Abstract: An improved automatic loading cross-bow comprising a main frame having pivotally mounted interchangeable bow limbs adjacent to its front end. The bow limbs can be latched in a folding position, for easy transportation, in an extended position for firing, or can be interchanged for different bow weights. The cross-bow includes an arrow magazine containing a plurality of arrows adapted to be attached to the main frame. An improved spring device automatically feeds arrows, one at a time, into the firing position in the main frame as the bow string is cocked. An improved safety release trigger is adapted to be cocked by moving the bow string into firing position and to be fired only when the safety release and trigger are both actuated. The improved release trigger further provides for a smooth center line firing.

Abstract: First and second metallic components are joined along a weld path by providing a beam of coherent electromagnetic energy having sufficient power to melt the first and second components and providing a low turbulent flow of an inert shielding gas over a weld region along a portion of the weld path. The beam is focussed on the weld region such that the beam energy is linearly distributed in the direction of the weld path with an intensity sufficient to form a pool of molten metal in the weld region. Relative motion is then established between the components and the beam to cause the weld region to move along the weld path, thereby joining the first and second components along the weld path.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for scribing chemical milling maskant applied to a metal substrate by impinging a laser beam on the maskant and controlling the beam to penetrate through the maskant substantially without damaging the underlying metal. In carrying out the process, a metal part such as aluminum, titanium or their alloys is coated with an organic polymer maskant having absorption to a laser beam, a predetermined pattern is scribed in the maskant by impinging a laser beam, e.g. a Nd:YAG (neodymium doped yttrium aluminum garnet) laser, under controlled conditions to scribe a predetermined pattern in the maskant and substantially without damaging the underlying metal, removing the maskant portion within the circumscribed area of the pattern to expose the underlying metal and leaving the remaining maskant portion adhered to the substrate, immersing the metal substrate in a chemical milling solution, e.g.