Abstract: The invented apparatus, system and method for examining a student's oral answer capability includes a presentation mechanism for presenting a program test including one or more questions and soliciting one or more answers as oral inputs; a voice recognition mechanism for receiving a voice stream from a student oral recitation and for converting the voice stream to text-based essay form and for recording the same as a first given answer; answer key data stored in memory, the answer key data representing an ideal answer; a correlation mechanism coupled with the first given answer and with the stored answer key data for comparing the given answer to the stored answer key; and a grading mechanism coupled with the correlation mechanism for assigning a point score representing the merit of the given answer relative to the stored answer key data, wherein the point score represents the level of correlation therebetween.

Abstract: A system and method for converting spoken vocal input to a data-encoded text string, and annotating/mixing the text string with prepared presentation materials while concurrently displaying the materials to a live audience.

Abstract: A system and method for converting spoken vocal input to a data-encoded text string, and annotating/mixing the text string with prepared presentation materials while concurrently displaying the materials to a live audience.

Abstract: A live-presentation utterance-capture system includes a microphone accessible to a speaker at a live presentation; a voice-recognition mechanism configured linguistically to interpret a vocal utterance received at the microphone from the speaker; a database mechanism configured to store the linguistic interpretation of the vocal utterance in a visual form; and, optionally, a presentation mechanism configured to present to an audience at the live presentation a visual representation of the vocal utterance in the visual form.

Abstract: A cartridge or ammunition casing is made of two components, one forming the outer casing sleeve and head end and the other comprising a plug seated within the head end to protect the outer casing material from propellant gases. The outer cylindrical sidewall and end panel of the casing may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, steel, pre-coated carbon steel, brass or brass-type alloys, aluminum, hardened aluminum alloys, and suitable polymeric plastic material such as nylon derivatives and VECTRA™. The inner plug may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, brass, steel, stainless steel, and suitable polymeric materials.

Abstract: A live-presentation utterance-capture system includes a microphone accessible to a speaker at a live presentation; a voice-recognition mechanism configured lingually to interpret a vocal utterance received at the microphone from the speaker; a database mechanism configured to store the lingual interpretation of the vocal utterance in a visual form; and, optionally, a presentation mechanism configured to present to an audience at the live presentation a visual representation of the vocal utterance in the visual form.

Abstract: The invented apparatus, system and method for examining a student's oral answer capability includes a presentation mechanism for presenting a program test including one or more questions and soliciting one or more answers as oral inputs; a voice recognition mechanism for receiving a voice stream from a student oral recitation and for converting the voice stream to text-based essay form and for recording the same as a first given answer; answer key data stored in memory, the answer key data representing an ideal answer; a correlation mechanism coupled with the first given answer and with the stored answer key data for comparing the given answer to the stored answer key; and a grading mechanism coupled with the correlation mechanism for assigning a point score representing the merit of the given answer relative to the stored answer key data, wherein the point score represents the level of correlation therebetween.

Abstract: A two part cartridge has a rearwardly recoiling inner piston and a choked orifice at its forward end to develop a blow-back thrust that will cycle a recoil operated automatic firearm. The piston operates by thrusting off the inner end wall of the firearm chamber in which the cartridge is loaded.

Abstract: A two part cartridge has a rearwardly recoiling inner piston and a choked orifice at its forward end to develop a blow-back thrust that will cycle a recoil operated automatic firearm. The piston itself may serve to contain propellant and preferably contains all propellant within the cartridge.

Abstract: A cartridge 10 for low-mass, frangible projectiles 60 comprises a cartridge ase 12 having a primer 14 at its base and a sabot 30 or piston 30 at its mouth. The piston 30 can be provided with longitudinal orifices 44, diagonal orifices, 44a, grooves 64 or any combination of orifices and grooves. The projectile 60 is inserted into a cylindrical recess 46 in the front portion of the sabot 30. The orifices 44 are in communication with this recess 46 to permit propellant gas to bleed through and accelerate the projectile 60 upon ignition. The case 12 and the sabot 30 can be provided respectively with a crimp 24 and a stepped portion 48 in order to limit travel of the sabot 30 out of the case.

Abstract: A cantilever boom supports a padded basketball hoop above a specified area of a playing surface in a normal horizontal position. The arm can swing universally to permit substantial vertical and/or sideways deflection of the hoop by the application of corresponding forces thereto, such as during the practice of dunk shots. Resilient members bias the hoop to its normal position.

Abstract: A cantilever boom supports a padded basketball hoop above a specified area of a playing surface in a normally horizontal position. The arm can swing universally to permit substantial vertical and/or sideways deflection of the hoop by the application of corresponding forces thereto, such as during the practice of dunk shots. Resilient members bias the hoop to its normally horizontal position.

Abstract: This invention relates to composite gun barrels along the lines that a bal be made of two or more different materials and of different outer diameters for optimum life and performance at different points along the length of the barrel. A composite gun barrel according to this invention includes a breech joined to a muzzle through a mid-section of the barrel by inertia or friction welding. Such a breech, muzzle and mid-section or mid-sections are made of different external diameters and wall thicknesses and of varying materials. A material more resistant to high temperature erosion and of larger outside diameter for high gas pressure is utilized at the chamber, while the material and wall thickness selected for use near the muzzle is optimum for frictional wear and lower pressure. A hot work tool steel such as H11 containing 1.5% Mn, 5% Cr, 0.4 V and 0.35 C is employed at the origin of rifling.