Abstract: A method is provided for operating a machine. The method includes receiving data relating to a current state of multiple parameters. The method also includes determining a parameter signature for each parameter of the multiple parameters based on the received data. In addition, the method includes comparing each parameter signature to reference data to determine which operating modes of the machine are indicated by each parameter signature. The method further includes adjusting one or more components of an implement control system according to the operating mode indicated by a threshold number of parameter signatures.

Abstract: A novel and unique pneumatic paintball marker having a variety of novel features, the first being an on/off compressed air control valve, positioned at the front of the marker below the barrel and adjacent to an in-line pressure regulator. Major innovations have been made in reducing the size and weight of the body of the marker, along with the construction of a new bolt assembly consisting of just four components and only one moving part. An anti-chop eye electronic system insures that the paintballs are in proper position, and rubber ball detents are optionally added to hold the paintballs in place prior to firing the marker, so that the paintballs will not roll out the barrel.

Abstract: A non-lethal projectile has an enclosed frangible shell with a nose assembly coupled thereto. The nose assembly is designed to be frangible and absorb shock energy incident on the nose assembly. Frangible containers disposed in the shell occupy a portion of the volume defined thereby such that spaces between the containers are defined. Each container is configured to divide into particles when the container fractures. Each container contains at least one payload material. A gelatinous carbomer fills the spaces between the containers.

Abstract: A recoil reducer device for use with a firearm is provided, that is movable between a rest position and a recoil position. The recoil reducer device includes a firearm stock, including a first stock member having a first stock member cavity, and a second stock member having a second stock member cavity. A recoil reducer is receivable in the first and second stock cavities. The recoil reducer includes a shock absorber including a housing and an axially movable plunger. A slider is provided that includes a first slider member fixedly coupled to the shock absorber, and a second slider member movable with respect to the shock absorber and first stock member. A base member is fixedly coupled to the second slider member and a magnet that is magnetically coupled to the base member.

Abstract: A method of operating a progressive die wherein the progressive die acts on a work piece having an elongated body with a blank at one end. The work piece is supported by a bandolier which is also formed in the progressive die. The progressive die acts on each blank.

Abstract: A weapon barrel of an automatic firearm is subject to bending oscillations during firing. A damping device is provided for damping the bending oscillations and to at least largely dissipate the kinetic energy of the bending oscillations by friction processes which are initiated by the bending oscillations, between two respective successive shots in the firing sequence.

Abstract: A ballistic shield for protection against up to 7.62×63 mm AP rounds (NIJ Level IV). The ballistic shield is multiple layered and includes polymer foam, ceramic tiles, and a support structure fabricated from ballistic resistant fabric. Individual layers are bonded with adhesives and preferably wrapped with fabric. Under the fabric cover of the exterior surface of the shield is a polymer foam layer that exhibits excellent blast impact resistance and blast attenuation properties as well as a hard ceramic or the like layer. The foam layer is preferably made from liquid crystal or semi-crystalline polymer to enhance fire resistance and provide enhanced ductility. According to various preferred embodiments, the man-portable ballistic shield also incorporates a compact video system for viewing the front side of the ballistic shield to eliminate the transparent view port of current ballistic shields and protective foam about the periphery and on the rear surface thereof.

Abstract: An improved paintball gun uses a low-pressure pneumatic sear to hold the firing valve closed against the high pressure gas occupying the other side of the valve. In this manner, only one operation is required between depressing the trigger and the firing of the paintball gun because a double-acting cylinder is not required as an interface between the trigger depression and actuation of the valve. The paintball gun is also substantially faster than existing electro-pneumatic paintball guns because it uses a blow forward bolt, in which higher-pressure gas is held directly behind the bolt and has only one direction to travel during the firing of the paintball gun.

Abstract: A grain moving system providing for single point unloading of harvesters to a grain cart. There are a plurality of harvesting machines including a first harvesting machine and a second harvesting machine. The first harvesting machine being configured to deliver grain to the grain cart. The first harvesting machine receiving grain from the second harvesting machine. The first harvesting machine being configured for the coordination of grain transfer.

Abstract: A firearm steady-rest which is provided in a folded storage form which is incorporated as part of a rifle sling. The steady-rest may be deployed by folding it outward to provide either a V-shaped support configuration or a U-shaped support configuration whereby the upwardly extending distal ends of the support engage and support the firearm therebetween. The steady-rest may then be grasped by the operator's forward extending hand to provide maximum steadying of the firearm for sighting and shooting. A gravity deploying bi-pod leg set is also provided which automatically locks into position when fully deployed by a gravity slide lock.

Abstract: An axial loaded explosive bolt that can repeatedly be used for the purpose of remotely or automatically activating a timely separation of adjoining walls separated by a finite distance by the means of either an explosive charge or activation of a pressurized gas line. The fastener includes two bolts with internal bores that are attached by the means of a two-piece encapsulation connected by an inter-connecting clasp. The fastener assembly employs the use of either a combination of a thermal igniter and a pyrotechnic charge or a pressurized gas line attached to a solenoid valve and pressurized gas storage unit to supply a force sufficient to properly separate the said mechanical fastener assembly.

