Abstract: An apparatus may include a first clip configured to receive a first portion of radiant heat tubing, a second clip configured to receive a second portion of radiant heat tubing, and an interconnecting brace. The interconnecting brace is connected to a base portion of the first clip and a base portion of the second clip, wherein the interconnecting brace is at least 3 inches long.

Abstract: The invention disclosure provides a hot water supply system and method thereof which can control a solar heating unit, a first heat-pump unit, a boiler unit, and an electric heater unit through a control unit to heat water. The control unit operates in a pre-heating period and a heating period after the pre-heating period. In the pre-heating period, the solar heating unit and the first heat-pump unit preheat water. In the heating period, the boiler unit further heats water coming from the solar heating unit and the first heat-pump unit to an exit temperature and stores water in the boiler unit and the electric heater unit so as to provide water to an outflow device. The invention integrates many water heaters in one system, so as to improve the efficiency of generation of hot water and achieve the objectives of energy conservation and carbon reduction.

Abstract: A system and methods providing real-time monitoring, management and control of a variable frequency drive retrofit to a constant volume air handling unit without making significant mechanical or control system changes. Customers and vendors are provided with a more informative and economically attractive air handling unit. The system also provides a finer granularity of control over conditioned air properties such as temperature, humidity and air quality.

Abstract: An air conditioner performs startup control in which compressor capacity is reduced as measured indoor temperature approaches a set temperature. A desired time of day is set directly or indirectly. A startup control apparatus of the air conditioner measures an inflection point occurrence time from when the air conditioner starts operation until when measured indoor temperature exhibits an inflection point. Alternatively, the startup control apparatus measures a control parameter lowering arrival time from when the air conditioner starts operation until when a control parameter transmitted to the compressor decreases to a prescribed value. A scheduled operation start time of the air conditioner is set as a time of day that is the desired time of day set moved forward by the inflection point occurrence time or the control parameter lowering arrival time. Operation of the air conditioner is started when the scheduled operation start time arrives.

Abstract: A solar thermal lamp used for heating water inside a tank. The thermal lamp includes a transparent glass bulb with a threaded male coupling for attaching to a female coupling in the tank. The lamp also includes a heat tube with an enlarged water heating condenser. The condenser is received inside the tank. The heat tube can include a copper coil, copper fins, a glass coil, a copper lamp, a glass lamp, and the like for receiving solar energy and conducting the heat to the heating condenser for heating the water inside the tank. Also, the invention can be in the form of a solar thermal globe. The solar globe is self-contained and includes a water tank. Another embodiment of the globe tracks with the daily movement of the sun and change with seasons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar thermal system which has improved use efficiency, enables heat acquired in a heat-collecting unit to be quickly used for a heating and hot water supply load, and can be operated in a stable manner.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning an array of panels includes a chassis, a fluid delivery system, a brush and a swivel mechanism. The fluid delivery system is adapted to apply fluid to an array of panels while the chassis is being moved over the array. The brush is disposed to brush the array of panels while the chassis is being moved over the array. The swivel mechanism is adapted to couple a handle to the chassis for enabling a person to use the handle to move the chassis over the array of panels while from time-to-time varying the angle at which the handle is disposed relative to the chassis. The fluid delivery system includes a plurality of nozzles disposed for applying fluid to particular portions of the array of panels before movement of the brush over the particular portions of the array while the chassis is being moved over the array, regardless of the direction from which the chassis is being moved over the array.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for water collection from atmospheric moisture in large quantities in uncontrolled outdoor environments where the temperature may be cold and humidity levels low. To extract water from air when the dew point is low, a heat exchanger cools to a point where water vapor is deposited on its surface as ice. The heat exchanger then cycles through a heating phase to melt the ice and generate liquid water. The accumulation of frost is advantageous. Frost accumulation enables water collection when the dew point is low. Disclosed variations enhance efficiency and environmental tolerance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus (1) for transferring heat from a first relatively cold medium to a second relatively hot medium, comprising a gastight rotor (4) rotatably mounted in a frame (2), and, mounted inside the rotor (4), a compressor (10), a first heat exchanger (8) for transferring heat from the fluid to the second medium and located relatively far from the axis of rotation of the rotor (4), an expansion chamber (11) for expanding the fluid, and a channel (14) for conveying the expanded fluid from the expansion chamber (11) to the compressor (10), wherein the first heat exchanger (8) is thermally insulated from the channel (14).

