Abstract: The insertion tool is used to insert an oversized O-ring into a groove, such as a internal groove in an seal housing. The insertion tool includes a base for supporting the housing and an O-ring support extending into the housing and having a top support surface generally aligned with the groove. The O-ring is generally held into position proximate the groove using holding pins around which the O-ring is looped. Pie shaped segments are positioned onto the O-ring support between the holding pins to secure respective sections of the O-ring into the groove. Radial pushers are positioned in spaces between each of the segments, and a retainer ring is disposed over the segments and radial pushers. A central pusher rod extends through a hole in the O-ring support and base, and a cam plunger engages cam surfaces on the radial pushers. The holding pins are removed and movement of the cam plunger causes the radial pushers to move radially, thereby completely inserting the O-ring into the groove.

Abstract: A device separates a needle from a syringe before subsequent separate handling of the needle and the rest of the syringe. The needles are accumulated in a container made of stainless steel which is then put into a smelting furnace, thereby preventing the worker from being pricked and thus infected by the used needles. The plastic portions of the syringes are accumulated in another container for further handling.

Abstract: An extraction and adjustment tool for tangless helically coiled wire inserts according to the invention includes a mandrel with a leading portion having a tooth for reception in a recess of the insert for left-hand rotation of the insert. An end opposite the leading portion is received in a bushing of a handle portion for connecting the mandrel to the handle. Left-hand rotation of the handle contracts the insert about the leading portion of the mandrel to facilitate adjustment or removal of the insert.

Abstract: An automatic nutplate die (70) that is used to align a plurality of rivet punches (116, 118) with rivets (24) being used to secure a nutplate (22) to a part (26) by a rivet squeezer (62). The nutplate die (70) includes a nutplate platen (74) and a punch platen (76) secured to each other by a pair of stripper bolts (78, 80). The stripper bolts (78, 80) included threaded portions (104,108) that are threaded into the punch platen (76), and heads (96, 100) that are positioned within counter-sunk bores (98, 102) in the nutplate platen (74). A spring (84, 90) is positioned on the shaft (86, 92) of each of the bolts (78, 80). The rivet punches (116, 118) are rigidly secured to the punch platen (76) and are slidably engaged within opposing bores (120, 122) in the nutplate platen (74). The nutplate platen (74) includes a cavity (124) that accepts the nutplate (22) so that holes in the nutplate (22) are aligned with the punches (116, 118).

Abstract: A child support device is disclosed that can be converted between a highchair configuration and a swing configuration. The support device includes a frame from which a U-shaped swing arm is rotatably mounted. A child seat is located on the U-shaped arm such that it can be slid between a distal position at the bottom of the U-shaped swing arm (swing configuration) and a proximal position at the upper ends of the U-shaped swing arm (highchair configuration). When in the highchair configuration, a swing lock can be provided to rotatably lock the U-shaped swing arm with respect to the frame such that the seat cannot swing. The swing lock can include a retractable post that can be extended to contact a portion of the frame to prevent rotation of the swing arm. An over rotation stop can also be provided to limit the angle of rotation through which the seat swings when in the swing configuration, and to work in conjunction with the retractable post to lock the swing arm in place when in the highchair configuration.

Abstract: A method of producing and checking a screw connection of parts by a screw under the effect of a predetermined initial tension force. Moreover, a connecting device controls the sequence of process steps automatically. A screw is especially designed for the use together with the connecting device. The effective initial tension force within the screw shaft is measured during production of the connection by a pulling force measuring device, for instance a wire strain gauge, arranged at a screw head pulling device of the connecting device. A predetermined initial tension force can be produced first by pulling on a screw head, and then maintained by tightening the screw so far that the screw head contacts a contact area outside of one of the parts to be connected.

Abstract: Various configurations of a continuously variable transmission include a drive pulley, a driven pulley and a belt extending therebetween. The drive pulley is generally comprised of a moveable sheave half and a fixed sheave half. The moveable sheave half is freely rotatable relative to the drive shaft and the fixed sheave half. Torque is transferred between the moveable sheave half and the stationary sheave half through the use of a roller bearing and channel race arrangement; however, the roller bearings are freely translatable within the channel races. The continuously variable transmission also features a differential positioned between the two output pulleys and an articulating member positioned between the two input pulleys. These two members operate together to eliminate bucking of the belts caused by differences in driven speeds of the two driven pulleys in a parallel configuration of the variable speed transmission. Additionally, a method of assembling the transmission is also described.

