Abstract: The invention relates to an optical monitoring system (26) for monitoring operating conditions in a tuyere zone of a blast furnace. This system comprises a light deflecting device (40) with a peep sight (28) arranged in a first face (46) of the light deflecting device (40) and an optical sensor (30) arranged in a second face (48) of the light deflecting device (40). A light deflector (41) is arranged within the light deflecting device (40) for directing incident light from the tuyere zone towards the peep sight (28) and towards the optical sensor (30). The light deflecting device (40) comprises a housing (56) with a spherical body (60) rotatably arranged therein.

Abstract: An electrode seal for use in a metallurgical furnace, the furnace comprising a furnace space heated by electrodes extending through an aperture into the furnace space. The electrode seal comprises at least three sets of shoes in consecutive lateral contact, each shoe having a biasing member for biasing a surface of the shoe toward one of the electrodes thereby allowing the one electrode to longitudinally move within the electrode seal while providing electrical insulation between the electrode and the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat exchanger, a heat exchanger assembling apparatus, and a heat exchanger assembling method, according to which assembling each of the laminated tubes with a tank can be accurately performed. A heat exchanger (10) including a plurality of laminated tubes (11) having an opening end (11d) to which a tank (13,14) is connected. A pressing portion (11g) is provided in the vicinity of the opening end of each tube, the tube being held by the pressing portion when the tank is connected to the opening ends of the tubes.

Abstract: A heat exchange device comprising phase change material-impregnated heat conductive foam disposed between fluid stream channels in a heat exchanger element.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a thermosiphon configured for use within a temperature-regulated storage device includes: a condenser region, including a plurality of evenly spaced condenser channels with horizontally symmetrical bifurcated branches connected to an adiabatic channel, each of the plurality of condenser channels connected at a top position to an upper channel; an evaporator region, including a plurality of evaporator channels, wherein each of the plurality of evaporator channels has a flow channel formed in a serpentine channel pattern and each subunit of the serpentine channel pattern is attached to a vapor return channel at a top of the subunit, and wherein the evaporator region has at least one lowest position connected directly to a vapor return channel; and an adiabatic region including at least one adiabatic channel connecting the evaporator channels and the condenser channels.

Abstract: A heat dissipation apparatus suited for dissipating heat of a heat source. The heat dissipation apparatus includes a tank, a heat-insulation unit and a pipe. The tank has an outlet end, an inlet end and an accommodating space, wherein the tank receives heat of the heat source from above. The heat-insulation unit is disposed in the accommodating space of the tank, and the heat-insulation unit includes a heat-insulation nozzle. The heat-insulation nozzle has a first opening, a second opening and a neck portion, wherein the first opening communicates with the inlet end, the second opening communicates with the accommodating space and the neck portion is near the second opening. The pipe communicates the outlet end and the inlet end and forms a closed circulating loop with the tank.

Abstract: A heat dissipating device applied to a heat generating element includes a cooling device, a vapor chamber and a heat pipe, and the vapor chamber is attached to the heat generating element, and the heat pipe is thermally coupled to the cooling device and communicated with the vapor chamber, and the heat pipe has at least one flexible portion. The heat pipe may be bent or deformed at any angle or in any direction through the flexible portion, so that the heat pipe can be installed and aligned and the height difference can be adjusted with respect to the cooling device, the vapor chamber and the heat generating element in a better way. In the meantime, the heat dissipating device has a shock absorbing capability.

Abstract: Multi-phase thermal control systems, evaporators, variable porous wick elements, heat transfer structures, and methods for their production are provided. Two-phase evaporators for use in such multi-phase thermal control systems are also provided. Two-phase evaporators incorporate a vapor plate body having there three major layers: a vapor channel network, a wick, and a liquid channel. The vapor channel network comprises a plurality of extrusions (e.g., vapor pillars) and associated channels (e.g., vapor channels) configured to allow a vapor to flow therethrough. The wick comprises a porous body configured to be disposed between the vapor channel network of and the liquid flow reservoir.

