Patents Issued in March 1, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180058749
    Abstract: A refrigerator capable of supplying water without opening a door and deteriorating the aesthetic quality of the refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a main body in which a food storage space is formed, a door to open or close one side of the main body and a water dispensing member having an outlet. The water dispensing member is provided so as to be movable in the forward and backward directions and located at a first position at which the water dispensing member is accommodated in the door or at a second position at which the water dispensing member protrudes forward from the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Seok LEE, Ji Hyeoung LEE
  • Publication number: 20180058750
    Abstract: A variable width shelf assembly includes a shelf panel with first and second support brackets. One or more support slots and one or more relief slots are disposed on an upright portion of the support brackets. One or more coupling tabs are disposed adjacent to one of the one or more support slots and one of the one or more relief slots. The coupling tabs are flexible tabs configured to flex outwardly relative to the upright portion of the support brackets for coupling the first and second brackets to a refrigerator compartment. Mounting plates mounted on a refrigerator include mounting features that are received in the support slots of the support brackets. Abutment guides on the mounting plates are used to guide a bending motion of the coupling tabs in assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chad J. Rotter, Trevor L. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20180058751
    Abstract: A domestic refrigeration appliance apparatus has an appliance body, which partially defines a refrigeration chamber, and at least one storage unit which is arranged within the refrigeration chamber and which defines at least one storage chamber for storing food. The storage chamber is open in the direction of an upper face of the storage unit. A closing unit at least substantially closes the storage unit in the direction of the upper face in at least one storage state. In order to provide a generic apparatus with improved properties in respect of ease of operation, the domestic refrigeration appliance apparatus has one suspension unit, which supports the closing unit such it is able to oscillate relative to the appliance carcass in at least one operating state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: HERBERT CIZIK, STEFAN DEISSLER, ANDREA FINK
  • Publication number: 20180058752
    Abstract: Described herein is a method of removing refrigerant from a natural gas liquefaction system in which vaporized mixed refrigerant is withdrawn from the closed-loop refrigeration circuit and introduced into a distillation column so as to be separated into an overhead vapor enriched in methane and a bottoms liquid enriched in heavier components. Overhead vapor is withdrawn from the distillation column to form a methane enriched stream that is removed from the liquefaction system, and bottoms liquid is reintroduced from the distillation column into the closed-loop refrigeration circuit. Also described are methods of altering the rate of production in a natural gas liquefaction system in which refrigerant is removed as described above, and a natural gas liquefaction systems in which such methods can be carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Keith Johnston, Gowri Krishnamurthy, Mark Julian Roberts
  • Publication number: 20180058753
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for pre-cooling a natural gas stream to a liquefaction plant. A system may comprise a compressor configured to receive a first natural gas stream at a first pressure and produce a second natural gas stream at a second pressure; an exchanger, wherein the exchanger is configured to receive the second natural gas stream as the second pressure and cool the second natural gas stream to produce a cooled natural gas stream; and an expander, wherein the expander is configured to receive the cooled natural gas stream and expand the cooled natural gas stream from the second pressure to a third pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: John Mak, Jacob Thomas, Dhirav Patel, Steven Borsos
  • Publication number: 20180058754
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied, to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Joe T. Lynch, John D. Wilkinson, Hank M. Hudson, Scott A. Miller, Kyle T. Cuellar, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis
  • Publication number: 20180058755
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Hank M. Hudson, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Scott A. Miller, Kyle T. Cuellar, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis
  • Publication number: 20180058756
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Scott A. Miller, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis
  • Publication number: 20180058757
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cold box cycle which allows for independent control of the heat supplied for reboilers associated with the separation columns. More specifically, the invention relates to the tight control of the hydrogen removal separation, thus avoiding the possibility of excess reboiling in this separation. Optimal reboiling also results in a lower temperature of the hydrogen depleted liquid from this separation. As this stream is used to provide a portion of the cooling at the cold end of the primary heat exchanger, lower temperatures facilitate cooling of the incoming syngas feed, reducing carbon monoxide (CO) losses into the crude hydrogen stream from the high pressure separator. Lower CO in the crude hydrogen allows for smaller hydrogen purification equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Minish M. Shah, Bryan S. Kalp, Gary W. Fenner, Sameer Parvathikar
