Abstract: A method and apparatus for liquefying a feed gas stream comprising natural gas and carbon dioxide. A method includes compressing an input fluid stream to generate a first intermediary fluid stream; cooling the first intermediary fluid stream with a first heat exchanger to generate a second intermediary fluid stream, wherein a temperature of the second intermediary fluid stream is higher than a carbon dioxide-freezing temperature for the second intermediary fluid stream; expanding the second intermediary fluid stream to generate a third intermediary fluid stream, wherein the third intermediary fluid stream comprises solid carbon dioxide; separating the third intermediary fluid stream into a fourth intermediary fluid stream and an output fluid stream, wherein the output fluid stream comprises a liquefied natural gas (LNG) liquid; and utilizing the fourth intermediary fluid stream as a cooling fluid stream for the first heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a wafer drying system and method that detects airborne molecular contaminants in a drying gas as a feedback parameter for a single wafer or multi-wafer drying process. For example, the system comprises a wafer drying station configured to dispense a drying gas over one or more wafers to dry the one or more wafers, a valve configured to divert the drying gas to a first portion and a second portion, and an exhaust line configured to exhaust the first portion of the drying gas. The system further comprises a detector configured to receive the second portion of the drying gas and to determine a real time property of the second portion of the drying gas, and a control unit configured to control a feedback operation of the wafer drying station based on the real time property of the second portion of the drying gas.

Abstract: A method for processing demineralized bone fibers, comprising a centrifuging step, and following the centrifuging step hydrated in sterile water to create a slurry; providing a tray to receive said fiber slurry; freezing the tray and fiber slurry; and lyophilizing the fiber slurry to create dried fibers.

Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a vertically long process chamber, a heater configured to heat the process chamber, and a cooler configured to cool the process chamber. The cooler includes a plurality of discharge holes provided at intervals along a longitudinal direction of the process chamber to discharge cooling fluid toward the process chamber and a plurality of shutters provided corresponding to the plurality of discharge holes. At least one of the plurality of shutters is configured to move to an open position independently of other shutters.

Abstract: Refractory anchoring devices include a main body and a mounting feature for mounting to a thermal vessel. The main body has the shape of two end-to-end Y's forming a central segment, two branch segments extending from each end of the central segment, and an extension segment extending from each of the four branch segments, to collectively form four unenclosed cell openings that are each semi-hexagonal in shape. Some embodiments include four reinforcement segments with each one extending into a respective cell opening, four voids with each one extending through respective adjacent branch and extension segments, an underbody gap formed under the central segment for refractory interlinking between cell openings, and/or a single stud-welding stud for the mounting feature.

Abstract: A safety auditor is designed to perform opening and closing of every safety switch that is used in an industrial bakery oven. Every pressure sensor can be tested for on and off states. The low gas pressure switch can be vented and the high gas pressure switch pressurized. All thermocouples associated with the high temperature circuits are tripped. Fans are started and stopped over a communications signal or via the hard-wired interface as required to generate the safety testing. Once the safety testing is complete, the results along with time, date, name of tester, pass or fail will be printed out via a small kiosk printer. This ticket can then be filed in an office. As the operation is easy to do and requires little effort, it is much more likely to be performed and therefore safer for the host bakery.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a tube assembly for a heat exchanger or heat management apparatus in which the tube assembly can be integrally assembled using inner fin tubes having a two-row structure and drainage performance and corrosion resistance performance can be improved. The tube assembly for the heat exchanger or heat management apparatus includes a first- and second-row tube including an inner fin type tube respectively, a central connection portion that connects the first-row tube to the second-row tube, and a header in which a first- and a second-row tube hole, into which ends of the first- and the second-row tube are inserted, are arranged, wherein a cut portion formed in the direction opposite to the ends of the first- and the second-row tube inserted into the header is included in the central connection portion.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus for a medium voltage or high voltage switchgear includes an evaporator, a fluid conduit, and a condenser. The evaporator is configured to surround at least part of a current carrying contact. The fluid conduit fluidly connects the evaporator to the condenser. A section of the fluid conduit is formed within the evaporator and is electrically insulating and is configured such that fluid can contact an outer surface of the current carrying contact. The cooling apparatus is configured such that in use a working fluid in the evaporator is heated to a vapour state, and the vapour is transferred by the fluid conduit to the condenser. The vapour in the condenser is condensed to the working fluid. The condensed working fluid is passively returned via the fluid conduit to the evaporator.

