Abstract: A firearm inhibiting device and method of using the same is disclosed which will only mount onto the firearm if the firing chamber is empty of ammunition (a live cartridge). Further inhibiting, for handguns the device prevents operation of the gun's action mechanism. Further inhibiting, for long-guns the device prevents a live cartridge from entering the firing chamber. The empty chamber indication is unique in that it will indicate an empty firing chamber while the action is prevented from operation and in the battery position.

Abstract: A firearm inhibiting device and method of using the same is disclosed which will only mount onto the firearm if the firing chamber is empty of ammunition (a live cartridge). Further inhibiting, for handguns the device prevents operation of the gun's action mechanism. Further inhibiting, for long-guns the device prevents a live cartridge from entering the firing chamber. The empty chamber indication is unique in that it will indicate an empty firing chamber while the action is prevented from operation and in the battery position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a 3-D printed scaffold tailored to a particular hybrid composite material to receive the reinforcement components and support them during application of a secondary composite material. The printed scaffold may provide for retention features that locate and hold the reinforcement components in a variety of different configurations and may incorporate a microstructure having vacuum diffusion properties to assist in composite material lay-up. The invention contemplates either that the scaffold may be sacrificial (retained in hybrid composite) or constructed to permit disassembly and reuse. The 3D printed scaffold may also provide shapes or profile surfaces serving as layup forms that give shape to the woven fiber mat during assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a 3-D printed scaffold tailored to a particular hybrid composite material to receive the reinforcement components and support them during application of a secondary composite material. The printed scaffold may provide for retention features that locate and hold the reinforcement components in a variety of different configurations and may incorporate a microstructure having vacuum diffusion properties to assist in composite material lay-up. The invention contemplates either that the scaffold may be sacrificial (retained in hybrid composite) or constructed to permit disassembly and reuse. The 3D printed scaffold may also provide shapes or profile surfaces serving as layup forms that give shape to the woven fiber mat during assembly.

Abstract: Example 3D printing methods involve rapid liquid filling of one or more cavities within a hollow and/or porous 3D printed object. In some examples, a conventional applicator computer-controllably dispenses significantly viscous solidifiable fluid in layers to build up a side wall of the object, and that same applicator or another applicator discharges a second solidifiable fluid at relatively low viscosity to rapidly fill the cavity(s), voids and/or porosity defined by the accurately printed side wall. In some examples, the liquid fill solidifies to permanently embed an internal object (e.g., wire or fiberglass mesh, Kevlar fabric, acrylic, bullet resistant armor, structural reinforcing material, etc.). In some examples, the liquid fill material permanently bonds to the accurately printed side wall. In some examples, the liquid fill material shrinks upon solidifying to create beneficial residual compressive stress within the 3D printed side wall and/or within the solidified material itself.

Abstract: A portable winch system mounted to a standard trailer hitch tow ball of a vehicle permits steep incline pulling angles of the winch without cutting into the neck portion of the tow ball. To achieve a broad range of inclination angles, the cup plate (socket that fits over the tow ball) and/or the ball-locking portion of the winch system includes relieved neck-clearance areas. In some embodiments, the cup plate and/or ball-locking mechanism includes neck contact points that are softer than the material of the tow ball.

Abstract: An alignment pin or fastener includes a radially eccentric part such that when the fastener is tightened, the eccentric part shifts radially to simultaneously align the holes of two plates in a radial direction and clamp the two plates together in an axial direction. The bi-directional fastener includes two heads at opposite ends of a shaft, wherein the two plates become sandwiched and clamped between the two heads. The shaft and the two heads remain fixed relative to each other, so turning one head turns the other. This allows the fastener to be tightened even when only one of the heads is accessible.

Abstract: A weld platen includes a top plate welded to a fabricated support frame. The support frame includes component parts that are interconnected into a lattice structure that provides the top plate with rigidity and flatness. The top plate includes top access holes for conventional clamps and a matrix of work piece alignment holes. The support frame in conjunction with the top plate provides several holes through which the clamps can extend and grip to clamp a work piece against the top plate.