Abstract: A method of processing natural gas to produce liquefied natural gas using a consolidated refrigeration and liquefaction module. The natural gas is cooled in a first array of one or more heat exchangers using a first refrigerant from a first refrigerant circuit, wherein the first refrigerant is compressed in a first compressor. A second refrigerant from a second refrigerant circuit is compressed in a second compressor. The second refrigerant is cooled and partially condensed using the first refrigerant in a second array of one or more heat exchangers located in the consolidated refrigeration and liquefaction module. The partially condensed second refrigerant is separated into liquid and vapor phases using a refrigerant separator located in the consolidated refrigeration and liquefaction module. The natural gas is liquefied to produce LNG in a third array of one or more heat exchangers using the vapor and liquid phases of the partially condensed second refrigerant.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon processing plant, such an LNG plant, is disclosed. A piperack structure has a major axis parallel to the major axis of the train with which it is associated. A first multipurpose module, substantially pre-assembled prior to being transported to an operating location, has a major axis that is either parallel or perpendicular to the major axis of the piperack. The first multipurpose module contains: process components that perform a function related to hydrocarbon processing or handling; piping systems that connect the process components directly to a second module that is adjacent the first multipurpose module, and wherein at least part of the piping systems are aligned with the major axis of the piperack structure; and at least one heat exchanger located in the first multipurpose module and operationally connected to process components in the hydrocarbon processing plant.

Abstract: In the air disperser (4) having a number of components including a top, a boom and an outer circumferential wall forming a space (45) defined within an inner radius and an outer radius and having an air inlet (81), a set of guide vanes (7), and an air outlet (82) at said inner radius adapted to be positioned above a feed outlet from atomizing means, at least some of said components are formed by precision metal forming such as metal spinning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling system (3) for rotary furnaces (1), and also to a method for operating such a cooling system (3). The cooling system (3) comprises for this purpose an arrangement of one or more cooling modules (31, 31?, 31?), which are arranged in the portion (21) to be cooled of the furnace shell (2), at least along the axis of rotation (R) of the furnace shell (2), wherein each cooling module (31) comprises an activatable switching valve (311) and a fan nozzle (312) for issuing a pulsed fan-shaped cooling liquid jet (4) and, when there are a number of cooling modules, the neighbouring cooling modules (31, 31?, 31?) are arranged in relation to one another at a distance (A1) parallel to the axis of rotation (R) of the furnace shell (2).

Abstract: An arrangement (10) for preventing egress of a gas from a first opening of a vessel, the vessel including at least one other opening through which the gas can leave the vessel, the arrangement comprising an open passage (48) extending substantially around the first opening, the open passage (48) receiving a flow of gas such that the flow of gas leaves the open passage and flows towards and into the vessel to cause a gas from the environment external to the vessel to be drawn into the vessel. The arrangement may comprise a Coanda surface. The arrangement may be in the form of an inert for placement in the opening to the furnace.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, among other things, a radiator system, its components, as well as methods of mounting and/or installing thereof. Provided components include radiating fins arranged around a water pipe to form a core assembly. The radiating fins may include a collar and/or reflare and are spaced in the core assembly to permit airflow through the system. The core assembly may be mounted by support elements on hangers from a back plate which is wall mountable. The support elements may create space for airflow between the core assembly and a front casing and/or the back panel. Provided systems, components and methods are useful in commercial and residential baseboard radiators.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for transferring heat from a hot gas to a fluid includes two or more corrugated fin structures defining a plurality of hot gas flow channels extending in a generally linear first direction. A fluid conduit includes an outer wall at least partially bonded to at least two of the corrugated fin structures. The fluid conduit defines a plurality of sequentially arranged flow passes for the fluid traveling therethrough. Each of the plurality of flow passes directs the fluid in a direction generally perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A knockdown heat dissipation unit includes at least one combination body and multiple heat pipes. The combination body has two opposite connection sections. The heat pipes are respectively connected with the connection sections of the combination body to form a large area of thermal contact face. According to the structural design of the knockdown heat dissipation unit, the number of the heat pipes can be increased or reduced according to the heat dissipation requirement of a user. Also, the number of the heat pipes can be flexibly adjusted according to the size of a heat source to enhance the heat dissipation effect.

