sheet segments, and at least one sensor element supported by each of the interstitial layers. A control monitor controls flow through the shell by a feedback control from the sensor to an inlet control valve and/or a stimulus device excites the media layer.

Abstract: A heat exchanger manifold comprises a heat exchanger header having a header plate with a periphery, a plurality of tube openings within the header plate portion periphery adapted to connect to tubes of a heat exchanger core, a groove around the periphery of the header plate to receive a foot of a tank, and a fastener base extending inward from the header plate. The manifold includes a heat exchanger tank having an opening for mating with the header, a foot extending substantially around a periphery of the opening which is received in the header groove, and a fastener base extending from an inner surface of the tank. A resilient sealing gasket is positioned between the tank foot and the header groove to seal the tank to the header, and a plurality of tabs extending around the periphery of the header are crimped over the tank foot to make the seal between the header groove and the tank foot.

Abstract: The present invention discloses improved heated surfaces (HS) with vertical multiple passage panels or vertical serpentine coils from straight tubes with connections between them by top and bottom bends. In HS with tube bends there is not any mixing headers—each circuit has a single tube from inlet header to outlet header. This increases mass velocity of flow and improves stability and temperature regulation of tubes. The bottom bends have holes. The bottom bend holes of the adjacent passes are connected with drain header by drain stubs. Each header serves to drain the adjacent tube passes and as equalizing header of pressure/flow. It will help to decrease multivaluedness and maldistribution of flow between parallel tubes of the module. Such design of HS noticeably decreases the corrosion of tubes.

Abstract: A thermal insulation system can include a body of heated material at an elevated temperature. A layer of porous insulating material can be placed adjacent to and in fluid communication with the body of heated material. The insulating layer can contain distributed liquid water in an amount sufficient to cool the insulating layer through evaporative vapor flow toward the body of heated material. The amount of water can be sufficient to provide water vapor for inhibiting the diffusion and adsorption of hydrocarbons from the heated material. The insulating layer can include a continuous vapor phase. A heat sink material at a lower temperature can be placed adjacent to the insulating layer and opposite from the body of heated material.

Abstract: A heat sink for the primary part of a linear motor includes a coil system having at least one coil that is to be energized when the motor is in operation, the heat sink being provided for accommodating the coil system of the primary part and forming at least one duct, through which a coolant is flowing during the operation of the heat sink, and at least one intake as well as at least one outlet for the coolant. The heat sink is arranged as an integrally formed component, which has an interface for connecting an object to be moved with the aid of the primary part, the interface having a contact surface via which the object to be moved is able to be brought into contact with the heat sink, and which is arranged and provided for cooling both the coil system of the primary part and the contact surface, such that coolant supplied to the heat sink through an intake is used for cooling the coil system and the contact surface.

Abstract: A heat insulator fastening structure includes: a heat insulator which is configured so as to cover an exhaust manifold; and fasteners which are configured so as to fasten the heat insulator to an object to which the heat insulator is to be fastened, the heat insulator being fastened so as to be displaceable in a predetermined range. The heat insulator has: a single first region which is configured so as to vibrate in the same phase; and a single second region which is different from the first region and which is configured so as to vibrate in the same phase. At least one of the fasteners fastens the first region to the object to which the heat insulator is to be fastened. At least another one of the fasteners fastens the second region to the object to which the heat insulator is to be fastened.

Abstract: A charging handle having a base and a substantially perpendicularly-oriented cross-member. The cross-member is configured to be received longitudinally within an upper receiver for a firearm with the base being positioned fully forward of the upper receiver. The charging handle further includes a spring-biased charging handle latch that pivots about a fulcrum pin. The charging handle latch has an upper arm and a lower arm. The upper arm includes an angled surface that, when engaged, contacts an upper edge of a charging handle latch pocket within a side of the upper receiver. The lower arm is biased by a compression spring that is positioned within a bore of the base. When engaged, the angled surface of the upper arm is retained within the latch pocket of the upper receiver and creates an angle relative to an imaginary centerline of the charging handle cross-member.