Abstract: A filling system that has at least one heat pipe used for heat transfer, at least one ammonia tube that pure ammonia is able to be stored at room temperature as saturated vapour, at least one delivery line that enables to deliver ammonia from the ammonia tube to the heat pipe and the heat pipe is removably engaged, at least one valve is located on the delivery line and allows ammonia flow to be controlled, at least one detector located on the delivery line and providing seal control, and at least one heater to heat the heat pipe.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for fabricating a vapor chamber. The method includes positioning a capillary structure on a first cover, forming an accommodation space, a flow channel, and a plurality of posts on a first surface of a second cover, covering the first cover with the second cover, positioning the first cover and the second cover such that the plurality of posts are spaced apart from the capillary structure by a distance, and pressure welding the first cover and the second cover so as to form a chamber between the first cover and second cover and a passage connected to the chamber and to pressure weld the plurality of posts with the capillary structure.

Abstract: A heat exchange system for a gas turbine engine includes a first heat exchanger that defines a first heat source flowpath, a second heat exchanger that defines a second heat source flowpath, and a coolant fluid circuit. The coolant fluid circuit defines a first coolant flowpath that extends through the first heat exchanger and is in thermal communication with the first heat source flowpath, and a second coolant flowpath that extends through the second heat exchanger and is in thermal communication with the second heat source flowpath. The first coolant flowpath and the second coolant flowpath are arranged in a parallel flow configuration.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods relating to heat transfer devices having nested layers of helical fluid channels. In some examples, a device for transferring heat includes a set of nested tubular walls and a plurality of helical walls intersecting each of the nested tubular walls to form one or more first channel layers nested with one or more second channel layers. Each of the first and second channel layers includes a plurality of helical fluid channels. A first intake and a first outtake are in fluid communication with one another via the plurality of helical fluid channels of each first channel layer, for flow of a first fluid through the device. A second intake and a second outtake are in fluid communication with one another via the plurality of helical fluid channels of each second channel layer, for flow of a second fluid through the device.

Abstract: A fluid flow channel device includes a main body and a non-ceramic sub-body. The main body has a plurality of internal flow channels, and inlets and outlets thereof are arranged so as to be exposed on an outer side surface. The sub-body has a fluid supply path and a fluid recovery path. A supply port of the fluid supply path is arranged to face the inlets of the plurality of internal flow channels. A recovery port of the fluid recovery path is arranged to face the outlets of the plurality of internal flow channels. By disposing the supply port and the recovery port for transferring the fluid to and from the plurality of internal flow channels in the sub-body, it is possible to prevent a large thermal stress from being applied to the main body.

Abstract: Disclosed are a heat exchange tube, a processing method for same, and a heat exchanger having same. The heat exchange tube (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) includes a body portion (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e) provided with a plurality of flow channels (111a, 111b, 111c, 111d, 111e) arranged in parallel and spaced apart with each other, the length direction of the flow channel (111a, 111b, 111c, 111d, 111e) being parallel to the length direction of the body portion (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e); at least one side of the body portion (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e) is provided with an extension portion (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) along the width direction of the body portion (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e); and the extension portion (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) and at least part of the body portion (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e) are formed by folding the same plate material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming a heat exchanger includes forming a monolithic core body having a first set of flow passages and a core coefficient of thermal expansion, and additively manufacturing onto the monolithic core a first manifold defining a first fluid inlet for the first set of flow passages.

Abstract: A connector assembly including a plate (10) having an orifice (10a) and a spigot (12), the spigot (12) having an internal flow path for liquid, and connector means (14) for connecting the spigot (12) to the metal plate (10) so as to guide the liquid flowing in the flow path through the orifice (10a), the connector (14) including a protruding collar structure (16) surrounding the orifice (10a). The connector means (14) further includes a ring-shaped snap-on module (18) configured to be fitted over the collar structure (16), the snap-on module (18) including a cylindrical insertion part (18a) configured to be inserted into an orifice (10a) of the collar structure (16), wherein a remote end of the cylindrical insertion part (18a) in the insertion direction is provided with first snap-on structures engaging with the collar structure (16).

