Abstract: A pellet stove includes a hopper for storing pellets, a basket for receiving the pellets by gravity, a duct for conveying combustion air to the basket, and a conduit for conducting heated air away from the basket. The position of the basket is adjustable, such as by raising and lowering it, or by rotating it, so as to control the number of pellets in the area of most intense combustion. One or more burn plates, positioned below the basket, provide platforms on which pellets falling through the basket can burn down to a smaller size. The pellet stove requires no external source of power. The stove so constructed enables quiet, efficient and clean burning of the pellets.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an interactive learning heating schedule for a water boiler system, the method including the steps: (a) receiving an estimate of an amount of available hot water in a water boiler of the water boiler system; (b) receiving usage data for the water boiler system, the usage data including at least one expected usage pattern extrapolated from the usage data; and (c) generating a heating schedule for the water boiler, based on at least one expected usage pattern and the estimated amount of available hot water.

Abstract: A ventilation device for ventilating rooms, has a first air routing device for routing a first flow of air, the routing device having a first room-side outlet, a first flow space in which at least one first fan capable of bidirectional operation is arranged, and a first outside outlet; a second air routing device for routing a second flow of air, which is fluidically completely separate from the first air routing device and has a second room-side outlet, a second flow space in which at least one second fan capable of bidirectional operation is arranged, and a second outside outlet; an integral gas-solid heat exchanger adapted to route the first flow of air and the second flow of air in a respective set of passageways, in a fluidically separated but thermally coupled manner, wherein the solid in the first and the second air routing device additionally forms a respective regenerator.

Abstract: An evaporative HVAC apparatus is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides an at least one absorbent wicking layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and an at least one thermal layer also having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The second surface of the at least one thermal layer is formed immediately adjacent to the first surface of the at least one wicking layer. An at least one fluid line is in fluid communication with the at least one wicking layer. Thus, a fluid is selectively delivered to the wicking layer through the at least one fluid line which, in turn, permeates the at least one thermal layer and evaporates into the air located immediately adjacent the exposed first surface of the at least one thermal layer, thereby affecting the temperature of the air.

Abstract: A humidifier obtains, based on detection values of a first and second temperature and humidity sensors, the amount of humidification, the amount of water evaporated by a humidifying material per preset time, controls the amount of water supplied by a water supply unit per the preset time to be smaller than a specific value when the amount of humidification obtained at the present time is increased compared to the amount of humidification obtained at the previous time, and controls the amount of water supplied by the water supply unit per the preset time to be equal to or greater than the specific value when the amount of humidification obtained at the present time is decreased compared to the amount of humidification obtained at the previous time or when the amount of humidification obtained at the present time is equal to the amount of humidification obtained at the previous time.

Abstract: The combination of: a) an apparatus with a main body and an operating assembly on the main body configured to cause fluid from a supply to be processed so as to become entrained in air in a surrounding atmosphere, wherein the main body has an elongate finger having a length and a free end; and b) a container defining a receptacle for a supply of fluid. The container has an entry opening that is dimensioned to allow the elongate finger on the main body to be directed, free end first, through the entry opening to allow a portion of the length of the elongate finger to be immersed in a supply of fluid in the receptacle. Structure cooperates between the apparatus and container to support the main body and container in an operative relationship.

Abstract: A system having a mixed air box with inputs of return air from a space or spaces of a building, and of outside air. The mixed air box may have an output of discharge air to the space or spaces of the building. The air from the output may be return air that is conditioned with cooling, heat, or outside air. A damper may be situated at the input of outside air to the mixed air box. A temperature sensor may be positioned at the input for outside air and at the output of discharge air. A cooling mechanism may be at the output of the discharge air. The temperature sensor may be downstream from the cooling mechanism. An economizer may have connections with the damper, the temperature sensor and the cooling mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes an outdoor unit. The air conditioner further includes an indoor unit located in a building and configured to distribute cool air to a space within the building. The air conditioner further includes an antenna unit configured to sense (i) movement of human bodies within the space or (ii) presence of human bodies located in the space and determine a number of human bodies based on the sensed presence, where the antenna unit includes a housing and a plurality of antenna arrays located on an outer surface of the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) system which comprises a fluid flow duct (1), a fluid flow valve (7) which is arranged therein and has a valve body (5) in the fluid flow duct (1) and a valve motor (15) which moves the valve body (5), a control circuit for activating the valve motor, a sensor (8) in the fluid flow duct (1) and an evaluation module for evaluating signals of the sensor. To produce an automated functional control, the following procedure is adopted: a first actuation signal is preset for the valve motor by the control circuit, and the actuation signal corresponds to a first setpoint position of the valve body (5), registration of a first signal of the sensor (8) by the evaluation module, and determination of a functional diagnosis of the fluid flow valve on the basis of the first signal of the sensor.

