Abstract: Environmental control system for aircraft are provided having a ram module having a primary heat exchanger and a secondary heat exchanger, a refrigeration module having an air cycle machine module and a condenser heat exchanger module, and at least one conduit fluidly connecting the ram module to the refrigeration module such that the ram module and the refrigeration module can be installed in two separate volumes of the aircraft.

Abstract: A purge unit (100; 600) comprises a vessel (234; 606) having an inlet (152; 608), a return port (154; 610), a first path between the inlet and the return port, a purge port (156; 612), and a second path between the inlet and the purge port. One or more thermoelectric units (220) are positioned to be in thermal communication with at least the first path.

Abstract: A refrigerating cycle apparatus includes: a compressor that compresses and discharges refrigerant; a radiator that makes the refrigerant discharged out of the compressor to radiate heat; a pressure reducing device that decompresses the refrigerant flowing out of the radiator; an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant decompressed by the pressure reducing device; and a decompression control part that controls operation of the pressure reducing device. The decompression control part controls the operation of the pressure reducing device in a manner that a physical quantity which has correlation with a pressure of the refrigerant in the evaporator approaches a predetermined defrosting standard value when a time-priority defrosting mode is set.

Abstract: An air conditioner and a control method for an air conditioner are provided. The air conditioner may include a compressor, a flow switch installed at an outlet side of the compressor, a first guide pipe extending from the flow switch to an outdoor heat exchanger, a second guide pipe extending from the flow switch to an indoor unit, a third guide pipe extending from the outdoor heat exchanger to the indoor unit, a bypass passage extending from the second guide pipe to the third guide pipe to allow at least a portion of the refrigerant in the second guide pipe to be bypassed to the third guide pipe or to allow at least a portion of the refrigerant in the third guide pipe to be bypassed to the second guide pipe, and a bypass valve installed on the bypass passage.

Abstract: A scoop includes a rear wall and a pair of spaced apart side walls; a gripping portion disposed on at least one of the rear wall or side walls; a floor portion connected to the rear wall and the pair of spaced apart side walls, the floor portion having a front edge portion; and a recessed portion formed in the floor portion adjacent to at least one of the spaced apart side walls and dipping below a level of the floor portion, the recessed portion being configured to guide a material contained in the scoop toward the front edge portion of the scoop while dispensing the material from the scoop.

Abstract: The present invention as disclosed herein surrounds a cooling apparatus configured to provide an enclosed envelope and cooling-pack for a reduced form-factor. Embodiments of the present invention provide a cooling apparatus for the transportation of beverage containers in a manner that keeps them colder for longer periods than transport within a non-insulated transportation device. The efficient and compact cooling of beverage containers as provided by the present invention in certain embodiments allows the user to transport the cooling apparatus within a backpack, handbag or other secondary transportation device.

Abstract: A single serve beverage dispenser having a beverage dispensing assembly for an appliance is provided. The beverage dispensing assembly may include a brewing body, a lid, an actuating lever, and a lift frame. The brewing body may define a brew chamber and define an outlet. The lid may be pivotally attached to the brewing body to rotate between a first position and a second position. The lid may include a cam and defining an inlet to receive a flow of water in the first position. The actuating lever may extend between a first end and a second end. The first end may be slidably engaged with the cam to move between the first position and the second position. The lift frame may be pivotally attached to the lever at the second end to selectively motivate the brew pod away from the brew chamber in the second position.

Abstract: A domestic refrigeration appliance has a receptacle chamber for food being delimited by walls of an inner container. A pull-out device is arranged on the inner container and can be pushed into and withdrawn from the receptacle chamber relative to the inner container. A container for receiving food is provided. The container is removably positionable on the pull-out device. The container has at its rear region a coupling element which engages in a coupling pocket provided on the pull-out device, so that a tilt prevention device is provided for the container. A mounted position of the container in which the container is placed on the pull-out device, is configured with a relative movement capability in relation to the pull-out device, having play defined as seen in the depth direction. The tilt prevention device is configured such that over the entire play, the coupling element extends into the coupling pocket.

