Abstract: A tube header for a heat exchanger includes a header plate having two major dimensions defining a header plane. The header plate has a row of oblong passages extending through the header plate, and a plurality of tie bars. Each tie bar is arranged between a pair of adjacent oblong passages. At least one of the tie bars is a support tie bar with a generally W-shaped support tie bar profile in a cross-section across the row of oblong passages. The support tie bar has a center area forming a plateau surface parallel to the header plane and connecting two generally V-shaped portions of the support tie bar profile. The plateau surface supports an internal header baffle extending perpendicular to the header plane.

Abstract: Heterogeneous surfaces to tailor bubble nucleation, bubble sites, and bubble dynamics. In some embodiments, piezoelectric inkjet printing is employed to deposit hydrophobic polymer dot arrays having any predetermined pattern. In some further embodiments, a field region comprising hydrophilic nanostructures further surrounds these dot arrays. The hydrophobic sites may be disposed at a crater bottom to enhancing wicking and replenishment of evaporate. In some embodiments, a heat exchanger comprises the heterogeneous surface for enhanced critical heat flux. In some embodiments, an apparatus for conveying information comprises the heterogeneous surface to generate a 2D binary image with each bubble serving as an image pixel that corresponds to one or more site within the heterogeneous surface.

Abstract: A cleaning hose conveying module is proposed for the simple and quick cleaning of flue gas tubes, with which the cleaning hose can be conveyed from a hose store into a hose guide. A hose cleaning means is formed by a rinsing and drying unit for a hose after its withdrawal from the flue gas tube.

Abstract: Systems and methods to use, monitor, and control a firearm technology including smart components embedded into a portion of the firearm and communicatively coupled to the firearm, are disclosed. Use of such smart components may permit the firearm to display and/or send alerts regarding status updates (such as power levels of a battery, indication of need of maintenance, or status of enablement or disablement). Further, use of such smart components may permit the firearm to recognize authorized users to permit one or more firearm operations, to be tracked via inventory control tags, to communicate with remote devices such as a cell phone, to charge an internal power supply, to prevent unauthorized tampering of the device, to enable voice control operations, and/or to inject a destructive solution into the firearm based on unauthorized use, wherein the solution may permanently destroy the firearm functionality.

Abstract: A device is provided for repairing erosion damage to a bore of a railgun with metal powder. The bore has a surface contour that extends longitudinally of the railgun. The device includes a housing, a profilometer sensor and a nozzle. The housing has a configuration that conforms to the surface contour and an upstream face on a longitudinal end. The profilometer sensor mounts to the upstream face to measure depth of the erosion and indicate a divot in the bore that involves repair to match the surface contour. The nozzle mounts to the upstream face to spray the metal powder from a reservoir within the housing in response to the divot indicated by the profilometer.

Abstract: Firearms with bolt mechanisms, ambidextrous functionality, and/or isolated receivers are disclosed herein. A multi-caliber ambidextrous firearm can have a receiver and a bolt mechanism with a bolt that seats against one or more load bearing surfaces of the receiver. The load bearing surfaces can be configured to maintain proper contact before, during, and/or after a firing event. A bolt head of the bolt mechanism can be replaced to use the bolt mechanism with different cartridges.

Abstract: A stock and related methods for a firearm are disclosed. An exemplary stock includes a distal portion for interfacing with a firearm, the distal portion having one of a lock catch or a lock and one of a detent or a detent notch distinct from the one of a lock catch or a lock. The exemplary stock further includes a proximal portion, the proximal portion having the other one of a lock catch or a lock and the other one of a detent or a detent notch. The exemplary stock has a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. The exemplary lock is shaped to engage the lock catch to selectively maintain the stock in the unfolded configuration. The exemplary detent is shaped to engage the detent notch to selectively maintain the stock in the folded configuration.

Abstract: A custom-fitted handgun holster is made using a sleeve of heat-shrinkable polymeric material which has been size-reduced by heating into conformity with at least a portion of a particular handgun. The sleeve may be attached to a holder and decoratively covered if desired.

