Abstract: An exemplary heat pump includes: a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant; a first heat exchanger configured to condense the compressed refrigerant; a flow rate adjustment valve configured to adjust a flow rate of the condensed refrigerant; an expansion valve having an adjustable opening and configured to decompress the refrigerant having passed the flow rate adjustment valve; a second heat exchanger configured to cool a temperature control target by using the refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve; and a control device configured to control the opening of the expansion valve based on a difference between the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchanger and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out from the second heat exchanger, and to control the opening of the flow rate adjustment valve based on the flow rate of the refrigerant to be supplied to the second heat exchanger.

Abstract: Stand-alone ice making appliances and methods of controlling stand-alone ice making appliances are provided. An appliance includes a container defining a first storage volume for receipt of ice, a water tank defining a second storage volume for receipt of water, and a pump in fluid communication with the second storage volume. The appliance further includes an ice maker which is in fluid communication with the pump for receiving water from the pump. The appliance further includes an off-time detector configured to provide a signal indicative of whether the ice maker has been unpowered for a time period sufficient to begin ice production without overheating.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, an ice maker disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, and an ice mold in the ice maker. The ice maker is configured to provide cooling air from a cool air source along a bottom side of the ice mold during freezing of water to make ice. The ice maker is further configured to provide warm air from a warm air source along the bottom side of the ice mold to facilitate harvesting of the ice. The warm air source may be a refrigeration compartment disposed within the refrigerator cabinet. The ice maker may be disposed within the refrigeration compartment or the freezer compartment. The ice maker may be configured to make clear ice. The ice mold may be fixed in place during the harvesting of the ice.

Abstract: The cylindrical cooler is an insulated, bucket-type cooler for storing and transporting cans, bottles and the like. The cylindrical cooler includes a thermally insulating receptacle having a base, a cylindrical sidewall and an open upper end. A drainage port is formed through the base, and a circular rim is formed about an upper end of the cylindrical sidewall. A thermally insulating lid is pivotally secured to the cylindrical sidewall by a hinge mounted on the circular rim. A latch is positioned diametrically opposite the hinge for selectively locking the thermally insulating lid in a closed configuration for selectively covering and sealing the open upper end of the thermally insulating receptacle. Additionally, a plurality of feet extend from the base. Adjacent ones of the feet are spaced apart with respect to one another to define drainage passages therebetween.

Abstract: A pressure relief facility for a refrigeration appliance with a body defining a chamber and having a peripheral rim, the appliance having a door with a peripheral gasket operable between an open position in which the gasket is away from the rim and a closed position in which the gasket sealably contacts the rim. The relief facility includes a planar body having opposed major faces and having opposed first and second peripheral edges. The body has a number of passages adjacent to each other, each passage having a first opening at the first peripheral edge, and a second opening at the second peripheral edge. An adhesive element is attached on one of the major faces adapted to secure the body to the rim of the appliance body in registration with to the gasket with the first openings in communication with the chamber, and the second openings in communication with ambient air. The planar body may be an elongated rectangular piece of corrugated plastic, with the passages running transverse to the length.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance and method of dispensing cooling air towards a targeted cooling zone for cooling objects within a fresh-food compartment. The dispensing of cooling air may be based in part on the temperature of the object within the targeted cooling zone.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance having a targeted cooling zone for cooling objects within the fresh-food compartment. The cooling zone may include one or more identifying features. The identifying features may be positioned adjacent an outlet of an air flow channel supplying the cooling air stream from a cooling source. The identifying features may have insulating and/or non-insulating properties.

Abstract: A modular interconnecting refrigeration system assembling two or more individual sub-units in place to function and appear as a larger refrigeration unit. Individual sub-units are easily carried though the smaller openings of older buildings. Assembled sub-units may integrate utility systems (electricity, water, data) and coolant systems (coolant, ventilation).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a liquid dispenser for a refrigerator. According to some embodiments, the liquid dispenser includes a liquid discharge unit including a nozzle through which liquid received in the liquid dispenser is discharged, and a lever that opens and closes the nozzle based on whether the lever is pressed or not. A liquid receiving unit receives the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge unit, and a support unit allows the liquid receiving unit to be positioned to press the lever based on the weight of liquid in the liquid receiving unit. A damper may be used to stably seat the receiving unit and reduce or eliminate noise generated when liquid flows to the liquid receiving unit.