Abstract: A basket for an air preheater includes two metallic frames each having two corner pieces and two connector pieces. For each frame, one of the connector pieces is secured to one end of each of the corner pieces and another of the connector pieces is secured to an opposite end of each of the corner pieces thereby forming a rectangular opening in each frame. The basket includes two heavy gauge metallic sheets that are secured to the corner pieces, thereby spacing the frames equally apart from and parallel to one another thereby forming a channel between two of the sheets.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes at least one conduit configured to carry a working fluid. The heat exchanger also includes a plurality of chambers in proximity to the at least one conduit, each chamber configured to contain a phase change material (PCM) that expands upon freezing. The at least one conduit and the plurality of chambers are thermally coupled for transfer of thermal energy between the working fluid and the PCM in each chamber. One wall of each chamber is formed of a compliant layer configured to deform to increase a volume of the chamber as the PCM expands upon freezing.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a housing configured to contain a working fluid. The heat exchanger also includes a plurality of chambers disposed within the housing and arranged so as to be surrounded by the working fluid when the working fluid is within the housing, each chamber configured to contain a phase change material (PCM) that expands upon freezing. The walls of each chamber are formed of a high thermal conductivity material that allows transfer of thermal energy between the working fluid and the PCM in each chamber. The walls of each chamber include expandable bellows configured to deform to increase an internal volume of the chamber as the PCM expands upon freezing.

Abstract: Fractionation, the process used by refineries to break down carbon chains of petroleum compounds so that the desired carbon compound can be achieved. This process typically involves high heat, distillation, re-boiling, and energy intensive cooling processes. This application discloses an invention that will condense vapor produced by a pyrolysis reactor. This system uses one standard cyclone; three cascading cyclones with internal cyclonic rotation fins that force incoming vapor to maintain a fixed amount of rotation regardless of the vapor's velocity, heat sinks that increase condensation, reversing fins that force gases to reverse direction inside the cyclone decreasing vapor velocity to increase heat loss; a main collection tank that allows for the controlling of the fuel flash point; a compact low temperature coil cooler that uses 100 percent of the cooling surface that allows for the production of higher quality fuel; and, bubblers/scrubbers that produce back pressure into the pyrolysis reactor.

Abstract: A heat shield (10) comprises a metal sheet (12) with a thermal sprayed layer of ceramic material (14) thereon, the sheet (12) defining an array of dimples (16) and/or pimples (18) such that any notional plane intersecting the coated surface of the metal sheet (12) creates a notional line of intersection which intersects at least some dimples (16) and/or pimples (18).

Abstract: Disclosed is a graphite component comprising a metal substrate; and a graphite layer formed on the metal substrate. The metal substrate has one or more straight portions and one or more bent portions, which preferably forms a zigzag shape, each bent portion has a round shape, and a number of bent portions is two or greater. The graphite component may improve a heat radiation effect, such that lifespan characteristic and performance of an electronic device may be further improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bidirectional energy-transfer system comprising: a thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete, disposed in a structural object; a location of energy supply or demand that is physically isolated from, but in thermodynamic and/or electromagnetic communication with, the thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete; and a means of transferring energy between the structural object and the location of energy supply or demand. The system can be a single node in a neural network. The thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete includes a conductive, shock-absorbing material, such as graphite. Preferred compositions are disclosed for the thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete.

Abstract: A reactor liquid cool down method is provided. The method includes obtaining a warm recycle stream (102) from a reactor (101) and compressing the warm recycle stream (102), thereby producing a compressed warm recycle stream (104); cooling a compressed warm recycle stream (104) with a controlled liquid cryogen stream (110) in a heat exchanger (107), thereby producing a cool recycle stream (112), wherein the cool recycle stream has a mean fluid temperature, monitoring the mean fluid temperature and comparing the mean fluid temperature to a predetermined control valve set point, thereby defining a temperature deviation; modulating a temperature control valve (109) to vary the controlled liquid cryogen stream (110) in order to produce a temperature deviation that is less than a predetermined value, and returning the cool recycle stream (112) to the reactor (101).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting deficiencies in a cooling tower (2) of a thermal facility (1) in operation in a given environment, comprising the implementation of the steps of: (a) measurement, by a plurality of sensors (13), of a set of values of physical parameters relating to the cooling tower (2), at least one of which being an endogenous parameter specific to the operation of the cooling tower (2) and at least one exogenous parameter specific to said environment; (b) calculation, by data processing means (11), of at least one expected optimum value of said endogenous parameter as a function of said values of the physical parameters and a model; (c) determination, by the data processing means (11), of at least one potentially deficient function of the cooling tower (2) as a function of the disparity between the measured value and the expected optimum value of said endogenous parameter and/or the variation of said disparity; (d) testing, by the data processing means (11), of each functi

