Abstract: An aircraft panel assembly 10 is provided, including a panel core 28, a plurality of pre-preg layers 30 surrounding the panel core 28 forming an internal layer of plies 34, at least one metal foil layer 38 positioned on an outer layer 40 of the internal layer of plies 34. The at least one metal foil layer 38 providing an electrical conduit between the outer surface 24 of the aircraft panel assembly 10 and a sub-structure 26 for grounding.

Abstract: The present invention is a hybrid engine exhaust heat shield assembly that includes a plurality of sections. The plurality of sections include one or more sections formed of titanium (or other high heat resistant material) by a casting process, and one or more sections formed of another heat resistant material produced in a manner other than a casting process. The plurality of sections are aerodynamically shaped for thermal protection of the aft pylon. The other heat resistant material is titanium (or other high heat resistant material) that is formed by a hot formed process, or by a super plastically-formed process. The one or more sections formed by the casting process includes heat (plume) deflector flanges.

Abstract: The center of pressure of a projectile is caused to move upon the occurrence of an event that changes the static margin, such as the jettisoning of a body previously attached to the projectile, as noted above. In particular embodiments, this is achieved by a flare disposed toward the rear of the projectile. The flare has petals that deploy from a first, stowed position to a second, deployed position upon the occurrence of said event. In the stowed position, the petals are aligned with the air stream, in order to minimize drag. In the deployed position, the petals project into the air stream in such a way as to move the lift center rearward. A slide ring within the flare has sufficient inertia that it shifts aft in response to an acceleration that occurs when the attached body and the projectile are separated from one another. The slide ring is linked to the petals in such a way that the petals are deployed by the displacement of the slide ring.

Abstract: A cartridge for firearms includes a bullet connected to a casing. The casing includes a cylindrical wall that extends to an end member opposite the bullet, a hollow interior formed by the wall and the end member, means for receiving a priming composition, and means for compressing the priming composition with a firing pin engaging the end member. Propellant is placed in the hollow interior and ignited by the compressed priming composition.

Abstract: A cartridge for firearms includes a bullet connected to a casing. The casing includes a cylindrical wall that extends to an end member opposite the bullet, a hollow interior formed by the wall and the end member, and a receptacle for receiving a priming composition. Anvils or projections are provided in the casing to compress the priming composition between the end member and the projection or anvil with a firing pin engaging the end member. Propellant in the hollow interior is ignited by the compressed priming composition.

Abstract: Passive venting apparatus and method for a rocket motor or ordnance device containing propellant or explosive material enclosed in a case, which presents an explosion hazard when subjected to external heat. A combustible strip is secured to the exterior surface of the case and is constructed to burn and generate sufficient heat when exposed to predetermined external heat to weaken the adjacent portion of the case and effect rupture of the case to vent interior gases therein prior to autoignition of the propellant or explosive.

Abstract: Errors may occur in a detonating system that consists of several detonating circuits when the connection—the logging-on—of detonators is effected to the buses of a logger which in turn is connected to a blaster. Connecting is effected, particularly in opencast-mining operations, under conditions that may lead to damage, not visible at first, in particular to the insulation of the detonators and also of the detonating lines. Errors may occur in the transmission of data, for example as a result of loss or falsification of the signals to be transmitted or as a result of intrusion of signals from an extraneous detonator. In accordance with the invention it is therefore proposed that a log-on manager is installed which is in bidirectional contact with the loggers, with the blaster and with the log-data communicators of the loggers which signal the data pertaining to the detonators to the logger.

Abstract: A strut (10) for hooking an engine (16) under a wing body assembly (12) of an aircraft comprises a rigid structure as well as a mechanism for hooking this structure under the wing body assembly. This mechanism comprises a front fastener (22), a rear fastener (24) and a structure (26) for absorbing thrust. To install an engine (16) of greater diameter under the wing body assembly (12) of an existing plane, the rear part (20b) of the strut (10) is given a width which increases as it progresses to the rear. Furthermore, the rear fastener (24) comprises two braces which are fixed on both sides of the rigid structure and two shackles which connect each of the braces to an additional transverse rib integrated into the wing body assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elevation laying system for a weapon mounted on a vehicle. It comprises first positioning means for the weapon along a wide elevation range with respect to a first axis of rotation offset with respect to the center of gravity of the weapon, and second positioning means for the weapon connected to the first means along a narrow elevation range with respect to a second axis of rotation passing through the center of gravity of the weapon. The first axis of rotation is located to the rear of the weapon's center of gravity. The first positioning means are hinged with respect to a frame onto which the weapon is mounted around the first axis of rotation.

Abstract: A gun rest has a first support mounted to a base and a support arm pivotally mounted to the first support. A platform for supporting a firearm barrel is mounted to the support arm. A manually-operable adjustment assembly couples the first support to the support arm to fixedly adjust an angular position of the platform relative to the base. The adjustment assembly has first and second fasteners pivotally mounted to the first support and to the support arm, and a manually-operable coupler threaded to the fasteners to selectively alter a distance between the first and second fasteners. A second platform mounted to the base supports a firearm stock, and an optional third platform is removably attachable to the support arm to support a pistol grip and hand of a user.

Abstract: An improved ram air canopy is disclosed having a top skin formed of a plurality of substantially rectangular top skin pieces. Each top skin piece has areas of reduced width at predetermined locations. The areas of reduced width result in a specific tension pattern of the top skin so as to reduce distortion. The increased tension pattern of the top skin better maintains the modeled desired airfoil shape of the canopy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a grip extender for a handgun. The grip extender provides a relatively continuous surface between the handgun and locked magazine to afford the handgun user with a comfortable grip. The grip extender can be adapted to fit a variety of handguns and magazines.

