Abstract: A firearm sling assembly includes an anchor adapted for connection to a firearm, a strap forming a single loop and adapted for wearing around a user's neck, and a quick-release mechanism releasably attaching the anchor to the strap. The quick-release mechanism includes a first element having a key groove defined therein, a second element having a key channel defined therein, the key channel extending between a first opening adjacent the key groove and a second opening away from the key groove, a key slidably disposed in the key channel and retractably engaging the key groove through the first opening, a biasing element acting between the key and second element to bias the key into engagement with the key groove, and a release element disposed on the second element and displaceable relative thereto to disengage the key from the key groove.

Abstract: The door lock tool is used for securing closed swinging “push” doors against opening under the application of physical force and includes a hook and a length of braided nylon webbing. The hooks is designed to bite into the sides of the door jams and casings and has a generally J-shaped body which includes a flat back part that curves into a relatively short perpendicular leg part. A flat tooth extends perpendicularly from the hook's leg. One end of the strap is configured to form a loop for securing the strap to a door knob. The other end is laced through an opening in the hook and around a cross bar, which allows the strap to be pulled tight. Pulling the free end of the strap tightens the strap to close the loop and shortens the length of strap between the loop and the hook causing the hook to bite into or under the end of the door jam or casing to secure the door.

Abstract: A geothermal system in deep, hot, dry rock has closed loop circulation, in which the water and steam circulating in the system are protected from any direct contact with the base rock. The system has a single L-shaped bore with a casing that lines the wellbore and has a sealed bottom end. A tubing within the casing has an open bottom end. Water or other liquid or gas is injected under pressure into the casing in the space between the casing and the tubing and is heated by the deep hot rock strata, creating heated liquid or gas which flows into the tubing through its open bottom end and is returned to the surface for use for heating, or in a power plant, or other applications. In a reverse configuration, the working fluid is injected into the tubing and is returned via the space between the casing and the tubing.

Abstract: A door chock tool is disclosed that can be used to reliably hold a swinging hinged door open or closed regardless of the size and weight of the door or the surface of the floor under the door. The door chock tool is molded or formed as a single unit from a durable, light weight plastic material and has a wedge member extending from the front of a central body and a T-handle extending from the rear of the central body. When the door chock tool is forcefully wedged under a door by a user forcefully kicking the back of the central body, the wedge member and T-handle flex slightly creating a leaf spring effect, which increases the holding force that secures the door in either an open or closed position.

Abstract: End plate sling adapter securable to a rifle for a sling, includes a fastener element, sling adapter clamp and locking insert. Sling adapter clamp has a collar defining a central opening extending therethrough, and a pair of fastener housings arranged at respective ends of the collar defining a gap therebetween. Each housing receives a fastener therein such that the fastener extends across the gap and is adjustable to reduce its width. Locking insert has an upper portion with a threaded cradle accommodated within central opening and meshing with a threaded portion of a rifle buttstock receiver extension, and a lower portion extending into the gap.

Abstract: An attachment mount and receiver system for attaching articles to a garment. A receiver has openings for affixing the receiver to a support that is then attached to a compatible garment. The mount has openings for affixing an article thereto. A pair of flexible springs permit connected tines to be compressed inwardly, allowing the mount to be slidingly inserted into the receiver. A barb at the end of each tine engages an end wall of the receiver when the mount is fully seated. Tines are compressed inwardly and the mount is withdrawable. Selective locks can inhibit the tines from being compressed. Resistance to prying the mount away from the receiver is also provided.

Abstract: A spear assembly for an underwater spear gun has an elongate shaft adapted to be fired from a spear gun and has a long axis, a forward portion, and a rearward portion. A tip member includes having front and rear portions with the tip member being removably attached to the forward portion of the shaft. An elongated cable has a forward end attached to the tip and a rearward portion attached to rearward portion of the shaft. Two barbs are included to improve operation of the spear. A rotatable rear cable restraint impedes movement of the cable and the tip member until the spear is fired from a spear gun. Another restraint means is also used for releasably securing the forward end of the cable to the tip member at a medial portion thereof. The assembly can also be used with pole spears and Hawaiian slings.