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes an air handling unit (AHU) configured to control outdoor air that is externally supplied, exhaust air that is discharged from indoors to outdoors, and return air that is circulated indoors and supplied again, control the outdoor air or mixed air of the return air and the outdoor air at a set temperature, and supply cool/warm supply air indoors, at least one outdoor unit configured to supply a refrigerant to the AHU, a controller configured to control the AHU through communication with the outdoor unit, and an interface unit configured to operate as an input/output unit of the controller. The interface unit displays setting menus for devices forming the AHU, sets basis data for controlling the devices in response to data received through the setting menus, inputs the set basis data to the controller, and outputs a control menu and a monitoring menu in accordance with functions of the AHU changed according to a configuration of the plurality of devices.

Abstract: An intelligent with abnormality alarm which may comprise a housing, jacks in the surface of the housing and a conductive component arranged within the housing, wherein the housing is internally provided with a single chip processor as well as a current detection module, a voltage detection module, an outdoor temperature detection module, an indoor temperature detection module, a display module and a power supply module which are electrically connected with the single chip processor respectively. The power supply module is connected with the display module to power it. The socket may be used to carry out a real-time monitoring without making modification to the software and hardware. After applying the air conditioner socket of the present invention, the user may replace the socket of the air conditioner of a corresponding model him or her, i.e., the monitoring of an installed air conditioner may be accomplished with a minimum cost.

Abstract: A generally planar blank made, for example, from sheet metal can be formed into a vent protector that can be mounted to an outer wall of a structure over the exhaust aperture of a vent to inhibit vertebrate wildlife from entering the vent. The vent protector forms an enclosure for receiving vent flaps that may extend outwardly from the wall of the structure.

Abstract: An exhaust air shutter assembly may include a housing having a dividing wall separating the exhaust air shutter assembly into an inside portion and an outside portion. An opening may be formed in the dividing wall and a frame may be mounted around the perimeter of the hole. Disposed on the frame may be a gasket that extends around the entire perimeter of the hole. The exhaust air shutter also may include at least one shutter flap mounted adjacent to the frame with a hinge such that the shutter flap can pivot between a closed position and an open position. When the shutter flap is in the open position, an air flow path exists from the inside portion of the exhaust air shutter assembly to the outside portion. When the shutter flap is in the closed position the air flow path is blocked. The shutter flap is configured to contact the gasket mounted to the frame when the shutter flap is in the closed position, thereby creating a seal between the shutter flap and the opening in the dividing wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air vent for mounting directly to an exterior wall of a structure to allow air flow from an interior space of the structure to the ambient environment. The air vent comprises a body comprising an opening and a siding portion disposed below the opening. The air vent further comprises a first siding piece secured to the siding portion that is substantially similar to the siding of the exterior wall. The air vent further comprises a damper moveably engaged with the body between a closed position where the damper blocks air flow thru the opening and an open position where the damper allows air flow thru the opening. The air vent further comprises a second siding piece secured to the damper that is substantially similar to and overlaps the first siding piece in the closed position. Unlike conventional devices, the air vent of the present invention blends into the siding on the exterior wall increasing the aesthetic appearance of the siding.

Abstract: A system for securing at least two heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units stacked on each other for transportation includes corner brackets on at least the four corners of the lower unit and between the units. Each corner bracket has a banding channel, a plank-receiving channel, and a plurality of protrusions on a top side. The brackets are banded in place using the banding channels. On each longitudinal side, planks are used to extend between corner brackets to help control the loads and to distribute the loads. The corner brackets may be made from a synthetic material and the planks from wood or wood-like material. Other aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: An interlocking system for connecting photovoltaic module frames to a torque tube, including: (a) an interlock dimensioned to be positioned between the sides of two adjacent photovoltaic module frames; (b) a pair of couplings or flanges, wherein the couplings or flanges connect the interlock to both of the adjacent photovoltaic module frames; and (c) a U-lock connected to the interlock, wherein the U-lock is dimensioned to be connected to a torque tube.

