Abstract: A water heater appliance defining a vertical direction and a horizontal direction is provided. The water heater appliance includes a side that extends along the vertical direction between a top and a bottom of the water heater appliance. The water heater appliance includes a heated water conduit and a cold water conduit extending from the side substantially along the horizontal direction. A mixing valve has a heated water inlet that shares a common axis with the heated water conduit. A bypass conduit extends substantially along the vertical direction between the cold water conduit and a cold water inlet to the mixing valve. In this manner, the mixing valve may be quickly and easily interchangeable within the water heater appliance without requiring the rerouting or manipulation of the existing plumbing.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a process fluid is presented. The apparatus is for improving the foot-print of a fired heater and to reduce the fired heater volume. The apparatus includes a W-shaped process coil to provide for a smaller single-cell fired heater, and a fired heater with a lower profile, providing flexibility in positioning relative to downstream reactors.

Abstract: Solar radiation guidance device (1), particularly for a solar reactor system (100), comprising the following components: • a solar concentrator (13), for collecting and concentrating electromagnetic radiation, • a solar deflection device (10) comprising a funnel (2) with a funnel wall (2a) that comprises a specular reflective surface (2b) on an inside of the funnel (2) for reflecting solar and/or thermal radiation, wherein said funnel (2) further comprises an inlet aperture (3) and an exit aperture (4), wherein the inlet aperture (3) is comprised in an inlet plane (3a) and the exit aperture (4) is comprised in an exit plane (4a), and wherein said funnel (2) is arranged such that it collects the concentrated electromagnetic radiation from the solar concentrator (13), wherein the solar deflection device (10) is mounted to allow rotation around a rotation axis (A) perpendicular to the inlet plane (3a) of the inlet aperture (3) between at least two positions, such that for each position of the at least two positi

Abstract: An optical mining apparatus comprising: a light weight solar reflector; optics for controlling the delivery of concentrated sun light onto the surface of a target; and a temperature controlled gas enclosure that contains the target; wherein said solar reflector is oriented to reflect sun light onto said optics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support device for pivot axes of solar modules which includes at least one first support leg and at least one second support leg, with each support leg configured for anchoring in a ground surface. A bridge mechanically couples the at least one first support leg to the at least one second support leg. A bearing is supported by the bridge to accommodate a pivot axis, with the at least one first support leg and the at least one second support leg detachably connected to the bridge.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a cryogenic regenerator material contains a silver oxide. A molar ratio of silver atoms to oxygen atoms contained in the cryogenic regenerator material: Ag/O is 1.0 or more and 4.0 or less. The cryogenic regenerator material contains at least one selected from AgO, Ag2O and Ag3O as the silver oxide.

Abstract: A heat pump system includes a structure, in turn including a solid-state phase change material. The solid-state phase change material has a first phase state and a second phase state dependent on the temperature. A heat source is configured to supply heat to a first area of the structure, thereby creating a first domain having the first phase state and thereby storing latent heat in the first domain. The first domain is separated by domain walls from second domains having the second phase state. A heat sink is configured to receive heat from a second area of the structure. Furthermore, an electrical energy supply is configured to supply an electrical current to the structure, thereby moving the first domain and the corresponding latent heat stored in the first domain along the structure from the first area to the second area. A related thermal computing device, a related method, and a related computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solar drink holder system includes a hand held thermoelectric temperature controlled beverage receptacle configured to receive and hold a cylindrical beverage container. A Peltier thermoelectric module is coupled to the hand held thermoelectric temperature controlled beverage receptacle and is configured to generate and regulate internal temperature of a beverage held within the cylindrical beverage container. At least one solar panel is hingeably attached to the hand held thermoelectric temperature controlled beverage receptacle.

Abstract: An absorption heat pump having a generator, a heat source to heat the generator to drive coolant vapor out of solution, a condenser for cooling the coolant vapor and an expansion valve that expand the coolant fluid as well as an evaporator for at least partial evaporation of the expanded coolant fluid against a medium which is connected to at least one absorber which absorbs the expanded coolant fluid. A hot gas line which branches off from a line for coolant vapor upstream of the condenser and is fluid-connected to the evaporator such that it bypasses the condenser and the expansion valve, a defrosting valve being provided in the hot gas line, by means of which the flow of coolant vapor through the hot gas line can be controlled. The absorption heat pump is operated in a cyclic circulation process.

