Abstract: A hardened powder ring, being a hardened block of talc powder, is inserted into an annular end space between a housing and a sensing element. A pushing member presses and crashes the hardened powder ring into talc powder, thereby stuffing the talc powder into the annular end space. An inner radius rp and an outer radius Rp of the pushing member have the relationship 0.275 mm≦rp−Re≦0.375 mm and 0.15 mm≦rh−Rp≦0.25 mm with respect to an outer radius Re of the sensing element and an inner radius rh of the housing. A press portion of pushing member has an inner curved surface having a curvature radius of 0.3˜0.4 mm and an outer curved surface having a curvature radius of 0.3˜0.5 mm.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a sliding member, a granular spraying material is sprayed on at least a part of a surface of a body portion made of a structural material in at least partially fusing condition and in the direction which is parallel to or diagonal to a sliding surface. Then, a sprayed layer is formed by depositing the spraying material in the direction which is perpendicular to the sliding surface. The sliding surface is a section of the deposited spraying material which is obtained by grinding or cutting the sprayed layer in depositional direction.

Abstract: Hand held tools have been devised for preparing and crimping cables and specifically coaxial cables for television, a first form of tool made up of a low profile body having a main channel with a threaded crimping bolt for crimping circular fittings by axial compression onto the end of the cable, and a second form has a main channel which utilizes the same crimping bolt to carry out hexagonal crimping operations; and both forms have a channel for preparing each cable end for the crimping operation in which stripper blades are pivotally mounted for movement into engagement with the cable end to strip away one or more layers of the cable under the control of an adjustable limit stop which regulates the depth of penetration of each blade.

Abstract: A fast heat rise resistor comprising a substrate, a foil bridge on the surface of the substrate, the foil bridge having an elevated portion and a contact portion, the elevated portion above the substrate, the contact portion in contact with the substrate, a conductive layer attached to the contact portion of said foil bridge. The activation energy and/or response time is reduced as the foil bridge is suspended over the substrate. Another aspect of the invention include a method of manufacturing the foil bridge and application to autoignition vehicle airbags.

Abstract: The component mounting apparatus includes a component delivery unit, a chuck (13) provided on the component delivery unit, a component transfer unit (19) for receiving a component held by the chuck (13), and a head (20) for receiving the component held by the component transfer unit (19). The head (20) includes a main head body (80), a vertically moving mechanism (81) for the main head body (80), insertion nails (68) provided at a bottom portion of the main head body (80), an opening/closing mechanism (82) for the insertion nails (68), and a turning mechanism (83) for moving the insertion nails (68) in forward and backward directions. A cam plate (84) constituting the turning mechanism (83) is mounted detachably on the main head body (80).

Abstract: A structure suitable for connecting an integrated circuit to a supporting substrate wherein the structure has thermal expansion characteristics well-matched to the integrated circuit is an interposer. The integrated circuit and the interposer are comprised of bodies that have substantially similar coefficients of thermal expansion. The interposer has a first surface adapted to electrically and mechanically couple to the integrated circuit. The interposer has a second surface adapted to electrically and mechanically couple to a supporting substrate. Electrically conductive vias provide signal pathways between the first surface and the second surface of the interposer. Various circuit elements may be incorporated into the interposer. These circuit elements may be active, passive, or a combination of active and passive elements.

Abstract: An interconnection structure includes: a dielectric layer; a first metallization pattern on the dielectric layer, the first metallization pattern including at least one etch stop having a perimeter defining at least one etch stop opening; a cured adhesive on a portion of the dielectric layer, the adhesive not present in an area aligned with the at least one etch stop; and at least one electrical device being attached to the dielectric layer by the adhesive such that an active area of the at least one electrical device is aligned with the etch stop perimeter. The active area of the at least one electrical device may further be aligned with at least one predetermined area defined by an optional additional portion of cured adhesive, the additional portion of the cured adhesive being adhesively attached to the dielectric layer and not adhesively attached to the at least one electrical device.

