Abstract: A tripod system features a bowl-top with both static leveling locking capability and with fluid-feel dynamic bowl disk motion. The tripod may feature a precision tension-controlled locking handle with a fine pitch thread screw for more precise tension control and increased holding force and that may be a spring-loaded locking handle to precisely tension adjust the friction force of a tripod top bowl disk to a desired setting, with sufficient tension force to secure a payload even with an offset load. Stability is further increased with a bi-directional leg angle locking system centered about the top hub of the tripod utilizing jam nuts threadedly engaged with the leg heads and allowing or arresting free motion of a ratcheting lock tooth interfacing with the hub.

Abstract: A surgical tool with an improved drive system may feature an uneven, rotating, swash plate pushing against a spring biased driving shaft to transform rotary motion to linear motion. As the swash plate pushes forward, the spring tension increases and is then continually released as the swash plate is rotates to a point where less pressure is applied to the shaft. The motion is then smooth, continuous, and reciprocating. Various tool bits may be provided for various operations.

Abstract: A handgrip for a firearm is disclosed. The handgrip features a tool, in particular a melee component, stowed within a portion of the handgrip, the remaining portion of the melee component forming a finger guard. A latch is provided to hold the melee component in the stowed position. The interface of the melee component with the handgrip component may be either a rotatable interface, utilizing a lower pivot point and a latch such that the melee component may be rotated out of the handgrip or may be a sliding interface, with the melee component sliding within a provided trench. Two latching mechanisms for a rotating interface are disclosed. Other tools, such as bipods and flashlights, may be adapted to also fit the provided trench.

Abstract: A handgrip for a firearm is disclosed. The handgrip features a tool, in particular a melee component, stowed within a portion of the handgrip, the remaining portion of the melee component forming a finger guard. A latch is provided to hold the melee component in the stowed position. The interface of the melee component with the handgrip component may be either a rotatable interface, utilizing a lower pivot point and a latch such that the melee component may be rotated out of the handgrip or may be a sliding interface, with the melee component sliding within a provided trench. Two latching mechanisms for a rotating interface are disclosed. Other tools, such as bipods and flashlights, may be adapted to also fit the provided trench.

Abstract: A window well cover jack is disclosed. The window well cover jack has three arms: a base arm, a support arm and an actuator handle, all connected to aid in the lifting of a window well cover and to allow egress. In one embodiment, the jack is lockable in a stowed position. It is also possible to add a spring assist to aid in the lifting of a window well cover. Ideally, the window well cover jack is also lockable in a deployed position to aid in holding an ajar window well cover so as to facilitate escape. A simple link, which is easily broken by emergency crews with the proper tools but secure against intruders without said tools, connects the window well cover jack to a window well cover.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an adapter for affixing useful articles upon a support system. A first article adapter is provided. In some devices, binoculars are outfitted with a connecting rod that the adapter can snap into. Other article adapters include a camera mount and a gun mount. A second support adapter can then be attached to a stand, such as a tripod, bipod, or monopod, or other support structure using known means.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a device for transferring the weight of an optical device to the body of the person using that optical device. In some devices, a support harness with shoulder straps is used to bear the weight of the optical device transferred by a support frame. The support frame may be temporarily attached to the optical device and/or support harness for easy assembly and disassembly. In some embodiments, the support harness is collapsible into a compact size.

Abstract: A portable field optics maintenance kit fit into the form of a cloth wallet. An easily portable compact wallet accessory to properly maintain and clean optics that are used in the field away from where most optics cleaning kits are stored.

Abstract: A window well cover jack that is disclosed. The window well cover jack has three arms: a base arm, a support arm and an actuator handle, all connected to aid in the lifting of a window well cover and allow egress. In one embodiment, the jack is lockable in a stowed position. It is also possible to add a spring assist to aid in the lifting of a window well cover. Ideally, the window well cover jack is also lockable in a deployed position to aid in holding an ajar window well cover so as to facilitate escape. A simple link, which is easily broken by emergency crews with the proper tools but secure against intruders without said tools, connects the window well cover jack to a window well cover.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermally actuated turntable suitable for conventional and convection cooking ovens, which posses uneven temperature/cooking characteristics. By means of coupling dissimilar materials, each having a wide variance in their respective coefficients of thermal expansion, the relative linear expansion of these materials caused by the ambient heat found in the cooking chamber of an oven can be utilized in such a way as to create a thermo-linear motor and thus produce relatively small linear displacements of the actuator with relatively high force capabilities. This linear displacement can then be magnified by means of the mechanical advantage of levers to produce sufficient linear displacement of a rack and pinion gear set which is capable of producing multiple rotations of an attached platter during a typical short duration cooking cycle. This slow speed rotational motion is very advantageous for cooking short duration food items.