The present invention provides systems and methods for transferring heat using a variable composition organic heat transfer fluid that remains liquid over a wide operating temperature range useful for solar heating applications. Variable composition heat transfer fluids of the present invention comprise a miscible mixture, optionally a completely miscible mixture, of a high boiling point component selected for its beneficial high temperature physical properties, and a low freezing point component selected for its beneficial low temperature physical properties. In some embodiments, the low freezing point component is removed from the heat transfer fluid as the heat transfer fluid is heated, for example by being removed in the vapor phase, thereby selectively varying the composition and physical properties (e.g., vapor pressure, boiling point, etc.) of the heat transfer fluid as a function of temperature.

Exhaust capture and containment are enhanced by means of automatic or manual side skirts, a sensitive breach detector based on interference effects, a combination of vertical and horizontal edge jets, and/or corner jets that are directed to the center diagonally from corners. Associated control functions are described.

Mounting for a window in an oven appliance is provided so as to allow for thermal expansion during oven use. More particularly, an expansion zone is provided around the window such that, during heating of the window from oven operation, the window is allowed to expand without restraint that could cause cracking or shattering. Space can be allowed for both lateral and longitudinal expansion of the window.

This invention relates to a device that comprises at least one collection unit (11), equipped with a collection tube (21) placed on supports (23), which is formed by an inner absorber tube (31) shaped as a continuous tube and an outer envelope tube (33). The collection unit (11) also comprises reflectors (15) that direct the radiation toward the collection tube (21). Moreover, the device comprises means (41, 43) designed to maintain the collection tube (21) space between the absorber tube (31) and the envelope tube (33) at a pressure of between 5·10−1-5·10−2 mbar. The main advantages of the invention include the reduction in the breaking of glass due to the lower stresses to fatigue, an increase in the effective collection surface (97%-99%) and active management of the vacuum, which makes it possible to monitor the evolution thereof at all times.

System for establishing a surface shape. The system includes a compliant substrate including the surface and having a reverse side, and a plurality of discrete actuators engaging the reverse side and arranged in a selected pattern to control the surface shape as individual discrete activators are activated. It is preferred that the actuators have multiple discrete stable states of elongation. A particularly preferred embodiment uses actuators that are binary with two stable states of elongation.

An oven having enhanced cooling efficiency. The oven includes a cooking chamber, a door to open or close a front side of the cooking chamber, a cooling fan located above the cooking chamber to suction and blow outside air, a discharge duct to discharge the air, blown by the cooling fan, forward of the door, a plurality of flow-paths defined in the door to allow outside air to be introduced into and moved in the flow-path in association with discharge of the air through the discharge duct, and a suction pipe to connect at least one of the flow-paths and the cooling fan to each other. Suction force of the cooling fan is applied to the flow-paths of the door through the suction pipe as well as the interior of an electric machine room, allowing the air in the flow-path to be discharged to the outside through the suction pipe and the discharge duct. This assures more active air movement in the door and maximizes the cooling effect of the door.

A combination oven and cutting board has a front opening door and a metal upper surface with features that cooperate with the cutting board. The oven may have an internal heating cavity and a front opening door that incorporates a magnet that is used to pull a rack out of the oven.

The Modular Multifunctional Solar Structure is an innovative design in the field of Renewable Energy. This system, the schematic diagram of which is shown in FIG. 2, will collect the energy from the sunlight by using lightweight rotary thermal or bivalent photovoltaic solar receivers (A), sandwiched between Support Columns (B) which house the technical services. Because of its modular concept, this structure allows: an easy and progressive assembly in places exposed to the sun, with negative angles of down to 90°; and a microprocessor controlled solar tracking device, with alternative fixed or manually adjustable settings. These features solve the traditional problems associated with solar energy collectors, which include: a fixed position which is confined to specific angles, or a vertical layout, both of which are inefficient in terms of energy recovery; large dimensions and heavyweight collectors, which may need ungainly support structures; and wasted space.