Abstract: A firearm suppressor includes a hollow outer can having an interior-threaded proximal end and a radially closed distal end with a bore, a barrel nut having a barrel bore and an outer-threaded distal threading to the can, and a baffle. The baffle has an intermediate wall with a bore and extends outward to the can interior to prevent fluid passing across other than through the bore. A proximal baffle wall has a bore aligned with the other bores and is shaped to secure to the barrel and extends outward not as far as the outer can interior to permit fluid passage. The baffle is shorter than the can's interior length to have the can, the nut, and the baffle define a plenum extending from the proximal end portion to the nut so that the proximal baffle wall directs fluid from the barrel backwards as a muzzle brake.

Abstract: A projectile for delivering an incapacitating agent through a barrier includes a canister containing the agent and having a closure. The canister is retained in a holder to which is fixed a sleeve formed of a plurality of axial fingers configured to spread radially outward upon impact with the barrier. A ballistic body, configured to penetrate the barrier and having a dispersion port, is connected to the holder forward of the canister so as to be axially movable from a forward position to a rearward position upon impact with the barrier, the ballistic body including a closure-breaching member located so as to breach the closure as the ballistic body moves rearward, thereby placing the canister in fluid communication with the dispersion port. The fingers spread radially against the surface of the barrier opposite the dispersion port so as to lodge the projectile in the barrier.

Abstract: An improved projectile having a penetrator and a body is disclosed. The penetrator is secured to the body. Upon impacting a target, the pentrator travels into the body and deforms the body. The body optionally has one or more portions, such as slots in the body, to promote deformation of the body upon the penetrator impacting the target. The body optionally has a bore extending at least partially therethrough that permits attachment of the penetrator at a second end of the body opposite the first end.

Abstract: Shotshells are provided which are loaded with at least two different shot charges, at least one of said charges being comprised of shot pellets with short-range shape(s) and at least another of said charges being comprised of shot pellets with long-range shape(s). Said shotshells are thereby capable of producing shotgun patterns that are suitable for both short-range and long-range shooting.

Abstract: A kinetic energy penetrator is provided comprising a consolidated body of a metal nanoparticles phase comprising metal nanoparticles and a metal carbide nanoparticles phase comprising metal carbide nanoparticles. Methods for making a kinetic energy penetrator as well as material compositions comprising a consolidated body of a metal nanoparticles phase comprising metal nanoparticles and a metal carbide nanoparticles phase comprising metal carbide nanoparticles are also provided.

Abstract: An ambidextrous magazine catch mechanism for a pistol includes a button in the pistol frame. The button has a W-shaped camming surface. A magazine has a catch aperture. A catch includes two upwardly disposed legs connected to one another. A first leg has a tooth to mate with the catch aperture. The first and second legs form a spring having an equilibrium position. When the first leg is pressed toward the second leg, an outward force on the first leg biases the catch toward the equilibrium position. The first leg has a W-shaped camming surface to mate with the camming surface of the button. The button has a neutral position, and a first and second depressed position. In the neutral position, the camming surface of the button mates with the camming surface of the first leg and the tooth is engaged in the aperture to secure the magazine.

Abstract: An electronic device mounting system can be used to attach electronic devices, such as rangefinders and video cameras, to weapons. The mounting system includes a support portion for resiliently supporting the electronic device and a mounting portion for attaching the support portion and attached electronic device to a weapon. The support portion is universal in that it can be used with a number of interchangeable mounting portions. Each mounting portion is adapted for securing the support portion to a particular type of weapon or weapon accessory.

Abstract: A transparent armor laminate system is described that utilizes a glass-ceramic material as the strike-face material, one or a plurality of intermediate layers, and a backing material. This laminate system offers improved performance with reduced weight over conventional all-glass or all-glass-ceramic transparent armor systems. The glass-ceramic material consists of a glass phase and a crystalline phase, the crystalline phase being selected from a group consisting of beta-quartz, mullite and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A gas piston operating system for an autoloading firearm. The gas piston system may include a barrel having a longitudinally-extending bullet pathway, a gas block defining a piston bore, a passageway fluidly connecting the bore with the bullet pathway for diverting combustion gas from the pathway to the bore upon discharging the firearm, and a piston slidably disposed in the bore for reciprocating movement. In one embodiment, the piston includes a head having an axially-extending protrusion projecting towards the passageway. The protrusion is configured for slidable insertion into the passageway. The piston is movable from a first actuation position in which the protrusion is inserted into the passageway to a second actuation position in which the protrusion is at least partially withdrawn from the passageway. The protrusion acts to pretension a mechanical linkage between the piston and a reciprocating bolt assembly.