Abstract: A laser-based system is useful for training soldiers in the operation and use of a grenade launcher. The system comprises a training assembly rotatably attached to the body of a grenade launcher and at least one sensor to detect laser energy at a target site. The training assembly comprises a housing; a variable output laser; a shaft extending through the housing to the body of the grenade launcher; a motor within the housing that engages the shaft and is capable of causing the housing to rotate about the shaft; at least one sensor to detect rotation of the housing, trigger pull, and/or gravitational direction; and a control unit operationally connected to the laser, the at least one sensor, and the motor. The training assembly rotates from the elevation of the launcher barrel to the elevation of the target site to generate a burst of laser energy at sensors at the target site.

Abstract: A high angle-of-attack projectile or bomb comprises separate compartments that, after launch allow for (a) mixing of the chemi-luminescent materials, (b) heating of the materials in the projectile vessel, (c) pressurization of the projectile vessel, and (d) efficient expulsion of a day marker and heated chemi-luminescent mix upon striking the target. The projectile/bomb allows for the marking of targets. The projectile/bomb does not create unexploded ordnance (UXO) and minimizes use of energetic materials such as reactive chemicals and/or pyrotechnics.

Abstract: A training ammunition projectile has a projectile body comprising a head with a frangible ogive designed to burst when the projectile strikes a target. One or more marking agents, disposed in the head for marking the position of the target upon its release when the ogive has burst, include 1) chemi-luminescent components, disposed in separate frangible compartments, which mix and react chemically with each other when the compartments break up on setback, causing the mixed components to luminesce, and/or (2) a low density, fine, dry powder material disposed in the head and designed to create a plume, both for marking the target when the projectile strikes the target.

Abstract: The present embodiments are directed toward a system for measuring a refractory layer of a gasifier. In one embodiment, the gasifier includes a first refractory layer disposed about a gasification chamber, a second refractory layer disposed about the first refractory layer, and a temperature sensor disposed between the first refractory layer and the second refractory layer. The temperature sensor may collect temperature data for use in determining a thickness of the first refractory layer.

Abstract: A system for optically programming an in-flight projectile fired from a weapon comprises a fire control device and a controlled projectile. The fire control device comprises an optical transmitter and the projectile comprises a fuze, an optical collector and an optical sensor. The transmitter transmits optical signals to the in-flight projectile in order to program the circuit of the fuze disposed in the projectile.

Abstract: A marking projectile comprises separate compartments that break during launch due to rotation of the projectile as it leaves the barrel of a weapon. Metal pellets contained within the compartments are pressed outward and pierce the compartment walls. This allows for mixing of chemical materials contained within the compartments, so that the materials substantially react by the time the projectile strikes a target. The chemical materials may be a pair of chemi-luminescent components, or components that create heat for thermal marking.

Abstract: A training ammunition projectile has a projectile body comprising a head with a frangible ogive designed to burst when the projectile strikes a target. One or more marking agents, disposed in the head for marking the position of the target upon its release when the ogive has burst, include 1) chemi-luminescent components, disposed in separate frangible compartments, which mix and react chemically with each other when the compartments break up on setback, causing the mixed components to luminesce, and/or (2) a low density, fine, dry powder material disposed in the head and designed to create a plume, both for marking the target when the projectile strikes the target.

Abstract: A marking projectile comprises separate compartments that break during launch due to rotation of the projectile as it leaves the barrel of a weapon. Metal pellets contained within the compartments are pressed outward and pierce the compartment walls. This allows for mixing of chemical materials contained within the compartments, so that the materials substantially react by the time the projectile strikes a target. The chemical materials may be a pair of chemi-luminescent components, or components that create heat for thermal marking.

Abstract: A high velocity cartridge munition comprises a cartridge shell and a projectile inserted into it. A propulsion chamber within the cartridge shell receives a propulsive charge that may be ignited by a pyrotechnic igniter and that develops propulsive gases that act on the base of the projectile, driving it out of the cartridge shell. To prevent the pyrotechnic igniter from igniting spontaneously, and from igniting the propulsive charge due to the ambient temperature or because of a fire, which would cause the cartridge shell and projectile to be separated and fly apart, at least one exhaust channel between the propulsion chamber and the exterior of the cartridge shell is filled with a fusible material. The fusible material has a lower melting point than the ignition point of the igniter and of the propulsive charge.

Abstract: A high angle-of-attack projectile or bomb comprises separate compartments that, after launch allow for (a) mixing of the chemi-luminescent materials, (b) heating of the materials in the projectile vessel, (c) pressurization of the projectile vessel, and (d) efficient expulsion of a day marker and heated chemi-luminescent mix upon striking the target. The projectile/bomb allows for the marking of targets. The projectile/bomb does not create unexploded ordnance (UXO) and minimizes use of energetic materials such as reactive chemicals and/or pyrotechnics.