Described herein are solar energy collector systems, components for solar energy collector systems, and methods for installing solar energy collector systems. The components for solar energy collector systems include but are not limited to solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, and various support structures. The solar energy collection systems, solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, support structures, and/or methods may be used, for example, in LFR solar arrays. Drives and drive systems are described herein that may provide improved rotational positioning, movement, and/or rotational positional sensing. For example, drives and drive systems are provided which allow operation through a variable frequency drive. The components and methods described herein may be used together in any combination in a solar collector system, or they may be used separately in different solar collector systems.

Racking assemblies for solar panel installations are provided. The racking assemblies may include a series of posts arranged in two parallel rows and anchored to the ground or other suitable surface. Purlins may be coupled to and may span the posts of each row. Specialized clamps may be used to attach the purlins to a series of mounting rails. The mounting rails, in turn, may support an array of solar modules.

A heater assembly can be used with a gas appliance. The gas appliance can be a dual fuel appliance for use with one of a first fuel type or a second fuel type different than the first. The heater assembly can include a fuel regulator valve including a main pressure regulator to regulate the fuel pressure, at least one auxiliary pressure regulator, a first fuel source connection for connecting the first fuel type to the heater assembly, and a second fuel source connection for connecting the second fuel type to the heater assembly. The one or more auxiliary pressure regulators introduce a backline pressure to the main pressure regulator, thereby adjusting the fuel pressure to fall within a predetermined range.

A system may include a tube through which hot fluid is transported from one end to another, wherein the tube radiates heat energy and transfers heat energy to surrounding air by convection. The system may also include a reflector that reflects the radiated heat and a hood that captures the heat energy from the surrounding air through convection, wherein the hood radiates the captured heat energy. The reflector may include a bi-involute curved surface.

An apparatus includes a gas burner assembly which includes a gas burner and a gas supply conduit. The gas burner includes a gas supply opening and a substantially cylindrical socket formed on the exterior of the gas burner around the gas supply opening. The gas supply conduit includes an opening at an end and a substantially tubular adjoining section proximate to the opening. The adjoining section is configured to mate with the socket and includes a substantially radial protrusion. The socket includes a substantially radial depression for receiving the protrusion. As the gas supply conduit is connected with the gas burner to establish fluid communication at the gas supply opening, the protrusion is engaged in the depression thereby aligning the adjoining section in a predetermined manner about the socket and restricting rotational movement of the adjoining section about the socket.

A thermal solar system having a fire rating of at least A. In a specific embodiment, the system includes a thermal solar module having an aperture region and a backside region. The system has a shaped thickness of material having a first side and a second side. In a preferred embodiment, the shaped thickness of material is characterized by a fire rating of at least A. The material has a thickness suitable to be free from penetration of moisture according to one or more embodiments. The thickness of material also has a structural characteristic capable of maintaining a shape and coupling to the backside region of the thermal solar module according to one or more embodiments. The system also has an air plenum provided between the thermal solar module and the thickness shaped thickness of material. In a preferred embodiment, the system further has a frame assembly operably coupled to the shaped thickness of material to support the shaped thickness of material and the thermal solar module.

A fire safe camp stove and fire pit device is disclosed. An example device includes a fire chamber. A first cooking surface is provided directly over the fire chamber. A lid is movable between an open position and a closed position. The lid in the open position provides access to the first cooking surface. The lid in the closed position provides a second cooking surface above the first cooking surface.

A protective grill is provided for a portable infrared heater which reduces the possibility of a person from coming into contact with the radiation disk of the heater. The protective grill of this invention may be selectively detachably secured to the wheeled frame of a heater wherein the radiation disk thereof is positioned at one side of the wheeled frame or which may be selectively secured to the wheeled frame of the heater wherein the radiation disk of the heater is positioned at one end of the heater.

A solar collector positioning apparatus including a base structure and an intermediate frame connected to the base structure by at least two base support legs. The base support legs have a hinged connection to the base structure and a hinged connection to the intermediate frame, thereby constraining the movement of the intermediate frame to a plane substantially orthogonal to a plane occupied by the base structure. A solar collector support frame is connected to the intermediate frame by at least two intermediate support legs. The intermediate support legs have a hinged connection to the solar collector support frame and a hinged connection to the intermediate frame, thereby constraining the movement of the solar collector support frame to a plane substantially orthogonal to a plane occupied by the intermediate frame.

