Abstract: Systems, methods, and modes for rendering a three-dimensional building management system visualization of a building. The method and system components may be configured for storing geometry elements defining three-dimensional geometrical representation of a building's structure, storing spatial elements defining three-dimensional representation of spaces in the building, wherein the geometry elements are mapped to spatial elements, wherein the spatial elements are associated with respective space nodes that identify the spaces located within the building, and wherein the space nodes are associated with respective electronic devices installed within the spaces in the building.

Abstract: A central plant that generates and provides resources to a building. The central plant includes an electrical energy storage subplant configured to store electrical energy purchased from a utility and to discharge the stored electrical energy. The central plant includes a plurality of generator subplants that consume one or more input resources. The central plant includes a controller configured to determine, for each time step within a time horizon, an optimal allocation of the input resources and the output resources for each of the subplants in order to optimize a total monetary value of operating the central plant over the time horizon. The total monetary value includes revenue from participating in incentive-based demand response programs as well as costs associated with resource consumption, equipment degradation, and losses in battery capacity.

Abstract: A system and method to control environmental parameters of predefined zones within a structure. An embodiment of the system uses damper assemblies that are entirely wireless as a result of energy capturing devices which convert air flow within the HVAC system ductwork into electrical current and a wireless control module that remove the need for hard-wiring for power or control. Still further, an embodiment of the system uses wireless components to monitor the environmental parameters of a structure's zones, process and communicate necessary zone adjustments, and actuate system components.

Abstract: In order to derive, from operation data obtained from an air conditioner, the correct cause of malfunction of the air conditioner and the suitable repair information, a diagnostic system is connected to an outdoor unit and the indoor units of the air conditioner, which is provided with communication units. A mobile communication terminal requests that the communication units of the air conditioner transmit the operation data and the model data to the mobile communication terminal, which then communicates with a maintenance server system storing a diagnostic program corresponding to each model of air conditioner. Then, either the maintenance server system or the mobile communication terminal uses the diagnostic program corresponding to the model data to make a diagnosis of the air conditioner on the basis of the received model data and operation data. The diagnostic result is displayed on a display unit of the mobile communication terminal.

Abstract: A circular sheet metal duct having a sealant applied across the longitudinal seam. The sealant will improve the efficiency and will reduce or eliminate air leakage from the longitudinal seam. The sealant is applied during the manufacturing processes so that an installer does not have to seal the duct work. The method of manufacturing the sealant is provided.

Abstract: An insulated HVAC duct component such as a transition box includes a first insulation layer and a second, different insulation layer. The transition box includes at least four sidewalls and one of a top and a back wall, the transition box further including a first access port and a second access port, the first access port having a different cross section than the second access port, one of the access ports being spaced from a nearest sidewall by less than 2 inches. The first insulation layer is located along an inside surface of the box. The second different insulation layer overlies the first insulation layer, the second different insulation layer having an air impervious surface, wherein the combined thickness of the first insulation layer and the second different insulation layer is less than 2 inches.

Abstract: An air deflector device includes an air deflector provided with rotating shaft inserting channels, and a rotating shaft system. One end of the rotating shaft system is provided with a first connecting part configured to connect with a driving device, and the other end of the rotating shaft system is provided with a second connecting part configured to connect with a case of an air conditioner. The rotating shaft system includes air deflector rotating shafts, and each air deflector rotating shaft includes an inserting plate engageable with the rotating shaft inserting channel. An air conditioner having the air deflector device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An illustrative damper system includes a damper blade that is configured to be positioned within a duct, such as a bypass duct of an HVAC system. A shaft is in communication with the damper blade, and an actuator or force adjustment mechanism is in communication with the shaft. The actuator or force adjustment mechanism may include a housing and a spring therein, where the spring is in communication with the shaft. The shaft, the damper blade, and the spring may be configured such that the shaft may affect movement of the damper blade about a rotation axis offset from a diametrical axis of the damper blade.