Abstract: A discharge gas manifold having a main conduit, an end feeder conduit, and at least one intermediate feeder conduit, wherein the at least one intermediate feeder conduit contains a portion, adjacent to the main conduit, that forms an angle between 0°-60° with the axis of the main conduit.

Abstract: A defrost cycle time of an aircraft vapor cycle refrigeration system is adaptively controlled. A pressure of refrigerant at an inlet of a compressor of the vapor cycle refrigeration system is sensed. A defrost cycle of the vapor cycle refrigeration system is initiated in response to the sensed pressure being less than a threshold pressure. The defrost cycle is terminated upon expiration of the defrost cycle time. The defrost cycle time is based upon a time duration of the cooling cycle.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus is provided with a compressor, a condenser, a pressure-reducing device, and an evaporator. The refrigeration cycle apparatus comprises a refrigeration cycle configured to circulate refrigerant; and a control unit configured to control the refrigeration cycle. The control unit causes the refrigeration cycle to operate when an operation condition is satisfied, the operation condition including elapse of a preset time after the control unit stops the refrigeration cycle. The control unit detects abnormality of the refrigeration cycle based on state data indicating a state of the refrigeration cycle after the control unit causes the refrigeration cycle to operate.

Abstract: In various implementations, a request for operation of an air conditioner may be received. The air conditioner may include a cooling mode and/or a dehumidifying mode. In some implementations, a compressor speed for a compressor of the air conditioner may be determined, and which mode(s) of the air conditioner to allow may be determined based at least partially on the determined compressor speed.

Abstract: An air channel assembly (100) and a refrigerator (200) having the same are provided. The air channel assembly (100) includes: a casing (10) provided with an air supply channel (11) and a drainage port (14) therein. The air supply channel (11) has an air inlet (12) and a bottom air supply port (13). An air-supply guide portion (15) configured to lead air to the bottom air supply port (13) and a drainage guide portion (16) configured to lead water to the drainage port (14) are provided adjacent to the bottom air supply port (13). A guide direction of the air-supply guide portion (15) is opposite to a guide direction of the drainage guide portion (16).

Abstract: In various implementations, an ice sensor may include heater(s), ice accumulation surface(s), and/or temperature sensor(s). During operation, heat from a heater may be provided to an ice accumulation surface and a temperature sensor(s) may determine temperature(s) of the ice accumulation surface. A determination of whether ice is present on the ice sensor may be based at least partially on the determined temperature(s).

Abstract: A door for a refrigerator includes a door housing, which is provided with a thermal insulation material therein, where the thermal insulation material is combined with the door housing. The door housing has a concave portion recessed backwards from a front surface of the door, where one end of the concave portion is provided with a ramp that extends forwards. A detachable member is provided and is isolated from the thermal insulation material and is connected to the door housing. Accordingly, at least one part of the ramp is formed by the detachable member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plate freezer comprising a stack of freezer plates (1), each freezer plate having a first and a second surface (2,3), surrounding a hollow interior through which a coolant may be circulated, where each freezer plate is provided with one or more apertures (10,11), where one or more continuous rods (12,13) is/are inserted through overlapping apertures in the stack of freezer plates, where each rod in a first end is provided with actuator means (20,21), and where engagement members (14) are arranged in communication with the one or more rods, where said engagement members may be in a locked position with the rod such that the rod and engagement members move at the same time or an unlocked position where the rod moves relative to the engagement member. The overall height of a plate freezer having a certain capacity can be reduced, and the time needed for freezing the product is reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for processing natural gas to produce liquefied natural gas is disclosed. The natural gas is cooled in one or more heat exchangers using a first refrigerant from a first refrigerant circuit in which the first refrigerant is compressed in a first compressor driven by a first gas turbine having a first inlet air stream. The natural gas is liquefied using a second refrigerant, the second refrigerant being compressed in a second compressor driven by a second gas turbine having a second inlet air stream. At least one of the inlet air streams is chilled from about the respective dry bulb temperature to a temperature below the respective wet bulb temperature. Water contained in at least one of the chilled first and second air streams is condensed and separated therefrom. At least a portion of the first refrigerant is condensed or sub-cooled using the separated water.

