Abstract: A system to reduce standby losses in a hot water heater is presented. The system utilizes a dual safety relay valve between the combination gas controller and the burner. The dual safety relay valve bypasses gas to a rotary damper actuator valve to position a damper flapper valve located over/inside the flue pipe. Once the flapper valve has opened to ensure combustion, the gas is allowed to flow back to the dual safety relay valve. Some of the bypass gas may be diverted to boost the pilot or to supply a booster. The dual safety relay valve is then opened to allow the gas supply to the burner. Once the burner is turned off, bypass gas bleeds out of the rotary damper actuator valve to close the damper flapper valve to reduce standby losses through the flue pipe, and to allow the dual safety relay valve to close tightly.

Abstract: Solar panel mounting assemblies having an arm support assembly for supporting a clamp assembly above an installation surface through a base and a base stud and configured to allow the clamp assembly to be adjusted in three dimensions while installing a solar panel module.

Abstract: A solar tracker bearing assembly has a rotating element sandwiched between two mounting brackets and held together by fasteners. The rotating element includes an arc-shaped slot such that the rotating element can pivot against the fixed mounting brackets. Bearings may be positioned within the arc-shaped slot. The rotating element can be configured to accept toque tubes of various cross-sections.

Abstract: A system includes a high side heat exchanger, a modulating valve, a flash tank, and a refrigeration unit. The high side heat exchanger is configured to remove heat from refrigerant. The modulating valve is configured to control the flow of refrigerant from the high side heat exchanger to both a heat exchanger and a flash tank. The flash tank is configured to store refrigerant from the heat exchanger and from the high side heat exchanger. The refrigeration unit is configured to receive refrigerant from the flash tank.

Abstract: A system has a first compressor and a second compressor. A heat rejection heat exchanger is coupled to the first and second compressors to receive refrigerant compressed by the compressors. The system includes an economizer for receiving refrigerant from the heat rejection heat exchanger and reducing an enthalpy of a first portion of the received refrigerant while increasing an enthalpy of a second portion. The second portion is returned to the compressor. The ejector has a primary inlet coupled to the means to receive a first flow of the reduced enthalpy refrigerant. The ejector has a secondary inlet and an outlet. The outlet is coupled to the first compressor to return refrigerant to the first compressor. A first heat absorption heat exchanger is coupled to the economizer to receive a second flow of the reduced enthalpy refrigerant and is upstream of the secondary inlet of the ejector. A second heat absorption heat exchanger is between the outlet of the ejector and the first compressor.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus includes a container configured to contain a coolant within a space. The apparatus further includes a cooling block positioned substantially within the space and having a high heat capacity such that the space not occupied by the cooling block is filled with a coolant to a level at or below the top of the cooling block, and a placement structure having high thermal conductivity positioned on top of the cooling block and outside of the space. A method for cooling an object is also provided, which includes inserting a coolant into a container configured to contain the coolant within a space, and placing the object on a placement structure outside the space. For this method, the placement structure has a high thermal conductivity and is coupled to a cooling block, the cooling block having a high heat capacity and positioned substantially within the space. A two-stage cooling apparatus and method is also described.

Abstract: A wearable device, comprising at least one contact area (11) for contacting a wearing object, a temperature detecting circuit (12), at least one temperature regulating module and a control chip (16). The temperature detecting circuit (12) is used to detect the temperature of the contact area (11) when an event occurs as a first temperature; the control chip (16) is used to control the temperature regulating module to change the temperature during a preset time period from the time the event occurs, such that the temperature of the contact area (11) changes based on the first temperature as an alert of event occurrence. The wearable device can alert a user to event occurrence by regulating a temperature, without causing discomfort to the user, and can provide various types of alerting modes for correspondingly alerting the user to occurrence of different types of events.