Abstract: According to the present invention a firearm device comprises a firearm; safety means for impeding an unauthorized person to fire the firearm; and information storage means for recording and storing at least one aspect of the group consisting of an image in the direction in which a shot is in use fired, sound at about the time when a shot is in use fired, time when a shot is in use fired, and location of the firearm.

Abstract: A portable seat and platform support includes a shaft with a base mounted to its lower end to position the shaft to a generally vertical orientation. A removable platform can be attached to the upper end of the shaft, and a seat assembly is supported by a fastener assembly along the shaft for independent rotation about the shaft axis. The seat assembly includes a collar slidably attached to the shaft, a seat supported by the collar, and a bearing on the collar. The fastener assembly includes an adjustment device to support the collar at a selected location along the shaft axis, and a bearing portion supported by the adjustment device and journaled to the bearing on the collar.

Abstract: A combination of an aircraft and spraying apparatus for spraying suspensions or solutions having predetermined characteristics independent of the speed of the aircraft, the apparatus consisting of a mounting frame attached to the underside of the aircraft, a plurality of bearing braces attached to the frame and a propeller shaft mounted through the bearing braces. A full feathering propeller is mounted on the forward end with a control running to the cockpit of the aircraft, and a rotary piston type high pressure pump connected to the aft end of the propeller. The input of the pump is connected to a supply tank in the aircraft and the output is connected to a spray boom. The spray nozzles consist of high pressure impingement nozzles.

Abstract: A device to provide storage of a firearm cartridge (26) within a firearm frame cavity (30) consisting of an insert body (10) shaped to fit within the frame cavity of the firearm while securely holding the firearm cartridge. The insert body contains a pair of rigid poles (12,14) attached to a pair of half disks (32,34) that secure the inserted cartridge by tensions created due to the rigidity of the poles when the inserted firearm cartridge forces the poles to their proximal positions. During insertion to the firearm frame cavity, the rigid stopper support (44) of the insert body is urged to its proximal position, but returns to its distal position when the stopper (18) engages the lanyard hole (48) of the frame cavity. Applying a downward force to the front bottom edge (24) of the insert body forces the rigid stopper support back to its proximal position and disengages the stopper from the lanyard hole facilitating removal of the insert body with the stored firearm cartridge still attached.

Abstract: The center of pressure of a projectile is caused to move upon the occurrence of an event that changes the static margin, such as the jettisoning of a body previously attached to the projectile, as noted above. In particular embodiments, this is achieved by a flare disposed toward the rear of the projectile. The flare has petals that deploy from a first, stowed position to a second, deployed position upon the occurrence of the event. In the stowed position, the petals are aligned with the air stream, in order to minimize drag. In the deployed position, the petals project into the air stream in such a way as to move the lift center rearward. A slide ring within the flare has sufficient inertia that it shifts aft in response to an acceleration that occurs when the attached body and the projectile are separated from one another. The slide ring is linked to the petals in such a way that the petals are deployed by the displacement of the slide ring. Detents lock the slide ring in its displaced position.

Abstract: A dual stage hybrid inflation device includes a pressure switch that prevents the second stage pyrotechnic gas generator from being initiated when the additional heat and gas would overpressurize the first stage pressure vessel. As the pressurized gas stored in the first stage pressure vessel escapes the first stage pressure vessel, the pressure in the first stage pressure vessel drops. If the pressure in the first stage pressure vessel drops below the threshold pressure of the pressure switch, the pressure switch closes allowing the voltage signal to reach the pyrotechnic gas generator thereby initiating the second stage gas source. In an alternative embodiment, the pressure transducer is replaced by a pressure transducer or a temperature transducer and timing circuit.

Abstract: A shot shell such as would be utilized in a shotgun or the like, wherein the cartridge forming the shell has a collapsible extension removably or permanently engaging the shot end of the cartridge, with the cartridge configured to provide a un-compressed length of, for example, 2.50 inches (the minimum length of shell for conventional automatic or semi-automatic, magazine fed shotguns. The collapsible extension is configured to be compressed when placed in a spring-fed magazine, so as to provide increased magazine capacity when compared to standard length shells, while expanding when removed by from the magazine during a loading cycle, so as to facilitate reliable placement of the shell into the breach from the magazine. The collapsible extension in the loaded cartridge of the present invention is configured to be ejected from the barrel upon firing of the cartridge. The present system thereby provides a means to increase the capacity of conventional automatic or semi-automatic (i.e.

Abstract: A kite in the shape of an aircraft having one or more wings. The number of wings can vary due to novel V-shaped connection members employed together with strut rod members cut to predetermined lengths. The connection members are preformed V-shaped connectors slidably mounted to spar members disposed in open-ended sleeves in the leading and trailing edges of a wing and may be oriented to receive strut members form either above or below the wing, for efficiency manufacturing, ease in assembly, and minimum exposure to breakage during operation, storage and transport. Additional connection members may be added to the spar members to receive strut members connected to additional wings thereby allowing for an airplane kite having one wing, two wings, three wings, or more. Multiple-V connectors may be combined to create hubs for propellers or wheels that rotate when they encounter a front wind. Ram air openings are utilized in the fuselage of the kite to maintain the shape of the fuselage and the angles of wings.