Abstract: A navigational aide in the form of a physical model that may be integrated with conventional expedition equipment. The preferred embodiment comprises a hiking staff (5, 6) containing 2-D map data (3) and or 3-D topographical representations (1, 2) corresponding with specific geographic regions and or features. The 3-D surfaces may be sculpted about and along the model. Alternately, cross-sectional elevation profiles of routes may be presented in the form of a 3-D sculpted grooves or flutes along, about, and or around the shaft. A variety of configurations are presented for the purpose of maximizing the effective sculptable areas or edges, and to provide a shrouding effect for the protruding peaks that would otherwise be vulnerable to deformation and uncomfortable to grip. The 3-D elevations may be exaggerated to visually accentuate changes in elevation. Features such as trails may be represented as grooves to facilitate marking progress and position.

Abstract: An initiator (14c) for a secondary explosive receptor charge is provided by forming a length of detonating cord (14) into a helical coil containing a plurality of windings with a cutoff barrier provided by, e.g., a separating rib (46) between adjacent windings. The adjacent windings may be not more than about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) apart. The detonating cord (14) may be wound about a spindle (16) which may optionally provide the separating rib (46). The coil may be a tapered coil which may define a taper angle of e.g., from about 2 to 4 degrees. Alternatively, the coil may be a cylindrical coil, or the cord may be configured in a planar spiral. Optionally, the detonating cord in the helical coil may have a core of explosive material with a loading of less than 15 grains per foot of the cord, e.g., less than 12 grains per foot of the cord, or a loading in the range of from 8 to 12 grains per foot of the cord. The coil may consume about six inches of the cord.

Abstract: A high-technology method for creating, reproducing, and or precisely fitting custom appendages to topographically complex structures. The method comprises a combination of novel measurement techniques in conjunction with computerized modeling and machining processes applied to achieve a virtually perfect tailored fit with mating structures. The method does not require the physical presence of the mating structure so the modeling and machining operations may be conducted at a separate location based solely on parametric dimensional and/or graphical data inputs and a customized data form Said data may be transmitted conventionally or electronically as by fax or the internet. The invention includes a printed virtual protractor tool (16) for accurately measuring angles. A means for direct digitization of the required topological data input is also provided. The novel aspects of this invention can be combined with conventional fitting equipment and processes.