Abstract: In one general aspect, a sample is transferred into a mass spectrometer by capturing a sample on a collector, inserting the collector into a sample chamber coupled to the mass spectrometer and a vacuum pump, evacuating the sample chamber using the vacuum pump to reduce an internal pressure of the sample chamber to a level less than atmospheric pressure, heating the collector to release the sample from the collector, and introducing the sample into the mass spectrometer from the evacuated sample chamber.

Abstract: Filtration assemblies for use with peristaltic pumps, peristaltic pumps, systems including the assemblies and pumps, and methods of using the assemblies, pumps, and systems, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-section sediment pore water sampler, which comprises a plurality of sampling units arranged coaxially and separated with each other; this arrangement ensures no water exchange occurred between two adjacent sampling units, collection of the sediment pore water samples from different depths of a same position is realized, whereby to facilitate organic pollutant sampling in sediment pore water at different depths according to different time resolutions. Furthermore, as the heights of the sampling units as well as the clearances between two neighboring sampling units may be various, in use users can configure the sampler according to the actual condition of the time resolution required, thus this sampler can also help improve the time resolution of water sampling.

Abstract: A pipette tip having lower, upper and central portions and a bore extending therethrough. The lower portion is elongated and projects in a first direction from the central portion, and is sized and shaped for insertion into a test-tube. The bore is adapted for aspirating and dispensing a large volume of the liquid. The upper portion projects from the central portion in a second direction opposing the first direction, and its terminal end is sized and shaped to sealingly engage an automated pipetting system. The central portion and a corresponding portion of the bore are enlarged with respect to both the upper and lower portions to allow the pipette tip to hold the large volume of the liquid. The central portion can have a cross-section substantially rectangular in shape. The cross-section can have a height at least substantially similar to the diameter of the lower portion of the pipette tip and a width significantly greater than the diameter of the lower portion of the pipette tip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable cartridge (10) for insertion into a sample analyzer (50), the disposable cartridge comprising a housing (16) including a sample analysis unit (18) for engaging with the sample analyzer and a sample extraction unit (14) for extracting a sample from a sample collection unit (12) and transferring said sample to the sample analysis unit, the sample extraction unit being coupled to the sample analysis unit by a flexible connection (30), wherein one of the sample analysis unit and the sample extraction unit is flexibly connected to the housing. A sample analyzer (50) for receiving such a disposable cartridge (10) is also disclosed.

Abstract: Test pressure bursts are utilized to eject a burst of air into the two channels of a pitot-static airspeed detection system and decay times for that air pressure are evaluated with respect to aircraft altitude. A higher-pressure burst of air may be employed to clear ice from a pitot-static channels.

Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade and a wind turbine incorporating the rotor blade include a first and second composite skin. A first and a second spar pultrusion having a base and a plurality of integral ribs generally normal to base are attached to the inside surface of the first and second composite skins and extend the span of the rotor blade. At least one shear web connects a rib of the first spar pultrusion to a corresponding rib of the second spar pultrusion. The width of the spar pultrusions decreases in a step-wise fashion along the span of the rotor blade from the root to the tip. The leading or trailing edge of the rotor blade may be selectably opened for inspection and repair.

Abstract: A reciprocating piston mechanism comprises a crankcase and a crankshaft (rotatable about a crankshaft axis) which has at least a crankpin having a crankpin. A connecting rod includes a big end rotatably mounted on the crankpin and a small end rotatably connected to a piston. The crank member is provided with a crank member gear that meshes with an intermediate gear, both gears of which are external gears along with first and second auxiliary gears. The intermediate gear meshes with the first auxiliary gear. The first auxiliary gear is fixed to the second auxiliary gear via a common auxiliary shaft that mounts to the crankshaft and rotates with respect thereto about an auxiliary shaft axis that extends parallel to the crankshaft axis. The second auxiliary gear meshes with a central gear. The central gear is an internal gear, which has a center line that coincides with the crankshaft axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pivotal drive, in particular a round indexing table having a plate which can be driven by a motor to execute a rotary movement about an axis of rotation and having a bearing arrangement for the journaling of the plate in a housing of the pivotal drive, the bearing arrangement including at least one radial bearing and at least a first axial bearing and a second axial bearing. The radial bearing cooperates with a radial bearing surface formed by an outer peripheral surface of the plate. The first axial bearing cooperates with a first bearing surface of the plate and the second axial bearing cooperates with a second bearing surface of the plate and the bearing surfaces are arranged displaced parallel to one another with respect to the axis of rotation of the plate.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, and an intermediate member coaxially aligned with the input member and the output member. The transmission further includes at least one countershaft substantially parallel with the input member, output member and the intermediate member, and at least one gear associated with each of the input member, the output member, intermediate member, at least one countershaft. The transmission also includes a planetary gear set to operatively couple a gear of the at least one gear associated with the intermediate shaft with the output shaft, and a plurality of clutches to selectively define a torque transfer path from the input member to the output member via one or more of the intermediate member, first countershaft, second countershaft, and the at least one associated gears therewith. The plurality of clutches include a direct drive clutch to selectively couple the input member directly to the intermediate member.

Abstract: The invention relates to rotary units and rotary mechanisms that are suitable for use in numerous applications. Rotary units typically include rotational components that are configured to rotate. In some embodiments, for example, multiple rotary units are assembled in rotary mechanisms such that neighboring pairs of rotational components counter-rotate or contra-rotate relative to one another during operation of the rotary mechanisms. Rotational components generally include one or more implements that are structured to perform or effect one or more types of work as the rotational components rotate relative to one another in a given rotary mechanism. In certain embodiments, implements are configured to rotate and/or to effect the movement of other components as rotational components rotate.