Abstract: A heatable fluid bag, including a bag body, wherein a liquid inlet and power access port are formed in the bag body; the power access port is electrically connected with an electrical heating component installed in the bag body; the electrical heating component includes a metal ceramic heating sheet; the metal ceramic heating sheet is encapsulated in a metal protection shell composed of an upper and lower sheet; a connection base is connected to the upper sheet; a PVC protection shell is installed in the connection base; a power connector installation shell is installed in the PVC protection shell; a temperature control K301 switch, thermal fuse and power input socket are installed in the power connector installation shell; and a rotary upper cover is installed on the power input socket. The fluid bag is simple in structure, separates water and electricity, and is waterproof and insulating.

Abstract: The solar heating apparatus includes driven and controllable reflectors for concentrating solar radiation on a solar tower or the like. Each of the reflectors provided in an array of reflectors is selectively driven to rotate about multiple axes of rotation. A plurality of groupings of optical reflectors, such as mirrors or the like, are mounted about a single, common longitudinally extending shaft, providing simultaneous rotation of the optical reflectors about a longitudinal axis. Through a two-axis bearing associated with each grouping of optical reflectors, the optical reflectors are also mounted on a laterally extending shaft associated with each individual reflector grouping. The laterally extending shafts are linked, each to the other, by a continuous belt or the like, providing selective simultaneous rotation of the optical reflectors about the lateral axis in addition to the simultaneous rotation about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The solar heating apparatus includes at least one optical element and a drive assembly for selectively moving the at least one optical element along multiple axes of rotation, the drive assembly having an elevation shaft and an azimuth rotation shaft. The solar heating apparatus also includes a support frame positioned in communicating relation with the drive assembly, the support frame being configured for supporting the at least one optical element. The support frame includes a main shaft, at least one branch holder pivotally attached to an end of the main shaft, the at least one branch holder being adapted for supporting the at least one optical element, and at least one belt drive for pivoting the at least one branch holder, the at least one belt drive being actuated by the elevation shaft.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning surfaces is disclosed. The system includes an elongated blade configured to remove at least one of dirt, dust, debris and film from a smooth surface. A drive system is provided for causing the blade to contact the entire smooth surface, thereby removing at least a portion of at least one of dirt, dust, debris, and film. A cleaning device automatically cleans the blade before and after the blade is cleaning the smooth surface. In one example, system is part of a heliostat system for use in a solar collection field as part of a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant.

Abstract: A solar positioning system configured to position a body, such as, but not limited to, a solar module, perpendicular to incoming solar energy to maintain an optimal angle of incidence with efficacy is disclosed. The solar positioning system may include a support subsystem having a first mechanism for controlling rotational adjustments about a first axis and a second mechanism for controlling rotational adjustments about a second axis, thereby controlling pan and tilt adjustment. Positioning of the support subsystem may be controlled by a plurality of infrared sensors similarly oriented. A differential amplifier and a comparator may be coupled between the sensor subsystem and an integrated circuit to ignore brief flashes of light. The solar positioning system may also be used with a solar positioning control system to control the position of two or more solar modules, such as hundreds of solar modules in a solar farm.

Abstract: A solar collector housing that is opened and closed without tools includes structure for accommodating temperature-related expansion and contraction of a polymer absorber housed within the collector. The housing includes a transparent cover, a frame for holding the transparent cover, and a base. The cover, frame and base collectively define a hollow interior within which the polymer absorber is positioned. A plurality of latches is secured to an exterior of the frame. The frame and base are pivotally connected to one another when the latches are open so that the collector housing can be opened. The housing cannot be opened when the latches are closed. A pair of variable gate closure components are positioned in slots formed in a second end of the collector and enable the polymer absorber to expand and contract without placing stress on the absorber tubes.

Abstract: A specially designed electronic expansion valve control system is provided for use with a refrigerant-based air conditioning circuit having a compressor, a condenser coil, an electronic expansion valve and an evaporator coil fluid coupled in series. The control system includes a unit control and an expansion valve control. The unit control is operative to receive compressor operation-related signal information and responsively generate at least one output signal representative of the received compressor operation-related signal information. The expansion valve control is operative to receive from the unit control only the at least one output signal, and to receive from one of the coils coil operation-related signal information, and to responsively output a control useable to control the expansion valve, the control signal being related in a predetermined manner to the signals received by the expansion valve control.