Abstract: An integrated communication system and method for conducting surveys, and more particularly an at least partially automated and efficient system and method for collecting, processing, and displaying customer satisfaction survey information that enables a product or service provider to evaluate the quality of goods and/or services received based on ratings and reports obtained by performing surveys of customers, employees, and/or staff. The system utilizes survey scripts implementing drill-down questioning techniques to gain insights into the survey participants' reasons for their opinions. The system processes the raw survey data into useful survey information, such as graphs and charts, for presenting to consumers (i.e., customers) of the survey who may be remotely located. In this way the system and method can be utilized in a quality improvement program.

Abstract: Making a spear gun shaft includes selecting a solid steel drill rod of desired length; wrapping the rod with thermo-setting polymer impregnated carbon fiber sheet; covering rod with compression wrapper; curing the resin coated rod in an oven; removing the covering; machining the cured resin to the desired diameter with ends exposing drill rod; affixing a spear tip-carrying member to an end of the rod; affixing a trigger-engaging member to opposite end of the rod; affixing collars over the joints formed between rod and members to reinforce the shaft at the respective joints; mounting a sliding collar onto rod; and affixing the collars with metal adhesive to waterproof and seal the respective joints covered by the collars.

Abstract: An adjustable and removable rail light mount for attachment to a firearm having a mounting rail includes a rail mount attached to a rail and a light carrier rotatably attached to the rail mount to position a light to the left or right of a firearm by way of an axle carried by the rail mount. The axle fits through the rail mount and the light carrier. Passageways in the rail mount and the light carrier for the axle include grooves that engage detent bosses on the axle to maintain the light carrier in the selected location. Light carrier is removable when it is rotated to a centered downward position.

Abstract: An adjustable and removable rail light mount for attachment to a firearm having a mounting rail includes a rail mount attached to a rail and a light carrier rotatably attached to the rail mount to position a light to the left or right of a firearm by way of an axle carried by the rail mount. The axle fits through the rail mount and the light carrier. Passageways in the rail mount and the light carrier for the axle include grooves that engage detent bosses on the axle to maintain the light carrier in the selected location. Light carrier is removable when it is rotated to a centered downward position.

Abstract: A magazine holster includes an elongated hollow housing for carrying a spring-loaded magazine carrier therein. A pivot body is mounted by a pivot to the lower part of the housing for movement of the housing to at least one position away from body armor worn by a user. Movement of the housing may be selectable at various locations along an arc from the pivot. A clamp bracket attaches the pivot body to a duty belt. A lockable strap fits over a magazine carried downwardly to secure it in a stored position.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for a virtual rumble strip that uses a 3-dimensional audio alert (3-DAA) signal to warn a user operating a vehicle that the vehicle has deviated from a predetermined path. The virtual rumble strip may include a sensor that detects location data for the vehicle, and an alerting mechanism that receives the location data from the sensor. The alerting mechanism may include an audio processing unit that uses the location data and a Head-Related Transfer Function to create the 3-DAA signal. A speaker may then play the 3-DAA signal, which the user may interpret as originating from the direction of the deviation. The user may then respond to the 3-DAA signal by correcting the motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A computer system and method for generating web pages for displaying formatted customer satisfaction display information and/or presentations on a user computer which may be located remotely and connected to the system by a computer network. The formatted customer satisfaction survey information enables a product or service provider to evaluate the quality of goods and/or services received based on database data obtained by performing surveys of customers, employees, and/or staff. This information can then be compared to normative information, national standards, or other available data. The system utilizes HTML templates, applets, and web servers to generate the web pages. The HTML template process also allows for generation of the HTML templates by programmers. The system and method can be utilized in a quality improvement program.

