Abstract: A control system for a fuel-fired appliance and methods of operating are disclosed. When an electrical characteristic of a flame detector fails to cross a threshold level during an ignition attempt and when the electrical characteristic of the flame detector changes by a predetermined amount, the control system may activate an indicator indicating a problem with the flame detector (e.g. dirty, misaligned, or otherwise unable to properly detect the flame).

Abstract: A premixing apparatus for a gas turbine system includes non-swirl elements around a periphery of a face of a premixing apparatus and a swirl assembly located substantially at a center of the face. The non-swirl elements premix a premixture prior to the premixture being delivered to a combustor of the gas turbine system. The swirl assembly disturbs a flow of fluid prior to the fluid being delivered to the combustor. The premixture includes fuel and oxidant, and the fluid disturbed by the swirl assembly includes the oxidant or the premixture.

Abstract: An air blocker ring assembly including a proximal end and a distal end, a blocker ring, and a blocker ring support cooperating with the blocker ring to form a circumferentially extending split line at an interface between the blocker ring and the blocker ring support. The proximal end of the proximal ring assembly has a circumferential leading edge, and the circumferentially extending split line is located at least one of radially inside or radially outside the leading edge.

Abstract: A combustor (10) includes a cap (16), a liner (20), a transition piece (24), and a combustion chamber (22) located downstream from the cap (16) and defined by the cap and liner. A secondary nozzle (40) circumferentially arranged around the liner (20) or transition piece (24) includes a center body, a fluid passage through the center body, a shroud circumferentially surrounding the center body, and an annular passage between the center body and the shroud. A method for supplying fuel to a combustor (10) includes flowing fuel through a primary nozzle radially disposed in a breech end of the combustor and flowing fuel through a secondary nozzle (40) circumferentially arranged around and passing through at least one of a liner (20) or a transition piece. The secondary nozzle (40) includes a center body, a fluid passage through the center body, a shroud circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the center body (44), and an annular passage between the center body and the shroud.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustor cap assembly (24) including a pre-mix tube (42, 44) with an upstream flange (60, 62) that aligns and seats the tube against a primary feed plate (66) attached to an upstream end of a support ring (48). The pre-mix tube may have an intermediate flange (64) at an intermediate position on the length of the tube that aligns and seats the tube against an intermediate structural frame (68) attached to the support ring at an intermediate position on the length of the support ring. The combustor cap assembly (24) may have multiple pre-mix tubes, including a central pre-mix tube (44) with upstream (62) and intermediate (64) flanges and a circular array of outer pre-mix tubes (44) with at least an upstream flange (64).

Abstract: Disclosed is a fireplace of combusting gasified liquid fuel, which includes a fireplace body provided with a fireplace chamber. The fireplace body is provided with a cavity which is capable of accommodating a combustion device and formed at the bottom of the fireplace chamber. A fire viewport is provided at the front of the fireplace body. The combustion device includes a liquid supplying device, gasification chamber and burner. A slot used for exposing the burner is provided at the top of the cavity. A flame jet hole is arranged in the burner. A liquid fuel feeding port and a gas outlet are arranged in the gasification chamber.

Abstract: A metal panel, a manufacturing method thereof and a cooking device using the metal panel capable of improving an external appearance of edges, enhancing efficiency of a manufacturing process and reducing the manufacturing cost. The manufacturing method of a metal panel includes cutting a metal plate to form a cutaway portion at a specified area of a border, bending the border on opposite sides of the cutaway portion, and coupling a bracket to a cutaway groove formed at the border by the bending.

Abstract: An oven is provided including an oven cavity and an outlet duct for receiving exhaust gas from the oven cavity. The oven further includes a flow control device attached to the outlet duct. The flow control device includes a damper assembly positioned at least partially within the outlet duct. The damper assembly is movable with respect to the outlet duct. The flow control device further includes a drive unit attached to the damper assembly, the drive unit selectively moving the damper assembly between a closed position in which the damper assembly blocks a flow of the exhaust gas through the outlet duct and an opened position. The oven further includes a control system for controlling the damper assembly.

Abstract: A gas oven range may include a cavity forming a cooking chamber in which food may be cooked and a burner assembly installed on a rear wall of the cavity to heat the cavity. The burner assembly may include a burner having flame holes formed therein, a plate supporting the burner, and a cover covering the burner to form a burner chamber. An inlet may guide air from the cooking chamber into the burner chamber, and a partition may be provided between the cover and the plate to partition air flowing from the cooking chamber into the burner chamber from flames generated by the burner.

