Abstract: Methods are described for receiving from a device at a server device resource dispensing system usage information and settings and sending from the server device ecorank information, wherein the ecorank information is derived from a comparison of usage of resource dispensing systems controlled by the device in comparison to a comparison group, the comparison group comprising other resource dispensing systems controlled by other devices. The comparison group is determined based on profile information describing the dwelling, dwelling size, dwelling location, dwelling occupants, resource dispensing system technology, and related information. In some embodiments, the ecorank information may be one or more of a numerical score, percentage, graphic, icon, color, letter, and an audio item. In some embodiments, the energy consumed by the resource dispensing systems may be reported by an associated energy measurement device or estimated by heating and cooling usage hours.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for monitoring air quality with multiple sensing devices. The methods, systems, and apparatus include actions of: obtaining first sensor data from a sensor that is not an air quality sensor, determining that the first sensor data satisfy a first air quality criterion, in response to determining that the first sensor data satisfy the first air quality criterion, obtaining second sensor data from an air quality sensor, determining that the second sensor data satisfy a second air quality criterion, and based on a determination that the second sensor data satisfy the second air quality criterion, activating an air quality device.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a management apparatus and an air conditioning management system by which the objectivity of a comfort level evaluation relating to a smell in a room can be enhanced and a comfort level can be evaluated also with respect to an unknown smell. [Solving Means] A management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a detecting unit, an input unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The detecting unit detects a smell in a room. The input unit is operated by a user who enters the room and acquires a sensory evaluation of each user which relates to the smell in the room when the user enters the room. The storage unit accumulates evaluation data obtained by associating an output of the detecting unit and an output of the input unit with each other and stores a plurality of attributes relating to a comfort level of the smell in the room, the attributes being classified on the basis of the evaluation data.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to provide a control device that can calculate the lower limit of cooling water inlet temperature according to the operation status of a chiller.

Abstract: An air conditioner unit includes a housing defining an outdoor portion and an indoor portion. A makeup air intake duct and a makeup air exhaust duct are disposed above the housing. The air conditioner unit also includes an air to air heat exchanger. The air to air heat exchanger includes a first inlet side attached to the makeup air intake duct, a second inlet side, a first outlet side, and a second outlet side attached to the makeup air exhaust duct. The air to air heat exchanger also includes one or more alternating top layers and bottom layers. The one or more top layers are in fluid communication with the first inlet side and the first outlet side, and the one or more bottom layers are in fluid communication with the second inlet side and the second outlet side.

Abstract: A system for packing and assembling a flexible duct that includes a sleeve. The sleeve includes a tubular vapor barrier and an insulating layer within the vapor barrier and includes a central cavity. Further, the sleeve is radially compressed and rolled along an axial direction. The system also includes an air core sized to fit within the central cavity of the insulating layer. The air core includes a sheet that blocks fluid flow therethrough and a structural support coiled within the sheet and the air core is flattenable and not within the rolled sleeve.

Abstract: The invention discloses a duct section for an air distribution system, the duct sections including an elongate frame having two opposed flange members each having an opening forming an air passage therein. A plurality of the duct sections are able to be joined together through the flanges to form an air passage of desired length. Each duct section is lined with a thermal insulating material to provide a thermally insulating lining to the air passage, the ends of the lining being at least flush with the end faces of the flanges so that when adjacent duct sections are secured together, the thermal insulation lining of adjacent duct sections is arranged to provide a continuous insulating lining of the air passage.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a casing comprising an air inlet and an air outlet, a fan configured to move air from the air inlet to the air outlet, and a tunable sound attenuating module having an opening at a first end of the tunable sound attenuating module, a cavity, and a back wall at a second end of the tunable sound attenuating module, wherein: the tunable sound attenuating module is oriented such that the back wall is closer to the fan than the opening, and a length of tunable sound attenuating module is substantially one fourth of the acoustic wavelength of a sound generated by the fan.

