Abstract: Systems and methods for educational electronics devices such as may be assembled by non-manufacturer builders, including by personal or hobbyist individuals and by groups such as clubs or classes. Methods and systems relate to Surface Mount Device (SMD) use, measurement systems, communications skill acquisition, physical construction of educational electronics, builder construction/configuration and maintenance of devices, subsystem componentry designed for effective use in educational electronics, circuit designs that permit individual builders to construct professional quality devices, and cognitively adapted methods and systems to optimize learning and performance during and after builder assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for appliances, including networked or “Internet-of-Things” appliances.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for appliances, including networked or “Internet-of-Things” appliances.

Abstract: A shock reduction muzzle brake 100 for the muzzle end of a gun barrel 106 (i) maintains sufficient rearward-facing surface area in the path of the expanding propellant gas to counter the recoil, while also (ii) guiding shock waves away from a path of a projectile 104 and (iii) decreasing the rate of base decompression to minimize decompression shock. The muzzle brake 100 includes (a) a tube 102 that defines a path for a projectile 104, and (b) multiple forwardly-inclined holes 122 extending through the side wall 116 of the tube 102 to divert propellant gases away from the path of the projectile 104. The forwardly-inclined holes 122 have an outlet of that is closer to the forward end 114 of the tube 102 than the inlet of the hole 122, thereby limiting the surface area that could reflect shock waves back onto the projectile 104. The holes 122 are sized to slow release of the base pressure to minimize decompression shock.

Abstract: A shock reduction muzzle brake 100 for the muzzle end of a gun barrel 106 (i) maintains sufficient rearward-facing surface area in the path of the expanding propellant gas to counter the recoil, while also (ii) guiding shock waves away from a path of a projectile 104 and (iii) decreasing the rate of base decompression to minimize decompression shock. The muzzle brake 100 includes (a) a tube 102 that defines a path for a projectile 104, and (b) multiple forwardly-inclined holes 122 extending through the side wall 116 of the tube 102 to divert propellant gases away from the path of the projectile 104. The forwardly-inclined holes 122 have an outlet of that is closer to the forward end 114 of the tube 102 than the inlet of the hole 122, thereby limiting the surface area that could reflect shock waves back onto the projectile 104. The holes 122 are sized to slow release of the base pressure to minimize decompression shock.

Abstract: A projectile in accordance with one embodiment includes a combustible material structure (e.g., a base burn assembly or rocket motor assembly) having a longitudinal bore extending therethrough, wherein the longitudinal bore defines a gas outlet port on a first end of the combustible material structure. An igniter is provided adjacent to a second end of the longitudinal bore. A clog inhibitor provided within the longitudinal bore, the clog inhibitor including a plurality of openings. The openings are be selected to block extraneous portions of the combustible material structure that are greater than a predetermined size.

Abstract: A hold down device positioned on the projectile to exert a known spring force in opposition to the centrifugal force provides an inexpensive, light weight and reliable delayed fin deployment mechanism for boosted fin-stabilized spinning projectiles. When the forcing moment produced by the centrifugal force acting on the fin exceeds the opposing moment produced by the hold down device, the hold down device will release the fin allowing it to swing into its deployed position. Thus, proper selection of the spring force and positioning of the hold down device will cause the fins to deploy at a predetermined spin rate. The spin rate can be correlated to a time or travel distance of the projectile from launch. The incorporation of the hold down devices requires minimal design changes to existing rockets and may, in some cases, be retrofit to the existing base of rockets if desired.

Abstract: A hold down device positioned on the projectile to exert a known spring force in opposition to the centrifugal force provides an inexpensive, light weight and reliable delayed fin deployment mechanism for boosted fin-stabilized spinning projectiles. When the forcing moment produced by the centrifugal force acting on the fin exceeds the opposing moment produced by the hold down device, the hold down device will release the fin allowing it to swing into its deployed position. Thus, proper selection of the spring force and positioning of the hold down device will cause the fins to deploy at a predetermined spin rate. The spin rate can be correlated to a time or travel distance of the projectile from launch. The incorporation of the hold down devices requires minimal design changes to existing rockets and may, in some cases, be retrofit to the existing base of rockets if desired.

Abstract: A tacital base for a guided projectile includes a base structure, and an adaptor structure for securing the base structure to a forward section of the projectile. The base further includes a plurality of fin slots. A plurality of deployable fins are pivotally mounted to the base structure and supported for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A tactical base for a guided projectile includes a base structure, and an adaptor structure for securing the base structure to a forward section of the projectile. The base further includes a plurality of fin slots. A plurality of deployable fins are pivotally mounted to the base structure and supported for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A tactical base for a guided projectile includes a base structure, and an adaptor structure for securing the base structure to a forward section of the projectile. The base further includes a plurality of fin slots, with a plurality of insert structures fitted into corresponding ones of the fin slots. A plurality of deployable fins are pivotally mounted to the base structure and supported within the insert structures for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A tactical base for a guided projectile includes a base structure, and an adaptor structure for securing the base structure to a forward section of the projectile. The base further includes a plurality of fin slots, with a plurality of insert structures fitted into corresponding ones of the fin slots. A plurality of deployable fins are pivotally mounted to the base structure and supported within the insert structures for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A training device for teaching a soccer player the correct location to "bunt" or "head" a soccer ball. The device includes multiple layers of individual, removable pads which enable a player to gradually wean himself/herself from the training device and allow players over a wide range of skill levels to benefit from the training device. The pads are concealed from view once on place within a pocket within the cap member, thereby making the device commercially attractive and available for use is displaying advertising or the like. Accordingly, the device should be especially attractive to young players who will benefit from learning the proper location and produce for safely performing the "bunting" of "heading" technique.