Abstract: [Problem to be solved] To reduce the fluctuation in the driving force. [Means to solve Problem] A magnetic cooling/heating apparatus comprising: a heat transfer unit 1000A comprising a plurality of heat transfer devices 50-1, 50-2, . . . arranged in parallel at intervals, wherein the heat transfer device 50-1 comprises magnetic bodies 10A-10F with a magneto-caloric effect and heat-conductive parts 30A-30G that transfer the heat of the magnetic bodies 10A-10F, both of which are alternately arranged; a magnetic unit 2000A comprising a plurality of magnets 21A, 21C, . . . that are arranged so as to face against each of the magnetic bodies 10A-10F of the heat transfer unit 1000A and to selectively apply and remove the magnetic field to/from each of the magnetic bodies 10A-10F; and a motor 350 that moves at least one of the heat transfer unit 1000A and the magnetic unit 2000A facing each other, relative to each other in the direction in which the heat transfer devices 50-1, 50-2, . . .

Abstract: Cryogenic electronics based upon semiconductive devices, superconductive devices, or a combination of the two present opportunities for a wide variety of novel, fast, and low power devices. However, such cryogenic electronics require cooling which is typically achieved through fluid refrigerants such as liquid nitrogen or liquid helium. Solid state refrigeration based upon adiabatic demagnetization in paramagnetic salts offers one alternative but requires that the solid state cooler and cryogenic electronic circuits be different physical elements. The inventors present solid state cooling for semiconductor materials including but not limited to silicon. Beneficially active electronic devices can be integrated monolithically with solid state semiconductor coolers exhibiting magnetic cooling within the whole substrate or predetermined regions of the substrate. Alternatively, active devices may be formed with semiconductor layers integral to them that exhibit magnetic cooling.

Abstract: A temperature element may be provided with: a combination of a p type semiconductor and an n type semiconductor disposed separated from each other; a metal well, which has a mounting part on which a container for DNA samples is directly mounted and which is connected to both the p type semiconductor and the n type semiconductor individually; an electrode and heat dissipating plate that is connected to the p type semiconductor and to which a voltage is applied by a temperature control section; and an electrode and heat dissipating plate that is connected to the n type semiconductor and to which a voltage is applied by the temperature control section. The shape of the metal well is formed into substantially the same shape as the outside shape of the container for DNA samples.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an air conditioner and a method for operating the same are provided. The apparatus may include a control apparatus that enables easy access to data for the air conditioner, to determine and control an operation state thereof visually, and for which a mode of reception of the data from the air conditioner may be different corresponding to connection modes and positions of a plurality of component devices of the air conditioner to which the control apparatus is connected, making the data received thus different from one another according to the connection modes. These differences in the data permit various data to be easily displayed, enabling a user to change the connection modes as required, and to provide various information on the air conditioner by producing the data of the air conditioner in a frame on an output different from one another.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a skating rink that includes a skating area, a wall at least partially surrounding the skating area, and a visible mark extending along a perimeter region of the skating area to indicate to a skater traveling head first toward the wall that the skater should look up and to related methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating liquid water include multiple atmospheric water generation devices adapted to produce liquid water from atmospheric humidity, used in conjunction with a turbine. The turbine is usable to simultaneously provide power to the devices, while the air intake thereof is used to move air associated with the devices, enabling a generally continuous supply of atmospheric air to be processed while reducing the accumulation of heat associated with the devices.

Abstract: A refrigerator may include an insulated cabinet configured to preserve food, an insulated door mounted on the insulated cabinet, the insulated door being configured to close the insulated cabinet, the insulated door including an inner wall, the inner wall including one or more recesses, and an article dispenser including a dispensing portion and a mounting portion on a back side of the dispensing portion, the mounting portion being configured to removably mount the dispensing portion within the recesses, the dispensing portion being configured to store one or more articles and dispense the articles according to a user's demand.

