Abstract: Hinged baffle assemblies for heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) are disclosed. The baffle assemblies may include a baffle plate for directing exhaust fluid through a casing of the HRSG. The baffle plate may include first and second ends, a first surface exposed to the exhaust fluid flowing through the casing, and a second surface opposite the first surface. The baffle assemblies may also include a hinge component coupled to the first end of the baffle plate and positioned within/fixed relative to the casing. Additionally, the baffle assemblies may include a first diverter plate positioned adjacent to the second end of the baffle plate. The first diverter plate may directly contact the first surface of the baffle plate and may aid in directing the exhaust fluid through the casing of the HRSG.

Abstract: A header duct and method of forming a header duct includes an inlet portion having a planar inlet, an outlet portion have a plurality of planar outlets, and a transition portion extending continuously from the inlet portion to the outlet portion. The transition portion has a bend and internal topography defining a non-monotonic cross-sectional area distribution between the inlet and outlet portions. The transition portion can further include a bulbous region extending in a lateral direction of the duct and a protrusion located along an inside radius of the bend.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule type heat conduction column and a method for manufacturing the same. The method comprises the steps of mixing a thermally conductive base material thoroughly, stuffing and compacting the thermally conductive base material into a capsule formed by a first pipe and a second pipe, and sealing the capsule by a plurality of thermal interface materials. Each of the first pipe and the second pipe has a first opening and a second opening at two terminals thereof, and the second opening of the first pipe is assembled to the first opening of the second pipe.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved mobile combustion cleaning system for removing debris from a plurality of semi-permeable heat exchange surfaces with a moveable distribution network configured for receipt of a combustion mixture from a mobile cart according to a configurable controller the configurable controller generating the impulse wave from the combustion mixture and for moving the moveable distribution network along a plurality of axes in response to a change in pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending the magazine well of a firearm has extender body dimensioned to receive a firearm magazine and an expandable securing mechanism coupled to the extender body and selectively expandable against the internal cavity adjacent the magazine well on most firearms. Movement of a driving element in the expandable securing mechanism causes an expandable member thereof to transition from a first unexpanded configuration to a second expanded configuration for frictionally engaging interior surfaces of the internal cavity, and vice versa.

Abstract: A backplate for a rifle may include a buffer tube engagement ring and an engagement tab operably coupled to the buffer tube engagement ring. The engagement tab may include a receiver engagement face and an exposed face that is opposite the receiver engagement face. The receiver engagement face may include a backplate protrusion extending away from a surface of the receiver engagement face, and a spring assisted guide spaced apart from the backplate protrusion. The spring assisted guide may include a cylindrically shaped cavity configured to receive and retain a distal end of a detent spring of the rifle.

Abstract: Method and tool for promptly aligning the mating port of a gas block with the gas port of a rifle barrel. The prompt alignment of the mating port and gas port is accomplished by using an alignment tool have an alignment port and an alignment slot. The alignment tool is inserted into the gas block such that the alignment port is centered over the mating port and that a portion of the alignment tool protrudes from the gas block. The top surface of the alignment tool is marked circumferentially and the forward end of the gas block is marked perpendicular to the alignment slot. The alignment tool is then removed from the gas block and affixed to the rifle barrel such that the alignment port is centered over the gas port. The barrel is marked through the alignment slot in line with the circumferential marking on the top surface of the alignment tool.

Abstract: The multi-barrel split-breech rapid fire gun is a light-weight, electrically-driven rapid fire gun, radially loaded and fired, using only rotating parts. This eliminates inertia problems compared to a breech-loaded gun that requires a bolt to chamber a cartridge. The firing mechanism allows the cartridge to be enclosed in a split-breech for 50% one rotation of the barrel hub. The gun incorporates an independent firing pin for each barrel to allow for high firing rates. The gun is fed by a thin polyimide cartridge belt fan-folded in a detachable wet-magazine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system to facilitate counting and displaying of an ammunition count of a magazine of a firearm. Further, the system may include a sensory device configured to generate a sensory data related to a movement of ammunition in the magazine. Further, the system may include a processing device communicatively connected with the sensory device configured for analyzing the sensory data to generate an ammunition data. Further, the ammunition data may include a number of ammunition rounds in the magazine. Further, the system may include a presentation device communicatively connected with the processing device configured for displaying the ammunition data. Further, the system may include a storage device configured for storing the ammunition data.

