Abstract: A heat treatment system includes heating chambers configured to perform heat treatment on objects to be treated, and a conveyance device configured to load each of the objects to be treated into the heating chambers, unload the object to be treated from the heating chambers, and convey the object to be treated under an oxygen-free atmosphere, wherein the conveyance device includes a cooling device configured to perform cooling treatment on the object to be treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-vacuum serial condenser system that can minimize a pressure drop of fluid in condensers by disposing straight pipes between the condensers and installing baffles at predetermined angles in the condensers.

Abstract: A system and method to generate steam from a feed water stream does so in a liquid pool zone of a vessel as the stream comes into contact with a heating medium that is less volatile than the feed water stream. To keep the pool hot, the heating medium can be recirculated through a heater of a pump-around loop or a heater can be placed in the liquid pool. As the feed water stream is vaporized or partially vaporized, any solids or unvaporized water present in the feed water stream come out of the stream and move into the heating medium. These solids and the unvaporized water may be further removed from the heating medium in the pool or in the pump-around loop. The heat exchange surface does not contact the feed water to generate steam.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a motor vehicle includes a seal and a core. The core includes a first groove formed in a first side and a second groove formed in an opposing second side. The first groove and the second groove are each configured to receive a portion of the seal to secure the seal to the core. The seal includes a cross member and a pair of uprights extending from opposing ends of the cross member, wherein the cross member and the uprights each include a sealing element. The uprights further include a rail extending from the upright and configured to be received in the groove of the core. The core further includes an integrated shear panel formed at opposing ends thereof.

Abstract: A spiral heat exchanger features first spiral channels configured to form rows and columns of coiled hot fluid pathways to receive hot fluid; and second spiral channels configured to form corresponding rows and columns of coiled cold fluid pathways to receive cold fluid having a temperature less than the hot fluid. The first spiral channels and the second spiral channels are configured to alternate every other row and column so as to form a matrix of alternating rows and columns of coiled hot and cold fluid pathways separated by alternating coiled walls that act as both fluid separators and conduits through which heat is transferred between the hot fluid and cold fluid.

Abstract: A filling pipe for use in high-temperature heat pipe filling operation includes an alkali metal filling unit, metallic pipe fixing unit, hermetic seal cover and stopping net. The alkali metal filling unit has a filling body, a receiving space disposed in the filling body. A feed inlet and a feeding pipe are disposed at the top and bottom of the filling body, respectively. A vacuum-generating component is disposed at the filling body laterally. The metallic pipe fixing unit has a fixing body and a taper opening disposed thereon and adapted to limit the metallic pipe. When the fixing body gets connected to the filling body, the feeding pipe is inserted into metallic pipe. The hermetic seal cover covers separably the feed inlet. The stopping net is movably disposed in the receiving space. Therefore, solid alkali metals are filled into a metallic pipe easily and safely.

Abstract: Fluid to fluid heat exchange processes involve the hot fluid reducing in temperature and the cold fluid increasing in temperature. To transfer heat between the two fluids, a third, separated heat transfer fluid is often used. The present invention allows for passive heat transfer between the two fluids, using a separate heat transfer fluid, while enabling heat absorption and rejection through a continuously variable temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal battery (1) comprising an enclosure comprising a fluid inlet and outlet and comprising within it an encapsulated phase-change material in the form of at least one tube (3), at least one tube (3) being wound in a spiral within the enclosure.

