Abstract: Arrow components, such as vanes and nocks, are provided with a light-emitting material for enhancing their visibility to the shooter, a camera, spectators, and/or others attempting to view the flight-path of the shot arrow during low-light conditions. In various embodiments, the light-emitting material is provided by a photo-luminescent material, a chemi-luminescent material, a refractive material, a reflective material, another material that will emit light in low-light conditions, or a composite of these. The light-emitting material is preferably selected for its ability to emit light, upon exposure to natural or artificial light and with no electric power source.

Abstract: A hand-thrown projectile having an enlarged head made from a soft material. A shaft has a semi-flexible section and a flexible section. The flexible section is interposed between the semi-flexible section and its rear end. The flexible section is created by flattening the plastic of the shaft into a wide, easily grasped tab. A plurality of stabilization fins are provided that radially extend from the semi-flexible section of the shaft. To toss the projectile, a person grasps the flexible tab. As the projectile is thrown, inertia and the acceleration forces created by the throw cause the semi-flexible section of the shaft to bend and store spring energy. Upon release of the flexible tab, the energy stored in the bent shaft is released and is transferred into the initial velocity of the projectile.

Abstract: A tracking apparatus for securing a transmitting device onto a target game animal. The tracking apparatus engages with a target and separates the apparatus from the arrow. The apparatus includes a transmitting device for transmitting a signal to a receiving device; a stopping component for detaching the tracking apparatus from the arrow after the arrow collides with the target; and a securing component for securing the tracking apparatus to the target, said securing component including barbs angled towards the rear of the arrow for stopping rebound motion of the tracking apparatus after the arrow collides with the target. In one embodiment, the barbs are reinforced with reinforcing arms. In another embodiment, the securing component includes a torsion spring. In another embodiment, the stopping component includes one or more wings with a front edge facing the front of the arrow that is relatively perpendicular to the axis of the arrow.

Abstract: A system includes a sensing device configured for inclusion in an arrow when shot from a bow and configured to provide an output concerning arrow speed in response to the arrow being shot from the bow; and a processing device in communication with the sensing device, the processing device configured to receive the output and determine at least one value of arrow speed for a flight of the arrow when shot from the bow.

Abstract: A material layering device may include a first pinning roller and a second pinning roller. A distance between the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller is less than a diameter of a substrate. The device also includes a return system, wherein the return system comprises a plurality of rollers. The device also includes a belt, which may have a first loop portion disposed between and protruding beyond the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller. The first loop portion also wraps about an intended substrate along an arc greater than about 180 degrees. The device further includes a feed portion coupled to the first loop and extending outwardly from the second pinning roller opposite the first loop and providing a surface upon which a sheet can be placed. Furthermore, the device also includes an adjustment mechanism coupled to one of the rollers.

Abstract: A blowgun for efficiently and accurately launching subcaliber projectiles comprises: an elongate barrel; a detent comprising a magnet affixed near the proximal end of the barrel and a protrusion partially obstructing the bore breech; an associated conical shell discarding sabot; and an associated subcaliber projectile having a magnetically attractable foreshaft and a lightweight elongate shaft. The magnet and the protrusion cooperate antagonistically to hold the projectile abuttingly seated against the sabot in loaded disposition pending launch. The projectile shaft serves in-flight as an aerodynamic stabilizer. Alternatively a subcaliber steel BB-shot is launched with a foam sabot. Another alternative embodiment operates without a detent. An additional alternative embodiment utilizes a blowgun comprising a barrel having a longitudinal straight-line groove in the inner surface of the bore.

