Abstract: A detonator assembly is provide which increases versatility, reliability and safety by initiating any amount of signal transmission lines up to about 8 without emitting excessive noise or shrapnel which can cause cut off or safety hazards. The detonator assembly comprises a low strength detonator with a single charge of preferably lead azide. A high confinement connection block houses the low strength detonator and comprises a retention block in which the low strength detonator is inserted and a confining wall which surrounds the closed end of the low strength detonator. One to about eight signal transmission lines can be inserted through a gap in the confining wall and operatively confined adjacent the closed end of the low strength detonator.

Abstract: A casing for protecting firearms from the elements while allowing the user to access firearm sight and trigger. Although the firearm is at all times fully enclosed in the cover, the firearm may be aimed and discharged without having to remove the firearm from its protective casing.

Abstract: The invention provides an unmanned, autonomous, undersea platform which ends the sphere of influence of a host vessel from which it is launched. The platform is hydrodynamically and stealth shaped to minimize noise, wake and detectability of the platform. The platform includes advanced active and passive sensors for monitoring the undersea environment, high data rate RF and satellite communications capabilities for communication with the host vessel when necessary, forward deployed offensive and defensive weapons systems and sophisticated data processing to coordinate the sensing, communications and weapons systems with minimal direction from the host vessel. Prior to launch, mission directives are input to the data processors. Using artificial intelligence and neural network programming for decision making, the processors constantly update the platform's operating parameters to conform with changing environmental and threat conditions and to successfully complete the mission.

Abstract: A vessel comprises a cylindrical hull (10) containing a structure (11) carrying machinery (M) supported from the hull (10) by electromagnetic levitation means (12-17) that maintain electromagnetic forces between flux gaps (24) which are arranged to extend radially of the adjacent hull (10) curvature and longitudinally of the hull (10). In this manner, the transmission of noise from the machinery (M) to the hull (10) is obviated so as to reduce the detectable acoustic signal emitted by the vessel and furthermore, radial expansion or contraction of the hull (10) is prevented from mechanical transmission to the structure (11) via the levitation means (12-17).

Abstract: A gun barrel control target sling is applied to firearms, such as rifles, pistols, shotguns, bb guns, crossbows, and other hand held firing devices, such as rocket launchers, bazookas, etc. The target sling includes a flexible adjustable strap which extends obliquely downward from a forward part of a gun barrel in the vicinity of where the barrel is held by the non-trigger activating hand down to the forearm of the same arm of the shooter, to provide a counteracting force upon the repulsive explosive upward force of the gun when shot. This sling strap generally is a linearly extending strap approximately 1/2 inch by 24 inches, preferably having adjustable members, such as a series of corresponding slots into which fasteners can be placed to maximize a taunt fit between the gun and the forearm of the user. The downward oblique tension of the sling strap provides a counteracting force to upward movement of the gun.

Abstract: The invention relates to an explosives booster (1) which can substantially enclose a detonator (2) and which comprises an integral fastening means (10) for positive retention of non-electric tubing (3) attached to the detonator (2). The primer formed by the combination of said booster and non-electric detonating assembly has improved handling characteristics and can better withstand rough handling.

Abstract: A split leaf rear open sight is provided including a gun and a mounting assembly coupled to a top surface of a rear extent of the gun. A pair of pieces are provided at least one of which has a beveled edge and is horizontally slidable with respect to the other piece for adjusting a sight defined by the pieces.

Abstract: An isolated compensated fluid delivery system is used in an underwater vel, such as a torpedo, to deliver a supply fluid such as fuel, while displacing the supply fluid with a compensating fluid to compensate for change in buoyancy of the underwater vessel. The buoyancy compensated fluid delivery system includes a container, such as a fuel tank, a flexible delivery chamber disposed within the container adjacent a flexible compensation chamber. An outlet is coupled to the flexible delivery chamber and extends outside the container to direct the supply fluid out of the flexible delivery chamber. An inlet is coupled to the flexible compensation chamber and extends outside the container to direct the compensating fluid into the flexible compensation chamber as the supply fluid is being delivered. The volume of compensating fluid is substantially equivalent to the volume of supply fluid such that the weight and displacement of the underwater vessel remains substantially constant.

Abstract: A machine includes a mechanical linkage and or drive coupled to a housing and generating at least one of shock and vibration when functioning. The machine further includes an integrated circuit fingerprint sensor carried by the housing and being resistant to at least one of shock and vibration, and an enabling circuit for selectively enabling functioning of the linkage/drive based upon sensing a fingerprint of an authorized machine operator by the integrated circuit fingerprint sensor. Accordingly, only authorized operators may use the machine. Moreover, the integrated fingerprint sensor is shock and vibration resistant so that it can be coupled to the machine housing and still function accurately and reliably. The enabling circuit may also include a memory for storing data related to at least one fingerprint for at least one authorized operator, and may determine matching of a sensed fingerprint with the stored data. The machine may also be a firearm which generates a substantial shock upon firing.