Abstract: Examples of a self-releasing magazine and a magazine follower assembly thereof for firearms are described. The magazine follower assembly includes a casing and a self-releasing actuator received in the casing. When in use, the magazine follower assembly generally moves along a first axis with respect to the casing between a first position in the magazine when the magazine is fully loaded and a second position in the magazine when the magazine contains no ammunition cartridge. When the magazine follower assembly is at the second position in the magazine, the self-releasing actuator is configured to actuate a magazine release mechanism of the firearm to disengage the magazine from the firearm so that the magazine is detachable from the firearm.

Abstract: A pistol magazine loader includes a main unit comprising a magazine holder and a cartridge holder coupled with the magazine holder, the magazine holder defining an opening configured to receive a pistol magazine, and the cartridge holder defining a channel configured to hold a plurality of cartridges in a column, the cartridge holder further including an angled wall at an end of the channel proximate the magazine holder, the cartridge holder still further including a recess on a side of the channel opposite the angled wall, wherein, when the plurality of cartridges in a column is forced from the cartridge holder toward the magazine holder, a first cartridge about to exit the cartridge holder is urged against the angled wall and into the recess such that an edge of a shell of a cartridge immediately adjacent/following the first cartridge does not contact a bullet of the first cartridge.

Abstract: A Ruger® revolver has a cylinder release button for loading/unloading that is stiff. It is difficult to push into the frame to release the cylinder. A spring force keeps the cylinder locking rod pushed rearward into a locking hole. When the cylinder release button is pushed into the frame, a short lever arm moves the release arm pin forward to overcome the spring bias force rearward. The present invention attaches to the face of the release button to extend the lever arm from the fulcrum of the cylinder release rod. A bolt and/or glue can attach the extension lever arm to the face of the cylinder release face. A factory model could provide a one piece cylinder release rod with an extended rearward projecting face.

Abstract: A firearm safety system processes images of a shooter and/or a target, and determines whether to lock or unlock a firearm based on a result of the processing. An image capturing device mounted on the firearm captures images of a shooter and a target. A storage media includes images of authorized users of the firearm, and images of targets not be shot at (“do-not-shoot” targets). A microprocessor compares the shooter image with images of the authorized users, and/or the target images with images of the do-not-shoot targets. The firearm is locked when (a) the shooter image does not match an image of any authorized user or (b) the target image matches an image of any do-not-shoot target. The firearm is unlocked when (a) the shooter image matches an image of any authorized users and (b) the target image does not match an image of any do-not-shoot target.

Abstract: Trigger groups for semi-automatic firearms have a frame, a hammer connected to the frame and movable between a cocked position and a striking position, the hammer being biased toward the striking position, a trigger element connected to the frame and movable by a user between a forward position and a rearward position, a selector connected to the frame and movable between at least a first position and a second position, a plurality of retention facilities each operable to selectively restrain the hammer in the cocked position, and when the selector is in the first position to enable discharge of the firearm in response to movement of the trigger to the rearward position, and when the selector is in the second position to enable discharge of the firearm in response to movement of the trigger to the forward position after movement to the rearward position.

Abstract: A firing control apparatus and method for installing in a firearm, the apparatus comprising: an energy storing mechanism configured to store mechanical energy which is produced by a mechanical system, upon firing the firearm or by manual operation of the firearm, an electromagnet configured to control the energy storing mechanism, wherein the energy storing mechanism holds or releases the mechanical energy to prevent or enable the firearm from firing, and a processor or an electro-mechanical switch configured to activate or deactivate the electromagnet to control the operation of the energy storing mechanism according to preselected rules.

Abstract: A silencer for a gun includes an inner end housing adapted to be coupled to a gun, an outer end housing coupled to the inner end housing and defining an axial axis, a baffle holder disposed inside the inner end housing and the outer end housing, the baffle holder having at least two slots spaced axially along the axial axis, and at least two baffles disposed in the at least two slots of the baffle holder, one of the at least two baffles being disposed in one of the at least two slots, the at least two baffles having an aperture extending axially therethrough to allow a bullet fired from the gun to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A muzzle device assembly, including a flash suppressor, wherein the flash suppressor comprises a body having a central bore aperture, and wherein the flash suppressor comprises a plurality of air channel inlets and air channels, wherein the air channel inlets and air channels are in fluid communication with the central bore aperture; and a collar, wherein the collar comprises a plurality of airflow apertures, wherein each airflow aperture corresponds to an air channel inlet, and wherein the collar is rotatable between at least an open position and a closed position relative to the flash suppressor, wherein when the collar is in the open position at least a portion of each airflow aperture is aligned with each air channel inlet.