Abstract: An insert assembly for an arrow that includes a sleeve and a nut which can selectively secure an arrowhead in a desired rotational position on an arrowshaft wherein the arrowhead has a threaded stem that is fixed relative to the arrowhead. The sleeve is secured at the fore end of the arrowshaft and the nut is positioned at the aft end of the sleeve. The threaded stem is inserted through the sleeve and secured to the nut. In one embodiment, the nut is engaged with a tool inserted through the aft end of the arrowshaft to secure the nut with the arrowhead. In another embodiment, the sleeve includes axially extending crimp arms extending rearwardly from the sleeve to axially capture the nut.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an electronic dart game using an internet communication network, which notifies users of various competitions and provides a method of participating in the various competitions using a plurality of electronic dart game apparatuses connected to an internet communication network without a separate homepage. A method of participating in a competition using a plurality of dart game apparatuses connected with a server through a network including inputting information on players who desire to participate in a competition and information on a competition in which players desire to participate, by using a dart game apparatus; transmitting information including player information and competition information to the server by the dart game apparatus; processing payment by registering that a competition entry fee corresponding to the competition information is paid, by the server; and registering a player as a player participating in the competition, by the server.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for inclusion in an arrow. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sensor configured to provide data concerning one or more flight characteristics of the arrow in flight and a communication link coupled to the sensor, the communication link configured to communicate the data to a device external to the arrow.

Abstract: A nock adapter for a solid shaft bowfishing arrow fits on a standard conical taper of a solid shaft arrow and provides an extended cylindrical joint releasably engaging a cylindrical boss of a nock for field replacement of the nock while resisting lateral disengaging impacts.

Abstract: An arrow nock having a telescoping impeller and housing with resilient means for enhancing the acceleration of launch. In various embodiments, effective together or independently, the housing and impeller are configured and coupled to: create arrow rotation during launch; grip the bowstring during notching and release it during launch; and generate tracking signals.

Abstract: A nock for promoting a natural spin on an arrow shaft prior to the nock separating from a bowstring includes a nock segment possessing a bowstring rest portion, and a base portion which is coupled to a retaining portion which is attached to the end of an arrow shaft. The nock segment freewheels independently of the retainer and the arrow shaft to permit the fletching moving through the air to act on the shaft producing a natural spin to the shaft prior to its release from the bow.

Abstract: A hunting arrow for tracking target animals is disclosed and described. The arrow can include a chamber having an angled surface and a compression fitting surface. The arrow can also include a transmitter housing having an angled surface and a compression fitting to securely house the transmitter within the chamber during flight. The transmitter may include removable parts, to enable reuse of the transmitter, including but not limited to: compression fittings, barbed hooks, an attachment assembly and a battery cover. The transmitter is ejected from the chamber when the arrow strikes a target animal and the one or more barbed hooks stops the forward momentum of the transmitter with sufficient force to overcome the friction between the compression fitting and the compression fitting surface within the chamber, thereby ejecting and embedding the transmitter in the hide of the animal.

Abstract: Vibration dampening devices for arrows are installed in the arrow point end of the arrow shaft or in the nock end of the shaft or in both of those ends. These devices: (a) are fabricated from elastomeric materials; (b) have an elongated core surrounded by one or more annular, vibration dampening elements; and (c) employ decay time modification to attenuate shock and vibration. The devices are assembled in axially aligned relationship to an arrow point insert or arrow nock, and coupling features insure a positive connection between the dampening device and the arrow point insert or nock to which a device is assembled.

Abstract: Embodiments included herein include a projectile system. At least one embodiment of the a projectile system includes hollow portion and a weight that is movably secured within the hollow portion of the projectile insert system. Some embodiments include an attracting device rigidly secured at a first end of the hollow portion, the attracting device removably securing the weight, where the hollow portion provides a pathway for the weight to travel when a force is exerted on the projectile insert system that causes the weight to become unsecured from the attracting device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an arrow tracking device, method and computer-readable medium related to tracking an arrow. In particular, the arrow device may have a tip, a shaft and an end. The arrow device may have a tracker embedded within the shaft. A current position of the arrow device may be located and displayed by transmitting arrow information from the arrow to a computer or portable device having a processor. Arrow information including location data and historical data may be obtained from the device in combination with the computer or portable device. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for inclusion in an arrow, where the apparatus includes a device configured to provide feedback to a user concerning the arrow shot from a bow, and a processor coupled to the device, the processor configured to control an operation of the device at least during a flight of the arrow.

Abstract: A detachable, trackable arrow nock, comprising a proximal end for detachably coupling to a hollow distal end of an arrow shaft, a distal end for receiving a bow string, a plurality of fins for engaging the hide of an animal to prevent the nock from penetrating the hide, an electronic tracking device, and an anchor tethered to the nock, wherein the anchor is positioned within the hollow distal end of the arrow shaft when the proximal end of the nock is coupled to the distal end of the arrow shaft. As the arrow shaft moves through the animal, the nock is operable to detach from the arrow shaft when the fins engage the hide of the animal and the anchor is operable to engage internal tissues of the animal to secure the nock to the animal.

