Abstract: A scent presentation system for segregating a desired scent from other scents suspended in a gas. The desired scent has a density that differs from that of another scent in the gas. The system includes a housing having a sloping top wall and a pair of elongated sloping side walls extending downward from the top wall on opposite sides of the top wall. The top wall and the pair of side walls define a channel extending between an upstream end and a downstream end of the housing. The system has a separating gate extending downward into the channel from the top wall to a lower end positioned inside the channel. The gate separates the channel into upstream and downstream chambers. The upstream end has an inlet port allowing the gas to enter the channel, and the downstream end has an outlet port allowing the gas to exit the channel.

Abstract: A method of capturing volatile organic compounds entrained in respiratory gases of a subject. The method includes fluidly communicating the respiratory gases of the subject with a passage of a system. The passage extends from the entrance at an upstream end of the passage to an exit at a downstream end of the passage. The system includes a particle collector positioned in the passage. The subject is allowed to exhale while the passage of the system is in fluid communication with the respiratory gases of the subject. After a predetermined event, the passage of the system is fluidly isolated from the respiratory gases of the subject.

Abstract: An automated training system includes a training space sized and shaped to accommodate animals and cameras that view the training space. The system also includes a reward device, a direction device, and a computing device in electrical communication with the cameras, reward device, and directions device, that operates a training portal within a digital environment. Animals reside in the training space and are monitored by the cameras while the animals interact with the direction device and reward device. The training portal operates the direction device to instruct the animals how to behave and then operates the reward device for the animals that comply with the instruction.

Abstract: A scent presentation system for segregating a desired scent from other scents suspended in a gas. The desired scent has a density that differs from that of another scent in the gas. The system includes a housing having a sloping top wall and a pair of elongated sloping side walls extending downward from the top wall on opposite sides of the top wall. The top wall and the pair of side walls define a channel extending between an upstream end and a downstream end of the housing. The system has a separating gate extending downward into the channel from the top wall to a lower end positioned inside the channel. The gate separates the channel into upstream and downstream chambers. The upstream end has an inlet port allowing the gas to enter the channel, and the downstream end has an outlet port allowing the gas to exit the channel.

Abstract: A modular weapon in which the recoil transferring feature attaches to the barrel proximate the breech end of the barrel. The inventive approach allows the assembly of the barrel and the receiver to flex freely while still providing a path for the recoil impulse to travel to an external object—such as the body of the shooter in the case of a shoulder-fired rifle embodiment. This novel approach increases accuracy.

Abstract: A gas valve that can be opened using a trigger mechanism. When triggered, the valve is preferably configured to deliver a rapid release of air and then reset itself in the closed state. Once in the closed state, pressure may again be built on the upstream side of the valve until another release is desired.

Abstract: A gas valve that can be opened using a trigger mechanism. When triggered, the valve is preferably configured to deliver a rapid release of air and then reset itself in the closed state. Once in the closed state, pressure may again be built on the upstream side of the valve until another release is desired.

Abstract: A toy projectile launching device. The device preferably includes a handle, barrel, muzzle, trigger, cocking shaft, and cocking handle. The device uses a spring loaded shaft in order to launch an orb. In addition, the launching mechanism of the device imparts rotation upon the orb, which stabilizes the orb in flight—thereby achieving an increase in sustained velocity and an increase in the distance traveled.

Abstract: A toy projectile launching device. The device preferably includes a handle, barrel, muzzle, trigger, cocking shaft, and cocking handle. The device uses a spring loaded shaft in order to launch an orb. In addition, the launching mechanism of the device imparts rotation upon the orb, which stabilizes the orb in flight—thereby achieving an increase in sustained velocity and an increase in the distance traveled.

Abstract: A blow gun for launching soft projectiles. The blow gun includes an action sleeve which is wrapped around and attached to a receiver. Soft projectiles, such as marshmallows, may be loaded into the breech of the blow gun by rotating the action sleeve approximately a quarter of a turn around the receiver. When rotated in this manner, a loading port in the action sleeve aligns with a corresponding loading port on the receiver, thus exposing the hollow interior of the receiver. A barrel is attached to one end of the receiver so that the hollow interior of the barrel and the hollow interior of the receiver are aligned. A muzzle brake extends beyond the barrel and has a plurality of brake vents to prevent the accidental inhalation of projectiles when inhaling on the muzzle end of the blow gun. The blow gun may be fired by blowing into a blow tube which is fluidly connected with the receiver.