Abstract: A turret includes a firearm, which is configured to shoot munitions. A support assembly supports the firearm and is configured to move the firearm about an azimuthal rotation or swiveling axis (Y) and about a zenithal rotation or elevation axis (X). A munition guidance device mounts on the support assembly and is configured to direct a precision-guided munition, which is shot by the firearm towards a target. A protection apparatus is mounted on the support assembly and is configured to assume: a covering condition, in which the protection apparatus hides the munition guidance device on the inside of the support assembly; and an opening condition, in which the protection apparatus exposes the munition guidance device on the outside of the support assembly.

Abstract: An interchangeable barrel assembly for a firearm including a novel barrel and tool assembly which are used with a receiver having an open aft end. The tool assembly is configured to be inserted into the receiver open aft end so as to engage the aft end of the barrel. Torque applied to the tool assembly thereby transfers torque to the barrel without transferring forces to the action. This enables the same action to be used with different barrels and the barrel may be removed without removing the receiver or other components of the modular chassis or accessories mounted thereon. Additionally, standard torque may be applied to the barrel for connection to the receiver and firearm precision is maintained.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a compound bow comprises a frame, a first limb supported by the frame and a second limb supported by the frame. The first limb supports a first rotatable member, and the first rotatable member comprises a cam. The compound bow further comprises a second rotatable member, a first pulley and a second pulley. A power cable is in communication with the cam. A bowstring contacts the first rotatable member, the second rotatable member, the first pulley and the second pulley. In some embodiments, the first pulley is supported by the first limb.

Abstract: An archery release device and method are disclosed therein. The archery release device includes, in an embodiment, a release body, and first and second jaws independently pivotally mounted to the release body. The archery release device also has a trigger mounted to the release body and an actuation step operative to hold the first and second jaws in a closed position during targeting and in an open position for release of an arrow from an archery bow.

Abstract: An arrow gun is provided having a controllable retention force on the arrow. By setting the retention force on the arrow, increased energy from motive compressed gas can be imparted to the arrow. The arrow gun also includes a damping coupling for reducing vibration of an unsupported length of the barrel.

Abstract: Pistol frames have a pair of opposed frame shells, the frame shells separable contacting each other at a medial plane, the shells defining a plurality of registered apertures configured to receive a plurality of registration elements, and the shells collectively defining a rail receptacle configured to receive a rail module. The shells may be formed of metal and be an integral unitary element. The shells may define a plurality of receptacles each configured to receive a rail module. The shells may at least in part define a magazine well having opposed sidewalls. The rail receptacle may be in open communication with the magazine well. The magazine well may have opposed side surfaces and opposed front and rear surfaces, the rear surface extending from a lower grip end of the frame and having an upper terminus at an intermediate location spaced apart from an upper limit of the frame.

Abstract: A combination foregrip and laser sight device for use with a rifle or AR pistol. The device having a forward downwardly extending post with a horizontal surface, a rearward downwardly extending post with a horizontal surface, and a notch therebetween for receiving fingers of a left or right hand of a person. The foregrip body defining a first opening in the forward direction, a second opening in a starboard direction, and a third opening in a port direction. A laser housing of the device being disposed inside the first opening defined by the foregrip body. A starboard switch of the device being disposed in the second opening defined by the foregrip body. A port switch of the device being disposed in the third opening defined by the foregrip body. The switches being operatively coupled to the semiconductor chip for selective activation thereof.

Abstract: A handguard adapter assembly operable to couple a high recoil accessory to a firearm. The handguard adapter assembly comprises a mounting system operable to be coupled to the firearm. The mounting system can be configured to be disposed around a substantially tubular member and can comprise a lower clamp and an upper clamp operably engaged with the lower clamp. The handguard adapter assembly can also comprise a lower handguard operably coupled to the lower clamp and an upper handguard operably coupled to the lower handguard.