Abstract: A helium liquefaction system with a thermally reactive nosecone is described. The system further includes a tip having a slanted intake aperture, a shaft, a thermally reactive bore and a nosecone functioning as a hypersonic vortex generator. Further the system may be configured as a standalone helium liquefaction plant, whereby the compressed helium is regeneratively chilled into the cryogenic zone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-stage refrigeration in mixed refrigerant and cascade refrigeration cycles using one or more liquid motive eductors.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied, to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.

Abstract: A method for obtaining an air product in an air separating system in which a liquid fraction is obtained from feed air and used to provide the air product and in which the liquid fraction is temporarily stored in a tank arrangement. A tank arrangement with at least two tanks is used, and the liquid fraction is fed to at least one of the tanks and/or is removed from at least one of the tanks in order to provide the air product. In the process, the liquid fraction is not fed to and removed from any one of the tanks at the same time, and the composition of the liquid fraction in a tank is ascertained prior to each removal of the liquid fraction from the tank. An air separating system is also described.

Abstract: A method for thickening a cryogenic slurry is disclosed. The method comprises providing a cryogenic slurry flow path, a cryogenic liquid discharge path, and a filter medium between the cryogenic slurry flow path and the cryogenic liquid discharge path. The cryogenic slurry comprises a solid and a cryogenic liquid. The cryogenic slurry is fed into the cryogenic slurry flow path, generally tangential to the filter medium. This causes a portion of the cryogenic liquid to cross the filter medium into the cryogenic liquid discharge path as a cryogenic liquid discharge and the cryogenic slurry to thicken to produce a thickened slurry. The filter medium comprises a cryogenically-stable material such that adsorption of gases is inhibited, deposition of solids is prevented, and temperature-change induced expansion and contraction of the filter medium is optimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling the temperature of objects, in particular for drying coated vehicle bodies or body parts, the device having a housing and a temperature controlling tunnel accommodated into the housing. A temperature controlling device for controlling the temperature of the objects using a temperature-controlled gaseous fluid comprises fluid nozzles, through each of which a jet of fluid can be dispensed onto the objects. A tunnel atmosphere can be suctioned through at least one suction opening using a suction system, whereby a base current is generated in the direction of the at least one suction opening in the temperature controlling tunnel. A convection device is provided, by means of which a convection current can be generated in addition to the base current, said convection current supporting the base current.

Abstract: An RF laundry dryer includes, amongst other things, an RF generator, an RF applicator having a perforated body supporting anode and cathode elements, a fan arranged relative to the perforated body to flow or draw air through the perforated body and an electromagnetic shield protecting the fan from the e-field. Both anode and cathode elements are operably coupled to the RF generator to generate an e-field between the anode and cathode upon the energizing of the RF generator.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing moisture of a fibrous material includes applying microwave radiation combined with RF to the fibrous material to heat and evacuate moisture from the fibrous material during a heating cycle and optionally alternating heating cycles with drying/cooling cycles. The fibrous material can be, for example, sawn or dimensional lumber. The application of alternating microwave and RF in a controlled and continuous process advantageously mimics the heating, rewetting and drying cycles of a conventional kiln without the need for batch processing. Accordingly, a faster and more cost-efficient drying process is possible with no defects imparted to the wood in the process.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, for a liquid feeding device for the generation of droplets, in particular for the use in a process line for the production of freeze-dried particles, with a droplet ejection section for ejecting liquid droplets in an ejection direction, the droplet ejection section comprising at least one inlet port for receiving a liquid to be ejected, a liquid chamber for retaining the liquid, and a nozzle for ejecting the liquid from the liquid chamber to form droplets, wherein the liquid chamber is restricted by a membrane on one side thereof, the membrane being vibratable by an excitation unit, wherein the longitudinal axis of the liquid chamber is tilted relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, and/or the liquid feeding device further comprises a deflection section for separating the droplets from each other by means of at least one gas jet, wherein the deflection section gas jet intersects perpendicular with an ejection path of the liquid ejected from the liquid chamb

Abstract: An initial processing of natural raw rubber through an initial processing machine, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a coagulated latex which contains water and volatile compositions; (b) dewatering the coagulated latex through a screw-pressing process to remove free water; (c) forming a first pretreated latex material; (d) aging the first pretreated latex material through an aging process to remove water and volatile compositions; and (e) forming a final product of aged latex material. The screw-pressing process makes use of the temperature and pressure increase along the elongated channel structure. The aging process makes use of the further temperature and pressure increase of the rubber materials, together with the screwing effect of the screw-shaft component, the squeezing effect of the nozzle and additional heating at a particular location, which is around the mouthpiece of the nozzle to complete the aging process, which is energy saving, effective and efficient.

