Abstract: A trigger device is described comprising a string hook, a trigger, a sear, and a flexible latch. The string hook is configured to retain a bowstring. The sear is coupled to the trigger and configured to release the string hook in response to actuation of the trigger. A flexible latch is coupled between the string hook and the sear. The flexible latch has a flexure design configured to flex in response to a holding weight applied by the bowstring, wherein flexure of the flexible latch reduces a pull weight of the trigger.

Abstract: An archery release aid is described. A trigger device for the archery release aid comprises a trigger pivotally mounted on a trigger pivot pin, the trigger movable between a cocked position and a fired position. A sear is pivotally mounted on a sear pivot pin and configured to interface with the trigger. A cocking spring is configured to bias the sear and the trigger in the cocked position. A string hook is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin. A reset spring is configured to bias the string hook in the cocked position. A roller is configured to rotate about its axis. In the cocked position the roller is retained between the sear and the string hook and in the fired position, the sear is rotated away from the roller, which allows the roller to translate and the string hook to release.

Abstract: A worm gear crank cocking device (“CCD”) for a crossbow to draw a bowstring from a released position to a cocked position. A user rotates a receptacle of the worm gear CCD to draw hooks rearward along the crossbow track to engage the bowstring and to draw the hooks with the bow string to a catch to place the crossbow in the cocked position. The worm gear CCD provides an automatic stop. If a user stops rotating the receptacle of the worm gear CCD, the hooks remain stationary on the track. A release mechanism is provided that disengages spools winding the cords attached to the hooks so that the hooks may return to their starting position forward of the released bowstring.

Abstract: A retractable cocking assembly with hooks slidingly secured to a crossbow track. In a default or non-actuated position, the hooks are positioned forward of the uncocked bowstring. The hooks are drawn in a rearward direction to engage the bowstring and to pull the bowstring to its cocked position. When the bowstring is secured in a trigger catch in the cocked position, a user engages a release member that causes the hooks to return to the default position at the forward end of the crossbow track. A continuous force springs pull the hooks forward into the default position when the release member is engaged.

Abstract: A crossbow trigger assembly with a nock sensor enabling the catch to release the crossbow string only when a nock of an arrow is properly engaging the crossbow string. The trigger assembly also contains a bypass feature for deactivating the nock sensor to cause release of the crossbow string from the catch when a user activates a release switch. The bypass feature can only be activated when retractable hooks are positioned to receive the crossbow string near the catch, thereby preventing a dry fire of the crossbow string.

Abstract: A modular AFM/SPM which provides faster measurements, in part through the use of smaller probes, of smaller forces and movements, free of noise artifacts, that the old generations of these devices have increasingly been unable to provide. The modular AFM/SPM includes a chassis, the foundation on which the modules of the instrument are supported; a view module providing the optics for viewing the sample and the probe; a head module providing the components for the optical lever arrangement and for steering and focusing those components; a scanner module providing the XYZ translation stage that actuates the sample in those dimensions and the engage mechanism; a isolation module that encloses the chassis and provides acoustic and/or thermal isolation for the instrument and an electronics module which, together with the separate controller, provide the electronics for acquiring and processing images and controlling the other functions of the instrument.

Abstract: A modular AFM/SPM which provides faster measurements, in part through the use of smaller probes, of smaller forces and movements, free of noise artifacts, that the old generations of these devices have increasingly been unable to provide. The modular AFM/SPM includes a chassis, the foundation on which the modules of the instrument are supported; a view module providing the optics for viewing the sample and the probe; a head module providing the components for the optical lever arrangement and for steering and focusing those components; a scanner module providing the XYZ translation stage that actuates the sample in those dimensions and the engage mechanism; a isolation module that encloses the chassis and provides acoustic and/or thermal isolation for the instrument and an electronics module which, together with the separate controller, provide the electronics for acquiring and processing images and controlling the other functions of the instrument.

Abstract: A modular AFM/SPM which provides faster measurements, in part through the use of smaller probes, of smaller forces and movements, free of noise artifacts, that the old generations of these devices have increasingly been unable to provide. The modular AFM/SPM includes a chassis, the foundation on which the modules of the instrument are supported; a view module providing the optics for viewing the sample and the probe; a head module providing the components for the optical lever arrangement and for steering and focusing those components; a scanner module providing the XYZ translation stage that actuates the sample in those dimensions and the engage mechanism; a isolation module that encloses the chassis and provides acoustic and/or thermal isolation for the instrument and an electronics module which, together with the separate controller, provide the electronics for acquiring and processing images and controlling the other functions of the instrument.

Abstract: A modular AFM/SPM which provides faster measurements, in part through the use of smaller probes, of smaller forces and movements, free of noise artifacts, that the old generations of these devices have increasingly been unable to provide. The modular AFM/SPM includes a chassis, the foundation on which the modules of the instrument are supported; a view module providing the optics for viewing the sample and the probe; a head module providing the components for the optical lever arrangement and for steering and focusing those components; a scanner module providing the XYZ translation stage that actuates the sample in those dimensions and the engage mechanism; a isolation module that encloses the chassis and provides acoustic and/or thermal isolation for the instrument and an electronics module which, together with the separate controller, provide the electronics for acquiring and processing images and controlling the other functions of the instrument.