Abstract: This invention provides a heat reservoir exhibiting improved thermostability at abnormally high temperatures. The heat reservoir 1 of the invention comprises: a plate-shaped porous substrate 10 having 2 main surfaces 11 and 12; a heat storage material composition impregnating into the porous substrate 10; and a coat layer 20 covering at least one of the 2 main surfaces 11 and 12 of the porous substrate 10, wherein the heat storage material composition comprises a latent heat storage material and a thermoplastic elastomer and the coat layer 20 is thermostable and radiant heat reflective.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine recuperator recuperator including exhaust passages providing fluid flow communication between an exhaust inlet and an exhaust outlet, the exhaust inlet being oriented to receive exhaust flow from a turbine of the engine and the exhaust outlet being oriented to deliver the exhaust flow to atmosphere, the exhaust passages having an arcuate profile in a plane perpendicular to a central axis of the recuperator to reduce a swirl of the exhaust flow. Air passages are in heat exchange relationship with the exhaust passages and providing fluid flow communication between an air inlet and an air outlet, design to sealingly respective plenum of the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A header for a heat exchanger includes a first and a second cylindrical fluid manifold extending in parallel. Each of the first and second manifolds have tube slots that extend through an arcuate wall section of the manifold. A thickened wall section of the header having a generally triangular wall section is bounded by the first and second fluid manifolds and by a planar outer surface of the header. An aperture extends through the thickened wall section to provide a fluid communication pathway between the first and second cylindrical fluid manifolds.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes: a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion unit and a second heat exchanger that are connected, by a pipe, in a refrigerant circuit through which refrigerant flows, wherein the first heat exchanger includes: a radiator fin, multiple tubes extending through the radiator fin and through which the refrigerant flows, and a side plate provided at end portions of the multiple tubes, and having multiple holes formed thereon, through which the multiple tubes are extended, wherein, on the side plate, between the holes corresponding to the multiple tubes to be connected, a marking corresponding to a type of a connection member that connects the multiple tubes is provided.

Abstract: A method of operating a heat exchanger is disclosed in which an electric field is applied to a hydrophobic surface having condensed water droplets thereon to reduce a contact angle between the individual droplet surfaces and the hydrophobic surface, and to increase droplet surface energy to a second surface energy level. The electric field is removed to increase the contact angle between the individual droplet surfaces and the hydrophobic surface, and to reduce droplet surface energy to a third surface energy level. The third surface energy level is greater than the first surface energy level and greater than a surface energy level for a free droplet. A portion of the droplet surface energy is converted to kinetic energy to detach droplets from the hydrophobic surface. The detached droplets are removed from the heat rejection side fluid flow path.

Abstract: A heat transfer system having a heat transfer fluid circulation loop of a first fluid is disclosed. A conduit is disposed in the fluid circulation loop with an inner surface in contact with the first fluid at a first pressure. An outer surface of the first conduit is in contact with a second fluid at a second pressure that is 69 kPa to 13771 kPa (10 psi to 2000 psi) higher than the first pressure. The conduit also includes a polyurea coating on its outer surface.

Abstract: A heat exchanger management system and a method of operating the heat exchanger management system. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger management system includes a memory and an electronic processor electrically connected to the memory and configured to operate one or more burners to transmit heat to a heat exchanger for a first period of time that deposits corrosive condensates on a passivation layer of the heat exchanger, deactivate the one or more burners for a second period of time, operate one or more blowers to move air across the heat exchanger at a temperature that evaporates the corrosive condensates on the passivation layer of the heat exchanger and increases an oxide thickness of the passivation layer on the heat exchanger, and reactivate the one or more burners after the second period of time.

Abstract: A pistol caliber blowback operated bolt carrier group is provided with an integrated gas key.

Abstract: A self-loading shotgun includes a lock movable inside a lock housing between an open position and a closed position, a barrel, a magazine disposed below the barrel, a lock catch for holding the lock in the open position, and a feeder system for lifting a cartridge delivered from the magazine to the height of the barrel. The feeder system includes a feeder that swivels about a transverse axis and a magazine hatch that interacts with the lock catch. To allow the self-loading shotgun to be fully loaded even when the lock is open, the swivel movement of the feeder generated by the lock is controlled by a control element separate from the lock catch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cartridge-in-chamber detection system for firearms which is independent in situations where the user comes into contact with metal parts of the weapon or situations where said contact does not exist, to provide a reliable indication of the presence or absence of the cartridge in the chamber, where the system comprises means to, through a supply voltage, determine the variation of the electrical capacity between two possible states of the system, when there is no cartridge in the chamber and when there is a cartridge in the chamber, making use of at least one electrode, regardless of the grip performed by the user.