Abstract: A downstream-side passage of an expansion valve includes a small-diameter part to which a valve hole and an insertion hole are open, and a large-diameter part to which a pipe leading to an evaporator is connected. A plate has a shield part partially covering a downstream end of the small-diameter part. The shield part has a height of 2 mm or larger in a radial direction of the small-diameter part from a projected position of an opening of the insertion hole at the downstream end of the small-diameter part, and a width equal to or larger than a radius of the shaft within a range of the height. The plate is provided so that the shield part does not cover at least a range of projection of an opening of the valve hole at the downstream end of the small-diameter part.

Abstract: Refrigeration systems with a purge for removing non-condensables from the refrigerant and an acid filter for remove acid from the refrigerant are provided. The acid filter can be operatively connected to the purge. Optionally, the purge can include a separating device for separating non-condensable gases from condensable refrigerant gases and an acid filter is provided to remove acid from the condensable refrigerant gases.

Abstract: Provided is an accumulator capable of effectively suppressing a bumping phenomenon and the following impact noise without making the structure of the accumulator complicated or increasing the cost and the size thereof. A protrusion serving as an origination of boiling is disposed at a part soaked with a liquid part including liquid-phase refrigerant and oil accumulated in the tank 10 of the accumulator 1. Especially the protrusion is disposed at least at a part of an outer periphery of the outer pipe 32 in a double-pipe structure, and an inner periphery and an upper face of a bottom of the tank 10.

Abstract: A compact, miniaturized motor assembly for use in an ice making and harvesting device in an appliance is provided. The miniaturized motor assembly includes a gear train assembly having an output shaft engaged with an ice receiving and storage component. A DC motor powers the gear train assembly, which rotates the output shaft in a plurality of directions to effectively loosen and release ice from an ice making device while offering less stress on the ice making device. A method for releasing ice from an ice making device and completing an ice harvesting cycle using the miniaturized motor assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An aseptic ice making system includes an ice making system to receive water from a water supply. The ice making system includes an ice producing subsystem to produce ice and a positive air pressure subsystem to maintain a positive air pressure environment within the ice making system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing the possibility of heat pump evaporator fin freezing are described. Evaporator fin temperature is compared to a threshold temperature that varies with vehicle operating conditions. Actions to mitigate evaporator fin freezing may be taken if evaporator fin temperature is less than the threshold temperature.

Abstract: Provided are a refrigerator and a method for controlling the same. The refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage compartment, a door selectively opening or closing the storage compartment, a heater disposed in the cabinet or door to prevent dew from being formed on a surface of the cabinet or door, a refrigerator temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the storage compartment of the refrigerator, and a control unit adjusting an operation factor or output of the heater on the basis of a temperature value detected by the refrigerator temperature sensor.

Abstract: The condensate evaporator has a pan for collecting condensate and a heating element that is integral with the pan. The heating element includes a U-shaped copper tube and an electrically conductive wire that extends through the tube with each end thereof extending from the tube for connection to an electrical circuit.

Abstract: A domestic refrigeration appliance includes a heat-insulated inner container delimiting a coolable interior for foodstuffs, a refrigeration device cooling the interior, a door leaf articulated by hinges for opening and closing the interior and an opening aid. At least one hinge is self-closing for automatically closing the door leaf up to a first opening angle. The opening aid includes an actuator and a tappet moving back and forth by the actuator between first and second positions. The opening aid enables the door leaf to be closed if the tappet is in the first position, to move the tappet from the first to the second position to push open the closed door leaf using the tappet up to a second opening angle smaller than the first opening angle, and to automatically move the tappet into the first position immediately or with a time delay after reaching the second position.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator which includes a carbonated water production assembly, wherein the carbonated water production assembly includes a structure in which a carbonated water container in which carbonated water is produced is installed as a production module, and a structure of a sensor which senses installation of the carbonated water container. Through this, when the carbonated water container is incorrectly installed or not installed, the carbonated water is prevented from being unintentionally produced, and thus efficiency of a carbonated water production may be improved.

