Abstract: Lock boxes may be used to protect a building controller from tampering. In some cases, a lock box may include a back plate that is configured to be mounted to a wall or a junction box and a front cover that may be secured to the back plate and locked in place. In some cases, the back plate may be configured to help secure a building controller thereto. In some cases, the back plate may be configured to secure a wall mountable connector to which the building controller may be secured. In some instances, the back plate may include mounting features that can engage corresponding mounting features of the wall mountable connector in order to secure the wall mountable connector to the back plate of the lock box.

Abstract: A fire-rated exhaust duct system comprising a modular configuration or structure. The fire-rated exhaust duct system comprises a plurality of exhaust duct sections. Each of the exhaust duct sections is configured to be joined or connected with other exhaust duct sections in the field or at an installation site, e.g. in building housing a kitchen facility or a laboratory facility to form longer sections or runs for exhaust duct system.

Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioning system is provided. The indoor unit includes a fan, a control box that includes an inspection port on a first side surface, and a casing that houses the fan and the control box. The casing includes a first flow port in a bottom surface of the casing, a second flow port in a first side surface of the casing, and an opening opposed to the inspection port in a second side surface of the casing. The control box comprises a first leading port on each of a second side surface and a third side surface of the control box, the second side surface and the third side surface are opposed to each other and adjacent to the first side surface, and the first leading ports lead external wirings into the control box.

Abstract: A water heater (10) is suitable for point-of-use applications. The water heater includes a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, and a controller connected to the first and second temperature sensors. The controller is configured to receive the signals generated by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor and to detect a flow condition of water within the heat without using mechanical flow detection means and without supplying stand-by heating by adding an absolute value of the sensed change in temperature of water at the first temperature sensor to the absolute value of the sensed change in temperature of water at the second temperature sensor to yield a sum and then comparing the sum to a reference temperature.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a heat exchanger. More particularly, the present invention relates to a heat exchanger configured for optimizing a percentage of heat exchange surface within an identified range of heat flux, or rate of heat energy transfer through a given surface, on a boiling curve.

Abstract: A water heater defines a vertical direction and includes a tank for holding water. The water heater further includes a shroud positioned over the tank along the vertical direction. The shroud defines a chamber over the tank, and includes a partition wall that divides the chamber into first and second chamber portions. The water heater includes an evaporator disposed within the first chamber portion, and a compressor disposed within the second chamber portion. The partition wall is positioned between the evaporator and compressor within the chamber of the shroud. Further, the shroud defines a vent extending through the shroud to the chamber of the shroud. In one embodiment, the vent is contiguous with the first chamber portion.

Abstract: A high efficiency condensing flue gas-fired water heater is provided with a secondary tubular flue mounted inside the water tank and secured thereto by dielectric connectors to electrically isolate the secondary tubular flue from the tank. The secondary tubular flue has an intermediate helical section and opposed connecting end sections which each form a part of the dielectric connectors. The connectors do not require any welding for its installation to the tank and a compression nut and dielectric insulators provide for a leak proof and electrically isolated connection. The method of securing the secondary tubular flue is also described.

Abstract: In a heating-medium heating unit equipped with a first heating-medium circulation box and a second heating-medium circulation box which are in close contact with both surfaces of a PTC heater, in which heating-medium circulation passages are formed in the interior, and which are joined to each other in a liquidtight manner, wherein joining surfaces are sealed with liquid gaskets, the heating-medium circulation passages are provided with joining-surface cooling channels that cool the joining surface which is sealed with a liquid gasket and on which the heat from the PTC heater acts. The joining-surface cooling channels are provided at positions closer to the joining surface than to the PTC heater.

Abstract: The water heater includes a main body and a secondary tank. The main body encloses a receiving space and absorbs solar energy to heat water therein. The main body has a first inlet, a first outlet, and a steam outlet. The secondary tank includes a tank having a second inlet, a second outlet, and a steam inlet. The second outlet communicates with the first inlet of the main body via an inlet pipe, and the steam inlet communicates with the steam outlet of the main body via the steam pipe. Water enters the tank via the second inlet and enters the main body via the inlet pipe. Steam produced by the heated water in the main body enters the tank via the steam pipe to be further discharged or to condense into liquid water. The liquid water enters the main body again via the inlet pipe.