Abstract: A tracking apparatus for securing a transmitting device onto a target game animal. The tracking apparatus engages with a target and separates the apparatus from the arrow. The apparatus includes a transmitting device for transmitting a signal to a receiving device; a stopping component for detaching the tracking apparatus from the arrow after the arrow collides with the target; and a securing component for securing the tracking apparatus to the target, said securing component including barbs angled towards the rear of the arrow for stopping rebound motion of the tracking apparatus after the arrow collides with the target. In one embodiment, the barbs are reinforced with reinforcing arms. In another embodiment, the securing component includes a torsion spring. In another embodiment, the stopping component includes one or more wings with a front edge facing the front of the arrow that is relatively perpendicular to the axis of the arrow.

Abstract: The high straightness arrow in the present invention is designed to improve the straightness of the archery arrow by adopting new manufacturing technique and method. Chamber and post are made of dissimilar metals and the chamber includes a wall that creates an external housing and defines an internal airspace. Once the post with shaft is positioned through chamber, nuts are tightened securely, forming an assembly, to straighten post. Due to the different coefficients of thermal expansion of chamber and post, when they are heated simultaneously, the chamber expands more than the post, creating a natural tension along post which results in a near perfectly straight shaft. As the assembly cools, the post and chamber return to their original length, yet the shaft retains its straightened form and thus this manufacturing process yields an arrow shaft that is straighter than shafts made of the same materials but with a traditional manufacturing technique.

Abstract: An arrow includes an elongate shaft, a plurality of vanes located proximate a proximal end of the shaft, and a point located proximate a distal end of the shaft. The shaft may have a dimpled outer surface. The shaft may also or alternatively have an internal supporting structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrow with an embedded deployable RFID tag, and to the methods of using the same in order to improve tracking of an animal. In one embodiment, the tracking device has a body that attached intermediate the head and shaft of an arrow. The internal components can compress during impact with a target, allowing an embedded to become embedded within the target. The embedder can utilize an RFID or other electronically trackable device. A safety can further be provided to prevent the deployment of the embedder during target practice. A tracker can be used to track specific tags that are deployed, and in particular, tags that are lodged within an animal. In one additional embodiment, a signal is provided when the RFID tag is deployed.

Abstract: The archery arrow having improved flight characteristics of the present invention is designed to improve the accuracy of the arrow which is equipped with a dampening medium within the central bore of the arrow shaft. The dampening materials in an embodiment may include, but not be limited to, silicon, epoxies or urethanes and selection of various dampening materials may provide for varying degrees of stiffness. The dampening effects of internal dampening materials decrease the initial deflection distance of the arrow and also serves to decrease the deflection with each oscillation. In addition, the dampening medium adopted in the present invention provides for an arrow having a selectable center of gravity location that has improved flight characteristics. Thus, the dampening materials adopted in the present invention provide for a selected location of center of gravity and a desired attenuation of oscillations.

Abstract: The deep penetration arrow insert comprising a point receiver and an insertion rod extending longitudinally therefrom is invented. The point receiver is formed with a taper varying from zero to fifteen degrees (0-15°), along its length and the taper provides for a smooth transition between point and arrow thereby minimizing aerodynamic drag. As a result, a turbulence free transition and improved penetration of a target can be provided. The insertion rod with a number of circumferential rings and these rings provide for the addition of an adhesive to secure the rod within the arrow shaft. Thus, the deep penetration arrow insert of the present invention provides for an accurate shooting arrow for target and hunting which penetrates deeper and better than conventional arrows, by providing for decreased friction along the length of the shaft.

Abstract: A game tracking device used in combination with a hunting arrow, the device having an elongated adaptor insert positionable between the arrowhead and shaft of the hunting arrow, the insert being provided with a recess to receive a transmitter that emits a locator signal. A barb member extends forward from the transmitter housing, such that when a game animal is struck by the arrow, the transmitter separates from the arrow and remains embedded in the animal.