Abstract: A system and a method for reducing a risk of bacterial contamination in a water heater are disclosed. A bypass conduit is connected to cold water supply and hot water outlet conduits of the water heater with T-shaped fittings, the bypass conduit generally extending in a same horizontal plane as the fittings and running alongside a top surface of the water heater. A thermostatic mixing valve is integrated to the bypass conduit close to the fitting with the hot water outlet so that its mixed water outlet is connected to the fitting with the hot water and its cold water inlet is connected to the fitting with the cold water, its hot water inlet being blocked. The thermostatic mixing valve is adjusted to regulate the hot water temperature at the outlet of the system and to produce a thermosiphon loop in the system depending on whether there is extraction or no extraction of hot water from the water heater.

Abstract: A node for a solar frame including an elongate portion having a channel extending through it in which a structural element is disposed or a solid elongate portion on to which a structural element is disposed. The node comprises a fin extending radially outward from the elongate portion where at least 5% of the volume of the fin is replaced by at least a single void extending essentially in parallel with the channel or the extrusion direction of the solid elongate portion. An apparatus for transmitting torque in a solar frame having structural elements and a support. A system for solar mirrors. A node for a solar frame. A method for connecting a structural element with a strut having a strut end piece of a solar mirror support frame. A method for producing a node for solar mirror frame.

Abstract: A portable air cooler is fashioned as a storage chest for ice cubes, dry ice, or other pre-chilled articles such as reusable freezable blocks. Sidewalls of the chest include air intakes, and a baffle forces intake air to pass by or through the chilled articles to that the air is cooled by heat exchange. Fans in the chest lid exhaust the cooled air, which may be used to cool waste heat from a heat-producing device lain atop the chest. The lid also includes stand-offs to allow airflow under the device being cooled, and guardrails help maintain the device in position over the fans providing cooling air and prevent the device from being casually knocked off the top of the lid of the chest.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to thermoelectric panels and their use in cooling and heating systems. The cooling/heating systems may include a plurality of thermoelectric panels. The panels may include thermoelectric devices embedded between a housing formed by heat conductive layers and edge structures for preserve a low thermal conductivity volume.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a compressor having a shaft, wherein the shaft is hollow to define a fluid passage extending along the shaft and a motor arranged along the shaft. A motor cooling line is configured to convey a cooling fluid to the motor, wherein the motor cooling line is fluidly connected to the fluid passage. The compressor may be a refrigerant compressor used in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) chiller system.

Abstract: A safety isolation valve module includes a conduit having a service port, an inlet, an outlet, and ball valves separating each of the inlet and the outlet from the conduit. The ball valves may be manually manipulating to open or close flow and can be used to isolate the service port from either or both sides of the refrigerant systems. When servicing the service port or other components of the refrigerant system, the valves may be shut to enable servicing of portions of the system without risking injury or losing significant amounts of refrigerant to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A liquid reservoir, a method for manufacturing the liquid reservoir, and a compressor having the liquid reservoir are disclosed. The liquid reservoir has a barrel, an air inlet tube, an air outlet tube, and a valve. The valve has a partition plate arranged in the barrel. An outer periphery of the partition plate is coupled to an inner peripheral wall of the barrel to divide the internal space of the barrel into an air inlet chamber and an air outlet chamber. The partition plate has a valve hole communicating the air inlet chamber with the air outlet chamber. A limit plate is arranged in the air outlet chamber and at least partially spaced apart from the partition plate. An outer periphery of the limit plate is coupled to the inner peripheral wall of the barrel. The limit plate has a connection hole and a guide hole.

Abstract: A cryocooler includes an expander that includes a cooling stage, an exhaust temperature sensor that measures an exhaust temperature which is a temperature of a working gas exhausted from the expander and outputs an exhaust temperature signal indicating the measured exhaust temperature, and a controller that compares, during execution of initial cooling in which the cooling stage is cooled from an initial temperature to a cryogenic temperature, the measured exhaust temperature to a reference temperature based on the exhaust temperature signal and completes the initial cooling in a case where a temperature difference between the measured exhaust temperature and the reference temperature is within a reference range.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes an ice maker provided within a cabinet of the appliance, the ice maker including a plurality of walls forming a receiving space, a conductive ice mold provided within the receiving space, the conductive ice mold defining an internal cavity and an exterior surface, a primary water supply positioned below the conductive ice mold to direct an ice-building spray of water to the conductive ice mold, a heat exchanger disposed on the conductive ice mold to draw heat therefrom, and a secondary water supply provided adjacent the exterior surface of the conductive ice mold. The secondary water supply dispenses ice-melting water over the exterior surface of the conductive ice mold.