Abstract: A vacuum insulation material includes: a core member having a large number of minute spaces; a cover member having an internal space in which the core member is housed, the internal pressure being decompression-sealed; and an inspection member provided between the core member and the cover member. The inspection member includes a retaining portion disposed on the core member and a hole formed in the retaining portion.

Abstract: Method of liquefying a hydrocarbon stream from a feed stream including (a) passing the feed stream through a first cooling stage having at least two heat exchangers and against a component refrigerant in a first refrigerant circuit, to provide a cooled hydrocarbon stream; (b) passing the cooled hydrocarbon stream through a second cooling stage against a second refrigerant in a second refrigerant circuit, to provide a liquefied hydrocarbon stream; (c) passing the second refrigerant through one of the heat exchangers of the first cooling stage. The heat exchangers of the first cooling stage are shell and tube heat exchangers having two or more tube circuits. The first refrigerant circuit includes a refrigerant compressor and the second refrigerant circuit includes a refrigerant compressor. The refrigerant compressor of the first refrigerant circuit and the refrigerant compressor of the second refrigerant circuit are interconnected and are arranged to be driven by a common driver.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for separating air by cryogenic distillation includes a heat exchanger, a column system having at least one cryogenic distillation column, a conduit for supplying the column system with cooled air from the heat exchanger, a storage tank, a conduit for removing a liquid from the column system and sending it to the storage tank, at least one pump, at least one conduit for sending pumped liquid from the outlet of the or each pump to the heat exchanger, at least one conduit connected to the outlet of the pump or at least one outlet of at least one pump and to a column of the column system, said conduit passing directly to the column without passing via the storage tank.

Abstract: An electric induction gas-sealed tunnel furnace and process are provided. The exterior of the furnace's enclosure that forms a closed tunnel region is surrounded at least along its longitudinal length by a gas-tight barrier chamber that can be filled with a barrier gas to a different pressure than the pressure of the process gas in the closed tunnel region of the furnace. The inductors used to induction heat strips or plates in the closed tunnel region can be positioned within or outside of the gas-tight barrier chamber around the longitudinal length of the closed tunnel region.

Abstract: An electric induction furnace for heating and melting electrically conductive materials is provided with a lining wear detection system that can detect replaceable furnace lining wear when the furnace is properly operated and maintained.

Abstract: A melting reduction assembly (1) has a melting gasification zone, including a packed bed (4) formed by solid carbon carriers and ferrous input materials, the zone has a lower section for receiving liquid pig iron (6) or raw steel material and liquid slag (7), a tap (9) for liquid slag and liquid pig iron. A plurality of oxygen nozzles (5) supplies oxygen. The nozzles are in at least two nozzle planes arranged spaced apart from each other and parallel in the vertical direction and horizontally distributed over the circumstances of the shell (10) of the melting reduction assembly (1) and arranged offset to each other in their respective nozzle planes.

Abstract: A device for closed-loop control of process gases (11) in a plant (8) for producing directly reduced metal ores includes at least one reduction unit (10), an appliance upstream of the reduction unit (10) for separating gas mixtures (18), a gas purification appliance (13) connected downstream of the reduction unit (10) for rate control of process gases (11). Process gases (11) are obtained by recycling from the production process itself and from a plant for pig iron generation (1) via a supply conduit (16). An open-loop pressure control appliance (15) upstream of a junction of the supply conduit (16) into a return conduit (14) for the process gases (11) such that a pressure level for the appliance for separating gas mixtures (18) is kept constant and the process gases (9,11) are controlled in a closed-loop manner in a plant for producing directly reduced metal ores (8).

Abstract: A cooling tower including a hot-water basin comprising a first cooling cell and a second cooling cell; and at least one means for controlling fluid communication between the first and second cooling cells is provided. A method of maintaining the efficiency of a cooling tower and a method of servicing a cooling tower are also provided.