Abstract: Devices and methods for spinning food and beverage containers to accelerate heat transfer between the container and its surroundings is provided. The devices include a cylindrical sleeve which positively engages one end of a container, where the cylindrical sleeve is capable of holding an end of a can, an end of a bottle, or both. The cylindrical sleeve is connected to a shaft which in turn is connected to a rotating device, or the shaft is capable of being connected to a rotating device. Cans or bottles are held by the cylindrical sleeve of the inventive devices and are rotated in a heated or cooled medium which increases the rate of heat transfer between the contents of the can or bottle and the medium.

Abstract: An argon reflux condensation system and method in which a plurality of once-through heat exchangers are connected to an argon column of an air separation plant to condense argon-rich vapor streams for production of reflux to the argon column. Condensation of the argon-rich vapor streams is brought about through indirect heat exchange with crude liquid oxygen streams that partially vaporize and are introduced into a lower pressure column of the plant for further refinement. The flow rate of the crude liquid oxygen streams are sensed and controlled at locations in the plant where the crude liquid oxygen is in a liquid state and in proportion to the size of the once-through heat exchangers. Feed stream flow rate to the argon column is controlled in response to air flow rate to the plant and product flow rate is controlled in response to the feed stream flow rate to the argon column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for drying wet particulate matter, wherein at least one feed stream (1) of wet particulate matter is contacted with superheated steam (6) within at least one drying chamber (40) with a mixing system, and the dried particulate matter is discharged as at least one product stream (10) to obtain the dried particulate matter.

Abstract: An electric arc furnace (EAF) including a raw material container, a set of electrodes, a set of electrical potential transformers, and a reference signal verification device. The set of electrodes are configured to be controllably extended toward the raw material container. The set of electrical potential transformers are correspondingly coupled to the set of electrodes. The reference signal verification device is configured to carry out the steps of reading a reference signal value coming from the raw material container; comparing the reference signal value to an approximated value; and determining that there is a loss of the reference signal if the reference signal value is not within a predetermined amount of the approximated value.

Abstract: An array includes a plurality of refractory bricks, each having a substantially tubular body including a first end, an opposed second end, a central bore extending from the first end to the second end along the longitudinal length thereof and defining an inner surface of the refractory brick, and an outer surface extending from the first end to the second end along the longitudinal length thereof. The outer surface of each refractory brick has a shape that transitions axially between a plurality of hexagonal portions and non-hexagonal portions along the longitudinal lengths thereof, and the plurality of refractory bricks are arranged and interlocked with one another in a vertical and horizontal manner via mating members provided on the hexagonal portions of the outer surfaces thereof. A continuous plenum space is defined by the non-hexagonal portions of the refractory bricks arranged in the array.

Abstract: A fluidized bed system having a containment vessel, a precast and predried monolithic refractory floor module positioned in the vessel, and a plurality of precast and predried monolithic refractory wall modules stacked within the vessel. The plurality of wall modules includes a first wall module is positioned on the floor module, wherein the floor module and the first wall module have interlocking surfaces, and wall modules adjacent to one another have interlocking surfaces. A method for assembling a fluidized bed reactor is also provided.

Abstract: A taphole assembly (1) for arranging in a taphole assembly opening (2) extending through a shell (3) and a refractory lining (4) of a metallurgical furnace (5) such as a pyrometallurgical furnace and for leading melt from the inside of the metallurgical furnace (5) to the outside of the metallurgical furnace (5). The taphole assembly comprises: a frame section of metal (6) to be arranged in a taphole assembly opening (2) extending through a shell (3) and a refractory lining (4) of a of a metallurgical furnace (5), at least one refractory insert channel element (7) arranged in a seat (8) of the frame section of metal (6) and having a channel (9) for melt. The invention relates also to a method for manufacturing a taphole assembly and to a metallurgical furnace including a taphole assembly.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining/predicting a tapping time for a metal melt in an electric arc furnace (EAF), at least one electrode is provided for melting the metal melt until it reach a target tapping temperature, the EAF further includes a slag and smoke layer on the surface of the metal melt, wherein an electromagnetic stirrer is provided for stirring the metal melt.