Abstract: A laser sight system for installation in a firearm, includes a proximity sensor; a laser sight assembly, including a laser diode, a laser driver, and an azimuth/elevation adjuster ; a laser control unit, including a processor, a non-transitory memory, an input/output, a laser sight controller, a proximity controller, a proximity calibrator, and a data bus; a battery; a charging circuitry; a charging/communication port; and a configuration device; such that the laser control unit activates the laser sight assembly to emit a laser beam, when the proximity sensor detects a finger inside a trigger guard of the firearm. Also disclosed is a method for using the system, including configuring a firearm, activating proximity sensor, calibrating proximity sensor, and activating laser sight.

Abstract: An optical device has a post and a reference. A knob is rotatably connected to the optical device and has see-though portions and a gear pivotably disposed therein. The gear has a ring engagement member and a receiver for receiving the post and an inner ring is disposed within the housing. The inner ring includes a first indicia and second indicia. The first indicia are aligned with the plurality of see-through portions when the gear is in a first position. The second indicia are aligned with the plurality of see-through portions when the gear is in a second position. Each of the first and second indicia is associated with a single specific rotated position of the housing relative to the reference.

Abstract: An archery scope includes a housing having a light receiving region arranged on an exterior surface of a cylindrical sight portion and at least one sight pin connected with the housing and arranged within the sight portion. At least one optical fiber extends through the sight pin and through the light receiving region to receive ambient light and deliver it to the end of the sight pin. The optical fiber is arranged on the exterior surface in a serpentine pattern to maximize the length of the fiber exposed to ambient light. A shield is rotatably connected with the housing sight portion for movement between open and closed positions to increase and decrease the amount of ambient light directed to the optical fiber, respectively, so that an archer can control the brightness of the sight pin.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for laser-based bore sighting, enabling wind sensing to be performed on captured images of the laser spot. Techniques can include image averaging, background subtraction, and filtering to help ensure that the Gaussian laser spot is detected in the image. Embodiments may include defining a bounding region and altering the operation of a camera such that the camera does not provide pixel data from pixels sensors corresponding pixels of outside the bounding region in subsequent image captures. Embodiments may additionally or alternatively include extracting two stereoscopic images from a single image capture.

Abstract: A ballistic-resistant molded article includes a compressed stack of sheets made up of reinforcing tapes having a tensile strength of at least 1.0 GPa, a tensile modulus of at least 40 GPa, and a tensile energy-to-break of at least 15 J/g, the direction of the tapes within the compressed stack being not unidirectional. The stack includes a first layer of sheets including reinforcing tapes and a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as matrix material and a further layer of sheets including reinforcing tapes and a thermoplastic elastomer as matrix material, wherein the further layer includes 0.2-8 wt. % matrix material.

Abstract: A multilayer laminated structure particularly useful as soft body armor has layers of aramid fabric, thermoplastic sheet or polyolefinic fabric bonded together using a polyolefinic adhesive. The stack of layers is consolidated under heat and pressure to provide trauma packs having low weight and low trauma as required by Indian body armor standards.

Abstract: A networked battle system includes a communication network, a first rifle and a sensor pack attached to the rifle that includes a sensor for determining a bearing of the first rifle, a sensor for an accelerometer and a rate gyroscope. The system also includes a communication element coupled to the rifle allowing the sensor pack to provide sensor information to the communication network, a battle management system in communication with the first rifle through the communication network that receives the sensor information from the sensor pack updates a battle plan based on the sensor information to form an updated battle plan and a heads up display unit at least in operative communication with the communication network and the communication element and that displays the updated battle plan to a user.

Abstract: An aerial target that is reusable and recoverable after being launched, shot down or otherwise falling to the ground a body member having a saucer-shaped configuration and including a peripheral outer rim and a domed top wall extending upwardly from the outer rim, the body member including a central portion displaced from the outer rim and having a generally flat upper surface and an intermediate portion situated between the outer rim and the central portion, the intermediate portion having a domed configuration sloping downwardly from the central portion toward the outer rim. The body member includes an inner chamber substantially filled with air such that the body member is buoyant relative to water. The central portion is constructed of a hard rubber material that does not shatter after receiving an impact force and the intermediate portion is constructed of a self-healing material that reseals after being pierced by gun shot.