Abstract: A multilayer printed wiring board is formed with a plurality of conductor layers laminated as a whole with insulating layers interposed, a non-penetrating via hole provided in the insulating layer as bottomed by the conductor layer exposed, a plated layer provided inside the via hole for electric connection between the conductor layers, the via hole being formed to be of a concave curved surface of a radius in a range of 20 to 100 &mgr;m in axially sectioned view at continuing zone of inner periphery to bottom surface of the via hole, whereby the equipotential surfaces occurring upon plating the plated layer are curved along the continuing zone to unify the density of current for rendering the plated layer uniform in the thickness without being thinned at the continuing zone.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a multi-layer circuit assembly is provided comprising the following steps: (a) providing a perforate electrically conductive core having a via density of 500 to 10,000 holes/square inch (75 to 1550 holes/square centimeter); (b) applying a dielectric coating onto all exposed surfaces of the electrically conductive core to form a conformal coating on all exposed surfaces of the electrically conductive core; (c) ablating the surface of the dielectric coating in a predetermined pattern to expose sections of the electrically conductive core; (d) applying a layer of metal to all surfaces to form metallized vias through the electrically conductive core; and (e) applying a resinous photosensitive layer to the metal layer. Additional processing steps such as circuitization may be included.

Abstract: In manufacturing a double-layered or a multi-layered printed wiring board, a layer of metamorphic substance, which is created by transmuting a substrate material, is formed on an inner wall of a hole during a perforation process of the substrate utilizing radiation energy. The layer of metamorphic substance prevents conductive materials constituting electrical connection means formed on the inner wall of the hole from dispersing over a surface of the substrate or permeating into the substrate.

Abstract: A method of lead wire connection includes mounting a lead wire onto an uppre surface of a land portion, supplying a cover member onto the lead wire, pressing the lead wire via the cover member against the upper surface of the land portion by a first electrode tool, heating the first electrode tool to expose a part of the lead wire, and applying an electric current between the first electrode and a second electrode tool so that resistance welding is effected between the cover member and the lead wire and between the lead wire and the land portion.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a cable-in-conduit-conductor for use in superconductor application is described. The system utilizes a work surface with drum means provided at each end. A superconductor cable is fed from a supply source at one end. After the cable is pulled through a tube on the work surface, the leading edge of the cable is bent around one of the drums and returned to the opposite end of the table. This naked length of cable is once again bent around one of the drums and then pulled through another tube on the table. This process is repeated until an acceptable length of superconductor cable is present. Tension means are used in conjunction with a tube mill which compresses the tube-cable combination into a viable cable-in-conduit conductor (CICC). Notably, as this tension-compression is occurring, the naked lengths of cable are eliminated and each separate tube section is joined together to create a uniform CICC.

Abstract: The rubber plug insertion apparatus 10 is provided with upper and lower rubber plug holders 36, 37 holding a rubber plug 14 which is to be mounted on the end of an electric wire 67, and upper and lower insertion guides 38, 39 for guiding the end of the electric wire 67, at the time of inserting the end of the electric wire 67 into a barrel hole 14A in the rubber plug 14 arranged in the upper and lower rubber plug holders 36, 37, By arranging the upper and lower insertion guides 38, 39 on the side opposite to one side where the end of the electric wire 67 is inserted into the upper and lower rubber plug holders 36, 37, a rubber plug insertion apparatus can be realized, wherein an electric wire can be reliably inserted into the rubber plug and defective insertion hardly occurs.

Abstract: When bodies such as connecting rods, bearings, ring-shaped housings or similar are separated by breaking, material particles are torn out of the broken surface. These particles initially continue to adhere to the broken surface at first, before becoming detached from the broken surface and falling out when a force is exerted subsequently. According to the invention, the bodies are subjected to a vibration treatment after they have been separated by breaking in order to prevent detachable adhering particles of the material from falling out in an uncontrolled manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for mass production of metal substrates used in catalytic purification of exhaust gas, which includes: (a) an uncoiler part for continuously feeding a strip in the lengthwise direction, wherein said strip is coiled along a rotation axis; (b) a tubing processing part for changing the strip into the shape of a pipe by means of gradually putting pressure through multi-stage rolls onto both side edges of the strip in feed from said uncoiler part; (c) a feeder part, which is installed at one side of said tubing processing part, for feeding a pre-made honeycomb body at an equal interval to the strip being changed into the shape of a pipe; (d) a welding part, which is installed at the rear end of said tubing processing part, for welding into a unit both side edges of the strip in feed after being changed into the shape of a pipe; (e) a sizing part, which is installed at the rear end of said welding part, for evening the girth of the pipe in feed; and (f) a cutting part f

Abstract: A method for manufacturing cooling devices for mounting on semiconductor devices. These cooling devices are made from several extruded shaped section part elements. These shaped section part elements are made from an aluminum alloy and have grooves and bead strips wherein these grooves and bead strips are fitted into each other by applying pressure in a transverse direction. The outward protruding groove walls of the shaped section elements or the bead strips are pushed into the corresponding grooves of neighboring shaped section elements. These groove walls or bead strips plastically deform by bending in so that each bead strip entering its associated groove is physically locked in place. In addition wires of high purity aluminum can be inserted into these grooves before the groove walls or the bead strips are compacted into their associated grooves. Through this method the connection points become liquid proof and the connection is securely formed in the perpendicular direction.

