Abstract: A system for optically characterizing an acoustic beam generally includes an immersant, which is an immersion medium seeded with a plurality of seed particles that respond to illumination with fluorescence indicative of at least one parameter of the immersant such as flow or temperature. Optical transmitters illuminate the immersant slicewise, and optical receptors receive the fluorescence in order to generate a three-dimensional map of the parameter over time. A processor back-calculates one or more characteristics of an acoustic beam that results in the map. The processor initially generates a behavior model of an acoustic beam propagating in the immersant by utilizing initial guesses for the characteristics. The initial guess model is compared to the map, and an optimization routine is used to refine the initial guesses. The process repeats iteratively with refined guesses until the difference between the model and the map is minimized.

Abstract: A feed table with force reaction system for counteracting clamping forces on a shuttle vise used to move a workpiece toward a machine tool. In a first embodiment, lever arms are attached to an upper guide rail between two vertical columns. A reaction actuator interconnects upper ends of the lever arms such that when actuated, a reaction force is applied to the vertical columns by lower ends of the lever arms to counteract clamping forces created by a clamping actuator attached to one of the vertical columns. In a second embodiment, lever arms are also used and interconnected at the upper ends thereof by a reaction bar. A reaction actuator is attached to a lower end of each of the lever arms to apply the reaction force. In third and fourth embodiments, a clamping force bar is positioned above the upper guide beam. A clamping actuator is attached to the clamping force bar such that clamping forces are not transmitted to the vertical columns.

Abstract: A ski or ski-like device with an improved edging feature to assist skiers in edging during icy conditions. The edging feature includes a structure and method that provides a lateral edge on the inside of the ski that can extend into the snow surface beneath the bottom surface of the ski. When the ski is turned (i.e., rotated about its longitudinal axis) the extended inside edge of the downhill ski digs into the snow surface to provide improved gripping and control. The edge adapted to extend beneath the bottom surface of the ski is provided either by attaching an edge that extends below the bottom surface of the ski, or by providing a bottom surface of the ski in the region adjacent to the extended edge that is arranged to yield under pressure, to expose the extended edge when vertical force is applied to the bottom surface of the ski during a turn.

Abstract: An overboot device is provided for increasing a foot print of a foot portion of a bi-pod firearm support. The overboot preferably comprises a base having a cone projecting therefrom and a cylinder axially extending from the cone. A plurality of fingers axially extend from the cylinder and include a tab radially projecting therefrom. The tabs form a ring which combines with an axially spaced apart annular flange radially projecting from the cone to define a recess therebetween. A removable band nests within the recess so as to constrict the fingers toward one another to reduce the diameter of the cylinder such that the overboot may be secured about the foot portion of the bi-pod assembly.

Abstract: An overboot device is provided for increasing a foot print of a foot portion of a bi-pod firearm support. The overboot preferably comprises a base having a cone projecting therefrom and a cylinder axially extending from the cone. A plurality of fingers axially extend from the cylinder and include a tab radially projecting therefrom. The tabs form a ring which combines with an axially spaced apart annular flange radially projecting from the cone to define a recess therebetween. A removable band nests within the recess so as to constrict the fingers toward one another to reduce the diameter of the cylinder such that the overboot may be secured about the foot portion of the bi-pod assembly.

Abstract: Water is supplied under pressure to a sprinkler device which produces one or more laminar flow jets. A high speed rotor intercepts only the boundary layer of the jets in a manner to impact violently upon the boundary layer. This produces a novel mode of operation in which water exits the jet along its length as vapour to form a mist of find droplets.

Abstract: An improved pivotal bipod adapter. The adapter allows pivoting of the bipod by use of a rubber hinge type member. The rubber hinge member connects a base member with a bipod mounting portion and holds the bipod in a normal position but is pivotal from side to side to allow for resting the bipod on uneven surfaces.

Abstract: A pivotal adapter includes a mounting bracket adapter for attachment to a bipod bracket pivotally attached to a base adapted for attachment to a firearm. A spring assembly is included to provide biased engagement between the mounting bracket and the base. The spring assembly biases against pivotal movement between the mounting bracket and the base for inhibiting unintended pivoting and rattling of the mounting bracket.A mounting assembly for removable attachment of a bipod to a firearm includes a base for cradling of the forestock of a firearm. A strap releasably attaches the base to a firearm by encircling of the firearm. A clamping assembly allows the strap to clampingly engage the firearm.A bipod adapter for attaching a bipod to a semi-automatic firearm includes an adapter base which is associated with the firearm in a generally perpendicular manner. A portion of the adapter base engages the barrel for inhibiting rotational movement of the bipod adapter.

Abstract: An attachment or mounting apparatus is disclosed for securing a bipod or other auxiliary device to a variety of different types of firearms. In the preferred embodiment, the attachment or mounting apparatus incorporates a muzzle brake device therein. Various embodiments are disclosed wherein the longitudinal location, and the angle of attachment, of said bipod with respect to the firearm may be selectively adjusted by the user.

Abstract: A bipod for a rifle or the like has a base which is attachable to the sling swivel stud on the forearm of the rifle, a pair of adjustable telescoping legs pivotally attached to the base and which can be pivoted between a support position and a folded position generally parallel to the rifle barrel, and a pair of strut mechanisms each for selectably bracing a leg with respect to the base, each strut mechanism having resilient means for absorbing recoil of the rifle.

Abstract: An attachment or mounting apparatus is disclosed for securing a bipod or other auxiliary device to a variety of different types of firearms. In the preferred embodiment, the attachment or mounting apparatus incorporates a muzzle brake device therein. Various embodiments are disclosed wherein the longitudinal location, and the angle of attachment, of said bipod with respect to the firearm may be selectively adjusted by the user.