Abstract: A drum magazine assembly and methods are described. A drum assembly has a follower assembly, a drum body, a spring assembly, and a feed tower assembly. The follower assembly biases cartridges towards an exit of the feed tower assembly. The follower assembly has a plurality of dummy cartridges, the plurality of dummy cartridges having a leading dummy cartridge and a last dummy cartridge, and a plurality of links including a leading link and a last link. The last dummy cartridge rotates relative to the last link and the leading link, and the leading dummy cartridge has a bolt catch engagement feature.

Abstract: A bullet loader method and apparatus that enables a user to easily load bullets into a gun magazine. The gun magazine is inserted into the apparatus magazine opening. Bullets are individually loaded into the bullet loader with a grooved cam, so that the individual bullets rest in the groove. The cam is rotated so that the bullet travels within the groove(s) of the cam and pushed with a cog attached to the end of the groove into the magazine. The bullet is pushed into the magazine with both a downward and inward force to overcome the spring resistance of the magazine.

Abstract: A handheld finger activated semi-automatic arm may include a barrel, a trigger, a moveable gun bolt and a trigger reset mechanism. The trigger reset mechanism may use rigid mechanical contact between the trigger and the gun bolt during an earliest portion of the operating cycle. The trigger may be blocked from depression by the gun bolt up to 99% of the operating cycle.

Abstract: A mechanism configured to be coupled to a gun to electronically fire the gun, such as a GAU-21 machine gun, from a location remote from the gun. The mechanism includes a lifter configured to be inserted into a rear portion of the gun proximate the gun's bolt latch bar. A lever is coupled to the lifter and is configured to lift the lifter and the bolt latch bar as the gun reciprocates during firing. An electronic actuator, such as a solenoid, is configured to drive the lever to responsively lift the lifter bar, wherein the mechanism is configured to reciprocate with the gun as it is firing.

Abstract: A quick connect for a pistol suppressor includes a housing having a first end, a second end, and a central bore with an upper portion, a lower portion, and an internal shoulder separating the upper and lower portions. A piston is within the central bore of the housing. The piston includes a piston shoulder that creates an upper recess within a central bore of the piston. A ring connected to the second end of the piston is positioned between the housing and the piston and a spring is positioned around an exterior of the piston. A wave spring is positioned in the upper recess of the piston adjacent the piston shoulder and a washer is positioned within the upper recess of the piston. A cap with a central opening and an internal locking profile is connected to the piston with the wave spring biasing the washer towards the locking profile.

Abstract: A visual tracer and sound training device for training in high threat environments. More specifically, a device comprising a barrel unit, a light unit attached to the barrel unit, an antenna, a removable remote control unit, a gearbox, a motor, a high-capacity hopper device, and speakers.

Abstract: An offset riser for an archery bow has an upper end and a lower end each having limb attachment points, wherein a central plane laterally divides the bow through the upper and lower limb attachment points. The riser has a handle portion positioned between the upper end and the lower end and a front strut extending from the upper end to the handle portion, wherein the front strut has a front sight window portion that is offset from the central plane. A rear strut extends from the upper end to the handle portion as well, and it has a rear sight window portion that is offset from the central plane. In this riser, the front sight window portion has a different vertical location of transition lateral to the central plane than the rear sight window portion. This may produce increased stiffness, better visibility, less vibration, and other desirable characteristics.

Abstract: An extendable slide member on a pistol slide action, providing leverage and a gripping base for a user to pull back or “rack” the slide along guides on a pistol frame, in a longitudinal motion relative to the pistol frame. The slide member facilitating racking the slide when in an extended position the slide member rotates either laterally outwards from a side surface of the slide or vertically upwards from a top surface of the slide, and presents a gripping or holding segment for the user to pull the slide towards the breech end of the pistol.