Abstract: Common solar radiation receivers are equipped with a chamber for transmission of an operating gas which is directed along to an absorber for solar radiation for thermal absorption. The absorber has a dome-shaped entry window made of quartz glass, wherein the inner side facing the absorber assumes a nominal interior temperature Ti of at least 950° C. during proper use, preferably at least 1000° C., whereas the outer side facing away from the absorber is exposed to the environment and subject to risk of devitrification. The invention relates to modifying the known solar radiation receiver so that a high absorber temperature can be set and thus a high efficiency of the solar thermal heating is enabled, without increasing the risk of devitrification in the region of the outer side of the entry window.

Abstract: A combination fence and solar heater. The fence for enclosing a swimming pool and heating water from the swimming pool in order to provide more comfortable swimming conditions and a longer swimming season. The fence includes posts, upper and lower rails, and pickets. The rails include first and second conduits, each having a passageway for carrying water being circulated in communication with the swimming pool. The first conduit has an exterior surface that is exposed to the sun; absorbing solar energy which heats the stream of water therein. The second conduit is nested within the first conduit and absorbs a portion of the energy absorbed by the first conduit. Often, water temperatures within the first and second conduits differ from each other, allowing for discharge of heated water over a range of temperatures to the swimming pool.

Abstract: The present invention typically features integrative configurability for transportation/storage, and disintegrative configurability for operation. Two half-cases are coupled to obtain a case. A case is uncoupled to obtain two half-cases. Each half-case houses a solar panel (pivotably connected to the half-case) and a U-bar (pivotably connected to the solar panel). The solar panel is pivoted away from the half-case's interior to the angle-of-inclination desired for collecting solar energy. The U-bar is pivoted away from the solar panel's back to securely fit into one of plural parallel slots provided across the half-case's interior, the U-bar thereby holding the solar panel in place at the desired angle-of-inclination. The half-cases are laid flat individually to collect solar energy. A half-case is “compacted” by pivoting the U-bar proximate the solar panel's back and pivoting the solar panel proximate the half-case's interior.

Abstract: Solar panel connection assemblies for mounting solar energy panels to buildings as well as for affixing multiple solar energy panels together. Solar panel corner connection assemblies including a bracket that can be fastened to the corner edge of solar panel frames. Solar panel corner connection assemblies including flanges extending from the corner of a bracket for connecting with a neighboring flange on a neighboring bracket.

Abstract: A solar power generation system according to the present invention comprises a heat pipe arranged so as to come into close contact with an absorption module, for absorbing heat from the absorption module and directly transferring heat to a heat conversion electricity generator, and thereby has the advantages of rendering the system compact by simplifying a heat transfer structure and more effectively transferring heat by increasing contact surface area with the absorption module. Also, ample heat storage space is secured by forming the heat pipe to have a larger volume (heat capacity) than an absorption heat pipe in the absorption module so that an ample heat source can be provided by the heat conversion electricity generator, even during weather conditions when solar radiation can fluctuate suddenly, thereby allowing more stable and efficient operation of the system.

Abstract: A condenser and evaporator system includes (i) a condenser system positioned to receive a gaseous refrigerant from a compressor system and configured to condense the gaseous refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant, (ii) a controlled pressure receiver (CPR) positioned to receive and store the liquid refrigerant, (iii) an evaporator system including a conduit, an expansion valve, and a fan, and (iv) a controller. The conduit is positioned to receive the liquid refrigerant from the CPR. The expansion valve is positioned between the CPR and the conduit, and configured to facilitate modulating an amount of the liquid refrigerant that flows into the conduit from the CPR. The fan is positioned to facilitate providing a cooling operation to an area associated with the evaporator system through evaporation of the liquid refrigerant flowing through the conduit. The controller is configured to control a stage of the condenser system and/or the evaporator system.

Abstract: Provided is a group of rare-earth regenerator material particles having an average particle size of 0.01 to 3 mm, wherein the proportion of particles having a ratio of a long diameter to a short diameter of 2 or less is 90% or more by number, and the proportion of particles having a depressed portion having a length of 1/10 to ½ of a circumferential length on a particle surface is 30% or more by number. By forming the depressed portion on the surface of the regenerator material particles, it is possible to increase permeability of an operating medium gas and a contact surface area with the operating medium gas.

