Abstract: An apparatus for launching a payload includes a primary barrel, a primary projectile including a secondary barrel, and a secondary projectile including the payload. Prior to firing the apparatus to launch the payload, the primary projectile is contained within the primary barrel, and the secondary projectile is contained within the secondary barrel. Ignition, detonation, or expansion of a primary propellant within the primary barrel launches the primary projectile from the primary barrel. Ignition, detonation, or expansion of a secondary propellant within the secondary barrel launches the secondary projectile from the secondary barrel. The secondary projectile can further include a volume of a secondary explosive material; detonation of the secondary explosive material propels at least a portion of the payload away from a remainder of the secondary projectile. The payload can include cremation remains, DNA, or text, images, or other information.

Abstract: One or more peripheral optical elements direct light emanating from a central field portion of a visual field (via one or more central optical elements of a visual sensor) onto a peripheral sensor portion of the visual sensor. The peripheral optical element(s) map an image of the central field portion onto the peripheral sensor portion for detection by the visual sensor. The central optical element(s) define the central field portion and form (from light emanating from the central field portion and directly incident on the central optical element(s)) an image of the central field portion on a corresponding central sensor portion of the visual sensor distinct from the peripheral sensor portion.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting acoustic energy in an unshifted acoustic signal into an upshifted acoustic signal, and emitting the upshifted acoustic signal. Using a frequency converter, acoustic energy in a first frequency range in the unshifted acoustic signal is converted into acoustic energy in the upshifted acoustic signal in a second frequency range. The upshifted acoustic signal is emitted into an ambient acoustic environment. The second frequency range is higher than the first; the unshifted acoustic signal comprises an unwanted acoustic noise signal. The effect of the acoustic noise signal can be reduced by: enhanced attenuation of upshifted signal during atmospheric propagation; enhanced attenuation of upshifted signal by a non-gaseous attenuating medium; or decreased coupling of upshifted signal into resonances of a human body or mechanical structure.

Abstract: A method comprises: selecting, for at least two analytical variables, a set of corresponding values so that the selected set of values is a solution of a predetermined analytical relationship among the analytical variables; and presenting to a user one or more sensory stimuli having at least two perceived sensory characteristics, each analytical variable having an assigned perceived sensory characteristic corresponding thereto, each corresponding sensory characteristic being related by a corresponding translation protocol to the corresponding selected solution value of the analytical variable. Each corresponding translation protocol establishes a substantially one-to-one relationship between corresponding values assumed by the analytical variable and the corresponding perceived sensory characteristic. The presented sensory stimuli evoke within the user an overall perception.