Abstract: A holster includes a quick release withdrawal restraint and is constructed of an inner and outer sidewall joined together along a front and back to define an inner cavity with an open top shaped to fit a handgun. The quick restraint includes a mechanical blocking element located in the inner cavity to engage a portion of the handgun adjacent the ejection port to inhibit withdrawal upwardly prior to rearward movement of the handgun. A second mechanical blocking element is also provided adjacent the rear of the trigger guard that is biased into a first position to prevent rearward movement of the gun and a second position that allows for rearward movement of a gun when the second blocking element is moved by pressure on a thumb or finger ledge. A third mechanical blocking element is provided to prevent motion of a handgun when holstered in a manner to cause movement of the second blocking element from the first position.

Abstract: An integrated communication system and method for conducting surveys, and more particularly an at least partially automated and efficient system and method for collecting, processing, and displaying customer satisfaction survey information that enables a product or service provider to evaluate the quality of goods and/or services received based on ratings and reports obtained by performing surveys of customers, employees, and/or staff. The system utilizes survey scripts implementing drill-down questioning techniques to gain insights into the survey participants' reasons for their opinions. The system processes the raw survey data into useful survey information, such as graphs and charts, for presenting to consumers (i.e., customers) of the survey who may be remotely located. In this way the system and method can be utilized in a quality improvement program.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for a virtual rumble strip that uses a 3-dimensional audio alert (3-DAA) signal to warn a user operating a vehicle that the vehicle has deviated from a predetermined path. The virtual rumble strip may include a sensor that detects location data for the vehicle, and an alerting mechanism that receives the location data from the sensor. The alerting mechanism may include an audio processing unit that uses the location data and a Head-Related Transfer Function to create the 3-DAA signal. A speaker may then play the 3-DAA signal, which the user may interpret as originating from the direction of the deviation. The user may then respond to the 3-DAA signal by correcting the motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: An alerting and/or notification system for operator(s) of a vehicle about conditions that affect the operation of the vehicle. The system collects information from one or more hazard warning systems, groups the warnings into different alert categories, and resolves conflicts between two or more hazard warnings within the same alert category to set a priority level. The prioritized alerts are presented to the operator, and associated detailed information also made available, in the form of graphical and/or textual messages on a display. Using two- or three-dimensional surround sound techniques, directional verbal and tonal aural cues also inform the operator(s) about the presence of threats and/or conditions. Visual displays and/or directional aural commands may be issued to dictate an evasive maneuver direction, if desired.

Abstract: This invention relates to a back piece or a support plate for positioning a handgun holster in a substantially fixed position on a waist belt, the back piece being a molded, stiff, inflexible single thickness of leather-like material adapted to hold a holstered pistol close to the leg of the wearer with the handgun grip canted slightly outwardly for easy withdrawal and having two elongate belt slots. This invention is especially suitable for waist belts and carriers attachable to a waist belt by means of fabric hook-and-loop fasteners. A belt adapter plate is included to provide for use of the support plate with belts of smaller width and/or thickness. The support plate is constructed in a manner to deflect the lower portion of a belt outwardly so that when the belt is tensioned the lower portion of the support plate is pulled inwardly toward the leg of a wearer. The slots are formed in a manner to firmly bind against a belt when it is tensioned to fix the support plate in a desired position.

Abstract: A holster includes a quick release withdrawal restraint and is constructed of an inner and outer sidewall joined together along a front and back to define an inner cavity with an open top shaped to fit a handgun. The quick restraint includes a mechanical blocking element located in the inner cavity to engage a portion of the handgun adjacent the ejection port to inhibit withdrawal upwardly prior to rearward movement of the handgun. A second mechanical blocking element is also provided adjacent the rear of the trigger guard that is biased into a first position to prevent rearward movement of the gun and a second position that allows for rearward movement of a gun when the second blocking element is moved by pressure on a thumb or finger ledge. A third mechanical blocking element is provided to prevent motion of a handgun when holstered in a manner to cause movement of the second blocking element from the first position.