Abstract: Many substantially identical refractory bricks are assembled into completed horizontal ring rows neatly nested into laterally curved copper stave coolers surrounding the ring. Each brick “locks” into horizontal channels between pairs of parallel horizontal protruding ribs on the hot faces of the stave coolers. Every stave cooler is provisioned with a full covering of the refractory bricks after the stave cooler is mounted inside a corresponding steel containment shell. None of the refractory bricks are permitted to be finished bridging between adjacent stave coolers in the same horizontal row. Each brick is installed in their respective stave coolers with crushable or deformable mortar filling the channels. Each brick hooks a “toe” just under and into an upper of the pair of horizontal ribs, and then rotates in down with favorably oriented and directed earth's gravity to stay in place at least until a next upper row of bricks in a superior horizontal ring “lock” them in a second way.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling liquids that includes a tank that has two longitudinal walls, two lateral walls and a bottom, and cooling flasks that each of them has two longitudinal walls, two lateral walls and a bottom. The flasks are designed to contain coolant. The lateral walls and at least one longitudinal wall of each flask has at least one protrusion smaller than 2.5 millimeters. The flasks are designed to be set within the tank in such a way that the protrusions are attached to the longitudinal walls of the tank. The protrusions create a gap smaller than 2.5 millimeters between each two adjacent flasks and between the lateral walls of the flasks to the longitudinal walls of the tank. These gaps constitute a single cooling space. The total volume of the flasks is three times greater or more than the volume of the single cooling space.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a plurality of heat exchanger plate pairs. Each plate has a longitudinal central planar portion and a peripheral edge portion extending from it. The plate is provided with a first boss and a second boss having an inlet and outlet, respectively. A rib is also provided extending from the peripheral edge portion to the central planar portion, the rib having a mating surface, where the rib mating surface of a first plate in a first plate pair is in contact with a rib mating surface of a second plate in an adjacent plate pair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an outdoor heat exchanger, and more particularly, to an outdoor heat exchanger including a variable baffle whose opening and closing are controlled according to a switching of cooling/heating modes of a vehicle heat pump system to easily change a refrigerant pass and reduce the number of refrigerant passes at the time of heating than at the time of cooling.

Abstract: A rotary heat exchanger through which a first fluid flow—an outside air or inlet air flow, for example—and a second fluid flow—an exit air or outgoing air flow, for example—can flow in a counterflow configuration, has a rotatably mounted rotor (5) that has a first flow sector for the first fluid flow and a second flow sector for the second fluid flow through which the rotor (5) passes during a rotation, a frame in which the rotor (5) is rotatably supported, and a sealing assembly (9) by means of which an inflow side of the first fluid flow and an outflow side of the second fluid flow can be separated from the outflow side of the first fluid flow and from an inflow side of the second fluid flow, respectively.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a molding which is flow-passable by a fluid in at least one flow direction. The molding comprises a multiplicity of mutually parallel successive layers. Each layer includes clearances and at least one mating face toward a following or a preceding layer. Each clearance of one layer overlaps at least one region of the clearance of a following or preceding layer. On account thereof, the layers collectively configure step-shaped webs in the molding. The molding comprises at least two such webs. Moreover, the present invention relates to manufacturing methods for manufacturing said moldings, and the use of said moldings and reactors which comprise said moldings.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for storing and releasing heat having the steps of thermally contacting thermal transfer fluid to a mixture of foam and phase change material for a time sufficient for the material to change from a first phase to a second phase during a time when electricity rates are at a first price point; maintaining said material in the second phase until electricity rates are at a second point, wherein the second point is higher than the first price point; and thermally contacting the thermal transfer fluid to the composite in the second phase for a time sufficient for the material to change from the second phase to the first phase.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments disclosed herein pertain to a cooling apparatus that includes a distributor plate and a conduit assembly. The conduit assembly allows a cooling fluid to flow downwards through a first set of holes in the distributor plate and onto a hot object placed below the distributor plate. The cooling fluid then flows upwards from the hot object into a second set of holes in the distributor plate. The first set of holes are shaped to offer a pressure increase to the cooling fluid flowing towards the hot object. The second set of holes are shaped to offer reduced resistance to the cooling fluid flowing away from the hot object. The distributor plate and the conduit assembly are fabricated from a material that is a heat insulator thereby preventing heat transfer from the cooling fluid flowing away from the hot object to the cooling fluid flowing towards the hot object.