Abstract: Heat radiation devices according to various embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a heating plate; and a heat radiating area portion which is provided in the heating plate and has heat radiation pins having angles different from each other. Also, other various embodiments are possible.

Abstract: A heatsink comprising a heat exchange device having a plurality of heat exchange elements each having a surface boundary with respect to a heat transfer fluid, having successive elements or regions varying according to a fractal relationship. According to one embodiment, a noise spectrum due to fluid flow is wideband. According to another embodiment, surface boundary layers are disrupted to increase heat transfer. Flow-induced vortices may be generated at non-corresponding locations of the plurality of fractally varying heat exchange elements.

Abstract: To recover water from a cooling tower exhaust an air entry is provided adjacent thereto which feeds into a cooling heat exchanger. The cooling heat exchanger reduces a temperature of the wet air entering the air entry, causing condensation of water. This condensed water is captured and discharged from the system separate from dry air. A pre-cooler loop can be provided with a pre-cooler heat exchanger upstream of the cooling heat exchanger and fed by a cool line with a cold working fluid drawing heat out of the wet air. The pre-cooler heat exchanger can have its working fluid re-cooled in a second heat exchanger which exchanges heat with the cooler dry air downstream of the cooling heat exchanger. The cooling heat exchanger has a cold fluid passing therethrough which is cooled by a refrigeration system or some other cold fluid source.

Abstract: A cooling device includes an electrode unit which is arranged in a space between adjacent radiation fins and which is electrically insulated from the radiation fins, and a power supply source which applies a voltage between a heat radiation structure and the electrode unit. The cooling device is further provided with an insulation resistance detection unit which calculates an insulation resistance between the heat radiation structure and the electrode unit, and a comparison unit which compares the insulation resistance calculated by the insulation resistance detection unit with a predetermined threshold, wherein, as a result of the comparison of the calculated insulation resistance and the predetermined threshold by the comparison unit, when the calculated insulation resistance is lower than the predetermined threshold, the cooling device is adapted to judge that the radiation fins have clogged.

Abstract: A firearm magazine assisted release device is provided. The release device comprises a spring secured with or integrated into a firearm. The spring is biased when a 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 universal firearm-mounted receiving apparatus adapted to receive an ejected casing from a firearm (FIG. 1). The apparatus has an arm with a mounting piece disposed at one end and a receptacle for shell casings disposed at the other end (opposite to) mounting piece. The arm further contains one or more hinges that allow(s) at least a portion of the arm to move independently of another portion, thereby making the arm and receptacle positionable for a variety of different firearms.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides ammunition magazine casing and follower systems. The magazine casing may comprise a pair of spines running along a length of an interior rear wall of the magazine casing, the spines being raised in relation to other portions of the interior rear wall and stopping at a point in the magazine casing where an exterior geometry of the magazine casing changes from substantially curved to substantially straight.

Abstract: A rotational safety device for a firearm is provided that replaces a traditional cross bar safety device. The safety device is easier to operate and easier for a firearm user to assess whether the firearm can be fired than previous safety systems. The safety device of the present technology involves setting a safety to “fire” or to a no fire or “safety on” position by causing a safety member installed within a trigger mechanism to rotate about an axis. The safety device may include a recessed portion that may be rotationally positioned to face a trigger to allow the trigger to be completely depressed. The safety device may also include one or more locking positions in a range of rotation, physical limits on the range of rotation such as pins that engage surfaces of a firearm, and may be used with a variety devices to provide rotation.

Abstract: A sear mechanism for a firearm includes a trigger element having one or more contact surfaces on which one or more movable or pivotable components of the sear mechanism selectively contacts or slides. In some embodiments, the trigger element is made by producing an intermediate workpiece of the trigger element by a manufacturing process, and electric discharge machining the intermediate workpiece of the trigger element to provide the contact surfaces.

