Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an anvil and an elongate channel. The elongate channel includes a plurality of first electrical contacts and a plurality of electrical connectors comprising a plurality of second electrical contacts, wherein the electrical connectors are spring-biased such that a gap is maintained between the first electrical contacts and the second electrical contacts. The surgical instrument further includes a staple cartridge releasably attachable to the elongate channel, wherein the staple cartridge has a cartridge body comprising a plurality of staple cavities, a plurality of staples deployable from the staple cavities into the tissue, and a plurality of third electrical contacts, wherein the attachment of the staple cartridge to the elongate channel moves the electrical connectors causing the second electrical contacts to bridge the gap and become electrically coupled to the first electrical contacts.

Abstract: A method for countering an oncoming threat is disclosed. A location in front of the threat is selected, and a generally spherical volume is defined by a plurality of lines deployed from a centrally located communications unit. Sensors associated with the lines are connected to the communications unit and sense presence of the oncoming threat, whereupon countermeasures are activated responsive to the sensed oncoming threat.

Abstract: An orb or body deployable from a launch tube serves as a countermeasures system. Where used, a tow rocket may be used to tow the orb or body to a desired location generally in front of an oncoming threat, and the tow rocket is released. Multiple line tow rockets are then launched from the orb in every direction, each extending a line connected to the orb to define a spherical volume within which the orb and lines operate. Each line may include at least one of sensors for sensing acoustic, magnetic or other disturbances, countermeasures systems including explosives, antenna, and radiating countermeasures transducers. Explosives or transducers may also be mounted in or to the orb. Magnetic, acoustic or electrical signals or the like may be emitted to confuse a threat, and explosives may be triggered when the threat enters the spherical volume defined by the extended lines.

Abstract: A streamlined projectile is disclosed that includes a base or rear having a plurality of concentric sections located within each other at the aft of the projectile and in successively smaller sizes. Within each concentric section is a chamber having a wall perpendicular to expanding combustion gasses, with the total area of these walls being greater than an area of the rear of the projectile itself. This creates a larger projectile base for a propellant to push against and for that explosion to be held within the section chamber for a longer period than that of a standard boattail or flat-tail projectile. In addition, the concentric sections at least partially negate atmospheric drag by occupying the region behind the projectile where a partial vacuum forms, resulting in a projectile that will go faster and further for a given propellant charge.

Abstract: A powered air vehicle is disclosed. The air vehicle includes a parachute/parafoil or similar lifting body, with a frame structure suspended vertically below the parachute and comprising of all propulsion and flight control systems generally at the upper end of the frame structure. In one embodiment, a propulsion source is mounted on top of the frame structure, which also house the battery module, main parafoil/parachute system, flight control systems, and structure for carrying an individual user below the propulsion source. Control arms control pitch of the propulsion source to control altitude, and are also used to control direction.

Abstract: A remotely controlled or autonomously controlled UAV is disclosed. The UAV has both wings and a deployable parachute to enable both fixed wing flight and paraglider flight. The UAV can fly at a higher speed to a mission area as a fixed wing craft, and loiter over the area as a powered paraglider. In some embodiments, the wings are jettisoned over the mission area and the UAV configured as a powered paraglider completes its mission. In other embodiments the UAV flies to the mission area as a fixed wing craft, deploys the parachute to loiter as a powered paraglider and then jettisons the parachute to fly under a fixed wing back to a base. The former embodiment cannot fly back to a base, they may be used to carry and deploy bombs or grenades, while the latter may be used for surveillance, deliver supplies or the like.

Abstract: A streamlined projectile is disclosed that includes a base or rear having a plurality of concentric sections located within each other at the aft of the projectile and in successively smaller sizes. Within each concentric section is a chamber having a wall perpendicular to expanding combustion gasses, with the total area of these walls being greater than an area of the rear of the projectile itself. This creates a larger projectile base for a propellant to push against and for that explosion to be held within the section chamber for a longer period than that of a standard boattail or flat-tail projectile. In addition, the concentric sections at least partially negate atmospheric drag by occupying the region behind the projectile where a partial vacuum forms, resulting in a projectile that will go faster and further for a given propellant charge.

Abstract: A remotely controlled or autonomously controlled UAV is disclosed. The UAV has both wings and a deployable parachute to enable both fixed wing flight and paraglider flight. The UAV can fly at a higher speed to a mission area as a fixed wing craft, and loiter over the area as a powered paraglider. In some embodiments, the wings are jettisoned over the mission area and the UAV configured as a powered paraglider completes its mission. In other embodiments the UAV flies to the mission area as a fixed wing craft, deploys the parachute to loiter as a powered paraglider and then jettisons the parachute to fly under a fixed wing back to a base. The former embodiment cannot fly back to a base, they may be used to carry and deploy bombs or grenades, while the latter may be used for surveillance, deliver supplies or the like.

Abstract: A remotely controlled UAV is disclosed. The UAV includes a parachute, with a cylindrical power and control module suspended vertically below the parachute. In one embodiment, a propulsion source is mounted on top of the power and control module with control lines connected to the module below the propulsion source, and in another embodiment the power and control module is suspended from a point above a propulsion source. The UAV may be flown under a parachute and guided by remote control, or the control module (fuselage) may be released from the parachute and extendable fixed wings deployed to enable the UAV to be flown as a fixed wing vehicle.

Abstract: A radio controlled UAV is disclosed. The UAV includes a parachute, with a cylindrical power and control module suspended vertically below the parachute. In one embodiment, a propulsion source is mounted on top of the power and control module with control lines connected to the module below the propulsion source, and in another embodiment the power and control module is suspended from a point above a propulsion source. The UAV is controlled by radio controls from a hand held controller, with actuators retracting and letting out control lines attached to the parachute in order to control direction of the parachute. The UAV may be launched from a tube using a pressurized tank with a nozzle expelling gas from the tank, the tank and nozzle towing a canister from which the UAV is deployed.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to novel systems and methods for displaying an interactive event, such as a race car video game. Numerous display devices are disclosed for displaying video and audio elements of the video game to both current players and to individuals not currently playing the video game. The race car video game further has seating for two occupants, a driver and a crew member and has a separate video monitor for the crew member, through which the crew member can selectively view the race from different viewpoints and can obtain race information. The display of the race car game to individuals not currently playing the game varies according to several factors to enhance the attraction and interest in the race car video game.

Abstract: An exercise device and method is provided for exercising the legs of a mobility-impaired person. The device includes a base with a crank assembly carried on the base. The crank assembly includes a first sprocket assembly having a pair of foot pedals and a second sprocket assembly having at least one leg-support assembly. The leg-support assembly is adapted to support a leg of the mobility-impaired person. The first sprocket assembly is connected to the second sprocket assembly such that rotation of the first sprocket assembly causes rotation of the second sprocket assembly whereby the leg of the mobility-impaired person attached to the at least one leg-support assembly is exercised.