Abstract: An example resetting gun target includes a first curved rocking member; a second curved rocking member; a connector portion joining the first rocking member and the second rocking member and maintaining a space between the first rocking member and the second rocking member; and a central target panel attached to the connector portion and situated in the space between the first curved rocking member and the second curved rocking member. The resetting gun target may further include paddle portions respectively situated at a first end and a second end of each of the first curved rocking member and the second curved rocking member.

Abstract: An apparatus for randomly moving a target in space, comprising: a drive assembly disposed within a housing, an electric motor, a programmable controller, and a moving attachment arm, adapted to move vertically, horizontally, along a curved path, and along a linear path in response to instructions from the controller.

Abstract: A shaped charge comprising a containment shell, an explosive charge placed in the containment shell and having a V-shaped surface, a fuse placed behind the explosive charge, and a layer of projection material placed in front of the V-shaped surface of the explosive charge. A layer of pyrogenic material is used for heating the projection coating. This pyrogenic material can also be mixed with the explosive charge.

Abstract: A device comprises a reactive semiconductor bridge including a conductive metal, a reactive material, and an overcoat. When a high current passes through the reactive semiconductor bridge, the conductive metal vaporizes into a high temperature plasma. The reactive material is coupled to the conductive metal such that the conductive metal experiences an exothermic reaction to the plasma. When the conductive metal turns to plasma, the overcoat material absorbs at least a part of the exothermic reaction of the reactive material and breaks into a plurality of particles that are propelled away from the bridge. A gap is disposed between the overcoat and a membrane, and an explosive material couples to the membrane. The plurality of particles crosses the gap and penetrates the membrane to ignite the explosive material in response to being propelled away from the bridge.

Abstract: An offensive charge intended for the manufacture of a cartridge for firing with a firearm does not contain lead. It is made of multiple projectiles (10), in which the projectiles are formed of at least two substantially spherical pellets (5) connected to one another by a metal connecting wire (6) of fixed predetermined length, the pellets being made of an alloy containing tin and antimony. A cartridge containing such projectiles, and a method for the mass-production of these lead-free projectiles are also described.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and method for delivering a tracking device to an animal using a weaponized projectile. The tracking device can comprise a transmitter, a carrier, and a hook. The carrier can be mountable to a weaponized projectile. The carrier can be capable of mounting the transmitter. The hook can attach at the back-end portion of the carrier. This disclosure also teaches a method for attaching a tracking device to a weaponized projectile. The method can comprise the steps of placing a carrier at a surface of the weaponized projectile, and attaching the carrier to the weaponized projectile. The carrier can be capable of mounting a transmitter. The back end portion of the carrier can comprise a hook.

Abstract: A bore cleaning projectile cleans a bore of a firearm as the projectile is propelled down the bore. The projectile includes a frame including a lower charge cap, a tapered cone-shaped center shaft portion, and an end cap. The projectile further includes a propellant providing a force to push the device down the bore of the firearm and at least one cleaning agent situated around the tapered cone-shaped center shaft portion. The center shaft portion includes a narrower diameter at a longitudinally forward portion of the center shaft portion and a wider diameter at a longitudinally rearward portion of the center shaft portion. The cleaning agent is forced to move along the center shaft portion toward the longitudinally rearward portion of the center shaft portion as the frame is propelled down the bore. This movement along the center shaft portion causes intimate contact between the cleaning agent and the bore.

Abstract: An alignment tool may be used with an arrow and a nock. The alignment tool may include a tool body, a connection member, and an opening. The alignment tool and nock may be rotatable with respect to the arrow when the nock is connected to the arrow and the connection member is connected to the nock to align the nock with respect to the arrow by aligning the opening in the tool with an arrow vane with the vane visible through the opening in the tool.

Abstract: A shotgun shell carrier includes two clips on opposite ends of a bracket, for holding two shells end to end. Each clip has a shell end compartment for receiving an end portion of a shelf. Each clip has a hood that extends over the shell end compartment to block longitudinal movement of the shell out of the clip.