Abstract: A flexible cover includes a main layer made of a first composite material that includes a first woven material and a first elastomer. The flexible cover also includes an auxiliary layer made of a second composite material that includes a second woven material and a second elastomer. The auxiliary layer is secured to a face of the main layer and includes petal-shaped regions that are separated from one another by weakening lines.

Abstract: A rear sight is provided for use on a firearm. The rear sight includes a rear sight blade connected to a mounting base. The mounting base is configured to be connected to a top surface of the firearm. The blade includes a sighting notch positioned to be aligned with a post on a front sight. The width of the sighting notch is variable. The rear sight is configured to be provided with a second sighting notch integrated within the rear sight and which is configured to move between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A tritium housing includes a body extending from a first end to a second end to define a hollow extending therebetween. A lens is disposed adjacent and surrounded by the first end of the body and a sleeve is disposed within said hollow and extends from a closed end disposed adjacent the second end of the housing to an open end disposed adjacent the lens. A tritium vial is disposed within the sleeve to produce illumination visible through the lens. The body is comprised of a colored plastic material for magnifying and brightening the tritium illumination during a daylight use of the tritium housing.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a mount for attaching an accessory to a firearm including: a body having at least one firearm rail mounting feature; at least one mounting cap removably securable to the body, the at least one mounting cap capable of forming a generally cylindrical passage with a portion of the body; and an auxiliary accessory mount removably securable to the body over the at least one mounting cap, wherein the auxiliary accessory mount includes: an accessory mounting surface configured to receive a firearm accessory; and a mounting feature extending generally perpendicular to the accessory mounting surface, the mounting feature being removably securable to the body.

Abstract: A ballistic vest carrier is formed by two overlapping outer panels and two overlapping inner panels. The ballistic vest carrier is configured to hold a soft ballistic panel and provides a pocket for an optional hard ballistic plate. The pocket for the optional ballistic plate is accessible from the outside face through an outer access opening. The outer face of the ballistic vest carrier is free of protruding edges, allowing concealed use of the ballistic vest carrier. A ballistic vest includes two ballistic vest carriers which are connected by shoulder straps and side straps.

Abstract: A torsion bar restraint system for tracked combat vehicles that aids in the improvement of occupant survival rates when associated with asymmetric threats. The blast mitigating restraint system can reduce the dynamic deflection of torsion bars based on the severity of the blast impulse as needed. Systems comprise one or more components that secure the torsion bar to the hull for protecting against dynamic deflection and lateral displacement. The two disclosed components, an end restraint device and an M-Ring restraining device, can be used in conjunction or independently from each other based on the type of threat likely to be encountered.

Abstract: The self-defense baton with automated flare is used for personal protection. The self-defense baton with automated flare comprises a telescopic structure and a combustion device. The combustion device generates a flame. The combustion device installs in the telescopic structure. The telescopic structure is an extendable structure. The telescopic structure is further defined with a collapsed position, an extended position, a proximal end, and a distal end. The telescopic structure is stored in the collapsed position. In the event of an emergency, the person grasps the telescopic structure and releases a first detent located at the proximal end. The release of the first detent automatically: a) extends the telescopic structure from the collapsed position to the extended position; and, b) ignites the combustion device such that the flame is presented at the distal end of the telescopic structure. A person positions the flame to ward off potential attackers.

Abstract: A surveillance system comprising a housing dimensioned to enclose a plurality of cameras and one or more viewing windows to allow light to pass through the housing. A wife transmitting module sends and receives wireless data via an antenna and a mounting rail is attached to the housing to mount the housing to a firearm.

Abstract: A disc launching device includes a long handle and a disc holder at one end of the handle. The handle may include a grip end for holding the handle, an attachment end opposite the grip end, and a shaft extending from the grip end to the attachment end. The disc holder is attached to the attachment end of the handle. It includes a front rail for holding one side of a disc, a back rail for holding an opposite side of the disc, and at least one support member extending between the front rail and the back rail. The front rail and the back rail form an opening on one side of the disc holder, configured to allow the disc to launch out of the disc holder through the opening when sufficient forward momentum is applied to the disc holder via the handle.