Abstract: A cooled cabinet assembly for the storage of vials, beakers or the like is disclosed. The assembly comprises an insulating tray, a cooling element, and a fan. The insulating tray comprises a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from a periphery of the bottom wall. The insulating tray has an open upper end and defining an insulated cavity. The cooling element is positioned in air flow communication with the insulated cavity. The fan is configured to circulate air over the cooling element and into the insulated cavity and the drip pan is positioned to capture condensate from the cooling element. In one embodiment, an inside surface of the bottom wall inclines downwardly toward a drip pan to provide for gravity flow of condensate from the cavity to the drip pan. An insulating lid is provided to close of the cabinet when not in use. Insulating bands or rings are provided for positioning on the vials upper ends to reduce heat and moisture infiltration into the cabinet.

Abstract: A heat radiation-thermoelectric fin includes a thermoelectric inorganic material on a heterogeneous laminate of graphene. The heterogeneous laminate may be tube-shaped or plate-shaped, and a metal conductor may be coupled to one or more of the heterogeneous laminate. A thermoelectric module may be formed to include the fin, and a thermoelectric apparatus may include a heat supplier connected to the thermoelectric module.

Abstract: A system for pre-cooling inlet air to an air conditioning condenser unit using evaporative cooling. The system includes a support frame, a set of removable mesh panels for passing through inlet air, and a water disposal system for wetting the mesh panels actuated by operation of the air conditioning condenser unit.

Abstract: An evaporator heat exchanger unit for a heating cooling module for a motor vehicle is disclosed. In one aspect, the evaporator heat exchanger unit includes at least one collector expansion tank for collecting a refrigerant and one evaporator, by which at least a part of the refrigerant can be converted into gaseous form. The evaporator heat exchanger unit also includes a housing enclosing an inner chamber, wherein in the inner chamber, the collector expansion tank, the evaporator, and a cooling medium are arranged, and wherein an expansion organ is arranged on the housing, by which the refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator.

Abstract: An air-cooled air-conditioning apparatus including a heat source side heat exchanger comprising a plural number of heat source side heat exchanger parts that are connected together, and each of the heat source side heat exchanger parts is connected by a corresponding flow switching valve to a compressor. The air-cooled air-conditioning apparatus includes a controller configured to perform a defrosting operation in which a refrigerant discharged from the compressor is caused to flow separately through each of the heat source side heat exchanger parts by opening and closing the corresponding flow switching valves. The controller performs the defrosting operation on the basis of the heat exchanger capacity of each of the heat source side heat exchanger parts, the necessary heating capacity of each of the heat source side heat exchanger parts, and the arrangement of the heat source side heat exchanger parts.

Abstract: CPU of an air conditioner reads out a heat exchanger outlet temperature stored in time series into a memory part to check whether the current heat exchanger outlet temperature is a second threshold temperature or lower or not, whether the drop rate of the heat exchanger outlet temperature calculated using the latest heat exchanger outlet temperature and the second-to-the-latest heat exchanger outlet temperature is a specific drop rate or higher or not, and whether the number of indoor units in operation of indoor units has increased or not during calculation of the drop rate of the heat exchanger outlet temperature. And, when the second frost forming condition is satisfied, CPU switches a four-way valve to set a refrigerant circuit into a cooling cycle to thereby execute a defrosting operation preparation processing and, on completing the defrosting operation preparation processing, resumes a compressor to start a defrosting operation.

Abstract: An electrochemical compressor system, such as an electrochemical refrigeration system includes a sealed vessel that reduces leak issues related to the electrochemical cell. The sealed vessel may be molded or formed from a polymer or a composite polymer having reinforcing materials, such as fibers therein. The sealed vessel may be plated with metal to reduce gas permeation through the wall of the vessel and to accommodate and improve the attachment of conduits, including metal conduits thereto. A metal conduit may be brazed onto a vessel and the brazing material may be selected for polymer to metal joining and for reduced contamination potential of the system. The electrochemical compressor system incorporates a leak sensor configured at least partially within the sealed rigid vessel that measures the pressure within the vessel.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes a plurality of sensors, a tandem compressor, and a controller. The tandem compressor comprises a first and second compressor, each comprising a crankcase heater. The controller determines that one of the sensors has failed, and in response, initiates the first and second crankcase heaters and transmits an alert indicating that one of the sensors has failed. Further, the controller may disable threshold logic such that the first and second compressors are controlled independently of a determination whether the tandem compressor is operating outside of a threshold range. The controller operates the first and second compressors according to a safe mode, wherein first on or off settings of the compressors are determined based on a first required load operation of the tandem compressor. The first required load operation is determined from a first temperature demand of a structure associated with the HVAC system.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage compartment, an inner door including an opening having a size corresponding to the size of the storage compartment, a plurality of door guards disposed in the opening, and an outer door that opens or closes the opening, wherein the inner door includes inner sidewalls that are disposed at both sides of the opening and are flat from an inlet of the opening to an outlet of the opening without any curve.