Abstract: A heat transfer device is presented and more particularly a beverage cooling assembly comprising: one or more container holders with each having a first and a second wall with a chamber therebetween, the chamber having an inlet and an outlet and otherwise sealed, through which a circulating fluid is pumped from a reservoir, such as an ice chest; a reservoir adapter attached to the drain outlet of the ice chest and to a supply line, or a pump that is attached to the supply line that is attached to the inlet of the one or more containers, the first wall and a second wall forming a double-walled cylinder with a pocket for a beverage container. The circulating fluid is returned from the outlet of one or more container holders through a return line to the reservoir adapter and then connected to a long line placed through the reservoir adapter and then through the drain outlet of the ice chest, returning the circulating fluid to the reservoir away from the drain outlet.

Abstract: For the purpose of improving a stability a home appliance device, in particular a home appliance chiller device, at least one elongate frame element which has at least one first fixing feature and at least one deposit element for depositing of victuals are provided. The deposit element has at least one second fixing feature in an end region and is connected to the frame element. The first fixing feature and the second fixing feature being fixed to each other in a form-fit manner in order to prevent a movement of the deposit element with respect to the frame element in a direction which is at least substantially parallel to a main extension direction of the frame element.

Abstract: A system and method for cryogenic purification of a hydrogen, nitrogen, methane and argon containing feed stream to produce a methane free, hydrogen and nitrogen containing synthesis gas and a methane rich fuel gas, as well as to recover an argon product stream, excess hydrogen, and excess nitrogen is provided. The disclosed system and method are particularly useful as an integrated cryogenic purifier in an ammonia synthesis process in an ammonia plant. The excess nitrogen is a nitrogen stream substantially free of methane and hydrogen that can be used in other parts of the plant, recovered as a gaseous nitrogen product and/or liquefied to produce a liquid nitrogen product.

Abstract: A system and method for cryogenic purification of a hydrogen, nitrogen, methane and argon containing feed stream to produce a methane free, hydrogen and nitrogen containing synthesis gas and a methane rich fuel gas, as well as to recover an argon product stream, excess hydrogen, and excess nitrogen is provided. The disclosed system and method are particularly useful as an integrated cryogenic purifier in an ammonia synthesis process in an ammonia plant. The excess nitrogen is a nitrogen stream substantially free of methane and hydrogen that can be used in other parts of the plant, recovered as a gaseous nitrogen product and/or liquefied to produce a liquid nitrogen product.

Abstract: A system and method for cryogenic purification of a hydrogen, nitrogen, methane and argon containing feed stream to produce a methane free, hydrogen and nitrogen containing synthesis gas and a methane rich fuel gas, as well as to recover an argon product stream, excess hydrogen, and excess nitrogen is provided. The disclosed system and method are particularly useful as an integrated cryogenic purifier in an ammonia synthesis process in an ammonia plant. The excess nitrogen is a nitrogen stream substantially free of methane and hydrogen that can be used in other parts of the plant, recovered as a gaseous nitrogen product and/or liquefied to produce a liquid nitrogen product.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of drying an electrode assembly of lithium-ion battery, comprising drying the electrode assembly in two successive stages under vacuum at elevated temperature; filling the oven with hot, dry air or inert gas; repeating the steps of vacuum drying and gas filling several times. The method disclosed herein is particularly suitable for drying electrode assemblies using aqueous binders.

Abstract: Metal drum dryer, the side surface of which is constituted of U-shaped profiles (1), each having a bottom, each profile (1) is welded to the two neighbouring profiles (1) thereof and the bottom of each profile (1) is pierced with holes (4).