Abstract: A device is convertible between a knife and a fore grip of a firearm. The device has a grip body operatively connected to a blade, and an attachment member connecting the grip body to a longitudinally extending rail of a firearm. The blade converts between an extended position when the device is disconnected from the firearm to a stored position when the device is connected the rail. The blade remains oriented along the longitudinal axis of the grip body when it is in both the stored position and the extended position. The grip body remains operatively connected to the blade when the device is disconnected from the firearm and the blade is in the extended position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a holster for concealment inside a waistband of a lower garment of a user. The holster includes a support sheet having first and second surfaces and made of at least first and second layers of different material. The first layer comprises a pliable leather material and the second layer comprises a resilient elastomeric cushion material. The second layer is positioned inward toward the user relative to the first layer when the holster is in use. A rigid shell member is attached to the support sheet and forms, with the first side of the support sheet, a pocket configured to encase a portion of a handgun. At least one garment attachment member is provided on the support sheet and is configured to support the holster inside a waistband of a lower garment of a user. In one example, the resilient elastomeric cushion material may be neoprene.

Abstract: Described herein are sight assemblies that can be used, for example, with a firearm. Methods for using the described sight assemblies are also described herein.

Abstract: A rear-sight aiming device to aid a shooter of a firearm. The device includes a housing with a tunnel alignable with the front aiming sight; an elongated optical fiber disposed inboard within the tunnel; an annular light-transmitting cylinder, disposed within the tunnel between the optical fiber and the shooter of the firearm during shooting; and a self-activating light source coaxially and completely disposed within the cylinder.

Abstract: A combined reflex and laser sighting device is provided. In one aspect, the reflex sight and one or more laser elements are coaligned, such that both the reflex sight and the laser sight can be sighted in or boresighted to a weapon together in a single operation. In another aspect, one or more laser elements are mounted within a laser bench and aligned with a reflex sight attached to the laser bench. In yet another aspect, a plurality of laser elements are provided within the laser bench and are coaligned with each other and the reflex sight. In another aspect, a mounting block with yielding vertical and horizontal webs is provided to allow windage and elevation adjustments to be made to the reflex sight and laser elements together.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the reticule includes the following steps: displaying a coordinate on the touch display screen, setting the origin of the coordinate at the center of the touch display screen, aiming at an object with the origin, firing the first bullet to get the first bullet hole on the touch display screen, obtaining the coordinate value of the first bullet hole, determining the opposite value, clicking on the place of the opposite value, moving the origin of the coordinate to the place of the opposite value, and aiming at the object with the new origin, firing the second bullet to get the second bullet hole, removing the coordinate; clicking the second bullet hole, an adjusted reticle appearing.

Abstract: Gyroscopically assisted weapons stabilization systems are provided which include a spring-assisted recoil assembly for mounting a weapon having an elongate axis and a gyroscope assembly having multiple pairs of axially opposed gyroscopes having respective spin axes. The multiple pairs of axially opposed gyroscopes are positioned so that the respective spin axes thereof are in a common plane and are offset relative to one another by an angle ?.

Abstract: An improved device for enabling a user to quickly and securely attach and detach an accessory (e.g., a scope, light, bayonet, etc.) to the Picatinny or tactical rail of a firearm. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a lower portion, an upper portion and a locking mechanism. The device is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and safe and easy to use.

Abstract: An improved device for enabling a user to quickly and securely attach and detach an accessory (e.g., a scope, light, bayonet, etc.) to the Picatinny or tactical rail of a firearm. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a lower portion, an upper portion and a locking mechanism. The device is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and safe and easy to use.

Abstract: The helmet appliqué assembly of the present invention permits a helmet wearer to upgrade the ballistic prevention capabilities of a traditional helmet quickly and efficiently. The helmet appliqué can be provided as part of a helmet appliqué system and/or assembly that includes an internal-side connection for attaching to a helmet and an external-side connection for receiving any of various external items such as identification tags, mounts and external equipment or attachments. The appliqué element can comprise various types of material, including, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

Abstract: A polyurea hybrid ballistic armor formed from novel cured reaction products of various diamines and polyester diols with isocyanate curing agents. The cured reaction product can absorb large amounts of energy from ballistic projectiles, and when various hard granular particles are embedded within the cured reaction product, a strike plate effect can be realized, allowing the polyurea hybrid ballistic armor to defeat ballistic projectiles. The polyurea hybrid ballistic armor can additionally be utilized to add additional layers of protection to existing armor systems.