Abstract: A method for using a template to cut an aperture in a planar member at the point where a fixture is to be installed by positioning the template on the planar member and cutting the planar member about the edge of the template.

Abstract: A reinforced hose coupling including an end fitting having first and second, axially extending sections with the first section comprising a connector and a second section providing a nipple with external grooves. A metal ferrule is mounted on the nipple and is connected to the end fitting. The ferrule has an external depression formed in a side thereof. Two holes are formed in this depression and extend through the wall of the ferrule. A reinforced hose end having flexible tubular rubber or plastic layers is crimped between the ferrule and the nipple. The hose end has an outer wire extending about the exterior of the tubular layers. An end piece of this wire extends through the holes and across the depression helping to secure the hose end to the coupling and providing an indication to the user that the coupling is in usable condition. Preferably the ferrule is formed with a circumferentially extending internal rim at one end, which rim is forced into a circumferential groove formed in the end-fitting.

Abstract: Identical ring-shaped metal blanks are machined whereby each blank forms a plurality of identical components. The blanks are first machined on both sides, and then a stack of the blanks is clamped axially adjacent one another on an arbor. Tools machine the blanks for reshaping the blanks. One of the tools is a slitter which makes axial cuts through the stack to separate each blank into a plurality of components distributed around the axis.

Abstract: A methodology of grouping a plurality of leads of a stator is provided. The methodology includes the steps of positioning a lead secured to a first lead securing device to a predetermined position, removing the lead from the first lead securing device, rotating a second lead securing device to a predetermined position, and securing the lead to the second lead securing device.

Abstract: A shallow etch at the trailing edge rail that allows the slider to fly closer to the recording medium and exhibit less sensitivity to roll. The slider includes a support structure and at least one rail having side edges and an air bearing surface raised above the support structure. At least one of the rails comprises a magnetic element disposed on the support structure. The edges of the rail adjacent to the magnetic element are etched to minimize the fly height of the magnetic element over the disk while preventing collision of the rail with the disk during roll conditions. The etched features of the rail create relieved trailing edge portions where the edges of the rail adjacent to the magnetic element are lower than the air bearing surface but are higher than the support structure. The shallow etch in the air bearing surface minimizes the difference between the minimum mechanical slider/disk spacing and the magnetic head/disk spacing which in turn allows optimization of transducer spacing.

Abstract: A surge arrester includes an electrically insulating arrester housing and a surge arresting block housed within the electrically insulating arrester housing. The surge arresting block is arranged to provide support for the surge arrester without the use of a support member. The surge arresting block may be a single surge arresting block having a voltage rating of at least 9 KV. The surge arresting block may have threads formed integrally therewith.

Abstract: A molded plastic garment hanger having an improved indicator attachment device is disclosed, wherein the hanger has a hook with an upstanding web to be received within a downwardly opening cavity of a molded plastic indicator having side walls formed with openings. The web is formed with attachment means in the form of a resilient detent formed with a laterally projecting portion positioned to engage the opening to prevent removal of the indicator from the hook unless the resilient detent is physically displaced from the opening to facilitate release of indicator from the hook. A method and apparatus for removing the indicator from the hook is also provided by inserting a pin defined on a first plate into the indicator to displace the indicator attachment mechanism and thereby release the indicator from the indicator attachment mechanism without damaging either the indicator or the indicator attachment mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing automatic alignment of a circuit board within a chassis includes a housing member having an end wall portion. The end wall portion includes a plurality of openings formed therein for receiving a plurality of connectors. The end wall portion further includes a first raised portion and a second raised portion to provide automatic alignment of the circuit board within the chassis.

Abstract: A method of making an electrical connector having a housing (2) and a plurality of contact elements with connection sections (4) projecting from the housing, which comprises filling a regular recess (12) provided in the upper face (11) of a mold member (10) with a solder material (14A), putting the front ends of the connection sections into the solder material, solidifying the solder material, and removing the connection sections from the mold member.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling a pole piece into an internal fuel passage of a fuel injector. The assembly method includes the steps of: (a) providing an endoskeletal injector tube, where the injector tube provides the fuel passage for the fuel injector; (b) forming at least one depression into an outer surface of the injector tube; (c) inserting an injector valve into the injector tube; (d) inserting the pole piece into the injector tube, wherein the pole piece is adjustable thereafter; and (e) affixing the pole piece within the injector tube, where an outer surface of the pole piece is in contact with an inner surface of the injector tube corresponding to the depressions, thereby creating a spring fit between the pole piece and the tube.

