Abstract: A slingshot includes a handle having a plurality of positioning grooves, the grooves spaced along a length of the handle, a pair of arms extending upwardly and forwardly from the handle, each arm having a band attachment device, a pair of wings extending laterally outward and forward from handle, each wing configured to be supported by a portion of a user's hand, an arm brace secured to the handle and a palm plate removably secured to the handle. The palm plate is configured to be removed from one positioning groove of the plurality of positioning grooves and secured to another groove of the plurality of positioning grooves. A handleless slingshot is also provided having a wire or wire-like body including, in one embodiment, a lower portion, a pair of wings connected to one another by the lower portion, a pair of arms, and an upper portion.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking and processing user purchase information. The system and method include receiving and processing information related to the purchase of goods and services of a user. The information is manipulated by the system to aid the user in his or her daily eating and living routines.

Abstract: A collapsible target is disclosed. The target comprises a frame that is collapsible from an open, unfolded configuration, to a closed, folded configuration. A fabric housing is mounted on the frame using a series of capped connectors and grommets. The housing comprises a plurality of panels joined together to from an inner compartment. The front panel of the compartment is formed with a window. A target assembly comprising a self-resetting spinner and a base is mounted in the compartment behind the window. The spinner may be mounted on an illuminated axle. The base is dimensioned for alternately holding a breakable clay target. The target is highly portable and easy to setup and take down. The target may be conveniently stored in a bag when not in use.

Abstract: A slingshot includes a handle having a plurality of positioning grooves, the grooves spaced along a length of the handle, a pair of arms extending upwardly and forwardly from the handle, each arm having a band attachment device, a pair of wings extending laterally outward and forward from handle, each wing configured to be supported by a portion of a user's hand, an arm brace secured to the handle and a palm plate removably secured to the handle. The palm plate is configured to be removed from one positioning groove of the plurality of positioning grooves and secured to another groove of the plurality of positioning grooves. A handleless slingshot is also provided having a wire or wire-like body including, in one embodiment, a lower portion, a pair of wings connected to one another by the lower portion, a pair of arms, and an upper portion.

Abstract: A slingshot with handle guard and palm plate is disclosed. The slingshot includes a handle, a pair of forward facing arms with band attachment devices, an arm brace and a retaining clip for securing the arm brace to the handle. The handle includes a plurality of grooves adapted to receive a palm plate at various locations along the length of the handle. The handle further includes a groove formed therein for engaging one end of a handle guard as well as a recess for receiving the other end of the handle guard, which is secured by the retaining clip. The handle further includes a bore formed therethrough for accessories, such as stabilizers, dampeners, storage containers and the like.

Abstract: A method for providing a component, the method comprising; defining the geometry of the component, defining a second geometry which incorporates a component geometry portion (1) and a sacrificial geometry portion (2) and using an ALM method, manufacturing an intermediate (1,2) having the second geometry. Prior to removal of the sacrificial geometry portion, a heat treatment is applied to the intermediate.

Abstract: A handleless slingshot with a folding storage compartment is disclosed. The slingshot does not require that the user grip a handle to shoot it and the folding storage compartment may be removed or omitted if desired. The slingshot includes a storage compartment that can store projectiles (such as steel shot) and/or other supplies. The storage compartment is foldable such that it can be folded into the base of the slingshot to create a compact, portable unit. The slingshot includes a quick-release interchangeable band system that uses clips that matingly engage grooves formed at the ends of the slingshot arms to secure the band. The slingshot includes guard area which protects the web area of the hand when shooting the slingshot. The slingshot moves the thumb and index finger contact points forward of the band to increase stability and eliminate the need to grip a handle when shooting the slingshot.

Abstract: A handleless slingshot with a folding storage compartment is disclosed. The slingshot does not require that the user grip a handle to shoot it and the folding storage compartment may be removed or omitted if desired. The slingshot includes a storage compartment that can store projectiles (such as steel shot) and/or other supplies. The storage compartment is foldable such that it can be folded into the base of the slingshot to create a compact, portable unit. The slingshot includes a quick-release interchangeable band system that uses clips that matingly engage grooves formed at the ends of the slingshot arms to secure the band. The slingshot includes guard area which protects the web area of the hand when shooting the slingshot. The slingshot moves the thumb and index finger contact points forward of the band to increase stability and eliminate the need to grip a handle when shooting the slingshot.

Abstract: An archery bow and bowstring dampener is disclosed. The dampener comprises at least one sleeve and at least one piston. The sleeve is formed with a first end adapted attached to a bow and a second end with at least one flared arm extending therefrom. Each sleeve is configured to matingly receive at least one piston therein. Each piston has at least one gripper extending therefrom on one end. The grippers flare outwardly from each piston and are mounted to each piston such that the grippers move inwardly when impacted by the bow limb(s) and/or bowstring and when each piston enters its sleeve, thereby grasping the bow limb(s) and/or bowstring, and outwardly when each piston exits its sleeve, thereby releasing the bow limb(s) and/or bowstring.

