Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a projectile for small-bore weapons ammunition comprising the steps of producing a compact from a mixture of a heavy metal powder and a light metal powder at room temperature, and without further treatment of the compact, introducing the compact into a metal jacket, including pressing the compact into the jacket with a pressure sufficient to ensure substantially complete filling of a selected portion of the jacket by the compact. The compacts fill less that the entire volume of the jacket, leaving a portion of the jacket void of the compact. Prior to the pressing of the compact into the jacket, a disc having an outer diameter substantially equal to the internal diameter of said jacket adjacent the open end thereof is introduced into the jacket. Thereafter, that portion of the jacket adjacent its open end is infolded toward the longitudinal centerline of the jacket to at least substantially close the open end of the jacket.

Abstract: A normalization apparatus and method for a PET scanner with panel detectors for obtaining an estimate of a normalization array, for correction for count rate effects on the normalization array, and for measurement of the relation between the normalization array and the count rate. The method of the present invention is based on two quasi-independent radial and axial components, which are count rate dependent due to sensitivity changes across the detector blocks. A scatter source is disposed at the center of the FOV and a scatter-free source is disposed at the outer edge of the FOV. The method computes the normalization array through several steps which evaluate the geometric profile, the axial profile, and the correction factor. A count rate correction is introduced to extend the normalization array to any count rate.

Abstract: A network healing smart fiber optic switch for fast, automatic switching between multiple paths of an optical transmission line with minimal disruption. The network healing smart fiber optic switch feeds each of multiple fiber optic inputs to a splitter. One of the outputs of the splitters go to an optical switch, which selects the optical signal to send to the output based on a control signal from a controller or analog selection circuit. The other outputs of the splitters go to the analog selection circuit, which outputs a control signal to the optical switch. The analog selection circuit compares the primary optical signal to a selected setpoint to determine the signal's validity. The analog selection circuit routes an alternate, or secondary, optical signal upon failure of the primary optical signal. After the primary signal is restored and valid for a specified period, the analog selection circuit deselects the secondary optical signal and routes the primary optical signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precision time interval measurement in a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS). The method and apparatus produces an instrument capable of measuring bursts of data occurring at rates much higher than the average data rate. An asynchronous serial stream of data, consisting of a start pulse followed by an arbitrary number of stop pulses, repeated an arbitrary number of times, is converted into a digital stream of data synchronized to a precision master clock. Conversion of the asynchronous, analog data to synchronous digital data simplifies the measurement task by allowing the use of powerful, low-cost digital logic in the measurement.

Abstract: An inflatable thermal blanket (10) for providing a conditioned gas to at least a portion of the body of a human or other animal. The thermal blanket (10) includes an inflatable portion (18) for receiving the conditioned gas under pressure and for being positioned over a portion of the body of the user. The inflatable portion (18) is defined by a base sheet (12) adapted for communicating the conditioned gas to a portion of the body of the user, and an outer sheet (14). The inflatable portion (18) also includes an inlet port (20) for placing the inflatable portion in fluid communication with a source of conditioned gas. The inflatable portion (18) also defines at least one outer channel (30) communicating with the inlet port (20) and at least one inner channel (32) communicating with the outer channel (30).

Abstract: An anti-reflux valve for restricting flow in one direction through a catheter toward a collection reservoir. The valve includes a check valve positioned within a segment of the catheter. The valve includes a proximal end bonded to an inside periphery of an interior of the catheter. The valve includes a pliable side wall that reduces in diameter to a distal end having an opening that is collapsible upon itself. Fluid flow is allowed through the catheter segment having the check valve therein, with flow only permitted from the proximal end and through the distal end for release into a collection reservoir. The distal end opening collapses upon itself to negate the counter-current flow of fluid through the distal end. A plurality of check valves are aligned in series to reduce the possibility of reflux flow of fluids. A method of utilization of the anti-reflux valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A brake pad holder designed for adjustably mounting a bicycle brake pad to a brake caliper arm. The brake pad holder is designed to maintain the mounting arm thereof in an orthogonal orientation with respect to the brake caliper arm, while the brake pad holder is adjustable in three degrees of motion. The brake pad is removable for repair and replacement thereof, independently from the brake pad mount or other components of the brake pad assembly. The brake pad mount defines a threaded opening for receiving a screw which, when installed, is received within a recess defined by the brake pad. A mounting arm receptor is defined in the bottom wall of the brake pad mount and defines a concave interior configuration which defines a cavity between the mounting arm receptor and the brake pad. A through opening is centrally defined for receiving the mounting arm. The mounting arm is a bolt having a head configured to be received within the cavity defined between the mounting arm receptor and the brake pad.

Abstract: An improved non-tilt barrel for converting a conventional semi-automatic weapon from having a pivoting linkage between the barrel and the receiver to a weapon having a cam in order to reduce the recoil of the weapon and to increase the accuracy of the weapon. Further, the non-tilt barrel is provided for increasing the distance of travel of the barrel during recoil to, in turn, increase the time of lockup between the barrel and the slide during the firing of a cartridge. As a result of the modifications resulting in the non-tilt barrel, internal pressures are reduced during the unlocking of the barrel and slide, thereby accomplishing a longer life for each component, and especially the recoil buffer pad. The position of the slide stop on a conventional firearm is moved slightly up and toward the rear of the gun. The length of the slide stop lever is varied accordingly such that engagement with the slide stop plunger is maintained in conventional fashion.

Abstract: A foot rest (10) for supporting the feet of a boater in a boat such as a canoe or kayak. The foot rest (10) is movable along the length of the boat such that boaters having longer or shorter legs than others may be accommodated while requiring only one adjustment. The foot rest (10) includes a mounting rail (12), a foot support block (14), and a retainer rail (16). The mounting rail (12) is a linear member and is disposed along the longitudinal axis of the boat in front of a seat. The mounting rail (12) may be formed separately from and secured to the boat. The mounting rail (12) defines a plurality of indexing receptors (24) opening on the top side thereof for receiving cooperating indexing members (30) carried by the foot support block (14). The foot support block (14) includes a pair of foot engagement pads (26) carried at either end of a bridge (28). The indexing members (30) are configured to be closely received by and cooperate with the indexing receptors (24) defined by the mounting rail (12).