Abstract: The invention refers to a plate heat exchanger comprising a first end plate (1), a second end plate (2) and a number of heat exchanger plates (3), forming first plate interspaces (I) and second plate interspaces (II), in alternating order. The heat exchanger plates comprise a first outermost plate pair (5), a second outermost plate pair (6) and intermediate plate pairs (7). The first end plate and the heat exchanger plates comprise first porthole areas (11, 12) for first porthole channels (13, 14) for the formation of inlet and outlet for a first medium to and from the first plate interspaces, and second porthole areas (21, 22) for the formation of second porthole channels (23, 24) for inlet and outlet for a second medium to and from the second plate interspaces. The first porthole areas of the heat exchanger plates of the second outermost plate pair form portholes and the second porthole areas of these heat exchanger plates are closed.

Abstract: A heat exchanger plate, where the plate is provided with a heat transfer surface having a corrugated pattern, comprising a diagonal open and closed side distribution support section positioned between a diagonal open respectively closed groove and the heat transfer surface, and a diagonal open and closed side adiabatic support section positioned between the open respectively closed diagonal groove and a port hole, where the heat exchanger plate further comprises a transfer path between the diagonal open side distribution support section and the heat transfer surface and a bypass path between the diagonal closed side distribution support section and the heat transfer surface. A heat exchanger comprising a plurality of heat exchanger plates is also disclosed. The advantage of this heat exchanger plate is that it allows for heat exchangers with an improved efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for reducing the vibrations of a tube bundle of a heat exchanger inside its shell, wherein this device allows a secure and quick insertion after the bundle has been manufactured. This easy insertion after manufacturing the bundle allows the high temperatures to which the bundle is subjected for the attachment by means of brazing to not affect the properties of the device, particularly the elasticity achieved by means of tempering, for example.

Abstract: A heat exchange fill apparatus for use with a cooling tower that employs a support frame assembly. The heat exchange fill apparatus has a media fill pack that includes a fill pack media modules wherein a stake, prevents the modules from shifting with respect to one another. The modules are installed in a cooling tower of the like via a hanging fill support.

Abstract: A guide tube pitch adjustment apparatus for aligning distal ends of lance guide tubes in registry with tube openings in a heat exchanger tube sheet is disclosed. A guide tube pitch clamp assembly carried within and supported from a housing. The pitch clamp assembly has at least two V-blocks fastened to a threaded rod. One V-block is fastened to a portion of the threaded rod having right hand threads, and another V-block is fastened to another portion of the threaded rod having left hand threads. Each of the V-blocks supports a portion of one of the guide tubes, and a cross bar clamp within the housing is oriented to span across the V-blocks and adjustably hold the portions of the guide tubes in a spaced relationship such that spacing between the distal ends of adjacent guide tubes may be adjusted by rotation of the threaded rod.

Abstract: Methods for forming armored glass cylinders suitable for improving resistance of armor to armor piercing rounds, explosively formed penetrators, or other threats. Cool a cylindrical glass or ceramic element to a temperature below that of a cylindrical casing, place the cylindrical glass or ceramic element into the cylindrical casing while the cylindrical glass or ceramic element is cool, and seal the cylindrical casing and allow the temperature of the cylindrical glass or ceramic element to rise, such that the cylindrical casing compresses the cylindrical glass or ceramic element. Alternately, heat a metal cylindrical casing, press glass or ceramic into the cylinder while the metal cylinder is at an elevated temperature, seal the metal cylindrical casing while metal cylindrical casing is at an elevated temperature, and allow the metal cylinder to cool, such that when cooled, the cylindrical casing will compress the glass in all directions.

Abstract: A firearm having a gas piston system includes a bolt carrier, an adjustable gas piston block located forward on the firearm and an over-the-barrel spring and guide rod arrangement, all of which is housed and contained in a top rail that runs the length of the firearm and that maintains the alignment of these firearm components. The firearm also includes an ambidextrous, non-reciprocating charging handle located forward on the firearm and positioned within the top rail for charging the firearm.