A solar collector receiver tube containing an improved getter system is described. The solar collector receiver tube has a base, pills of getter material that are uniform in height, and a containment metallic mesh having a non-uniform height and presenting at least one depression.

A heat pack for warming the heel of an infant with a front panel and a rear panel wherein the rear panel is adapted for placement on the infant's heel and has an outer layer formed of a nonwoven material which may be wetted. A band is provided for attaching the heat pack to the infant's heel. Heat from the heat pack effectively drives water applied to the nonwoven material into the infant's heel where it is then trapped in the skin under the heat pack. By thus moisturizing and softening the skin, a puncture necessary for taking a blood sample is eased.

The teachings generally relate to a system for converting solar energy into electrical energy and thermal energy using a self-contained system having a plurality of channels for the heat transfer using a respective plurality of fluids.

A solar receiver is disposed on a top portion of a tower provided upright on the ground for heating a compressible working fluid by means of heat converted from sunlight collected by heliostats disposed on the ground, to raise the temperature of the compressible working fluid. The solar receiver has modules disposed back-to-back, and each of which includes a casing having a bottom plate to be fixed to the top-portion upper surface of the tower. A heat-transfer-tube unit is accommodated in the casing and includes heat transfer tubes. A sunlight inlet port having a circular shape in front view or an elliptical shape in front view is provided at the center portion of a plate-like member whose lower end is connected to an outer circumferential end of the bottom plate to constitute the casing and that extends obliquely upward from the outer circumferential end.

Systems, methods, and controllers for controlling gas-fired appliances such as warm air furnaces are disclosed. An illustrative furnace system can include a burner unit in communication with a combustion air flow conduit and heat exchanger, a variable speed inducer fan or blower adapted to provide a flow of combustion air to the burner unit, a furnace controller and motor speed control unit adapted to regulate the speed of the inducer fan or blower, and a pneumatically modulated gas valve adapted to variably output gas pressure to the burner unit based at least in part on the combustion air flow.

A non electric, temperature controlled system for passing or bypassing a solar water heating apparatus includes a temperature controlled water distribution valve directing water to flow from a main supply of water toward a user depending on the setting and configuration of the temperature controlled water distribution valve within the system.

A device (1) for concentrating solar radiation in an absorber (2), an anchoring frame (8) and an inflatable concentrator pad (3), which has a light-transmissive entry window (4) for coupling in the solar radiation and a reflector film (5) subdividing the concentrator pad (3) into at least two cavities (6, 7), wherein the reflector film (5) is designed to concentrate the solar radiation in the absorber (2) which is arranged in the cavity (6) of the concentrator pad (3), and with an anchoring frame (8), arranged outside of the concentrator pad (3), for anchoring the concentrator pad (3), wherein the absorber (2) is attached to the anchoring frame (8) by means of an absorber mount (15) and the concentrator pad (3) has at least one attachment opening (26) for the absorber mount (15) to pass through.

A burner for use with an induced draft furnace and which satisfies reduced nitrous oxide (NOx) emission standards is disclosed. The burner may employ a mechanical swirler that introduces a rotational vector to the emitted air and fuel mixed by the burner. By introducing the rotational vector, the resulting flame is more stable and sustainable even with the relatively low air flow afforded by an induced system. Such flame stability can be enhanced by positioning the burner directly within an inlet to a heat exchanger and manufacturing the inlet with reception surfaces that form a frusto-conically shaped flame expansion zone. In doing so, a secondary source of air is avoided and NOx emissions are reduced.