Abstract: A game tracking device used in combination with a hunting arrow, the device having an elongated adaptor insert positionable between the arrowhead and shaft of the hunting arrow, the insert being provided with a recess to receive a transmitter that emits a locator signal. A barb member extends forward from the transmitter housing, such that when a game animal is struck by the arrow, the transmitter separates from the arrow and remains embedded in the animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dart having a durable and break-resistant structure. A dart in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention has, in order from the front thereof, a tip, a barrel, a shaft, and a flight. At the rear of the shaft, a cap-receiving portion having a diameter smaller than that existing elsewhere is formed, this cap-receiving portion being capable of receiving a cap-like portion of the flight. At the front end of the flight, a hollow cylindrical cap-like portion containing a hole for attachment to the cap-receiving portion of the shaft is formed. The shaft and the flight are connected to each other by a sliding engagement method.

Abstract: A cylindrical carbon fiber arrow shaft formed with an increased external diameter of 0.380 inches. This arrow shaft is formed with an axial bore which has a first internal diameter throughout a substantial portion of the shaft length, and a second, smaller, internal diameter throughout the fletching end of the arrow. The second internal diameter corresponds to the internal diameter of standard arrows having external diameters of 0.295 inches. Using this standard internal diameter at the fletching-end of the arrow, standard nocks may be used without the need for any spacer or insert, thereby decreasing fletching-end weight significantly and providing for the proper and more desired location of the center of gravity forward on the arrow.

Abstract: Devices and methods for illuminating an arrow nock or bolt end are disclosed including providing a nock having a first portion adapted to receive the bowstring in a drawn position and a second portion adapted to receive the bowstring after the bowstring is released from the drawn position; a light source assembly at least partially disposed within the nock body and activated when the bowstring is released from the drawn position; the light source assembly comprising a power source, a light source and a switch; and at least a portion of the light source assembly protruding from the end of the nock body so that releasing the bowstring causes the switch to close, thereby activating the light source and illuminating the nock or bolt end. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A projectile-based system for impeding the escape of a game animal, whereby the projectile is an arrow or a crossbow bolt, the system comprising an environmental engagement device, a retention device, and a tether, with the environmental engagement device suitably adapted to pass through the game animal and thereafter to engage with the environment, the retention device suitably adapted to engage with the game animal and become secured thereto, and the tether suitably adapted to attach the environmental engagement device to the retention device, the tether being suitably adapted to withstand without breaking the forces applied by the game animal to the tether in the course of attempting an escape, thereby retaining the game animal to the environmental engagement device, whereby the engagement of the environmental engagement device with the environment substantially impedes the escape of the game animal.

Abstract: A novel molded archery arrow (100) includes a cylindrical steel shaft (101) with sharpened tip, a plastic ferrule (102) molded over the shaft (101), and cutting blades (103) serving as fletchings. The shaft (101) has a front end with a sharpened tip and a rear end with a stem, the stem having a smaller diameter than the front end of the shaft. The front end of shaft (101) includes indented rings (116) and the stem includes protruding rings (117) that affix shaft (101) to plastic ferrule (102) during the molding process. Since the ferrule (102) of arrow (100) is plastic, arrow (100) slides with little or no friction when launched from metal barrel (206) of a crossbow (200). In the molding process for arrow (100), an open space (115) is created by a tapered pin inserted into an arrow mold opposite the rear end of the stem of shaft (101).

Abstract: An arrow for use with a bow has a shaft, an arrowhead and vanes, wherein at least one of the vanes or the shaft contain substantive phosphorescent dye or substantive phosphorescent pigment in a transparent or translucent carrier.

Abstract: A tracking system and associated methods for locating animals, such as wounded/downed game animals or non-game animals such as research animals, and/or projectiles configured to be shot at an animal are disclosed. The system includes a transmitter and one or more radio frequency reflectors that are coupled to a projectile. After the projectile is shot, a user utilizes the transmitter to locate the reflector. In some cases, the reflector is integrally coupled to the projectile to allow the user to locate the projectile. In other cases, the reflector is selectively coupled to the projectile so as to be removed from the projectile and attached to the animal when the projectile hits the animal. In such cases, the user may use the transmitter to locate the animal. In still other cases, at least one reflector is integrally coupled to the projectile while another is selectively coupled to the projectile. Accordingly, the user can locate the projectile and the animal.

