Abstract: A channel inductor of a channel induction furnace is disclosed. The channel inductor comprises a channel liner that defines a channel for a molten metal to flow through the channel inductor. The channel liner comprises an inlet and an outlet for the molten metal and a flange for mounting the channel liner to a refractory material lining of a pot of the channel inductor furnace. The channel liner being formed from a ceramic material that is resistant to chemical attack by the molten metal in the channel, whereby in use of the channel induction furnace direct contact between the molten metal and the channel inductor is limited to contact with the channel liner (including the flange) only and molten metal does not contact other parts of the channel inductor.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a heat exchanger tube sheet sealing elements are arranged on respective ends of heat exchanger tubes. Said ends of the heat exchanger tubes having the sealing elements are arranged at predetermined positions in a mold. Said ends of the heat exchanger tubes are sealed such that a tube sheet material to be casted in the mold does not enter the heat exchanger tubes during casting of the tube sheet material. A tube sheet material is casted in the mold for covering the sealing elements. The tube sheet material is hardened in the mold.

Abstract: A core unit for an energy recovery system for exchanging heat and vapor between two independent intake and exhaust airstreams without intermixing thereof, the core unit having a fibrous microporous support substrate and a sulfonated block copolymer having at least one end block A and at least one interior block B wherein each A block contains essentially no sulfonic acid or sulfonate ester functional groups and each B block is a polymer block containing from about 10 to about 100 mol percent sulfonic acid or sulfonate ester functional groups based on the number of monomer units, and wherein the sulfonated block copolymer is laminated on the microporous support substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a condenser (10, 20) to be used in an air-conditioning circuit of an automobile, including punched plates (20) stacked in a longitudinal direction and defining first blades for the circulation of a first fluid as well as second blades for the circulation of a second fluid, said second blades being interleaved with the first blades, said condenser enabling the alternating circulation of the first fluid. According to the invention, said condenser includes inlet tubing (28) for the first fluid and outlet tubing (30) for the first fluid provided on a single first end surface (24) of said stack.

Abstract: Provided is a temperature-sensing piezoelectric dispenser, and more particularly, to a dispenser including a piezoelectric pump dispensing a liquid by using a piezoelectric element as an actuator. According to the temperature-sensing piezoelectric dispenser, a temperature of a piezoelectric actuator is measured and the piezoelectric actuator is cooled based on the measured temperature, thereby accurately controlling a liquid discharged according to an operation of the piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: A thermal module structure includes a base and at least one locating member. The base has at least one channel formed thereon and the channel has a closed bottom portion and an open top portion. At least one first coupling section is formed on the base at a position corresponding to the open top portion of the channel. The locating member is provided on one side with at least one second coupling section corresponding to the first coupling section, and is fitted above the channel with the second coupling section engaged with the first coupling section. Therefore, with the locating member, a heat pipe set in the channel can be quickly and firmly held to the base at upgraded efficiency and reduced time and labor cost.

Abstract: A heat sink apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base unit for use with an electronic component operable to make contact with a heat generating source, wherein the heat generating source is affixed to a printed circuit board. It also comprises a top unit wherein the top unit of the heat sink is rotatively coupled to the base unit, and wherein a slot forms in between the top unit and the base unit when the top unit is coupled to the base unit. Finally it comprises a heat pipe, wherein the heat pipe is received through the slot and held tightly therein, and wherein the heat pipe is operable to dissipate heat transferred through the base unit away from the heat generating source.

Abstract: A system of spacecraft radiators comprising pre-formed thermal-transfer modules joined together by at least one solid-state welding process. Critical failure points are eliminated by forming the thermal-transfer modules as a single unitary piece, preferably by an extrusion process. The thermal-transfer modules allow the formation of larger radiator assemblies, which may comprise a wide range of sizes and physical geometries.

Abstract: An accumulator for a cooling fluid is provided that includes a floor. The floor has an interface for connecting a chamber of the accumulator to at least one cooling tube. The floor also has an opening that extends at least over a partial area of the chamber. The accumulator furthermore has a lid that is embodied in such a way as to seal the opening of the floor in a fluid-tight manner. The lid is embodied as wire or extrusion profile.