Abstract: A method and system for cooling a process fluid is disclosed. An inlet air stream of a turbine is cooled with an inlet air cooling system. Moisture contained in the cooled inlet air stream is condensed and separated from the cooled inlet air stream to produce a water stream in an open-loop circuit. The water stream is sprayed into an air cooler air stream. The combined air cooler air stream and sprayed water stream is directed through an air cooler. Heat is exchanged between the process fluid and the combined air cooler air stream and sprayed water stream to thereby condense, chill, or sub-cool the process fluid.

Abstract: A carrier-type heat-treatment apparatus including a furnace main body that includes heaters and a mesh belt that transports an object to be heat-treated into the furnace main body includes a gas pipe arranged inside the furnace main body, the gas pipe being configured to inject a gas into the furnace main body, in which a low-temperature zone and a high-temperature zone are provided inside the furnace main body with the gas, the low-temperature zone being provided on an entrance side of the furnace main body, the high-temperature zone being provided on an exit side of the furnace main body and having a temperature higher than the low-temperature zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sintering furnace (1) for components (15) made of a sintered material, in particular for dental components, comprising a furnace chamber (2) having a chamber volume (VK) and a chamber inner surface (OK), wherein a heat-up device (5), a receiving space (9) having a gross volume (VB) located in the chamber volume (VK) and delimited by the heat-up device (5), and a useful region (10) having a useful volume (VN) located in the gross volume (VB), are disposed in the furnace chamber (2). The furnace chamber (2) has an outer wall (3) consisting of a plurality of walls having a wall portion (7) to be opened for introduction into the receiving space (9) of a component to be sintered (15) and having an object volume (VO). In the furnace chamber (2) the heat-up device (5) has a thermal radiator (6) having a radiation field (13) which radiator is disposed on at least one side of the receiving space (9). Said thermal radiator (6) has a specific resistance of 0.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling liquids comprises an external tank and several internal cooling flasks. The external tank is shaped like a closed tank with a top opening. The internal cooling flasks are designed to be set inside the external tank in such a way that very narrow spaces are formed between the external walls of each cooling flask and the adjacent flasks, thus forming an internal cooling space, in a way that enables the user to pour of hot water into the internal cooling space, and the coolant in the cooling flasks adsorbs the heat of said hot water.

Abstract: A cooling package for a vehicle, such as an agricultural tractor, having a charge air cooler assembly configured such that airflow is routed through a charge air cooler multiple times in order to cool a compressed charge of air. As the temperature rise experienced by the cooling airflow is relatively minor compared to the initial temperature of the compressed charge of air, the airflow is initially routed through an outlet-side portion of the charge air cooler to cool the compressed charge of air towards the outlet side of the charge air cooler, and subsequently routed through an inlet-side portion of the charge air cooler to cool the compressed charge of air towards the inlet side of the charge air cooler.

Abstract: A heat exchanger can include a monolithically formed body defining at least two channels configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough, at least one of the at least two channels at least partially wrapping around or within at least one other of the at least two channels. In certain embodiments, the at least two channels can include a first channel and a second channel, wherein the first channel is at least partially wound around or within the second channel.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger body having a plurality of stacked panels defining an internal manifold and an external manifold. Each of the stacked panels includes an internal structure partially defining an internal manifold, an external structure partially defining the external manifold, and a plurality of ribs connecting the internal structure to the external structure. Each of the ribs further comprises a channel protruding into the rib and being paired with a corresponding rib of an adjacent panel, such that each of the ribs and the corresponding rib defining a cooling passage fluidly connecting the internal manifold to the external manifold. Each of the stacked panels is bonded to at least one adjacent stacked panel.