Abstract: A bow-type projectile launcher for launching soft projectiles. The projectile launcher features a pump assembly having a cylinder and piston. The piston is attached to a bow string so that a pressure charge is generated when the user draws and releases the bow string. The pressure charge is released into a chamber which contains a soft projectile. A removable magazine is provided for containing a plurality of soft projectiles. A magazine receiver is provided for attaching the removable magazine to the projectile launcher.

Abstract: A blow gun for launching soft projectiles. The blow gun includes an action sleeve which is wrapped around and attached to a receiver. Soft projectiles, such as marshmallows, may be loaded into the breech of the blow gun by rotating the action sleeve approximately a quarter of a turn around the receiver. When rotated in this manner, a loading port in the action sleeve aligns with a corresponding loading port on the receiver, thus exposing the hollow interior of the receiver. A barrel is attached to one end of the receiver so that the hollow interior of the barrel and the hollow interior of the receiver are aligned. A muzzle brake extends beyond the barrel and has a plurality of brake vents to prevent the accidental inhalation of projectiles when inhaling on the muzzle end of the blow gun. The blow gun may be fired by blowing into a blow tube which is fluidly connected with the receiver.

Abstract: A projectile launcher for launching soft projectiles. The projectile launcher features a breech loading mechanism for loading soft projectiles into the launcher. The projectile launcher includes a pressure vessel which is pressurized by a positive displacement type pump which pumps ambient air into the pressure vessel. The butt stock is integrated to the piston of the pump so that the user may pressurize the pressure vessel by sliding the butt stock back and forth with respect to the pressure vessel. A specialized release valve is provided for optimum release of the pressure charge. Operating pressure for the launcher is limited by the pump design to prevent injury.

Abstract: An air-powered projectile launcher. A double-acting piston within a pump tube is employed. A separate magazine tube is used to hold a plurality of projectiles. One end of the magazine tube feeds into a barrel assembly. The opposite end is closed by a one-way valve. The muzzle of the barrel is closed by a muzzle valve. When the piston is pulled through a back stroke, an air manifold directs the flow to induce a vacuum in the end of the magazine tube proximate the barrel. The vacuum closes the muzzle valve and opens the one-way valve on the opposite end of the magazine tube. The vacuum then pulls the first projectile into the barrel. When the piston is pushed through a forward stroke, pressure is directed behind the first projectile and in front of the second projectile. The second projectile is forced back into the magazine tube. The pressure within the magazine tube closes the one-way valve, effectively making the second projectile the base of a closed firing chamber.

Abstract: A step configured to be attached to the drawbar of a trailer hitch. The step incorporates a hole and a ball mount receiver. The ball mount receiver is placed over the ball mount on the hitch. The hole allows the hitch ball and its accompanying lock washer and nut to be used to simultaneously mount the step and the hitch ball. The step is shaped to allow free access to the hitch ball so that a trailer can be attached while the step remains in place. The step then allows a user to step up and over the hitch with attached trailer.

Abstract: An air-powered projectile launcher. A double-acting piston within a pump tube is employed. A separate magazine tube is used to hold a plurality of projectiles. One end of the magazine tube feeds into a barrel assembly. The opposite end is closed by a one-way valve. The muzzle of the barrel is closed by a muzzle valve. When the piston is pulled through a back stroke, an air manifold directs the flow to induce a vacuum in the end of the magazine tube proximate the barrel. The vacuum closes the muzzle valve and opens the one-way valve on the opposite end of the magazine tube. The vacuum then pulls the first projectile into the barrel. When the piston is pushed through a forward stroke, pressure is directed behind the first projectile and in front of the second projectile. The second projectile is forced back into the magazine tube. The pressure within the magazine tube closes the one-way valve, effectively making the second projectile the base of a closed firing chamber.

Abstract: A step configured to be attached to the drawbar of a prior art trailer hitch. The step incorporates a hole and a ball mount receiver. The ball mount receiver is placed over the ball mount on the prior art hitch. The hole allows the hitch ball and its accompanying lock washer and nut to be used to simultaneously mount the step and the hitch ball. The step is shaped to allow free access to the hitch ball so that a trailer can be attached while the step remains in place. The step then allows a user to step up and over the hitch with attached trailer.