Abstract: A flexible ballistic resistant panel can include a first plurality of ballistic sheets comprising high performance fibers, a second plurality of ballistic sheets comprising high performance fibers, and a third plurality of ballistic sheets comprising high performance fibers. The second plurality of ballistic sheets can be adjacent to the first plurality of ballistic sheets, and the third plurality of ballistic sheets can be adjacent to the second plurality of ballistic sheets. Each ballistic sheet within the first plurality of ballistic sheets can be at least partially bonded to at least one adjacent ballistic sheet in the first plurality of ballistic sheets. Similarly, each ballistic sheet within the third plurality of ballistic sheets can be at least partially bonded to at least one adjacent ballistic sheet in the third plurality of ballistic sheets. The first, second, and third pluralities of ballistic sheets can be encased by a waterproof cover.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to shielding electronic devices with respect to, among other things, projectiles. In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a plurality of projectile-resistant panels corresponding to exterior surfaces of an electronic device. The apparatus wraps the electronic device, wherein each of the plurality of projectile-resistant panels covers a solid surface of the exterior surfaces of the electronic device and does not cover a perforated surface of the exterior surfaces of the electronic device. In further examples, the apparatus further comprises at least one fabric sheet forming a plurality of pockets in which to receive the plurality of projectile-resistant panels; and an articulation located between a pair of adjacent pockets of the plurality of pockets.

Abstract: A munition including: a control surface actuation device including: an actuator comprising two or more pistons, each of the pistons being movable between an extended and retracted position, the retracted position resulting from an activation of each of the two or more pistons; and a movable rack having a portion engageable with a portion of the two or more pistons to sequentially move the rack upon activation of each of the two or more pistons; and a control surface operatively connected to the rack such that movement of the rack moves the control surface; Where the actuator comprises three pistons; the portion of the rack is a plurality of spaced portions and the portion of the piston is an end portion of the piston exposed when the piston is in the extended position or the movable rack is linear and moves linearly.

Abstract: A ballistic sabot for adapting a payload to a launch device is disclosed. The ballistic sabot can include a support structure configured to be releasably coupled to a payload and to operably interface with a launch device. The launch device can be operable to launch the payload and the support structure on a ballistic trajectory. The support structure can be configured to retain and travel with the payload along the ballistic trajectory substantially beyond the launch device prior to release and separation from the payload.

Abstract: A munition includes a projectile and a propellant unit. A propellant insert in the propellant unit has at least two propellant chambers each receiving a respective propellant charge. A primer mechanism is actuatable to ignite all of the propellant charges in the propellant insert. The combustion products of a selected one of the propellant charges are directed to the projectile and the combustion products of the non-selected propellant charges are vented.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stopping an impeller-driven watercraft is includes distributing a plurality of submunitions in advance of a path of the impeller-driven watercraft. Each of the submunitions includes a buoyant member, a first end cap, and a second end cap; the second end cap is heavier than the first end cap. A lanyard connects the first end cap to the second end cap, optionally passing through the buoyant member.

Abstract: Artillery grenade holsters are configured to releasably retain one or more artillery grenades. One or more retaining tabs are configured to define a receptacle space for receiving an artillery grenade. The retaining tab(s) flex outwardly during grenade extraction to allow release of the artillery grenade, after which the retaining tab(s) flex back to their original positions. A secondary retaining element links two or more retaining tabs to prevent inadvertent outward flexing. An artillery grenade holster includes a securing cap fixedly attached, by a retention cable, to a back support and releasably attached, by the retention cable, to a securing element of a front support.

Abstract: The necessary ESD safety for chemical detonators 1 is ensured by the fact that the sleeve 2 of the chemical detonator 1 is closely encompassed by an aluminum sleeve 20, the ignition pill 5 is sealed in addition by a casting compound 21 and a predetermined flashover position 26 is provided for the priming wires 3, 4.