Abstract: A roll for a paper or board machine is produced by forming a tubular roll blank by bending out of a planar sheet or by means of centrifugal casting. The roll blank is first coated with a material having a modulus of elasticity and a density lower than those of steel and the coated roll blank is turned on a lathe to a desired shape and to a desired surface quality.

Abstract: A tool for extracting a bearing race from a bearing support structure. The tool is sufficiently narrow for sideways insertion into the bearing race. The tool can then be rotated within the race so that the tool engages with an annular flange of the bearing race. A threaded bolt engaged in a threaded bore of the tool is used to extract the bearing race from the support structure.

Abstract: An electric rotary shaver including a cutter retaining plate equipped with cutter units each having an inner cutter and an outer cutter and detachably attached to an outer cutter frame of the shaver, and the shaver further including an attachment-detachment mechanism for mounting the cutter retaining plate to the outer cutter frame in a detachable fashion. The attachment-detachment mechanism includes a triangular boss and an engagement projection. The triangular boss is formed on the outer cutter frame and has engagement openings opened in its side surfaces, and the engagement projection is formed on a mounting knob held in cutter retaining plate. By turning the mounting knob with its engagement projection inserted in the boss and thus letting the engagement projection be engaged with the engagement opening, the cutter retaining plate is mounted to the outer cutter frame of the shaver in a detachable fashion.

Abstract: A shaving device which comprises a shaving head (1) having at least one cutting blade (5) and two skin-supporting members (11, 13), said skin-supporting members, viewed in the shaving direction, being arranged, respectively, in front of and behind said cutting blade, and defining a contact surface (17) between the shaving head and a skin surface (53) to be treated. The cutting blade and the skin-supporting members are mounted to a sub-frame (9), which is coupled to a main frame (19) and can be displaced with respect to said main frame against a spring force (Fs). The main frame comprises two further skin-supporting members (21, 23) which, viewed in the shaving direction, are arranged, respectively, in front of and behind the sub-frame and extend substantially in said contact surface. As a result, a contact force (Fc) between the skin surface and the skin-supporting members of the sub-frame and hence a skin curvature (&ohgr;2) between the skin-supporting members of the sub-frame, i.e.

Abstract: A tool for cutting a plastic pipe includes an annular collar having a fixed inner diameter which adapted to be slidably positioned on and encircling the plastic pipe. The tool further includes a cutting member pivotably attached to the annular collar an alignment ring having a fixed inner diameter which is adapted to be slidably positioned on and encircling the plastic pipe abutting the annular collar. The tool includes an element for maintaining the alignment ring in temporary engagement encircling the pipe, with the annular collar abutted next to the alignment ring.

Abstract: A tree pruner includes a blade portion, a handle portion, and a brace portion for fastening detachably the blade portion and the handle portion. The brace portion is formed of a connection member pivoted at one end with the blade portion by a pivot, and a bracing member pivoted at one end with the other end of the connection member such that the other end of the bracing member detachably fastens the handle portion in conjunction with a control member and a retaining member.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a safety cutter for peeling green bananas or plantains wherein a handle portion is provided adjacent a head portion which carries a peeling element with dual opposing peeling blades. The dual opposing peeling blades are relatively widely spaced apart at approximately {fraction (5/16)}″ to allow the peeling element to cut through the tough, thick skins of a green banana or plantain. The present invention is also provided with an elongate retractable cutting blade which is used to first cut off either end of the green banana or plantain to allow it to be easily peeled. The plantain or green banana peeler is preferably provided into two halves secured by a bolt which allows either, the peeling element and/or the retractable blade to be changed by the user when they become dull or worn.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diamond tipped indenting tool for marking the surface of metal parts. The indenting tool comprises a shank having a tip end and a diamond affixed to the tip end by a braze material. The braze material preferably comprises a braze alloy which wets both the diamond and the material forming the shank. The diamond forms the point of the tool and is preferably a high quality single crystal diamond.