Abstract: A process for installing a stator slide under a stator wedge in a radially oriented slot of a stator core assembly includes: a) loading windings in the radial slot, the radial slot having axially extending dovetail grooves in opposing sidewalls thereof; b) loading at least one stator wedge and stator slide in the dovetail grooves of the slot, and tightening the at least one stator wedge with the stator slide; c) loading at least one additional stator wedge in the dovetail grooves; d) locating at least one additional stator wedge slide relatively loosely under the additional stator wedge; and e) using the at least one stator wedge as a force reaction point, applying a force to the additional stator slide to drive the additional stator slide under the additional stator wedge.

Abstract: A hexagonal-cell honeycomb structure having a plurality of cell passages, wherein the sectional shape of each cell is hexagonal and the ratio (C/B) of the average C-axis compression fracture strength (C) and the average B-axis compression fracture strength (B) both of the honeycomb structure is 0.9 or more; and a method for fixing said structure. This hexagonal-cell honeycomb structure is high in mechanical strength, good in purifiability of automobile exhaust gas, and low in pressure loss and therefore can be suitably used particularly as a carrier for catalyst for purification of automobile exhaust gas.

Abstract: A method of removing rib plugs from steam generator tubes in energy producing units such as nuclear reactors includes the removal of the expander element or mandrel from the expanded part of the rib plug, TIG welding a bead on the available internal surface of the plug in a spiral manner from the bottom to the top thereof to relax the rib plug from its forced contact with the tube and removal of the rib plug as a unit from the tube after it has cooled down from the welding process.

Abstract: A method of making a cage whose crossbars (3) connecting the side rings (1,2) are profiled whereby the rolling elements (5) are retained individually on both sides of the pitch circle by retaining edges (12,13) extending parallel to the axis of the rolling elements wherein by an additional shaping by material displacement after the punching out of the pockets (4), parallel opposing guide surfaces (11) for the rolling elements (5) are formed within the pitch circle between the retaining edges (12,13of the pockets (4) and the retaining edges (12,13) on both sides of the pitch circle are dimensioned so that the distance between them in the peripheral direction is only slightly smaller than the diameter of the rolling elements (5) wherein a defined contact of the rolling elements (5) with the cage is achieved due to the stamp guide surfaces (11) so that the mechanical loading of the cage is insignificant.

Abstract: A shaving system which comprises a razor, a razor head and a mechanism for vibrating one or more skin-engaging elements at a frequency ranging from about 15,000 hertz to about 2,000,000 hertz.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for setting saw blades or belt-saw blades with clamping jaws arranged on both sides of the saw blade or belt-saw blade and with setting tools arranged on both sides and pivotable about an imaginary axis. It is the object of the invention to put forward a new device with which the setting result may be improved. According to the invention the object is achieved in that in horizontally displaceably mounted guiding blocks arranged on both sides of the saw blade or belt-saw blade there is pivotably mounted in each case a setting tool mounting formed as circle segment, wherein the guiding block is designed simultaneously as a clamping jaw for fixing the saw blade or belt-saw blade, and that displacement devices are provided for the horizontal displacement of the guiding blocks.

Abstract: A device for clamping and cutting an umbilical cord including a pair of differently colored clamps, each having a pair of legs joined at a hinge. A clamp holder including a cutting device supporting the clamps side by side with one another by engagement of flanged rails on the clamps in undercut slots of the clamp holder with the cutting device between them, for guiding the clamps in a sliding movement to advance the cutting desire between the clamps to cut a cord in use while compressing the legs of the clamps to clamp said cord. The clamp support disengaging from at least one of the clamps when the clamp is slid to a predetermined release point such that the clamp can be removed from the clamp holder in two directions each orthogonal to the direction of the sliding movement.

Abstract: A utensil having a first portion and a handle. The first portion includes a utensil portion, which can be spoon shaped, forked shaped, knife shaped or other food implement shaped and a shank attached at one end to the utensil portion. The handle is removably attached to another end of the shank. A spring loaded clamp is provided with the handle to coact with the shank so as to engage the shank with the handle. The utensil is particularly well adapted to be used with buffets, whereby first portions of utensils are provided with buffet dishes and handles are provided for the customers of the buffet. A clip can be provided for attaching to a buffet dish and holding the utensil first portion.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a power driven hair clipper (HSM), comprising a drive mechanism provided in a housing (1) and a clipper head (S) equipped with a clipper comb (3) and a reciprocating clipper blade (4, 82), wherein provision is made for a foil (47) between the clipper comb (3) and the clipper blade (4, 82), such that an engagement surface (A2) of the clipper blade (4, 82) provided opposite the row of cutting teeth (42, 43) is carried on the foil (47) in sliding relationship thereto.