Abstract: A position-measuring device includes a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly, installable on a first object, has a profiled element that bears a scale having a first and second measuring graduation. The second assembly, installable on a second object, has a first scanning unit that is movable along a travel path in a measuring direction to scan the first measuring graduation. A position of the first object relative to the second object is therefore measurable. A second scanning unit is mounted on the profiled element so as to enable the second measuring graduation to be scanned, and is positioned in a way that allows the first scanning unit to traverse collision-free along the travel path at a distance spaced apart from the second scanning unit orthogonally to the measuring direction such that a displacement of the scale relative to the first object is measurable.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking dimensions and/or shape includes one or more feelers (7,8;9;67,68), three for preference, adapted to touch the surface of a mechanical part (2;61) to be checked, a transducer and/or display device (33;78) with a movable part (34;77), and a mechanical transmission assembly (20) to transmit to the movable part of the transducer and/or display device the displacements of the feeler/s. The mechanical transmission assembly includes a shaft (22) defining an axis (A) and a guiding element (30) adapted to house a guide portion (25) of the shaft. The shaft includes a resiliently deformable portion (26), that is preferably a reduced diameter portion having axial symmetry, in an intermediate position between the guide portion and an abutment portion (27).

Abstract: A measuring device and related methods include, in at least one aspect, a method for controlling a measuring device: including processing data providing information on a shape of the part to determine a set of suitable surface touch positions, the set of suitable surface touch positions being used to generate a first queue; instructing the measuring device to move at least one of one or more probes to each position listed in the first queue, and to take a surface touch measurement at each position; calculating a set of suitable edge touch positions based on the surface touch measurements, the set of suitable edge touch positions being used to generate a second queue of measurements; and instructing the measuring device to move the at least one of the one or more probes to each position listed in the second queue, and to take an edge measurement at each position.

Abstract: A first aspect of the invention provides an apparatus to indicate an amplitude of an uneven measurement surface. The apparatus may include a frame slidingly supporting a set of pins, each pin including a high point stop and a low point stop; a low point isolator member moveable relative to the frame, the low point isolator member indicating a lowest point of the uneven measurement surface by a respective low point stop of a first; a high point isolator member moveable relative to the frame, the high point isolator member indicating a highest point of the uneven measurement surface by a respective high point stop of a second pin; a low point displacement sensor for identifying a low point displacement; a high point displacement sensor for identifying a high point displacement; and a calculator for calculating a difference between the low point displacement and the high point displacement.

Abstract: A guide rail straightness tester is provided. The guide rail straightness tester includes a first rail clamp assembly attached to a guide rail. An opposing second rail clamp assembly is attached to the guide rail. A sensor assembly is positioned between the first and second rail clamp assemblies and configured for slidable seating on the guide rail. The sensor assembly includes a sensor plate. A line extends from the first rail clamp assembly through an aperture in the sensor plate and is connected to the second rail clamp assembly. The sensor assembly is configured to determine the straightness of the guide rail during movement of the sensor assembly along the guide rail.

Abstract: A wheel alignment device (10) is disclosed having a base crossbar (12), a top crossbar (14), a right stanchion (15) and a left stanchion (16) coupled to the base and top crossbar, and a stabilizing rod (17) to maintain the stanchions parallel to each other. The base crossbar has two lower rim engaging posts (22) and oppositely disposed ends (25) each having an inwardly extending tape measure holding slot (26). The top crossbar has two upper rim engaging posts (33). The right and left stanchions each an elongated top mounting slot (41) therethrough through which a threaded post (46) of an upper fastening knob (47) passes to slidably coupled the top crossbar to the stanchions.

Abstract: A localization method and system, including determining phases of a plurality of response signals at a plurality of frequencies received from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag in response to interrogation signals by a reader at the plurality of frequencies; calculating a first distance estimate of a distance between the RFID tag and the reader based on a signal strength measured from a first response signal of the plurality of response signals; based on the phases and the first distance estimate, calculating a phase slope; and determining a second distance estimate of the distance based upon the phase slope.

Abstract: An articulated arm coordinate measurement machine is provided with a power supply having multiple power sources. The power supply having an input configured to receive electrical power from an external energy supply and first and second energy storage members. The first energy storage member having a first processing circuit configured to measure at least one first parameter and transmit a first signal to the first electronic circuit. The second energy storage member having a second processing circuit configured to measure at least one second parameter and transmit a second signal to the first electronic circuit. Wherein the power supply is configure to selectively transfer electrical power from at least one of the first and second energy storage members, the power supply further being configured to change the transfer of electrical power from the first and second energy storage members in response to the first signal and second signal.