Abstract: An under counter insulated enclosure that is located partially under the corner portion of a standard kitchen counter. A Peltier cooling or heating assembly can cool or heat the enclosure. Sliding panels, that are actuated by motorized rack and pinion assemblies located near the floor of the enclosure allow the food storage racks sitting on top of the panels to slide and swivel so that the contents of both food racks are accessible to the user.

Abstract: A domestic refrigeration appliance includes an interior for receiving foodstuffs which is bounded by walls, a door for closing the interior, a lighting apparatus which is configured to illuminate the interior at least while the door is open and at least one plate-shaped compartment divider which is disposed in the interior and is made of a transparent material. The lighting apparatus has a plurality of light sources which are disposed in a top wall bounding the interior and are oriented in such a way that the interior has substantially uniform illumination above and below the compartment divider because of the emitted light of the light sources.

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 method and apparatus for argon recovery in which an impure argon stream is separated from air within a cryogenic air separation unit having an argon rejection column and a reflux type argon condenser disposed internally within the lower pressure column. An impure argon stream is subsequently recovered from the argon rejection column and purified within an integrated adsorbent based argon refining and purification subsystem to produce product grade argon. The waste stream from the adsorbent based argon refining and purification subsystem is recycled back to the argon rejection column so as to improve the argon recovery.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator, such as a spin dryer that separates water from wet clothing includes a stationary chamber. A perforated basket is arranged to spin within the stationary chamber. A DC or AC motor is arranged below the bottom floor fastened to a mechanical floor. A driveshaft can be connected to the motor output shaft via a flexible coupling and passes through the bottom floor and is connected to the basket. A brake disc is operatively fixed to the output shaft, and a brake caliper is fixed to the mechanical floor to stop the brake disc. A balance ring, having an annular chamber holding a balance fluid, is mounted to an outside of the basket. The centrifugal separator can include a cycle controller that can ramp up or down the basket speed and reverse spinning direction of the basket.

Abstract: A feeding device is provided for a belt drying installation for dump or sewage sludge material dewatered down to a pasty consistency. In the conveying path of the sludge material, a first roller having transverse grooves that are set back relative to the outer diameter of the roller and a guide device are arranged relative to the outer diameter of the first roller such that when the roller is rotated the sludge material is drawn into the transverse grooves and is shaped to elongated extrudates. The first roller is associated with a comb which has teeth that rigidly engage the transverse grooves and which sweeps the extrudates from the transverse grooves, wherein the tips of the teeth which rigidly engage the transverse grooves define a line of engagement. The tooth tips which rigidly engage the transverse grooves are beveled towards the tooth neck.

Abstract: A drying device includes a first compartment configured to removably receive a drying chamber. The drying chamber includes a tray capable of receiving one or more racks that are configured to hold a plurality of laboratory consumables. The first compartment includes one or more pistons capable of displacing the tray to agitate the laboratory consumables. A second compartment is attached to the first compartment. The second compartment includes one or more air flow sources for directing a flow of air to the plurality of laboratory consumables and an air filter located proximate to the one or more air flow sources. A method of drying laboratory consumables is also disclosed.

Abstract: Large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser having 10 heat exchanger bundles per cell arranged in five pairs in a V-shape, each heat exchanger bundle having four primary heat exchangers and four secondary heat exchangers in which each secondary heat exchanger is paired with a single primary heat exchanger. Four primary condensers are arranged such that the tubes are horizontal, while the inlet steam manifolds at one end of the tubes are perpendicular to the primary condenser tubes, i.e., parallel to the transverse axis of the bundle. Steam enters the small inlet steam manifolds from below. Cross-sectional dimensions of the tubes are 200 mm wide with a cross-section height of less than 10 mm with fins that are 10 mm in height, arranged at 9 to 12 fins per inch.

Abstract: A system for providing cooling to a building includes a cooling tower for transferring waste heat from the building to the atmosphere and a liquid desiccant system for dehumidifying an air stream entering the cooling tower to increase cooling efficiency of the cooling tower. The liquid desiccant system includes a conditioner and a regenerator. The conditioner utilizes a liquid desiccant for dehumidifying the air stream entering the cooling tower. The regenerator is connected to the conditioner for receiving dilute liquid desiccant from the conditioner, concentrating the dilute liquid desiccant using waste heat from the building, and returning concentrated liquid desiccant to the conditioner.

