Abstract: A projectile launcher with a stationary element extending outwardly from a body and a pivotal element attached so as to extend forward, the pivotal element having a cocked position directed toward the body and a released position directed in the forward direction and a second stationary element and pivotal element similarly mounted but extending outwardly from the body in an opposite direction. A bowstring extending between the two pivotal elements and movable between a cocked and a released position. A latch movable between a closed position, retaining the bowstring in the cocked position, and an open position, releasing the bowstring. A tubular torsion bar coupled to the pivotal elements and movable between energy storage and releasing configurations. A delivery system coupling the torsion bar to the pivotal elements and transferring energy to and from the torsion bar when the bowstring is moved between the cocked and released positions.

Abstract: A projectile launcher includes a body having a rearward end, and a forward end. A pair of arms is pivotally coupled to the body and a bowstring extends between the ends of the pair of arms and is movable between a cocked position and a released position. Tubular torsion bars are coupled to the pair arms to store and release mechanical energy. A mechanical energy delivery system couples the tubular torsion bars to the pair arms. The mechanical energy delivery system transfers mechanical energy to the tubular torsion bars when the bowstring is moved from the released position to the cocked position, and transfers mechanical energy from the tubular torsion bars to the pair arms to move the bowstring from the cocked position to the released position.

Abstract: A tubular torsion bar including an elongated inner tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end, an elongated outer tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end, a cylindrically shaped joiner bushing fixedly attached to and positioned partially between the distal end of the inner tube and the distal end of the outer tube with the inner tube and outer tube positioned in coaxial and substantially coextensive concentric nesting positions, external apparatus mounting the joiner bushing to maintain axial alignment of the distal and proximal ends of the inner tube and the outer tube and for limited rotational movement, and a mounting and output system fixedly attached to the proximal ends of the inner tube and the outer tube.

Abstract: A projectile launcher includes a body having a rearward end, and a forward end. A pair of arms is pivotally coupled to the body and a bowstring extends between the ends of the pair of arms and is movable between a cocked position and a released position. Tubular torsion bars are coupled to the pair arms to store and release mechanical energy. A mechanical energy delivery system couples the tubular torsion bars to the pair arms. The mechanical energy delivery system transfers mechanical energy to the tubular torsion bars when the bowstring is moved from the released position to the cocked position, and transfers mechanical energy from the tubular torsion bars to the pair arms to move the bowstring from the cocked position to the released position.

Abstract: A torsion bar pack including a plurality of torsion bars, each torsion bar including at least an elongated inner tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end, an elongated outer tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end, and a joiner bushing fixedly attached to the distal end of the inner tube and to the distal end of the outer tube with the inner tube and outer tube positioned in coaxial and concentric nesting positions, and input/output apparatus connected at the proximal ends. Two or more of the torsion bars connected in one of a torsion bar pack parallel connection or a torsion bar pack series connection and the torsion bar pack parallel connection or the torsion bar pack series connection including the input/output apparatus.

Abstract: A tubular torsion bar including an elongated inner tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end, an elongated outer tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end, a cylindrically shaped joiner bushing fixedly attached to and positioned partially between the distal end of the inner tube and the distal end of the outer tube with the inner tube and outer tube positioned in coaxial and substantially coextensive concentric nesting positions, external apparatus mounting the joiner bushing to maintain axial alignment of the distal and proximal ends of the inner tube and the outer tube and for limited rotational movement, and a mounting and output system fixedly attached to the proximal ends of the inner tube and the outer tube.

Abstract: A tubular torsion bar includes an elongated inner tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end and an elongated outer tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end. A joiner bushing fixedly attaches the distal end of the inner tube to the distal end of the outer tube with the inner tube and outer tube positioned in coaxial and substantially coextensive concentric nesting positions. Mounting apparatus is fixedly attached to the proximal end of the outer tube and a planetary gear system is coupled to the proximal ends of the inner tube and the mounting apparatus and designed to provide a selected torque versus deflection characteristic of the tubular torsion bar.

Abstract: A tubular torsion bar includes an elongated inner tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end and an elongated outer tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end. A joiner bushing fixedly attaches the distal end of the inner tube to the distal end of the outer tube with the inner tube and outer tube positioned in coaxial and substantially coextensive concentric nesting positions. Mounting apparatus is fixedly attached to the proximal end of the outer tube and a planetary gear system is coupled to the proximal ends of the inner tube and the mounting apparatus and designed to provide a selected torque versus deflection characteristic of the tubular torsion bar.

Abstract: A crossbow including a stock having a forward end and a rearward end, a bow member mounted on the stock proximate the forward end with a bow string movable between a released position and a drawn position, a trigger mechanism including a latch for engaging and holding the bow string in the drawn position and selectively releasing the bow string into the released position when disengaged. The crossbow further includes a cocking mechanism having a string engaging member with a hook portion engaging the bow string in the released position and drawing the bow string to the drawn position in response to movement of a slide slidably mounted to an underside of the stock. A line has an end coupled to the slide and an opposing end coupled to the string engaging member. The line extends forwardly from the grip around the first guide, extending rearwardly from the first guide around the second guide and extending forwardly to couple to the string engaging member.