Abstract: The present invention relates to a retaining and release mechanism for the magazines of automatic and/or semi-automatic firearms, in particular to a type of magazine which is provided with a lateral securing slot. A tooth (52) of lever (54) is designed to engage lateral securing slot (34) of magazine (30). Said lever (54) is pivotally connected to a shaft (36), located transversely in body (16) of the firearm, by means of a pin (58) and attached at its opposite end to an operating push button (44). A lever seat (60) of said lever (54) is urged towards said body (16) of the firearm and firmly abuts a seat (50) of a magazine catch slot (28) by energy exerted through a spring (42) against said operating push button (44) and a spring cavity (74). The tooth (52) can be disengaged from lateral securing slot (34) by depressing either operating push button (44) or a depression extension (66) of said lever (54). The magazine (30) can thus be released from both sides of the rifle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved hardware used to secure slings to firearms. In particular, to hardware used to secure slings to firearms like that of the M16A2 and M4 Carbine that are fitted with a Picatinny type rail and collapsible buttstock. An improved wedge/yoke assembly is used to secure one end of a sling to the firearm on a rail. The improved wedge/yoke assembly is designed to be installed quickly with the use of simple tools without modification to the firearm. The improved wedge/yoke assembly is adjustable to compensate for varying slot depths found on Mil-Spec 1913 rails. This hardware used in conjunction with other suitable sling attachment hardware allows for ambidextrous attachment of a tactical sling to the firearm giving the user a “hands free” capability.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for converting the fixed cost of capital to a variable expense including structuring an operating lease based on a “unit of manufacturing” depreciation schedule rather than a time based depreciation, allowing charges to the customer on a “per unit” (per test hour, per component, per process, etc.) basis and aligning expenses to production. The customer can commit to a total usage of the equipment and a minimum usage of the equipment per a specified time period; however, the minimum commitment can be a “cumulative” commitment, rather than based on each period, that can allow for a “pay-per-use” program. The customer can make payments for the actual usage of the equipment during a current time period, provided that the aggregated usage credited to the user from the commencement of the lease is at least equal to the cumulative commitment.