Abstract: A magazine assembly for a firearm in one embodiment includes an outer magazine housing configured for attachment to a firearm and a magazine removably insertable into the housing. The magazine includes an axially extending internal cavity configured to hold a plurality of ammunition shells in stacked end-to-end relationship. In one embodiment, the magazine has an elongated tubular body. A shell catch lever is slideably mounted on the magazine for linear and pivoting movement in one arrangement. The shell catch lever retains a shell in the magazine in a first lateral position and releases the shell from the magazine in a second lateral position. The shell catch lever operates to retain and release shells from the magazine when either removed from or positioned in the magazine housing for loading the firearm.

Abstract: A shell feeding system for a top loading shotgun in one embodiment includes a barrel, receiver, and a magazine. The magazine includes a cavity configured to receive a plurality of ammunition shells in stacked end-to-end relationship. The magazine is positioned above the barrel and extends forward from the receiver. Shell guide grooves are formed by internal surfaces in the receiver which engage and guide each shell in a feed pathway towards the lower part of the receiver for chambering. A portion of the guide grooves may be arcuately shaped to rotate and reposition the shell for loading by the bolt into the chamber. In one embodiment, the receiver and magazine may be formed as a unitary integral structure formed as either a single piece or in half sections coupled together.

Abstract: A firearm includes a firing mechanism and a sensor device. The sensor device includes a subscriber identity module configured to communicate with a server over a signaling channel of a wireless communications network. The Sensor device is configured to enable/disable the firing mechanism in accordance with instructions received by the SIM from the server. Movements and/or attempted operations of the firearm may be monitored using an application running on a mobile device, which application receives information concerning the firearm over the signaling channel of the wireless communications network.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a dynamic suppression mechanism for a semi-automatic firearm. An axial mass is positioned adjacent to multiple dynamic volume chambers, which are aligned within a housing. An aperture is provided within the mass and aligned chambers to accommodate the projectile. As the projectile travels through the aperture across the length of the housing, each of the chambers is subject to a dynamic expansion and contraction, with the dynamic volume change absorbing byproduct of the traveling projectile.

Abstract: A pull through gun cleaning device includes a plurality of cylindrical double coned pressure sections having a longitudinal tunnel disposed therein. A cable member is threaded through the tunnel of each cylindrical double coned pressure section. A tubular woven sheath is disposed over each cylindrical double coned pressure section disposed along the cable member, and the cable member to form a pull cord. A total length of the pull cord is configured such that where the plurality of cylindrical double coned pressure sections are inserted into one end of a barrel, the pull cord extends past another end of the barrel. Each of the plurality of cylindrical double coned pressure sections provides a radial force pressing the tubular woven sheath of each cylindrical double coned pressure section of the plurality of cylindrical double coned pressure sections against an inside surface or a rifling of the barrel.

Abstract: A combined stabilizer/quiver for a bow is provided that may store arrows and may also function as a stabilizer. The combined stabilizer/quiver may comprise a shaft that extends forward from the front side of a bow and functions as a stabilizer, and arrows may be disposed substantially parallel to the shaft and contribute to the stabilizing function. With two components combined into one, the bow has less weight, improved accuracy and precision, and greater versatility. Alternatively, a quiver is provided which is adapted to attach to a conventional stabilizer which is attached to a riser of a bow.

Abstract: A releasable mount comprising two mounting posts that releasably engage into notches in the ends of a resilient, generally C-shaped bracket. The releasable mount is particularly useful to releasably mount an archery accessory such as an arrow quiver to an archery bow, tree or tree stand or the like. The arrow quiver may include a hood having an arrow retaining insert for receiving an arrow with a single-point or a 2-4 bladed broadhead. The quiver may also include an arrow gripper having a plurality of fingers whose sides define expandable oval slots between adjacent fingers into which the arrows are loaded.

Abstract: The present invention provides an animal defense system with one or more deterrent elements and an apparatus and method for safely deterring an animal which threatens a user. In one embodiment, the device features an electrified deterrent structure comprising arms and linkages. Further, the apparatus may be configured to operate in a variety of user-selected modes that increase effectiveness and reliability in deterring an animal which threatens a user.