Abstract: A shotgun ammunition conversion system has a detachable magazine well having a sleeve defining a rectangular passage adapted to removably receive an ammunition magazine, a boss extending forward of the sleeve and at a level above at least a portion of the sleeve, the boss being adapted to be received in the rear aperture of the magazine tube, and a tang extending rearward of the sleeve and defining a tang aperture operable to receive a fastener associated with a shotgun frame to secure the magazine well to the shotgun with the sleeve proximate and aligned with the loading port when the boss is received in the rear aperture of the magazine tube. The boss may have a lower cylindrical surface portion operable to contact a lower portion of the magazine tube adjacent to the rear aperture. The boss may be a cylindrical body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mortar shell extraction system, comprising gripping means adapted for being inserted into the mortar and holding the shell by the fuse, at least one connecting shaft connected to the gripping means, driving means connected to the at least one connecting shaft and configured for transmitting a driving force to the gripping means through the at least one connecting shaft.

Abstract: A rotational safety device for a firearm is provided that replaces a traditional cross bar safety device and is 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 also includes one or more locking positions in a range of rotation to be engaged by a guide pin.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is directed to shooting rests for supporting a firearm having a first portion and a second portion rearward of the first portion. In one embodiment, a shooting rest includes a frame, a front support for supporting the first portion of the firearm, a support member for carrying one or more weights, and a stop for inhibiting rearward movement of the firearm relative to the shooting rest. The front support is coupled to the frame, and the support member is positioned at least proximate to the frame. The stop includes a flexible portion and is also coupled to the frame.

Abstract: A retractable stand comprises a base, two ribbons, and a locking mechanism. Each ribbon has a coiled portion and an uncoiled portion. The uncoiled portions have a curved cross-sectional shape positioned in opposing relation to each other. The locking mechanism is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position where the at least one ribbon is substantially inhibited from moving relative to the base in at least one direction. The locking mechanism can comprise an auto-locking member biased toward the locked position. The locking mechanism can further comprise a trigger mounted on the base and accessible by the user to move the auto-locking member to the unlocked position. Preferably, the retractable stand further includes a manual locking mechanism that can be manually selectively moved between unlocked and locked positions to selectively lock and unlock a position of at least one of the ribbons relative to the base.

Abstract: Securing mechanisms are provided for various applications. As consistent with one or more embodiments, first and second securing mechanisms respectively couple to a surface and an object to be secured. The first securing mechanism includes a device interface that secures a first portion of a device, and includes a rigid protrusion having a concave surface and a flexible structure coupled to the rigid protrusion and configured and arranged to flexibly secure the device via the concave surface. A first surface interface mitigates movement of the first securing mechanism and the first portion of the securable device relative to a surface. The second securing mechanism includes a device interface that secures a second portion of the securable device relative to the second securing mechanism, and a second surface interface that mitigates movement of the second securing mechanism and the second portion of the securable device, relative to the surface.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an archery bow comprises a rotatable member configured for rotation about a first rotatable member axis. A cable anchor is attached to the rotatable member and rotatable with respect to the rotatable member about an anchor axis. The anchor axis is offset from the rotatable member axis. The bow can further comprise a power cable anchored to said cable anchor.

Abstract: A compound archery bow includes a power cable arranged to be taken up at one end by a pulley member and is coupled at the other end to the bow by (i) a pair of spaced-apart flexible secondary power cables connected to a transverse coupling member, and (ii) the power cable being connected to the transverse coupling member at any one of multiple cable positions along the transverse coupling member between the secondary power cables. Performance characteristics of the bow can be optimized with respect to the transverse position of the power cable on the transverse coupling member.

Abstract: Effective self defense shouldn't put you nor others in danger the way bullets fired from guns do. By carrying one or more polybags of glass marbles in one's pockets, it is possible to throw such hard enough to injure an attacker by the force of the impact, plus deliver a red-pepper-laced, viscous detergent to their face, when the thin-wall polybag ruptures. The dozens of marbles and the slippery detergent that leak out, make it difficult for the attacker to stand up, thus limiting their ability to harm others.