Abstract: In various implementations, an air conditioner may include one or more compressors, more than one expansion device, and/or a microchannel condenser. High pressure events may occur during operation of the air conditioner and may be identified. When a high pressure event is identified a bypass operation may be allowed.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for relieving high pressure within an HVAC system. A bypass line is provided that can direct refrigerant away from an expansion device within the HVAC system. The bypass line then returns the refrigerant to the HVAC system. Other locations of bypass lines can be used as well. A controller for the HVAC system can control access to the bypass line and measure pressure within the system.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for relieving high pressure within an HVAC system. A bypass line is provided that can direct refrigerant away from a condenser within the HVAC system. The bypass line can direct the refrigerant toward an inlet to the evaporator within the HVAC system. Other locations of bypass lines can be used as well. A controller for the HVAC system can control access to the bypass line and measure pressure within the system. An orifice can be provided within the bypass line to help relieve pressure within the HVAC system.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus (10) is configured to be shipped in generally flat boxes and assembled near a location of use. A plurality of enclosure panels (12) bound an interior area (15). A cover panel (18) including a door (22) closes a top of the interior area. A platform panel (30) including an evaporator (32) closes the interior area at an end opposed of the cover panel. The platform which includes heat transfer components is supported on a base (52) with casters (60) that facilitate the movement of the apparatus.

Abstract: A bottom mount refrigerator is provided including a thermal battery or phase change material positioned within the refrigerator or freezer in order to increase energy efficiency and compartment sizes of the refrigerator. The thermal battery can be used with an ice maker to aid in removing heat from the water in the ice maker to produce ice. Furthermore, the phase change material or thermal battery may be used with a thermoelectric cooler to aid in ice production. The phase change material may be tuned to various temperatures according to the desired use of the phase change material, as well as the location of the thermal battery or phase change material. Other embodiments include positioning the phase change material in the liner of the compartments or in thermal storage units in order to further increase the energy efficiency of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A portable cooling unit is disclosed for cooling perishable items such as strawberries at a worksite such as a field where the strawberries are harvested. The cooling unit includes a conveyor trailer for receiving pallets of perishable items and conveying the pallets through a number of cooling chambers within the conveyor trailer. The cooling unit further includes a refrigeration trailer for supplying independent cold air flow paths to the different cooling chambers of the conveyor trailer. The conveyor and refrigeration trailers may operate as a self-sustained cooling unit, without any external connections to power or working fluid.

Abstract: A storage member vertical adjustment mechanism for an appliance includes a concealed vertical track system that is positioned within an appliance cabinet. The vertical track system includes a retaining member and a concealing flange that extends parallel with and conceals the retaining member with an adjustment region defined therebetween. A storage member has an engagement structure that cooperatively engages the adjustment region. The engagement structure includes a laterally-extending vertical flange that engages the concealing flange and the retaining member in a vertical adjustment state and alternatively engages the retaining member in the vertically secured positions. The retaining member and the concealing flange laterally support the laterally-extending vertical flange within the adjustment region such that the engagement structure of the storage member is selectively inserted and removed from the adjustment region through one of the top and bottom receiving apertures of the adjustment region.

Abstract: A home appliance, particularly a cooling device with a housing, has an illumination element positioned on the upper wall of the housing for illuminating the housing and the upper wall of the housing. The upper wall includes an illumination region which incorporates the illumination element and where the illumination element is positioned at a higher position than a lower region of the upper wall. The lower region is closer to the front side of the home appliance than the illumination element.

Abstract: One describes an automatic beverage cooler and a method of cooling beverages, the cooler comprising: housing (1) with a peripheral wall forming a tank with a top access opening, the tank being at least partially filled with a cooling liquid; a support platform assembly for a plurality of beverage containers (100), the platform assembly being displaceable into and out of the tank; a displacement mechanism coupled to the platform assembly, capable of displacing it into and out of the tank; a cooling circuit for the cooling liquid; temperature detectors for detecting the temperature of beverage inside at least one container when the latter is immersed in the cooling liquid in the tank, and a control station that control the displacement mechanism and the cooling circuit, with a user's interface for input of a determined beverage-cooling temperature; wherein the control station receives information about the temperature of the beverage in the container, sent by the temperature detectors, and actuates the displace

Abstract: The method is carried out for continuously producing a liquefied methane gas (LMG) from a pressurized mixed methane gas feed stream. It is particularly well adapted for use in relatively small LMG distributed production plant, for instance those ranging from 400 to 15,000 MT per year, and/or when the mixed methane gas feed stream has a wide range of nitrogen-content proportions, including nitrogen being substantially absent. The proposed concept can also be very useful in the design of medium-scale and/or large-size plants, including ones where the nitrogen content always remains above a certain threshold. The methods and arrangements proposed herein can mitigate losses of methane gas when venting nitrogen, for instance in the atmosphere.

