Abstract: Ring-shaped shape memory alloys put disk-shaped ceramic materials in a state of compression. The rings are radially deformed to introduce plastic strain into the rings. The rings are sized to closely receive the disk-shaped ceramic strike plates. When the assembly is heated, the rings attempt to regain their original shape and thereby put the ceramic strike plates into uniform, two-dimensional compression.

Abstract: Heavier-than-air, aircraft having flapping wings, e.g., ornithopters, where angular orientation control is effected by variable differential sweep angles of deflection of the flappable wings in the course of sweep angles of travel and/or the control of variable wing membrane tension.

Abstract: A method is provided for recovering and/or exploded an unexploded munition. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from an induced vibration; inducing a vibration; monitoring an output from the power supply after the power supply has stopped generating power from a firing of the munition; and generating a beacon signal or detonation signal upon the detection of the output.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for deploying an airborne object are provided utilizing a submersible transport and launch canister of the type that includes a pressure vessel in which the airborne object is stored and a cap which sealingly engages the pressure vessel. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of positioning an end portion of the pressure vessel above the surface level of a body of water, opening the cap, and launching the airborne object from the pressure vessel while in the body of water.

Abstract: Heavier-than-air, aircraft having flapping wings, e.g., ornithopters, where angular orientation control is effected by variable differential sweep angles of deflection of the flappable wings in the course of sweep angles of travel and/or the control of variable wing membrane tension.

Abstract: A rifle conversion platform assembly comprised of components to fit around an existing action such that attachment locations such as a hand guard, pistol grip, and butt stock attachment locations are provided to have conventional rifle components, which in one form may be components of a high caliber semiautomatic rifle such as an AR-15, attached thereto.

Abstract: Embodiments of a submersible transport and launch canister are provided for use by a diver in the deployment of an airborne object. In one embodiment, the submersible transport and launch canister includes a pressure vessel having an open end portion and a storage cavity configured to receive the airborne object therein. A diver-actuated cap is movable between an open position and a closed position in which the diver-actuated cap sealingly engages the open end portion. A propellant device is fluidly coupled to the storage cavity and is configured to propel the airborne object from the storage cavity and through the open end portion when the propellant device is actuated by the diver.

Abstract: An interceptor projectile includes a deployable net that deploys during flight and wraps around an incoming projectile, such as a rocket propelled grenade (RPG). The net is initially in a tubular body of the interceptor projectile. A propellant is used to deploy the net from the body. Even after deployment the net remains attached to the body by an elastic tether. The engagement of the net with the incoming projectile disables the incoming projectile, with the momentum imparted by the interceptor projectile sending the incoming projectile off course. This successfully defends a target against the incoming projectile. Through the tether, substantially all of the parts of the interceptor projectile may be mechanically linked together even after deployment of the net. This mechanical linking provides more momentum for impacting the interceptor projectile, which may facilitate diverting the incoming projectile.

Abstract: A modular hand guard assembly serves both as a hand guard system and as an integrated interface system for mounting various weapon accessories and attachments thereto. The modular hand guard assembly includes a removable forward rail section that can be removed from the forward portion of the hand guard to provide for the installation of additional weapon accessories such as lights, optics or lasers in highly a desirable forward location adjacent to the barrel of the weapon. The modular hand guard assembly further includes a removable lower hand guard to provide access to the barrel of the firearm and an integrated modular switching and control system for use in connection with the various powered accessories mounted thereto.

Abstract: The present invention is a gas system for a firearm comprising a hollow gas tube extending between a forward gas tap in a firearm's barrel and a rearward piston assembly to impinge upon and operate the firearm's bolt operating system. The system does not have a translation rod extending between the two components as in prior art systems nor does it have a rearward tap like others. As such, it balances cleanliness and weight reduction of the prior art systems and reduces moving parts.

Abstract: A compact and foldable survival tool includes a firearm including a trigger and safety lever with many unique features including a compact and folding survival tool with an easy-to-manufacture top strap, a rack and pinion hammer actuator, dual lasers for distress signaling and target and ranging sighting, reconfigurable multiple tools, contained child-safety lock system, folding trigger with safety lever, cam hammer lock, floating firing pin, and cylinder pin assembly positive cylinder lock, for example.