Abstract: A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a furnace having a primary heat exchanger and a secondary heat exchanger, where the primary heat exchanger and the secondary heat exchanger form a heat exchange relationship between an airflow and an exhaust gas, and where the primary heat exchanger is positioned upstream of the secondary heat exchanger, a burner configured to generate the exhaust gas, a sensor configured to monitor an ambient temperature, and a control system configured to receive feedback from the sensor, compare the feedback to a threshold, operate the furnace in a first mode when the ambient temperature exceeds the threshold, and operate the furnace in a second mode when the ambient temperature is at or below the threshold, where the furnace operates above a condensation temperature when in the second mode, such that the exhaust gas does not condense when operating in the second mode.

Abstract: A pistol is provided, on the plastic housing of which a sliding carriage containing the barrel is guided in the longitudinal direction, which housing has a trigger guard at the transition to a grip stock, and in which housing a locking block is arranged; for an especially light embodiment that is simple to manufacture and nevertheless robust, the locking block forms a unit with the guiding elements of the sliding carriage, which unit is arranged in front of the magazine well and extends forward as far as the trigger guard, as a result of which the guide length is shortened. The locking block is fixed in the housing by a front cross pin and a rear cross pin and accommodates a locking bolt approximately over the second cross pin.

Abstract: A magazine extension may include a body for storing firearm ammunition. The body may include an upper end portion which includes a seat for part of a firearm. The upper end portion further may include a magazine casing receiving groove. Also, the body may include a lower end portion, and an exterior surface extending from the upper end portion to the lower end portion, as well as an opening extending into the body. The body may include a bench inside the opening. A magazine extension follower may be disposed above the bench. The magazine extension follower may include an upper surface, a lower surface, and a side wall. The magazine extension follower may form an ammunition magazine spring bearing surface. The magazine extension may include a resilient member disposed between the magazine extension follower and the bench which biases the magazine extension follower away from the lower end.

Abstract: A conversion unit for converting an AR-15 style military assault rifle to a submachine gun includes a central assembly having a magazine well and rear barrel mount. The magazine well can be inserted downwardly into the lower receiver of the assault rifle and accommodates magazines for shorter cartridges. The conversion unit also includes a forearm and barrel assembly and an upper receiver with a stabilizing rail. A pressure equalizing gas operating system eliminates the need for a buttstock with recoil spring. An operating rod extends forward from the upper receiver and into the forearm enclosure. The operating rod is attached to the bolt of the submachine gun and engaged with a reciprocating gas cylinder that surrounds the barrel.

Abstract: A method authenticates a user before the user can remove or attach a component to a firearm. When the user is authenticated, the user can remove or attach a component to the firearm. The firearm prevents the removal or attachment of the component when the user is not authenticated.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and trigger-locking a firearm prevents unauthorized persons from firing the firearm. When a person picks up the firearm, a biometric scanner retrieves an unidentified biometric reading off of the person. The biometric scanner can be a palm-print reader and/or a fingerprint reader. If the unidentified biometric reading does not match an authorized user signature stored on a chipset of the firearm, and if the firearm has unlocked its trigger, then the firearm automatically locks its trigger. In addition, the firearm generates and broadcasts an unauthorized-use notification with a wireless communication module. If the unidentified biometric reading does match an authorized user signature stored on the chipset, and if the firearm has locked its trigger, then firearm automatically unlocks its trigger. The firearm also collects situational data from environmental sensors when the firearm discharges a round.