Abstract: A plate package made according to the method includes first heat exchanger plates and second heat exchanger plates. Each heat exchanger plate has a first porthole, and the port hole of at least one of the heat exchanger plates is surrounded by a peripheral rim. The first heat exchanger plates and the second heat exchanger plates, are joined to each other and arranged side by side in such a way that the peripheral rims together define an inlet channel extending through the plate package. The peripheral rim of the first and/or the second heat exchanger plates has at least one through hole, forming a fluid passage allowing a communication between the inlet channel and the first plate interspaces. The at least one through hole is made in a condition in which the first and the second heat exchanger plates have been joined to each other to form the plate package.

Abstract: A condensation exchanger for heating of water and for production of sanitary water, providing a first inner coil with plain surface, and a second outer coil, said second coil being externally spirally wound with respect to said first coil, within said coils circulating a thermal carrier fluid, said first coil exchanging heat with combustion fumes by radiation and convection, and said second coil exchanging heat with the combustion fumes by condensation, wherein said second coil has a plain surface, and in that an insulating septum is provided, said septum dividing said exchanger in a first upper or combustion zone, and a second lower zone, said insulating septum dividing said exchanger in said two areas with a ratio of: 45%?H1L?60%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stacked plate heat exchanger, comprising a plurality of elongate plates which are stacked on one another and connected to one another and which have a corrugated profile, which plates have a cavity for leading through a medium to be cooled in the longitudinal direction of the plates and define a further cavity for leading through a coolant, wherein leadthrough openings for supplying or discharging the medium to be cooled or the coolant are formed approximately in the end regions of each elongate plate and each elongate plate is surrounded by a bent-off edge, wherein an nth corrugation of the corrugated profile of each plate is drawn close to the edge, preferably into the edge, whereas the other corrugations of the corrugated profile of the plate terminate before the edge, where n=2, 3, 4 etc.

Abstract: This heat receiving tile formed of CFC is provided with a heat receiving block formed of a carbon fiber composite material and having a through hole, a cooling pipe inserted through the through hole of the heat receiving block, a buffer material provided to an outer periphery of the cooling pipe, a first brazing portion joining an inner surface of the through hole with an outer surface of the buffer material, a second brazing portion joining an inner surface of the buffer material with an outer surface of the cooling pipe, and a material discontinuous portion extending from a heat receiving surface of the heat receiving block up to the outer surface of the cooling pipe over a full length of the heat receiving block in an axis direction of the through hole.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating cooling apparatuses are provided, which include providing a thermal transfer structure configured to couple to and cool one or more electronic components. The thermal transfer structure includes a thermal spreader, and at least one coolant-carrying tube coupled to the thermal spreader. The coolant-carrying tube(s) includes multiple tube lengths disposed substantially in a common plane, and an out-of-plane tube bend. The out-of-plane tube bend is couples in fluid communication first and second tube lengths of the multiple tube lengths, and extends out-of-plane from the multiple tube lengths disposed in the common plane. The first and second tube lengths may be spaced apart, with a third tube length disposed between them, and the coolant-carrying tube(s) further includes an in-plane tube bend which couples in fluid communication the third tube length and a fourth tube length of the multiple tube lengths.

Abstract: A heat exchanger tube with a tube axis, a tube wall, a tube outside and a tube inside. Continuously running, axially parallel or helically circling inner ribs are formed out of the tube wall on the tube inside, each inner rib having two rib flanks and a rib tip. A continuously extending groove is formed between adjacent inner ribs. The rib tip has at regular intervals recurring elevations which have an essentially frustopyramidal form. The inner ribs are raised in the radial direction on the contour line which is defined by the transitional edge of a rib flank to the rib tip and protuberances advancing out of the rib flank are formed in this region. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a heat exchanger tube.

Abstract: A furnace or other heat exchanger application for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems having condensate control. Specifically, a condensate control for secondary heat exchangers is provided for use with high efficiency furnaces, particularly for small tonnage systems, such as residential or unitary systems. Condensate management permits a plurality of furnace orientations while providing resistance to corrosion due to liquid condensate.

Abstract: A steel covering layer according to the present invention includes a surface layer formed of a low surface energy material and formed on the surface of a heat transfer tube.