Abstract: An electronic delay detonator comprises an electronic timer (100) and an electric detonator (200) fired by ignition of an ignition element. The timer includes an energy charging circuit (120) for storing electrical energy supplied from a power supply, a delay circuit (30) for counting a time period by using the electrical energy stored in the energy charging circuit to thereby output a trigger signal, and a switching circuit (140) for supplying the electrical energy stored in the energy charging circuit to the ignition element in response to the trigger signal. To an impact externally applied to the electronic delay detonator, a lower limit of an impact value in an induced detonation range of the electric detonator substantially overlaps with an upper limit of an impact value in a range in which the electronic timer is operable. Thus, no explosive remains misfired even in adverse use environments.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for propelling fluidborne vehicles is disclosed that results in reduction in the overall form drag of certain classes of vehicles. The method and arrangement consists of using a propulsion system with an inlet that circumscribes the transition region between a forebody section containing the widest part of the vehicle and a tapered afterbody section of the vehicle to remove fluid from the viscous boundary layer that is generated by the forward portion of the vehicle, and accelerates this boundary layer fluid through a propulsion system in the afterbody portion of the vehicle. Removal of boundary layer fluid can reduce momentum losses which occur in the wake created by various classes of vehicles.

Abstract: A support device for supporting a person's arm when the arm is extended. The device can also be used to support an optical instrument such as a camera. The support device has a base structure adapted to be worn about a person's waist, proximate the hip. A support shaft extends from the base structure. The support shaft has a predetermined extended length between a first end and a second end. The support shaft contains a piston between its two ends. The presence of the piston enables said support shaft to be contracted to a contracted length that is less than its normal length. This enables a person to move his/her arm up and down while still being supported. The support shaft connects to the base structure with a ball and socket joint. Consequently, the support shaft is also free to move back and forth with that person's arm.

Abstract: A noise and recoil suppressor that is intended to be mounted within the terminal portion of a firearm barrel. The suppressor is a unitary structure having a cylindrical body and a plurality of chambers extending transversely therethrough and spaced-apart in the longitudinal direction of the device. The chambers are configured so as to restrain and slow the passage of the exhausting gases resulting from a bullet that has discharged and passing therethrough so as to suppress both the resulting noise and recoil from the discharging firearm. The suppressor is provided with external threads adjacent its outer end, and a firearm barrel into which the device is to be slidably inserted is suitably drilled-out and provided with internal threads for threadable securement of the device within the end of a firearm barrel. A second and shorter embodiment of the suppressor is disclosed that primarily functions as a recoil suppressor.

Abstract: A crossbow or other weapon with an adjustable sight mounting member is provided with an indicator mechanism which provides a read-out indicative of the disposition of the sight mounting member, the indicator being of a size substantially greater than the range of adjustment of the sight mounting member so as to provide a readily legible visual indication of said disposition. The indicator comprises a pointer rotatably movable over an arcuate scale and driven by a rack and pinion connection with an operating member which is coupled with the sight mounting member. The sight mounting member is adjustable by means of a screw which is operable independently of the indicator.

Abstract: A thin walled finger groove adapter for a handgun comprising a very thin ductile metal reinforcing plate encapsulated with thin front and back layers of elastomeric material. At least one finger groove projection is provided on the front surface of the adapter in registry with a hole through the reinforcing plate so that the projection is integral with both the front and back layers of encapsulating material. The finger groove adapter is substantially no greater than 0.040 inches thick with the metal plate being no more than about 0.015, and preferably about 0.010, inches thick. It is well suited for handgun users who have small hands. The finger groove adapter is molded in a flat condition and may be trimmed in the flat configuration to a variety of final shapes so as to accommodate mounting to a variety of different handgun handles. The finger groove adapter is sold in the flat or only slightly bent configuration, and is deformed into the appropriate shape for mounting to the handgun by the user.

Abstract: A portable weapon having a monolithic housing and stock made of plastics and provided with a metal insert for strengthening the structure.

Abstract: A hammer for a portable firearm, such as automatic pistol, which hammer is at least partially exposed and has a hammer piece (1), arranged for firing a bullet cartridge by striking action and an end piece (2) extending a given distance for facilitating grasping of the hammer piece and preferably connected to the hammer piece (1) in a flexible manner, where either the end piece (2), extends a given distance on the hammer piece (1), is mounted via a flexible connection, or the end piece (2) is made of a flexible material.

Abstract: A starter pistol for firing blank cartridges is generally in the shape of a typical medium duty upholstery stapler. A magazine having at least one chamber each holding a cartridge is fed into an open channel on the bottom of the device. A trigger is operatively connected to a firing pin and actuates the firing pin upon squeezing of a lever of the trigger by an operator. The trigger is also operatively connected to an advancement mechanism that advances each cartridge laden chamber into proper position for firing.

Abstract: An ammunition bearing unit is provided. The unit includes at least three casings. When the ammunition bearing unit strikes a target, the casings are deformed and make successive electrical contacts. A detecting unit is arranged to detect a time difference between the successive electrical contacts created by the deformation of the casings. The detecting unit generates an initiation signal only if the time difference exceeds a selected value. An ignition system sends a signal to a charge as a function of the electrical contacts.

Abstract: A replacement centerfire bolt assembly for a rimfire rifle having a two-piece bolt with a detachable bolt head assembly and a method for modifying a bolt are disclosed. In accordance with the method, the bolt is first removed from the rifle, and then the rimfire bolt head assembly is removed from a remainder of the bolt. Next, a centerfire bolt head assembly is attached to the remainder of the bolt in place of the rimfire bolt head assembly. This centerfire bolt head assembly includes a bolt head having a central longitudinal axis, a cartridge end, a striker end, and an exterior size and configuration functionally identical to a size and configuration of a rimfire bolt head of the rimfire bolt head assembly. A bore is provided along the central longitudinal axis of the bolt head, with this bore including an enlarged recess adjacent the striker end. A one-piece centerfire firing pin is located in the bore of the bolt head, which firing pin is longer than the bore.