Abstract: Provided is a heat exchanger, which includes a plurality of tubes and a plurality of fins. The tubes accommodate respective refrigerant passages through which refrigerant flows. The fins having a plate shape are spaced apart from each other, and include a plurality of through holes through which the tubes pass, respectively. The fin is provided with a condensate water guide part guiding discharge of condensate water generated during heat exchange between air and the refrigerant flowing through the tube. Accordingly, adhesion of the tube and the fin is facilitated, the distance between neighboring fins is maintained, and condensate water is efficiently discharged.

Abstract: A rail cooling method includes: calculating, based on a relation between temperatures and an amount of warp of the rail cooled to ambient temperature after the forced cooling, the temperatures including a cooling start temperature of the head, a cooling end temperature of the head, a cooling start temperature of the foot and a cooling end temperature of the foot, a target value or a target value range for each of the temperatures so that the amount of warp of the rail at ambient temperature falls within a permissive range; and setting a cooling condition in accordance with the target value or the target value range to perform the forced cooling on the head and the foot.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an AR-15/M-16 style rifle may comprise a lower receiver, a magazine catch spring, a magazine release button, an ambidextrous magazine release button, and a magazine catch. The magazine catch spring may be at least partially installable within the lower receiver. The magazine release button may operatively engage a first end of the magazine catch spring. The magazine release button may be movably installed in the lower receiver. The ambidextrous magazine release button may be pivotally installed within the lower receiver. The ambidextrous magazine release button may be configured to pivot about a pivot screw in the lower receiver. The magazine catch may be moveably installed in the lower receiver. The magazine catch may comprise a first portion that operatively engages the magazine release button and a second portion that operatively engages the ambidextrous magazine release button.

Abstract: A mechanical gun charger configured to charge a gun, including a cradle configured to support the gun. A lever is rotatably coupled to the cradle, wherein an outboard cable coupled between the lever and a first pulley is configured such that displacement of the lever causes the first pulley, a shaft, and a second pulley to rotate. A charging cable is coupled to the second pulley and is configured to couple to and charge the gun upon rotation of the second pulley.

Abstract: A firearm magazine assisted release device is provided. The release device comprises an external spring and method of securing that spring to the magazine. The spring is biased when the magazine is locked into a firearm, such that when the magazine release button is pressed stored potential energy is released as expansive kinetic energy, ejecting the magazine from the firearm.

Abstract: A follower for a firearm magazine is provided. In some embodiments, the follower has: a platform shaped to interface with a firearm cartridge; a first side face extending longitudinally from the platform and having a first end opposing the platform; and a second side face extending longitudinally from the platform and having a second end opposing the platform. The first side face and the second side face may define a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of a magazine spring. At least one of the first end and the second end may have a nonlinear profile shaped to translate a lateral spring force into a longitudinal spring force.

Abstract: Semi-automatic rimfire rifles have a frame, a bolt operable to reciprocate within the frame, the bolt defining a bolt axis, the bolt defining a firing pin passage, a first firing pin portion received within at least a first portion of the firing pin passage, a second firing pin portion separate from the first firing pin portion received within at least a second portion of the firing pin passage, and the first firing pin portion being operable to contact the second firing pin portion such that the second firing pin portion discharges a cartridge in response to the first firing pin portion being struck by a hammer. The first firing pin portion may define a first firing pin axis aligned with the bolt axis. The second firing pin portion may have a nose portion that is offset from the bolt axis extending away from the first firing pin portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of a firearm suppressor with a heat anodization treatment are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, the firearm suppressor with a heat anodization treatment can include a firearm suppressor housing. The firearm suppressor housing can include an outer surface, an inner cavity, and an attachment mechanism that attaches the firearm suppressor housing to a barrel of a firearm. The firearm suppressor housing also can be treated with a heat anodization process to create a design that is a part of the firearm suppressor housing.

Abstract: A firearm mounting bracket assembly includes an assembly mount bracket; an assembly mounting mechanism carried by the assembly mount bracket; and an accessory rail adaptor including an adaptor body carried by the assembly mount bracket, the adaptor body having a firearm attachment surface; an adaptor roller carried by the adaptor body adjacent to the firearm attachment surface; and an adaptor flange carried by the adaptor body adjacent to the firearm attachment surface and in spaced-apart relationship to the adaptor roller, the adaptor flange selectively moveable relative to the adaptor roller.

