Various embodiments of space launch vehicle systems and associated methods of manufacture and use are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the systems include a reusable, horizontal takeoff/horizontal landing (HTHL), ground-assisted single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) spaceplane that is capable of providing frequent deliveries of people and/or cargo to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). In some embodiments, the spaceplane can takeoff with the aid of a rocket-powered sled that, in addition to providing additional thrust for takeoff, can also provide propellant for the spaceplane engines during the takeoff run so that the spaceplane launches with full propellant tanks.

A cryogenic tank for storing cryogenic fluids is disclosed. The cryogenic tank is typically configured to be mounted on a vehicle for supplying cryogenic fuel to a propulsion system of the vehicle. The cryogenic tank comprises an inner vessel for containing cryogenic fluids and an outer vessel surrounding the inner vessel to define a vacuum insulating volume therebetween. The outer vessel is configured to transmit static and/or dynamic loads, while the inner vessel is partially or completely isolated from such loads.

A gas discharge device, for a vehicle powered by compressed gas, includes: a gas manifold having a hollow body and including at least one port configured to be in fluid communication with a compressed gas tank, and an opening for discharging gas into the atmosphere; and a pipe configured to connect the port to the compressed gas tank. The pipe is freely translatable in the port to enable a first end of the pipe to move translationally along an axis in the port.

A hydrogen gas supply system for a hydrogen consuming energy converter arranged onto a vehicle comprising a plurality of tanks for storage of pressurized hydrogen gas, wherein each tank is provided with a valve configured to control the flow of hydrogen from the corresponding tank into a flow line connected to the hydrogen consuming energy converter, wherein the plurality of tanks comprises one or more primary tanks, each of which being provided with a corresponding primary hydrogen flow control valve, the plurality of tanks further comprising a secondary tank provided with a corresponding secondary hydrogen flow control valve, wherein the hydrogen gas supply system is arranged so that the secondary tank contains a smaller maximum working amount of pressurized hydrogen, and/or so that the flow of hydrogen from the secondary tank is restricted.

A method for controlling purging of hydrogen from a hydrogen circuit system of a vehicle, the hydrogen circuit system having a hydrogen conduit being arranged in fluid communication with at least one hydrogen tank, the method being implemented by a hydrogen control system comprising at least one processing circuitry, the method comprising deactivating one or more vehicle functions and vehicle systems into a non-ignitable state in response to a control signal indicative of a request for purging the hydrogen circuit system, and performing purging of the hydrogen circuit system when the one or more vehicle functions and vehicle systems are set into the non-ignitable state.

Disclosed herein are a method for diagnosing a disease of a body tissue by using LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) comprising: preparing a laser device including: a laser projection module, outputting the laser to a suspicious region of the body tissue, a light receiving module, receiving a plurality of light, a spectrum measurement module, and a guide unit; and projecting the laser to generate plasma by inducing tissue ablation in the suspicious region; wherein the laser projected to the suspicious region has a target area, and wherein the target area has smaller size than the suspicious region such that the target area is located inside the suspicious region.

A diffuser is disclosed and includes a channel with an inner portion having an inlet and an outlet through which a gaseous substance enters and exits the diffuser, respectively. The inner portion includes a first conical section that has an increasing cross-sectional area, taken along a plane perpendicular to a central axis, in a first direction. The inner portion also includes a second conical section that has a decreasing cross-sectional area, taken along a plane perpendicular to the central axis, in the first direction. The second conical section is communicatively coupled with the first conical section. The outer portion includes a first annular section that has an increasing cross-sectional area, taken along a plane perpendicular to the central axis, in a second direction opposite the first direction. The diffuser further includes a plurality of orifices that communicatively couple the second conical section with the first annular section.

A multiply-redundant system that prevents a driver from starting and/or moving a vehicle if a compressed natural gas fill system is not correctly and completely disconnected from the vehicle. One or more sensors in combination with one or more optional microswitches combine to lock-out the vehicle's ignition or otherwise prevent it from starting and/or moving. For different levels of safety, different combinations of sensors can be used with the lowest level having a single proximity sensor sensing the presence or absence of a high-pressure fill hose. The highest level of safety being achieved by having separate proximity sensors on the fuel fill hose fitting, the gas cap cover and a manual safety valve along with a redundant microswitch. An optional override that may be restricted as to the number of times it can be used can allow starting with a faulty sensor in order to allow maintenance.

Fuel gas supply system for supplying a high-pressure gas injection engine with gas stored in a liquefied gas tank, preferably an LNG tank, having a high-pressure pump to which liquefied gas is supplied. The system including a condenser with a high-pressure heat exchanger, a high-pressure vaporizer which is connected to the high-pressure pump via the high-pressure heat exchanger and is arranged downstream of the condenser. Gas fed to the high-pressure gas injection engine downstream of the high-pressure evaporator. A compressor to which boil-off gas is fed is connected downstream to the condenser via an inlet. A condensation core generator to which liquid gas is supplied from the high-pressure pump in such a manner that the condensation nuclei generated by the condensation nucleus generator promote condensation of the supplied boil-off gas. The liquid gas formed in the condenser is supplied to the high-pressure pump and/or to the liquid gas tank.

A control unit is provided for a pressure vessel system having at least one pressure vessel with a pressure vessel valve designed to convey fuel from the pressure vessel into a discharge line in order to supply an energy converter. The control unit is configured to determine that a reduced-power operating mode of the energy converter is present, wherein, in the reduced-power operating mode, the fuel mass flow for supplying the energy converter is less than or equal to a predefined mass flow threshold value. The control unit is further configured to cause the pressure vessel valve to be intermittently opened during the execution of the reduced-power operating mode, in order to convey in each case a surge of fuel from the pressure vessel into the discharge line.