  • Publication number: 20180058758
    Abstract: An adsorption process for xenon recovery from a cryogenic liquid or gas stream is described wherein a bed of adsorbent is contacted with the aforementioned xenon containing liquid or gas stream and adsorbs the xenon selectively from this fluid stream. The adsorption bed is operated to at least near full breakthrough with xenon to enable a deep rejection of other stream components, prior to regeneration using the temperature swing method. Operating the adsorption bed to near full breakthrough with xenon, prior to regeneration, enables production of a high purity product from the adsorption bed and further enables oxygen to be used safely as a purge gas, even in cases where hydrocarbons are co-present in the feed stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Philip A. Barrett, Neil A. Stephenson, Nicholas R. Stuckert, Michael Freiert, Hai Du, Rachael A. Masin, Garrett R. Swindlehurst
  • Publication number: 20180058759
    Abstract: A multi-stage separation heat-exchange type drying system is provided. A plurality of first heat exchange blocks of the first main body are installed to be spaced from each other at a predetermined interval, and first vortex generating blocks are installed between the first heat exchange blocks. Also, a plurality of second heat exchange blocks of the second main body are installed to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval, and second vortex generating blocks are installed between the second heat exchange blocks. The heat exchange occurs in a manner that the first heat exchange blocks and the second heat exchange blocks corresponding to each other, positioned up and down, exchange a heat medium therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: A1ENGINEERING
    Inventors: Hyung Chul Wie, Se Gyeong Jang, Sang Ro Lee
  • Publication number: 20180058760
    Abstract: A locker includes a pair of spaced-apart upstanding sidewalls and at least one shelf extending between the sidewalls, the shelf and sidewalls defining a compartment. A rack is disposed in the compartment and extends upwardly from the shelf. The rack is dimensioned and configured to support at least a pair of shoulder pads and preferably both pads and a helmet. The rack optionally includes a ventilation system, and the ventilation system, may be incorporated into a multi-locker ventilation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Sam Allen
  • Publication number: 20180058761
    Abstract: A hybrid fluid cooler assembly that provides increased heat exchange. The apparatus includes a plurality of adjacently spaced arrays, each array having a plurality of cooling conduits in combination a direct heat exchange portion. In addition, the apparatus includes an airflow inlet that provides a single air flow current that traverses the direct heat exchange portion and then the indirect heat exchange portion in series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Jason STRATMAN
  • Publication number: 20180058762
    Abstract: A system includes a radiant syngas cooler which receives and cools syngas generated in a gasifier. The radiant syngas cooler includes an outer shell of the radiant syngas cooler defining an annular space of the radiant syngas cooler and a heat exchange tube of the radiant syngas cooler positioned within the annular space and configured to flow a cooling medium. The heat exchange tube is configured to enable heat exchange between the syngas and the cooling medium to cool the syngas. The radiant syngas cooler includes a downcomer tube of the radiant syngas cooler which supplies the cooling medium to the heat exchange tube, where the downcomer tube includes a downflow portion positioned outside of the annular space of the radiant syngas cooler. The downflow portion is fluidly coupled to a header, and the header fluidly couples the downcomer tube to the heat exchange tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Pallab Karmakar, Lien-Yan Chen, Qiong Zhou
  • Publication number: 20180058763
    Abstract: An inward gas/liquid distribution structure used in microchannel heat exchangers is disclosed. The inward gas/liquid distribution structure can help optimizing refrigerant distribution for a microchannel heat exchanger with long distribution pipe or a microchannel heat exchanger having significant wind field differences. The inward gas/liquid distribution structure includes an inlet header component. The inlet header component has n inlets that are configured to allow gas/liquid to enter the inlet header component, and “n” is an integer that is greater than or equal to 2. The inward gas/liquid distribution structure also includes m distribution components. The m distribution components are located in the inlet header component and connected to the n inlets, respectively. In an example, the number m equals to the number n.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Dongbin WEI
  • Publication number: 20180058764
