Abstract: A trigger assembly for a crossbow or other weapon system. The trigger assembly includes a trigger arm coupled between a trigger and a sear. The trigger arm is not parallel to the line of fire, thereby allowing for increased mechanical advantage and a smoother, safer trigger pull. The trigger assembly incorporates various safety measures, including a dry fire mechanism which prevents the unintentional damaging and potentially dangerous release of the bowstring before an arrow is positioned on the rail of the crossbow. The trigger assembly allows for various adjustments to vary the trigger length and pull, while maintaining smoothness and preventing the unintentional or inadvertent release of the bowstring.

Abstract: A slide valve for use in an air intake manifold is disclosed, wherein a durability of the valve and a quality of a seal created while the valve is in a closed position are maximized, and a cost and a weight of the valve are minimized.

Abstract: A crossbow having an increased powerstroke and reduced noise. The powerstroke is increased by inverting the limb orientation from the standard crossbow arrangement and locating string guides at least partially forward and rearward of the ends of the limbs. The bowstring is drawn from the tops of the string guides to maximize the powerstroke, reducing noise and increasing the retained and delivered energy over existing crossbows.

Abstract: A slide valve for use in an air intake manifold is disclosed, wherein a durability of the valve and a quality of a seal created while the valve is in a closed position are maximized, and a cost and a weight of the valve are minimized.

Abstract: A crossbow having an increased powerstroke and reduced noise. The powerstroke is increased by inverting the limb orientation from the standard crossbow arrangement and locating string guides at least partially forward and rearward of the ends of the limbs. The bowstring is drawn from the tops of the string guides to maximize the powerstroke, reducing noise and increasing the retained and delivered energy over existing crossbows.

Abstract: The nature of the current invention is an archery device that uses what I claim as Reverse Draw Technology. In essance, what this is, is pulling the launch string of a bow or crossbow in the opposite direction that it is pulled in all prior art. Pulling the launch string into the curve of the opposing limbs, instead of away from them, allows for a longer power stroke, thus increasing performance and allowing, if so chosen, a lower draw weight, which translates to less noise at the same arrow speed. Arrow speed is determined by the force required to pull the launch string from an at rest position to the ready to fire position, and the distance the string is pulled. This distance is called the power stroke. By increasing the power stroke and decreasing the drawing force, comparable arrow speed is achieved with much less noise and effort on the part of the archer.

Abstract: A bow having an increased powerstroke allowing for reduced draw weight and increased speed. The bow is provided with a riser and a pair of limbs. A pulley is coupled to one limb and a cam is coupled to the other at a first journal point and second journal point respectively. The powerstroke is increased by locating the bowstring on the pulley and cam between the riser and the journal points.

Abstract: A crossbow having an improved firing assembly. The improved assembly attaches to a bowstring at a single point and draws the string back to have the string retained between a first string retainer and a second string retainer. By allowing the string to be drawn utilizing a single contact point on the bowstring as opposed to the prior art methods of dual engagement points with the bowstring, the cost, maintenance and undesired variance in string retention associated with the prior art are substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A pre-separator removes contaminants from dirty air and an air intake system of an automobile engine. The pre-separator includes a central body connected to a plurality of vanes, the central body including a leading nose-cone portion and a trailing nose-cone portion. An exit tube defines an outlet that is sized and positioned relative to the central body. The pre-separator is capable of easy packaging within the air intake system, while minimizing the restriction and maximizing horsepower of the engine. In one embodiment, the separation efficiency, the restriction, and acoustic tuning may be selectively controlled for the particular application.

Abstract: A pre-separator removes contaminants from dirty air and an air intake system of an automobile engine. The pre-separator includes a central body connected to a plurality of vanes, the central body including a leading nose-cone portion and a trailing nose-cone portion. An exit tube defines an outlet that is sized and positioned relative to the central body. The pre-separator is capable of easy packaging within the air intake system, while minimizing the restriction and maximizing horsepower of the engine. In one embodiment, the separation efficiency, the restriction, and acoustic tuning may be selectively controlled for the particular application.

Abstract: A hunter's tree stand with a platform detachably mounted to an upright mounting bracket which mounts to a tree trunk. A supporting arm pivots about the lower end of the mounting bracket and may be attached at various points long the platform to allow the platform to be leveled. The platform has wing extensions which may be folded around hinges. The platform may be easily removed from the mounting bracket or folded up against the tree. A ladder which may be disassembled for transport, is attachable to the platform. Leveling extensions are provided on the legs of the ladder. An optional seat assembly is provided. An alternative embodiment provides a platform fixed to a ladder member, for use as a ladder stand.