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat treatment jig. A metal wire as a heat treatment target is to be wound around the jig. The jig comprises a cylindrical tubular body whose outer wall surface has a helical groove formed along a circumferential direction to wind the metal wire. A depth of the groove is larger than a length at which the metal wire will isolate from the groove when the metal wire wound along the groove at room temperature is thermally expanded by being heated to a predetermined heat treatment temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high temperature vacuum furnace that includes a hot zone designed for improved energy efficiency resulting in lower electrical power usage and the ease of replacement of components for lower maintenance costs. The furnace is also less expensive to manufacture compared to prior art vacuum furnaces. The present hot zone has an outer supporting wall and an inner insulating wall. The insulating wall is surrounded by a new HEFVAC high density, high strength, low conductivity, and low moisture-sensitive graphite insulation board ring designed with a unique attachment of adjacent insulation boards in order to contain radiant energy within the hot zone during the heat treating cycle. The hot zone further includes heating elements made of high quality graphite in a polygon arrangement with new connector joints that require fewer penetrations between the hot zone supporting wall and insulating wall, resulting in an increased thermal efficiency of the furnace.

Abstract: A device for measuring the temperature of a melt, particularly of a molten metal, comprises an optical fiber and a guiding tube having an immersion end and a second end opposite to the immersion end. The optical fiber is partially arranged in the guiding tube. An inner diameter of the guiding tube is larger than an outer diameter of the optical fiber. A first plug is arranged at the immersion end of or within the guiding tube proximate the immersion end of the guiding tube. The optical fiber is fed through the first plug and the first plug reduces a gap between the optical fiber and the guiding tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for condensing or cooling a heat carrier can be used at power, chemical or oil-refining plants. It comprises a housing, a fan, and a heat exchanger. In front of openings in the housing serving for ambient air intake, at least one water atomizing element is placed connected to an independent water source. The element is a closed contour with nozzles equally spaced along the length of the contour that is rigidly connected to the housing or secured on a base shared with the housing. Preferably, a plurality of water atomizing elements is provided arranged along the perimeter of the housing and connected by a conduit to the water source. Each element is equipped with a shut-off cock to independently service, repair or replace the element. The apparatus improves the interaction of air with the heat carrier and thus enhances the operational efficiency, especially under hot climate conditions.

Abstract: A heat sink includes a base plate thermally connectable to a heat generating element and having a flat plate shape, a first heat radiating fin thermally connected to the base plate, and a second heat radiating fin disposed adjacently to a side end portion of the first heat radiating fin and thermally connected to the base plate. A surface of the first heat radiating fin is not parallel to a surface of the second heat radiating fin.

Abstract: The heat pipe comprises a shell and an inner zeolite coated structure. The shell has an inner surface. The inner surface surrounds an enclosed chamber. The chamber is partially filled with a working fluid in a vacuum. The working fluid may be changed into a liquid phase or a gas phase by following temperature change. The coating material comprises a zeolite, a binder and an additive. The material is sintered on the inner surface of the heat pipe. Consequently, the zeolite coating is formed between the inner surface and the enclosed chamber. Thus, the present invention uses a porous material of zeolite with pore size smaller than grooves and meshes to have excellent evaporation heat transfer and capillary force. The zeolite coating of the present invention does not fail without air isolation. The present invention is inner manufactured under atmospheric condition so has no size limitation.

Abstract: A system and method for cooling an external surface of a heat conductive body heated by a heat source is provided. The system includes a tank containing an evaporation liquid, a conduit suppling the evaporation liquid to the external surface of the body, a controllable supply valve for regulating a flow rate of egress of the evaporation liquid from the tank, and a control unit for controlling operation of the supply valve. The control unit includes a temperature sensor producing a temperature sensor signal representative of the temperature of the body at the predetermined place; and a controller capable of generating control signals for controlling operation of the controllable supply valve to provide a pulsed supply of the evaporation liquid to the external surface of the body for obtaining a desired temperature decrease of the body.