Abstract: A power source for actuating a subsurface tool is described herein, the power source comprising thermite in a quantity sufficient to generate a thermite reaction, and a polymer disposed in association with the thermite. The polymer produces a gas when the thermite reaction occurs, the gas slowing the thermite reaction. The slowed thermite reaction enables a continuous pressure to be provided to the subsurface tool over a period of time, providing superior actuation over a conventional explosive power charge, through a non-explosive reaction.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for launching a granular substance. The method may include providing a granular substance, an air gun, a compressed air source, an insertion tube, a passage, a loading chamber, a recess, a cover, and a fastening assembly. The method may further include inserting the granular substance into the recess and dispensing the granular substance from the recess into the loading chamber. The method continues with releasing the stored, compressed air in the air gun. The compressed air moves into the insertion tube, through the passage, through the loading chamber disposed within the passage, and finally launches the granular substance from an outlet of the passage.

Abstract: An aircraft is configured for flight in an atmosphere having a low density. The aircraft includes a fuselage, a pair of wings, and a rear stabilizer. The pair of wings extends from the fuselage in opposition to one another. The rear stabilizer extends from the fuselage in spaced relationship to the pair of wings. The fuselage, the wings, and the rear stabilizer each present an upper surface opposing a lower surface. The upper and lower surfaces have X, Y, and Z coordinates that are configured for flight in an atmosphere having low density.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a target impact of a munition. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; and determining whether the output of power from the power supply has dropped below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An inertia igniter including a mechanical delay mechanism having two or more members which are movable under different acceleration conditions to sequentially move a movable member upon sequential movement of the two or more members and an ignition member actuatable by the movable member such that movement of the movable member by the two or more members ignites the ignition member. The movable member can be movable by one of translation and rotation. The inertia igniter can further comprise an impact mass releasably movable in the housing, wherein the impact mass is released and movable by movement of the movable member to impact the ignition member. The inertia igniter can also further comprise a stop member for preventing movement of the impact mass until the movable member has moved a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A blow gun includes a hollow ammunition chamber having an internal volume that is large enough to hold at least 30 spherical projectiles, for example plastic BBs. The ammunition chamber has a breath receiving orifice, and a firing port. A barrel obtrudes from the hollow ammunition chamber through the firing port. The barrel has a cylindrical bore therethrough, that defines an internal diameter that is greater than the spherical projectile diameter but no greater than 1.7 times the spherical projectile diameter. The barrel has an outer surface that is in sliding contact with the firing port. The barrel may have a storage position in which most of the barrel is disposed within the internal volume of the hollow ammunition chamber, and a firing position in which most of the barrel is disposed outside of the hollow ammunition chamber.

Abstract: A securing system that includes a first wall portion adapted to be attached to a surface; and a second wall portion separable from the first wall portion and adapted to be removable engaged with the first wall portion; the second wall portion including an opening for receiving a projecting member from a male portion of a locking mechanism, wherein the second wall portion is disposed between the male portion and the female portion of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: An exchangeable adapter assembly for a handgun includes a handle frame having a trigger and a handle, into which a magazine can be inserted. A quick changeover is ensured by the assembly in that in the rear and front regions of the handle frame at least one adapter element is provided which cooperates with a rear and front adapter piece of a grip enhancer for attachment of the grip enhancer 100 to the handle frame. In the rear part of the handle frame there is also provided an eyelet device which, when the grip enhancer is attached to the handle frame, positively engages a bore in the grip enhancer. A securing pin can be releasably inserted into the eyelet device in order to releasably connect the grip enhancer to the handle frame.

Abstract: Provided herein methods and structures for construction of light weight sandwich panels or load-bearing panels having improved ballistic protection. The methods disclosed can facilitate construction of a hybrid core comprising ballistic fabrics and deformable pins that exhibit superior resistance to ballistic penetration. The methods and structures of the present disclosures can be advantageously used in many applications, such as armored vehicles.