Abstract: A cosmetic sponge drying and storage container has a plurality of components, including at least a first component and a second component, the first component being moveable with respect to the second component to position the container in at least an open condition and a closed condition. At least one of the first component or said second component is perforated with perforations. A cosmetic sponge may be placed within the container when in the open condition and the perforations provide at least 10% ventilation when the container is in the closed condition. Preferably, both the first and second components are perforated to provide for cross-ventilation. In addition, a base may be provided to support the first and second components, and most preferably the base may be perforated.

Abstract: A metallurgical container (1) includes an outer wall (2), at least one connection element (4) for an electrode which is to be connected and/or a support element which is to be connected, and at least one transponder (3) which is surrounded by a protective housing (6) and can be read wirelessly. The transponder (3) is at a distance from the outer wall (2) on the container (1).

Abstract: A molten metal temperature control method includes: with respect to relations among a spheroidization distance traveled by a molten metal of an alloy from a nozzle tip to a position where the molten metal turns into droplets, the temperature of the molten metal inside the crucible, and a pressure acting on the molten metal inside the crucible, obtaining a relation between the temperature and the spheroidization distance at a predetermined pressure, and setting a predetermined temperature range of the temperature; measuring a spheroidization distance when discharging the molten metal from the crucible at the predetermined pressure, and specifying a temperature corresponding to the measured spheroidization distance; and comparing the specified temperature and the predetermined temperature range, and when the specified temperature is outside the predetermined temperature range, controlling the specified temperature so as to be within the predetermined temperature range by adjusting the temperature inside the cru

Abstract: A heat sink assembly includes a base block having a straight mounting groove on the middle and two U-shaped mounting grooves at two opposite lateral sides, cooling fins installed in the top wall of the base block, each cooling fin having multiple tight-fit mounting holes, a U-shaped heat pipe having a lower segment peripherally press-fitted into the straight mounting groove in flush with the bottom wall of the base block and an upper segment tightly inserted into one respective tight-fit mounting hole of each cooling fin, and two symmetrical, curved heat pipes with respective U-shaped lower segments thereof respectively and peripherally press-fitted into the U-shaped mounting grooves in flush with the bottom wall of the base block and respective upper segments thereof tightly inserted into respective tight-fit mounting holes of each cooling fin. Thus, heat can be drawn upwards from a heat source and evenly distributed through the cooling fins.

Abstract: A heat pipe includes one or more reservoirs of liquid that are closed at lower temperatures and open at higher temperatures. The opening of the reservoirs at higher temperatures caused by higher power levels dynamically increases the amount of liquid in the heat pipe, which increases performance of the heat pipe at higher power levels. As the heat pipe cools, the liquid condenses and flows back into the reservoirs. As the heat pipe continues to cool, the reservoirs close. The result is a heat pipe that is more efficient at lower power levels and still maintains high efficiency at higher power levels due to the demand-based charging of the liquid based on temperature.

Abstract: A heat pipe includes a reservoir of liquid that is connected to a horizontal portion of the heat pipe via a capillary connection. The heat pipe includes a temperature sensor in proximity to a heat interface in the horizontal portion and a controller that controls a heater for the reservoir. As power into the heat pipe increases, the controller turns on the heater, causing the temperature of the liquid in the reservoir to rise. Liquid then passes from the reservoir through the capillary connection into the horizontal portion, thereby dynamically increasing the amount of liquid in the heat pipe, which increases performance of the heat pipe at higher power levels. When the heater is off, as the heat pipe cools, the liquid condenses and flows back through the capillary connection into the reservoir. The result is a heat pipe that provides demand-based charging of the liquid based on power level.