Abstract: A household refrigeration apparatus has an interior container with a first wall and with a second wall arranged angled thereto. The interior container bounds a first receiving space for food of the household refrigeration apparatus. An ice maker has a housing formed by a wall area of the first wall of the interior container and a wall area of the second wall of the interior container in certain areas. The wall area of the first wall is formed with a wall step with a protrusion, which protrudes into the receiving space of the ice maker, wherein the protrusion is formed as a condensation water drip bar.

Abstract: An air supply assembly for a refrigerator, includes: an air duct cover plate defining, together with a refrigerator liner, an air supply space and configured to isolate the air supply space from a storage space in a compartment of the refrigerator, and a centrifugal wind wheel arranged in the air supply space, and axially sucking air in and blowing the air out towards a peripheral side, wherein a plurality of air return ports are provided in the air duct cover plate to allow air in the storage space to enter the air supply space; and the centrifugal wind wheel abuts against an inner side of the air duct cover plate and is configured to suck air in from a rear side thereof, such that air entering the air supply space via the air return ports is sucked in from the rear side of the centrifugal wind wheel.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes an insulated cabinet structure and a cooling system. A door assembly includes a perimeter structure that is movably mounted to the insulated cabinet structure and an outer door that is movably mounted to the perimeter structure whereby the outer door can be moved between open and closed positions relative to the perimeter structure when the perimeter structure is in its closed position The outer door may comprise a vacuum insulated structure including porous core material disposed in a cavity of the outer door.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a housing, a mullion, and a biasing element. The housing defines an internal cavity and door frame that accesses the internal cavity. The mullion is disposed within the cavity and divides the cavity into a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment. A position of the mullion is adjustable within the cavity such that movement of the mullion away from the freezer compartment and toward the refrigerator compartment increases a volume of the freezer compartment and decreases a volume of the refrigerator compartment, and such that movement of the mullion away from the refrigerator compartment and toward the freezer the compartment decreases the volume of the freezer compartment and increases the volume of the refrigerator compartment. The biasing element is secured to the housing and the mullion. The biasing element is configured to bias the mullion toward the freezer compartment.

Abstract: An engagement assembly, a drawer, and a refrigerator having same. The engagement assembly comprises a first engagement part matching the drawer and a second engagement part matching a refrigerator body; one of the first and second engagement parts is a gear, and the other one is a rack; the rack has a tooth surface that allows the gear to travel; the rack comprises a main rack and an extension rack; when the drawer is in a closed state, the tooth surface has a first stroke length; when the drawer is in an opening process, the extension rack moves to a travel path of the gear so that the tooth surface has a second stroke length; when the drawer is in a closing process, the extension rack is reset; the first stroke length is smaller than the second stroke length. The length of the tooth surface increases in the opening process.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage space therein and a door configured to open and close at least a portion of the storage space. The door includes a top recess that is recessed downward from a top surface portion of the door, a microphone module accommodated in the top recess and configured to receive a voice command from a user, a controller configured to control an operation of the refrigerator based on the voice command received at the microphone module, a door cover that covers the top recess a microphone-module mount provided at the door cover, wherein the microphone module is accommodated in the microphone-module mount, and a voice input hole defined in the microphone-module mount and configured to transmit a sound of the voice command from an outside of the door cover to an interior of the microphone-module mount.

Abstract: A process for cryogenic separation of a feed stream containing methane and air gases in which: the feed stream is cooled in order to produce a cooled stream, at least one portion of the cooled stream is sent to one level of a distillation column, a bottom stream is drawn off from the distillation column, the bottom stream being enriched in methane relative to the feed stream, a stream enriched in oxygen and in nitrogen relative to the feed stream is drawn off from the distillation column, at least one noncombustible dilution stream that is more volatile than oxygen is introduced into the distillation column at at least one level lower than the one at which the cooled stream is introduced. The dilution stream is extracted from the feed stream. Facility for producing biomethane by purification of biogases derived from non-hazardous waste storage facilities (NHWSF) implementing the process.