Abstract: A hydraulically and/or pneumatically actuated cutting tool is provided having a housing with a piston assembly slidably disposed between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The piston assembly comprises a seal which is operable between two positions. In a first position the seal produces a substantially water-tight seal between the piston and the interior surface of the housing. As a result, fluid entering the chamber through the fluid inlet advances the piston assembly toward the fluid outlet. In a second position a gap is formed between the seal and the interior surface of the housing such that fluid communication is established between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. As the fluid is removed from the housing through the fluid outlet, a spring biases the piston assembly back to its original resting position.

Abstract: A pair of gardening shears includes two blades which are pivoted together and are provided with a plurality of through holes. The through holes are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the blades and are progressively smaller in diameter from the pivoting end toward the free end of the blades. The through holes of one blade alternate with the through holes of the other blade.

Abstract: A cutting tool and method for applying decorative patterns to floor coverings. The tool comprises a force applying body member having a slide member secure to the bottom of the body member. A knife edge secured by the slide member extends outwardly from the slide member and is used for marking or cutting an underlying floor covering. The slide member has a longitudinal channel adapted to receive the edge of a section of floor covering previously cut in a predetermined pattern and which serves as a template in order to cut the pattern into the underlying floor covering. As downward and forward pressure is applied to the body member, the apparatus is advanced along the edge of the pattern and a cut is made by the tool into the underlying floor covering at a dimension equal to the edge of the pattern. The cut pattern is removed and mated with the floor covering from which the template was cut. Likewise the template may be mated with the section of floor covering from which the pattern was removed.

Abstract: An adjustable reciprocating saw has the ability to adjust the orientation of the saw blade in relation to the rest of the tool. The saw blade can pivot about two transverse axes, one parallel with and one perpendicular to the reciprocating motion axis of the saw blade. The portions of the saw's housing which rotate relative to one another are attached with a rotating joint comprising a pin and groove design. Rotation locks selectively prevent rotation of the saw blade about each axis. The rotation locks can be released through simply depressing buttons on the saw. A rear internal bearing increases the durability and decreases the size of the saw. A keyless adjustable shoe is mounted to the saw.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel can lid lifter for a hand operated can opener. More particularly, the invention is directed to a novel can lid lifter for a hand operated can opener that cuts the outer seam wall of a can, rather than the top interior lid of the can, in order to remove the lid. A can opener comprising: (a) a handle; (b) a clamping lever; (c) a hand crank; (d) a wheel cutting blade; (e) a traction wheel which rotates when the hand crank is rotated; (f) a can lid top contact member mounted on an exterior of the can opener; (g) a can lid lifting pin associated with the can lid top contact member for releasably catching the edge of a cut can lid.

Abstract: A device for locating bowling ball gripping apertures with respect to a bowling ball weight block angle inherent to that particular bowling ball and the track of a particular bowler. One embodiment of the device includes a curved base portion adapted to substantially rest on a curved surface of a bowling ball, the perimeter of the base portion including degree indicators and the center of the base portion including a hole, at least four curved angle indicator arms adapted to substantially rest on a curved surface of the bowling ball, the angle indicator arms including length measurement indicators, the angle indicator arms connected with and extending from the curved base portion, and at least two of the angle indicator arms are adapted to rotate about the center of the curved base portion.

Abstract: An angle measuring instrument that includes an outer component having a front face and an inner component, wherein the outer component is rotated relative to the inner component about an axis of rotation and the outer component lies further from the axis of rotation than the inner component along a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation. A seal formed between the outer component and the inner component and wherein the front face includes a conduit, which leads radially outward and is located lower with respect to the front face.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the relative attitude of a work in a surface texture measuring instrument for measuring the work having a feature region includes a measurement step of performing measurement of the feature region along an X-axis direction after positioning a detector in a Y-axis direction and the X-axis direction, a determination step of repeating the measurement which is performed while changing the position in the X-axis direction, and a step of adjusting the attitude of the work on the basis of the amount of relative attitude correction. Therefore, the direction of the feature region in the work is adjusted so as to be parallel to the Y axis.

Abstract: A line guide for enabling a single person to complete the installation of refrigeration lines in a pre-built structure. The line guide is adaptable to both wood and metal frame construction. In one embodiment, the line guide has a unitary body comprised of an attachment bracket with a guide tube formed therein. The guide tube's axial orientation changes over its length. The guide tube's change in axial orientation may be fixed or variable. In addition, the guide tube may be detachable from the bracket enabling guide tubes of different fixed orientations to be used in combination with the same bracket. In another embodiment, the line guide is adapted for use in retrofit building applications. A guide tube is positioned through a hole formed in the soffit of the structure thereby allowing access to the overhead space. Annular bracket fittings help secure the guide tube in the soffit hole.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing nanometer precision motion are provided. According to the invention, a parallel kinematic micromanipulator is formed using at least three kinematic links. The kinematic links may include a high resolution, non-contact encoder to provide position information. Movement of the micromanipulator is effected using piezoelectric linear actuators provided in connection with each of the kinematic links. The combination of a parallel kinematic structure and piezoelectric linear actuators provides a micromanipulator capable of positioning components or instruments with high accuracy or repeatability. In accordance with the present invention, kinematics of three and six degrees of freedom may be provided.