Abstract: A cascade refrigeration system includes first and second cooling devices. The first cooling device includes a first compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, an evaporator having first and second passages independent from and not communicating with each other, and a first conduit interconnecting the first compressor, the condenser, the expansion device and the first passage. The second cooling device includes a second compressor, a heat exchanger, and a second conduit interconnecting the second compressor, the second passage and the heat exchanger. A circulation switching device includes a switching mechanism connected to the first conduit downstream of the condenser and upstream of the expansion device.

Abstract: A particle comprises an inner part and an outer coating. The inner part comprises CaO and the outer coating comprises hydrophobic nanoparticles of a size less than 1 ?m. The particle has an average size of from 1 to 1000 ?m. A device adapted to perform an absorption process comprises at least one such particle. A method for manufacturing such a particle comprises mixing CaO with hydrophobic nanoparticles, and mixing with sufficient energy to obtain particles comprising CaO coated with the hydrophobic nanoparticles.

Abstract: In some embodiments, cooling devices with metal hydrides are disclosed.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body in which a first storage compartment is defined, and a heat exchange chamber defined in the main body. An evaporator received in the heat exchange chamber. A second storage compartment is provided in the first storage compartment and a quick cooling module to cool an inside of the second storage compartment is provided, where the quick cooling module heat-exchanges with a refrigerant pipe of the evaporator. The quick cooling module includes a thermal conductive unit in thermal conduction with the refrigerant pipe, and a thermoelectric device having a first surface in thermal conduction with the thermal conductive unit to heat-exchange with the thermal conductive unit when current is supplied and a second surface facing the second storage compartment.

Abstract: A cooling system includes a condenser and first and second cooling circuits. The condenser is configured to condense refrigerant to a liquid. The first cooling circuit includes a direct expansion valve coupled to the condenser, a first evaporator coil coupled to the direct expansion valve, and a compressor coupled to the first evaporator coil. The first cooling circuit receives at least a first portion of the liquid refrigerant and output first refrigerant vapor, and the compressor receives the first refrigerant vapor and output a compressor refrigerant output to the condenser. The second cooling circuit includes a pump coupled to the condenser, an economizer valve coupled to the pump, and a second evaporator coil coupled to the economizer valve. The second cooling circuit receives at least a second portion of the liquid refrigerant and output a second vapor refrigerant to the condenser.

Abstract: A heat pump water heater and systems and methods for its control. The systems are configured to heat water within a water storage tank of a heat pump water heater wherein a controller within the system is operatively connected to a plurality of heat sources including at least one electric heating element and a heat pump and sensors in order to selectively energize one of the plurality of heat sources. The controller is configure to process data representative of the temperature of water within the tank near the top of the water storage tank, and rate of water flowing out of the water storage tank, in order to automatically selectively energize the heat sources. The selection of heat sources by the controller is determined by a mode of operation selected by the user and the data processed by the controller in view of the selected mode of operation.

Abstract: An evaporator includes a casing and a plurality of circulation units disposed on the casing. Each of the circulation units includes a flow path formed in the casing, an inlet formed in the casing for entry of one of refrigerants into the casing and fluidly communicating with the flow path, and an outlet formed in the casing spaced apart from the inlet for exit of the one of the refrigerants out the casing and fluidly communicating with the flow path. The circulation units are independent from each other and do not fluidly communicate with each other.

Abstract: An air conditioning system using a predetermined amount of refrigerant includes an evaporator unit, a compressor unit, an evaporative cooling system including at least one multiple-effect evaporative condenser connected to the compressor for effectively cooling the refrigerant. Each of the multiple-effect evaporative condensers includes an air inlet side and an air outlet side which is opposite to the air inlet side, a pumping device adapted for pumping a predetermined amount of cooling water at a predetermined flow rate, a first cooling unit and a second cooling unit. The refrigerant flows through heat exchanging pipes in the first cooling unit and the second cooling unit. The cooling water is arranged to pass through the first cooling unit and the second cooling unit in a sequential order and perform heat exchange with the refrigerant.

Abstract: A cooling system has a direct expansion mode and a pumped refrigerant economizer mode and a controller. The controller includes a load estimator that estimates real-time indoor load on the cooling system and uses the estimated real-time indoor load to determine whether to operate the cooling system in the pumped refrigerant economizer mode or in the direct expansion mode.