Abstract: A safety selector for a firearm, including a first lever including an integrally formed safety shaft and a first handle located outside the lower receiver for actuation, as well as a bearing portion, a selector portion and a connecting portion. To facilitate disassembly and interchangeability, the first lever is configured for spring-biased coupling to a securing element and has, on the connecting portion, a positioning protrusion projecting toward the opposite side of the weapon. In a longitudinal direction, the positioning protrusion has a shape-complementary bore for receiving a connecting assembly which includes a connecting element, a spring and a spring lock.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a fire control assembly comprises a trigger rotatable about a trigger axis and a hammer rotatable about a hammer axis. A trigger spring is arranged to bias the trigger in a first direction about the trigger axis. A hammer spring is arranged to bias the hammer in a second direction about the hammer axis. The trigger comprises a trigger sear and a stop. The hammer comprises a hammer sear and a catch. The fire control assembly comprises a first orientation wherein the trigger sear contacts the hammer sear and impedes rotation of the hammer, and a second orientation wherein the stop contacts the catch and impedes rotation of the hammer.

Abstract: A firing mechanism provides a secondary interface between a hammer and a sear of a firearm that will automatically be engaged in case a primary interface between the hammer and the sear fails. In various embodiments, an actuator is employed to facilitate engagement of the primary and secondary interfaces.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems regarding a firearm suppressor having a remote chamber. The suppressor includes a base configured to be connected to a firearm. The firearm suppressor includes one or more baffles, an end cap, and may include a housing. An initial chamber is positioned between the base and a first baffle. A remote chamber is positioned exterior of the housing and is in fluid communication with the initial chamber. The initial chamber has a first volume and the remote chamber has a second volume, which may be substantially equal to the first volume, more than twice as large as the first volume, or may even be greater than 100 liters. The remote chamber may be connected to the initial chamber via a flexible tube. The remote chamber may be connected to a portion of a firearm, connected to a vehicle, or may be wearable.

Abstract: A firearm suppressor for use with a firearm includes a sleeve, an end cap, a baffle, a first exhaust passage, and a second exhaust passage. The sleeve has an inlet end, an outlet end, an interior volume, and an interior surface. The baffle is received in the sleeve and has an annular body with a central passage through the annular body. The first exhaust passage extends along a longitudinal axis of the sleeve and through the central passage of the baffle and allows gas to exit to the exterior of the sleeve. The second exhaust passage has a plurality of distinct exhaust gas channels. The distinct exhaust gas channels provide separate flow paths for exhaust gas to exit to the exterior of the sleeve.

Abstract: A suppressor that includes a mount having a first flow path through the mount, the mount configured to connect directly to a barrel of a semi-automatic pistol. The suppressor includes a base tube having an initial expansion chamber and having a second flow path through the initial expansion chamber with the base tube being connected to the mount, the second flow path aligned with the first flow path. The suppressor includes a single baffle having a third flow path connected to the base tube, the third flow path aligned with the second flow path. The suppressor includes an end cap having a fourth flow path connected to the single baffle, the fourth flow path aligned with the third flow path. The single baffle may be the only baffle positioned between the base tube and the end cap. The suppressor does not include any wipes and may include a tube extension.

Abstract: A firearm mount, components thereof, and associated methods. The firearm can be configured for use with an AR-15 style firearm or other type of firearm. The firearm mount is adapted to securely hold the firearm assembly in position for cleaning, maintenance, and/or gunsmithing tasks. The firearm mount can include a lock configured to selectively lock and unlock a firearm assembly thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to locking mechanisms for arms-grade bolts, in particular to locking mechanisms for longitudinally sliding bolts. The technical result is achieved by that a longitudinally sliding bolt of small arms with a collet clutching mechanism on a barrel comprises collet clutching petals, a sleeve-like element controlling the collet clutching petals, a striker, a striker spring, and a bolt spring having a stop. The collet clutching petals are arranged on top of a bolt body and framed by an inertial sleeve having a spacer spring. Furthermore, the collet clutching petals are fastened with a circular spring shifted to the front side of the bolt and have protrusions at both ends which extend away from a bolt axis. The spacer spring and the inertial sleeve configured to longitudinally slide along the collet clutching petals are arranged between the protrusions sequentially in a row away from the end of the bolt.

Abstract: A firearm receiver assembly includes a receiver body, a threaded mount at a rear portion of the receiver body, a magazine release assembly including a magazine release portion on at least one side of the receiver body, a bolt release assembly including a bolt release central portion and a bolt release portion on at least one side of the receiver body, and a safety selector assembly including a safety portion on at least one side of the receiver body. The bolt release central portion translates vertically within a cavity of the receiver body.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment may include a cover which can be secured to an item such as a firearm. The cover may be placed over the lower receiver of a rifle. The cover may connect to and snap over the lower receiver in order to provide protection from outside forces or debris. In some embodiments the cover may include a magnet that can magnetically attach to a metal firearm. In another exemplary embodiment, a cover may be formed from a strap that can wrap around a portion of a firearm and elastically grip over the lower receiver.