Abstract: A carpet trimmer comprises a base plate with first slots. Underlying the base plate is a post holder with upstanding threaded posts protruding through the first slots of the base plate. Overlying the base plate is a blade holder that engages the posts for movement with the post holder. A wall guide is formed from the blade holder by bending downwardly in spaced relation to the working edge of the base plate. A first indent is formed on the bottom surface of the blade holder at the junction between the wall guide and the blade holder. The blade holder has a first blade holding recess with a second slot exposed when a blade is in place. A notch on a blade-supporting strip attached on the inner wall of the wall guide, the inner wall, and the first indent forms a second blade holding recess. The first and second recesses define a blade holding area that has a length longer than the blade's length.

Abstract: The cushion back carpet cutting tool is a hand tool for cutting foam back carpeting that creates a clean straight cut through the carpeting so that a smooth unnoticeable seam results where two pieces of carpet material are brought together. The tool includes a leading edge on the center plate that opens the adjacent rows of tufts in the carpeting, three blades for cutting the carpeting between adjacent rows either close to the right row of tufts, left row of tufts or midway between the tufts, three plates that retain the blades and an adjustable retainer system for the blades, and a handle. The leading edge has an angle of less than 90 degrees from the horizontal and is rounded in shape to prevent loop or woven carpeting from catching on the tool, and also to keep the tool from jumping out of the row where the cut is being made. The blades are kept in place at an angle of between 15 to 25 degrees from the bottom edge of the tool, which results in a smoother cut being made in the carpeting.

Abstract: A spring clip is disclosed for securing and releasing a razor cartridge to and from a razor handle. The spring clip includes a pair of cartridge seats and a cartridge release mechanism of unitary construction. The cartridge seats are designed to receive a razor cartridge thereon, and can be positioned to allow removal or exchange of a razor cartridge. A razor that incorporates such a spring clip is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stringline guide system for setting required vertical and horizontal distances, while laying out and preparing a road, sidewalk, driveway or similar construction surface. The system is adapted for use with string, twine, wire, fishing line, tubing, or other similarly and commonly used construction type lines. Circular collars are positioned on the marking rods or stakes of the system. The collars have internal and external surfaces and are mounted on the rods or stakes at and through their interior surfaces. The collars are adjustably mounted on the rods by wing nuts extending through the collars to the rods. The collars have dual grooves which substantially encircle the exterior surface of the collar. The grooves are configured to accept and maintain the stringline, thus securing the lines in position on the collars. Stringlines with external diameters which approximate the width of the grooves can be compressed within the grooves for added securing ability.

Abstract: A measuring tool for measuring in two directions orientated perpendicular to each other such that obstructions may be accurately measured. The measuring tool includes an elongated member having a first end, a second end, a top side, a bottom side, a front side, and a back side. The front side has an elongated slot therein. The slot extends between the first and second ends. The bottom side has a channel therein extending between the first and second ends. The front side has length measuring indicia thereon. The length measuring indicia extends between the first and second ends. Each of a pair of arms is movably positioned on the elongated member and each extends below the bottom side of the elongated member. Each of the arms are movably coupled to the slot and the channel. The arms each have measuring indicia thereon.

Abstract: A locating device for attaching a fixture level on a wall is disclosed. The device includes an elongated body having a rear side. A first trammel is slidingly mounted on the elongated body and includes a first marker extending from the first trammel in a direction away from the rear side of the body. A second trammel is also slidingly mounted on the elongated body and includes a second marker extending from the second trammel in a direction away from the rear side of the body. A first securing device is attached to the first trammel to secure it in a desired position. A second securing device is attached to the second trammel to secure it in a desired position. A level is mounted to the elongated body and has a predetermined orientation relative to an imaginary line connecting the first marker and the second marker. A side of the elongated body may include graduated markings which can be used as a guide to position the trammels.

Abstract: A tapered part measuring apparatus and method measures male and female tapered or conical parts. The apparatus and method use non-contact linear measurement technology for accurate and repeatable measurements, particularly of tapered parts with large deviations from their desired measurements. The tapered part suspends in non-contact position to the non-contact linear measurement probe on a true vertical axis to accurately assume the same position on replicate measurements.