Abstract: A heat pipe includes one or more reservoirs of liquid that are closed at lower temperatures and open at higher temperatures. The opening of the reservoirs at higher temperatures caused by higher power levels dynamically increases the amount of liquid in the heat pipe, which increases performance of the heat pipe at higher power levels. As the heat pipe cools, the liquid condenses and flows back into the reservoirs. As the heat pipe continues to cool, the reservoirs close. The result is a heat pipe that is more efficient at lower power levels and still maintains high efficiency at higher power levels due to the demand-based charging of the liquid based on temperature.

Abstract: A heat pipe includes a reservoir of liquid that is connected to a horizontal portion of the heat pipe via a capillary connection. The heat pipe includes a temperature sensor in proximity to a heat interface in the horizontal portion and a controller that controls a heater for the reservoir. As power into the heat pipe increases, the controller turns on the heater, causing the temperature of the liquid in the reservoir to rise. Liquid then passes from the reservoir through the capillary connection into the horizontal portion, thereby dynamically increasing the amount of liquid in the heat pipe, which increases performance of the heat pipe at higher power levels. When the heater is off, as the heat pipe cools, the liquid condenses and flows back through the capillary connection into the reservoir. The result is a heat pipe that provides demand-based charging of the liquid based on power level.

Abstract: A heat storage apparatus includes: a first tank; a second tank that is provided above the first tank; an on-off valve; and a heat storage solution that is accommodated in the first tank and the second tank. The heat storage solution has a characteristic of absorbing heat and separating into a first liquid and a second liquid having a lower density than the first liquid at a lower critical solution temperature or higher, the first liquid and the second liquid have a characteristic of releasing heat and mixing with each other at a temperature lower than the lower critical solution temperature, and when the heat storage solution separates into the first liquid and the second liquid, the first liquid is accommodated in the first tank and the second liquid is accommodated in the second tank.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure is a system that includes a thermal valve having a first position and a second position, a heat transfer fluid, and an energy converter where, when in the first position, the thermal valve prevents the transfer of heat from the heat transfer fluid to the energy converter, and when in the second position, the thermal valve allows the transfer of heat from the heat transfer fluid to the energy converter, such that at least a portion of the heat transferred is converted to electricity by the energy converter.

Abstract: A heat transfer sheet for a rotary regenerative heat exchanger includes a plurality of rows of heat transfer surfaces each being aligned with a longitudinal axis extending between first and second ends thereof. The heat transfer surfaces have a height relative to a central plane of the heat transfer sheet. The heat transfer sheet includes one or more notch configurations for spacing the heat transfer sheets apart from one another. Each of the notch configurations are positioned between adjacent rows of heat transfer surfaces. The notch configurations include one or more lobes connected to one another, positioned in a common flow channel and extending away from the central plane and one or more lobes extending away from the central plane in an opposite direction and being coaxial. The lobes have height a relative to the central plane that is greater than the height of the heat transfer surfaces.

Abstract: A cooling device configured to be connected to an object having a surface is disclosed. The cooling device may include a manifold configured to be deposited directly onto the surface of the object, wherein the manifold includes a first side configured to be deposited directly onto the surface of the object, a cavity formed in the first side, an inlet channel fluidly connected to the cavity, and an outlet channel fluidly connected to the cavity. The cooling device may further include a turbulator configured to be deposited directly onto the surface of the object, wherein the turbulator extends into the cavity of the manifold.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing an obstruction within a tube being cleaned and repetitively advancing and retracting a flexible high pressure fluid cleaning lance within the tube is disclosed. The method includes sensing a pneumatic supply pressure to a pneumatic lance drive motor at the motor during forward operation, sensing a pneumatic discharge pressure at the drive motor during forward operation, determining a difference between the pressures, comparing the difference to a predetermined difference threshold; reversing the drive motor direction for a predetermined time interval if the difference exceeds the threshold, and restoring forward operation after the predetermined time interval; and repeating the reversing and restoring operations until the difference no longer exceeds the predetermined difference threshold.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for constructing, installing, and using a compression follower in a tubular firearm magazine. In particular, the compression follower resides inside a shotgun magazine and replaces the standard follower. The compression follower has a compressible tail, thereby providing the capacity of a standard follower and increased reliability by aligning the follower and a magazine spring.