Abstract: A power supply panel includes an engagement portion. An electrical component box includes a hook portion that engages with the engagement portion. A temporarily fixed state in which the power supply panel is attached to the electrical component box is set when the engagement portion engages with the hook portion. A securely fixed state in which the power supply panel is positioned inside the outer periphery of a housing, as the housing is seen in a plan view, and the power supply panel is positioned below the electrical component box is set when the electrical component box is placed in a machine chamber and the power supply panel is attached to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dehumidification and humidification apparatus for vehicles using an adsorbent which is capable of feeding a dehumidified air for preventing fogging of window glass and a humidified air for improvement in comfortableness, and is simplified in construction thereof and reduced in size thereof. The dehumidification and humidification apparatus for vehicles according to the present invention comprises a casing (1), and a blower (2), an adsorbent module (3) and an air passage switching device (4) which are accommodated in the casing.

Abstract: A method and system for minimizing an incomplete closing phenomenon between an elevator hole and an interior section and a stack effect problem such as strong wind generated when opening an elevator door, which are inevitably generated at upper floors of high-rise office buildings, are provided. The method includes determining a degree of pressurization of the interior section in accordance with target pressure resistance and reduction in passing wind when opening the elevator door, and calculating a supply air volume required for the pressurization and an exhaust air volume from an elevator shaft based on the determined degree of the pressurization.

Abstract: An improved HVAC system is provided for the delivery of a temperature controlled air supply via one or more air curtains provided at windows, doors and walls. The air curtains create a double layer of insulation over the surface of a window, door or wall. The invention provides for the use of the temperature controlled air flow from the air curtain to directly affect the interior room temperature. The invention provides an improved system for continuous cleaning the recycled air through the use of a wet electrostatic precipitator in the HVAC air flow, as well as providing a higher speed mode for the air curtain to prevent the inflow of particles and contaminants from outside of the building, when windows or doors are open. The invention may be installed on existing construction, or incorporated as part of new construction.

Abstract: An air-conditioning control apparatus for controlling an air conditioner configured to supply conditioned air into a space to be air-conditioned so that a temperature of a predetermined section in a plurality of sections in the space to be air-conditioned becomes a set temperature, the air-conditioning control apparatus comprising: a detecting device configured to determines the number of people in the predetermined section; and a controller configured to correct the set temperature so as to be decreased if the number of people is increased and so as to be increased if the number of people is decreased.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) controller may include a housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) situated within the housing. The PCB may include a battery seat region and electrical terminals for electrically connecting a battery to the PCB when the battery is positioned at the battery seat region. The housing may include an opening that may be configured to receive the battery. The battery seat region may be at least partially offset relative to the opening in the housing, but accessible via the opening. The housing may be configured to allow the battery to be inserted into the opening and then moved laterally to the battery seat region, where the battery may be at least partially covered and/or protected by the housing when at the battery seat region. In some cases, the battery may be inserted within the housing without adjusting any part of the housing.

Abstract: A window security assembly includes a cage structured to have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The cage is further structured to have first section slidably coupled to a second section so the cage has an adjustable width. The cage is further structured to have an open side. The cage is positioned in a window such that the open side receives an air conditioner mounted in the window to surround the air conditioner. Each of a plurality of fasteners extends through the cage and engages the window such that the cage prevents an individual from tampering with the air conditioner or entering through the window.

