Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator adapted for insertion into a sealed gas unit includes an igniter over which a nonconductive body is molded. The nonconductive body resists the pressure inside a sealed gas unit and protects the igniter from that pressure. The body provides substantially all of the structural support for the igniter. The body is molded onto a retainer, onto which a cup is attached to form a pressure seal and a hermetic seal against the gases within the sealed gas unit. Because the body carries substantially all of the structural loads exerted by the gas within the sealed gas unit, the cup can be made substantially thinner than previously possible.

Abstract: A coil restraint device for a torpedo mounted dispenser of a torpedo assembly is disclosed. The torpedo assembly includes at least a torpedo body, a longitudinal propulsion shaft housed within the torpedo body, and a torpedo mounted dispenser connected to the longitudinal propulsion shaft at the aft end of the torpedo body. The torpedo mounted dispenser houses a wire payout coil and a flex hose surrounds the wire payout coil, a forward end of the flex hose being open and unrestrained. The coil restraint device includes a flexible band member having an inner surface, an outer surface, opposite ends, and opposing longitudinal edges. A strap is provided on the outer surface of the flexible band member, the strap having opposite distal ends extending beyond a length of the flexible band member.

Abstract: A system for preventing unauthorized access to a firearm trigger includes a database of PIN numbers associated with a plurality of trigger locks and access tokens, each corresponding trio represented by an identification code. At purchase, a purchased firearm includes a two-piece trigger lock along with an access token. Each token includes a unique configuration of ferro-magnetic wires. If a background check of the firearm purchaser is approved, a central computer coupled to the database and to a computer network displays a personal identification number (PIN). Entry of this PIN into a keypad on a corresponding trigger lock actuates a read head therein and a token may be positioned thereby. A processor coupled to the read head is able to determine if the trigger lock and token match and, if so, to release of the trigger lock.

Abstract: The present invention is a combination spent shell deflector and catcher, and breech block latch actuator, or receiver closer for semi-automatic firearms. The combination comprises a generally planar frame for attachment in vertical orientation to the side of the gun's receiver, and generally parallel therewith, in the area of the ejector port. The planar frame of the invention has an upper section extending back from the front of the frame which supports a resilient plug near the upper edge of the ejection port. Also, the planar frame has a lower section extending back from the front of the frame supporting a pivotal connection for a breach block latch actuator. The latch actuator is a moveable, generally flat panel which fits within the front part of the lower section of the planar frame. Also, the lower section of the planar frame supports a removable connection for a spent shell catcher.

Abstract: In a revolving firearm having a barrel and a rotating cartridge cylinder actuated by an axially slidable pump-action type foregrip, indexing means are provided for converting the back and forth movement of the foregrip into a stepwise rotational movement of the cartridge cylinder for bringing one chamber of the cartridge cylinder after another in axial alignment with the barrel.

Abstract: A firearm is described which has a trigger mechanism, a cock and a cocking actuator that is separate from the cock. A striker spring acts on the cocking actuator to drive the cock. A cocking actuator safety mechanism, which is independent of the trigger mechanism, is provided for securing the cocking actuator in its cocked position. The illustrated safety mechanism has an operating handle which sits next to the lug of the cock, so that the safety mechanism can optionally be operated together with the cock.

Abstract: A handgun assembly is provided. The frame of the handgun includes a forwardly extending portion that terminates at the forward end of the muzzle or slide of the handgun. The forwardly extending portion of the frame has a dust cover that supports the entire length of the slide, and provides for the assembly of the standard handgun components therein. The frame provides additional weight forwardly displaced from the hand of the shooter, providing better feel and balance to the handgun and reducing muzzle flip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for deploying a data sensing apparatus into a subsurface geologic formation for intermittent or continuously gathering data from the subsurface formation and transmitting the data to a remote data receiver. In a preferred embodiment, a non-linear arrangement of a barrel and a burn chamber is used to provide a gun-like device for firing a bullet-shaped data sensing apparatus into a formation of interest. The data sensing apparatus, once disposed within the matrix of the formation of interest, monitors formation conditions and transmits the data for use in optimizing drilling and production activities.

Abstract: A gun disabler includes a disabler block engaged with a hammer strut and a rebound slide block. The disabler block selectively engages the hammer strut and the rebound slide block in a locked position such that both the hammer and the rebound slide are prevented from movement. The disabler block is displaceable to an unlocked position that is disengaged with the hammer strut and the rebound slide. A locking mechanism coupled with the disabler block shifts the disabler block between its locked position and its unlocked position. The double locking structure thus prevents the trigger from being pulled and additionally prevents the hammer from being cocked. The locking mechanism is configured such that only authorized users can enable the weapon.

Abstract: My invention is a new and improved hammer mechanism which reduces the strength of the hammer mainspring without also reducing the hammer's strike force. My invention comprises a link mechanism integrally assembled to the hammer of a firearm. The link mechanism moves at a positive velocity relative to the hammer as the hammer itself moves from the “cocked” position to the striking position. Both the hammer and the link mechanism are biased into the striking position by the hammer mainspring with a section of the link mechanism protruding from the front surface of the hammer and impacting the firing element of the firearm or primer. The link mechanism thus impacts the firing element or primer at a velocity and force roughly equal to the aggregate velocities and forces of the hammer and the link mechanism.