Abstract: An output-attached measuring instrument has: a measuring instrument body (1) having a circuit board (14) for processing a measurement signal from a sensor as a measurement data, an output electrode (15) for outputting the measurement data, and a connector hole (17) in communication with the output electrode and opening to an outer surface; and a connection cable (30) having a connector (32) capable of attaching to and detaching from the connector hole on an end thereof for transmitting the measurement data obtained by the measuring instrument body to an external device, the connector having a projection (33) capable of being plugged to and unplugged from the connector hole and a connector terminal (34) exposed on a surface thereof, where an elastic connector (20) having am electro-conductive portion for electrically connecting the connector terminal and the output electrode is accommodated in a space of the connector hole of the measuring instrument body and the elastic connector shuts the connector hole when

Abstract: A lint collector and safety system for the clothes dryer. The lint collector removes lint. The safety system determines whether the flow of exhaust air is above a pre-set level, and causes an interruption of electrical power to the clothes dryer if there is not. The invention provides for more efficient drying of clothes and reduces risk of fires. The system may also include an interruption of electrical power for other malfunctions of clothes dryer.

Abstract: A combined washer and dryer that automatically moves laundry from the washer to the dryer thereby allowing the operator to avoid manually moving wet laundry and eliminating a step requiring the operator's presence. The invention includes an automatic load-feeder that automatically loads laundry into the washer.

Abstract: An air flow system based on the human circulatory system whereby a cushioning, cooling and circulating air flow is generated by a wearer of the shoe. The shoe includes a heart pump actuated by the wearer wherein arteries lead air throughout the shoe and veins return the air to the pump. The shoe is designed to free the foot of immobility and rigidity, to aid in development and maintenance of muscle groups required in function. The longitudinal arch that develops is formed by the wearer and is individualized for each wearer rather than being preformed in the shoe itself.

Abstract: An anchoring assembly on a footwear includes a stationary member, a pivotable member, a pivot unit, and a releasable fastener unit. The pivot unit is provided on the stationary and pivotable members to permit pivoting movement of the pivotable member relative to the stationary member between a footwear tightening position and a footwear loosening position. The releasable fastener unit is provided on the stationary and pivotable members for releasably retaining the pivotable member at the footwear tightening position. The releasable fastener unit includes a positioning member, a first fastener member mounted to the positioning member, a second fastener member provided on the pivotable member and fastened releasably to the first fastener member, and a resilient member for urging the first fastener member to engage releasably the second fastener member.

Abstract: Footwear including a sole for supporting a foot and an upper attached to the sole for covering the foot. The sole and upper define an interior of the footwear sized and shaped for receiving the foot. The upper has an inner surface adapted for engaging the foot when it is received in the interior of the footwear and an outer surface forming an exterior of the footwear. The upper also includes compressible cushioning permitting the upper to conform to the foot when it is received in the interior of the footwear to improve the fit of the footwear. The compressible cushioning is sized, shaped and positioned in the upper to at least partially surround a protrusion extending from the foot and is at least partially omitted from an area of the upper corresponding to the protrusion. Thus, a recess is formed in the upper for accommodating the protrusion to relieve pressure applied to the foot by the upper at the protrusion.

Abstract: A shell, particularly for a ski boot, constituted by a box-like main body which is open in an upward region and is rigidly coupled to a sole. The shell has, at the foot instep region, two arc-like partially overlapping plates, each of which is rotatably pivoted to the shell by pivots arranged laterally to the shell on an axis which is approximately parallel to the resting plane of the sole. The rotation of the two plates is limited by a pivot and slot connection arranged in the region in front of the heel.

Abstract: A snow groomer includes a movable platform, a prime mover mounted to the platform and a grooming drum rotatably driven by the prime mover for rotation in a direction opposite the traveling direction of the snow groomer. The grooming drum includes axially spaced apart and radially protruding ribs that extend circumferentially around the drum. The ribs include circumferentially spaced apart apertures and the apertures of each rib are aligned with the apertures of the other ribs. Elongated cutting teeth extend through the apertures of the ribs and have a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the apertures such that the cutting teeth are free to vibrate within the apertures as the drum rotates, thereby enhancing the pulverization of chunks of snow and ice.

