Abstract: A crossbow grip guard for preventing the fingers of an associated user from extending above a top portion of a stock of an associated crossbow. The crossbow grip guard may be adapted to be retro-fitted to an existing crossbow and may comprise a main body and an outwardly extending member that extends away from an exterior surface of the main body to create an obstacle or barrier positioned along a length of the main body and is designed to prevent the fingers of the associated user from extending above the top portion of the stock when firing the crossbow.

Abstract: A device for allowing a crossbow to be released from a drawn position without damaging the crossbow. The device may comprise an elongated member having a substantially cylindrical shape that can be positioned on the upper surface of the barrel of a crossbow. The device may comprise a notched end shaped to receive the bowstring of the crossbow and allows the device to be projected by the bowstring upon actuation of the crossbow's trigger lever.

Abstract: A crossbow having a crossbow grip guard that has a member that extends outwardly in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the crossbow barrel or stock, and wherein the member extends for a length in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the crossbow barrel or stock.

Abstract: A crossbow includes a body having a stock member and a barrel connected to the stock member. The barrel has an arrow receiving area for receiving an arrow. The crossbow also includes a bow having a pair of bow arms, a bowstring connected to the bow arms, a bowstring release mechanism used to hold and release the bowstring and, a scope mount used to hold a scope. An arrow retention spring is provided for retaining the arrow to the arrow receiving area. A vibration dampener may be positioned between the arrow retention spring and the scope mount in order to dampen the arrow retention spring vibrations made when shooting the crossbow. This greatly reduces unwanted noise.

Abstract: A trigger assembly is disclosed for releasing a bowstring of an archery device from a drawn position to propel an arrow from the archery device toward a target. The trigger assembly includes a guide along which the bowstring is retracted and held in the drawn position; and a pivotal string latch that can be adjusted between a first orientation in which the string latch contacts the bowstring in the drawn position to interfere with the release of the bowstring from the guide, and a second orientation in which the string latch allows the bowstring to be released from the guide. A trigger lever that can be manually actuated by an archer is provided to cause adjustment of the string latch between the first and second orientations, and a roller assembly rolls over a surface of the string latch when the trigger lever is actuated to adjust the orientation of the string latch.

Abstract: A crossbow includes a safety mechanism located on the stock of the crossbow that prevents the crossbow from firing until the safety mechanism is properly engaged. The safety mechanism includes a push button that requires the operator appendages to be securely below the path of the traveling bolt before the trigger mechanism will release.

Abstract: A crossbow includes a safety mechanism located on the stock of the crossbow that prevents the crossbow from firing until the safety mechanism is properly engaged. The safety mechanism includes a push button that requires the operator appendages to be securely below the path of the traveling bolt before the trigger mechanism will release.

Abstract: A residual life indicating system for a filter includes a main filter, a sampling filter, and a sensor. Both the main filter and the sampling filter receive an ambient gas meant to be filtered. The sensor connects to the sampling filter and senses the presence of a predetermined chemical in the gas that has been filtered by the sampling filter.

Abstract: A sublimation heat transfer system and related method for transferring a pattern of sublimating ink from a transfer sheet to a coating on an article includes a carousel for moving the article and transfer sheet in an endless path through loading/unloading portions and through a transfer portion. A plurality of plungers and fixtures are attached to the carousel for receiving multiple articles and transfer sheets in a continuous fashion. An actuator acts to extend the plungers along the loading portion for forcing the transfer sheets firmly against the coatings of the articles throughout the transfer portion and to retract the plungers along the unloading portion for removal and separation of the printed articles and the spent transfer sheets. A driver imparts motion to the carousel. A heater in the form of an oven enclosing the carousel activates the coating on the article and the ink.

Abstract: A display carton for holding glassware, compact discs or the like that allows for full, simulated inspection of the article without opening the carton. To view and touch the article(s), the prospective purchaser has limited access through individual cutout opening in the front of the carton. Although a substantial portion of the article can be observed directly, the cutouts are limited in size to aid in protecting the article within the carton. To provide the full, simulated inspection of the article to the prospective purchaser, a silhouette of the peripheral outline of the article is printed around the cutout on the front surface of the carton. A slide-out tray may also be used to secure the articles within the carton. The tray includes a fold over cover, folded pop-in dividers and a tube with recesses for securing the articles. The slide-out tray allows the articles to be easily removed from the carton, inspected, and returned to the carton.

Abstract: A method of forming a decorative plaque includes the steps of providing a transparent sheet, printing a decalcomania in a multi-color process having a reverse pattern layer with open spaces and applying the pattern layer on the back of the sheet for viewing of the pattern from the front. A contrasting layer is deposited behind the pattern layer to cover at least the open spaces so as to be distinctive when viewed from the front. A protective backing is applied behind the contrasting layer. After applying the decorative pattern by wetting and sliding into position, the assembly is heated in a kiln to approximately 1130.degree. F. in order to melt the glass frit and fuse the pattern layer into the sheet. The deposition of the contrasting layer is performed at a temperature low enough not to remelt the glass frit. In one embodiment, a silvering solution makes the spaces reflective to form a decorative mirror. The backing is provided using scratch resistant paint.