Abstract: A firearm including a gas drive, having an annular piston which is displaceably arranged on the barrel to form an expansion chamber between two end positions. At least one gas port penetrates the wall of the barrel in the region of the expansion chamber and a selector is provided. In order to provide a simple and easily adjustable mechanism, the expansion chamber is delimited by a ring surface and an inner cylinder surface of the piston, an end surface of the selector and the barrel. The selector is rotatably arranged on the barrel with at least two predefined rest positions. In each rest position, the gas flow from the expansion chamber is delimitable by at least one selector opening formed on the selector.

Abstract: Provided is an increased capacity firearm ammunition magazine with a metallic body. The body is dimensioned to compatibly replace a (OEM) polymer or polymer over metal single stack magazine. The body has walls with exterior dimensions compatibly matching those of the OEM magazine and that are thinner than those of the OEM magazine. The thinner walls allow an at least partially laterally offset arrangement of cartridges therein. A longitudinal exterior ridge extends along a forward wall of the body and is configured from the metallic body walls and sized to compensate for forward-to-aft dimensioning difference compared to that of the OEM magazine.

Abstract: Provided is an increased capacity firearm ammunition magazine with a metallic body. The body is dimensioned to compatibly replace a (OEM) polymer or polymer over metal single stack magazine. The body has walls with exterior dimensions compatibly matching those of the OEM magazine and that are thinner than those of the OEM magazine. The thinner walls allow an at least partially laterally offset arrangement of cartridges therein. A longitudinal exterior ridge extends along a forward wall of the body and is configured from the metallic body walls and sized to compensate for forward-to-aft dimensioning difference compared to that of the OEM magazine.

Abstract: An ejection toy relating to the toy technology and comprising a casing, an elastic energy-storage & launching mechanism, a bullet, a string, a string retracting mechanism, an ejection locking mechanism and a driving component. The bullet is fit to the elastic energy-storage & launching mechanism and a container is set on the casing. The string retracting mechanism includes a string retracting wheel and a friction wheel, and the string is held between the string retracting wheel and friction wheel. The driving component is set in the casing for driving the string retracting wheel. The ejection locking mechanism is set on the casing for locking and fixing the bullet on the elastic energy-storage & launching mechanism or driving the string retracting wheel and friction wheel to release the string while unlocking the bullet.

Abstract: An archery bow for a bow and arrow system comprises a main bow with a tensioner assembly designed to increase the pullback capacity and/or arrow firing strength of the bow. The tensioner assembly includes a first tensioner comprising an elongated bendable member made of a hard material. A middle section of the first tensioner is coupled to a main bow inner projection, wherein at least portions of the upper and lower sections of the first tensioner are offset from an inner side of the main bow, and wherein bending of the main bow causes the first tensioner to bend.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure deal with cams and/or cam systems mounted or mountable on an archery bow. In one embodiment, the cam system is a hybrid cam system with a master/drive cam and a slave/driven cam. The cam system is designed to enable large draw length adjustments to fit a variety of archers. To facilitate the draw length adjustment, the master/drive cam includes a control module. The slave/driven cam includes an adjustable control cable post. In one example, the control module and the control cable post may have three different mounting locations, each corresponding to a different draw length range.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an archery bow riser comprises a body defining a first end, a second end and a grip portion. The body defines a shooting axis and comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises a metal and the second portion comprises carbon fibers. The first portion extends to a first side of the shooting axis and to a second side of the shooting axis, and the second portion extends to the first side of the shooting axis and to the second side of the shooting axis.

Abstract: A firing system for a crossbow having an arrow rest extending along an arrow rest axis, the firing system having a right limb and a left limb, the right limb being pivotable about a right limb axis and the left limb being pivotable about a left limb axis, the firing system further including a right cam and a left cam, the right cam having a right bow string groove and being rotatable about a right cam axis, the left cam having a left bow string groove and being rotatable about a left cam axis, the firing system having a bow string extending between the right and left cams and extending within the right and left bow string grooves, the bow string positionable between an un-cocked condition and a cocked or full draw condition wherein movement of the bow string from the un-cocked condition toward the cocked condition moves the right and left cams toward each other and pivots the right and left limbs about the right and left limbs axes respectively, the firing system further including a power assembly having a po

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for securely carrying a bow comprises: a body, a first end of the body further comprising a loop hook configured on the first end, a second end of the body, a bow mount configured on the second end of the body, and an external attachment point comprising: a strap, a loop in the strap configured to engage the loop hook; and a latch.