Abstract: A heat pipe includes one or more reservoirs of liquid that are closed at lower temperatures and open at higher temperatures. The opening of the reservoirs at higher temperatures caused by higher power levels dynamically increases the amount of liquid in the heat pipe, which increases performance of the heat pipe at higher power levels. As the heat pipe cools, the liquid condenses and flows back into the reservoirs. As the heat pipe continues to cool, the reservoirs close. The result is a heat pipe that is more efficient at lower power levels and still maintains high efficiency at higher power levels due to the demand-based charging of the liquid based on temperature.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage plant is provided including a charging circuit and a discharging circuit, the charging circuit including: a first fluid transporting machine for generating a flow of a working fluid in the charging circuit, a heating device for transferring heat to the working fluid, a main heat accumulator for storing the thermal energy of the working fluid, the discharging circuit including the main heat accumulator, a heat exchanger included in a thermal cycle for transforming the thermal energy stored into mechanical power, the thermal energy storage plant further comprising a secondary heat accumulator including a first end connected to the charging circuit, downstream the heating device, a second end connected to the discharging circuit, upstream the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for maintaining temperature in a sub-sea device, in particular in relation to fluid in the device. A material having a high latent heat on phase change is used to release latent heat to the fluid when the fluid temperature decreases towards a threshold value.

Abstract: A split ring includes a split ring body, the body having a first end and a second end; a first fastener hole defined by the first end of the split ring; a second fastener hole defined by the second end of the split ring; a gap defined by the first and second ends approaching each other wherein the first fastener hole and the second fastener hole are aligned to permit a fastener to extend through the first fastener hole, across the gap and through the second fastener hole; and a protrusion extending beyond the body of the split ring, the protrusion being located on the body opposite the gap. A method of forming a split ring includes: forming a split ring body; fixing onto the body a projection that projects above the body; and installing a closing mechanism into the split ring in order to allow the split ring to tighten over an object.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a heat exchanger including a holder and a nut. The holder defines a holding space therein. The nut includes a main body, which is inserted into the holding space along an insertion direction, and a protrusion, which protrudes from the main body. The nut defines a threaded hole that extends through the main body and the protrusion. The holder further defines an opening at a first surface of the holder. The protrusion has an end surface that aligns with or protrudes from the first surface through the opening when the nut is inserted into the holding space. The end surface contacts an external component when the external component is fixed to the heat exchanger by inserting a bolt into the threaded hole through the external component.

Abstract: A radiator heater cover includes a cover formed of thermoplastic in a shape that fits over at least a portion of a radiator heater. The radiator heater cover defines a plurality of apertures in at least a portion of an outer surface of the cover that are dimensioned and spaced to provide desired convective heat transfer away from predetermined areas of the radiator heater.

Abstract: An example charging handle comprises a body having a handle portion, a bolt engaging portion and a shaft portion extending forwardly from the handle portion to the bolt engaging portion. The handle portion of the body may have a starboard arm extending away from the shaft portion in a starboard direction and a port arm extending away from the shaft portion in a portward direction. The charging handle may comprise a grip member disposed about the handle portion of the body so that the grip member encapsulates the handle portion and the handle portion is disposed inside the grip member. The grip member may comprise a thermoplastic material overmolded on the handle portion of the body.

Abstract: A magazine loader/unloader includes a loader/unloader housing, including right and left sides, a front and rear connector members, and a bridge member; a loading structure, including a loading plunger, and a loading pusher; and an unloading structure, including top and bottom guides, and an unloading protrusion. Also disclosed is a method of using the magazine loader/unloader, including inserting round, loading round, and unloading round.

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: A magazine loader/unloader, designed to stand on a table or be handheld during use, includes a loader/unloader housing, including right and left sides, front and rear sides, and a flat bottom plate; a loading structure, including a loading member; and an unloading structure, including top and bottom guides, and an unloading protrusion. Also disclosed is a method of using the magazine loader/unloader, including positioning cartridge, loading cartridge, and unloading cartridge.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of a firearm are disclosed where the firearm includes a magazine configured to hold the bolt in an open position when the magazine is empty. In one embodiment, the firearm includes a bolt stop mechanism that moves between a first position where it allows the bolt to cycle between an open position and a closed position and a second position where it holds the bolt in the open position. The magazine is configured to actuate the bolt stop mechanism to the first position when the magazine is empty.

