Abstract: A vest incorporating a pull element operatively connected to a plurality of tether lines extending along pathways to panel connection points at which front and rear panels of the vest are adjoined. When the pull element is extended away from the vest, the tether lines are placed into tension thereby causing the connection assemblies to be disengaged and the front and rear panels of the vest can fall away from one another. Locking elements within the connection assemblies return to their locking position upon release of the tension.

Abstract: A weapon magazine boot for covering the exposed portion of a weapon magazine provides improved gripping features and reduced detection when observed through night vision or lowlight observation systems.

Abstract: In one aspect, a scintillation generator for simulation of aero-optical and atmospheric turbulence is described. A first deformable mirror is illuminated using collimated light from a source laser beam. In one aspect, movement of a first deformable mirror is controlled to modulate a reflected laser beam to induce wave-front phase errors onto the reflected laser beam to simulate propagation of the reflected laser beam through near-field aero-optical disturbance. In one aspect, the reflected laser beam is focused onto a second deformable mirror to form a near-field beam. In one aspect, movement of the second deformable mirror is controlled to modulate a reflection of the near-field laser beam to induce amplitude fluctuations onto the reflected near-field laser beam to simulate propagation of the reflected near-field laser beam through far-field atmospheric turbulence. The second deformable mirror is in a Fourier plane of the first deformable mirror. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A molded ammunition carrying device including a plurality of independently expandable “C” profile cradles. The cradles are adapted to wrap compressively in partial circumferential relation about a shell body or other large diameter ammunition to provide support despite variations in individual ammunition dimensions. The carrying device may be adapted for attachment to other structures including belts, webbing, quick reload devices, or other structures used by a shooter in the field.

Abstract: A buckle assembly (10) includes a frame (12) having a base (66) connected to opposed side walls (68). The frame (12) has a latch chamber (70) between the base (66) and the opposed side walls (68). The buckle assembly (10) also includes a lever (14) pivotally secured with in the latch chamber (70) between the opposed side walls (68), and a latch (16) configured to be secured in the latch chamber (70) by the lever (14). The latch (16) may include a frame-engaging member (30) having an ogived leading end (36). The ogived leading end (36) is configured to self-align the latch (16) within the latch chamber (70) when the latch (16) is mated into the latch chamber (70).

Abstract: A personal equipment suspension system with active support to the lumbar region includes a belt to surround the user's waist and a frame supported on the belt with a resilient membrane of synthetic elastomeric crystalline material in tension on the frame to be interposed between the belt and the user. The frame includes spaced ends and the membrane is a lattice in tension between the spaced ends. In one embodiment, the system is a support belt. In another, it is load bearing such as a backpack configuration. In another, it includes stanchions to support a body armor vest.

Abstract: A vest incorporating a pull element operatively connected to a plurality of tether lines extending along pathways to panel connection points at which front and rear panels of the vest are adjoined. When the pull element is extended away from the vest, the tether lines are placed into tension thereby causing the connection assemblies to be disengaged and the front and rear panels of the vest can fall away from one another. Locking elements within the connection assemblies return to their locking position upon release of the tension.

Abstract: A collapsible article container includes a pair of side walls connected along side edges and a transverse bottom edge defining an interior pouch volume having a sealable entrance opening and an air purge mechanism in communication with the pouch to provide air evacuation from the pouch through a volume reduction port. The air purge mechanism includes truncated, transverse, seals defining a restricted flow path in communication with the pouch volume through one passage and in communication with a volume reduction port through another. The collapsible article container may be reused after removal of a contained article by insertion of an article into the pouch volume, exposing the volume reduction port to atmosphere, and expelling entrained air from the pouch volume through the passages and restricted flow path of the air purge mechanism. In one form the pouch includes a closable strip spaced inwardly from the top edge.