Abstract: An array of magnetic or paramagnetic micro-elements comprised of polysilsesquioxane is described having ultra-low-autofluorescence and other optical properties to improve microscopic imaging of cells or other objects present on the array. These materials are also amenable to chemical modification allowing surface attachment of affinity capture moieties or chemical reporters for selective binding or analysis of cells, macromolecules or other targets.

Abstract: The present relates to a sling system, and more specifically, to a sling system which may be used for shoulder mounted sling requirements, such as for rifles, archery bows, crossbows, weed eaters and metal detectors, to name a few. The sling system includes a shoulder portion with a plurality of columns of slot apertures with each column offset from the adjacent column, an adjustable position handle and couplers on each end of the sling system to couple it to the desired implement or object.

Abstract: Vibration dampeners (DTM's) designed to surround a device in which unwanted vibrations (including shocks) are set up during use or a component of the device. The DTM significantly shortens the duration of those vibrations, reducing sound levels, making the device more comfortable to use in wielded instrument applications of the invention, and/or significantly reducing the possibility that the vibrations might damage the device. A representative, but significant, use of the subject DTM's is to dampen the vibrations generated when an arrow (or bolt) is shot from a crossbow.

Abstract: Slip-on handgun grips which contribute to accuracy and speed of target acquisition and make shooting a handgun a more pleasant experience by providing a comfortable, secure grip; and by isolating a shooter's thumb from impact and reducing shock, muzzle jump, twist, and recoil when the handgun is fired. The grip is fabricated from a stretchable elastomeric material. This material plus breakaway technology, external grooving, and a thumb-isolating tab maximize the enumerated benefits.

Abstract: B/D archery bow accessories which have an elastomeric vibration dampening component mounted on an elongated, rigid support. The elastomeric component has a set of integral vibration dampening elements such as ribs. The vibration dampening elements have irregular profile configurations which make these elements capable of dampening with high efficiency the sets of vibrational frequencies generated: (a) when an arrow is shot, and (b) during and after the ensuing lock-up. Vibration dampening efficiency may be promoted by making the elastomeric component from a material of the most optimal hardness that is practical and by employing end pieces at opposite ends of the elastomeric component.

Abstract: Compound bows and cross bows with flexible bow limbs and novel, limb-associated mechanisms for adjusting the poundage of the bow. Each flexible bow limb (or element of a split limb bow) is bent against a fulcrum located between the leading and trailing ends of the bow limb or limb element. A poundage adjuster at the same location as the fulcrum or at the leading edge of the limb or limb element is used to set the curvature in the limb (The poundage of the bow is directly related to the curvature of the limb or limb element). An independently acting poundage mechanism as just described is preferably provided for both limbs of a solid limb bow and for all four limbs of a split limb bow. Also disclosed are novel bottom (or power) cams which have reduced lean and wobble during the end part of bow draw, thereby reducing noise and vibration as an arrow is shot from the bow and contributing to the accuracy of the bows in which they are installed.

Abstract: Compound bows and cross bows with flexible bow limbs and novel bottom (or power) cams which have reduced lean and wobble during the end part of bow draw, thereby reducing noise and vibration as an arrow is shot from the bow and contributing to the accuracy of the bows in which they are installed.

Abstract: Fall away arrow rests for archery bows. The rests have an arm with an arrow-supporting feature and an arm-associated axle which pivots the arm to displace the arrow-supporting feature between a first, arrow-loading position and a second, more elevated, arrow-launching position. The arrow support arm can be adjusted vertically, laterally, and in fore-and-aft directions relative to a riser or other rigid bow component on which the rest is mounted. One or more dampers can be advantageously attached to arrow rest structural members to reduce shock and vibrations, including noise, as the arrow support arm displaces the arrow-supporting feature between its first and second positions, especially as an arrow is launched from the bow.

Abstract: This invention includes embodiments which disclose an attachable and removable protective pod or housing for protecting fletches on an archery arrow or providing protection for and from a broadhead on an arrow.

Abstract: Quiet, lightweight, well-balanced, forgiving, and accurate compound archery bows which have significantly reduced vibration and bow jump. The limbs and cams of these bows can be removed and replaced without a bow press, and the limbs of the bows are functional (active) over essentially their entire length and allow one to obtain equivalent performance from a more compact and lighter bow. The bow limbs may be leverage locked in articulated limb pockets. The limb butts extend forward well beyond the front of the riser. This eliminates limb length and limb angle as major factors in determining brace height, allowing one to choose a riser style and limb length which optimize arrow speed and bow stabilization. Novel adjustment mechanisms allow one to easily adjust the poundage or poundage and brace height of the bow. Vibration isolation systems may be employed to isolate the bow riser from the limb pockets.