Abstract: A stun dart having a solid impact head with a conical shaped tail portion interconnected by a solid cylindrical elongated body. The impact head has a contoured front surface with intersecting grooves and a tapered trailing body surface to impart flight stability and maximum travel distance and impact delivery to the target.

Abstract: A device and method by which hunting arrows are provided with a plurality of phosphorescent vanes to aid in their location and retrieval, particularly during times of limited visibility is herein disclosed. The plurality of vanes of the arrow are coated with a phosphorescent paint which will self-luminescence at night and give off radiation in the form of visible light. Additionally, the phosphorescent nature of the paint makes finding the arrow easier during the day.

Abstract: A tracking system for use with an arrow having a shaft and arrowhead includes a housing having first and second separable portions that define an interior area. A transmitter is operatively coupled to one of the portions and positioned in the interior area when coupled together. A first anchor is configured to be coupled to the shaft and the housing first end. A second anchor is configured to be coupled to the arrowhead and the housing second end. A fastener selectively couples the first and second portions together. A switch activates automatically when the fastener is moved to couple the first and second portions together and causes the transmitter to activate. The system includes a tracking unit having a receiver, display, processor, and programming to indicate a location of the transmitter based on signal received by the receiver from the transmitter. Data received from the transmitter may include an identifier.

Abstract: A rear mountable cutter device for a hunting arrow is mountable to an arrow shaft. The device includes a plurality of elongated cutting members that are positioned along the rear end of the arrow shaft following mounting of the cutter device to the shaft. The cutting members are configured such that when the forward end of the cutting members engage a target animal, the cutting members deflect outward of the shaft to produce an enlarged wound in the target animal.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a device and method to enable a bow hunter to track a game animal wounded with an arrow through brush or conditions of low light. The device disclosed herein is composed of a hollow cylindrical tube which is beveled to a sharp point on the end of the tube which enters the body of the animal first. Inside the hollow cylindrical tube is a battery and GPS microchip which, on impacting the animal's body makes contact so as to provide electrical power to the GPS microchip. The GPS microchip then emits a GPS signal which can be detected by a GPS receiver and direct the bow hunter to the wounded animal.

Abstract: An arrow transmitter comprises a head assembly having an arrow having a tip. Extending from the arrow is a shaft having a neck that terminates at a threaded portion. A tubular shaft assembly defines a first shaft cavity with a first exterior wall and first and second ends. The tubular shaft assembly also comprises fletching that is fixedly mounted onto the first exterior wall and a nock mounted onto the first end. A plugged housing assembly is housed within the tubular shaft assembly. A transmitter assembly is housed within the housing assembly. A global positioning system tracking unit determines a precise location of hunted game once struck and after the transmitter assembly is activated when a force overcomes the spring force of the spring member. Thus, causing the actuator pin to make contact with the first protrusion to activate the switch that activates the transmitter assembly.

Abstract: An arrow point includes a base portion, a tip portion, and a plurality of extension members. The plurality of extension members each have a distal end, a proximal end, and a blunt surface. The proximal end of the extension members is pivotally mounted to the base portion. The extension members are movable upon proximal movement of the tip portion between a retracted position wherein the blunt surface is unexposed, and an extended position wherein the blunt surface is exposed and facing in a generally distal direction.

Abstract: An improved arrowhead features two sets of expandable blades. The expandable blades are pivotally movable from a first, concealed position to a second expanded position when spurs on the front of the blades contact a target. The first concealed position of the blades allows the arrowhead to penetrate the target upon contact. The fixed blades may be diamond-shaped, double-edged replaceable blades. The expandable blades comprise at least two pivotable blades that can be held in the first safe position by an elastic band. The spurs are located at a first end of the expandable blades, and these spurs are located proximate the base of the fixed blade portion of the arrow head, to allow the fixed portion to penetrate the target before the expandable blades are deployed by the spurs contacting the target.

