Abstract: A crossbow is provided with a reciprocating linear rack and a locking linear rack, wherein a traveler having a pawl for each linear rack is engaged by the reciprocating linear rack to move rearward relative to the locking rack, thereby moving the traveler to a drawn position. A cocking lever is hand operated by the user though a plurality of cycles to move the traveler, and captured bowstring to a fully drawn configuration. A trigger mechanism engage the traveler in the drawn configuration and selectively releases the bowstring from the traveler. A bow assembly is provided, wherein the bowstring wraps about a front edge of opposing rotatable members, to be longitudinally located in front of a portion of power cables. The bow assembly includes a power cable on each side of the stock, and thus the power cables do not cross a longitudinal axis of the crossbow.

Abstract: A gun sight assembly includes a housing with an inner bore and a sleeve. The sleeve has an axial cavity in which a luminescent source may be housed. The sleeve is press-fit into the bore such that complementary engagement features of the bore and the sleeve engage each other to lock the sleeve in place within the bore. In one version, the sleeve can be first received within an adapter configured for press-fit into the bore of the gun sight blank.

Abstract: A tool for operating pivotal levers includes a lever member having an attachment and a handle. The attachment defines proximal-lower and distal-upper bearing surfaces for contacting the pivotal lever to transmit a pivotal opening force, and the proximal-upper and distal-lower bearing surfaces for contacting the pivotal lever to transmit a pivotal closing force. Typically, the tool includes hook retainers extending from the lever member that define the lower bearing surfaces. Also, the lower bearing surfaces and the handle define a clearance angle to avoid interference with an opposite lever. Typically, the lever member includes an angle between its attachment section and its handle section to define the clearance angle. Methods of installation and use of such a tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool for operating pivotal levers includes a lever member having an attachment and a handle. The attachment defines proximal-lower and distal-upper bearing surfaces for contacting the pivotal lever to transmit a pivotal opening force, and the proximal-upper and distal-lower bearing surfaces for contacting the pivotal lever to transmit a pivotal closing force. Typically, the tool includes hook retainers extending from the lever member that define the lower bearing surfaces. Also, the lower bearing surfaces and the handle define a clearance angle to avoid interference with an opposite lever. Typically, the lever member includes an angle between its attachment section and its handle section to define the clearance angle. Methods of installation and use of such a tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: A load measuring system for measuring the loads on a foundation for wind turbines is disclosed. A load measuring device is mounted on a rock anchor pad for a turbine and measures the loads on the anchor. Signals from the load measuring device are transmitted to a remote location. The load measuring device is installed on selected rock anchor pads, distributed evenly about the foundation pad. The signals from the load measuring are transmitted to a control station at a remote location, thereby enabling continuous monitoring of the loading conditions on the rock anchors. The signals from a plurality of load measuring systems may be transmitted to the control station, so as to allow monitoring of a group of wind turbine foundation pads at a single location.

Abstract: An automated apparatus, recipe based C.A.R.C. paint batch mixing system and method for mixing two or more water based or waterborne chemical agent resistant coating materials, primarily designed to meet military specification number MIL-DTL-64159. Once homogeneously dispensed and mixed in the desired recipe quantity, the operator removes the batch mixed material and applies the material to a substrate using various types of application methods. The complete apparatus is designed as a modular configuration, allowing for a reduced footprint and quick assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle preheating system which provides for the preheating of the vehicle interior, as well as other components, is disclosed. The system includes an electrical heating element installed within the heater assembly of the vehicle and is supplied with electrical power by an external source. The standard vehicle heater fan is supplied with electrical power from a transformer and rectifier in the circuit, thus using only external power rather than vehicle battery power. The system is controlled by a timer controller, which may be preset to activate the heater assembly at some predetermined time prior to vehicle operation, and may provide for other component preheating devices such as engine and battery warmers. The timer controller may activate each of these devices simultaneously, or independently at various times depending upon the lead time required to thoroughly warm each component.

Abstract: A vehicle preheating system which provides for the preheating of the vehicle interior, as well as other components, is disclosed. The system includes an electrical heating element installed within the water lines of the vehicle and is supplied with electrical power by an external source. The unit containing the electrical heating element may also include a valve which can shut off coolant flow to and from the engine block, thus warming the vehicle interior more quickly. Alternatively, the electrical heating element may be used to preheat the engine as well as the interior as desired, or additional electrical heating elements may be installed in other areas. The standard vehicle heater fan is supplied with electrical power from a transformer and rectifier in the circuit, thus using only external power rather than vehicle battery power.