Abstract: A system and method for argon production in an air separation plant facility or enclave having multiple cryogenic air separation units is provided. The present system and method include a centralized argon refining system disposed within one of the cryogenic air separation units and which is configured to include an argon superstaged or ultra-superstaged column arrangement having one or more argon columns and an argon condenser. Crude argon streams from one or more of the other cryogenic air separation units are directed to the argon superstaged or ultra-superstaged column arrangement of the centralized argon refining process.

Abstract: Lyophilization methods for preparing protein formulations for long-term storage at room temperature or improved stability at refrigeration storage are provided. Specifically, the present application provides lyophilization methods to obtain a target percentage of residual moisture of a lyophilized product, such as 3-5% residual moisture. The secondary drying of the lyophilization can be conducted under controlling rate of desorption under a temperature which is similar to the shelf temperature of the primary drying. Alternatively, the lyophilization can be conducted without a distinguished secondary drying step.

Abstract: A hands-free device for drying wet surfaces that are essentially horizontal, having a heating element and a fan oriented vertically to blow heated air downward and is housed in a vertically oriented case containing a plurality of vents and legs that allow for the escape of gas, heat, or air.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices are disclosed. Embodiments include methods and apparatuses that heat and decrease pressure within the electronic device. Some embodiments increase and decrease pressure while adding heat energy, such as by using a heated platen in contact with the electronic device or by supplying a gas (e.g., air), which may be heated, into the interior of the electronic device.

Abstract: A sagger for firing an object to be fired includes an active material for a secondary battery. Carbon dioxide that is a reaction by-product produced during a positive electrode active material firing process can be smoothly discharged from the sagger, and such a smooth discharge of carbon dioxide can lower a residual lithium concentration of a positive electrode active material and thus can improve dispersibility of a positive electrode active material slurry and also improve capacity of a battery.

Abstract: Provided is a heat exchanger, including a plurality of heat exchange members arranged in a first direction so as to be spaced apart from each other. Each of the plurality of heat exchange members includes: a heat transfer pipe extending in a second direction intersecting with the first direction; and a heat transfer plate provided to the heat transfer pipe along the second direction. The heat transfer plate includes extending portions extending away from the heat transfer pipe in a third direction intersecting with each of the first direction and the second direction. The heat transfer plate is formed separately from the heat transfer pipe.

Abstract: A heat dissipation device is configured for a working fluid to flow therethrough. The heat dissipation device includes a base and at least one heat dissipation fin. The base has at least one internal channel configured for the working fluid to flow therethrough. The at least one heat dissipation fin having an extension channel and an inlet and an outlet is in fluid communication with the extension channel. The at least one heat dissipation fin is inserted into one side of the base, and the extension channel is communicated with the at least one internal channel through the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microchannel heat exchanger comprising a primary core including a first header and a second header and a secondary core including a first auxiliary header and a second auxiliary header, further comprising a first header interconnect extending between the first header and the first auxiliary header and having a first interconnect fluid passage extending therethrough; and a second header interconnect extending between the second auxiliary header and the second header and having a second interconnect fluid passage extending therethrough.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a first channel with at least one first wall for porting a first fluid and a second channel with at least one second wall for porting a second fluid. The heat exchanger includes a barrier chamber located between the at least one first wall and the at least one second wall such that a rupture of one of the at least one first wall and the at least one second wall does not result in mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid. The heat exchanger includes a support member that extends between the at least one first wall and the at least one second wall.

Abstract: A heat exchange device includes a core and a housing. The core includes a first collecting part and a second collecting part, and a flat tube part is provided between the two. The flat tube part includes a first flat tube group and a second flat tube group. The first collecting part includes first and second collecting portions, and a separator is formed between the two. Each flat tube of the first flat tube group is communicated with the collecting cavity of the first collecting portion. The collecting cavity of the first collecting portion is communicated with the collecting cavity of the second collecting portion through the first flat tube group, the collecting cavity of the second collecting part, and the second flat tube group.