Abstract: A condenser includes: a vessel (11) configured to receive a steam flow (S) in a first horizontal direction (X); and cooling tube groups (21, 22, 23, 24) elongated in the first horizontal direction (X) inside the vessel. Each of the cooling tubes groups has a plurality of cooling tubes (31) that are disposed in parallel and extend in a second horizontal direction (Y), which intersects with the first horizontal direction. A hollow portion (32) is formed in the first horizontal direction (X) inside each of the cooling tube groups. A non-condensed gas discharge unit (33) is arranged in the second horizontal direction (Y) at a downstream side of each of the cooling tube groups and includes an opening portion (34) on the hollow portion side. Each of the cooling tube groups includes a partition member (35) extending from the non-condensed gas discharge unit and open at the hollow portion.

Abstract: A condenser includes a container into which steam is to flow, cooling pipes which are positioned inside the container and configured to cool the steam so as to form condensed water, at least one extraction pipe for extracting air included inside the container, at least one extraction hole which is defined in the extraction pipe and through which an interior of the at least one extraction pipe and an interior of the container communicate with each other, and a cylindrical cover which is configured with a gap spaced from the at least one extraction pipe and covers the at least one extraction hole so as to regulate an inflow of the condensed water into the at least one extraction hole. A plurality of the extraction holes are formed around the extraction pipe, and the cylindrical cover is radially outside the at least one extraction pipe with the gap spaced therebetween.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a first half defining a first inlet portion and a first outlet portion, a second half defining a second inlet portion and a second outlet portion. The first half and the second half are configured to mate and form an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. At least one of the first half or the second half includes one or more inlet transfer holes defined through a thickness of at least one of the first inlet portion and/or the second inlet portion. At least one of the first half or the second half includes one or more outlet transfer holes defined through a thickness of at least one of the first outlet portion or the second outlet portion.

Abstract: A quench-cooling system has a primary quench cooler as a double-tube heat exchanger, a tube bundle heat exchanger as a secondary quench cooler. A tube bundle is enclosed by a casing, forming a casing room, which is formed between tube sheets arranged at spaced locations. Bundle tubes are held with the tube sheets. Parallel cooling channels, connected with one another, have a rectangular tunnel geometry formed (i) from the thin tube sheet, separating a gas side from a water/steam side and connected to a ring flange, which is connected to the casing of the enclosed tube bundle; (ii) from parallel webs, arranged on the tube sheet, separating individual water/steam flows from one another; and (iii) from a covering sheet, provided with openings for bundle tubes and defining the flow in the tunnel arrangement of the cooling channels.

Abstract: A thermal module assembling structure includes a base seat and a heat pipe. The base seat is formed with a channel and at least one hole recessed and formed on one side of the base seat in adjacency to the channel. The channel has at least one protrusion section corresponding to the hole. One end of the heat pipe is received in the channel. The heat pipe has at least one insertion recess. The protrusion section is tightly fitted and inserted in the corresponding insertion recess of the heat pipe.

Abstract: A radiating fin with a bent radiating portion and an electrothermal oil heater using the same are provided. The radiating fin comprises a main body with an oil guide groove formed therein, connecting sleeves extending in a horizontal direction being provided at an upper end and a lower end of the main body; a bent radiating portion is formed within a region, a certain distance away from the middle, of an edge of at least one end of the main body; and an upper end and a lower end of the bent radiating portion are located in different vertical planes, or the upper end and the lower end of the bent radiating portion are located in a same vertical plane, and at least one portion between the upper end and the lower end is bent to form a side-raised structure.

Abstract: An integrated pressure compensating heat exchanger and method of use are provided. The integrated pressure compensating heat exchanger includes an inlet configured to input an internal fluid; a first conductive bellows connected to the inlet, configured to accept the internal fluid from the inlet, configured to transfer heat between the internal fluid and an external fluid, and configured to compensate for a pressure by compressing in length; and an outlet configured to accept the internal fluid from the first conductive bellows and to output the internal fluid.