Abstract: Providing a cooling device which can improve cooling performance though it is configured to be compact. A cooling device 100 includes: a base block 20 having a mounting side 21a on which a heat-generating body 10 is installed along a vertical direction; a pipe unit 30 including a tank 31 buried at an opposite side 21b to the mounting side 21a of the base block 20 and storing coolant 60, and pipes 32 which are connected to the tank 31 in a state of standing at a side of the tank 31 and being parallel to each other, and heat radiation fins 40 installed on the pipes 32 in a state in which the pipes 32 penetrate the heat radiation fins 40, the cooling device in which the tank 31 is formed to have a flattened shape with a smaller thickness t2 along a thickness direction of the base block 20 than a height h2 along the vertical direction; and the pipes 32 are connected to an upper position of the tank 31.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for heat transfer systems at temperatures in the range of 20 C to 800 C. The systems consist of heat pipes configured such that they fit inside conventional heat exchangers, and more effectively transfer or recover heat from hot fluids, and that operate without user intervention over long periods of time.

Abstract: A thermosiphon device includes one or more flat multiport tube structures having at least one section that defines a plurality of flow channels and at least one web that extends from the section in a plane of the flat multiport tube structures. The flow channels may function as condensing channels, e.g., in a counterflow device, or as evaporation channels. A multiport tube structure may include two sections that each define a plurality of flow channels and the two sections may be joined by a web that extends between the sections in the plane of the multiport tube structure. The sections may function as condensing channels, as evaporation channels, or one section may function as a set of evaporation channel and the other section may function as a set of condensing channels. Multiport tube sections may alternately function as a vapor supply path or liquid return path.

Abstract: A phase change cell includes a housing enclosing a phase change chamber that holds a phase change material and a gas pocket. The housing includes a side wall extending between first and second end walls. A capillary is disposed in an interior surface of the side wall. In response to heating of the phase change cell, the capillary is configured to draw the phase change material in a liquid phase towards the periphery of the phase change chamber. A temperature sensor is coupled to the housing in a vicinity of the capillary to measure the phase change temperature. According to another aspect, the housing includes a moveable surface that bounds a portion of the phase change chamber. The phase change temperature of the phase change material changes based on the position of the moveable wall.

Abstract: A heat sink includes a heat sink base/riser, a first fin, and a second fin. The spacing between the base/riser and the first fin and the second fin, restively, may be adjusted by rotating a threaded rod. The threaded rod includes a first threaded knurl that is engaged with the first fin and a second threaded knurl that is engaged with the second fin. The thread pitch of the first threaded knurl and the second threaded knurl may differ. For example, the pitch of the first threaded knurl may be smaller than the pitch of the second threaded knurl if the first fin is located nearest the heat sink base/riser relative to the second fin. The spacing of the heat sink fins may be adjusted based upon the current operating conditions of the electronic device to maintain an optimal temperature of a heat generating device during device operation.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is having: a housing having a first housing inlet, a second housing inlet, a first housing outlet, and a second housing outlet; and a core assembly disposed within the housing and removably connected to the housing, the core assembly comprises: a first fluid passage fluidly connecting the first housing inlet to the first housing outlet and a second fluid passage fluidly connecting the second housing inlet to the second housing outlet. The first fluid passage is thermally connected to the second fluid passage.

Abstract: Pellet compositions for sealing a leak include (a) a fibrillated fibrous material, (b) a particulate material, and (c) a compound that by itself and/or in combination with at least one additional compound is configured to generate effervescence. Systems for sealing a leak include (a) a pellet composition, and (b) a first fluid configured for combination with the pellet composition, wherein the first fluid includes water. Methods for sealing a leak in a heat exchange system are described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to generate oscillating fluid flows in heat exchangers are disclosed. A disclosed fluid flow apparatus includes a repeating pattern of fins arranged in rows, where fins of each row are separated from one another by channels, where the fins have respective sub-channels extending therethrough to facilitate oscillation of fluid moving through the channels, and where each of the sub-channels defines a sub-channel inlet and a sub-channel outlet of a respective fin of the pattern.