Abstract: An ambidextrous rifle system, method and apparatus are provided. The rifle system may comprise a receiver configured to receive and carry a switch bolt system. The switch bolt system may comprise a first bolt and a second bolt. The first bolt may be configured for a right handed shooter. The second bolt may be configured for a left handed shooter. The first bolt and the second bolt may be moveable within the receiver between the battery and out of battery positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an accessory, such as a front stabilizer, to an archery bow allows a wide variety of adjusted positions. The apparatus includes first and second coupling members, a first threaded system for securing the first coupling member to a handle of the archery bow, and a second threaded system for securing the first and second coupling members together. The first threaded system allows the first coupling member to be adjusted about its longitudinal axis relative to the bow handle when loosened, and to be fixed relative to the bow handle when tightened. The second threaded system allows the first and second coupling members to be angularly adjusted relative to each other when loosened, and to be fixed relative to each other when tightened. A front stabilizer or other accessory is secured to the second coupling member.

Abstract: An archery release aid is provided. The archery release aid includes a body having a circular inner surface forming a finger opening within. A trigger hook protrudes from an outer surface of the body and is configured to releasably hook onto a string of a bow. The present invention further includes a circular sleeve forming a finger opening within. The circular sleeve is suspended within the circular inner surface of the body and is rotatable relative to the circular inner surface.

Abstract: A drum magazine for loading paintballs and shaped projectiles into a magazine-fed firearm includes a spiral feed track that stores paintballs as well as a projectile feed assembly that pushes paintballs through the spiral feed track. Paintballs exit the spiral feed track through a feed port and through a modular feed adapter that is inserted into a paintball marker. A clock spring and a spring rotor are utilized in order to adjust the pressure that is exerted on paintballs within the spiral feed track. Tension in the clock spring may be increased to a desired level by rotating the spring rotor to wind the clock spring. Paintballs are prevented from loading when the drum magazine is not loaded into a paintball marker by a locking assembly. A ratcheting gear engages a gear locking pawl while the drum magazine is not loaded, preventing the clock spring from becoming unwound.

Abstract: A muzzleloader system is provided. The muzzleloader system includes a barrel with a muzzle and chamber end, a chamber block including a flash channel, a rotating primer holder and a round having a reusable inert projectile body with a sealed propellant charge. The method includes loading a round having a reusable inert projectile body and a sealed propellant charge down the muzzle end of a barrel bore until it abuts against a chamber block, loading a primer into a rotatable primer holder, closing the primer holder and striking the primer with a firing pin.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for a selectable barrel support that can be inserted into a forend of a firearm stock to support a first barrel type and flipped, rotated, or otherwise moved to support a second barrel type (or third or fourth barrel types). A tensioning mechanism is provided. Bull and tapered barrels are examples of two barrel types that the selectable barrel support can be used to support. The selectable barrel support enables a firearm owner or gunsmith to exchange barrel types on a firearm without having to switch out the firearm stock.

Abstract: An accessory mounting interface for a firearm is provided. The accessory mounting interface has a firearm accessory, a first elongated fastener, a second fastener, and an elongated slot in a firearm. The second fastener has two straight edges parallel to each other, and at least one of the two straight edges prevent the second fastener from rotating beyond a closed position once a portion of the second fastener has passed through and at least partially cleared the elongated slot.

Abstract: Described herein is a multifunctional case that can be used for protecting and preventing unauthorized use of different types and sizes of objects, weapons, firearms, or other items. In one embodiment, the multifunctional case includes a first shell and a second shell that is coupled to the first shell. A locking mechanism is coupled to the first shell. An external handle (e.g., handle that is external to the multifunctional case) is coupled to the locking mechanism and causes the locking mechanism to lock and unlock the first and second shells of the multifunctional case based on movement of the handle. The multifunctional case is securely locked and unlocked with no external clips or latches.