Abstract: A novel locking mechanism for a noise suppressor mount for a firearm comprising a muzzle attachment comprising a plurality of locking positions, a collar, and a locking arm comprising a locking notch wherein the collar rotates to move the locking notch in a circular direction into a locking position.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present disclosure describe a fitting for attaching a cable to a bow. The cable attachment fitting attaches near a cam to provide an offset between the cam of the bow and a cable attached at the cable attachment fitting.

Abstract: A handguard is attached to a M16/M4 family firearm by sliding the handguard onto the barrel nut, rotating the handguard relative to the barrel nut and then positioning a timing pin in one of the scallops of the barrel nut sprocket to lock the handguard in position. The back of the hand guard has grooves and ridged matching the barrel nuts teeth and sprockets. Rotating the handguard causes the teeth to enter into slots in the ridges to thereby prevent the handguard from pulling free. A clamping mechanism in the handguard can clamp onto the barrel nut. The addition of friction bushings attached to the inside of the handguard and behind the barrel nut sprocket can provide for even stronger retention.

Abstract: A weapons system mounted conventional foregrip with integrated compartment for tab actuated spray canister aligned with weapons muzzle and clearances required for deployment of the compliance device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular advanced technology -marksmanship proficiency (MAT-MP) system. The MAT-MP system provides marksmanship instructors with a robust and reconfigurable set of technological tools to quickly diagnose and remediate deficiencies in marksmanship skill at a live-fire range. The system diagnoses the shooter's performance using an array of sensors and an optic camera, all placed on the shooter's weapon, to continuously monitor and record his/her performance during weapon fire. Data output by the sensors and optic camera is gathered by the MAT-MP system's weapon-mounted control device and sent wirelessly to an instructor station, typically a tablet, laptop computer or the like. The MAT-MP coach software running on the instructor's computer presents a summarized analysis of the shooter's performance as well as provides the instructor the ability to view the raw sensor data graphically.

Abstract: An armored shirt with contoured body armor selectively inserted into contoured armor pockets. Front and rear portions are connected along lateral edges. Shoulder portions connect upper portions of the front and rear portions, and neck and left and right arm openings are defined by the front, rear, and shoulder portions. Contoured armor pockets are formed in the front and rear portions with inner and outer layers of material joined to define a contoured edge shape while leaving a pocket opening. The contoured edge shapes of the body armor and the armor pocket correspond with both spanning from under the left arm opening to under the right arm opening. The edge shape of the pocket and the armor can include lateral inwardly arcuate upper narrowing underarm portions adjacent to the arm openings and a central inwardly arcuate upper portion therebetween bounded by the neck opening.

Abstract: An armor system and method for the protection of an environment. The armor system includes at least one, and generally a plurality of flexible strands, a first strand support system, and a control subsystem. The control subsystem is configured to manually or automatically adapt the configuration of the armor system in response to a ballistic threat. The armor system may further include at least one of a drift gap and a spall catcher positioned between the flexible strand and the environment to be protected. The configuration can include activating a wave shape along the flexible strand. The configuration can include multiple layers of the flexible strands. The flexible strands may be implemented as a curtain. The strands may be deployed into an open-top container.

Abstract: An electric reactive armour (10) comprises a first electrode (1) and a second electrode (2) spaced apart from the first electrode, to which electrodes (1, 2) a high voltage can be applied so as to disrupt a charge contacting the electrodes. The second electrode (2) comprises an electrically conductive structure (21) having a plurality of surfaces (22) embedded in an insulating material (23), such that the charge jet penetrates successive surfaces of the electrically conductive structure. The electrically conductive structure (21) comprises a meandering structure and/or a structure of linked cavities, such as a honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A gas generation system for generating gases, such as for use as or as part of a rocket motor in propelling a projectile, includes two or more propellant charges and electrically operated propellant initiators operatively coupled to respective of the propellant charges, to initiate combustion in the propellant charges, wherein the propellant charges are operatively isolated from one another such that the propellant charges can be individually initiated and are not ignited due to gases generated from other of the propellant charges being combusted.