Abstract: The combination of an optical sight and an attachable/detachable adjustable range sighting device accessory, in which the optical sight comprises a support and an array of fixedly positioned fiber optics sighting devices carried by the support; and the accessory comprising a displaceable fiber optics sighting device and a mechanism for shifting the position of the displaceable fiber optics device relative to the array of fixedly positioned sighting devices.

Abstract: Vibration dampening devices for arrows are installed in the arrow point end of the arrow shaft or in the nock end of the shaft or in both of those ends. These devices: (a) are fabricated from elastomeric materials; (b) have an elongated core surrounded by one or more annular, vibration dampening elements; and (c) employ decay time modification to attenuate shock and vibration. The devices are assembled in axially aligned relationship to an arrow point insert or arrow nock, and coupling features insure a positive connection between the dampening device and the arrow point insert or nock to which a device is assembled.

Abstract: Vibration dampeners (DTM's) designed to surround a device in which unwanted vibrations (including shocks) are set up during use or a component of the device. The DTM significantly shortens the duration of those vibrations, reducing sound levels, making the device more comfortable to use in wielded instrument applications of the invention, and/or significantly reducing the possibility that the vibrations might damage the device. A representative, but significant, use of the subject DTM's is to dampen the vibrations generated when an arrow (or bolt) is shot from a crossbow.

Abstract: An optical bow sight which can be accessorized with an adjustable range sighting pin or torque and cant compensation or both of these features, but is fully functional without either accessory. The optical sight has a shrouded array of fiber optics sight pins which are removable from the sight housing with their support as a single unit. The sight pins are clad in a metallic glass because of the corrosion resistance of such materials. Light collected over a wide field falls on segments of the sight pin fibers coiled in the housing of the optical unit or falls on a trap which redirects the light onto the fiber segments. A lens may optionally be employed to promote the collection of ambient light, and a shutter or variable size aperture may be provided to control the light reaching the sight pin fibers.

Abstract: Compound bows and cross bows with flexible bow limbs and novel, limb-associated mechanisms for adjusting the poundage of the bow. Each flexible bow limb (or element of a split limb bow) is bent against a fulcrum located between the leading and trailing ends of the bow limb or limb element. A poundage adjuster at the same location as the fulcrum or at the leading edge of the limb or limb element is used to set the curvature in the limb (The poundage of the bow is directly related to the curvature of the limb or limb element). An independently acting poundage mechanism as just described is preferably provided for both limbs of a solid limb bow and for all four limbs of a split limb bow. Also disclosed are novel bottom (or power) cams which have reduced lean and wobble during the end part of bow draw, thereby reducing noise and vibration as an arrow is shot from the bow and contributing to the accuracy of the bows in which they are installed.

Abstract: Ball bats comprising a stem and a handle surrounding the stem. An elastomeric decoupler system installed in the handle sharply reduces the transmission of shocks and vibrations from the stem to the handle, mitigating stinging and other unpleasant sensations experienced by the batter when a ball is struck. Unpleasant sensations can be further reduced by installing a DTMS damping device in the knob of the bat and by installing an elastomeric grip on the handle of the bat; and the unpleasant sound made when a bat strikes the ground or the like can be materially reduced by a device attached to the stem of the bat intermediate the ends of the handle. The present inventions are particularly adaptable to hollow, metal bats; and provision is made for venting the knob of the bat when it is welded in place so hot gases will not be forced into, and reduce the integrity of, the weld. Appropriate ones of the devices described above may also advantageously be employed in wood, composite, and other bats.

Abstract: Ball bats comprising a stem and a handle surrounding the stem. An elastomeric decoupler system installed in the handle sharply reduces the transmission of shocks and vibrations from the stem to the handle, mitigating stinging and other unpleasant sensations experienced by the batter when a ball is struck. Unpleasant sensations can be further reduced by installing a DTMS damping device in the knob of the bat and by installing an elastomeric grip on the handle of the bat; and the unpleasant sound made when a bat strikes the ground or the like can be materially reduced by a device attached to the stem of the bat intermediate the ends of the handle. The present inventions are particularly adaptable to hollow, metal bats; and provision is made for venting the knob of the bat when it is welded in place so hot gases will not be forced into, and reduce the integrity of, the weld. Appropriate ones of the devices described above may also advantageously be employed in wood, composite, and other bats.