Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to the concept and designs of a polymer-based thermal ground plane. In accordance with one embodiment, a polymer is utilized as the material to fabricate the thermal ground plane. Other embodiments include am optimized wicking structure design utilizing two arrays of micropillars, use of lithography-based microfabrication of the TGP using copper/polymer processing, micro-posts, throttled releasing holes embedded in the micro-posts, atomic layer deposition (ALD) hydrophilic coating, throttled fluid charging structure and sealing method, defect-free ALD hermetic coating, and compliant structural design.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has a heat exchanging element with a first terminal plate closing the heat exchanging element on one of its sides and with at least one opening provided with a socket for fluids for the heat exchanger element. At least a first gasket carrier plate has a first lateral face arranged adjacent to the first terminal plate and an opposite second lateral face. The first gasket carrier plate has at least one passage opening leading from the first to the second lateral face for taking up at least one socket of the first terminal plate. A first sealing element is provided between the first terminal plate and the first gasket carrier plate. A second sealing element is provided adjacent to the second lateral face. The at least one socket of the first terminal plate is bulged outwardly to adjoin to the second sealing element at least in sections.

Abstract: The present application relates to apparatus and methods of reducing the cost of microchannel array production and operation. In a representative embodiment, a microchannel array can comprise a first lamina having one or more flanges and a plurality of elongated bosses. The one or more flanges can extend along a perimeter of the first lamina, the plurality of elongated bosses can at least partially define a plurality of first flow paths, and the first lamina can define at least one opening. The microchannel array can also comprise a second lamina having a plurality of second flow paths, and can define at least one opening. The second lamina can be disposed above the first lamina such that the second lamina encloses the first flow paths of the first lamina and the at least one opening of the first lamina is coaxial with the at least one opening of the second lamina.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly (201) comprises: a hot fluid flow channel (210); a cold fluid flow channel (220); and a heat exchanger (230) disposed between the channels. The heat exchanger comprises a heat sink (240) and a thermoelectric device (250). In some embodiments the fluid flow channels (210, 220) may be arranged to provide a cross-flow of the hot and cold fluids.

Abstract: A heat sink includes a heat sink base, a first fin, and a second fin. The spacing between the base 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 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 regenerative heat exchanger includes an inlet and an outlet in communication with the inlet. The heat exchanger is configured to operate in two modes. A first mode uses only an ambient flow to cool a hot flow and a second mode uses both the ambient flow and a regenerative flow to cool the hot flow.

Abstract: Partitioning member (1) for total heat exchange element includes porous base material (2), and porous base material (2) is filled with hydrophilic polymer compound (3) at a surface and an inside thereof. Hydrophilic polymer compound (3) is formed by polymerizing a low-molecular-weight organic compound having a quaternary ammonium group and an amide group, and represented by chemical formula (1): wherein A is a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R1, R2 and R3 are linear or branched alkyl groups each independently having 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and Y has a polymerizable functional group, and is polymerized to form a main chain of the hydrophilic polymer compound.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a method of controlling opening of a valve (10) in an HVAC system (100). The method includes controlling the opening of the valve (10) according to a default control mode in dependence of a default sensor signal. The method further includes determining, while controlling the opening of the valve (10) according to the default control mode, whether the default sensor signal is faulty and switching, in case of the default sensor signal being faulty, to controlling the opening of the valve (10) according to a fallback control mode, with the opening of the valve (10) being controlled independently of the faulty sensor signal in the fallback control mode. The present invention is further directed towards a corresponding control device opening of a valve (10) in an HVAC system as well as a corresponding computer program product.

Abstract: A water heating apparatus includes a burner, a heat exchanger for heating hot and cold water with use of heat from the burner, a scale detector for detecting occurrence of scale clogging in the heat exchanger, a notifying unit for notifying an error when the scale detector detects occurrence of a scale greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, and a controller performing a control of allowing the notifying unit to notify an error and prohibiting combustion operation of the burner when the scale detector detects occurrence of a scale greater than or equal to the predetermined amount. The controller is configured to start a cleaning mode for cleaning inside the heat exchanger when the controller detects shifting operation to the cleaning mode after the combustion operation of the burner is prohibited.