Abstract: One aspect includes an isothermal compressor that includes an isothermal body, an isothermal cavity defined by the isothermal body, a compressible membrane heat exchanger disposed within the isothermal cavity that defines at least one first fluid chamber, and an actuating assembly configured to compress the membrane heat exchanger. A further aspect includes an isothermal engine that includes the isothermal compressor.

Abstract: A heat dissipation device includes etched or other grooves for adhesive surrounding etched or other recesses for heat-dissipating fluid, these being created in a first copper sheet and a second copper sheet brought together. The first copper sheet includes first recesses and the second copper sheet includes corresponding second recesses. The second copper sheet is adhesively fixed on the first copper sheet and an airtight receiving cavity is formed by the first and second recesses being brought together. The heat-dissipating fluid in the airtight receiving cavity carries away heat generated by a heat-producing device to which the heat-dissipating device is fixed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for cooling a gas is disclosed. A slurry is passed through a droplet generating device to produce droplets of the slurry. The slurry comprises a contact liquid and solids. A melting point of the solids is higher than a vaporization point of the contact liquid. A carrier gas is passed across the droplets to exchange heat between the carrier gas and the droplets. At least a portion of the heat transferred to the droplets melts the solids.

Abstract: A method for semi-continuous operation of a heat exchange process that alternates between two heat exchangers is disclosed. The method comprises, first, providing a contact liquid to a first heat exchanger while the second heat exchanger is on standby. The contact liquid contains a dissolved gas, an entrained gas, or residual small particles that foul the first heat exchanger by condensing or depositing as a foulant onto the first heat exchanger, restricting free flow of the contact liquid. Second, detecting a pressure drop across the first heat exchanger. Third, switching flows of the coolant from the first to the second heat exchanger. Fourth, removing the foulant from the now standby first heat exchanger by providing heat to the heat exchanger, passing a non-reactive gas through the heat exchanger, or a combination thereof. In this manner, the heat exchange process operates semi-continuously.

Abstract: A method for monitoring that includes the steps of: associating a monitoring module with a heat exchanger unit; operating the monitoring module whereby a microcontroller performs various tasks, and ultimately providing an indication; and taking an action based on the indication. The monitoring module includes an at least one sensor proximate to the cooling side. The module also includes a logic circuit having a microcontroller in operable communication with the at least one sensor.

Abstract: An adjustable handle auxiliary device includes a main handle body, a handle, a resting part, a tank body and at least one clamping part. The main handle body has one side having a docking portion, and one end edge having a combination tooth portion. The handle has a combination portion. The combination portion and the docking portion can be mutually combined together. The resting part has one side having a resting slot and the other side having a toothed combination slot. The toothed combination slot and the combination tooth portion can be mutually combined together. The tank body is formed with a chamber. The main handle body is disposed in the chamber. The tank body is provided with multiple jointing members. The clamping part includes a first clamping member, a second clamping member and a third clamping member combined together. The second and third clamping members clamp the jointing members.

Abstract: A rife includes a receiver and a bolt body at least partially disposed in the receiver and including a body axis. The bolt body is discretely (1) rotatable about the body axis within the receiver and (2) axially slidable along the body axis. The rife also includes a bolt handle coupled to the bolt body so as to discretely (1) rotate with the bolt body about the body axis and (2) move with the bolt body along the body axis.