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for forming polymer including: polymerizing a monomer dissolved in a solvent in the presence of a catalyst system under conditions to obtain a first effluent stream including a solution of the polymer and the solvent; heating the first effluent stream in at least one spiral heat exchanger to produce a second effluent stream, where the first effluent stream flows through the spiral heat exchanger in a cross-flow direction relative to spirals of the spiral heat exchanger and performing a separation on the second effluent stream to produce: a third effluent stream including polymer substantially free of the solvent; and a recycle stream including the solvent and unreacted monomer. Processes for devolatilizing a polymer stream are also provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Yifeng Hong, Jay L. Reimers
  • Publication number: 20180058765
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger block, a first collector box arranged on a first end face of the heat exchanger block and a second collector box arranged on a second end face of the heat exchanger block opposite to the first end face of the heat exchanger block. The heat exchanger block has multiple process channels arranged parallel to one another and connecting the first collector box to the second collector box for the through flow of a process medium, and also multiple coolant medium channels for the through flow of a coolant medium. The coolant medium channels are arranged between the process channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Vladimir PARFENOV
  • Publication number: 20180058766
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for a vehicle is mounted in a vehicle having a power train through which an engine coolant, an engine oil and a transmission oil flow and in which a flow rate of the engine oil and a flow rate of the transmission oil are different from each other. A first flow passage for causing the engine coolant to flow, a second flow passage for causing the engine oil to flow, and a third flow passage for causing the transmission oil to flow are formed through lamination of a plurality of plates. The heat exchanger includes a region where the first flow passage is adjacent only to that one of the second flow passage and the third flow passage through which a fluid flows at lower flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, MAHLE Filter Systems Japan Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke TOKOZAKURA, Takahiro Shiina, Satoshi Tominaga, Naoki Ooi, Katsuhiro Isoda
  • Publication number: 20180058767
    Abstract: A loop heat pipe includes an evaporator that vaporizes working fluid; a condenser that condenses the working fluid; a liquid line that connects the evaporator and the condenser; a vapor line that connects the evaporator and the condenser to form a loop with the liquid line; and a porous body provided in the liquid line, and including a first metal layer that includes a first bottomed hole that is concaved from one surface of the first metal layer, and a second bottomed hole that is concaved from another surface of the first metal layer, the other surface being opposite of the one surface, the first bottomed hole and the second bottomed hole partially communicating with each other to form a pore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Yoshihiro MACHIDA, Nobuyuki KURASHIMA
  • Publication number: 20180058768
    Abstract: A method and a control unit for evaluating lifting force of a gas phase of a substantially vertical upward two-phase flow of a first fluid in a heat exchanger. The first fluid comprises the gas phase and a liquid phase. The method comprises determining that the lifting force of the gas phase is insufficient for lifting the liquid phase based on hot end approach of the heat exchanger and/or on pressure drop of the first fluid over the heat exchanger. The control unit is configured to determine that the lifting force of the gas phase is insufficient for lifting the liquid phase based on hot end approach of the heat exchanger and/or on pressure drop of the first fluid over the heat exchanger. A heat exchanger assembly comprising a heat exchanger and the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicants: Alfa Laval Corporate AB, Alfa Laval Packinox
    Inventor: Laure GUICHARD
  • Publication number: 20180058769
    Abstract: Methods and system for operating a thermal storage device of a vehicle system are provided. In one example, a method comprises determining a state of charge of the thermal battery based on an accurate estimation of a melting temperature of one or more phase change materials (PCMs) at a specific aggregate pressure inside the thermal storage device. Variation in melting temperature of the PCM may be minimized by reducing pressure variation inside the thermal storage device by regulating a position of one or more pressure relief valves of the thermal storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Michael Levin, Phillip Bonkoski, W. Cary Cole
  • Publication number: 20180058770
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a structural heat exchanger is presented that utilizes liquid fuel as a coolant as it travels through the perimeter of a region (e.g., a chamber) of an engine. The shapes of the coolant channels of the heat exchanger may be configured to change pitch angles as it travels to the top of the region, to account for areas of the region that may demand higher cooling properties. In some embodiments, the fuel diverter that allows initial passage of the fuel through the coolant channels may be configured to drive passage of the fluid up through the coolant channels with uniform pressure, even as the volume of fluid decreases the farther the fluid travels from the initial entry point. In some embodiments, this may be implemented as a fuel diverter shaped in an annulus with a gradually decreasing radial cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Kyle Adriany, Elyce Bayat, Ryan Pedersen, Anthony Tran