Abstract: An adjustable buffer system, including at least some of a buffer, wherein the buffer element includes a collar cavity and a spacer cavity, wherein a bolt aperture is formed between the collar cavity and the spacer cavity, and wherein two or more longitudinally extending slots are formed in at least a portion of the buffer element; an adjustment bolt, wherein the adjustment bolt comprises an externally threaded body portion; a slidable collar than includes a ring portion surrounding a core portion and spaced apart by two or more legs, and wherein prong apertures are defined between the ring portion, the core portion, and the legs, wherein each of the legs corresponds to a longitudinally extending slot, such that the slidable collar is repeatably slidable along at least a portion of the buffer element as rotational force is applied to the adjustment bolt.

Abstract: A striker fired semi-automatic pistol or handgun that utilizes a magazine positioned horizontally and in front of the grip. The pistol of the invention includes two recoil springs and two locking lugs positioned on each side of the barrel (1 per side) which has a corresponding set of locking blocks. A sliding stripper rail is utilized to move cartridges from the magazine to the barrel. The grip is detachable and completely customizable, using a small solid tang to connect the grip to the firearm.

Abstract: A magazine charging apparatus facilities the storage, transport and transfer of cartridges to a magazine. The apparatus having an interior compartment with channels having prongs that flexible support the cartridges. The end of the apparatus has a tool to facilitate the transfer by pushing the follower of a magazine down and a seating plate that provides a surface to push against the tip of a cartridge forcing it in the magazine. The apparatus could be disposable, recyclable or reusable necessitating various materials in its fabrication.

Abstract: A firearm magazine unloader includes an unloader housing, including right and left sides, and a bridge member; an unloading protrusion; and right, left and top flange grips. The magazine unloader can be plastic molded in one piece. Also disclosed is a method of using the magazine unloader, including positioning unloader and unloading a firearm round.

Abstract: Firearms or other projectile weapons include a GPS sensor, World Time RF sensor, orientation sensor for detecting the angle, acceleration (launch velocity), and direction in which the projectile will be launched along with a stored updatable list of times, GPS coordinates, distances from the GPS coordinates such that the weapon is disabled for use in these restricted areas if the projectile shall enter the restricted area. In addition, acceleration is used to detect a dropped or potentially damaged weapon such that the weapon is disabled and an emergency RF beacon is enabled (alternatively selected by the user).

Abstract: A multi-mode and/or multi-ammunition weapon is described, whereupon being removed from a stored position is always initially in a first mode that is intended to disable or stun a subject. If deadly force is required, the weapon is easily and quickly placed in a second mode that is deadly. When returned to the stored position, the weapon is automatically placed in the first mode. Different mechanisms for disabling and/or stunning a subject are also described. A mechanism is optionally included for recording sequences of attack modes and/or ammunition types fired to provide an un-alterable record of events when the weapon is fired.

Abstract: A barrel for a firearm including a chamber configured to receive a round of ammunition, and a shoulder at least partially extending from an exterior surface of the barrel. The barrel also has a gas vent feature formed in the exterior surface of the barrel to vent gases from the chamber. The gas vent feature may include at least one channel formed in the exterior surface of the barrel, and the at least one channel may have a predetermined depth and at least partially extend into the shoulder of the barrel.

Abstract: A sound suppressor having a housing and a baffle. The housing is integrally formed and has an outer surface, an inner surface, and a bore. The bore of the housing is defined by the inner surface of the housing and extends longitudinally. A serial number for the sound suppressor is provided on the outer surface of the housing. The baffle is removable from the housing and has an annulus. The annulus of the baffle is in communication with the inner surface of the housing when the baffle is at least partially disposed within the bore of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for attaching or detaching a sound suppressor or an auxiliary device to a firearm. The device has a mount body that is attached by threads to a muzzle attachment device that is attached to the muzzle of a firearm. The muzzle attachment device has external mounting threads, a gas seal, an engagement surface, and a locking surface on the rear of the muzzle attachment device. The engagement surface simultaneously provides an alignment function and a forward locking function. A rotating collar is attached by threads to the mount body, and a locking spring with locking surfaces is attached to the mount body by threads, with the locking spring fitting inside the rotating collar.