Abstract: A magazine loader for loading cartridges into a magazine includes a base and a housing supported by the base. The base and the housing support a bowl for receiving a plurality of cartridges. A wheel is disposed inside the bowl cavity defined by the bowl. Cartridges are circulated in the bowl upon rotation of the wheel and exit the bowl via an aperture while the cartridges are assuming either a first orientation or a second orientation. A series of cartridges having random orientations are fed to a sorter of the magazine loader. The sorter is operable to receive a first cartridge and rotate the first cartridge clockwise 90 degrees if the random directional orientation of the first cartridge is the first directional orientation and/or rotate the first cartridge counterclockwise 90 degrees if the random directional orientation of the first cartridge is the second directional orientation.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a gun barrel with a cold spray process. The method includes the use of a mandrel having a tubular body and being made of a material with properties suited to use with gun barrel manufacture and materials and cold spray processes. The gun barrel includes a liner, one or more structural layers and an outer jacket. The mandrel is dissolved in a chemical process during manufacture of the gun barrel.

Abstract: A conduit (5) with a bullet passage (13, 17) extends forward from a gun muzzle (7). Inner and outer concentric chambers (25, 29) surround the conduit and a forward portion of the barrel (3). A gas path (P2, P3, P4) is provided through sides of the conduit into the inner chamber, thence to the outer chamber, and then exits to the atmosphere at the front of the outer chamber. Each chamber has longitudinal lines of sight between front and back sound reflectors (R1-R2, R3-R4), and no longitudinal line of sight from the back reflector (R2, R4) to the atmosphere. The gas path through the suppressor is at least 6 times less flow-restrictive than the gas path through the bullet exit (17) or back into the barrel bore (4), minimizing backpressure. The gas path (P3) between the inner and outer chambers is through apertures (33) limited to a lengthwise middle portion of an inner shell (21) that divides the chambers (25, 29).

Abstract: A concentric rifle barrel assembly includes an outer sleeve having a plurality of threads along the first and second ends, an elongated rifle barrel, and a locking nut. The first end of the rifle barrel is removably positioned within the sleeve and includes a chamber that is sized to receive a firearm cartridge. Threads on the locking nut engage the second end of the sleeve, and a positioning ring that is located a first distance from the first end of the rifle barrel. The first distance being complementary to the length of the sleeve minus the length of the rim of the firearm cartridge for which the barrel is designed to accommodate. Fluting is provided along one or both of the rifle barrel and the sleeve, and the sleeve is designed to receive any number of different rifle barrels each sized to accommodate cartridges of different sizes and calibers.

Abstract: A toy launcher for toy projectiles includes a drum having two concentric rings of holders with an angular offset between adjacent concentric rings, and motorized flywheels to launch the projectiles. The launcher also includes an assembly for pushing projectiles in the drum toward the flywheels for launch, including a separate pushing rod for each of the concentric rings to advance one projectile at a time toward the flywheels. Both pushing rods are simultaneously pushed when a trigger is pressed, but only one projectile at a time is launched because while one pushing rod advances a projectile, the other pushing rod is blocked by a structure on the drum. Successive presses of the trigger cause projectiles to be launched in an alternating sequence in which one projectile at a time is launched first from a first concentric ring, then from a second concentric ring, then from the first concentric ring.

Abstract: A crossbow including a frame along which an arrow movement axis essentially passes, a first holder and a second holder attached to the frame on opposite sides from the arrow movement axis, a first cam and a second cam arranged on the first holder and the second holder, respectively, made rotatable, and located essentially in a horizontal plane, and at least one limb arranged essentially below the arrow movement axis and attached to the frame. The at least one limb having a free end and made bending essentially in a vertical plane when using the crossbow where the vertical plane being perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The crossbow further includes a bowstring connecting the first cam and the second cam and at least one cable connecting the first cam and the second cam to the free end of the at least one limb.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tension gun for firing arrows. The tension gun is comprised of a stock, a trigger, a pistol grip, and a forearm which are configured in a manner which is similar to a conventional crossbow. The bow arms are removed from the design, and replaced by a pair of coaxial coil springs and other tension multipliers within the forearm, which propel the arrow. A folding handle at the forward end of the forearm is provided for carrying the tension gun.

Abstract: A toy projective launcher includes a launching tube; a catapulting cavity located at an end portion of the launching tube; a trigger seat located between the launching tube and the catapulting cavity; a catapulting rod, including a transverse rod having a head end extending into the catapulting cavity and a vertical rod connecting with a tail end of the transverse rod, the transverse rod being equipped with a resistance matching member; a push-pull rod, one end being equipped with a push-pull portion, the push-pull portion being contacted with the vertical rod of the catapulting rod; a catapulting rod stopper, equipped with a first through hole for the transverse rod of the catapulting rod to pass through; and a trigger connecting rod, a first end being connected with the trigger seat, and a second end being contacted with the catapulting stopper.