Abstract: A system for manipulating an engagement interface associated with securing accessories to a firearm. The system includes at least one accessory mount adapter that includes a first side that is constructed to cooperate with an engagement interface defined by a structure, such as a hand guard, that is securable to a firearm. A second side of the adapter defines a second engagement interface that is different than the first engagement interface and is configured to removably cooperate with a firearm accessory.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a single aperture laser range finder (SALRF). In an implementation, the single aperture laser range finder includes a beam extender including an aperture and an input aperture lens. A matching lens collimates light emitted from an emitter element associated with a single aperture optical circulator and received by the beam extender, respectively. A single aperture optical circulator has an emitter channel associated with the emitter element and a detector channel associated with a detector element. The emitter channel and the detector channel merge together at an input/output aperture. A light gating mechanism is configured to permit received light to enter the detector channel and to prevent the received light from entering the emitter channel. The SALRF has an electronics end cap.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a seeker for a Semi-Active Laser (SAL) guided missile. The seeker has a Short-Wave InfraRed (SWIR) camera and a Pulse Timing Logic (PTL) detector. The PTL detector has a SWIR photo detector axially aligned with a lens stack of the SWIR camera. The SWIR photo detector is configured to detect a sequence of SWIR pulses generated by a SAL target designator and reflected by a designated target. The PTL detector has a pulse timer configured to identify a sequence pattern of the detected sequence of SWIR pulses, and to predict a timing of a next SWIR pulse in the identified sequence pattern so as to synchronize exposure of the SWIR camera to capture a next image of the designated target at the predicted timing of the next SWIR pulse. Such exposure timing can advantageously improve the signal to noise ratio of the next image.

Abstract: A spatially-distributed architecture (SDA) of antennas transmits respective uniquely coded signals. A first receiver having a known position in a coordinate system defined by the SDA receives reflected versions of the uniquely coded signals. A first processor receives the reflected versions of the uniquely coded signals and identifies a position of a non-cooperative object in the coordinate system. A platform having a second receiver receives non-reflected versions of the uniquely coded signals. The platform determines a position of the platform in the coordinate system. In an example, the platform uses a self-determined position and a position of the non-cooperative object communicated from the SDA to navigate or guide the platform relative to the non-cooperative object. In another example, the platform uses a self-determined position and information from an alternative signal source in a second coordinate system to guide the platform. Guidance solutions may be generated in either coordinate system.

Abstract: A device for arranging an accessory on a firearm, in particular a handgun, is provided, wherein the device has a housing for receiving the accessory in the housing, wherein the housing can be fastened to the firearm, wherein the housing has a first portion with a front end wall and with a rear end wall at a distance from the front end wall, the housing has a second portion, which protrudes axially at the rear end wall of the first portion, the second portion has a fastening device for fastening the housing to the firearm, and the housing has a substantially L-shaped basic form. A firearm with a device for arranging an accessory on a firearm that is arranged on it or can be arranged on it is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight blast-mitigating polycarbonate laminate system comprising at least one polycarbonate sheet, a portion of which is laminated to a glass layer having a thickness between 0.25 times and less than 1 times the thickness of the polycarbonate sheet. The laminate system may further include fasteners to attach the system to a building, positioned to prevent the laminate system from breaking or detaching in case of a blast event.

Abstract: Processes for making high-performance polyethylene multi-filament yarn are disclosed which include the steps of a) making a solution of ultra-high molar mass polyethylene in a solvent; b) spinning of the solution through a spinplate containing at least 5 spinholes into an air-gap to form fluid filaments, while applying a draw ratio DRfluid; c) cooling the fluid filaments to form solvent-containing gel filaments; d) removing at least partly the solvent from the filaments; and e) drawing the filaments in at least one step before, during and/or after said solvent removing, while applying a draw ratio DRsolid of at least 4, wherein in step b) each spinhole comprises a contraction zone of specific dimension and a downstream zone of diameter Dn and length Dn with Ln/Dn of from 0 to at most 25, to result in a draw ratio DRfluid=DRsp* DRag of at least 150, wherein DRsp is the draw ratio in the spinholes and DRag is the draw ratio in the air-gap, with DRsp being greater than 1 and DRag at least 1.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer program stored in a computer readable medium according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The computer program includes commands which cause a computer to execute steps and the steps include: judging hitting locations of one or more dart pins which stick in a dart target having a plurality of score areas; calculating hitting areas of the dart pin based on the judged hitting locations of the dart pins; and calculating scores based on the hitting areas and a predetermined logic.