Abstract: Provided is an assisted short-throw safety selector for switching the firearm between a FIRE position and a SAFE position. The selector is interchangeable with any standard short-through safety selector and differs from the conventional selectors of this type by having a profiled camming surface that guides the spring-loaded safety detent. This profiled surface is modified so that in switching between the SAFE and FIRE positions the detent automatically falls into the FIRE position after passing through an inflection point of the profiled surface. For this purpose the FIRE position dimple is located at a lower level than the SAFE position dimple. The rapid fall automatic fall of the detent into the FIRE position dimple occurs after rotation of the selector by 80° to 20°, preferably 50° to 30°.

Abstract: A firing pin assembly for a firearm having an engagement surface that has a channel in an engagement surface with a trigger bar to reduce frictional engagement with a trigger assembly. The firing pin assembly also includes chamfers to reduce weight and an elongated firing pin end piece.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein systems, methods and apparatus relating to a firearm with an electronically operable firing system to fire projectiles from the firearm. A firing mechanism is provided for mechanically and electronically firing a firearm, and a selector mechanism allows for selection of a safe mode, an electronic firing mode or a mechanical firing mode for the firearm. There also includes an electronic controller and shooter interface for controlling firing of a firearm in an electronic mode of firing.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein systems, methods and apparatus relating to a selective fire firearm. A firing mechanism is provided for mechanically and electronically firing a firearm depending on the operating mode selected by the user. A selector mechanism allows for selection of a safety mode of operation, a semi-automatic firing mode of operation, an automatic firing mode of operation, and an electronic firing mode of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for suppressing the muzzle gases from a firearm are disclosed. The suppressor includes a shell and a core, the core having a body with first and second stages. The diameter of the first stage is larger than the diameter of the second stage. In some embodiments, the first and second stages of the core body include hollow chambers defined by baffles. The hollow chambers may have a serpentine arrangement.

Abstract: Firearm silencers and processes for the production thereof in a layered structure as one single-piece body having at least one expansion chamber.

Abstract: Shooting rests and associated methods of manufacture and use. A rear support of a shooting rest includes a stop configured to inhibit rearward movement of a firearm when the firearm is supported on the rest and fired. The stop supports a recoil pad for cushioning recoil of the firearm.

Abstract: Debris control apparatus for a rocket propelled grenade launcher including a plug configured to be inserted into an opening at a rear end of a tube assembly of the rocket propelled grenade launcher, the plug forming an aperture at about the center thereof. A front cover configured to be coupled with a front end of the rocket propelled grenade launcher and configured to cover an inlet, at the front end, that receives a rocket propelled grenade. The front cover is configured to provide cross-hairs and the aperture cooperating to provide, when a target is provided down range at a predetermined distance, a bore sight with the cross-hairs and the front cover and plug cooperatively, when installed, seal the rocket propelled grenade launcher assists in preventing ingress of debris.

Abstract: A crossbow track assembly includes a crossbow track having a top surface and a side surface. The top surface includes an arrow track. The side surface includes a longitudinal passage leading to a longitudinal cavity. The side surface forms an upper shoulder and a lower shoulder of the longitudinal cavity. A second side surface may include a second longitudinal passage leading to a second longitudinal cavity. The second side surface may form an upper shoulder and a lower shoulder of the second longitudinal cavity. The crossbow track assembly may further include a crossbow accessory including an accessory body operatively connected to a plug, which is dimensioned to fit within the longitudinal cavity of the crossbow track for securing the accessory body to the crossbow track. The accessory body may be adjustably connected to the plug with a fastener. Alternatively, the plug may be in sliding engagement with the longitudinal cavity.