Abstract: A firearm comprising a barrel assembly, forward receiver, and receiver brake. The barrel assembly comprises a barrel, compression spring, gas tube, and front and rear bushings. The gas tube is situated around the barrel between the front and rear bushings and is not attached to the barrel. The compression spring is situated around the barrel between the front and rear bushings and inside of the gas tube. The front and rear bushings are fixedly attached to the forward receiver. The barrel comprises a gas port that is covered by a gas regulator and is in fluid communication with a gas chamber situated between the front bushing and the gas regulator, which is fixedly attached to the barrel. The receiver brake is fixedly attached to the forward receiver on its distal end.

Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments for a paintball swab. For example, embodiments can include a rod with at least one tab extending radially and a hollow tube connected to a cleaning element. The tube can include an internal ring to fit over or beyond the tab.

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed a cylindrical device which is used to remove broken paintballs and other unwanted material from the barrel of a paintball marker or from other paintball equipment. Cylindrical cleaning devices currently known in the art are prone to separation and failure after use. The present disclosure includes structure such as barbs and/or openings, a snap-fit sleeve element, and/or one or more spacers to limit or prevent such failure. Structure for cleaning, including squeegee elements movable between an insertion configuration and a cleaning configuration, and other materials and configurations, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an archery system that launches an arrow from a position that is perpendicular to a direction of flight for the arrow. After release, the arrow rotates to a position that is parallel to the direction of flight to the target.

Abstract: An improved elongated-draw compact crossbow (150) includes a riser (101), stirrup (100), right and left split limbs (102) each having a first end coupled to the riser (101), right and left cams (104 and 103) with axles coupled to respective second ends of the right and left split limbs (102), string (105) and harness coupled to right and left cams (104 and 103), and a rifle-type stock (110) with a substantially rectangular-shaped barrel (109) having a bore end and butt end and being coupled to the stock (110). When the string (105) of the crossbow (150) is fully drawn and cocked, covers (108 and 107) may be pivoted on the cylindrical rods of respective brackets (106) until they rest against the side of the barrel (109) and cover the string (105) when cocked.

Abstract: A firearm handgrip assembly with laser gunsight system has a first grip frame element adapted for mounting to a first portion of the firearm frame, the first grip frame element including at least one of an illuminator, a battery, a switch, and a controller, a cover portion of the grip defining an interior channel adapted to closely receive at least a major portion of the first portion of the firearm frame and the first grip frame element, the cover portion having a contoured exterior surface adapted for gripping by a user's hand, and a fastener operably engaging the cover portion to the firearm frame. The firearm frame may be a curved butt frame of a revolver. The interior channel of the cover portion may be curved. The fastener may include a threaded element connected to a lower end of the firearm frame.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for networking accessories to a firearm or weapon wherein the accessories are conductively powered from the rail and data is transferred between the accessories and the rail via conductive coupling. In one embodiment, a weapon is provided, the weapon having: an upper receiver; a lower receiver; a powered accessory mounted to a rail of the upper receiver; and an apparatus for conductively networking a microcontroller of the powered accessory to a microcontroller of the upper receiver and a microcontroller of the lower receiver, wherein the data is exclusively provided to the powered accessory from the rail.

Abstract: An accessory mounting interface and method are disclosed. The interface has an upper portion having a firearm accessory and at least one through hole extending from a first surface to a second surface of the upper portion, the upper portion having a first post portion with a first side surface and a first flange. A first elongated fastener is arranged through the through hole and has a first end extending below the second surface of the upper portion. The interface also has a second post portion that is movable between a first configuration defining a first transverse distance between the first and second side surfaces and a second configuration defining a second transverse distance between the first and second side surfaces, the first transverse distance greater than the second transverse distance. The first flange substantially opposes the second flange when the second post portion is in the first configuration.

