Abstract: A magazine for introducing a plurality of ammunition cartridges into a firearm is disclosed. Particularly, a magazine may include a first rotor configured for rotating about a first center of rotation and a second rotor configured for rotating about a second center of rotation, wherein a position of the first rotor and a position of the second rotor are fixed with respect to one another. Further, operation of the first and second rotor may cause at least one ammunition cartridge of a plurality of ammunition cartridges that are movable by the first and second rotor to move along a serpentine path. Firearm systems including such a magazine are also disclosed. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of introducing an ammunition cartridge into a firearm. More specifically, an ammunition cartridge may be moved along a selected serpentine path prior to introducing the ammunition cartridge into a firearm.

Abstract: An over-and-under shotgun apparatus includes a radius track which serves as a hinge for articulating the barrel portion of the shotgun apparatus relative to the receiver/stock portion of the shotgun apparatus. The radius track is defined by a female or concave portion formed on the monoblock attached to the shotgun barrels, and a male or convex portion formed on the frame or receiver section. The radius track defines a pivot axis that is spaced from the radius track. The radius track provides a substantial surface area sufficient to absorb all of the recoil force generated when the shotgun is discharged. No additional abutment surfaces are needed. A further aspect of the invention involves a novel trigger assembly, including a striker which moves toward the front end of the firearm when the firearm is cocked, and moves toward the butt end of the firearm when the trigger is pulled to discharge the firearm.

Abstract: An over-and-under shotgun apparatus includes a radius track which serves as a hinge for articulating the barrel portion of the shotgun apparatus relative to the receiver/stock portion of the shotgun apparatus. The radius track is defined by a female or concave portion formed on the monoblock attached to the shotgun barrels, and a male or convex portion formed on the frame or receiver section. The radius track defines a pivot axis that is spaced from the radius track. The radius track provides a substantial surface area sufficient to absorb all of the recoil force generated when the shotgun is discharged. No additional abutment surfaces are needed. A further aspect of the invention involves a novel trigger assembly, including a striker which moves toward the front end of the firearm when the firearm is cocked, and moves toward the butt end of the firearm when the trigger is pulled to discharge the firearm.

Abstract: An over-and-under shotgun apparatus includes a radius track which serves as a hinge for articulating the barrel portion of the shotgun apparatus relative to the receiver/stock portion of the shotgun apparatus. The radius track is defined by a female or concave portion formed on the monoblock attached to the shotgun barrels, and a male or convex portion formed on the frame or receiver section. The radius track defines a pivot axis that is spaced from the radius track. The radius track provides a substantial surface area sufficient to absorb all of the recoil force generated when the shotgun is discharged. No additional abutment surfaces are needed. A further aspect of the invention involves a novel trigger assembly, including a striker which moves toward the front end of the firearm when the firearm is cocked, and moves toward the butt end of the firearm when the trigger is pulled to discharge the firearm.

Abstract: A rotary variable differential transformer produces a substantially linear output over about 180 degrees of rotation of a rotor core. The transformer includes a base housing having a central bore, and a rotor having a shaft whose angular displacement is to be determined and a generally planar, circular rotor core mounted off-center at one end of the shaft and in a plane normal thereto. The rotor core is rotatably disposed within the opening of the base housing. Also included is a primary coil disposed in the opening of the base housing to circumscribe the shaft at a location rearwardly of the rotor core. First and second windings, with cores, are carried by the base housing and positioned about the base housing opening so that the axes of the coils are oriented radially of the opening and generally in a common plane with the rotor core. The first and second windings are connected together in series opposition.