Abstract: A holster assembly includes a holster having an interior shaped to receive a handgun, and an entrance. An ejection port restraint pivotally connected to the holster includes a latch and is biased toward an obstruction position for engaging the latch with the ejection port of the handgun. A hood restraint pivotally connected to the holster body adjacent the entrance is configured to pivot between a non-obstruction position to permit the handgun to enter and to be drawn, and an obstruction position at which the hood restraint at least partially blocks the entrance. The hood restraint is biased toward the non-obstruction position. A release device mounted on the holster body is configured to actuate both the ejection port restraint and the hood restraint, each toward the respective non-obstruction position thereof, in response to a single movement by a user to allow the handgun to be withdrawn from the holster.

Abstract: A sighting system for a firearm, configured for securing, about a firearm, the sighting system housed in a housing, with a smart phone or smart device mounting platform rotatably coupled thereon, with an additional rear viewing camera, integral or attachable to an armature. This said armature, additionally passes through an open portion of a clamping device, that is attachable to a threaded base portion, of the back side of said smart device mounting platform, and is both height and angularly adjustable. This said sighting device, provides the target image that is either received from other target viewing devices mounted on the firearm, or provides its own target image, to the smart device, where this said target image is viewable by the user, from any position that the user could position himself in relation to the firearm, by means of the said rotatable smartphone or smart device mounting platform.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for providing firearms, including handguns, with infrared sights and a camera which can be held in one shooter's hand. The camera can send live video which can display a target to a portable display, such as a smart phone, smart watch or smart glasses, that is held in another hand of the shooter, so that the shooter remains out of harms' way if the target is armed. The novel sight can include hybrids of combinations of infrared and bright white visible lights, and use all visible bright white light. A motion sensor or magnetometer sensor can be separately used to cause the novel sight to become activated. Wireless charging can be accomplished with charging circuits, charging pads and USB cables and ports. A multi-position locking system can allow for a rail key to be used for spacing the novel sight at up to twelve different positions relative to the firearm.

Abstract: A system for firing a projectile mounted on a carrier, the decision assistance system comprising: a first simulator for simulating a navigation system of the carrier and configured to produce a precision of a solution for navigation of the carrier; a second simulator for simulating a navigation system of the projectile and configured to be initialized with the precision of the solution for navigation of the carrier and produce a precision of a solution for navigation of the projectile; and a selector configured to select or not the projectile as projectile to be fired as a function of the precision of a solution for navigation of the projectile.

Abstract: A dartboard structure and a method for manufacturing the dartboard structure are provided. The dartboard structure includes a dartboard body unit, a dartboard frame unit, a first sensor unit and a second sensor unit. The dartboard body unit has a plurality of score regions. The dartboard frame unit has a plurality of through openings that penetrate through the dartboard frame unit, and each of the through openings corresponds to one of the score regions. The second sensor unit and the first sensor unit are in an intersecting arrangement and have a predetermined gap therebetween. The first sensor unit and the second sensor unit surround a plurality of first sensing regions, and each of the first sensing regions corresponds to one of the score regions and one of the through openings.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge unit (CDU) for detonating an explosive in response to a control signal comprises a set of CDU components, including an exploding foil initiator (EFI), a trigger circuit, a firing capacitor, and an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) firing switch. In various embodiments the components are arranged on a board for mechanically and electrically supporting the components in an ordered arrangement along a CDU axis where the CDU having an axial length defined by the ordered arrangement of two or more of the EFI, the firing capacitor, and the IBGT firing switch, wherein the trigger circuit is offset from the CDU axis such that the trigger circuit does not contribute to the axial length.

Abstract: A system for a molded power charge with secondary pellet at each end. The molded power charge includes a solid outer wall which extends for the length. The solid outer wall has a first end and a second end. The power charge further includes a secondary pellet at each end. The first end and the second end of the outer wall include a secondary pellet with an exposed face. This allows the power charge to be ignited from either end.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to direct impingement cook-off mitigation systems. As assembled, a munition fuzewell is torqued into the aft end of a munition. During a cook-off event, the expanding gases from the booster energetic will burn instead of detonating. The hot expanding booster gases are vented to the munition's main fill energetic causing the main fill energetic to burn concurrently with the booster energetic. The combined expanding gases from both the booster and main fill energetics are then vented through longitudinal vents.