Abstract: Trigger armor systems and grip armor systems are provided. The trigger armor system may include an integral finger rest, grip, and knuckle guard. The grip armor system may include an integral angle grip and well grip. Trigger and grip armor systems including an integral trigger armor system and grip armor system are also provided.

Abstract: A network of scopes, including one or more lead scopes and one or more follower scopes, is provided to allow the respective scopes to track the same presumed target. A lead scope locates a target and communicates target position data of the presumed target to the follower scope. The follower scope uses the target position data and its own position data to generate electronic control signals for use by follower scope to make position movements so as to re-position the follower scope from its current target position to move towards the target position defined by the target position data received from the lead scope. At least the second scope is mounted to, or integrated into, a vehicle, which uses the target position data to move to a new location so as to allow the second scope to better view the target.

Abstract: This invention concerns a device for the transmission of impulse and momentum, e.g. from a shock wave from an explosion or momentum from objects impacting the device, from one location to another, and is primarily used to protect vehicles, ships, aircrafts and buildings against impulse and/or momentum, for instance in regards to attacks on those with grenades, bombs, mines and the like. The governing physical principles are those of conservation of momentum and energy, and Newton's 3rd Law, claiming that for every action there is an equal but opposite reaction. When the receiver 1 is accelerated by the incoming shock wave 9 it collides with the transmitter 2, connected to an emitter 3, momentum is transferred to the emitter 3. If the transfer is in itself not sufficient to bring the receiver's 1 velocity to an acceptable level, additional energy and momentum is added through the transmitter 2.

Abstract: A quick change target system including a frame, a target mounted to the frame, and a retainer movable between a first position retaining the target within the frame and a second position permitting removal of the target from the frame. The target is formed from a plurality of individual members that have markings, which collectively define aiming points on the target.

Abstract: An automatically resetting target device includes a target arm having a target end, a pivot end and a length therebetween, a target support member for pivotally supporting the pivot end of the target arm, and an automatically resetting mechanism. The automatically resetting mechanism includes a center support member attached to the target support member and biasing member having a first end and a second end, the first end attached to a point along the length of the target arm and the second end attached to an attachment member spaced apart from the pivot end of the target arm, wherein the biasing member passes across the pivot end of the target arm and causes the target arm to move from a first ready position to a second ready position when an outside force from a projectile is applied to the target.

Abstract: The present invention provides a A polymer nose for a polymeric ammunition cartridge having a generally cylindrical neck having a projectile aperture at a first end, an outer shoulder surface that extends from the generally cylindrical neck, an outer shoulder angle defined by the outer shoulder surface, an inner shoulder surface on the inside of the polymer nose opposite the outer shoulder surface, an inner shoulder angle defined by the outer shoulder surface, a skirt surface extending from the inner shoulder surface, a skirt angle defined by the skirt surface, and a nose junction that extends from the outer shoulder surface to the skirt surface, wherein the nose junction is adapted to mate to a polymer cartridge.

Abstract: The system and method for accurately determining range-to-go for the time-delayed command detonation of a projectile. Using dual laser and/or radio frequency detectors on a spinning projectile to determine the range-to-go, time-to-go, or lateral offset from the projectile to the target. The detectors are forward facing and rear facing and are located in a tail kit such that cost can be greatly reduced on a spinning projectile. The deployable detector(s) may be a light pipe, mirrors, or the like and comprise APD or PIN diodes.

Abstract: A spool for use in a blasting system which includes a coiled signal transmitting conductor connected at one end to a detonator and at a second end to a connector, wherein the detonator and the connector are engaged with retentive formations on a face of a flange of the spool.

Abstract: A method for characterising instrument error in a surface measurement instrument, comprising obtaining first calibration measurement data representing a known surface form of a first reference object and obtaining second calibration measurement data representing a known surface form of a second reference object. At least a portion of the second calibration measurement data represents a measurement range that overlaps with at least a portion of a measurement range of the first calibration measurement data. A common error function is obtained that characterises the instrument error.