Abstract: An optical sensor having at least one long period grating disposed within an optical waveguide is provided. The optical waveguide has a refractive index profile. The long period grating has a plurality of index perturbations spaced apart by a periodic distance .LAMBDA.. The long period grating promotes an excitation of confined propagating broadband light into higher order modes that excite a sensing mechanism. The excitation of confined propagating broadband light is spectrally dependent on the periodic distance of the long period grating and the refractive index profile of the optical waveguide.

Abstract: A unibody, combination grip plate and appendage fastening means constructed in such a manner so as to be received at the frame of a handgun. The unibody grip plate and appendage fastening means is affixed to the handle of a handgun; the appendage fastening means portion, which is camouflaged and concealable behind a user's wearing apparel, lifts and moves independently away from the grip plate portion permitting Total Weapon Concealment (TWC) of a handgun inside the waistband (IWB) between the user's torso and trouser, or other wearing apparel) completely below the belt line (BBL). A handgun that is equipped with the principal object can be placed IWB in a comfortable and secure fashion. The appendage fastening means facilitates TWC of a handgun BBL, yet the principal object allows a person who is covertly carrying a handgun fingertip access and immediate use.

Abstract: An optical sensor is provided. The optical sensor comprises an optical waveguide, at least one long period grating disposed within the optical waveguide and a reactive coating positioned in an operable relationship to the long period grating wherein the reactive coating causes the long period grating to produce a wavelength transmission spectrum functionally dependent on a parameter sensed. Such sensors may be used to measure physical, electrical and chemical parameters within a single system.

Abstract: An optical waveguide sensor arrangement for sensing at least one physical parameter is provided. This arrangement comprises an optical waveguide having guided modes, lossy non-guided modes, and a long period grating coupling the guided modes to the lossy non-guided modes wherein the long period grating produces a wavelength transmission spectrum functionally dependent on the physical parameter sensed. A source means provides light to the optical waveguide sensor and an optoelectronic detector, which is positioned in an operable relationship to the optical waveguide sensor, detects light transmitted through the optical waveguide sensor. Lastly, a processing means is attached to the optoelectronic detector for correlating the wavelength transmission spectrum with a numerical value for the physical parameter sensed. The physical parameters sensed by the optical waveguide sensor include: temperature, strain, shape, refractive index and corrosion.

Abstract: An exercising device for strengthening joints of the body, particularly the ankle joint, wherein a plate engageable against the foot of the user imparts controlled resistance in all directional movements of the joint through elastic limbs having one set of corresponding ends attached to predetermined points around the periphery of the plate and the other set of corresponding ends attached to a pair of handles which are gripped by the user for varying the degree of resistance imparted by the limbs.

Abstract: A sling assembly for carrying shoulder-fired weapons, particularly military rifles, in an upright horizontal ready position. A strap portion of the sling assembly extends rearwardly from a sling swivel on the bottom of the butt stock and then extends upwardly along the butt plate on the rear side of the butt stock, where it is retained detachably by a sleeve slidably disposed on the strap. The sleeve includes a portion of a detachable connector to hold the sleeve and strap against the butt plate, the other mating portion of the fastener being located on the butt end of the stock. The sleeve extends high enough relative to the butt stock so that raising the rifle to the user's shoulder separates the parts of the detachable connector, allowing the sleeve and strap portions of the sling assembly to fall clear of the butt end of the stock while the sling remains connected to the weapon by the sling swivel.

Abstract: A safety device for use with a repeating firearm having a magazine well for holding a box-like removable magazine, to prevent the firearm from being unintentionally fired and for providing an indication visible at some distance that the firearm is in such a safe condition. A plug having a body whose dimensions correspond with those of a portion of a magazine for such a weapon includes flanges to close the magazine-receiving opening of the magazine well, a top portion which extends from the magazine well into the space which is occupied by the bolt of the weapon when the bolt is in a position closing the breech of the firing chamber of the weapon, and a member which holds a bolt latch in a position locking the bolt open. The body includes a detent for interacting with a magazine retention latch of the firearm to retain the safety device within the magazine well, with a portion of the device being visible externally as an indication that the safety device is operatively installed in the weapon.

Abstract: A device and method for its use for storage of a boat plug when it has been removed from the drain hole in the bottom of a boat in such a way as to remind the boat user to replace the boat plug in the drain hole before launching the boat, and to remove the boat plug from the drain hole to permit drainage of the boat when the boat is out of water. A boat plug storage receptacle may be attached to the boat, and a reminder flag may be attached to the receptacle by installation of the boat plug in the receptacle. A flexible connecting member is used to connect the reminder flag to a portion of apparatus such as a boat trailer used to support the boat while it is out of water, preferably connecting the flag to a portion of the supporting apparatus which must be disconnected from the boat before the boat can be launched or otherwise removed from the supporting apparatus. Removal of the connecting member from the boat requires loosening of the boat plug from the storage receptacle.

Abstract: A protective carrier for holding a loaded spare magazine in a position of readiness for immediate insertion into operative engagement with a firearm. A latch release mechanism is operable simultaneously with the operation of the magazine release mechanism of the firearm, permitting an empty magazine and a loaded spare magazine to be released together, the empty magazine being allowed to fall clear of the firearm while the loaded spare magazine is grasped and inserted into the weapon for use in a minimum amount of time. The spare magazine carrier of the invention protectively surrounds the open upper end of the spare magazine to shield cartridges held therein against contamination by dirt, mud, and the elements, in order to help avoid malfunction or damage of the weapon.

Abstract: A cup-like protective carrying device for holding a pistol reloader of the type which carries a plurality of pistol cartridges arranged to be simultaneously inserted into the several chambers of a revolver cylinder has a generally cylindrical protective shell wall and a closed bottom from which a pair of elongate arms extend upwardly, passing between adjacent ones of the cartridges. A catch on each of the arms includes camming surfaces for engaging a portion of the revolver reloader, resiliently deflecting the arms to permit the catches to ride over the portion of the reloader and thereafter elastically engage the reloader to hold it within the carrier. Provision is made for riveting the carrier to a leather slide loop or a holster belt to carry a charged revolver reloader ready for immediate use.

Abstract: A magazine latch release mechanism for repeating rifles and the like having a magazine catch carried on an axially movable shaft extending laterally through the receiver of such a weapon is operable by a lever extending downward proximate the rear side of a removable magazine to permit release and removal of the magazine with one hand while the other hand continues to grip the weapon. A sleeve surrounds a portion of the laterally extending shaft within the receiver, part of the sleeve extending outwardly through a receiver wall. The sleeve is pinned to the shaft outside the receiver wall. An end of the latch release lever is pivotably connected to the sleeve within the receiver and the opposite end of the lever extends downwardly from the bottom of the receiver.