Abstract: An ice maker for forming ice during a cooling cycle, the ice maker having a variable-speed compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator, wherein the variable-speed compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator are in fluid communication by one or more refrigerant lines. The ice maker further includes a freeze plate thermally coupled to the evaporator, a water pump, a sensing device for identifying a state of the cooling cycle, and a controller adapted to control the speed of the variable-speed compressor based on the identified state of the cooling cycle. The ice maker may also include a variable-speed condenser fan which may be controlled by the controller based on the identified state of the cooling cycle. Additionally, the water pump may be a variable-speed water pump which may be controlled by the controller based on the identified state of the cooling cycle.

Abstract: In a central air-conditioning system, regional flow balancing valves for controlling flow of water return branch pipes are arranged on the water return branch pipes, and energy balancing valves are arranged on water return pipes of tail-end fan coils respectively. A control method includes: detecting flow in the water return branch pipes, and adjusting the flow in the return branch pipes to be smaller than or equal to a branch pipe set flow value; and detecting the temperature of return water in the water return pipes of the tail-end fan coils, controlling the temperature of the return water in the water return pipes of the tail-end fan coils to be greater than or equal to a tail-end return water set temperature value, detecting the room temperature and adjusting the opening degree of the energy balancing valves in temperature controllers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator (1) comprising a body (2) wherein foods and beverages are placed, at least one drawer (3) that is disposed into the body (2) wherein fruits and vegetables are placed, a crisper (5) that is disposed inside the body (2) so as to be almost parallel to the base and that has a cover plate (4) remaining above the drawer (3) when the drawer (3) is placed into the body (2), and a flexible element (6) that is disposed on the crisper (5) and that provides airproofing between the interior of the crisper (5) and the exterior of the crisper (5).

Abstract: For the purpose of improving a protective effect of a home appliance device, in particular a home appliance chiller device, is proposed comprising: a telescopic guiding unit, which is convertible at least from a fully contracted state to a fully extracted state and vice versa, and has at least one stationary guiding element; and comprising a cover unit, which at least mostly covers the stationary guiding element at least in the fully extracted state.

Abstract: Lighting units for refrigerator drawers and baskets are disclosed. An example refrigerator drawer assembly includes a shelf having a divider, the shelf defining at least a portion of a drawer compartment, first and second drawers disposed beneath the shelf, an elongated light source attached to a bottom surface of the divider, the elongated light source having a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) along the length of the elongated light source to provide a source of visible light for the first and second drawers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) comprising more than one cabinet (2, 102, 202) wherein items to be cooled are placed and which are positioned separately, a compressor (5) providing the cooling cycle to be performed, and more than one valve (6, 106, 206) providing the refrigerant pumped from the compressor (5) to be determined, to which cabinet (2, 102, 202) and in which amount it will be directed.

Abstract: Methods, processes, apparatus, kits and systems for chilling and cooling bottled or canned beverages, desserts, and food items to selected desired temperatures by rapidly rotating and counter-rotating the bottled or canned beverages, desserts, and food items that are immersed in cooled liquids in short time spans.

Abstract: The thermal sleeves for bottle includes a bottle that includes a sealable closure at a top opening. The exterior of the bottle enables at least one thermal sleeve to be affixed there against in order to increase the overall insulative quality of the bottle. The at least one thermal sleeve may include at least one layer of a freezer gel material, which when placed into a freezer becomes hardened. The at least one thermal sleeve also includes a storage compartment that is accessible via a top opening. The top opening of the at least one thermal sleeve includes a sealing member to selectively close and unseal the top opening. The storage compartment is ideally used to store a powder that may be mixed into a fluid provided in the bottle.

Abstract: A stacking support that has a plurality of sidewalls extending along a longitudinal axis that define an open ended longitudinally extending channel. The sidewalls may define a substantially square cross-sectional shape. Tubes and/or angled corner braces may be positioned at the corners of the substantially square cross-sectional shape. The stacking support may be constructed entirely of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. One or more items may be stacked upon two or more stacking supports. Optionally, the stacking support may be supported by at least one a slider, roller, or caster on a support surface. The stacking support may be coupled to an underside of a platform along with one or more like stacking supports to create a stacking assembly. One or more items may be stacked upon the stacking assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a heat treatment apparatus, which includes: a cylindrical quartz reaction tube having a furnace opening and a bottom flange at a lower portion thereof; a flange holding part configured to hold the bottom flange of the reaction tube; and a lid including a metal lid and a quartz lid supported by the metal lid, the quartz lid being configured to close the furnace opening of the reaction tube. The quartz lid is fixed onto the metal lid by a support ring. The support ring is brought into contact with a bottom surface of the flange holding part so that a gap is defined between the quartz lid and the bottom flange. A sealing member is arranged outward from the gap in a radial direction.