The present invention relates to a gas burner in which a burner body and a side plate are assembled together without a welding process, to thereby simplify manufacturing procedures and reduce manufacturing costs. To accomplish this, the gas burner of the present invention includes a plurality of burner units (110), each of which has a burner body (111) with a main flame being formed at the top thereof, a side plate (112) which forms auxiliary flame holes (116) in the spaces between both side surfaces of the burner body (111) and the side plate (112), and a plurality of supports (113, 114) protruding from the side plate (112). Both ends of each of the burner units (110) are supported by first and second brackets (200a, 200b), respectively. The supports (113, 114) formed at the side plate (112) of the burner unit are brought into contact with and are supported by supports (123, 124) formed at a side plate (122) of an adjacent burner unit (120).

The invention relates to a mirror module of a Fresnel Solar Collector System with a plurality of mirror elements pivotably mounted on a carrier plate and extending in parallel, which focus the sun light upon a receiver unit mounted above the mirror module in a raised position. The mirror elements are pivotably mounted on the carrier plate at least along longitudinal sections.

The present invention relates to a thermal vector system for solar concentration plants, in particular for parabolic trough solar concentration plants, both for industrial and domestic use, comprising a solid state thermal vector. A preferred solar concentration plant comprises one or more solar collectors (1), an heat exchanger (3-5), a heat accumulator (2) and a connecting pipe circuit, in which a solid state thermal vector is pushed through said circuit by mechanical means (6).

A waste disposal plant includes a combustion chamber (2) inside which waste laid on a combustion grate (3) is burnt. The grate permits the entrance of an adequate quantity of combustion air in the chamber through it. The combustion grate includes at least a handling group formed by fire bars or plates (7), which move alternatively one with respect to the other by advancing the waste on the grate. A handling group allows the alternate movement of the fire bars (7) which are divided in movable fire bars (7a) and fixed fire bars (7b), alternately disposed one with respect to the other, on transversal rows resting one upon the other according to a longitudinal placement with alternate steps.

A multi-sided, portable outdoor fireplace convertible to an open grill, a rotisserie assembly, and a smoker assembly, the fireplace includes a carriage assembly with a pair of rotatable wheels and at least one leg member; a base pan assembly for containing a solid fuel heat source affixed to the carriage assembly; and a removable screen assembly residing on top of the base pan assembly. When converted to an open grill, the fireplace further includes a grill bracket removably attachable to the screen assembly. When converted to a smoker, the fireplace, in one embodiment, further includes at least one heat/wind shield attachable to the screen assembly; a smoker adaptor body residing on the screen assembly; an adjustable grate support bracket affixed to the interior of the smoker body and a cover.

A coupling for connection of a valve and a control element in a gas cooking appliance is provided. More particularly, the present invention provides a flexible coupling to connect between a control element manipulated by the user and a gas valve that regulates the flow of fuel to a gas burner. By coupling the control and valve by a flexible coupling, options are created for the relative placement of the valve and control, which increases the space available in the interior of the appliance and can increase the space available upon its control panel.

A condensate collector system includes a condensate collector box having at least one condensate outlet port, and a condensate trap fluidly connected to the at least one condensate outlet port. The condensate trap is configured and disposed to be selectively positioned in multiple drain orientations relative to the condensate collector box to accommodate multiple installation configurations of the multi-poise gas furnace.

A pull-out guide for a baking oven. The pull-out guide includes a guide rail fixed in a position and configured as a hollow profile. The pull-out guide further includes a running rail movably mounted on the guide rail, and a bar inserted is into the guide rail, at least in sections.

A solar boiler includes a boiler support defining an axis along an inboard-outboard direction. A hanger rod is rotatably mounted to the boiler support. A bracket is rotatably mounted to the hanger rod, and a solar boiler panel is mounted to the bracket. The solar boiler panel defines a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular with the axis of the boiler support. The hanger rod connects between the boiler support and the bracket to support the weight of the solar boiler panel from the boiler support. The hanger rod and bracket are configured and adapted to maintain a substantially constant orientation of the bracket during inboard and outboard movement of the bracket relative to the boiler support.

Embodiments of the present invention provide components and a system for providing a safer environment for using a cutting torch. The system includes a cutting torch and a control box. There is communication from the user to the control box to allow fluids to flow to the torch. The control box includes closed biased valve(s) such that if there is a condition where there is no instruction from the torch to the control box and/or power is lost, the valves will shut, preventing fluid from flowing into the torch.

