Abstract: An apparatus that propels a ball pneumatically is provided with an adapter for imparting spin to the ball. In a further aspect, the apparatus can be provided with a position adjuster that cooperates with a ball exit tube of the apparatus. A further aspect is directed to a platform that allows the apparatus to be supported on a ladder-like device. A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus is capable of achieving high speed with a simple and practical structure.

Abstract: A firearm buffer system that reduces the rate of fire of a full automatic firearm that has a gas port wear and reduces the adverse effect of bolt bounce. The firearm buffer system includes a buffer assembly that has an elongated buffer body having an elongated hollow interior with a dosed end and an open end and a plurality of weights sized and shaped to reciprocate in the elongated hollow interior of the buffer body. Springs are located in the elongated hollow interior of the buffer body for positioning at least some of the weights apart from each other and a movable buffer plunger is reciprocally mounted in the open end of the elongated hollow interior of the buffer body. The movable buffer plunger is sized so that it does not come into operation until a predetermined amount of wear occurs at the firearm's gas port. In one embodiment a spacer member is provided to permit the buffer assembly to be used with a firearm having a full sized buttstock.

Abstract: In a system for controlling the inclination angle and rotation angle of a body, a rotary actuator is coupled to a base. A pivot actuator is coupled to an output shaft of the rotary actuator. The rotary actuator controls the angular position of the pivot actuator. A displacement member is coupled to an output shaft of the pivot actuator. The pivot actuator controls the linear position of the displacement member. A support shaft is pivotably coupled to the displacement member. A spherical bearing includes a socket that is coupled to the base and a ball that is coupled to the support shaft. In this manner, the angular position and linear position of the displacement member is translated to a corresponding rotation angle and inclination angle in the support shaft. This system provides for a continuous range of rotation of the upper body and a continuous range of inclination angles in the upper body relative to the lower base.

Abstract: A new and improved animal garment for contacting various acupressure points of its wearer. In other aspects of the invention, there is provided a new and improved animal garment with an elastic or adjustable collar, an elastic or adjustable belly flap, an elastic or adjustable lumbar band, and means for securing the garment to the wearer.

Abstract: A cat litter product is provided made substantially from spent distillers' grain substantially removed of starch and combined with modified starch. The combination of spent distiller's grain and modified starch form particles tending to agglomerate when wetted. In addition, zeolite is added to adsorb and desorb water, thus eliminating and preventing mildew formation, and yucca schidegira is included as an emulsifying or foaming agent which functions to inhibit urease enzyme action and to prevent the formation of NH3 (ammonia), thereby binding and neutralizing annoying and harmful odors associated therewith. Yucca schidegira further serves to help neutralize feces odor.

Abstract: A flexible fabric blanket of plural layers including a bottom insulating layer, a base electrically conductive layer, a medial insulating layer, a medial electrically conductive layer, and a top insulating layer. A first set of electrically conductive stitchings extend between the medial electrically conductive layer, and the top insulating layer and are exposed on an exterior surface of the top insulating layer. A second set of electrically conductive stitchings extend between the base electrically conductive layer, and the top insulating layer and are also exposed on an exterior surface of the top insulating layer, but do not touch the medial electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: A fishing apparatus includes a float, first and second fishing lines and a spring biased leader. The first fishing line is connected at its opposite end to a spring biased leader which is associated with the float. The second fishing line has a proximate end and an opposite distal end for attaching a fish catching device such as a baited hook. The spring biased leader communicates between the first fishing line and the second fishing line. The spring biased leader includes, in a parallel arrangement, a spring and a non-resilient leader line which is longer than the unextended length of the spring. A fish striking at the distal end of the second fishing line must cause the extension of the spring biased leader before applying maximum tension on either the first or second fishing lines thus preventing the fish from applying a sudden breaking force to either fishing line.

Abstract: The trolling system is a trolling rig having a first end which can be attached to a fishing line and a nightcrawler harness having two hooks spaced apart axially at the opposite end. A spinner is attached immediately above the nightcrawler harness. A spoon is mounted between barrel swivels above the spinner. A plurality of colored beads are mounted above the spoon and above and below the spinner. The trolling rig is made with stainless steel stranded leader line coated with nylon so that the trolling rig is both strong and tangle free, permitting trolling with nightcrawler bait at higher speeds than conventional trolling rigs.

Abstract: A bridge igniter having a resistance layer which has a given electrical resistance and which can be heated by an electrical current, an electrical insulating layer that is disposed on the resistance layer and has a given thermal conductivity, a reactive layer that is disposed on the insulating layer, the insulating layer transmitting the heat that is produced in the resistance layer to the reactive layer, thereby causing the latter to undergo an exothermic reaction, and a pyrotechnic layer that is disposed on or above the reactive layer and that may be set off by the exothermic reaction of the reactive layer.

Abstract: The invention comprised a device and method for firing firearm ammunition using a plasma torch generator. In a particular embodiment, the device relates to the control or management of the rate of fire and number of rounds fired in a burst firing mode for automatic firearms. The device can be incorporated into firearms of a variety of sizes and configurations to provide precise control of the rate of fire. The device and method can be applied to conventional mechanical primer ammunition or used without the need for a primer, particularly in field artillery, aircarft, and watercraft.