Abstract: An arrow with self-aligning features allows a user to properly nock the arrow without resorting to manual alignment of the nock and fletchings. Engagement of a removable nock and shaft, each with a rounded polygonal cross-section, such as a reuleaux triangle, allow for a fixed relative angular position between the nock and the shaft without the use of an adhesive. This allows for proper position between the nock and index vane to ensure a more accurate path of the arrow during flight. Similarly, the reuleaux triangle cross-section of the shaft may engage an arrow head with a similar reuleaux triangle for accurate alignment between the shaft and the arrow head.

Abstract: An arrow with a non-circular central bore may allow for differential flexural rigidity in the shaft. A non-circular central bore, such as in the form of a bore with a rounded polygon, or more specifically a reuleaux triangle, may also provide self-alighting features when paired with a nock or arrowhead with similar shaped elements. This may allow a user to properly nock an arrow without resorting to manual alignment of the nock and fletchings. The central bore may extend along an entirety of the shaft, or only along a portion of the shaft. The non-circular central bore may be incorporated in an arrow shaft with a round exterior cross section, or with an arrow with a non-circular exterior cross section, such as in the form of a rounded polygon, or more specifically a reuleaux triangle.

Abstract: Kits or sub-systems that include sensors to measure a projectile's condition at muzzle exit. The kits or sub-systems are coupled to ballistic calculators or fire control systems that calculate aiming and programming solutions to improve shot placement, reduced dispersion and improve terminal performance. Where airburst munitions are used, the projectile is programmed when reaching a programming station beyond the barrel and the projectile is programmed with a solution that adjusts the burst location based on the measured muzzle velocity. Sub-systems, processes and sub-routines optimize “post-shot” programming using certain non-linear methods that are incorporated into fire control systems and ballistic calculators. These non-linear sub-routines are useful in establishing the optimum terminal effect of such airburst projectiles. The sub-systems are used separately or are incorporated into the weapons, to reduce dispersion and improve the terminal effects of the projectiles.

Abstract: A belt adaptor for mounting accessories to a tactical belt with an elongated body having an upper surface, a lower surface, a first side wall and a second side wall defining a belt-receiving area, said area having a height approximately the width of the belt on which it is worn and a width slightly greater than the thickness of the belt. The lower surface of the body is lined with both hook and loop material. In a second embodiment, the belt has an elongated body having a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall defining a belt-receiving slot therethrough, said slot having a height approximately the width of the belt on which it is worn and a width slightly greater than the thickness of the belt. The interior portion of the bottom wall is lined with both hook and loop material.

Abstract: A chemical ordnance containment and transport bag is described. The bag may comprise a flexible body, an end portion, a zipper bisecting the flexible body along two longitudinal sides and a lateral side and terminating at the end portion, and a plurality of straps which extend widthwise across the flexible body from each longitudinal portion of the zipper. The flexible body may comprise one or more layers of activated carbon cloth comprising at least one layer of knitted activated carbon cloth and at least one layer of woven activated carbon cloth. Embodiments may also include a method of securing chemical ordnance, comprising providing a chemical ordnance containment and transport bag, placing a chemical ordnance item inside the bag, and closing the zipper and adjusting the straps to secure the chemical ordnance item inside the bag.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable measuring device comprising a starting piece, an end cap piece and at least three straight pieces. Further, when the starting piece is coupled and capped with the end cap piece or coupled with one or more of the straight piece of the three straight pieces and capped with the end cap piece, a transportable, perfectly flat square or rectangular ruler measuring at least 3 inches in width and one of 6 inches, 12 inches, 18 inches, 24 inches and continuing in 6 inch increments, in length, is created, which can be used for marking, trimming or cutting.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring apparatus includes a base on which an object to be measured is mounted, a movable X-axis beam, a Y-axis column with a hollow part that is provided on the base and supports the X-axis beam, a control unit that is provided under the base and controls the movement of the X-axis beam, and a cable that is wired from the X-axis beam to the control unit through the hollow part of the Y-axis column.