Abstract: A ripper attachment (22) for an excavation device (20) includes first and second support members (50, 52) configured for connection to the excavation device (20). In particular, first and second support members (50, 52) are adapted to connect to a coupling apparatus (30) of a tool coupler (28) so that the ripper attachment (22) is fixed relative to the coupling apparatus (30). A body (54) of the ripper attachment (22) is disposed between the first and second support members (50, 52). The body (54) has a ripper tip (60) disposed on a distal end (62) and first and second mounting sections (64, 66) disposed on a proximal end (68). The first and second mounting sections (64, 66) of the body (54) are removably attachable to an interface area (70) of the first and second support members (50, 52). A brace element (56) of the ripper attachment (22) is interposed between and couple together the first and second support members (50, 52).

Abstract: The invention concerns an iron comprising a water reservoir (5), a textile additive reservoir (12), and a pump (15) comprising a mixing chamber (20) capable of sucking into the mixing chamber a dose of water and a dose of additive via an additive proportioning tap (34), so as to produce in the mixing chamber a diluted additive solution, and of conveying said solution towards a sprayer (16). The invention is characterized in that the pump (15) is of the piston type mobile in a body (18) and defining the mixing chamber (20) which emerges into the water reservoir (5) via a non-return valve, and said pump (15) also serves as additive proportioning tap (34).

Abstract: A name plate assembly includes a name plate and a connector which are magnetically attracted to each other, and which are disposed on opposite sides of a piece of clothing during use. The connector includes a first portion which extends beyond an edge of the name plate. In use, the name plate assembly is removed from the garment by a user engaging the first portion and applying a force. The connector then acts as a lever to break the magnetic connection between the name plate and the connector, and the name plate can then be removed.

Abstract: A luggage identification tag has an envelope having a front wall member and a rear wall member, the wall members being of a sheet material and being joined along opposite side edges and one end edge so as to enable the envelope to receive and hold an identification card. The front wall member has a hole through which a color card received in the envelope between the identification card and the front wall member is visible. The particular color card in the envelope is selected by a user from several color cards of different colors that are furnished with the identification tag by the supplier of the luggage. A tether joined to the envelope enables the envelope to be fastened to an item of luggage.

Abstract: A store display enabling improved structure, versatility, adaptability and/or cost effectiveness is provided. The store display includes a base sheet and a frame. The base sheet is preferably fabricated independently of the frame. The frame is preferably extruded. The base sheet is preferably molded (e.g., injection molded or extruded) and then cut to a desired size. After the sheet is formed, engaging tabs are punched along the side edge sheet. The frame includes a receiving channel having tangs that engage the engaging tabs.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-shot launcher adapted to launch ring airfoil projectiles. Each ring airfoil projectile is coupled to a sabot, the ring airfoil projectile and sabot mounted to a housing in a cartridge form. The cartridge has a length which is less than its diameter. The launcher includes a receiver defining a cartridge receiving area and a tubular passage through which the ring airfoil is launched from a fired cartridge. The launcher includes a trigger mechanism for firing a cartridge. The launcher includes an ejector for ejecting the housing of a spent cartridge from the receiving area and a loader for loading a new cartridge into the receiving area. The cartridge may be loaded from a magazine connected to the receiver.

Abstract: A handguard system for use on a rifle having a barrel attached to a receiver by a barrel nut, including an adapter ring and a tubular handguard. The adapter ring is receivable about a barrel nut and changeable between a rotatable configuration where it is rotatably about the barrel nut, and a fixed configuration wherein it is fixed to the barrel nut. The tubular handguard is receivable about a barrel and has an end received about the adapter ring with only the end of the tubular handguard fixedly secured to the adapter ring.

Abstract: An illumination device for a firearm having a first hand grip position adjacent to a trigger and a second hand grip forward of the first grip position and having a gripping surface. The device has a first hand grip position adjacent to a trigger for a firearm with a second hand grip forward of the first grip position and having a gripping surface. An illumination source is connected to first the hand grip, and has an optical axis. The optical axis is positioned as an elevated level above a major portion of the gripping surface of the second hand grip, or above a horizontal plane defined by the axis of the barrel. The device may be a laser attached to an upwardly protruding portion of a protruding pistol grip, with an integral switch on the grip, or may be part of a conventional rifle butt stock, with the switch located on a narrowed portion of the stock.