Abstract: A feed charging device comprises a holding vessel having an interior chamber for holding a reserve of a solid particulate feed material in a fluidized state, wherein the feed material is held in said fluidized state in a lower zone of the interior chamber. The feed material is supplied to the interior chamber through at least one outlet opening, and is discharged from the interior chamber through at least one outlet opening. The at least one outlet opening is in flow communication with the lower zone of the interior chamber. A gas supply means supplies a fluidizing gas to the lower zone of the interior chamber, and an outlet conduit in flow communication with the at least one outlet opening receives said feed material discharged from the interior chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and to an arrangement for removing outgrowth in a suspension smelting furnace. The suspension smelting furnace comprising a reaction shaft having a reaction shaft structure. The reaction shaft comprises at least one opening for an outgrowth removal means. The movable piston is arranged such that the movable piston can move in the opening in the reaction shaft and into the reaction shaft to push possible outgrowth in the reaction shaft.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a plurality of principal heat exchange sections and auxiliary heat exchange sections. Each of the auxiliary heat exchange sections is in series connection to a corresponding one of the principal heat exchange sections. The number of the flat tubes constituting each of the heat exchange sections is compared to the number of the flat tubes constituting a corresponding one of the auxiliary heat exchange sections, creating a tube number ratio, wherein the first principal heat exchange section, which is lowermost, has the smallest tube number ratio. Consequently, discharge of liquid refrigerant from a lower portion of the first principal heat exchange section is accelerated during defrosting, thereby shortening the time required for defrosting.

Abstract: Configurations and related processing schemes of direct or indirect (or both) intra-plants and thermally coupled heating systems synthesized for grassroots medium grade crude oil semi-conversion refineries to increase energy efficiency from specific portions of low grade waste heat sources are described. Configurations and related processing schemes of direct or indirect (or both) intra-plants and thermally coupled heating systems synthesized for integrated medium grade crude oil semi-conversion refineries and aromatics complex for increasing energy efficiency from specific portions of low grade waste sources are also described.

Abstract: Configurations and related processing schemes of inter-plants and hybrid, intra- and inter-plants' direct or indirect heating systems synthesized for grassroots medium grade crude oil semi-conversion refineries to increase energy efficiency from specific portions of low grade waste heat sources are described. Configurations and related processing schemes of inter-plants and hybrid, intra- and inter-plants' direct or indirect heating systems synthesized for integrated medium grade crude oil semi-conversion refineries and aromatics complex for increasing energy efficiency from specific portions of low grade waste sources are also described.

Abstract: A plate-type heat exchanger, in particular for motor vehicles, is described which includes plate pairs. In one example, a plate pair includes a first plate and a second plate that form a first flow path and a second flow path between the plates. In this configuration, the first and the second plate are associated with a first attachment plate and a second attachment plate, respectively. A third flow path is formed between the first plate and the second attachment plate and the first flow path is formed between the second plate and the first attachment plate. Alternatively, the third flow path is formed between the first plate and the first attachment plate and the first flow path is formed between the second plate and the second attachment plate. A spatial region for a fourth flow path may also be formed between adjacent plate pairs.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage and retrieval device includes at least one working fluid and a plurality of thermodynamic circuits. Each thermodynamic circuit has a first process exchanging heat with a first material in a first temperature range common for all of the thermodynamic circuits. Each thermodynamic circuit also has a second process exchanging heat with a second material in a second temperature range. The second material comprises a heat storage material or a working fluid in another circuit or another device. Each thermodynamic circuit includes a gas pressure changing device and a liquid pressure changing device.

Abstract: A liquid-cooled-type cooling device includes a casing having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a cooling-liquid passage, and a radiating member disposed in the cooling-liquid passage. The radiating member has a substrate and a plurality of pin-shaped fins. Longitudinally intermediate portions of the pin-shaped fins are brazed to the substrate. The substrate has a plurality of fin insertion holes, and the pin-shaped fins are inserted into the fin insertion holes of the substrate. A plurality of convex portions are integrally formed on the longitudinally intermediate portion of each pin-shaped fin. The substrate and the pin-shaped fins are provisionally fixed together by plastically deforming the convex portions such that they are crushed. In this state, the substrate and the pin-shaped fins are brazed together. The upper and lower end portions of the pin-shaped fins are brazed to the top wall and bottom wall, respectively, of the casing.