Abstract: A measuring probe for measuring a screw groove of a relatively rotatable ball screw includes a stylus having a tip end portion configured to contact the screw groove, a radial-direction displacement mechanism configured to support the stylus so as for the stylus to be displaceable in an X direction toward an axial center of the ball screw, an axial-direction displacement mechanism configured to support the stylus so as for the stylus to be displaceable in an axial direction (Z direction) of the axial center, and sensors configured to detect displacement of the stylus produced by the radial-direction displacement mechanism and the axial-direction displacement mechanism. This enables high-accuracy measurement of a predetermined position of a side surface of a relatively rotatable work.

Abstract: A photo acoustic non-destructive measurement apparatus and method for quantitatively measuring texture of a food snack is disclosed. The apparatus includes a laser generating tool, an acoustic capturing device, and a data processing unit. The laser generating tool directs a laser towards a food snack placed on a surface and creates pressure waves that propagate through the air and produce an acoustic signal. The acoustic capturing device records and forwards the signal to a data processing unit. The data processing unit further comprises a digital signal processing module that processes the received acoustic signal. A statistical processing module further filters the acoustic signal from the data processing unit and generates a quantitative acoustic model for texture attributes such as hardness and fracturability. The quantitative model is correlated with a qualitative texture measurement from a descriptive expert panel. Texture of food snacks are quantitatively measured with the quantitative acoustic model.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a device, a tire pressure measurement system, a tire, a method and a computer program to obtain information indicating a tread depth of the tire. The device to obtain information indicating a tread depth of a tire of a vehicle comprises a transducer to provide acoustical signals based on electrical signals and vice versa. The device further comprises a control unit, which is coupled to the transducer. The control unit is configured to provide the transducer with a first electrical signal based on which the transducer provides an acoustical transmit signal. The control unit is further configured to obtain a second electrical signal from the transducer. The second electrical signal is based on a reflected version of the acoustical transmit signal. The control unit is further configured to process the second electrical signal to obtain information indicating the tread depth of the tire.

Abstract: A method for measuring a large shaft rotation angle utilizes one or more cams attached to the shaft. Each cam shape is designed to have one or more detectable harmonics when rotated. Multiple harmonics in a single cam or amongst multiple cams may have a particular order. Pairs of fine position sensors, positioned at opposing sense angle positions relative to the cam(s) measure displacement of the cam during rotation. The data from the position sensors is then analyzed, with a processor, to determine the large shaft rotation angle and angular displacement relative to an ideal axis of rotation.

Abstract: A tool measures relative concentricity deviations in a confined space between two circumferential elements, such as a turbine rotor and a turbine diaphragm. The tool includes a housing, and a sensor coupled with the housing that measures a distance from the housing to one of the two circumferential elements. An axial spring plunger is connected to the housing, and a radial spring plunger is connected to the housing and arranged orthogonal to the axial spring plunger. The tool also includes a sliding or rolling surface on a side of the housing opposite from one of the axial spring plunger and the radial spring plunger.

Abstract: Provided is a thin-film thickness measurement apparatus including a light output unit including a light emitter configured to emit light onto a target. A light receiving unit is configured to receive light reflected from the target. A blowing unit is configured to eject a gas around the light emitter.

Abstract: A job site monitoring system includes a tower-mounted scanner that is situated to monitor all or substantially all of a particular construction site. The scanner is configured to provide data to a processor configured to determine the height of fill material deposited at a job site. The processor is adapted to communicate with a remote client who can review the data collected at the job site. The processor may also be configured to compare the live fill height data to predetermined parameters to determine whether an error condition exists. An alert may be issued upon detection of such an error to enable corrective action to be taken before construction continues at the site.

Abstract: A non-contacting measurement apparatus to measure a two or three dimensional out of plane orientation with respect to a surface. Various embodiments are possible with some being capable of measuring perpendicularity to the surface, closest distance to the surface, angles of incidence of a vector from the measurement apparatus to the point on the surface, and/or generating three dimensional coordinate representations of the measurement apparatus and/or its components with respect to the surface and/or a point on the surface. Some embodiments of the measurement apparatus allow it to obtain orientation data dynamically, allowing the measurement apparatus and/or the surface to be moving while obtaining the orientation measurements. Additionally some embodiments of the measurement apparatus are capable of guiding a user to a particular orientation through an output device.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment system has a plurality of cameras, each camera for viewing a respective target disposed at a respective wheel of the vehicle and capturing image data of the target as the wheel and target are continuously rotated a number of degrees of rotation without a pause. The image data is used to calculate a minimum number of poses of the target of at least one pose for every five degrees of rotation as the wheel and target are continuously rotated the number of degrees of rotation without a pause. At least one of the cameras comprises a data processor for performing the steps of preprocessing the image data, and calculating an alignment parameter for the vehicle based on the preprocessed image data.