Abstract: A gauging machine for inspecting bore diameters of a workpiece includes a reference fixture, a first wide range bore gauge arranged on a first three-dimensional positioning apparatus to facilitate inspection of a first set of bores aligned along parallel axes, and a second wide range bore gauge arranged on a second three-dimensional positioning apparatus to facilitate inspection of one bore or a plurality of bores aligned along parallel axes. The gauging machine facilitates inspection of bores on a plurality of different workpieces having different overall dimensions, a different number of bores, different positioning of bores, and/or different size bores, without requiring retooling of the gauging machine.

Abstract: A wire electrical discharge machine for detecting an end face of an object, configured so that when a contact detection movement is started and if contact between the wire electrode and the workpiece is detected, positions in which the contact between the wire electrode and the workpiece is detected are stored as contact detection positions and that when a non-contact detection movement is then started and if non-contact between the wire electrode and the workpiece is detected, positions in which the non-contact between the wire electrode and the workpiece is detected are stored as non-contact detection positions. When it is determined whether or not a set number of times of execution is reached and if the set number of times of execution is reached, a reference position is obtained by adding the radius of the wire electrode and a clearance of the wire guide to an end face determination position.

Abstract: We propose an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) system where a grating light valve is placed in front of the detector to make the interferometer more sensitive and accurate for reading various samples for diagnosis.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for scanning surfaces of a three-dimensional object employ a first sensor to acquire first data points and a second sensor to acquire second data points. The first sensor has a relatively lower accuracy and faster data point acquisition rate than the second sensor, and the second data points are assigned a higher weighting than the first data points. A three-dimensional coordinate point cloud is generated based on the both the first and second data points and their respective weighting.

Abstract: A measurement system includes a cylindrical mirror, a light source, a photosensitive array, and a processor. The light source is configured and positioned with respect to the cylindrical mirror such that light from the light source is reflected from the cylindrical mirror as a circular arc on an object surface. The photosensitive array is positioned with respect to the cylindrical mirror to detect the circular arc on the object surface. The processor is in communication with the photosensitive array and is configured to detect a break in the circular arc and to measure a substance applied to the object surface based on an image detected by the photosensitive array.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for measuring deformation of a gripper of a robot. Devices for measuring deformation of a gripper of a robot include: a frame mounted in the vicinity of the robot at which the gripper taking out components is formed; a sensor block provided on the frame that is configured to sense the deformation of the gripper; and a controlling part connected to the sensor block that is configured to analyze and manage a deformation state of the gripper. A deformation state of the gripper of the robot is measured, such that a component takeout defect and component work line non-operation due to the deformation may be sensed and prevented in advance, a state of the gripper may be managed, and real-time monitoring may be possible, thereby improving work reliability and an operation rate.

Abstract: An apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a camera comprising a beam splitter to impose different optical paths for visible light and infra red light received by the camera. The camera also includes an infra red light detector to detect the infra red light and a visible light detector to detect the visible light, wherein, the different optical paths include an optical path having more than one internal reflection within the beam splitter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a verification method of tablets, in particular pharmaceutical tablets. It further relates to an invisible secure marking or information which is a part of such tablet. The invention further relates to tablets suitable for such verification method, to processes for manufacturing such tablets and methods for reading the information.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a pre-aligning element at a wafer and a method for pre-aligning a wafer are disclosed. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a sensor arrangement configured to illuminate subsequent edge portions of the wafer edge and to output a first and a second sensor signal, wherein the first sensor signal is based on the transmitted fractions of the illumination and the second sensor signal is based on the reflected fractions of the illumination; and an evaluation unit configured to evaluate the first sensor signal and to determine a first position information indicating a coarse position of the pre-aligning element, and, after having determined the first position information, to determine a second position information based on the second sensor signal and the first position information, wherein the second position information indicates a fine position of the pre-aligning element.