Abstract: A piston ring locating system includes a resilient ring fabricated in a generally circular configuration having a short height and a length of between about 2 inches and 5 inches with overlapping free ends. One of the ends has a slight bend there adjacent for fitting inside the opposite end. The rings are outwardly biased resiliently to allow varying the circumference of the ring as a function of the cylinder in which it is to be placed. The ring thus forms an interior surface and an exterior surface positionable within the cylinder in which it is to be placed. The ring has a top edge and a bottom edge constituting an abutment surface. Projection means extends outwardly from the exterior surface to a short distance and is adapted to be located on the upper edge of the block of the cylinder with which it is to be utilized.

Abstract: In the present method of drying iron ore pellets, e.g., magnetite pellets, moisture-containing iron ore pellets are formed into a bed comprising a multiplicity of the pellets. A current of drying gas is forced through the bed of pellets to at least partially dry some of the pellets. At least one jet of a drying gas that contains added oxygen is directed onto the bed of pellets so to impinge upon a surface of the pellet bed thereby providing kinetic energy for directing oxygen including the added oxygen into the pellets so as to enhance the conversion of magnetite to hematite. Moisture can be added to heated air that is then blown through jet nozzles onto the pellet bed or circulated back to an earlier drying stage and passed through the bed.

Abstract: While being transferred in substantially horizontal state along a predetermined path of transfer by a conveyer means, a substrate plate is dried by a jet of compressed air which is spurted out from a slit-like mouth of an air knife nozzle crosswise of the entire width of the substrate plate and at a predetermined angle of incidence with respect to a drying surface of the substrate plate to scrape off a liquid. The angle of incidence of jet air is made shallower as soon as the substrate on the conveyer means comes to a point of entry to an air blasting zone and is made deeper at latest when the substrate plate comes to a position immediately before a point of disengagement from the air blasting zone.

Abstract: An insole for shoes for soccer, running or similar sports having a contoured plate-like element made of plastics, which has a first through slot composed of a transverse portion which lies ahead of the position of the line of optimum flexing of the foot, and of two longitudinal portions which protrude from the preceding portion toward the plantar arch. The insole further having a second through slot which extends from the outward region of the heel, adjacent to the plantar arch, and has a first portion directed forward, a second portion directed backward, and a wider end portion arranged in a central rear region.

Abstract: A domed protrusion is foreseen at the inner instep side of the shell of a skate boot which facilitates the getting up of the skater from a sidewise splits. Such a skate boot is specifically suitable as ice-hockey goalkeeper's skate boot.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a therapeutic rocking shoe, provide for the fore and aft reversibility of the shoe relative to the wearer's foot for working different muscle groups of the lower body. Each embodiment has a flat upper or insole surface, with a convex asymmetrically longitudinally curved sole or lower surface. The sole has a greater degree of curvature, i. e., a smaller radius of curvature, at one end than at the other, with the central portion of the sole having an intermediate degree of curvature. This varying curvature produces different effects as a wearer of the shoes rocks forwardly and rearwardly on the shoes, thus exercising various muscle groups in the lower body. The present rocking shoes are easily reversed relative to their longitudinal orientation for the wearer to place either the greater curvature or the lesser curvature of the soles generally beneath the heels of the wearer, as desired.

Abstract: Improvements in footwear for sporting purposes requiring the kicking of a ball on or adjacent to an instep of the footwear, there being provided at least one insert (24) for or addition to the footwear which is attachable to the footwear on or adjacent to the instep such that a concave kicking surface (28) is provided, the radius of curvature of the kicking surface (28) being substantially the same as or slightly greater than the radius of the ball, the at least one insert (24) being of a maximum height at the front of the instep at least as great as the maximum height at the rear of the instep.

Abstract: An article of footwear, in particular a sports shoe or walking boot, that has an outersole and at least one stud which is releasably connected thereto and interacts with the ground. According to the invention, the at least one stud comprises a stud-fastening mechanism, and the outersole has at least one locking recess. Furthermore, the stud-fastening mechanism can be moved into a position in which it engages behind the locking recess in order to produce the releasable connection between stud and sole. Preferably, the fastening mechanism comprises at least one locking arm which is arranged in an essentially pivotable or displaceable manner in a cavity in the interior of the stud.