Abstract: A jerrycan holds liquid fuel. A cap for the jerrycan includes an air vent valve assembly having an umbrella-shaped check valve. The check valve is sensitive to a pressure differential between an interior of the jerrycan and the atmosphere. As fuel is dispensed from the jerrycan, a volume of an air chamber within the jerrycan increases, thereby decreasing the pressure in the jerrycan and creating a vacuum. The vacuum causes the rate at which fuel is dispensed from the jerrycan to decrease. The check valve dislodges when the pressure within the jerrycan becomes less than the pressure of the atmosphere and additional air is introduced into the jerrycan. The air fills the expanded volume of the air chamber, thereby increasing the pressure, eliminating the vacuum and causing the rate at which fuel is dispensed to increase.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a crossbow trigger mechanism providing improved bowstring retention and release characteristics. The invention further provides a safe and reliable trigger mechanism which enhances accurate shooting with the crossbow. The trigger mechanism comprises a pivotal string release latch for releasably holding a bowstring in a drawn position. The string release latch is pivotable about a first pivot point and has associated therewith a first sear surface. The trigger mechanism further includes a pivotal rocker latch member having a second sear surface which engages the first sear surface on the string release latch to selectively prevent pivotal motion of the string release latch. The rocker latch member is pivotal about a second pivot point and has a portion thereof extending rearward of the second pivot point.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dry-fire prevention device for use with a crossbow. The crossbow includes a trigger mechanism which may have a guide slot into which a bowstring is drawn and retained for firing. A pivotal string catch member is positioned relative to the trigger mechanism to selectively extend into a string catching position which will catch and retain the bowstring should it be released from the trigger mechanism without an arrow in a firing position in the crossbow. The string catch member may include an arrow contacting surface to engage an arrow positioned to be fired from the crossbow, wherein, movement of the arrow to the firing position causes the string catch member to be moved out of the string catching position. This allows selective release of the bowstring from the guide slot and prevents inadvertent release when no arrow is present in the firing position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crossbow having a vibration damping mechanism which generally comprises a stock member including a barrel at a forward portion thereof, with the barrel used to support an arrow for firing of the crossbow. A riser block assembly is mounted at a forward end of the barrel, with the riser block assembly supporting first and second bow limbs which extend outward from the riser block assembly. The first and second bow limbs carry a bowstring between the outward tips thereof, and the bowstring extends transversely to the barrel. The crossbow further includes a trigger mechanism with the trigger mechanism used to selectively hold and release the bowstring from a cocked position. In the cocked position, the bowstring is drawn in a direction away from the first and second bow limbs to tension the bow limbs. The vibration damping mechanism is disposed to interface at a location between the bow limbs and the stock, such as between the riser block assembly and the barrel or bow limb supports.

Abstract: A single T-handle latching mechanism including a center T-handle, a rotor assembly, a right and left swivel connector, a right and left rod rotator, a right and left lock rod with rotator engagement and a latching contoured end, and a right and left engagement latch plate. An approximately 90 degree rotation of the T-handle will extend the lock rods out to the right and left. With this mechanism, the lock rods also rotate about their axis approximately 180 degrees, with the contoured rod end pulling a door closed as its extension proceeds and, finally, at full extension latching the door securely closed in an engagement latch plate against its frame and sealing, not only in its longitudinal axis, but also in its frontal and horizontal axis.

Abstract: A burner assembly includes a burner housing having a combustion chamber defined therein and a fuel injection nozzle secured to the burner housing and communicating with the combustion chamber. A fuel control device is provided for controlling the amount of fuel flowing through the nozzle. The fuel control device includes a valve chamber including a bore and a valve seat and a needle valve adapted to reciprocate in the valve chamber. An adjusting device is provided for adjusting a range of motion of the needle valve in the valve chamber. The adjusting device includes a control rod secured at one end to the needle valve and a bimetallic assembly for regulating the motion of the control rod. The bimetallic assembly includes a pair of legs which are operably connected to the control rod and are exposed to the heat produced by the burner assembly.

Abstract: An air control assembly for a fuel burner having a combustion chamber and a nozzle includes a control device which controls the amount of air that flows into the burner and an assembly dependent on fuel pressure which actuates the control device. A fuel inlet path is provided for communicating fuel to the nozzle and a fuel return path is provided for communicating excess fuel away from the nozzle. The assembly dependent on fuel pressure includes a piston and rod device adapted for reciprocation in a piston chamber. A nozzle block is provided in which the piston chamber is defined and the nozzle is supported.

Abstract: An air control assembly for a fuel burner having a combustion chamber and a nozzle includes a control device which controls the amount of air that flows into the burner and an assembly dependent on fuel pressure which actuates the control device. A fuel inlet path is provided for communicating fuel to the nozzle and a fuel return path is provided for communicating excess fuel away from the nozzle. The assembly dependent on fuel pressure includes a piston and rod device adapted for reciprocation in a piston chamber. A nozzle block is provided in which the piston chamber is defined and the nozzle is supported.