Abstract: A shooting stall includes a first wall, a second wall, and an air permeable barrier. The first wall includes an upstream end, a downstream end, and a side surface that extends between the upstream end and the downstream end. The second wall is disposed substantially parallel to the first wall, and the second wall includes an upstream end, a downstream end, and a side surface facing the first wall that extends between the upstream end and the downstream end. The air permeable member is disposed between the first wall and the second wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ammunition cartridge having a primer insert having a top surface opposite a bottom surface and a extraction flange that extends circumferentially about an outer edge of the top surface; a coupling element that extends from the bottom surface, wherein the substantially cylindrical coupling element is adapted to receive a polymer overmolding; a primer recess in the top surface that extends toward the bottom surface, wherein the primer recess comprises a recess bottom and a circular recess side wall; a primer flash aperture through the recess bottom that extends through the bottom surface, wherein the primer flash aperture is adapted to receive a polymer overmolding to form a flash hole; and one or more pads positioned on the recess bottom; a groove in the primer recess positioned around the primer flash aperture to extend at least partially over the recess bottom and adapted to receive a polymer overmolding.

Abstract: When combined with a metal point, this ten inch plastic pistol crossbow bolt is designed to extend past the barrel of a pistol crossbow so it can be used for recreational shooting, competition shooting, small game hunting, pistol crossbow fishing and pistol crossbow scuba fishing. The main fault of the standard pistol crossbow bolt is they are less than seven inches in length and do not extend past the end of a pistol crossbow barrel. Therefore, their use is limited to target points and recreational shooting only. Other faults of the standard short pistol crossbow bolts are their high travel speed. They are very difficult to be viewed in flight, causing most bolts to be lost after one use. Also, their irretrievability from any commonly used target. Therefore, they cannot be found and scored in any type of shooting competition. This ten inch bolt is a solid one piece unit made of a strong but, light weight plastic compound. It has a NOCK to securely hold the bow string in place. Most bolts do not have a nock.

Abstract: Embodiments of a predictably fragmenting projectile having internally-arranged geometric features are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, a predictably fragmenting projectile having internally-arranged geometric features can include a substantially solid core of a material; a substantially continuous and smooth outer ogive; a plurality of petals attached to the core and formed from the material, each of the plurality of petals can include a smooth outer surface and can be formed by two break lines formed on the inside of the petals; and a cavity that is located proximate to the core and inner surfaces of the plurality of petals. The fragmenting projectile can be configured to deform by at least one of the plurality of petals pivoting outwardly relative to the cavity.

Abstract: A cartridge incorporating a projectile assembly, the projectile assembly having a base, mid body component housing a marking powder and lighter metallic nose cap. The projectile's mid-body component undergoes wall failure at impact, the wall failure is induced as forward momentum of the base and other residual forces act to expel the marking powder from the projectile, the manner of ejection suspending a low density material with contrast dye, in the vicinity of the impact, providing a gunner with visual cue in regard to a projectile's impact location.

Abstract: A dissolvable glass projectile for a firearm is molded from dissolvable glass for the ammunitions and firearms industry. The dissolvable glass projectile may be molded into different sizes or geometry based on firearm and user preference. A mixture of chemicals components are heated and melted and then poured into a mold and is allowed to cool to a solid that can be handled.

Abstract: An ammunition tray is provided for containing a plurality of bullet cartridges within an ammunition box container having a stowage volume. The tray includes a substantially rectangular template having a horizontal surface bounded by first and second opposing longitudinal edges and opposing lateral edges joined at four corners. Each longitudinal edge includes a first tab bent substantially perpendicular to the surface in a vertical direction to form a rib. Each lateral edge includes a second tab bent substantially perpendicular to the surface to form a wall. The surface includes a first row of interior pockets that point towards the first longitudinal edge as a proximal orientation. The surface further includes a second row of interior pockets that point towards the second longitudinal edge as a distal orientation. The template has longitudinal and lateral edges bent to form the respective ribs and walls fits within the stowage volume as a vertical stack of plural templates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the military field. It discloses a contact fuse for multi-purpose aircraft ammunition, characterised in that it comprises an electromechanical arming system that is easy to manufacture and does not contain any explosive material inside of same. In addition, said fuse is characterised in that it comprises an alert system that reveals a possibly unsafe condition on the ground and in that it is structurally straightforward to manufacture.