Abstract: A method of coating a metallic article having an at least part-metallic surface comprising a first metal, with a surface having a pre-determined wettability, the method at least comprising the steps of: (a) coating at least a part of the metallic article with a layer of a second metal to provide a metal-metal bonded surface, said surface being rough either prior to or because of step (a); and (b) contacting the metal-metal bonded surface of step (a) with a material to provide the surface having the pre-determined wettability. The first metal may be one or more of the group comprising: iron, zinc, copper, tin, nickel and aluminum, and alloys thereof including steel, brass, bronze and nitinol for example. Preferably, the second metal is coated onto the first metal using electroless Galvanic deposition.

Abstract: A bail guard for use with arm- or wrist-braced slingshots is disclosed. The bail comprises a thin, slightly arcuate body having upper and lower channels disposed on opposing sides, each upper and lower channel separated by a groove formed therebetween. The channels are dimensioned to receive and fictionally engage the distal ends of the arm or wrist brace of a slingshot such that the bail guard can be securely and removably mounted to the arm or wrist brace of the slingshot.

Abstract: A handleless slingshot with a folding storage compartment is disclosed. The slingshot does not require that the user grip a handle to shoot it and the folding storage compartment may be removed or omitted if desired. The slingshot includes a storage compartment that can store projectiles (such as steel shot) and/or other supplies. The storage compartment is foldable such that it can be folded into the base of the slingshot to create a compact, portable unit. The slingshot includes a quick-release interchangeable band system that uses clips that matingly engage grooves formed at the ends of the slingshot arms to secure the band. The slingshot includes guard area which protects the web area of the hand when shooting the slingshot. The slingshot moves the thumb and index finger contact points forward of the band to increase stability and eliminate the need to grip a handle when shooting the slingshot.

Abstract: A handleless slingshot with a folding storage compartment is disclosed. The slingshot does not require that the user grip a handle to shoot it and the folding storage compartment may be removed or omitted if desired. The slingshot includes a storage compartment that can store projectiles (such as steel shot) and/or other supplies. The storage compartment is foldable such that it can be folded into the base of the slingshot to create a compact, portable unit. The slingshot includes a quick-release interchangeable band system that uses clips that matingly engage grooves formed at the ends of the slingshot arms to secure the band. The slingshot includes guard area which protects the web area of the hand when shooting the slingshot. The slingshot moves the thumb and index finger contact points forward of the band to increase stability and eliminate the need to grip a handle when shooting the slingshot.

Abstract: A handleless slingshot with a folding storage compartment is disclosed. The slingshot does not require that the user grip a handle to shoot it and the folding storage compartment may be removed or omitted if desired. The slingshot includes a storage compartment that can store projectiles (such as steel shot) and/or other supplies. The storage compartment is foldable such that it can be folded into the base of the slingshot to create a compact, portable unit. The slingshot includes a quick-release interchangeable band system that uses clips that matingly engage grooves formed at the ends of the slingshot arms to secure the band. The slingshot includes guard area which protects the web area of the hand when shooting the slingshot. The slingshot moves the thumb and index finger contact points forward of the band to increase stability and eliminate the need to grip a handle when shooting the slingshot.

Abstract: A collapsible target is disclosed. The target comprises a frame that is collapsible from an open, unfolded configuration, to a closed, folded configuration. A fabric housing is mounted on the frame using a series of capped connectors and grommets. The housing comprises a plurality of panels joined together to from an inner compartment. The front panel of the compartment is formed with a window. A target assembly comprising a self-resetting spinner and a base is mounted in the compartment behind the window. The spinner may be mounted on an illuminated axle. The base is dimensioned for alternately holding a breakable clay target. The target is highly portable and easy to setup and take down. The target may be conveniently stored in a bag when not in use.

Abstract: A slingshot with handle guard and palm plate is disclosed. The slingshot includes a handle, a pair of forward facing arms with band attachment devices, an arm brace and a retaining clip for securing the arm brace to the handle. The handle includes a plurality of grooves adapted to receive a palm plate at various locations along the length of the handle. The handle further includes a groove formed therein for engaging one end of a handle guard as well as a recess for receiving the other end of the handle guard, which is secured by the retaining clip. The handle further includes a bore formed therethrough for accessories, such as stabilizers, dampeners, storage containers and the like.

Abstract: A product which at least partly comprises an agglomerate formed from a powder having a pre-determined wettability.

Abstract: An archery bow and bowstring dampener is disclosed. The dampener comprises at least one sleeve and at least one piston. The sleeve is formed with a first end adapted attached to a bow and a second end with at least one flared arm extending therefrom. Each sleeve is configured to matingly receive at least one piston therein. Each piston has at least one gripper extending therefrom on one end. The grippers flare outwardly from each piston and are mounted to each piston such that the grippers move inwardly when impacted by the bow limb(s) and/or bowstring and when each piston enters its sleeve, thereby grasping the bow limb(s) and/or bowstring, and outwardly when each piston exits its sleeve, thereby releasing the bow limb(s) and/or bowstring.