Abstract: A system for measuring heights of multiple structures of an object, the system may include an illumination module that is configured to illuminate the object by a light strip that is spatially incoherent; multiple cameras; a collection module that is configured to collect light that is reflected from the object and to distribute the light to the multiple cameras; wherein the collection module has an elongated field of view that has a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the light strip; wherein the multiple cameras are configured to generate, during a height measurement process, detection signals indicative of heights of the multiple structures; a mechanical stage for introducing a movement, during the height measurement process, between the object and each one of the illumination module and the collection module; and a processor that is configured to process the detection signals to determine the heights of the multiple structures.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a calibration method for a coordinate measuring machine. In some embodiments, the method may include emitting and directing the laser beam towards a first of the set of retro-reflectors, whereby a measuring path is defined by the orientation of the laser beam, moving the calibration laser head along the measuring path so that the laser beam is kept directed towards the first retro-reflector according to the measuring path and the reflected laser beam is continuously received at the calibration laser head, measuring the change in distance to the first retro-reflector at a plurality of measuring positions along the measuring path and gathering a machine position for each of the plurality of measuring positions, the machine position relating to a position of the tool carrier relative to the base.

Abstract: A system for positioning a gauge wheel of an agricultural row unit includes the gauge wheel coupled to a frame of the agricultural row unit via a position assembly. The position assembly is configured to enable the gauge wheel to rotate between an engagement position and a home position. The system also includes a blocking member of the position assembly. Also, the system includes a protrusion integrally formed on the frame of the agricultural row unit. The protrusion is configured to engage the blocking member to block rotation of the position assembly away from the engagement position while in the home position.

Abstract: A chromatic confocal range sensor optical pen comprises a housing, an in/out optical fiber, a chromatically dispersive lens configuration, a reflected light dividing configuration comprising a lower NA zone and a higher NA zone, and a camera portion. The lens configuration is configured to receive source light from the optical fiber and output focused source light to a workpiece surface with axial chromatic dispersion, and receive reflected light from the workpiece surface and focus at least a portion of the reflected light to the fiber aperture. The reflected light dividing configuration is arranged to divide the reflected light into a measurement portion and an imaging portion. In some embodiments, the lower NA zone directs the imaging portion along an imaging optical path to the image detector, and the higher NA zone directs the measurement portion along a measurement optical path to a point proximate to the fiber aperture.

Abstract: A spirit level has a hollow profile member as the spirit level body and at least one bubble level with a bubble level holder. The bubble level holder is mounted moveably in the spirit level body, and the bubble level holder has an opening into which a fixing means can be introduced through a wall of the spirit level body. The fixing means prevents a displacement of the bubble level holder parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spirit level body, and allows a movement of the bubble level holder normal to a measurement surface of the spirit level body.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a plurality of navigation solutions using a portable sensor device associated with a user. Motion sensor data may be used to derive a first navigation solution using the obtained sensor data under a first set of processing conditions navigation solution and to derive at least a second navigation solution using the sensor data under a second set of processing conditions, wherein the second navigation solution is refined as compared to the first navigation solution. As such, the second navigation solution may represent a more accurate or more complete solution, with the first navigation solution may represent a reduced expenditure of resources. The system includes the portable sensor device and optionally may include an auxiliary device associated with the user and/or remote processing resources.

Abstract: A wayfinder system includes at least one beacon operable to transmit information that relates a position of the beacon with respect to a predefined destination. A method of directing a user to a passenger conveyance includes receiving information that relates a position of a beacon with respect to a predefined destination and displaying directions to the predefined destination from the information via a mobile device application. A method of configuring a wayfinder system for a passenger conveyance includes transiting a route from an initial point to a predefined destination; receiving information from at least one beacon along the route from the initial point to the predefined destination; and communicating the received information to the beacon such that the beacon is operable to transmit a position of the beacon with respect to the predefined destination.