Abstract: A noise suppression device for use with a firearm includes a body including an outermost external surface of the noise suppression device and an internal portion and a core seamlessly connected to the internal portion of the body, wherein the noise suppression includes no joints, no seams, or any formerly separate pieces within the body or the core, and the core includes a structure of a plurality of holes defined by a framework of a connecting structure that connects to the internal portion of the body. Optionally, the core can include one or more baffles or one or more chambers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration damper (35) for archery bows. The vibration damper comprises a housing (36) extending along an axis (X) and forming at least one chamber (37, 38, 39, 40), wherein the at least one chamber is partially filled with granular solid material (9). The housing is formed by a stack of two or more bowl-shaped parts (1, 2, 4) arranged along the axis, wherein the at least one chamber is closed by the subsequent part in the stack. The stack of parts is held together by a central attachment device (41) extending along the axis, to close the at least one chamber, such that the at least one chamber forms an open space circumventing the central attachment device.

Abstract: A zero torque riser for an archery bow that provides an hemispherical pivoting connection between a hand grip and a riser body by using a ball and socket connection. A spherical head is variably mounted in a spherical socket on a hand grip. The spherical head is mounted on a variable position peg on the riser body.

Abstract: An active interlock for a break barrel airgun includes exposing at least one of a detent pin and a securing pin to a portion of the motive gas for projecting a projectile, wherein the portion of the motive gas urges the one of a detent pin and a securing pin to a locking position inhibiting rotation of a receiver and a barrel of the airgun.

Abstract: A multiple attachment device loop sling and method, the loop sling comprising a strap terminating at two strap ends that are configured to be removably connected together to form a loop that is configured to removably attach to and rotate about a torso of an operator in a canted manner; the plurality of attachment devices attaches to the strap, the plurality of attachment devices are configured to removably attach a plurality of shooting devices to the strap; wherein the rotation of multiple attachment device loop sling about the torso can move the plurality of shooting devices between an operating location on a chest of the torso and a storage location on a back of the torso.

Abstract: A firearm component carrier apparatus is disclosed. The firearm component carrier apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a main body, an insert member, and a wrap member. The insert member is coupled to the main body and is oriented to insert into a firearm component. The wrap member is coupled to the main body. The wrap member is shaped to wrap at least partially around the firearm component to secure the firearm component relative to the main body.

Abstract: A lighting circuit includes a controllable electronic device in series with a power terminal of a controller, wherein operation of a switch causes the controller to maintain the electronic device conductive, whereby the controller then remains powered; and wherein the controller responds to a subsequent operation of the switch to render the electronic device nonconductive, whereby the controller is then unpowered even when electrical power is received. The lighting circuit is suitable for use, e.g., in a portable or other battery powered light.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for electronically displaying individual shots from multiple shots on one physical target including at least one camera directed at a physical target that is in data communication with a computer, the computer running software that allows for capture of successive images after each shot is taken, and isolation and highlighting of each shot from all other shots on the computer's display. In some examples, systems include the ability to generate and present overlays on the target images. In some further examples, systems include multiple cameras for capturing associated information with each shot such as shooter position, wind speed, and projectile speed.

Abstract: A method of constructing a concealing volume comprises constructing a plurality of concealing volume elements around a concealable volume. Each concealing volume element has a material parameter arranged to direct a propagating wave around the concealable volume. The material parameter can be refractive index, electrical permittivity, and magnetic permittivity. The concealing volume can be a metamaterial. The concealing volume diverts incoming propagating waves such that outgoing propagating waves appear to be unperturbed to an observer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a live fire training environment are described, the methods including the steps of: providing a number of moveable targets, the targets being arranged to move across a ground surface; introducing the targets into a live fire training area, the live fire training area having at least one firing position where participants take up position to fire at the targets; and instructing the targets to commence repeated movements in a generally side to side fashion with respect to the at least one firing position.

Abstract: A warhead assembly is provided for a projectile includes a forward module having a precursor warhead, and an aft module including a main warhead. The warhead assembly includes a deployment system for selectively deploying the warhead assembly from a retracted configuration to a deployed configuration, at predetermined conditions, to thereby provide a longitudinal displacement between the forward module and the aft module. The deployment system includes an expansion member accommodated between the forward module and the aft module, and configured for being longitudinally expanded under the predetermined conditions to thereby increase a longitudinal dimension of the expansion member and thereby urge the forward module and the aft module away from one another to provide said longitudinal displacement. A corresponding deployment system and projectile are also provided.