Abstract: Water heater apparatus includes a tank for storing water; a heat exchanger associated with the tank and being operative to receive refrigerant and transfer heat therefrom to the tank, the heat exchanger representatively being a heat conductive tube externally wrapped around the tank in heat conductive contact therewith; air conditioning apparatus operative to utilize refrigerant flowing through a refrigerant circuit portion of the air conditioning apparatus, the refrigerant circuit portion being in fluid communication with the heat exchanger; and a control system operative to selectively cause a portion of the flowing refrigerant to pass through the heat exchanger, or cause essentially the entire flow of the refrigerant to bypass the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A boiler includes a flue gas duct and heat exchanger pipes in the flue gas duct. The boiler includes a planar silencer plate, which silencer plate includes sound absorbing material, and said first silencer plate being placed downstream of one of said heat exchanger pipes in the flow direction of flue gases in said flue gas duct. Furthermore, a silencer for a flue gas duct with a rectangular cross-section in a boiler, the silencer including at least a first and a second planar silencer plate substantially parallel to the flow direction of flue gases, the silencer plates including sound absorbing material. The first silencer plate is placed at an angle to the second silencer plate, wherein the width of the resonating area of the flue gas duct becomes narrower in two directions transverse to the flow direction of the flue gases.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus (100) for producing a superheated working fluid from a concentrating solar plant. More specifically, the process and apparatus produce superheated steam. The apparatus is designed such that it can use more than one heat transfer medium to produce the superheated working fluid. A first heat exchanger system (101) is designed to use the heat of a first heat transfer medium in order to preheat, evaporate and superheat a working fluid in a power generating working cycle (103). A second heat exchanger system (102) is designed to use the heat of a second heat transfer medium to superheat the working fluid in cycle (103).

Abstract: A solar collector has first and second manifolds and tubes that provide fluid communication between the manifolds. An enclosure of the collector extends between first and second ends thereof that are respectively proximal to the first and second manifolds, and the tubes extend out of the enclosure at the first and second ends passed a seal at each end to connect to the first and second manifolds.

Abstract: Cylindrical interior and exterior drums, each drum has a cylindrical side wall with primary and secondary end caps. Fixed primary and secondary supports are provided. Each support has a primary shaft with an interior end fixedly supported by a primary end cap of an interior drum and an exterior end rotatably supported in a support plate. A drive disc is secured to the primary shaft for rotation therewith. The drive disc has an angled exterior surface. The primary end cap of the exterior drum has an angled interior surface. A plurality of cones are in contact with the interior and exterior surfaces whereby rotation of the drive disc and the primary shaft and the interior drum will translate into counter rotation of the exterior drum. A quantity of fluid is located between the drums for generating heat in response to the counter rotation of the drums.

Abstract: In a two-stage compression refrigeration cycle device, a low-pressure side compression mechanism and a high-pressure side compression mechanism are intermittently operated to control such that the temperature of air blown into a freezer approaches a target temperature. Under the control, the high-pressure side compression mechanism is first stopped, and then the low-pressure side compression mechanism is stopped. Further, when a reference time has elapsed after driving the high-pressure side compression mechanism, then the low-pressure side compression mechanism is driven. The refrigeration cycle device can reduce a high-pressure side pressure difference upon driving the high-pressure side compression mechanism, and can also reduce a low-pressure side pressure difference upon driving the low-pressure side compression mechanism.

Abstract: A method for the pulsating load refrigeration of a component of a Tokamak using a refrigeration device subjecting a working fluid to a working cycle. At least one “periodic and symmetrical” operating mode of the Tokamak includes an operating mode in which plasmas of preset duration Dp are generated periodically with intervals of duration Dnp between two successive plasmas. Dnp=Dp±30%. The cooling device cooling power is increased to a relatively high level in a plasma generation phase and reduced to a relatively low level when the Tokamak is no longer in a plasma generation phase. The refrigerating power variation brings gradual increases and reductions in refrigerating power. The increase in the refrigeration device refrigerating power is triggered in advance, in response to a signal (S) generated during a plasma starting step before the thermal load on the component increases.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage system (TESS) that enables the discharge of refrigerated air for cooling cargo or passengers in large compartments, such as the trailer of a semi-truck, for a period of time well in excess of several hours. The TES system is able to provide refrigeration without operating a conventional VCC unit, the truck engine, or the TRU diesel APU engine during all or a significant portion of the period of the typical range of time that a 53 foot refrigerated the truck is traveling over the road. The TES system includes a phase change material (PCM) reservoir, a cooling system-to-WF heat exchanger in fluid communication with the PCM reservoir, and a PCM-to-target heat exchanger in fluid communication with the PCM reservoir. The PCM reservoir contains a phase change material, a working fluid (WF) and a working fluid-to-PCM heat exchanger.