Abstract: A munition module includes an ignition point of an explosive configuration positioned away from a detonator within a casing of the explosive configuration. In an initial state, an ignition channel runs from the detonator to the ignition point. The ignition channel is formed so as to be open in an initial state and self-sealing in an exploded state after a detonation has taken place. A warhead with the munition module contains an active covering which at least partially surrounds the explosive configuration and can be accelerated by the reacted explosive. In a munition having the warhead, the detonator is an impact detonator. A munition in the form of an air-burst munition contains the warhead.

Abstract: A detonating cord for using in a perforating gun includes an explosive layer and an electrically conductive layer extending around the explosive layer. The electrically conductive layer is configured to relay a communication signal along a length of the detonating cord. In an embodiment, a protective jacket extends around the electrically conductive layer of the detonating cord. The detonating cord may be assembled in a perforating gun to relay a communication signal from a top connector to a bottom connector of the perforating gun, and to propagate a detonating explosive stimulus along its length to initiate shaped charges of the perforating gun. A plurality of perforating guns, including the detonating cord, may be connected in series, with the detonating cord of a first perforating gun in communication with the detonating cord of a second perforating gun.

Abstract: Pressure-isolating bulkhead structures with integrated selective electronic switches circuitry are provided. The pressure-isolating bulkhead structure may be a single unit having the integrated electronic switch circuitry, as well as an electrical connector that includes at least one of a wire and a pin contact. Such integrated selective electronic switch circuitry may be fashioned within a self-contained, inner pressure-isolating enclosure body. Such inner pressure-isolating enclosure body may be produced about the selective electronic switch circuitry such that the inner pressure-isolating enclosure body and switch circuitry are produced as a unit, which can be easily placed within a variety of bulkhead structures, and subsequently within a perforating gun.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide determining blind fastener length. One embodiment is a gauge tool that includes a base plate, and a nose piece including a hollow cylindrical member extending through the base plate and an expandable tip configured to radially expand to circumferentially contact a back rim of a hole. The nose piece is configured to slide with respect to the base plate to retract into the base plate until stopped by the expandable tip pressing the back rim of the hole. The gauge tool further includes a measurement device configured to detect a translating distance of a slidable member moving with retraction of the nose piece, and to display the translating distance for determining a fastener length for the hole.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes: the first end supporter; the second end supporter; a probe that measures a columnar workpiece supported by the first end supporter and the second end supporter; and a control part that obtains a center and a rotation track of the first end supporter, and a center of the second end supporter when a rotary table rotates and changes the orientation of workpiece coordinate axes based on a rotation position of the rotary table when a measurement of the columnar workpiece by the probe is performed, the workpiece coordinate axes including an axis passing through the center of the first end supporter and the center of the second end supporter.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus capable of effectively and accurately predicting a deformation characteristic in relation to swelling of a secondary battery. The secondary battery evaluation apparatus includes a fixed jig configured to hold a first secondary battery and restrict swelling of the held first secondary battery, the fixed jig measuring a change in a first reaction force of the first secondary battery according to charging and discharging cycles; a variable jig configured to hold a second secondary battery and allow swelling of the held second secondary battery, the variable jig measuring a second reaction force and a first thickness change amount of the second secondary battery according to charging and discharging cycles; and a deriving unit configured to derive a relationship between the first reaction force measured by the fixed jig and the second reaction force and the first thickness change amount measured by the variable jig.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a probe body of an optical probe assembly. The probe assembly may be designed for measuring a surface of an object while being carried by a probe head of a coordinate measuring machine. The probe body comprising a coupling unit at a first end of the probe body designed for providing coupling of the probe body to the probe head of a coordinate measuring machine and a light guiding element for transmitting original source light supplied by the probe head from the coupling unit to a second end of the probe body.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical sensor element for a measuring machine, comprising a coupling element on the sensor element side for mechanically and optically connecting to a coupling element on the measuring machine side. An optical fiber is arranged in the coupling element on the sensor element side, wherein said optical fiber comprises an optical interface for connecting to an optical machine contact element of the measuring machine, wherein said optical interface is formed by an optical sensor contact element having a self-centering ferrule that encloses the end of the optical fiber. The ferrule is supported in the coupling element on the sensor element side in a floating manner.