Abstract: The embodied invention is a method and equipment suitable for a shooting game with dynamic shot recognition and automatic scoring among multiple players firing at the same target. Each player's shot is scored based on a difference in the target's image from a prior image as viewed by a camera. The scoring target is aligned with the camera, and the output of the score change is displayed to the multiple shooters.

Abstract: A portable target apparatus is described including a threat/shoot target and a no threat/no shoot target positioned near the threat/shoot target. A user defined number of projectile impacts on only the threat/shoot target move it to a position out of the shooter's field-of-view. The threat/shoot target remains in the shooter's field-of-view whenever the no threat/no shoot target is impacted by a projectile.

Abstract: Among other things, a digitally controlled actuator has a connector for coupling to a drive mechanism of an existing hand-driven cartridge reloader, to actuate a series of processing cycles of the reloader in which supplies of components are subjected to successive mechanical processing steps to produce reloaded cartridges ready for use. There are sensors associated with the actuator and the reloader to (a) acquire digital information that is indicative of a state of progress of each of the processing cycles and of conditions of the reloader related to the production of the reloaded cartridges, and (b) deliver the digital information to a digital controller for controlling the processing cycles of the reloader. The digital controller is connected to receive the digital information from the sensors and to control automatic operation of the reloader in successive processing cycles to produce reloaded cartridges without requiring human intervention.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ammunition disabler with a material capable of being selectively changed in response to an energy wave for preemptively disabling ammunition. In at least one embodiment, the ammunition disabler includes a material selectively structurally changeable from an operative state to a deactivated state upon exposure to an energy wave is provided, where the material is positioned at least partially between the firing pin and the priming compound when the ammunition is chambered within the firearm (with the priming compound positioned between the material and the propellant), and related systems, methods and uses. The material may be contained within the primer cup with the priming compound. The material may be positioned adjacent to the priming compound in direct or indirect contact or in close proximity. The material may be positioned externally from the primer cup.

Abstract: A wheeled distance measuring device has a longitudinal pole, a housing, a wheel, a gear coupling mechanism, and a transmission assembly. The housing is attached to the longitudinal pole and has a fork. The counter is mounted in the housing and has a spindle and a gear mounted on the spindle. The wheel is mounted rotatably on the fork and has an axle and a spur gear mounted on the axle. The gear coupling mechanism is mounted on the fork and has a stem, an upper spur gear, and a lower spur gear engaged with the spur gear on the axle of the wheel. The transmission assembly is mounted on the housing and has multiple gear elements. One of the gear elements is engaged with the gear on the spindle, and another one of the gear elements is engaged with the upper spur gear.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) including a CMM control system, a surface scanning probe that measures a workpiece surface by outputting probe workpiece measurements, and a probe measurement timing subsystem. The method comprises: operating the CMM control system to output a measurement synchronization trigger signal at predictable times; operating the probe measurement timing subsystem to determine a pre-trigger lead time that is a fraction of a current duration of a probe workpiece measurement sample period, to initiate a current instance of the probe measurement sample period at the pre-trigger lead time before a next predictable time of the measurement synchronization trigger signal; operating the CMM control system to latch a current set of CMM position coordinate values; and operating the surface scanning probe to output the current instance of the probe workpiece measurement in association with the current set of CMM position coordinate values.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) including a workpiece scanning probe. The method provides two different measurement sampling period durations in the scanning probe: a first shorter sampling duration provides a faster measurement having a first accuracy, a second longer sampling duration provides a slower measurement having a second (better) accuracy. The shorter sampling duration may be repeatedly interleaved or alternated with the longer sampling duration to provide sufficient accuracy and response time for motion control purposes during ongoing operation of the CMM. The longer sampling duration may provide high accuracy probe measurements to combine with position coordinate values from encoders located on motion axes of the CMM (outside the scanning probe) to provide high accuracy workpiece measurements at a desired frequency, or upon demand. A probe measurement timing subsystem may determine initiation times of the first and second sampling durations.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a rotating device attached to a movable part of a coordinate measuring device having a first part secured to the movable part and a second part rotatable relative to the first part about an axis of rotation of the turning device, on which second part a measuring sensor for measuring workpieces can be attached. The rotating device or a body connected to the second part is moved to a local area of a position determining device by a drive system of the coordinate measuring device, which position measuring device is connected to the coordinate measuring device, by means of at least one sensor of the position determining device. A position of the rotating device or of the body connected to the second part is determined relative to the position determining device, and the rotating device is calibrated in accordance with the determined position.