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.

Abstract: Weapon equipment including a launcher and a projectile, the projectile having an operating head, a tail and a weight between 750 g and 1000 g. The tail includes a tube made of an aluminum alloy having an inner diameter between 21.5 and 22.5 mm, a stroke between first and second locations between 110 mm and 120 mm, and a thickness in the vicinity of the first location between 4.6 mm and 5 mm, a piston movable between the first and second locations and defining with the tube a hermetically-sealed propulsion chamber, a propulsion charge placed in the propulsion chamber, the propulsion charge including a powder having a heat of combustion between 3500 J/g and 4000 J/g, the propulsion charge having a mass greater than 2.4 g and less than 3.7 g.

Abstract: A sight, especially a peep sight for bows or firearms, having two parts of contrasting colors including a first housing part or a first color and a second insert part of a second, contrasting color/tone, received within a bore formed through the first housing part. The insert can have one of a plurality of selectable aperture widths depending upon the lighting conditions and use desired and may be permanently press fit into the housing or, alternately, threaded into the housing so that the peep includes an insert having contrasting color/tone with the housing to thereby create concentric rings of different colors around the peep hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sight device (1), in particular a reflector sight or telescopic sight, which sight device has a lighting apparatus (2) for producing or illuminating a target mark, wherein the lighting apparatus (2) comprises an light guide (3) made of photoluminescent, in particular fluorescent material and a radioluminescent light source (7) coupled to the light guide (3), wherein the light guide (3) is designed to receive ambient light and convert said ambient light into photoluminescence light along at least one segment (4) of the longitudinal extent of the light guide, and wherein the absorption spectrum (10) of the photoluminescent material of the light guide (3) and the emission spectrum (9) of the radioluminescent light source (7) in the visible range can both be characterized by a spectral bandwidth and a center wavelength.

Abstract: A training device for a mortar that includes a firing tube with a front, open end, a rear end, a tube wall and a removal opening for removing a round of mortar training ammunition from the firing tube. The training device further includes a base plate to which the rear end of the firing tube is pivotably connected and a support with an aiming and alignment device. The firing tube is movably connected to the support on a front area by the aiming and alignment device. The training device also includes a transport device arranged on the rear and of the firing tube with which rounds of mortar training ammunition can be automatically transported away out of the firing tube through the removal opening.

Abstract: A system for mounting an accessory to an accessory rail of a firearm includes an accessory mount which provides a plurality of rotational positions of the accessory relative to the firearm. The accessory mount also provides one-handed insertion and removal of the accessory without touching the accessory mount. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: Structures based upon periodic cellular materials that provide a potential for defeating combinations of both air blast loading and ballistic attack either sequentially or simultaneously, or combination of both. The cellular structures may also be configured to meet the stiffness and strength support requirements of particular vehicle or other applications, systems or structures. The armor is therefore potentially able to support normal service loads and defeat blast and ballistic threats when necessary. The structure provides for using efficient load support capabilities of the material (without a high armor protection level) in low threat conditions, as well as the ability to modify the system to increase its level protection to a desired or required level. This would reduce the weight of the protection system in normal (low threat) conditions which reduces vehicle wear and tear, as well as cost savings in fabrication of applicable structures or systems.

Abstract: The shaped composites of the present disclosure have metal powder bonded with glass powder. This feature provides the advantages of metal, metal powder, or glass composite materials, without suffering from the disadvantages. The composite is prepared with simple sintering methods, and can easily be formed into any number of desired shapes with dimensional characteristics and ingredients suited to a particular application.