Abstract: The invention utilizes concentrated solar energy in a novel air conditioning system which includes storage capabilities. The refrigerant circuit “high” pressure side is comprised of multiple solar concentrators placed between two positive rotary valves. The “low” pressure side is compromised of the evaporator coil with expansion valve. The refrigerant is confined between the two rotary valves. As solar energy is absorbed into the refrigerant, the pressure and temperature rise. The two rotary valves are then caused to rotate. With rotation, the refrigerant is moved through the circuit. The circuit also includes a condenser to give up heat and an evaporator/expansion valve in which temperature drops with the expanding gas. In addition, this system places the evaporator in a water tank. The water is made cold by conduction with the evaporator and serves as a storage medium. All energy absorbed is converted to cold and stored and utilized as required.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for overcoming known plating deficiencies in evaporator assemblies in ice making machine. One embodiment joins the vertical and horizontal partitions together at their intersections so that all surfaces are susceptible for increased soldering/brazing by eliminating the “voids” by changing the location and design of the “weep holes” in the vertical and/or horizontal partitions. This provides more complete capillary path at the joint between the vertical and horizontal partitions and the evaporator pan allowing improved flow via capillary action of solder/brazing alloy during the joining of the assembled vertical and horizontal partition grid to the evaporator pan.

Abstract: A specially designed cooler featuring an integrated strap system for conveying non-food-and-drink accessories, primarily chairs, as well as other outdoor accessories to provide a unique yet practical new alternative to standard beverage coolers that allows users to transport everything they need in one trip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigerator having a sliding door, comprising: a refrigerator body which has an opened front part and has a storage space therein; a pair of sliding guide units provided on upper and lower ends of the refrigerator body; a door arranged on the front side of the refrigerator body; and a sliding operation unit which has one end that is coupled so as to allow a sliding movement and a horizontal rotation along each sliding guide unit and the other end that is hingedly coupled to the door, and which is foldable according to a moving direction during the sliding movement such that the door is gradually separated from the front side of the refrigerator body during the sliding movement so as to open the inside of the refrigerator body.

Abstract: Provided is a storage system and a refrigeration appliance including the storage system for storing food items in a temperature-controlled environment. The storage system includes a rail attached to a liner panel. The rail includes at least one mounting structure configured to pass through an aperture in the liner panel. A bin has an arm extending from a rear surface of the bin. The bin is placed in a storage position. The arm is placed between the rail and the liner panel when the bin is placed in the storage position. Another example of the storage system and refrigeration appliance includes a foot extending from a rear surface of the bin. Yet another example includes interaction between a bin tab and a plurality of bumps on the rail to prevent side to side motion.

Abstract: A thermal frame for an opening in a refrigerated enclosure includes a perimeter frame segment fixed to the refrigerated enclosure along a perimeter of the opening. The thermal frame includes a first vacuum panel fixed relative to the perimeter frame segment and configured to reduce heat transfer through the perimeter frame segment. The thermal frame may include a mullion frame segment fixed to the refrigerated enclosure and dividing the opening into a plurality of smaller openings. The thermal frame may include a second vacuum panel fixed relative to the mullion frame segment and configured to reduce heat transfer through the mullion frame segment.

Abstract: A fitting, in particular for a piece of furniture or a domestic appliance, comprises a first storage element, which is mounted such that it can be displaced from a rear storage position into an access position, and a second storage element, which is coupled to the first storage element via at least one connecting element, wherein the second storage element is mounted in a pivotable manner and can be raised, via the first storage element, from a lowered, storage position into an access position. This makes it possible for the stowage space in a domestic appliance to be optimally utilized.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for separating C2+-hydrocarbons or C3+-hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon-rich fraction is described, whereby the separation is carried out in a rectification fractionation. The rectification fractionation is provided with at least three heating circuits via which intermediate fractions are drawn off from rectification fractionation, partially evaporated and fed back again to rectification fractionation. In the method, removal of the intermediate fraction circulating in the heating circuit located at the highest temperature level is at least temporarily interrupted. During this interruption, a partial stream of a bottom fraction from the rectification fractionation is partially evaporated against an external medium and is fed as a bottom heating to the rectification fractionation.

Abstract: Methods for drying seeds comprising: a) contacting seeds with zeolite particles and allowing said zeolite particles to take up moisture from said seeds; or b) passing an airflow over zeolite particles, thereby allowing said zeolite particles to dry the air in said airflow and passing said dried airflow over the seeds; or c) placing said seeds and zeolite particles in an air-tight container and allowing said zeolite particles to take up the moisture evaporated by said seed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the drying of grain and more particularly but not exclusively, to a grain storage bag having grain drying capabilities, includes an elongate flexible container having an air inlet arrangement and an air outlet arrangement, with the air inlet arrangement being in flow communication with the air outlet arrangement through an internal volume of the container. The apparatus also includes fluid displacement elements for causing airflow from the air inlet arrangement to the air outlet arrangement.