Abstract: A translational yoked trigger for a firearm has an integral trigger safety.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanism for use with firearms having compact bolt carrier designs without modification of or connection to either the upper or lower receiver. It provides an auto sear trip linkage that is independent of both the upper and lower receivers and which may be used as a “drop in” unit to allow an upper receiver assembly otherwise configured for semi-automatic fire to be used in full-auto mode with a standard, full-auto capable AR-pattern lower receiver.

Abstract: A rifle comprises a quad lock multicaliber receiver, a barrel extension, a bolt, and a projection engageable with the receiver. The barrel extension includes a cartridge chamber and is securable in an end of the receiver. The bolt is slideable in the receiver and engages a cartridge in the cartridge chamber during the firing phase. The projection comprises locking bars extending through the receiver, and is moveable between locked and unlocked positions to allow for securing and removing of the barrel extension, respectively. Positioning bars are disposed on either side of the receiver split parallel to its longitudinal axis. The locking bars are disposed between these positioning bars and the barrel extension such that when the positioning bars are urged toward each other the receiver split is closed and the positioning bars urge the locking bars toward and into locking grooves to secure the barrel extension in the receiver.

Abstract: The use of abrasive entrainment waterjet technology to cut improvised hazardous devices, such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), located above or below ground. Abrasive is conducted to an entrainment abrasive waterjet cutting head under the control of an abrasive feed and metering system that monitors the flow rate of abrasive.

Abstract: A three-stage air pump assembly for a pneumatic air gun. The three-stage air pump assembly includes an air compression assembly and an energy storage assembly disposed on a gun support of the pneumatic air gun. The energy storage assembly includes a three-stage air pump and a check valve disposed at the end of the air pump. The three-stage air pump includes a front fixed sheath, a rear fixed sheath, a front movable sheath, a rear movable sheath, a first tube, a second tube, a third tube, and a piston rod. The diameters of the first tube, the second tube and the third tube are successively reduced. An intake sleeve on the check valve is sealed and fixedly connected in the rear fixed sheath. Front and rear ends of the first tube are sheathed on the front fixed sheath and the rear fixed sheath, respectively.

Abstract: An adjustable buttstock may be attachable to a buffer tube with a plurality of position slots. The adjustable buttstock may include a body slidably attached to the buffer tube, a butt attached to the body, and a lever assembly rotatably attached to the body.

Abstract: A mount for a crossbow adjustable multiple fiber optic sight with a sight housing and having a plurality of adjustable sight pins. A graduated elevation scale is secured to the sight housing and a graduated slide scale with adjustable clamps is secured to the graduated elevation scale. A mounting bracket having a first base mount is mounted on a cross bow riser and a second base mount is connected to and extends upwardly from the base mount. A bracket fastener is attached to the vertical base mount and has an upper clamping surface and a second horizontal bracket fastener is positioned below the first horizontal bracket panel and including a lower clamping surface. An adjuster screw clamps the two bracket fasteners together so that they are able to clamp onto the graduated slide scale and hold it in an adjusted position with the adjusting screw.

Abstract: A device adapted for zeroing of a projectile device having a first scope, the device including a second scope; and an adaptor for securing the second scope to the projectile device. Further disclosed is a method for zeroing a projectile device having a first scope and a second scope, the method including: adjusting the aim of the projectile device by aiming a reticle of the second scope at the center of a bullseye at a target plane disposed at a distance; firing a first shot of the projectile device to create a first point of impact at the target plane; and aiming a reticle of the first scope at the center of the point of impact, wherein a subsequent shot fired from the projectile device is configured to impact a second point of impact aimed at with the reticle of the first scope at the target plane.