Abstract: A distributor for use in a heat exchanger including a distributor body having a first end, a second end, and a hollow interior. A fluid inlet is formed at the first end and a fluid outlet includes a plurality of orifices formed in the distributor body. The fluid outlet is configured to achieve a ratio of a pressure drop across the distributor to a pressure drop across the heat exchanger between about 3 and about 7 at nominal refrigerant flowrate conditions.

Abstract: A frame apparatus for holding a flexible lance positioning drive device adjacent to and spaced from a heat exchanger tube sheet includes an upper guide rail carrying a movable carriage supporting a drive positioner rail having a drive support carriage and an air motor drive assembly fastened to each of the carriages, each air motor drive assembly comprising an air motor having a shaft driving a spur gear through a worm gear reducer, wherein the spur gear is carried within a spur gear housing fastened to the worm gear reducer, and the air motor assembly is fastened to the carriage via the spur gear housing. The spur gear housing is selectively rotatable on the carriage between a locked position with the spur gear engaging the rail to which the carriage is mounted and an unlocked position with the spur gear disengaged with the rail to which the carriage is mounted.

Abstract: A reciprocating bolt assembly has delayed blowback and a firing pin block. Features prevent out-of-battery firing, when the bolt assembly is not fully engaged to the firing chamber or barrel face, a movable member within a bolt body functions as a blocking member that blocks the firing pin and prevents the firing pin from striking a cartridge. In embodiments, the firing pin has two stop portions that the movable member can engage depending on the cycle status of the firearm. A reverse cam mechanism associated with the firing pin blocking provides a resistance to and delays blowback.

Abstract: Systems for attaching a bottom metal to a rifle action. The systems include adjustable pillars disposed within a rifle chassis that may be adjusted in length to accommodate different bottom metal geometries, rifle chassis geometries, and/or different rifle action geometries.

Abstract: A system for firing reduced energy cartridges from a modern sporting rifle utilizes a bolt assembly weighing less than a conventional bolt assembly for such rifles and utilizes blow back for cycling the bolt assembly rather than gas operation. A bolt insert in a polymer bolt carrier of the bolt assembly has a projection that fits within a recess on the rear face of reduced energy cartridges. The reduced energy cartridges having a polymer casing, a rimfire power load for propellant, the power load recessed from the rear face of the casing. Tuning the bolt may comprise adjusting the weight of the bolt or the sliding resistance of the bolt assembly in the upper receiver. The bolt may be formed by metal injection molding with a polymer bolt carrier attached thereto.

Abstract: A fixed-to-tilted silencer adaptor for three-lug attachments enables the use of tilting barrel gun silencers or fixed non-moving barrel gun silencers with different guns of the same caliber. The present invention enables users to utilize a gun silencer with the desired gun even if the gun silencer does not match the design of the gun. To do so, the present invention may comprise a recoil booster and a three-lug adaptor. The recoil booster is designed to accommodate the movement of a tilting barrel while facilitating the connection between the gun silencer and the gun's barrel. The recoil booster also securely receives the three-lug adaptor to facilitate the quick attachment of the recoil booster to the gun's barrel. The three-lug adaptor is designed to enable the quick attachment of the recoil booster to the gun's barrel without interfering with the movement of the gun's barrel when connected to a tilted barrel.

Abstract: Ambidextrous bolts that allow a user to quickly and easily change the side of the firearm from which a spent casing is ejected by application of a simple switching mechanism that does not require disassembly of the firearm. Aspects of the disclosure also include debris shields for improving the longevity and reliability of extractors, firearms that are configured for ambidextrous operation, methods of using firearms, and methods of modifying firearms to incorporate ambidextrous functionality.

Abstract: A bow includes a handle and upper and lower limbs. The upper and lower limbs are formed of a laminated fiber-reinforced plastic material. The upper limb has first and second sets of fiber sheets stacked in a direction along a lateral axis. The first set of fiber sheets have fibers aligned at a first angle from a longitudinal axis, and the second set of fiber sheets having fibers aligned at a second angle from the longitudinal axis in an opposite direction. The lower limb has third and fourth sets of fiber sheets stacked in a direction along the lateral axis. The third set of fiber sheets have parallel fibers aligned at a third angle from the longitudinal axis, and the fourth set of fiber sheets having fibers aligned at a fourth angle from the longitudinal axis in an opposite direction. The angles are between 16 and 44 degrees.