Abstract: Example dryers and washer-dryers having a closed process air circuit having a drum, a condenser downstream from the drum for dehumidifying warm moist air, and a thermoelectric device having a cold side arranged in the process air circuit downstream from the drum are disclosed. Example thermoelectric devices have a warm side cooled by a fluid which is circulated in a liquid/air heat exchanger arranged in the process air circuit downstream from the condenser. Using the disclosed architectures, appliance design can be simplified without decreasing overall system performance.

Abstract: A rotary charging device for a shaft furnace comprising: a stationary housing (16) and a suspension rotor (22) that is supported so that it can rotate about a substantially vertical axis (A), a charge distributor (28) being pivotally suspended to the suspension rotor (22). Rotary drive means are provided for rotating the suspension rotor about its axis (A) and tilting drive means for pivoting the charge distributor (28) about a substantially horizontal pivoting axis (B), independently from said rotary drive means. The tilting drive means are mounted onto the suspension rotor (22) and rotate therewith; they comprise: an electric tilting motor (MB) is installed inside the main casing (36) and having a substantially horizontal output shaft (52); a tilting input gear (54) driven by the tilting motor output shaft; and a tilting output gear (56) rotationally integral with a suspension arm (34) of said chute distributor (28), said tilting input gear meshing with said tilting output gear.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for monitoring a heating apparatus that includes a motion detector configured to determine whether a person is proximate the heating apparatus. The motion detector is default deactivated. Further disclosed is a heat sensor configured to determine whether the heating apparatus has a temperature that is above a threshold. The heat sensor is default deactivated. A processor is in operable communication with each of the motion detector and the heat sensor configured to cyclically repeat a first countdown. The heat sensor is temporarily activated once during each of the repeated first countdowns. The processor is configured to perform a second countdown when the activated heat sensor determines that the heating apparatus has the temperature that is above the threshold. The second countdown is reset each time the motion detector determines that a person is proximate the heating apparatus.

Abstract: A cooling system connected to the air inlet of an air cooled chiller, having at least one frame, at least one net through which the air absorbed by the chiller is passed, at least one liquid spraying component performing spraying on the front part of said net's outer surface not facing the chiller, contrariwise to the chiller and to the incoming direction of air, at least one liquid supply kit sending liquid to said liquid spraying component and at least one liquid transmission instrument carrying the liquid from the liquid supply kit to the spraying component. A cooling method wherein this system is used is also provided.

Abstract: A heat exchanger which can include at least a first group and a second group of channels arranged to provide fluid paths between a first end and a second end of the heat exchanger. Connecting parts are arranged at the first end and at the second end of the heat exchanger. A first heat transfer element transfers a heat load to fluid, and a second heat transfer element transfers a heat load from the fluid. The channels have capillary dimensions. The connecting parts include fluid distribution elements, and the first and second heat transfer element contact all channels.

Abstract: A capillary tube bundle sub-assembly for use in an extracorporeal heat exchanger includes a continuous capillary tubing wound about a core to define a plurality of capillary layers each including a plurality of capillary segments. The capillary segments each define opposing terminal ends adjacent opposing ends of the core. The capillary segments of each layer are circumferentially aligned relative to an axis of the core, with each successive layer being radially outward of an immediately preceding layer. The capillary segments are non-parallel with the axis, spiraling partially about the axis in extension between the opposing terminal ends. Each capillary segment forms less than one complete revolution (i.e., winds less than 360°). The segments within each layer are substantially parallel with one another; however, an orientation of the segments differs from layer-to-layer such as by pitch or angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat storage system with a plurality of storage tanks, in which a latent heat storage medium is disposed, and with a conduit system with supply conduits for supplying heat into the storage tanks and with discharge conduits for removing heat from the storage tanks, wherein the conduit system includes one or more valves by means of which at least one supply conduit to at least one of the storage tanks and/or at least one discharge conduit from at least one of the storage tanks can be shut off or be varied in its flow rate, and with a control unit which is connected with the one or more valves and is configured such that it actuates the same.