Abstract: A plate (3) having a pair of first communication holes (34) and a pair of second communication holes (35) and a plate (4) having a pair of first communication holes (44) and a pair of second communication holes (45) are alternately laminated to alternately form, between the plates (3) and (4) adjacent to each other, a first coolant flow path (81) and a second coolant flow path (82); a first spacer (5) is interposed around each of the first communication holes (34) and (44) within the first coolant flow path (81); and a second spacer (6) is interposed within the second coolant flow path (82) and at a position corresponding to a periphery of each of the first communication holes (34) and (44).

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly comprises a heat exchanger for heat exchange between at least a first heat exchange fluid and a second heat exchange fluid. The heat exchanger comprises at least one heat transfer element delimiting a first fluid path from a second fluid path, and a through connection for the first heat exchange fluid arranged at a first side portion of an outer structure of the heat exchanger. The assembly comprises a pressure pulse damping apparatus comprising an elastic element, and a first conduit leading to the elastic element. The first conduit comprises a first opening connected to the through connection of the heat exchanger such that the first conduit is fluidly connected with the first fluid path. The elastic element fluidly communicates with the first fluid path only via the first opening. There is further disclosed use of a pressure pulse damping apparatus comprising an elastic element.

Abstract: A method for dynamically monitoring temperature of a fluid at a heat generating device includes monitoring, using a temperature sensor, temperature of the fluid held in a fluidic sump. A first fluidic flow rate and a second fluidic flow rate are determined. A third fluidic flow rate and a temperature drop of the fluid across the heat exchanger in the active coolant circuit are determined based upon the temperature of the fluid and the third fluidic flow rate through the active coolant circuit. A fluid temperature supplied to the electric machine through the active coolant circuit is determined based upon the third fluidic flow rate and the temperature drop of the fluid across the heat exchanger. An effective temperature of the fluid is determined based upon the temperature of the fluid in the sump and the temperature of the fluid supplied to the electric machine through the active coolant circuit.

Abstract: A charging handle is disclosed. The charging handle may include an elongated body having a forward end and a rear end, a handle assembly disposed about the rear end of the elongated body, and a latch assembly disposed about the rear end of the elongated body in mechanical communication with the handle assembly. The charging handle may include an ambidextrous latch and/or interchangeable handles.

Abstract: An easy loading magazine has a magazine tube with a follower that is spring biased to feed cartridges to a firearm. The follower has a follower engagement opening within it that is sized to fit the specific caliber cartridge being used in the magazine. The user places the cartridge within the follower engagement opening and uses the cartridge to force the follower down thus relieving the pressure against the cartridges to be loaded. After the cartridges are loaded within the magazine, the user removes the cartridge that was inserted in the follower engagement opening and this re-engages the follower. In one embodiment, a locking slot is provided that allows the user to temporally lock the follower in place while loading the magazine and then sliding the cartridge back to release the follower.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a magazine loader device (1) for firearms which consists of a lower section (1A) and upper section (1B). The upper section (1B) receives individual vertically-oriented cartridges from the hopper (61), turns them in the right direction using a rotating mechanism (32, 33, 34, and 35), which is the essential part of the upper section (1B), and pushes them towards the lower section (1A). The lower section (1A) pushes the correctly facing cartridges (N) into the magazine (20) which is inserted into the hollow grip (21B, 22B) of the lower section (1A). The tripping plunger (17) is an essential element of the lower section (1A) which in cooperation with the controlling curve (13E) pushes the cartridge pusher (20A) or the preceding cartridge down by a characterized in that, enables the next cartridge to enter the magazine, and timely retracts, so the cartridge (N) can be pushed into the magazine until the end. The lower section (1A) of the device can also be used independently.

Abstract: New forms of suppressive gunfire decoys are provided. In some aspects, a pin-pull device may be used to program and adjust several settings of the decoy devices, activating such devices immediately before deployment. In some aspects, the pin-pull device may serve as a remote control unit. In a preferred method of deployment, the devices are thrown to a location different from that occupied by the user(s), simulating another source of gunfire, distracting and misleading an enemy, and providing the effects of suppressive fire. In some embodiments, a networked computer system(s) may be used as a remote control unit, and the decoy device may include cameras and other sensors for tactical surveillance. In still other aspects, the gunfire decoy device may be capable of locomotion, and may be self-relocating in response to certain commands, or in reaction to stimuli, to confuse the enemy regarding sources of gunfire and troop locations.