A blast treatment method capable of performing blast treatment of a treatment subject with a simple structure, with high efficiency, and at low cost, while inhibiting scattering of harmful substances or the like to the outside. The method includes: inside disposing an inside explosive for blasting a treatment subject around the treatment subject; disposing an outside explosive having a detonation velocity greater than that of the inside explosive at a position outside the inside explosive; and detonating the outside explosive using an initiation device, and initiating the inside explosive by detonation of the outside explosive, thereby performing blast treatment of the treatment subject by initiation of the inside explosive. The outside explosive disposing includes arranging a cord-like explosive member containing the outside explosive and having a shape extending in one direction so that a detonation propagation velocity in a specific direction of the inside explosive initiated by the outside explosive is greater than a detonation propagation velocity in the specific direction of the inside explosive.

A projectile (and munition including the projectile) and a method of assembling the same, includes a body having a cavity, a propellant disposed in the cavity and a base including an ignition flash column extending into the cavity containing the propellant and a nozzle formed so as to be openable and closeable.

A flexible fragmentation sleeve for use with a non-fragmenting explosive device is provided. The flexible fragmentation sleeve comprises a flexible cylindrical wall extending between opposing first and second ends along a longitudinal axis. The cylindrical wall includes an inner liner and an outer liner concentric to the inner liner. A first set of coupling elements extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical wall, and couple the inner liner with the outer liner. A second set of coupling elements extend circumferentially along the cylindrical wall. The second set of coupling elements is substantially perpendicular to the first set of coupling elements, and couple the inner liner with the outer liner. A plurality of pockets is defined intermediate the inner liner and the outer liner, and intermediate the first set of coupling elements and the second set of coupling elements. The flexible fragmentation sleeve of the illustrative embodiment further includes a plurality of fragmentation members. At least one fragmentation member is illustratively received within each pocket.

The present disclosure relates to a motor-driven unit for clearing mines from and securing a hazardous route. According to the present method, system and device, a marker apparatus for a secured route is a liquid material for marking on the ground, and comprising dispensing members for providing one axial marking and two side markings on either side of said axial marking, respectively, for said route.

A precision coaxial water jet disruption explosive device system that holds a blasting cap precisely to the surface of a cylindrically cut positioned plastic explosive that couples a detonation shock wave into water surrounding a hollow forming cavity. A pressure relief vent enables the water filled system to be assembled without deforming the thin walled hollow jet forming cavity, enabling forming repeatable supersonic jets on centerline axis. This system is positioned with two triangular pivot legs and aligned with two fan light beams or a line sight to define a projected jet route to deliver a water jet that can cut through over 1 inch of steel and disrupt target objects more than 9 feet away. This system is used to disable improvised explosive devices, and other dangerous objects, without detonating the targeted explosives and electronic devices such that the contents are destroyed without explosion sequences occurring.

A ammunition loading machine is provided. The ammunition loading machine includes a base frame. A rake assembly is mounted to the base frame and configured to index a linear row of cases along a first linear axis. A platen assembly is also mounted to the base frame and is movable relative to the base frame along a second linear axis that is orthogonal to the first linear axis. A propellant hopper is fixedly mounted to the base frame. The platen assembly is movable relative to the propellant hopper to transfer propellant from the propellant hopper to a propellant filling mechanism that is movable with the platen assembly. The rake assembly is adjustable to accommodate multiple different sizes of cartridges. The rake assembly and platen assembly are commonly linked to a cam drive mechanism for simultaneously moving the rake assembly and the platen assembly.

An automatic crimping tool may be used to seat and crimp a projectile in a cartridge case. The tool may include a center sleeve having a blind bore at one end, an outer surface, a spring stop disposed on the outer surface, and at least one opening extending through a wall of the blind bore. The tool may include an outer sleeve having a through bore. The center sleeve may be reciprocably disposed in the through bore of the outer sleeve. The through bore may include a counter bore at one end and an enlarged portion located distal from the counter bore. A spring may be disposed between a flat portion of the counter bore and the spring stop. A retainer may bear against the spring stop to limit axial motion of the center sleeve. An inner sleeve may be disposed in the blind bore. The inner sleeve may be selectively translatable with the center sleeve. A second spring may be disposed between a closed end of the blind bore and the inner sleeve.