Abstract: An insect trap comprises an outer casing (3) having an opening, a light source (2), and a cover (1c) substantially closing the opening of the casing. The cover (1c) tapers from a first cross-section which matches that of the opening of the outer casing to a second cross-section which defines an insect entry port (4) leading into a chamber (5). The cover (1c) is made of a material that is substantially transparent to light having the frequency of the light source (2), and the light source is positioned so as to be visible from the open end of the outer casing (3) through the cover.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are devised to install an insulation rubber loop in the aft end of a rocket motor case. The method includes the making of a rubber strip into a rubber loop by casting. The rubber loop is partially cured and is then adhered to the inner wall of the aft end of the rocket motor case by using a silicone rubber loop of the apparatus. The silicone rubber loop is caused to deform so as to press against the insulation rubber loop, which is thus securely attached to the inner wall of the aft end of the rocket motor case. The attachment of the rubber loop is further enhanced by heating the rocket motor case to provide heat which is intended to facilitate the curing of the rubber loop.

Abstract: An insect trap that utilizes a combustion chamber to produce carbon dioxide for an attractant. Combustion gasses from the combustion chamber are cooled in a conduit for the trap inlet. Thus, a single fan may be used for both drawing insects into the insect trap and for cooling the combustion chamber. Combustion gasses, after being cooled by the flow of air through the conduit connected to the trap inlet, may be further cooled by a cooling system, such as a thermoelectric device. As such, the insect trap of the present invention may be used to produce carbon dioxide, via combustion, at temperatures at or below ambient temperature.

Abstract: A support member for supporting a mortar shell (1) into a barrel (2) of a weapon, and a method for attaching said supporting member (6) to a tail (4) in the mortar shell (1). The supporting member (6) includes a support element (8) provided with a rim flange (7) and a firing mechanism (15). The support element (8) is supported by means of one or more attachment pieces (10) against a front rim (23) in guiding fins (5) in the mortar shell (1). The attachment pieces (10) include a predetermined deformable point enabling the detachment of the fired mortar shell (1) from the supporting member (6).

Abstract: A large animal trap for humanely capturing and restraining large feral animals, particularly feral hogs, is disclosed which is field assembled from pre-manufactured modular components. Animals are enticed into the trap by an animal baiting means. A sliding gate supported and released by a sliding gate latch means and gate locking means are further disclosed, which traps the animal once triggered and prevents the animal from raising the gate. The modular components are in the shape of flat square or rectangular wire mesh panels framed by square tubing. The sizes and in the shape of the modular components are especially advantageous for ease of transport to remote trapping locations. Once the individual components are placed in their proper positions to form the trap, they are joined together by fasteners, not requiring tools to secure. Said fasteners may be later removed when the user disassembles the trap.

Abstract: A mission responsive ordnance includes projectiles arranged in a bundled configuration that defines a substantially solid structure with each of the projectiles forming a geometric portion thereof. In a unitary mode of operation, the bundled configuration is maintained to define an integral structural element that bears loads generated when the bundled configuration strikes and penetrates a target. In a sub-divided mode of operation, the projectiles are un-bundled before a target is struck so that the projectiles are released into a surrounding environment.

Abstract: A free standing fishing alarm is provided in which the head or tail member(s) may be threadably attached to the body member, creating a water tight environment for the circuitry and associated components, or removed from the body member to allow service and maintenance of the device. The body member internally houses the circuitry, including batteries, and the lighting and audible signaling means. The body member externally houses a clamp means, a toggle switch, a fastening means, and two opposable ends with threads for receiving the head and tail members so as to provide a unified device. A user can simply attach the device to a fishing rod or a stake, cast the fishing line, place the line within the clamp means, flip the toggle switch “on” and wait for the “big one” to strike.

Abstract: A multi-unit pyrotechnic initiation system includes two or more pyrotechnic initiators molded in place into a base. Each initiator preferably includes a body overmolded around an igniter. The retainers of two or more pyrotechnic initiators may be formed together as part of a unitary substructure.

Abstract: An active armor system, which includes a first armor layer and a second armor layer. An interior space is interposed between the first and second armor layer. A third layer is also positioned preferably adjacent to and on the inner side of the first layer This third layer is comprised of a material selected from a piezoelectric material, and electrostrictive material, and a magnetostrictive material. The third layer may also be characterized as any material capable of producing an electrical or magnetic field within the space in response to the application of mechanical force on this third layer. The application of force on the third layer as a result of the impacting of a shaped charge projectile on the first armor layer will result in the production of an electric or magnetic charge in the interior space which will disrupt the formation of the shaped charge gas jet so as to prevent the penetration of the second armor layer.

Abstract: A hook setting mechanism used with a fishing device is provided. The mechanism includes an arm pivotally secured to a rod holder such that the arm can pivot between a vertical position to a position where the arm is engaged with the base. The arm further includes an opening in which a trigger is movably disposed that includes a stay and a guide spaced from one another on the trigger. The stay is releasably engageable with an eyelet on a fishing pole while the guide properly positions the fishing line on the trigger such that any downward force on the line in the guide by a fish serves to disengage the eyelet from the stay, consequently setting a hook in the mouth of the fish. The disengagement of the rod and the trigger also enables the arm to pivot from the vertical position towards the base, moving the arm and the trigger out of the path of the fishing line to avoid entangling of the fishing line on the hook setting mechanism.