Abstract: A thermal management system includes an open circuit refrigeration circuit that has a refrigerant fluid flow path, with the refrigerant fluid flow path including a receiver configured to store a refrigerant fluid, a first control device configured to receive refrigerant from the receiver, a liquid separator, and an evaporator configured to extract heat from a heat load that contacts the evaporator, with the evaporator coupled to the first control device and the liquid separator. The system includes a pump having an inlet and an outlet, with the outlet of the pump coupled to the liquid side outlet of the liquid separator and a second control device that is coupled to an exhaust line, that is coupled to the vapor side outlet of the liquid separator through the second control device. In operation, the evaporator in the open circuit refrigeration circuit would be coupled to a heat load.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a first liquid comprising a second liquid, the apparatus comprising: a male coupling configured to enter and establish a friction seal with a female coupling of a container containing the second liquid by inserting the male coupling into the female coupling and applying a load to the male coupling, the load being provided by the weight of a portion of the apparatus; a spout; and a pump for causing the second liquid to exit the container and the first liquid to be dispensed via the spout after the friction seal is established between the female and male couplings.

Abstract: A modular check valve system for providing back pressure to a fluid flow having a housing with a seating end, a receiving end, a housing annulus, and a housing sealing surface. The modular check valve system can also have at least one cartridge insert fluidly connected to the housing. The cartridge insert can have a poppet engaging a cartridge housing sealing surface, a pair of O-rings positioned on the cartridge housing, and a rod secured to the poppet. The rod is configured to move the poppet from a sealed position to an open position. A spring guide with spring is disposed around the rod. A compression adjustment device is connected to the first rod opposite the spring guide to apply force to the rod sealing the poppet against the cartridge housing sealing surface and creating fluid back pressure in the housing annulus when the spring is decompressed.

Abstract: Electrochemical cell containers having an improved seal arrangement including a polymeric member carrying a metal pin in a base extending therethrough.