The present invention is directed to a method for production preformed fabrication casing or associated parts intended to generate fragments initiated by the explosive of contained warhead charges. Molded parts having fragmentation bodies (4, 21, 34) embedded therein are produced by a two-stage powder compaction method followed by sintering together the compacted powder metal. The method described in the present invention defines how in an initial stage the fragmentation bodies (4, 21, 34) are fixed in position using a fixture (2) after which the bodies are covered with powder metal that is then compacted until the powder forms a single molded part (2) after which the fixture is replaced with a secondary quantity of powder that is also compacted to form a self-supporting unit (12) together with the first quantity of powder.

A projectile includes: (a) a cured, toughened polymer resin; and (b) a particulate filler distributed through the resin, the filler having a density greater than a density of the resin, wherein the projectile has average density less than the density of lead.

An explosive assembly adapted to destruction of artillery and other large ordnance shells; said explosive assembly comprising a pair of hollow half shells; each of said half shells formed with an internal cavity conforming to at least a portion of external surfaces of an ordnance shell to be destroyed.

The present invention provides an improved kinematic countermeasure flare and method of constructing the same wherein the housing has integrated internal features. The flare nose weight is set at the end of a die core prior to molding for integration with the housing. Longitudinal grooves and other recesses in the die core allow for the formation of internal longitudinal ribs which propellant can bond to and a retaining bead for retaining the nose weight in the housing which are integrated with the housing. Propellant is cast into the formed housing. A propellant shaping mandrel is then inserted into the formed housing thereby forcing the propellant into the internal cavity created by the integrally molded longitudinal ribs, the shaping mandrel and the wall of the flare housing such that the propellant is bonded to the interior housing wall and the longitudinal ribs. This improved housing and method of construction eliminates the need to apply a non-flammable coating to propellant surfaces after its addition to the flare housing which a an imprecise and time consuming process.

A portion of a work-hardened essentially tubular work piece such as a metallic firearm cartridge case is annealed by contact with solid or granular tooling material which has been heated to a temperature approximately that of the appropriate annealing temperature, thereby reducing the possibility of overheating the work piece, and also thereby permitting the annealing of only that portion of the work piece contacted or in close proximity to the point(s) of contact.

A bullet feeding device has an expandable collet insertable into a die body. The die body receives bullets from a source and directs the bullets to the expandable collet. The expandable collet restricts the passage of the bullet through the die body until the mouth of a cartridge case is inserted into the die body opposite the bullet. The mouth of the cartridge case causes the expandable collet to expand and allow the single bullet to pass through the expandable collet and be placed in the mouth of the cartridge case. As the completed cartridge is drawn from the die body, the expandable collet and prevents the passage of additional bullets until a new cartridge case is inserted. The bullet feeding device may accept bullets of different lengths and shapes. The collet is interchangeable with expandable collets of other sizes to be compatible with bullets of different sizes.

A loading machine for feeding a receiver includes, but is not limited to, a drum cam that is configured to rotate. The drum cam includes, but is not limited to, a first cam path, and a second cam path. A rammer subassembly is positioned proximate the drum cam. The rammer subassembly includes, but is not limited to, a first member that is configured to engage the first cam path and to move longitudinally with respect to the drum cam upon a rotation of the drum cam, and a second member that is configured to telescopically engage the first member and further configured to engage the second cam path and telescopically move with respect to the first member upon the rotation of the drum cam.

This disclosure generally relates to high-volume and cost-effective methods for producing non-spherical metal particles, particularly methods for producing metal cubes having rounded edges. The metal cubes having rounded edges are useful as ballistic shot in shotshell loads for hunting, where the particle shape imparted by the disclosed process packs to a higher density than spherical shot in the same volume.