Abstract: A device and a method for managing registration and arrangement of a detonator are proposed. The device includes: a detonator arrangement part configured to arrange, in response to a request for registration of a detonator input by an operator, the detonator on a detonator hole number according to a blasting pattern pre-designed on the basis of arrangement information input by the operator or arranging the detonator on the basis of an arrangement pattern of pre-arranged detonators; an arrangement result analysis part configured to analyze an arrangement result of the detonator that is arranged according to the arrangement pattern of the pre-arranged detonators; and an arrangement error notification part configured to provide notification to the operator when the analyzed arrangement result has an error.

Abstract: A three-dimensional measurement device performs three-dimensional measurement of a measured object using a phase shift method. The three-dimensional measurement device includes: an irradiator that irradiates the measured object with a predetermined light pattern having a light intensity distribution in a fringe shape; a control device that shifts a phase of the light pattern radiated from the irradiator in N different ways, where N is a natural number of not less than 3; and an imaging device that takes an image of the measured object irradiated with the light pattern. The control device executes three-dimensional measurement of the measured object by the phase shift method based on N different image data taken under the light pattern having the phase shifted in the N different ways.

Abstract: Example implementations relate to an inspection method for training a measurement machine to accurately measure side joint lengths and detecting a defect among a plurality of solder joints. The method includes receiving a first data representing the side joint lengths of the plurality of solder joints measured by a first measurement machine and a second data representing the side joint lengths measured by a second measurement machine. Further, the method includes determining a correlation value based on a statistical analysis of a relationship between the first data and the second data. The method further includes updating an algorithm used by the first measurement machine to measure the side joint lengths, based on the correlation value to reduce deviation between the first data and the second data. Later, the updated algorithm is used as a dimensional metrology in the first measurement machine for detecting the defect in the solder joints.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for ultrasonic measurement of the average diameter and surface profile of a tube. A calibration block is used to calibrate the average tube diameter, and a correction is applied to account for any temperature difference of the couplant between calibration and test measurements. By using a linear probe, or a single probe with a finely pitched helicoidal scan, errors in diameter measurement due to presence of surface pits may be compensated.

Abstract: In an example, a method for calibrating fiducials relative to a workpiece is disclosed and involves receiving, from one or more cameras, images of the fiducials, each image acquired from a different camera pose, where the fiducials comprise (i) one or more first fiducials fixed at one or more unknown locations on the workpiece and (ii) calibration fiducials disposed at known locations on the workpiece; estimating poses of the fiducials, where estimating the poses of the fiducials comprises, in each image, estimating, for each fiducial visible in the image, a pose of the fiducial relative to the camera(s); formulating a pose graph comprising nodes for the images and for the fiducials, the poses estimated for the fiducials, the calibration fiducials as landmarks with known poses, and constraints between the calibration fiducials and the images; and solving the pose graph to determine poses of the first fiducial(s) that satisfy the constraints.

Abstract: A coordinate measurement machine (CMM) may include a manually-positionable articulated arm including a plurality of arm segments and a plurality of rotary joints. At least one of the rotary joints includes first and second bearings and a shaft that engages the first bearing and the second bearing. The shaft may have two ends, each end configured to engage a respective one of two projections of a yoke of an adjacent another one of the rotary joints such that the two projections of the yoke straddle the first and second bearings therebetween. At least one transducer is disposed adjacent one of the two ends of the shaft, outside of the yoke, not between the first and second bearings.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a lens assembly that includes at least one lens that defines an optical axis. The apparatus also includes a substrate, an image sensor disposed on the substrate, and an actuator coupled to the substrate and configured to adjust a position of the substrate relative to the lens assembly to move the image sensor along the optical axis. The apparatus additionally includes a capacitive position sensor that includes a first capacitive plate coupled to the substrate and a second capacitive plate coupled to the lens assembly. The capacitive position sensor may be configured to generate a capacitance measurement indicative of the position of the substrate relative to the lens assembly. The apparatus further includes circuitry configured to control the actuator based on (i) the capacitance measurement and (ii) a target position of the image sensor relative to the lens assembly.