Abstract: A laser activated initiation device including: a piezoelectric element; a capacitor; a self-powered acceleration pulse event detection with false trigger protection circuit; a switch reset circuit; and a switching circuit; wherein when the piezoelectric element is subjected to an acceleration pulse the piezoelectric element generates an open-circuit charge profile to charge the capacitor.

Abstract: A fractionated-combustion cartridge is made by inserting a bushing into the cartridge case at the height of the bottom, the bushing being coaxial with said cartridge case, and the face of which, facing the interior of the cartridge case, is provided with a trigger guard coinciding with the diameter of said face.

Abstract: A length-measuring device for measuring a relative position of two objects with respect to each other by scanning a measuring graduation of a scale tape includes a hollow section member in which the scale tape is tensioned along a longitudinal direction of the hollow section member. A tensioner device is configured to tension the scale tape. The tensioner device includes a fixed member which is stationary relative to the hollow section member and a tensioner which is held under tension on the fixed member by a spring acting in the longitudinal direction, as well as a holding member to which the scale tape and the tensioner are attached. The tensioner is detachably secured to the holding member and configured such that the tensioner is separable from the holding member and removable from the hollow section member at an end. An adjuster adjusts the tension of the scale tape.

Abstract: A flange checking apparatus for performing on-site flange run-out checks on the flange surface includes a hub structure, a plurality of support legs, a measuring arm, and a transmission. The plurality of support legs mounted radially around a hub structure selectively fastens the flange checking apparatus adjacent to the flange. A measuring arm measures the flange surface for imperfections. A transmission transmits a rotational input to a rotational output which causes the measuring arm to rotate in a circular path over the flange surface. An adjustable clamp mounted terminally to a leg body of the plurality of support legs forms a friction bond with the flange. A surface variation indicator mounted terminally to the measuring arm travels over the flange and inspects microscopic variations on the flange surface. A guiding mechanism guides that measuring arm along a fixed circular path around the flange.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a sensing element having a capacitance to a first reference voltage. The capacitance is variable as a function of a proximity of an object to the sensing element. The apparatus further includes a sample capacitor connected to the sensing element and control circuitry connected to the sample capacitor. The control circuitry is configured to supply a charge to the sample capacitor and the sensing element and discharge the sensing element. The control circuitry is further configured to provide, in response to the discharge of the sensing element, a signal indicative of the capacitance to the first reference voltage of the sensing element. The control circuitry is further configured to process the signal to detect a change in the capacitance to the first reference voltage as indicative of the proximity of the object to the sensing element.

Abstract: A laser component includes multiple laser devices arranged in an array to include different emission wavelengths, and a driving unit that, while switching each of the laser devices along the array into a turn-ON-enabled state that enables the laser device to turn to an ON state, brings one of the laser devices in the turn-ON-enabled state into an ON state.

Abstract: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe and system designs are disclosed that minimize the effects of mechanical movement and strain to the probe to the OCT analysis. It also concerns optical designs that are robust against noise from the OCT laser source. Also integrated OCT system-probes are included that yield compact and robust electro-opto-mechanical systems along with polarization sensitive OCT systems.

Abstract: Method and system for measuring outermost dimensions of a vehicle positioned at an inspection station and having top, front, back and side exterior surfaces are provided. The system includes a plurality of 3-D or depth sensors supported around and above the vehicle at the inspection station. Each of the sensors has a field of view so that one of the exterior surfaces of the vehicle is in one of the fields of view. Each sensor includes a set of radiation sensing elements which detect projected radiation reflected from its exterior surface to obtain sensor data. At least one processor processes the sensor data from each of the sensors to obtain a virtual 3-D model of the vehicle. Control logic is employed to obtain measurements of outermost dimensions of the vehicle based on the 3-D model.

Abstract: A thickness inspection method inspects the thickness of a part having a hollow shape by using tooling enabling a counter-shape to be molded that matches said hollow shape. The method includes putting the part into place on a support secured to the tooling, locking the part in place, and filling the hollow shape with a molding material in order to form the counter-shape. The method also includes solidifying the molding material, acquiring 3D images of the external surface of the part and of the support, and removing the part from the support in order to leave only the counter-shape on the support. The method also includes acquiring 3D images of the outside surface of the counter-shape and of the support, and superposing and processing the 3D images in order to obtain various dimensions of the part enabling its thickness to be inspected.