Abstract: A high velocity ignition system for ammunition including an casing, a primer, a payload, a first propellant region, a flash tube, a second propellant and at least one channel. The casing has a base portion and a forward portion. The primer is provided in the base portion. The payload is provided proximate the forward portion. The first propellant region is located in the casing intermediate the primer and the payload. The flash tube substantially extends between the primer and the first propellant region. The second propellant region is located in the casing intermediate the first propellant region and the base portion. The at least one channel extends between the first propellant region and the second propellant region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to longitudinally sectioned bullets and methods that pertain to a projectile structured to be discharged from a firearm and comprising at least two separable longitudinal body sections and at least one binding element that holds the at least two longitudinal body sections together, such as before impact with a target. Said projectile is thus capable of controlled fragmentation against a soft target. Said projectile is adapted to also contain at least one supplemental payload deliverable to a target to further damage said target.

Abstract: An initiator system includes a firing pin and a piezoelectric-based energy harvester that generates and stores electric energy when impacted by the firing pin. The electric energy is independently available at a first output and second output of the energy harvester. An electronic time delay is coupled to the second output for generation of an electric trigger signal using the electric energy available at the second output. The electric trigger signal is generated at a selected period of time after the electric energy is available at the second output. An initiation-energy generator is coupled to the first output for the storage of electric energy available thereof. The initiation-energy generator is also coupled to the electronic time delay to receive the electric trigger signal, and uses stored electric energy to generate an initiation explosion when the electric trigger signal is received.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices comprising energetic materials capable of superdetonation and methods of making and using such devices. The devices disclosed herein comprise components, dimensions, and configurations optimized to utilize superdetonation velocities produced by the energetic materials disclosed herein.

Abstract: A measurement tool and a method of measuring brake stroke of a brake assembly. The method may include installing the measurement tool on the brake assembly. An actuator shaft may be actuated with a lever tool. The measurement tool may measure the brake stroke when the actuator shaft is actuated.

Abstract: A surface property measuring apparatus includes a control unit, configured to control operations of a roughness measuring instrument and a relative moving mechanism, including: a measuring force command module configured to output a measuring command; and a measuring force control module configured to control the direction and magnitude of the measuring force, wherein the measuring force control module instructs a measuring force application unit of the roughness measuring instrument to generate therein the measuring force whose magnitude and direction are designated by the measuring force command when a displacement speed of a measuring arm is equal to or slower than a predetermined threshold, and the measuring force control module instructs the measuring force application unit to generate therein a force in a direction in which the distal end of the measuring arm is raised upwards when the displacement speed of the measuring arm exceeds the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a presence of an object can include a plurality of electrically conductive loops arranged in an array. The apparatus includes a sensor circuit configured to determine a characteristic associated with each of the plurality of loops. The apparatus includes a hardware processor configured to, for each loop of the plurality of loops, determine a parameter based on the characteristic associated with the loop and the characteristic associated with at least one adjacent loop. The hardware processor may be further configured to determine the presence of the object based on the parameter. The parameter may comprise a sum of a difference between the characteristic associated with the loop and a reference value for the characteristic, and a difference between the characteristic associated with each of the at least one adjacent loop and the reference value.

Abstract: A system is provided for communicating between a 3D metrology instrument and a portable computing device via near field communications. In one embodiment, the metrology device is an articulated coordinate measurement machine (AACMM), a laser tracker, a laser scanner or a triangulation scanner, and the portable communications device is a cellular phone or a tablet. The portable device may use the NFC to determine the configuration of and to configure the metrology instrument.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography device includes an SS-OCT optical system which includes a wavelength swept optical source which sweeps an emission wavelength, an optical splitter which splits an interference signal light caused by interference between a measurement light and a reference light into a first interference signal light and a second interference signal light having a phase difference from the first interference signal light, a balance detector which includes a first detector configured to detect the first interference signal light and a second detector configured to detect the second interference signal light, and which processes detection signals from the first and second detectors to perform balance detection, and an optical member which is disposed between the optical splitter and one of the first detector and the second detector to generate a fixed pattern noise by one of the first interference signal light and the second interference signal light.