Abstract: A mechanically conformable micro-heat exchanger for use in managing temperature of a subject component. The exchanger includes a flexible fluid tube. In various embodiments, the tube is connected to a flexible substrate, such as by a flexible polymer. The exchanger can be changed manually from an initial shape to a first shape to conform to a shape of the subject component. The flexible fluid tube is configured to channel heat-transfer fluid through a heat-transfer tube section of the tube. The heat-transfer fluid is configured to cool or heat the subject component when, in operation of the mechanically conformable micro-heat exchanger, the heat-transfer fluid is channeled through the heat-transfer tube section.

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 extension for attachment to an open bottom of a magazine tube having a pair of sidewalls, a pair of end walls, and a flange on at least each of the sidewalls at the bottom. The extension includes an extension body having open first and second ends and forward and rear walls. The first open end of the extension body is slidably attachable to the sidewall flanges at the bottom end of a magazine tube. A bottom closure member is removably slidably attached to the open second end of the body and movable between open and closed positions. A latch member is slidably attached to a wall of the extension body to move toward and away from the magazine tube and open ends of the extension body. The latch member releasably secures the extension body to the magazine tube when moved toward the magazine tube and first open end of the extension body.

Abstract: A loading device and method of using same with a rifle having a fixed magazine are disclosed. The loading device may comprise a housing having a channel, a plunger slideably disposed within the channel, and a spout extending away from the housing. The spout is configured to fit within an ejection port of the rifle. The plunger may include an articulating arm extending away from one end of the plunger, wherein the arm includes a plug disposed about one end for pushing ammunition cartridges into the fixed magazine. The loading device advantageously permits efficient and rapid reloading of ammunition into the fixed magazine.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adjustable gun lock wherein a fan-like mechanism blocks the trigger of the gun and is adjustable to fit a wide variety of firearms.

Abstract: A device for controlling access to a firearm having a barrel with various physical features proximal thereto, including a muzzle device. The device includes a lock housing with a cavity to receive the barrel. The device also includes a lock mechanism shaft coupled to a lock mechanism that is configured for rotational movement upon actuation of the lock mechanism. The lock mechanism shaft is coupled to a cam that moves axially upon rotation of the lock mechanism shaft. A bidirectional rotatable shaft is coupled to the cam and is insertable into the barrel of the firearm. Embodiments described include variants on the use of a plurality of tabs such as arm, tab, and/or housing configurations to receive and grasp the muzzle device, firearm fixed front sights, bead front sights and/or accessories such as, for example, Picatinny rails, vertical or near vertical serrations, cuts and/or grooves located on the distal lateral and ventral regions of the frame and/or slide.

Abstract: A firearm barrel alignment device and method of use for quickly and accurately axially aligning an adapter with the barrel of a firearm. The novel barrel alignment device attaches to or is integrated with an adapter and includes an angled or inwardly curved funnel to guide the muzzle of a firearm barrel. The firearm barrel alignment device is heat resistant, preferably, in excess of 1300 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, the funnel in the firearm barrel alignment device is adapted to create a seal between the muzzle and the firearm barrel alignment device.

Abstract: A firearm support attaches to a lower surface of a firearm and helps steady the firearm during shooting from almost any firing position. The support has a body member that has a firearm lower railing receiving channel on its upper surface and a downwardly and forwardly curving claw extending from the lower surface at the front. The claw has a rounded edge and a centrally disposed wedge opening. The lower surface of the body member is also curved as is the rear surface. A pair of extendions extends outwardly, one from each side of the body member just above the upper end of the claw and each has a forward facing surface that is flat.

Abstract: A crossbow includes two rotatable cam assemblies mounted on a rigid cam support structure, the rotation axes of which are fixed relative to and arranged at a forward end of a stock. Limbs are coupled to the stock at positions rearward from the front of the stock. The limbs couple to the cam assemblies via power cables arranged generally parallel to the stock. The cam assemblies provide travel distance multiplication to a bowstring relative to the travel distance of the limb tips.