Abstract: A laser-based system is useful for training soldiers in the operation and use of a grenade launcher. The system comprises a training assembly rotatably attached to the body of a grenade launcher and at least one sensor to detect laser energy at a target site. The training assembly comprises a housing; a variable output laser; a shaft extending through the housing to the body of the grenade launcher; a motor within the housing that engages the shaft and is capable of causing the housing to rotate about the shaft; at least one sensor to detect rotation of the housing, trigger pull, and/or gravitational direction; and a control unit operationally connected to the laser, the at least one sensor, and the motor. The training assembly rotates from the elevation of the launcher barrel to the elevation of the target site to generate a burst of laser energy at sensors at the target site.

Abstract: A method and system for improving precision and accuracy of weaponry according to which angular position information of the fire control device and optical location information of the optical signals emitted during the flight of a projectile are processed in a computer using software to calculate and provide a precise aim point for firing one or more subsequent projectiles.

Abstract: A method and system for improving precision and accuracy of weaponry according to which angular position information of the fire control device and optical location information of the optical signals emitted during the flight of a projectile are processed in a computer using software to calculate and provide a precise aim point for firing one or more subsequent projectiles.

Abstract: A tunable broadhead is disclosed for rotating an elongated body of a broadhead relative to an extension member. The tunable broadhead enables the blades of a broadhead to be rotated relative to an arrow shaft into which the tunable broadhead may be attached to tune arrow flight from a bow. In particular, the tunable broadhead may include an extension member rotatably attached to a generally elongated broadhead body, wherein the extension member may be releasably affixed in position with a releasable locking device so that the broadhead may be tuned by rotating the broadhead relative to an arrow and locking the broadhead in position.

Abstract: An axially compact broadhead for archery and other such purposes is disclosed. The broadhead may be formed from a tip configured to facilitate penetration of the tip into an object with a pointed distal end and an opposite proximal end. The tip may include a central tip chamber extending distally into the tip from the proximal end and a plurality of blade slots extending from the proximal end of the tip toward the distal end. A base may be positioned proximally of the tip and have a central base chamber. One or more blades may be positioned in the blade slots and extend outwardly from the tip. An elongated engaging bar may extend through the central base chamber of the base and into the central tip chamber to affix the blades and provide a post for attaching the broadhead to an insert of an arrow.

Abstract: A throat plug for a gasifier vessel includes at least one first cavity being receptive to at least one device located in the at least one first cavity, and at least one second cavity being receptive to a fuel injector.

Abstract: A fish harvesting head with a rotatable barb device that is held in place with a piercing tip and is configured to move between fish piercing, fish retaining and fish releasing positions. The fish harvesting head is formed from a fish harvesting body having a barb receiving slot positioned in the forward portion of the fish harvesting body that extends along a longitudinal axis of the fish harvesting body. The barb receiving slot enables the barb to be quickly replaced or removed. The fish harvesting head may also include a piercing tip retaining device positioned in the barb receiving slot and in contact with an inner surface of the piercing tip for increasing resistance to movement of the piercing tip relative to the fish harvesting body and prevent accidental loosening of the tip.

Abstract: An axially compact broadhead for archery and other such purposes is disclosed. The broadhead may be formed from a tip configured to facilitate penetration of the tip into an object with a pointed distal end and an opposite proximal end. The tip may include a central tip chamber extending distally into the tip from the proximal end and a plurality of blade slots extending from the proximal end of the tip toward the distal end. A base may be positioned proximally of the tip and have a central base chamber. One or more blades may be positioned in the blade slots and extend outwardly from the tip. An elongated engaging bar may extend through the central base chamber of the base and into the central tip chamber to affix the blades and provide a post for attaching the broadhead to an insert of an arrow.

Abstract: A tunable broadhead is disclosed for rotating an elongated body of a broadhead relative to an extension member. The tunable broadhead enables the blades of a broadhead to be rotated relative to an arrow shaft into which the tunable broadhead may be attached to tune arrow flight from a bow. In particular, the tunable broadhead may include an extension member rotatably attached to a generally elongated broadhead body, wherein the extension member may be releasably affixed in position with a releasable locking device so that the broadhead may be tuned by rotating the broadhead relative to an arrow and locking the broadhead in position.

Abstract: A fish harvesting head with a rotatable barb device that is held in place with a piercing tip and is configured to move between fish piercing, fish retaining and fish releasing positions. The fish harvesting head is formed from a fish harvesting body having a barb receiving slot positioned in the forward portion of the fish harvesting body that extends along a longitudinal axis of the fish harvesting body. The barb receiving slot enables the barb to be quickly replaced or removed. The fish harvesting head may also include a piercing tip retaining device positioned in the barb receiving slot and in contact with an inner surface of the piercing tip for increasing resistance to movement of the piercing tip relative to the fish harvesting body and prevent accidental loosening of the tip.