Abstract: A turbulence generating device for generating turbulence and vortices in a fluid inside a fluid transfer pipe, which acts as a heat transfer pipe, such that, by increasing the area of contact of the fluid with the pipe and the time of contact, not only sufficient heat exchange and heat radiation are conducted, but alien substances and the like, which accumulate inside the corresponding pipe, can also be removed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, environmental control system (ECS) for an aircraft, and system are provided. Air temperatures at the inlet and outlet of a ram air duct for an ECS are measured. Also, air temperatures at outlets from one or more heat exchangers arranged in the ram air duct are measured. The temperatures are typically measured when the aircraft is on the ground and when aircraft engines supplying air to the ECS are operating at idle. Shortly thereafter, the heat exchangers are manually inspected to determine a level of actual fouling (e.g., dirt, dust, or other debris accumulated on heat exchanger surfaces). A supervised machine learning or other statistical analysis is performed on the measured temperatures and associated actual fouling levels to develop a model that predicts an amount of heat exchanger fouling, based on the temperature measurements. An alert can be output if the predicted fouling exceeds a fouling threshold.

Abstract: A heat exchanger arrangement includes a heat exchange body, a first fluid path extending through the heat exchange body, and a second fluid path extending through the heat exchange body in thermal communication with the first fluid path and fluidly isolated from the first fluid path. A bypass path is arranged externally of the heat exchange body and is fluidly connected in parallel with the first fluid path. A control module is operably connected to the bypass path to control temperature of fluids traversing the first fluid path and the second fluid path.

Abstract: A device for modification of ejected casings trajectories includes a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side is configured for attachment to a location on a firearm. The location is in an expected trajectory of spent casings ejected from the firearm. The top side includes a surface facing the expected trajectory of the spent casings. The surface is configured to modify a trajectory of the spent casings by accepting an impact at an angle with each spent casing at a point of impact on the surface and deflecting the spent casings at a deflection angle. The deflection angle is dependent on the point of impact. The surface may include an angled surface or a curved surface. One side of the curved or angled surface may be raised compared to another side of the curved or angled surface.

Abstract: A floor plate assembly for a firearm magazine for use in automatic and semi-automatic pistols and rifles is designed to occupy a minimal amount of space inside the magazine so that more magazine volume is available for bullets in a minimal magazine size. The magazine floor plate assembly includes a floor plate and a lock plate. The floor plate includes opposing lock plate guides that secure to the base flanges of a magazine housing. The lock plate acts as a spring for snap assembly and is inserted underneath the back edge of the magazine housing over the bottom inside surface of the floor plate, so that the lock plate covers the open magazine back side, while keeping the floor plate tight and without movement.

Abstract: The electromechanical trigger guard protective enclosure is a safety device intended to prevent access to the trigger of any firearm with an accessory rail. The present invention has a keypad, which activates the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism either covers the trigger guard opening or slides open revealing the trigger guard for use. The protective enclosure is affixed to the accessory rail on a gun, ensuring that it is able to be used at all times, preventing any inability to properly enclose the trigger guard area. This protective sheath allows for the weapon to remain loaded and ready to fire at all times, aiding greatly in times of self-defense.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting and counting live bullet shots, blank shots and dry-firing actuation of the striker for all types of semi-automatic or automatic weapons, said device being able to discriminate between said three events and comprising: an electronic circuit (5); a first sensor for detecting a movement of a part (2) of the weapon preceding a potential live bullet shot or blank shot; and a second sensor (6) for measuring recoil acceleration when the live bullet shot or blank shot has been fired.

Abstract: A gun standoff device may include an elongated body having crenulations at a first end and an attachment mechanism at a second end. The crenulations at the first end may provide a plurality of radially disposed teeth about the circumference of the first end. The attachment mechanism may allow attachment of the elongated body to a gun barrel, a gun magazine, or other gun component.