Abstract: An interbar assembly (34) for reversibly attaching a supplemental device, e.g., grenade launcher (32), to a host weapon, e.g., rifle (10). A preferred interbar assembly (34) attaches at its forward end to the rifle barrel (16), and at its rearward end to a “brace” (37) located in the breech area of the rifle (10). In a preferred embodiment, such connection can be made without the need for special tools after simply removing the host weapon lower hand guard (26b), which is readily removable, but without any other alterations.

Abstract: An improved telescopic gunsight is provided by combining a conventional telescopic gunsight with a reticle having a primary vertical cross-hair, a primary horizontal cross-hair intersecting the primary vertical cross-hair, a plurality of secondary horizontal cross-hairs having predetermined thickness evenly spaced a predetermined distance along the primary vertical cross-hair, a plurality of secondary vertical cross-hairs having predetermined thickness evenly spaced a predetermined distance along at least some of the secondary horizontal cross-hairs and an optical range-finder for quickly determining the range to the intended target. Some of the secondary horizontal cross-hairs are marked with a unique identifying character to assist the shooter in quickly finding an aiming point.

Abstract: A sighting device comprises a fiber optic element removably mounted on a support bracket which is adapted for attachment to ventilation rib of a gun. The sighting device is primarily for use in low light conditions and can be readily mounted and removed from the gun in immediate response to changing light conditions. In addition, the fiber optic element is removably attached to the support bracket, thereby allowing alternate fiber optic elements to be selectively mounted on the sighting device as desired.

Abstract: A fastening device (F) with first (16) and second sides (30) attaches a first device (10) to a mounting rail (12) of a second device (14). A top section (44) for mounting the first device extends from the first or second sides. The sides are adapted to removably clamp about the rail. A clamping member (46) extends between the first and second sides. An extended end (48) of the clamping member extends through the first side, and an opposing end (50) is coupled with the second side. The clamping member extended portion (48) is movably coupled to a single cam member (56) operably mounted with the first side for drawing the sides closer together into a clamping position (58) to mate the sides with the rail.

Abstract: A digit support for AR family receivers designed to reside in a gap left between a receiver's pistol grip and trigger guard. The support fills the gap and ideally separates a user's digit from the gap, thereby protecting the user's digit from injury due to prolonged contact with the walls forming said gap. The digit support is easily installed without removal of any components of or attachments to the receiver and in its best mode allows for the simultaneous opening of the receiver's trigger guard. In the best mode, the support is a body molded from a rubber compound having dimensions to fit snugly in the gap left between the trigger guard and the pistol grip. Ideally, the remaining exposed surface extends slightly higher than the depth of the gap and is cylindrically domed. Also in the best mode, the side of the body abutting the trigger guard mount should have a concavity designed to fit around the trigger guard mount so as to encompass said mount.

Abstract: A apparatus for securing an object to an individual is disclosed that includes a tether having a first end for attachment to an object and a second end for attachment to a user or to the user's belt or another article of the user's clothing. A guide member, which may be a metal rod connected to and spaced apart from the user's belt, is mounted on the user. The second end of the tether includes a connector such as a loop member that is slidably retained by the guide member.

Abstract: An assemblage of members held in a sleeve form a series of plenums which each have a reaction wall surface against which propulsion gasses generate anti recoil forces. Vents from the plenums direct propulsion gasses upwardly and outwardly to further counter recoil forces.

Abstract: A sight mount for a firearm includes a base, a pair of upwardly extending protective ears, and a rearwardly extending platform for supporting an iron sight assembly. The base includes dovetail rails for securing the base to a firearm, and transverse slots for accepting an electronic sight. The protective ears serve to protect the iron sight assembly, particularly when the electronic sight is removed, and also serve to stabilize the iron sight assembly. The sight mount enables a user to either use the electronic sight alone, or the iron sights, by simply shifting the direction of the user's view into the sight. Alternately, the electronic sight may be removed and the iron sights used directly, without requiring any adjustment of the iron sights.

Abstract: A bracket for securing the barrel of a flare launcher to the body of the flare launcher.

Abstract: A friction minimizing element such as a smooth hardened ball, a dimple in the sear spring (steel, stainless, plastic, carbon fiber or titanium material) is employed to minimize sliding friction between the spring and the disconnector or between other sliding components of a firearm mechanism, particularly the trigger mechanism of a handgun or other firearm. In addition, the same technology can be applied to the trigger bow of a semi-automatic handgun by placing an additional ball or dimple in the trigger bow that minimizes sliding friction between the rear transverse element of the trigger bow and the disconnector of the trigger mechanism. The benefits of the sear spring or the trigger bow modifications can be applied together or separately in the trigger mechanism. Each adds an individual benefit of minimizing sliding friction between engaging trigger components and thus preventing trigger creep as the trigger mechanism is actuated.