Abstract: There is provided a map production method to be performed by a mobile robot which moves in a first region and includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The map production method includes acquiring first information from the first sensor, acquiring second information from the second sensor, acquiring third information from a third sensor provided in the first region, acquiring fourth information indicating a detection region of the second sensor calculated from the first information and the second information, acquiring fifth information indicating a detection region of the third sensor calculated from the third information, and updating map information of the first region for a third region, including a first object, if a the second region overlaps with the third region is judged to be present from the fourth information and the fifth information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide efficient and dynamic systems and methods for building a hybrid road network and grid based spatial temporal index to handle big trajectory data. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to satisfy the issue of low indexing and compression rate of big trajectory data, and to improve the efficiency of index queries, while also providing a mechanism to account for missing road links in a map.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide efficient and dynamic systems and methods for building a hybrid road network and grid based spatial temporal index to handle big trajectory data. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to satisfy the issue of low indexing and compression rate of big trajectory data, and to improve the efficiency of index queries, while also providing a mechanism to account for missing road links in a map.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a map creation system and a map creating method capable of accurately creating road data on map data used for estimating a road being travelled by a vehicle. A map creation system includes a trajectory data creation unit creating trajectory data of a vehicle travelling in a predetermined area on a first road on the basis of positional information of the vehicle, a representative point extraction unit extracting, of created plural pieces of the trajectory data, representative points located on a side of a second road different from the first road, and a road data creation unit creating data for the first road on map data on the basis of the plural representative points extracted for respective plural predetermined areas.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for autonomously navigating a vehicle along a road segment. In one implementation, a system includes at least one processor programmed to receive from a camera at least one image representative of an environment of the vehicle. The at least one image may be analyzed to identify at least one recognized landmark based upon one or more landmark group characteristics associated with a group of recognized landmarks. The current location of the vehicle relative to a predetermined road model trajectory associated with the road segment may be determined based, at least in part, on a predetermined location of the recognized landmark. An autonomous steering action for the vehicle may be determined based on a direction of the predetermined road model trajectory at the determined current location of the vehicle relative to the predetermined road model trajectory.

Abstract: A system for autonomously navigating a vehicle along a road segment may be based on a predetermined landmark location. The system may include at least one processor programmed to receive from a camera, at least one image representative of an environment of the vehicle, and determine a position of the vehicle along a predetermined road model trajectory associated with the road segment based, at least in part, on information associated with the at least one image. The at least one processor may be further programmed to identify a recognized landmark forward of the vehicle based on the determined position, wherein the recognized landmark is beyond a sight range of the camera, and determine a current distance between the vehicle and the recognized landmark by comparing the determined position of the vehicle with a predetermined position of the recognized landmark.

Abstract: A method of processing vehicle navigation information for use in autonomous vehicle navigation is provided. The method includes receiving, by a server, navigation information from a plurality of vehicles. The navigation information from the plurality of vehicles is associated with a common road segment. The method also includes storing, by the server, the navigation information associated with the common road segment. The method also includes generating, by the server, at least a portion of an autonomous vehicle road navigation model for the common road segment based on the navigation information from the plurality of vehicles. The method further includes distributing, by the server, the autonomous vehicle road navigation model to one or more autonomous vehicles for use in autonomously navigating the one or more autonomous vehicles along the common road segment.

Abstract: A system for autonomously navigating a vehicle is disclosed. The system may include at least one processor and the at least one processor may be programmed to receive from a rearward facing camera, at least one image representing an area at a rear of the vehicle and analyze the at least one rearward facing image to locate in the image a representation of at least one landmark. The at least one processor may be further programmed to determine at least one indicator of position of the landmark relative to the vehicle and determine a forward trajectory for the vehicle based, at least in part, upon the indicator of position of the landmark relative to the vehicle. Additionally, the at least one processor may be programmed to cause the vehicle to navigate along the determined forward trajectory.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for autonomous navigation based on user intervention. In one implementation, a navigation system for a vehicle may include least one processor. The at least one processor may be programmed to receive from a camera, at least one environmental image associated with the vehicle, determine a navigational maneuver for the vehicle based on analysis of the at least one environmental image, cause the vehicle to initiate the navigational maneuver, receive a user input associated with a user's navigational response different from the initiated navigational maneuver, determine navigational situation information relating to the vehicle based on the received user input, and store the navigational situation information in association with information relating to the user input.