Abstract: An improved barrel clamp assembly for a multi-barreled minigun includes a barrel clamp tube having a front end, a rear end, and a plurality of longitudinal openings extending along a portion the length of the tube between the front end and the rear end. An impeller is mounted in the barrel clamp tube between the tube front end and the tube rear end. The impeller includes a plurality of impeller blades that are spaced around a periphery of the impeller and that project forward from a rear flange portion of the impeller and the impeller blades define a plurality of air channels. A barrel assembly includes the barrel clamp tube, a flash suppressor mounted to the front end of the barrel clamp tube, and a barrel clamp collar mounted to the rear end of the barrel clamp tube. The impeller is mounted to the barrel clamp tube between the flash suppressor and the barrel clamp collar.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an archery bow comprises a riser comprising a grip, a first limb and a second limb. A drawstring extends between the first limb and the second limb, for example extending between rotatable members supported by the limbs. A first cable, such as a power cable, also extends between the first limb and the second limb. A cable guard is attached to the riser, which comprises a body portion and a cable engaging portion. The cable guard biases a portion of the first cable in a direction away from the riser.

Abstract: A crossbow including a frame with a riser and a center rail. First and second flexible limbs are attached to the riser. A draw string is received in string guide journals in first and second cams rotatably attached to the frame. The draw string unwinds from the string guide journals as it translates between a released configuration and a drawn configuration. The first and second cams include at least first and second power cable take-up journals, respectively. At least first and second power cables are attached to the first and second limbs and received in the first and second power cable take-up journals, respectively. As the crossbow is drawn from the released configuration to the drawn configuration the first and second power cables wrap onto the respective first and second power cable take-up journals.

Abstract: A method of engaging an arrow with an anti-dry fire system on a crossbow and an arrow assembly for crossbow that engages the anti-dry fire system behind the draw string. Matched weight arrows having lighted and non-lighted nocks are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cocking system for retracting a string carrier on a crossbow that is substantially silent during operation.

Abstract: A bumper for limiting a string displacement on a projectile accelerating apparatus is described for absorbing vibrations thereof, the bumper comprising an hollowed body including an opening portion at a first end of the body, an expansion portion inside the hollowed body and adjacent to the opening portion, a damper portion adjacent to the expansion portion inside the hollowed body, the damper portion including a volume of air that is compressible when the opening portion is closed, and a string-contacting portion disposed on an exterior surface of a second end of the body, the distal wall and the string-contacting portion being moveable toward the opening portion to compress the volume of air in the damper portion in consequence of a string contact on the string-contacting portion. A projectile accelerating apparatus including same and a method of using same are also presented.

Abstract: A sight adjustment device, which adjusts a course of a bullet to be shot when shooting the bullet loaded in a cartridge portion of each of barrels, in a simulation gun having a plurality of the barrels includes a plurality of pressurization members that add pressure to the bullet loaded in each cartridge portion such that rotation is applied to each bullet; link members that are provided on a side of a gun main body such that one end portion is disposed on a side of the pressurization members and the other end portion is disposed on a side of operation units, and transmit operations of the operation units to the pressurization members; and the operation units that are provided on the side of the gun main body in order to adjust a backspin amount.

Abstract: An improved device for enabling a user to quickly and securely attach and detach an accessory (e.g., a scope, light, bayonet, etc.) to the Picatinny or tactical rail of a firearm. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a lower portion, an upper portion and a locking mechanism. The device is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and safe and easy to use.

Abstract: A holster facilitating rapid magazine replacement includes a pistol sleeve and a spare magazine holder including at least one well configured for receiving a spare magazine. The spare magazine is supported at a predetermined angle relative to the grip of the pistol in the pistol sleeve to allow for straightforward exchange. The spare magazine may be substantially parallel or at least near-parallel to the magazine loaded in the grip of the pistol in the pistol sleeve. The holster preferably includes two wells in a vertical stack, each configured to receive a spare magazine at substantially the same angle. One or more fasteners may be provided for adjusting the frictional engagement of the spare magazine disposed in each well. The spare magazine(s) may be disposed in a plane parallel to the plane of the pistol, and this plane may be offset from the plane defined by the grip and the barrel of the gun.