  • Publication number: 20180058771
    Abstract: A method includes building a tubular object by a layer-by-layer additive manufacturing process. A structure integrally connected to the tubular object for supporting a portion of the tubular object is formed during building of the tubular object. The structure provides vibration dampening, heat shielding, heat transfer, stiffening, energy absorption, or mounting after the tubular object is built.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Evan Butcher, Wendell V. Twelves, JR., Gary A. Schirtzinger, Joe Ott, Lexia Kironn
  • Publication number: 20180058772
    Abstract: A heat exchanger including a plurality of parallel fins, and at least one tube passing through the parallel fins, wherein the tube carries a fluid that exchanges heat with air passing through the heat exchanger. The parallel fins each include a plurality of air deflecting members formed therein. Each air deflecting member is bent substantially orthogonally relative to a planar surface of each fin, and each air deflecting member is configured to direct the air passing through the heat exchanger to increase turbulence of the air, and to impinge the air against adjacent parallel fins, and to balance air flow across the heat exchanger and decrease maldistribution of the air flow through the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Matt Baker, Scot Reagen
  • Publication number: 20180058773
    Abstract: A heat sink assembly includes plural thermally conductive hair fins configured to be thermally coupled with a component to be cooled. The hair fins are elongated along a first direction and separated from each other by gaps along different second and third directions. The hair fins are configured to receive heat from the component to be cooled and to transfer the heat to cooling air disposed between the hair fins in order to cool the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Subramani Adhiachari, Jayesh Jain
  • Publication number: 20180058774
    Abstract: An exchanger having an enclosure with a bottom (5), a cover (4) and a peripheral casing (6), at least one block (1-3) disposed between the bottom and the cover, each block comprising a body, longitudinal channels (10) and transverse channels (12). At least one of the interfaces (112, 114, 123, 135) between two opposite front faces belonging to the cover and to the block adjacent thereto, to the bottom and to the block adjacent thereto, or optionally to two contiguous blocks, a so-called radially inner peripheral seal (J1, J?1) is provided, extending radially outside the area (14) of the openings of the longitudinal channels, and a so-called radially outer peripheral seal (J2, J?2) defining, with the inner peripheral seal and the opposite front faces, an annular space (E, E?) for containing a possible leak of one or the other fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: MERSEN FRANCE PY SAS
    Inventors: Fabien PEREZ-TORRES, Aurore GUISE, Perrine GIRAUDOT, Patrick CHEREAU, Jean-Philippe GENOIS, Christian DERVELLE
  • Publication number: 20180058775
    Abstract: A heat exchanger constructive arrangement including a quadrangular based vertical vessel with inlet and output ducts and removable lid having heat exchange elements supported by parallel plates and vertically arranged in the form of a comb that interleave with existing baffles in the container, forming a chicane which forces the fluid to be heated to maintain contact with the entire surface of heat exchange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Giuseppe BETTI
  • Publication number: 20180058776
    Abstract: A process for cooling a tube side stream in a main heat exchanger is described. The process comprises: a) supplying a first mass flow of a tube side stream to a first zone of individual tubes in the tube bundle; b) supplying a second mass flow of the tube side stream to a second zone of individual tubes in the tube bundle, the second zone being offset from the first zone; c) supplying a refrigerant stream on the shell side for cooling the first and second mass flows; d) removing the evaporated refrigerant stream from the warm end of the main heat exchanger; and, e) adjusting the first mass flow of the tube side stream relative to the second mass flow of the tube side stream to maximise the temperature of the removed evaporated refrigerant stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Siew-Mung Patricia HO, Derek William HODGES, Christiane KERBER, Manfred STEINBAUER, Markus HAMMERDINGER
  • Publication number: 20180058777
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods associated with heat exchanger puck design are disclosed herein. In embodiments, a heat exchanger puck may include a first plate with a cavity that extends into the first plate from a side of the first plate and a second plate. The second plate may be coupled to the side of the first plate, with the cavity located between the first plate and the second plate. The heat exchanger puck may further include a tube of a liquid coolant system located, at least partially, within the cavity, the tube formed to fit the cavity created by the first plate and the second plate. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: AARON P. ANDERSON, JOSEPH A. BRODERICK, BARRETT M. FANEUF, ERIC D. MCAFEE, BRIAN S. JARRETT, JUAN G. CEVALLOS, PEI-FANG SUNG, EMERY E. FREY
  • Publication number: 20180058778