Abstract: A position adjusting mechanism 30 with a target 10 mounted thereon is fixed at a plurality of reference points S1 to S16 respectively on a construction 1, and initial 3D coordinates C0 of the targets 10 are surveyed and stored. When deformation or distortion of the construction 1 occurs, a deviation ?C (=Ct?C0) of 3D coordinate Ct of each of the targets 10 from the initial 3D coordinate C0 thereof are detected by a deviation detecting means 26, and each of the targets 10 recovers the initial 3D coordinate C0 by the position adjusting mechanism 30 thereof in accordance with the detected deviation ?C. Preferably, 3D coordinates of the targets 10 are surveyed by a 3D measuring instrument which collimates the targets 10 to output 3D vectors for the targets 10.

Abstract: There is provided a three-dimensional coordinate measurement apparatus capable of reducing shaking of a Y carriage and improving measurement accuracy. A groove is formed along a Y-axis direction in a right side part of a surface plate made of stone, and a Y guide is formed between the groove and a right side surface of the surface plate to support a Y carriage in a portal shape in a movable manner in the Y-axis direction. A support section is provided at a lower end of a right Y carriage on the right side of the Y carriage, and the support section is supported by the surface plate through air pads which are disposed by two air pads back and forth on the corresponding one of a top surface, a right side surface, and a bottom surface, of the surface plate, and a right side surface of the groove.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a system and method of controlling spectral attributes of illumination. According to various embodiments, a portion of illumination including an excluded selection of illumination spectra is blocked, while another portion of the illumination including a transmitted selection of illumination spectra is directed along an illumination path. In some embodiments, optical metrology is performed utilizing the spectrally controlled illumination to enhance measurement capability. For instance, the spectral attributes of illumination utilized to analyze different portions of a sample, such as different semiconductor layers, may be selected according to certain measurement characteristics associated with the analyzed portions of the sample.

Abstract: Provided are a thickness measuring apparatus and a thickness measuring method. The thickness measuring method includes irradiating a first laser beam of a first wavelength ?1 to a transparent substrate and measuring intensity of the first laser beam transmitting through the transparent substrate; irradiating a second laser beam of a second wavelength ?2 to the transparent substrate and measuring intensity of the second laser beam transmitting through the transparent substrate; and extracting a rotation angle on a Lissajous graph using the first and second laser beams transmitting through the transparent substrate. A phase difference between adjacent rays by multiple internal reflection of the first laser beam and a phase difference between adjacent rays by multiple internal reflection of the second laser beam is maintained at ?/2.

Abstract: An information processing device includes an image acquirer that acquires a shot image of an object having a marker, a marker detector that detects an image of the marker from the shot image, and an information processing section that executes information processing based on a detection result by the marker detector. The marker detector identifies the image of the marker among color regions that are extracted from the shot image and have predetermined colors based on the positional relationship between a region that is assumed when one color region of the color regions extracted is a marker and is covered by an image of an object having the marker and another color region extracted.

Abstract: Sensor for enabling positioning of a flexible element subject to applied forces, the sensor includes at least two spatially separated light permeable tubes, 10 each having a first end 1a, 10a arranged on a first frame portion 11a and a second end 1b, 10b arranged on a second frame portion 11b of the flexible element. Each of the light permeable tubes in the sensor includes a light detecting device 3, that is connectable to a processing unit 4, and arranged at a light detecting position of each of the light permeable tubes and configured to detect light emitted from a light emitting source 2 through each 10 of the at least two light permeable tubes 1, 10 and configured to transfer information including information relating to the detected light to the processing unit 4.

Abstract: A shooting method for three-dimensional modeling and an electronic device supporting the same are provided. The electronic device includes a sensor unit for sensing position information and a camera module for image capture. The shooting method for three-dimensional modeling includes performing sensor calibration, obtaining position information used for three dimensional modeling using the sensor unit, capturing multiple images of a target object used for three dimensional modeling according to the obtained position information, and storing the position information as metadata of each captured image.