Abstract: A method for monitoring operation of an archery bow includes attaching an apparatus to a bow cord. The apparatus includes a processor, a monitoring device electrically coupled with the processor, a wireless communication module electrically coupled with the processor, and a power supply electrically coupled with each of the processor and the wireless communication module. The method further includes detecting, by the monitoring device, a tension of the bow cord. The method also includes generating, by the processor and based upon the detected tension of the bow cord, data concerning tension of the bow cord. The method further includes wirelessly transmitting, by the wireless communication module, the data to a remote computing device. The method also includes receiving, by the remote computing device, the data. The method also includes presenting, by the remote computing device and based upon the data, information to a user reflecting the detected tension.

Abstract: Systems and apparatuses include a crossbow including a stock defining a projectile axis, a limb coupled to the stock and arranged in a vertical limb plane parallel to the projectile axis, the limb including a power cable engagement end positioned vertically above the projectile axis, and a drawstring hub rotatably mounted to the stock about a central hub axis arranged perpendicular to the vertical limb plane, the drawstring hub including: a first wheel defining a first diameter and configured to engage a power cable, and a second wheel defining a second diameter and configured to engage a drawstring, wherein the first diameter is less than the second diameter.

Abstract: A crossbow is provided with a reciprocating linear rack and a locking linear rack, wherein a traveler having a pawl for each linear rack is engaged by the reciprocating linear rack to move rearward relative to the locking rack, thereby moving the traveler to a drawn position. A cocking lever is hand operated by the user though a plurality of cycles to move the traveler, and captured bowstring to a fully drawn configuration. A trigger mechanism engage the traveler in the drawn configuration and selectively releases the bowstring from the traveler. A bow assembly is provided, wherein the bowstring wraps about a front edge of opposing rotatable members, to be longitudinally located in front of a portion of power cables. The bow assembly includes a power cable on each side of the stock, and thus the power cables do not cross a longitudinal axis of the crossbow.

Abstract: An archery release is communicatively coupled to one or more motion sensors to detect the duration from an archer taking an aim up to the release of the arrow, and can measure the archer's unintended, inadvertent movements during this time period, so as to assess the stability of the shot.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for adjustable and modular gun holster to be comprised of three parts: a base part 100, a width adjustment part 401 and a height adjustment part 301.

Abstract: A weapon-mounted Fire Control System (FCS) for a handheld weapon includes an imaging sensor and a processing system configured to operate in two modes. In a first mode, for handheld operation of the weapon, the processing system tracks a target, determines an aim-region with which the weapon should be aligned for firing in order to strike the target, and generates an output to facilitate accurate firing of the weapon towards the aim region. The output may indicate the aim region on a display, and/or may control a firing control mechanism. In a second mode, when the weapon is on an adjustable weapon support, the processor tracks a target, determines an aim-region, and generates output signals for controlling operation of at least one actuator of the adjustable weapon support in order to align the weapon with the aim region.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide a ballistic filler for a flexible soft body armor and methods of manufacturing the same. In one implementation, a first portion having a first subpanel is stitched directly to a second subpanel with a stitching pattern. The first subpanel has one or more layers of woven fabric, and the second subpanel has one or more layers of unidirectional fabric. A second portion backs the first portion. The second portion has one or more layers of unstitched unidirectional fabric.

Abstract: A system for disabling or destroying an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The system comprises an anti-UAV system and an anti-UAV computing platform. The anti-UAV system comprises: a plurality of laser devices configured to generate a plurality of laser beams at a plurality of different wavelengths; a coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) combiner configured to combine the plurality of laser beams from the plurality of laser devices into a combined laser beam; and a tracking device configured to detect a UAV. The anti-UAV computing platform is configured to: detect, using the tracking device, an object within range of the tracking device; and based on detecting the object, direct, using the anti-UAV system, the combined laser beam from the CWDM combiner onto the detected object.