Abstract: A telescopic sight (10) for a firearm includes a main housing (12), an objective lens assembly (22) for creating an image of a distant object, an ocular lens assembly (30) presenting the image to a viewer, and an optical element assembly (40) between the objective lens assembly (22) and the ocular lens assembly (30). The optical element assembly (40) includes a reticle piece (46) containing a reticle viewable by a user when the user views the image presented by the ocular lens assembly (30). A first adjuster (70, 74) is operatively coupled with the objective lens assembly (22) for removing parallax between the image and the reticle. A second adjuster (72, 76) is operatively coupled with the optical element assembly (40) for removing parallax between the image and the reticle.

Abstract: A kit for fitting a handwheel to a focussing control of a rifle scope is used to enlarge a focussing ring of the control, without having to remove the focussing ring from the control. The handwheel is secured by a headed bolt to a projecting stub shaft. The handwheel has a side plate supporting an outer rim that has a plurality of peripheral indentations to assist turning of the handwheel. The side plate has a central hole and a hub that projects axially from the side plate and defines a bore for receiving the stub shaft. The outer diameter of the hub is received within an outer end portion of the focussing ring. The hub has at least one abutment that co-operates with the stub shaft to inhibit relative rotational movement. A cap bolt extends through the hole to engage the stub shaft and secure the handwheel t the control.

Abstract: An offset viewing tube for daylight hours and a laser for lowlight aiming conditions are connected to a bowstring release enabling an archer to aim from behind an arrow nock along the arrow shaft similar to aiming a rifle thus eliminating parallax aiming distortion. The bow can be rotated without moving the aiming device or changing the rear elevation setting. Single pin aiming reduces confusion during setup and rushed shooting. Day or night cameras can be attached.

Abstract: An illumination device for a sight guard and pin for an archery bow, crossbow, or similar weapon or firearm includes at least one fiber optic or other optic element that carries light from an onboard artificial light source to an arc or to pinpoints positioned around the perimeter or circumference of the sight guard. The tip of a sight pin in the sight guard may also be illuminated by the optic element. Light emitted from the optic element is blocked from shining in the direction of the target, but remains visible from the perspective of the shooter. The illumination device enables the user to see the shape of the sight guard and the relative position of the sight pin in low light conditions where reflective tape, glowing materials, and other conventional devices would be difficult to use. Methods of using and activating the illuminated sight guard are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fabric for protecting a wearer thereof from an energy weapon. The fabric is made of a plurality of coupled strands. Each strand is made from staple fibers. At least 30% of the staple fibers are an electrically conductive material for conducting electric current from an energy weapon that contacts or is adjacent to the fabric.

Abstract: The invention is a gradient ballistic material and honeycomb grille that includes a louver system and a honeycomb structure. The louver system contains a gradient of ballistic materials to improve air handling and protection. The louver system may be constructed of one or more pieces of ballistic material so that at least one section is harder than a second section. The honeycomb structure acts a “catcher” or backstop to collect the fragments created by a projectiles contact with the harder section of the louver system.

Abstract: An electronic weapon with an installed deployment unit, from which at least one tethered electrode is launched, provides a stimulus current through a target to inhibit locomotion by the target. The wire tether, also called a filament, conducts the stimulus current. The one or more electrodes, according to various aspects of the present invention, perform one or more of the following functions in any combination: binding the filament to the electrode, deploying the filament from the deployment unit, coupling the electrode to the target, and distributing a current density with respect to a volume of target tissue. An electrode may include a spear comprising a material with integrated conductive and insulative substances (e.g., conductive fibers in insulative composite material) and a geometry to dissipate kinetic energy after impact with the target.

Abstract: A system for adaptable and portable target impact detection includes: a target impact detector, including a sensor array and a sensor control unit; and a target control device; such that the sensor control unit calculates an impact location on a shooting target, and a user can interact with the target impact detector, via use of the target control device, in order to view information about target impacts, and in order to calibrate the target impact detector. A sensor control unit includes a processor; a non-transitory memory; an input/output component; a sensor array controller; a targeting calculator; a sensor calibrator; and a data bus. Also disclosed is a method for target impact detection, including: positioning target impact detector, selecting static calibration, shooting projectile, measuring shockwave, calculating estimated target impact, determining dynamic calibration, and calculating improved target impact.

Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of amusement park equipment within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from show elements within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector to determine whether the show elements are to be adjusted.

Abstract: A projectile that includes a shocking function is presented. The projectile, such as an arrow, is structured to shock an animal as the arrow strikes its target. A capacitor may be used to store energy to generate the shock, or a shocking circuit may be self-contained. The shocking mechanism may be controlled by switch. In other embodiments electrically isolated electrodes could be present on the arrow, including the broadhead, that automatically cause the shocking system to discharge when the arrow has reached its target. The shocking function may be combined with a vibrating function for an even more lethal strike.

Abstract: A forebody flow control system and more particularly an aircraft or missile flow control system for enhanced maneuverability and stabilization utilizes various types of sensors and various types of activatable flow effectors to maneuver the aircraft or missile with the help of a control system. A method of operating the flow control system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stability system for a vehicle moving through a fluid includes stabilizers each having a drive surface that follows the position of the fluid stream perceived by the vehicle. The movement of the drive surface positions control surfaces of the stabilizers, which are coupled to the drive surfaces by mechanical linkages. Lift forces on the drive surfaces provide the force that is used in positioning the control surfaces. The deflection of the control surfaces provides a force on the vehicle that affects stability of the vehicle, for instance in making an inherently unstable vehicle more stable. The stability system may work completely passively, without any active control, and without the need for power to operate it.

Abstract: A multi-stage drive includes a linear actuator configured for linear movement along an actuation axis, and a control surface. The control surface is operatively connected to the linear actuator for rotation about a deployment axis in a deployment stage, and for rotation in a control stage about a control axis that is different from the deployment axis, so that movement of the linear actuator along the actuation axis drives rotation of the control surface in both the deployment stage and in the control stage.

Abstract: A flight safety assembly onboard an aerial vehicle includes a first sensor configured to sense first information related to flight of the aerial vehicle and a second sensor configured to sense second information related to the flight of the aerial vehicle. A sensor input is adapted to receive third information related to the flight of the aerial vehicle. A processor is operably coupled to the first sensor, the second sensor, and the sensor input. The processor is configured to determine three independent instantaneous impact points for the aerial vehicle by independently analyzing each of the first information, the second information and the third information. The processor is also configured to generate three independent onboard flight termination indicators for each of the three independent instantaneous impact points that intersects with a region to be protected.

Abstract: A target senses whether and where it has been struck by a laser light. The target includes a screen for allowing laser light to pass through, a plurality of light sensors behind the screen, and an optical display associated with one or more of the light sensors. When the target is struck by a laser light, a sensor records the strike, and the target may be struck with laser light multiple times, whereby different sensors may record the different strikes. To determine whether and where the target has been struck, the user activates a display mode that causes the optical displays in the target to illuminate. The user can then reset the target so the user can begin again.

Abstract: Less lethal ammunition is disclosed for inhibiting activities of a living target, and marking the living target. The ammunition comprises a cylindrical casing, a charged disposed within the cylindrical casing, a cylindrical body defining a bottom cap and a top section. The cylindrical body has first portion disposed within the casing and a second portion extending from the casing. An inhibiting agent is disposed within the casing substantially adjacent the bottom cap, and at least one marking capsule is disposed within the cylindrical body substantially adjacent a top section. A spacer is disposed within the cylindrical body intermediate the inhabiting agent and the marking capsule(s). The ammunition may be fired from a conventional handgun, rifle or shotgun. The cylindrical body is formed of a substantially transparent material to allow a user to visual identify the marking capsules and inhibiting agent within the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A projectile (14) for an ammunition round (10) for use with a small arms or light firearm comprises an elongated projectile body (16). The projectile body (16) has first and second axially opposed ends (18, 20) respectively and a cavity (20) extending there between. The cavity is able to hold a quantity of propellant (24). A plurality of seals (26) extend about an outer surface of the body (16). The seals (26) protrude radially from the body (16) and operate to form a substantial seal against an inner circumferential surface of a barrel (12) of the firearm. Two of the seals (26b and 26c) are mutually adjacent and spaced apart in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the body to form a seal bound outer surface portion (36) of the body (16). One or more holes (38) are formed in the body (16) enabling fluid communication between the cavity (22) and the seal bound outer surface portion (36) of the body (16).