Abstract: A heat and mass exchanger including a plurality of vertical plates that are spaced apart from one another by gaps so as to allow a first gas to flow between the plates. Each plate includes a front wall that defines a front surface of the plate, a back wall that defines a back surface of the plate, and separate, parallel channels disposed between the front and back walls. The parallel channels include a first set of parallel channels, a first liquid flowing within the first set of channels and over one of the front or back surfaces of the plate, the first liquid having a bulk composition comprising one or more constituents, the first gas having at least one constituent in common with the first liquid, and a second set of parallel channels, a first fluid flowing within the second set of channels.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plate-type heat exchange reactor and a method of manufacturing thereof, and there is provided a method of manufacturing a plate-type heat exchange reactor and a plate-type heat exchange reactor manufactured in the manufacturing method, the method including the steps of preparing side surface plates respectively provided with a plurality of slits formed in parallel along a longitudinal direction; arranging two side surface plates in a vertical direction to face each other with a space therebetween; forming a plurality of fluid passage channels by inserting a plurality of fluid passage partition walls into the slits provided on the two side surface plates in parallel in a horizontal direction; and bonding the side surface plates and the fluid passage partition walls.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger for exchanging heat between mediacomprises a number of stacked plates (A, B, C, D), the plates being provided with a first, large scale pressed pattern comprising ridges (R) and grooves (G) intended to keep first (A, B) and second (B,C) pairs of stacked plates on a distance from one another, such that flow channels for a first medium is formed in spaces between said plate pairs. Contact points are provided between the plate pairs in points where the large scale pressed pattern of neighboring plate pairs contact one another. The plates of each plate pair (A, B; C, D) are kept on a distance from one another by a small-scale pressed pattern comprising ridges (r) and grooves (g).

Abstract: An electronic device can include a heat transfer structure that is positioned between a first component that generates heat and a second component that dissipates heat. The heat transfer structure transfers heat from the first component to the second component. The heat transfer structure can include a heat transfer member including a thermal conductive layer attached to at least one flexible layer and at least one deformable region created by a shape of the heat transfer member.

Abstract: A splash grid is provided for installation in a rain zone of liquid gas contacting industrial equipment. The splash grid has a supporting frame assembly and multiple generally parallel elongate elements supported by the frame assembly. The elongate elements each has a transverse dimension, in plan view, not exceeding 3 mm, and a spacing in plan view not exceeding 10 mm. The elongate elements may be of a molded plastic material that is optionally integral with a surround that forms, or is attached to, the supporting frame assembly. Alternatively, the elongate elements may be separately manufactured flexible filament or cord supported by a surround that forms or is attached to the supporting frame assembly. The elongate elements may be staggered in the vertical direction and gaps may be provided for larger objects to pass through the splash grid. A liquid cooling installation having a rain zone fitted with a splash grid is also provided.

Abstract: A removable pin for securing two or more structures together, the pin including an insertion aperture for aiding in assembling the pin into at least one of said two or more structures. The insertion aperture is formed to receive and allow the passage of mechanical components that are necessary for proper functioning of the pin or overall mechanical device associated with the pin. A tool sized for insertion into the insertion aperture may be utilized to insert the mechanical components through the insertion aperture. The tool may also be utilized to manipulate the pin such that further assembly is possible.

Abstract: A firearm receiver wear surface is disclosed. When inserted within a corresponding wear surface cavity in a firearm receiver, a wear surface pin contacts and engages with the hook of a charging handle latch. In one example, a wear surface cavity for receiving a wear surface pin may be machined within the upper receiver of a modular rifle. The positioning of the wear surface cavity and wear surface pin can prevent the charging handle latch from contacting and causing unwanted wear on the upper receiver. In some embodiments, the wear surface pin may be a replaceable pin-shaped object made from a more durable material than the material of the upper receiver. For example, the wear surface pin may be a steel coiled spring pin that is pressure-fit into a wear surface cavity in an aluminum alloy upper receiver.

Abstract: A strengthened firearm includes at least one metal/composite material formed into at least one firearm component, and a polymer/composite material combined with the at least one firearm component. The metal/composite material replaces the polymer/composite material in a specific area or component of the firearm that may be weak or tend to fail earlier than other areas or components of a polymer/composite firearm. The method of combining the multiple materials allows for additional strength in the firearm.