    Abstract: A heat transfer device includes a layered structure having a first layer of a first material having a first thermal conductivity and a first thickness and a second layer of a second material having a second thermal conductivity and a second thickness, the second layer being connected to the first layer. In the layered structure, the first thermal conductivity is different from the second thermal conductivity, and wherein the first thickness is different from the second thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Bingnan Wang, Chungwei Lin, Koon Hoo Teo, Yebin Wang
  • Publication number: 20180058779
    Abstract: An integral drain assembly for a heat exchanger includes a plurality of passage walls defining a plurality of passages, each of the passage walls having a non-linear portion. Also included is a drain wall integrally formed with at least one of the passage walls to define a drain for each of the plurality of passages, the drain wall located proximate the non-linear portion of each of the plurality of passage walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Zager, Michael Doe
  • Publication number: 20180058780
    Abstract: A corrugated fin heat exchanger includes: a first flat tube; a second flat tube aligned in parallel with the first flat tube; and a corrugated fin disposed between the first flat tube and the second flat tube, and the corrugated fin includes a first slant portion bridging between the first flat tube and the second flat tube and inclined relative to a perpendicular line toward the first flat tube at a first angle of inclination, a second slant portion bridging between the first flat tube and the second flat tube and inclined relative to the perpendicular line at a second angle of inclination, and a third slant portion bridging between the first flat tube and the second flat tube, the third slant portion positioned between the first slant portion and the second slant portion, and inclined relative to the perpendicular line at an angle of inclination larger than both of the first angle of inclination and the second angle of inclination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Takumi NISHIYAMA, Hideaki MAEYAMA, Akira ISHIBASHI
  • Publication number: 20180058781
    Abstract: An ion exchanger includes a case having an inflow hole and an outflow hole. The case accommodates a tube. A first passage is defined between the case and the tube. A second passage is defined in the tube. A first end of the first passage and a first end of the second passage are connected to each other. The first passage includes a lower portion defining a lower accommodation portion that is filled with an anion exchange resin. The first passage includes an upper accommodation portion located above the lower accommodation portion. The upper accommodation portion is filled with a cation exchange resin. The upper accommodation portion has a smaller volume and a smaller refrigerant flow area than the lower accommodation portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Junko OHIRA
  • Publication number: 20180058782
    Abstract: A unitary graphene-based integrated heat sink comprising a heat collection member (base) and at least one heat dissipation member (e.g. fins) integral to the baser, wherein the base is configured to be in thermal contact with a heat source, collects heat therefrom, and dissipates heat through the fins. The unitary graphene material is obtained from heat-treating a graphene oxide gel at a temperature higher than 100° C., 500° C., 1,250° C., or 2,000° C., and contains chemically bonded graphene molecules having inter-graphene distance of 0.3354-0.4 nm (preferably <0.337 nm). The unitary graphene material is a graphene single crystal, a poly-crystal with incomplete grain boundaries, or a poly-crystal having large grain sizes (e.g. >mm or cm), exhibiting a degree of graphitization preferably from 1% to 100% and a Mosaic spread value less than 0.7 (preferably no greater than 0.4). The finned heat sink may also be made from a filler-reinforced graphene matrix composite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Nanotek Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Aruna Zhamu, Wei Xiong, Bor Z. Jang, Yi-jun Lin
  • Publication number: 20180058783
    Abstract: A lance drive support apparatus is adapted to be fastened directly to a heat exchanger tube sheet adjacent a selected number of tubes to be cleaned. One embodiment includes an angled flat base plate having an inner center corner, an outer center corner, a first outer end corner and a second outer end corner, a support post adjacent each outer end corner, and the inner center corner fastened at one end to the base plate, and a top plate fastened to an opposite end of each support post. An extensible scissor arm assembly pivotally fastened to the inner center corner post can position a lance drive mechanism at a distal end of the scissor arm assembly at precise X and Y coordinates adjacent the tube sheet. The precise X and Y coordinates are determined by positions of X and Y cylinders connected to a common scissor arm assembly extension hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Gerald P. Zink
  • Publication number: 20180058784
    Abstract: A magazine for use in a firearm includes a housing defining an interior portion for housing one or more cartridges. A first feed lip is coupled to a first side of the housing and is operable to retain the one or more cartridges. The first feed lip includes a first arcuate portion extending from the housing and toward a centerline of the housing, and a second arcuate portion extending from the first arcuate portion and back toward the first side of the housing. A second feed lip is coupled to a second side of the housing and is operable to retain the one or more cartridges. The second feed lip includes a first arcuate portion extending from the housing and toward the centerline of the housing, and a second arcuate portion extending from the first arcuate portion and back toward the second side of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Michael L. McCormick