Abstract: A connection verification tool for verifying a secure connection between two fluid handling components of a fluid handling system. A connection verification tool can include a gauge portion sized sized to be placed over a first fluid handling component connected to a second fluid handling component to verify a secure connection between the two components. If the first fluid handling component is not securely connected to the second fluid handling component such that additional torque may be required to complete the connection between the two components, the gauge portion of the connection verification tool will not fit over the first component coupled to the second component.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a change in a thickness and temperature of a surface of a material are disclosed herein. The system and the method are usable in a thermal protection system of a space vehicle, such as an aeroshell of a space vehicle. The system and method may incorporate micro electric sensors arranged in a ladder network and capacitor strip sensors. Corrosion or ablation causes a change in an electrical property of the sensors. An amount of or rate of the corrosion or the ablation and a temperature of the material is determined based on the change of the electrical property of the sensors.

Abstract: The invention describes an electrical component (10) which at least comprises a section (12) configured as a sensor (sensor section) made of concrete and which contains electrically conductive aggregates (22) which are present in a region (24) near the surface of at least one outer surface (20) of the section (12) in a higher spatial density than in the remaining section (12). In addition, a method for its production and a use of the component (10) are described.

Abstract: A displacement sensor includes a coil, an inverter electrically connected to the coil, the inverter being configured to generate an oscillation signal, a reducer electrically connected between the coil and an output terminal of the inverter, the reducer being configured to reduce the strength of the oscillation signal, and a frequency detector electrically connected to the inverter, the frequency detector being configured to detect an oscillation frequency of an oscillator circuit in response to a distance between a measurement target and the coil, the oscillator circuit including the coil, the inverter, and the reducer and having an oscillation frequency of 30 MHz or higher.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus and an alignment detection method, which fall within a field of display technology, are disclosed herein. The alignment apparatus includes: a work table; a plurality of alignment rods provided on the work table, wherein a capacitor element is provided inside the alignment rod, and a capacitance of the capacitor element is changeable as the alignment rod deforms; and an alarm element connected to the capacitor element for giving an alarm when it receives a capacitance change value which exceeds a preset threshold value.

Abstract: A pipeline identification and calibration apparatus coupled to a pipe communicates with an in-line inspection tool to help a user to determine an extent of damage suffered by the pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a communication sheet coupled to the pipe and having a pipe calibration area and a pipe identification area, the pipe calibration area having a plurality of etchings, voids or magnetic inserts having variable dimensions and spacing between adjacent members of either the etchings, voids or the magnetic inserts. The user compares data generated by the in-line inspection tool to the etchings, voids or magnetic inserts on the pipe calibration area of the communication sheet to determine the extent of damage to the pipe.

Abstract: A bending detecting system includes a light guide, a first grating and a light detector. The light guide has elongated shape and is configured to guide an incident light in a propagating direction. The light guide includes a core and a cladding disposed around the core. The first grating is disposed in a boundary area, the boundary area including an outer surface of the core, and an adjacent area that is adjacent to the outer surface. The first grating includes a first periodic structure along the propagating direction with a first pitch, and is configured to generate a first diffracted light from the incident light. The light detector is configured to detect the first diffracted light from the first grating, and detect a bending of the light guide based upon an optical feature amount of the first diffracted light.