Abstract: A portable vehicle alignment system has a vertical central column with a carriage movable along its length, and a pair of camera arms pivotably attached to the carriage, each with a camera pod. The camera pods each have a camera for capturing image data of a respective vehicle-mounted target. One pod also has a calibration target disposed in a known relationship to its camera, and the other pod has a calibration camera disposed in a known relationship to its camera for capturing images of the calibration target. The camera arms pivot between an extended position where the cameras are disposed to capture image data of the vehicle targets and the calibration camera is disposed to capture images of the calibration target, and a folded position where the aligner has a width smaller than the width between the camera pods.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for monitoring thickness uniformity are described herein.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for using sensor-based observations from multiple agents (e.g., mobile robots and/or fixed sensors) in an environment to estimate the pose of an object in the environment at a target time and to estimate an uncertainty measure for that pose. Various implementations generate a multigraph based on a group of observations from multiple agents, where the multigraph includes a reference frame node, object nodes, and a plurality edges connecting the nodes. In some implementations, a composite pose and composite uncertainty measure are generated for each of a plurality of simple paths along the edges of the multigraph that connect the reference frame node to a given object node—and a pose and uncertainty measure for an object identifier associated with the given object node is generated based on the composite poses and the composite uncertainty measures.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of selecting a threaded tubular connector for qualification testing, the method comprising the steps of providing a test specimen (34) provided with a test surface that exhibits comparable material properties and/or surface topology as the sealing surface on the connector, determining a parameter of the test surface relating to the sealing capability of the sealing surface; subjecting the test surface to a load, the load corresponding to a selected phase of a qualification test procedure for the tubular connector; removing the load; determining a variation of the parameter; and ceasing the qualification test procedure if the variation of the parameter indicates a reduction of the sealing capability of the sealing surfaces.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing passive strain indicator on turbine components include providing a turbine component comprising an exterior surface, and, depositing a ceramic material onto a portion of the exterior surface to form a passive strain indicator comprising at least two reference points.

Abstract: A non-contacting measurement apparatus to measure a two or three dimensional out of plane orientation with respect to a point on a flat surface and/or a two dimensional out of plane orientation with respect to a curved surface. Various embodiments are possible with some being capable of measuring perpendicularity to the surface, closest distance to the surface, angles of incidence of a vector from the measurement apparatus to the point on the surface, and/or generating three dimensional coordinate representations of the point on the surface with respect to the measurement apparatus and/or its components. Some embodiments of the measurement apparatus allow it to obtain orientation data dynamically, allowing the measurement apparatus and/or the surface to be moving while obtaining the orientation measurements.

Abstract: A user may be aided in modifying a product that is an assemblage of parts. This aid may involve a processor obtaining images of a target part captured by the user on a mobile device camera. The processor may compare, based on the captured images and a plurality of images of identified parts, the target part to the identified parts. Based on the comparison, the processor may determine an identity of the target part. This aid may also involve a processor obtaining images of a first configuration of a partial assembly of the product captured by a mobile device camera. The processor may compare, based on the captured images, the first configuration to a correct configuration of the partial assembly. Based on the comparison, the processor may determine that the first configuration does not match the correct configuration and may notify the user accordingly.

Abstract: A method for real-time object locating and mapping includes: 1) performing real-time locating for a moving object in the range of movement; 2) updating a geomagnetic field map in the range of movement of the object in real time according to the locating of the moving object; 3) locating the next position of the moving object according to the updated geomagnetic field map; and repeating steps 2) and 3) until the object stops moving. A device for real-time object locating and mapping is also disclosed. The present application can solve the problem of real-time object locating and accurate geomagnetic field mapping without an indoor priori magnetic field map.