  • Publication number: 20180058785
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading cartridges into a magazine comprises a setting mechanism including a sleeve, a body, a setting tool, and a link. The body may be slidingly disposed about the sleeve so that the body and the sleeve can slide relative to one another along a sliding axis. The body may translate between an upper position and a lower position along the sliding axis. A first end of the setting tool may be pivotally coupled to the sleeve for relative rotation between the setting tool and the sleeve about a forward axis. The setting tool rotates about the forward axis as the body translates between the upper position and the lower position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Brandon Thomas Hefer, Brandon Karl Trostrud, Sean Higgs
  • Publication number: 20180058786
    Abstract: A firearm safety system and method is described herein. The system may include a tracking system, a smart firearm and/or a smart magazine, and a smart tracking unit. The tracking system is in communication with satellites that monitor specific locations, a smart firearm and a portable electronic device. The tracking system includes an internal geographical database of specific monitored locations. The smart firearm includes a microprocessor and a receiver. The motor operates in response to a signal received, which may indicate that the firearm is approaching a no gun safety zone, whereby the signal causes the microprocessor to operate the automatic safety lock to prevent the apparatus from operating. The receiver monitors signals and receives location data from the satellites. The method of operating a smart firearm includes receiving a signal at the at least one receiver and responding to the signal by locking the automatic safety lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Trevor Edwin Carlson
  • Publication number: 20180058787
    Abstract: A firearm and a kit for modifying a firearm is provided. The firearm has an upper receiver, a lower receiver, and a releasable magazine that releases when the upper receiver rotates away from the lower receiver. The firearm further has a firing pin with a striking end that has a cylindrical shape and a substantially sharp shoulder. A hammer is also provided with a depression disposed in a front surface thereof, the front surface configured to strike the striking end of the firing pin when the upper receiver is next to the lower receiver, and the depression configured to align with the striking end of the firing pin when the upper receiver rotates away from the lower receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Charles Chang, Emil Chao
  • Publication number: 20180058788
    Abstract: Systems for a firearm are provided to increase safety, reduce complexity, and improve precision of the weapon. In general, examples of the systems including a safe axis firing pin that prevents unintended discharge are described herein, where the firing pin is not aligned with the primer of a chambered cartridge until the user intends to fire the firearm. Embodiments of the system are capable of modular installation and generally include a user-actuated trigger configured to displace the firing pin from a safe axis to a firing axis, by rotation, translation, or a combination thereof. Additional features are provided to prevent displacement of the firing pin by input other than the trigger, e.g., if the firearm is dropped. In another aspect, examples of the systems described herein include a barrel interfacing a slide where the barrel and slide include features to centrally align the barrel as the slide completes a cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Rajpreet Singh
  • Publication number: 20180058789
    Abstract: A modular silencer includes an outer tube and a plurality of chamber separators suspended through a tensile force within a bore of the outer tube and defining chambers between each pair of chamber separators in the silencer. An outer edge of the chamber separators is spaced apart from an inner surface of the tube to allow gas equalization between the chambers. A plurality of tube portions separate the chamber separators from each other and from the proximal and distal ends of the silencer assembly. The tube portions define a continuous center tube suspended in tension within the outer tube and through which the projectile travels. The tube portions have can have angled openings through which gas discharge exits into the chambers. Rotatable sleeves can be disposed over the tube portions to further disrupt gas flow and dissipate heat and sound. A carbon fiber sleeve can be disposed over the outer tube to inhibit burn injuries from contacting the silencer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Robert Lindsey Dorne, Brenda Carol Dorne
  • Publication number: 20180058790
    Abstract: A rifle barrel having a sound suppressor and a rifle comprising such a barrel. Material disposed over the rifle barrel and extending longitudinally and distally from a proximal end of the rifle barrel defines a housing, The housing surrounds at least a majority of the sound suppressing element, which is connected to the rifle barrel solely by containment within the housing. The sound suppressing comprises an acoustic labyrinth formed by a plurality of components disposed together along a longitudinal plane coextensive with an axis of the rifle barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Gamo Outdoor, S.L.