Abstract: An abrasion inspection apparatus includes: a first imaging unit installed on a track along which a vehicle is traveling, a guide wheel installed on the vehicle, the first imaging unit imaging an inside of the track; a second imaging unit installed on the track in a vehicle traveling direction with respect to the first imaging unit and imaging the inside of the track; an image acquisition unit acquiring a first image of a boundary of the guide wheel captured by the first imaging unit on a first direction side in the vehicle traveling direction, and a second image of the boundary of the guide wheel captured by the second imaging unit at the same time on an opposite side to the first direction side; and a guide wheel detection unit detecting an abrasion situation of the guide wheel according to a position of a boundary indicated in the acquired images.

Abstract: An integrated optical assembly is provided, with enhancements that are particularly useful when the integrated optical assembly forms part of a laser radar system. The integrated optical assembly produces a reference beam that is related to the optical characteristics of a scanning reflector, or to changes in position or orientation of the scanning reflector relative to a source. Thus, if the scanning reflector orientation were to shift from its intended orientation (due e.g. to thermal expansion) or if characteristics of the scanning reflector (e.g. the index of refraction of the scanning reflector) were to change on account of temperature changes, the reference beam can be used to provide data that can be used to account for such changes. In addition, if the scanning reflector were to be positioned in an orientation other than the orientation desired, the reference beam can be used in identifying and correcting that positioning.

Abstract: New and useful concepts for an autofocus system and method are provided. A basic concept uses fringe projection in an autofocus system and method. A further aspect provides spatial filtering concepts for the fringe projection concept. In yet another aspect, the fringe projection autofocus system and method is provided with temporal phase shifting using no moving parts. In a still further aspect, the fringe projection autofocus system and method is provided with unambiguous height measurement concepts.

Abstract: A test body is provided for determining one or more rotation errors of a rotating apparatus with respect to one or more degrees of freedom of movement, in which a real rotating movement of the rotating apparatus differs from an ideal rotating movement. The test body includes a holder which, together with a part of the rotating apparatus, can be rotated about an axis of rotation. The holder can be configured to arrange or fasten the test body with respect to the axis of rotation about which the test body can be rotated for the purpose of determining the rotation error(s). One or more test elements are rigidly connected to the holder or are formed on the holder, and each of the test elements is used to determine a rotation error with respect to one or more of the degrees of freedom of movement.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mobile computing device and a method for calculating a bending angle and computer-readable medium, which belong to the field of electronic device. The mobile computing device includes: a flexible screen, at least two accelerometers, and a processing module; wherein the at least two accelerometers are located at different locations on the flexible screen, and each of the at least two accelerometers is connected to the processing module; the at least two accelerometers are configured to detect accelerations of the flexible screen; and the processing module is configured to calculate the bending angle of the flexible screen based on the accelerations detected by the at least two accelerometers, wherein the bending angle indicates how much the flexible screen is bent.

Abstract: Determining the physical location of wirelessly connected devices within a network can provide a number of security benefits. However, manually determining and configuring the physical location of each device within a system can be burdensome. To ease this burden, devices within a network are equipped with a location detection sensor that is capable of automatically determining a device's location in relation to other devices within the network. A location detection sensor (“sensor”) may include a light source, a light direction sensor, a rangefinder, and a radio or wireless network interface. Two location detection sensors can perform a location detection process to determine their relative locations to each other, such as the distance between them. As more sensors are added to a network, a sensor management system uses the relative locations determined by the sensors to map the sensors to a physical space layout.

Abstract: Binocular depth-perception systems use binary, phase-antisymmetric gratings to cast point-source responses onto an array of photosensitive pixels. The gratings and arrays can be manufactured to tight tolerances using well characterized and readily available integrated-circuit fabrication techniques, and can thus be made small, cost-effective, and efficient. The gratings produce point-source responses that are large relative to the pitch of the pixels, and that exhibit wide ranges of spatial frequencies and orientations. Such point-source responses make it easy to distinguish the point-source responses from fixed-pattern noise the results from spatial frequencies of structures that form the array.