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a polymeric ammunition comprising: a substantially cylindrical insert; a substantially cylindrical polymeric middle body comprising a substantially cylindrical polymeric bullet-end opposite a substantially cylindrical polymeric coupling end connected by a powder chamber, wherein the substantially cylindrical polymeric coupling end extends over the substantially cylindrical coupling element and covers an circumferential surface and into the primer flash hole aperture to form a primer flash hole; and a substantially cylindrical open-ended polymeric bullet-end component connected to the substantially cylindrical polymeric bullet-end and opposite a bullet-end aperture; a propellant at least partially filling the powder chamber; a primer inserted into the primer flash hole aperture; and a bullet frictionally fitted in the bullet-end aperture, wherein the primer, the propellant and the bullet form a sealed propellant chamber.

Abstract: A fluid-jet-generating container for a flowable material includes a one-piece open-ended body having eight sides and eight corners. Each of the eight corners is defined by a V-notch such that the open-ended body may define a collapsed state when the eight sides are disposed in two parallel planes, and may define a configured state with the eight sides arranged to define an open-ended U-shaped trough. End caps are sealed to the opposing ends of the open-ended body in its configured state.

Abstract: An inner diameter measuring device (4) for measuring an inner diameter by inserting an inner diameter measuring unit into an inside of a hollow member to be measured, comprises a supporting shaft (18) having the inner diameter measuring unit supported at a forward end, and a supporting mechanism unit (30) for cantilever-supporting the supporting shaft, wherein the supporting mechanism unit has a frame (31), a spherical bearing (33) and a deflection adjusting unit (35), wherein the shaft is supported by the frame via the spherical bearing, an end portion (32) of the supporting shaft is passed through the spherical bearing and is extended, and a position of an end of the end portion in vertical direction is adjusted by the deflection adjusting unit.

Abstract: A process for producing a beam element of a co-ordinate measuring machine, comprising the steps of applying a machinable metal coating by spraying on a structural substrate made of ceramic material, impregnating the coating with a resin, and executing on the coating a surface-finishing machining operation and a treatment of surface hardening.

Abstract: An athletic parameter measurement device worn by an athlete during an athletic activity session includes a housing which attaches to the athlete, a display, a processor associated with the display, and an athletic parameter measurement sensor. During the athletic activity, the device detects, using the sensor, a vertical jump height of the athlete, and displays, during the performance of the athletic activity session, a representation of the vertical jump height on the display.

Abstract: A hole-shape measuring apparatus is provided with a hole diameter measuring mechanism which measures the diameter of a flush bolt hole, and a countersunk head depth measuring mechanism which measures a countersunk head depth. The hole diameter measuring mechanism has a hole diameter measuring rod configured so as to be inserted into a constant portion at a tip portion and displaced according to the diameter of the constant portion, and a hole diameter measuring sensor which measures the amount of displacement of the hole diameter measuring rod. The countersunk head depth measuring mechanism has a countersunk head depth measuring rod configured so as to be inserted into a countersunk head portion at a tip portion and displaced according to the countersunk head depth, and a countersunk head depth measuring sensor which measures the amount of displacement of the countersunk head depth measuring rod.

Abstract: In a position detection device, an amplitude modulation is executed for AC excitation signals Sc using modulation wave signals. Differential amplifiers execute a voltage conversion of the modulated wave signal Sin, Cos to digital data SIN, COS and transmit them to a microcomputer. The microcomputer multiplies the modulated wave signals SIN, COS with parameters cos ?, sin ?, and executes a subtraction of the multiplied value to obtain an error-correlation value ?. An angle calculations section in the microcomputer receives a detected value ?c obtained by multiplying the error-correlation value ? with a binary detection signal Rd. The binary detection signal Rd corresponds to a positive sign or a negative sign of the signal Sc. The sampling time of the AC excitation signal Sc is set to a time at which an absolute value of the AC excitation signal Sc exceeds a regulated value.