Abstract: An endless chain provided with groups of cutter elements thereon, for cutting a ditch in the ground, the cutter elements of each group, together being arranged to cut the ground throughout the width of the ditch. In excavating a ditch the cutter is advanced horizontally at a rate such that in the time the chain has moved a distance corresponding to the length of one group of cutter elements, the cutter has moved horizontally by less than the distance by which the cutter bits project from a base plate of the cutter element.

Abstract: A carpet seaming iron is provided for heating adhesive seaming tape without direct contact to the adhesive. The carpet seaming iron has an outer housing forming a cavity therein and a handle with an open end leading to a passageway to the cavity. A heating element is located within the cavity and spaced from a lower base plate. The base plate has apertures therethrough. An electrically operated fan is disposed in the cavity, between the open end of the handle and the heating element. The fan draws ambient atmospheric air through the open end and directs the air past the heating element and through the apertures in the base plate toward the adhesive seaming tape. The air is heated by the heating element so that the air melts the adhesive. The base plate is attached to rollers or ski devices to space the base plate from the adhesive tape.

Abstract: A directory sign assembled from individual modular sign plates, and an improved mounting clip for supporting the sign plates in assembly. The mounting clips have multiple sets of prongs spaced so that prongs of separate sets engage mounting flanges of one or more sign plates. The mounting flanges extend back from the front face of the sign plates to conceal the prongs and related attachment structure, and the end mounting clips have bases that conceal the ends of the sign plates.

Abstract: A designation window including a transparent strip member having a front side and a back side. The strip member also includes a length and a width. Finger grips are provided on the front side of the strip member. The fingers grips include outwardly facing gripping surfaces that extend across the width of the strip and have concave curvatures.

Abstract: A picture frame in which the visual impact differs depending on the angle the view has with the frame. The frame is structured to lie in a primary plane and outside of the primary plane. The secondary portion, lying outside of the primary plane, is optionally curved to give an even different impression to the viewer. In one embodiment of the invention, the frame lies in two intersecting planes; in another, three planes; in yet another, four planes. Throughout the differing embodiments, a single envelope is formed which holds the picture within the different sections.

Abstract: Biometric authorization and registration systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system preferably comprises a firearm that includes a biometric authorization system, a plurality of training computers, and a server. In the preferred embodiment, the server and the training computer interact to train the biometric authorization system in the firearm to accurately and reliably discriminate between the authorized user and unauthorized users. The server utilizes a training algorithm that takes into account biometric information of not only the authorized user of firearm, but also those of a large number of unauthorized users. Such biometric information is utilized to compute one or more discriminants and thresholds for such discriminant(s), which are then transmitted to the biometric authorization system in the firearm. If the user is allowed to operate the firearm a predetermined percentage of the time, the discriminant thresholds are fixed.

Abstract: A security apparatus is proposed for a firearm adapted to fire a non-impact ammunition cartridge, the firearm including a trigger assembly manually actuated by a trigger member and an integrated backstrap module which houses an electronic firing apparatus for generating a firing signal. The security apparatus includes an input device for accepting and storing a plurality of parameter signals indicative of a physical state of the firearm, and a mode setting device for determining and selectively placing the firearm in one of an awake mode, a sleep mode and an authorized mode. The security apparatus further includes an enabling device for evaluating the plurality of said parameter signals and permitting the firing apparatus to generate and communicate the firing signal to the ammunition cartridge only when each of the plurality of parameter signals indicate that said firearm is prepared to fire and the mode device determines that the firearm is in the authorized mode.

Abstract: A muzzleloading shotgun has a barrel with a constant inside diameter that flares outwardly a short distance from the muzzle to a constant diameter. The muzzle end of the barrel has exterior threads which receive the interior threads of a choke. The choke has an internal diameter that tapers inwardly as it progresses from the end of the barrel to the end of the choke. The flared portion of the shotgun barrel allows the shot pattern to expand as it approaches the discharge end of the barrel. The shot within the constant diameter portion of the barrel becomes condensed as it moves outwardly through the choke to achieve the desired concentrated shot pattern. Because the choke is tapered from the enlarged diameter created by the flared portion of the barrel, to a narrower portion at the discharge end thereof, the effective internal diameter of the choke at its discharge end is still large enough to permit the shotgun to be reloaded through that end without the removal of the choke from the shotgun barrel.

Abstract: An inner sleeve is pressed, when installed on a weapon, between a feature of the weapon such as a rib, rail, or barrel, and an outer sleeve. An aiming indicia is mounted on the outer sleeve.