    Inventor: Francisco Casas Salva
  • Publication number: 20180058791
    Abstract: A sound and flash suppressor having a tubular suppressor housing is releasably secured to a suppressor mounting adapter that is threaded to a firearm barrel. An annular locking collet is defined by a housing mounting adapter and has a plurality of spring collet fingers each having an internal ratcheted locking surface and being moveable to locking and release positions relative to an externally ratcheted locking surface of the suppressor mounting adapter A locking ring is supported by the suppressor mounting adapter and is rotatable for actuating the spring collet fingers to locking positions locking the tubular suppressor housing against loosening or separation movement relative to the suppressor mounting adapter. The locking ring is rotatable in a release direction permitting spring movement of the spring locking fingers to their release positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: MARK C. LARUE
  • Publication number: 20180058792
    Abstract: The subject matter described in this specification relates generally to a firearm recoil compensation system and a process for manufacturing a firearm recoil compensation system. The recoil compensation system includes a barrel, a compensator, and a slide. The compensator is attached to a muzzle end of the barrel. The compensator includes a projection extending along an upper surface of the barrel in a direction away from gas ports in the compensator. The slide is configured to house the barrel, and a slot is defined in an upper surface of the slide, where the slot is shaped to allow the slide to, at least partially, wrap around the projection of the compensator with the slide in a battery position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher Schirmer, Jeffery Hildner
  • Publication number: 20180058793
    Abstract: This is a mechanism which locks a spring loaded rotating arm in a closed position with a locking pin relative to a fixed arm, then with pushing one mechanical button, the locking pin releases the rotating arm. The arm rotates, and locks at an angle relative to the fixed arm. The relative angle is determined by an adjustable gear with two pins, which allows fine adjustment of the deployed angle. One pin on the gear is used as a stop for the rotating arm, and the second is used to mechanically lock the arm at the determined angle when the mechanical button is released. In the preferred embodiment, the fixed arm is attached permanently or via a quick connector to a handheld product, such as a pistol, and the mechanism is used to deploy and lock into place a forearm brace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Omar Tarazi
  • Publication number: 20180058794
    Abstract: A rear bipod firearm mount for mounting to a firearm stock includes a housing adapted to mount to a firearm stock. A pair of pivot elements are each rotatably mounted to one side of the housing. A pair of bipod legs are each located on one side of the housing and each of the pair of bipod legs is rotatably connected to one of the pair of pivot elements. Each pivot element allows its connected bipod leg to swivel around the housing substantially up to 360°; and each bipod leg further can rotate about the mounting surface up to 180° to form an angle transverse to the housing. Each bipod leg can be independently positioned with respect to the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Jerod Scalf
  • Publication number: 20180058795
    Abstract: A shooting-stability platform with three rotational degrees of freedom is disclosed. The platform improves shooting accuracy and safety by lessening recoil effects. And because of the rotational degrees of freedom, the operator still has substantial freedom to position the firearm as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: II GUYS-N-GUNS LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Neal Scott
  • Publication number: 20180058796
    Abstract: A gun scraper tool has elements that are adapted to maintain firearms. More specifically, a gun scraper tool can have several components and scraping surfaces that can be used to disassemble a firearm and/or to scrape carbon and residue off of the appropriate areas of the firearm by using scraping surfaces. The gun scraper tool can have a roughly triangular housing and a plurality of tool components and scraping surfaces that use the housing as the base. The tool components and scraping surfaces can include a spindle, an exterior scraping blade, a pivoting brush have a base and a set of bristles, a cotter pin puller, a bolt tail brush having bristles, and a bolt carrier scraper. The variety of tasks capable of being accomplished with the disclosed gun scraper tool can minimize the need for additional cleaners or tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: James Hofman, Ryan Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20180058797
    Abstract: Provided is a crossbow cocking system comprising a crossbow stock having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a first receptacle extending through the stock from the first side of the stock to the second side of the stock; a first adapter plate adapted for selectable and operational engagement with the first receptacle; and a cocking device engaged with the first adapter plate, and extending through the first adapter plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Shaffer, Eric VanKeulen
  • Publication number: 20180058798
    Abstract: A drop away arrow rests which prevents movement of the rest element during the drawing, firing or let down of an archery bow. A drop away arrow rest that provides an optimized delay function for the dropping of the rest element after release of the bow string when firing the arrow to provide maximum support for the arrow during the launch with a last second, high speed dropping motion to clear the vanes on the arrow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: TRUGLO, Inc.
    Inventors: Damon Lamont Coalson, John Estridge