Abstract: An arming assembly for a personal self-defense device includes a substantially closed-ended cylindrical member having a first end and a second end, the cylindrical member having an interior chamber. At least one opening being formed within the first end for the inserting and exiting of a porcupine quill. A translatable piston includes a spring and a disc being disposed within the interior chamber. At least one arm being attached to the spring in order to compress and release the spring and translate the disc toward the second end. At least one quill is inserted into the opening formed within the first end and sits in an associated indentation formed within the disc. Once the arm is released, the quill is projected forward and exits through the opening formed within the first end, which is aimed at a would-be attacker. The arming assembly may be double-acting by having conjoined opposed similar components.

Abstract: Apparatus for retaining a rifle by its sling on a person. An upper anchorage pins the sling to a backpack harness strap, and a lower anchorage pins the rifle stock to a strap near the waist of the user. The upper anchorage provides a hook preventing the sling from slipping off the shoulder of the user. The lower anchorage provides a holster encircling the rifle stock and clamping to a harness strap near the waist.

Abstract: A scope magnification adjustment apparatus for use with an optical scope. A scope mount is mounted to a optical scope by means of scope rings. A series of gears is used to rotate a twist ring on the scope to increase or decrease magnification of the optical scope. A mount gear positioned on the mount may be rotated using a lever, power drive, or worm drive mechanism. The rotation of the mount gear rotates a scope gear positioned around the scope and connected to the twist ring on the scope. As the gears rotate, the twist ring rotates and manipulates the magnification.

Abstract: A multi-aiming point reticle for use in an optical scope is described including both range-finding and aiming points. The reticle, and scope incorporating the same, finds special utility for combination with a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) launcher to hit targets at extended distances. A method of operation is also described.

Abstract: A bow sight device with a control bar, which is configured so that the control bar can be actuated for adjusting a sight of the bow sight device to a different distance even while the bow is at full draw.

Abstract: A portable operation computer system, with particular application for military operations, including a control computer with a CPU, a display and control unit and at least one data interface, and including external components which can be connected to the at least one data interface of the control computer. The CPU is configured, after the control computer has been switched on or after an external component has been connected, to check whether the at least one data interface is connected to at least one of the external components and, if applicable, to which external component each data interface is directly or indirectly connected, and, depending on the result of this check, to automatically select an operating mode for the control computer from a plurality of stored operating modes and to configure the control computer and/or software running on the control computer accordingly.

Abstract: A hybrid laser countermeasure line replaceable unit and method of upgrading therewith is provided. The unit includes two generable laser beams, namely, a first pulsed laser beam and a second continuous wave laser beam. Further embodiments may have multiple pulsed and continuous wave laser beams as necessary. The two beams in this single unit either may be generated from a single gain medium or may be generated from multiple gain mediums inside the line replaceable unit. The two beams may be combined if necessary to provide greater likelihood of success as a countermeasure to defend against optically guided incoming threats to a vehicle, such as military aircraft.

Abstract: A plurality of firearm accessory mounting technologies are disclosed. Such technologies enable selective mounting of firearm accessories to firearm rails. Such technologies also enable integration of firearm rail mounting structures into firearms accessories.

Abstract: Various embodiments add a structure to a body armor unit that has a frame and a breathable (e.g. porous) material suspended between elements of the frame, that may allow the suspended breathable material to become the primary, or the sole material, in contact with the wearer's body. Various embodiment frame structures may allow the body armor plates to be effectively offset from the wearer's body. In this manner, the various embodiments may improve ventilation of the wearer's body, both in terms of moisture and heat transport, and/or may reduce the blunt force trauma caused by a projectile strike and potentially resultant back face deformation of the body armor.

Abstract: A wearable supporting structure for supporting ballistic protections and/or military equipment has a band suitable to be wrapped around the waist or hips of a user; a dorsal upright having a lower end coupled to the band and extending, in use, upwards from the band; a vest for supporting ballistic protections and/or other military equipment, coupled to the dorsal upright and comprising two shoulder straps; and a unit connecting the shoulder straps to the band; the connecting unit being motorised to be able to continuously adjust the position in height of the shoulder straps with respect to the band.