Abstract: A weapon control system includes a base, a frame rotatably coupled to the base and rotatable around a first rotation axis, a first actuator rotating the frame with respect to the base, a first weapon rotatably coupled to the frame and rotatable around a second rotation axis in a direction crossing the first rotation axis, a second actuator rotating the first weapon with respect to the frame, a rotating support rotatably coupled to the frame and rotatable around a third rotation axis in a direction crossing the first rotation axis, a third actuator rotating the rotating support with respect to the frame, a second weapon rotatably coupled to the rotating support and rotatable around a fourth rotation axis in a direction crossing the third rotation axis, a fourth actuator rotating the second weapon with respect to the rotating support, and an actuator controller controlling the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a dual-mode seeker for a guided missile equipped with seeker/designation handoff capabilities. The dual-mode seeker has Semi-Active Laser (SAL) and Image InfraRed (IIR) modes of operation. SAL-mode operation includes detecting laser pulses reflected by a target designated by a remote Laser Target Designator (LTD) and determining target direction using the detected laser pulses. SAL-mode operation also includes determining the Pulse Repetition Interval (PRI) of the detected laser pulses, and predicting timing of future pulses generated by the LTD. IIR-mode operation includes capturing Short-Wavelength InfraRed (SWIR) images of a scene containing the designated target and determining target location using one or more image features associated with the designated target.

Abstract: An active camouflage system includes one or more imaging devices that are engageable to a first side of a subject and that is to detect a visual image, which can be visual and/or thermal. A display assembly includes of at least one display segment and is engageable to a second side of the subject. An active camouflage controller is in communication with the imaging device and the display assembly to receive a visual image; prepare a camouflage image based at least in part on the visual image; and display the camouflage image on the display assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to composite materials. In one embodiment, a composite material comprises an inorganic ceramic matrix comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first outer surface and generally parallel to the first outer surface. At least one open weave fiber glass fabric is disposed in the inorganic ceramic matrix between the first surface and the second surface. In another embodiment, a composite material comprises a first inorganic ceramic matrix comprising pieces of stone, a second inorganic ceramic matrix attached adjacent to the first inorganic ceramic matrix, and at least one open weave fiber glass fabric disposed in the second inorganic ceramic matrix.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an underbody blast structure. The underbody blast structure includes at least one hanger to couple to a vehicle. The underbody blast structure also includes a housing coupled to the at least one hanger. The housing includes a first protection plate opposite a second protection plate. The first protection plate and the second protection plate are to protect the vehicle. The first protection plate is spaced apart from the second protection plate by a plurality of interconnecting members. The plurality of interconnecting members defines a plurality of channels between the first protection plate and the second protection plate. At least one of the plurality of channels is adapted to receive a portion of a suspension system of the vehicle.

Abstract: An open water marine barrier system is provided. Embodiments include a marine barrier with two elongate buoyant members, an elongate net support member between the two buoyant members and above the buoyant members, and an elongate lower ballast member between the two buoyant members and below the buoyant members. Stanchions extend between the members to support them and maintain the spacing between them. An impact net is attached to the net support member and a stanchion extending between the two buoyant members. When a moving vessel impacts the impact net, the net deflects to transfer a force of the impact to the net support member, the stanchions, and the buoyant members, which engage the water to transfer the impact force to the water and arrest the motion of the vessel. The ballast member provides a force to restore the barrier to an upright position when the barrier rotates from vertical.

Abstract: A repairable plough for mine and area clearance is provided and comprises a main support frame and a blade formed from a plurality of modular blade sections that are detachably connected to the main support frame.

Abstract: A roller gang for mine clearance is provided. The roller gang comprises: a frame, at least three fixed wheels, wherein the fixed wheels are attached to the frame, the fixed wheels being fixed relative to the frame, a plurality of pivoting arms, wherein each of the pivoting arms is attached to the frame, and a plurality of remaining wheels, wherein the remaining wheels are respectively attached to the plurality of pivoting arms, the remaining wheels being movable relative to the frame.