Abstract: A method of making a light weight housing for an internal component is provided. The method including the steps of: forming a first metallic foam core into a desired configuration; forming a second metallic foam core into a desired configuration; inserting an internal component into the first metallic foam core; placing the second metallic foam core adjacent to the first metallic core in order to secure the internal component between the first metallic foam core and the second metallic foam core; applying an external metallic shell to an exterior surface of the first metallic foam core and the second metallic foam core; and securing an inlet fitting and an outlet fitting to the housing, wherein a thermal management fluid path for the internal component into and out of the housing is provided by the inlet fitting and the outlet fitting.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aluminum alloy material for a heat exchanger fin, the aluminum alloy material containing Si: 1.0% to 5.0% by mass, Fe: 0.1% to 2.0% by mass, and Mn: 0.1% to 2.0% by mass with balance being Al and inevitable impurities, wherein 250 pieces/mm2 or more to 7×104 pieces/mm2 or less of Si-based intermetallic compound particles having equivalent circle diameters of 0.5 to 5 ?m are present in a cross-section of the aluminum alloy material; and wherein 10 pieces/mm2 or more and 1000 pieces/mm2 or less of the Al—Fe—Mn—Si-based intermetallic compounds having equivalent circle diameters of more than 5 ?m are present in a cross-section of the aluminum alloy material. The aluminum alloy material may further contain one or more additive elements of Mg, Cu, Zn, In, Sn, Ti, V, Zr, Cr, Ni, Be, Sr, Bi, Na, and Ca.

Abstract: An online cleaning system for tube and shell heat exchangers is presented. The system includes a positioner, a plunger, an umbilical cleaner, and a motor. The cleaning system cleans the tubes while the heat exchanger remains in operation. The cleaning system locates and isolates a single tube via rotating and translating mechanical actions and inserts the umbilical cleaner into the tube, which may clean the tube via rotational movement or via sonication. The cleaning system may further clean the outer surface of the tubes of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A frame apparatus for holding a flexible lance positioning mechanism adjacent to and spaced from a heat exchanger tube sheet includes an upper guide rail, a lower guide rail, a positioner rail supported from one of the upper and lower guide rails and guided by the other of the upper and lower guide rails, and a rail clamp assembly fastened to a portion of a tube sheet. This rail clamp assembly has a flat plate member fastened to the tube sheet, a base plate spaced from the flat plate by one or more threaded shafts, and one or more clamp fingers rotatably fastened to the base plate. Each clamp fingers is operable to rotate toward the base plate when the base plate is drawn against the flat plate or beam member by rotating the threaded shaft, thus drawing the rail securely to the flat plate of the clamp assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a breech system comprising, first, a breech lock with a pivotable cam end plate for accessing a firearm breech and, second, a camming cartridge extractor with a pivotable lever for extracting a fired cartridge. The pivotable cam end plate may be connected to an independently pivotable arm that is operable as a lever for moving the cam end plate into an open position to allow breech access. The pivotable cam end plate and pivotable arm may be capable of a plurality of movements within the same plane in order to optimize leverage and cam action for opening the breech lock.

Abstract: A locking device includes a housing and a locking mechanism mounted within the housing. A locking bolt is operatively connected to the locking mechanism such that the locking bolt is moveable from an unlocked position to a locked position. An insert is sized to be removably received within an insert aperture of the housing. The insert includes a locking bolt hole sized to receive the locking bolt. The insert also includes a trigger guard cavity, sized to receive a trigger guard of a firearm. The insert also includes an insert contoured surface shaped to conform to a frame surface of the firearm. When the insert is disposed within the insert aperture and the locking bolt is in the locked position, the locking bolt extends through the locking bolt hole and at least partially through the trigger guard, and the insert contoured surface engages the frame surface, to secure the firearm.

Abstract: A trigger assembly retention apparatus. It is useful in allowing the easy removal and reinsertion of a trigger assembly of a gun for cleaning, replacement, inspection or the trigger assembly or any other reason.

Abstract: A flash and sound suppressor for a firearm includes a housing with an inlet nozzle, and an end cap, with plural baffles between them, each having a central hole and a radial gap between the baffle and the housing. Between the flared inlet nozzle and the baffles is a first expansion chamber; between the baffles and the end cap is a second, smaller expansion chamber. The baffles are formed to divide and direct combustion gases between those that follow the bullet through the central hole and those that flow through the radial gap where they are re-directed by the next baffle back across the axis of the housing. The changing orientation of the baffles controls that re-direction. The end cap has an inner, toroidal surface formed to improve mixing in the second expansion chamber, and an outer surface that improves radial gas dispersion and separation.