Abstract: A system for adjusting archery bows and arrows allows for easy adjustment thereof. The system allows an archery bow to be setup to provide for linear motion of the arrow in exiting the bow and provides for accurate shooting thereof. The system accommodates the natural shooting posture of the shooter. The system may also be used to verify the squareness and accuracy of arrow tips and inserts to ensure that arrow heads are attached squarely to the arrow. The system thus allows the accuracy of the arrow construction to be verified.

Abstract: An interface component for engaging an arrow tip to the leading end of an arrow shaft. The device directs impact forces axially and eliminates the shearing and wall collapse of arrow shafts caused by conventional collared arrow head engagement devices which tend to collapse and cut the leading edge of arrow shafts on hard impacts. Engagement to the arrow shaft leading end is provided by an elongated member axially engaged with the bore of the arrow shaft. The exterior surface of the device can be surfaced to interact with passing air during flight of the arrow and increase spin for better accuracy.

Abstract: An arrowhead assembly includes a blade tube that may rotate in flight at a rate during flight that is independent from the arrow shaft rotation. The assembly, upon and after impact with the target, continues rotational motion of the blade tube to penetrate a substantial distance into the target. Such characteristics are facilitated by the spiral-shaped, or twisting, nature of the blades as well as the rotational motion that is imparted by a spring arrangement of the assembly after compression and expansion of the spring arrangement upon impact.

Abstract: Variable property deposit, at least partially of fine-grained metallic material, optionally containing solid particulates dispersed therein, is disclosed. The electrodeposition conditions in a single plating cell are suitably adjusted to once or repeatedly vary at least one property in the deposit direction. In one embodiment denoted multidimension grading, property variation along the length and/or width of the deposit is also provided. Variable property metallic material deposits containing at least in part a fine-grained microstructure and variable property in the deposit direction and optionally multidimensionally, provide superior overall mechanical properties compared to monolithic fine-grained (average grain size: >20 micron) or entirely amorphous metallic material deposits.

Abstract: A tracking system for use with an arrow having a shaft and arrowhead includes a housing having first and second separable portions that define an interior area. A transmitter is operatively coupled to one of the portions and positioned in the interior area when coupled together. A first anchor is configured to be coupled to the shaft and the housing first end. A second anchor is configured to be coupled to the arrowhead and the housing second end. A fastener selectively couples the first and second portions together. A switch activates automatically when the fastener is moved to couple the first and second portions together and causes the transmitter to activate. The system includes a tracking unit having a receiver, display, processor, and programming to indicate a location of the transmitter based on signal received by the receiver from the transmitter. Data received from the transmitter may include an identifier.

Abstract: A nocking means of promoting a natural spin on an arrow shaft prior to the nock separating from a bowstring includes an nock segment possessing a bowstring rest portion, and a base portion which is coupled to a retaining portion which is attached to the end of an arrow shaft. The nock segment freewheels independently of the retainer and the arrow shaft to permit the fletching moving through the air to act on the shaft producing a natural spin to the shaft prior to its release from the bow.

Abstract: Arrow components, such as vanes and nocks, are provided with a light-emitting material for enhancing their visibility to the shooter, a camera, spectators, and/or others attempting to view the flight-path of the shot arrow during low-light conditions. In various embodiments, the light-emitting material is provided by a photo-luminescent material, a chemi-luminescent material, a refractive material, a reflective material, another material that will emit light in low-light conditions, or a composite of these. The light-emitting material is preferably selected for its ability to emit light, upon exposure to natural or artificial light and with no electric power source.

Abstract: A nock adapter for a solid shaft bowfishing arrow fits on a standard conical taper of a solid shaft arrow and provides an extended cylindrical joint releasably engaging a cylindrical boss of a nock for field replacement of the nock while resisting lateral disengaging impacts.

Abstract: A projectile device having a suction cup head made of a novel foam. The foam used in the suction cup head has an open cell density within the foam of between five percent and twenty percent. The suction cup head has a face surface of a first diameter. A shallow concavity is formed in the face surface. The concavity has nearly the same diameter as the face surface, however, the depth of the concavity is no more than one-tenth of that diameter. Furthermore, the face surface of the suction cup head is proportionally large, being at least twenty-five percent as wide as the entire projectile device is long. The combination of a large suction cup head, a shallow concavity and a soft, semiporous foam enables the suction cup head to adhere to both smooth surfaces and rough surfaces.