Abstract: A storage compartment having a bracket portion being configured to join with a buffer tube portion of a firearm. The bracket portion may form a generally tubular shape that conforms to the shape of the buffer tube portion. The bracket portion may further include a top side section that is disposed towards the top region of the firearm buffer tube implement, and an open ended bottom side section that extend the full length of the bracket portion along the bottom region of the firearm buffer tube implement. The open ended bottom side section provides passage for the item to be stored. The open ended bottom side section terminates at a pair of flanges. The storage compartment may include, without limitation, a container, holder, repository, receptacle, housing, case, vessel, canister, and cover.

Abstract: A system, according to an embodiment of the present invention, having an optical device and a shock attenuator is provided. The optical device is configured to operate with a weapon. The shock attenuator is disposed between the optical device and the weapon. The system includes the shock attenuator that is configured to reduce shock experienced by the optical device during operation of the weapon to less than 250 g's.

Abstract: A tactics support apparatus includes an operation unit configured to calculate a friendly military power necessary for each of defense areas which are set between an enemy and a target of the enemy based on a total quantified military power of deployed movable weapons of the enemy and a friend, and determine friendly movable weapons to be deployed in each of the defense areas. An output unit is configured to visibly output deployment positions of the friendly movable weapons.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.

Abstract: A blade-opening arrowhead device includes an arrowhead body having a plurality of longitudinal blade slots on an outer surface and a flexible cam slot extending through a center portion of the body. A blade is pivotally disposable in one of the blade slots and pivotable between a retracted position and an open position. A flexible cam is disposable in the flexible cam slot. The flexible cam is configured to engage and rotate with the blade as the blade moves into the blade slot.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe using lead zirconate titanate (PZT). In the OCT probe using PZT, a sine wave is induced from a vibrator made of a piezoelectric element, so that an image in which the scanning range is increased can be captured due to the vibration of the vibrator. A decrease in the vibration of the vibrator can be minimized by optimizing the position where the base fixes the vibrator.

Abstract: A device includes a first sensor for making a radial measurement of a tubular component and a support which can drive the first sensor in a circular trajectory in a predefined plane orthogonal to the principal axis of the component. The support includes a principal body that can be attached to the component by a releasable attachment mechanism and a rotary shaft onto which an arm carrying the first sensor is attached to allow displacement of the first sensor in a circular trajectory inside or about the component. The device further includes a second sensor for measuring an angular position of the first sensor for each of its radial measurements, the radial and angular measurements obtained allowing the profile of the component in the predefined plane to be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a length of material, comprises at least one processor configured to: receive a signal indicating manual designation of a point along the length of material as a first end point; receive at least one signal from at least one distance measuring device associated with a timber-working head, the signal indicating the distance between the first end point and a second end point on the length of material; and determine the actual length of material to be processed. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor provides an angle error value to correct errors of the magnetic field sensor. The angle error value is a function of temperature and magnetic field strength and is used to correct a measured magnetic field angle. Associated methods are also described.

Abstract: A rotational position sensing device for sensing rotation of an axially adjustable shaft of a shaft and arm assembly of a door that does not require readjustment after the shaft and arm assembly are adjusted includes a fixed bracket supporting a post, a position sensor having an upper portion, a lower portion and an extended portion, and a rotating portion. The extended portion extends from the upper portion of the position sensor and constrains the post of the bracket such that the upper portion of the position sensor is unable to axially rotate relative to the bracket. The rotating section is adapted to be fixed to the shaft and engage with the lower portion of the position sensor, such that the rotating portion rotates relative to the upper portion of the position sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor arrangement (2) for determining a relative rotation of two shafts that are arranged coaxially to one another (4, 6), which sensor arrangement comprises at least one magnetic element (29) arranged on a first shaft (4), at least one magnetic element (29) arranged on a second shaft (6) and at least one magnetic field-sensitive sensing element (20), which is arranged in a stationary manner between the magnetic elements (29) of the two shafts (4, 6) and which captures a magnetic field that results from the superposition of the magnetic fields (32) of the magnetic elements (29) of both shafts (4, 6).