Abstract: A transmission capable of receiving rotational power from the source on the surface of the earth and transmitting it to a tool down hole, comprising two or more modules, each of which is constructed of gear pairs held in a supporting structure and operatively engaged with an even number of gear pairs to provide the necessary power to the tool which the transmission drives.

Abstract: Improved ballscrew assemblies are disclosed herein. For example, a ballscrew assembly may comprise a ballscrew having an axially distributed ballscrew groove about a circumference of the ballscrew, an extended top plate having an axially distributed extended top plate groove, and an axially distributed thrust bearing disposed in a space bounded by the axially distributed ballscrew groove and the axially distributed extended top plate groove.

Abstract: A power transmission part is made of a sintered material obtained by press molding and firing granulated powder obtained by granulating raw material powder having iron as a main component. The sintered material can thereby be increased in density by a powder press sintering method. A power transmission part of high strength and high rigidity can thereby be obtained.

Abstract: A fixture for positioning a drill, vector or the like, has a gimbal mechanism with a tubular bushing extending therethrough. The gimbal mechanism is angularly adjustable and is held by a mounting assembly which is horizontally adjustable along an x-axis and y-axis. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting assembly is supported on a base which carries an x-axis mechanism for adjusting the location of the ball member along an x-axis and a y-axis mechanism for adjusting the location of the ball along a y-axis.

Abstract: A steerable multi-linked device. The device includes a first multi-linked mechanism and a second multi-linked mechanism. At least one of the first and second multi-linked mechanisms is steerable and includes a modular link assembly at an end thereof. The modular link assembly includes a base, and a tip removably connected to the base.

Abstract: An electrical machine apparatus includes an electromagnetic coil, a rotor magnet, n (n is an integer not less than 2) magnetic sensors to detect an electric angle of the rotor magnet, and a position detection part to detect a position of the rotor magnet by using outputs of the magnetic sensors. Each of the magnetic sensors generates a sensor output signal having a curved line waveform and a period of electric angle 2? of the electrical machine apparatus. The respective n magnetic sensors are arranged to generate the sensor output signals with a phase difference other than an integer times ? in electric angle. The position detection part calculates a movement amount of the rotor magnet from a starting point as a position before movement by using the sensor output signals of the n magnetic sensors.

Abstract: A hexapod actuator device, notably used in flight simulators or driving simulators, includes six legs. A first end of each leg is notably mobilizable along a straight segment by virtue of a motorized carriage. The hexapod actuator comprises notably six segments of straight lines that may be coplanar or inclined with respect to the ground. A second end of each leg may be mounted free on a ball joint with three degrees of freedom in rotation. Each of the ball joints is secured to a mobile platform. The device lies in the field of systems allowing motion to be imparted to pilot cabins for example.

Abstract: An electric tilt steering apparatus for a vehicle can reduce the vibration and noise generated by the axial and radial clearance between a tilt screw and surrounding parts supporting the tilt screw, so as to maintain the rigidity and improve the durability. Further, the electric tilt steering apparatus according to the present invention can simplify the assembling process, reduce the assembling steps, and provide a driver with a comfortable operation feeling during the tilt operation.

Abstract: A handle apparatus utilized for actuating mechanisms with a pair of parallel cables detects a cable out condition, and prevents further activation of the actuated mechanism. The apparatus has a yoke mechanism which is pivotally attached to an activation rod, which in turn is connected to an activation handle. The yoke mechanism has a first side and a second side, with one of the cables attached to the first side and the other cable attached to the second side. The yoke mechanism has a first stop member attached to the first side of the yoke mechanism and a second stop member attached to the second side of the yoke mechanism. The apparatus has stationary shoulders which are placed such that the stationary shoulders will engage the stop members if either cable fails.

Abstract: An electronically triggered locking differential includes a differential case, at least one pinion gear and a pair of side gears. A clutch pack is disposed between one of the side gears and the differential case and retards relative rotation between the differential case and the side gear. A cam member is disposed adjacent the clutch pack so that the clutch pack engages when the cam member ramps up. An engagement shaft has one end engaged with the cam member and an opposite end extending through the differential case and engaged with a sprocket. A magnetic coil and flux conductor magnetically couple the sprocket to the differential case when the coil is energized. This coupling retards rotation of the engagement shaft and the cam member relative to the gear case, initiating engagement of the clutch pack to lock the differential.

Abstract: A transmission for a rotary-wing aircraft has a differential torque-splitting mechanism associated with an input shaft. The differential has a drive disk coaxial with the shaft and integral in rotation with the shaft, a first driven member coaxial with the shaft and generally adjacent the drive disk, and a second driven member coaxial with the shaft and generally adjacent the drive disk. At least one pin engages each of the drive disk, the first driven member, and the second driven member. The first driven member is configured to drive a first transfer gear, and the second driven member is configured to drive a second transfer gear for supplying torque to a bull gear associated with a rotor mast.

Abstract: A process of preparing for reuse small particles of one or more waste products produced from iron or steel mill activities, comprising the steps of creating a blend of one or more waste products with a blending system, the blend including a predetermined proportion of each of the one or more waste products, combining fly ash and the blend with a liquid in a mixing container to create a mixture, adding a predetermined amount of moisture reduction additive to the mixture, adjusting the amount of the liquid in the mixture to achieve a predetermined moisture and time before set up occurs, mixing the mixture continuously until set up occurs and an agglomeration forms, casting the agglomeration onto a surface, dividing the agglomeration into predetermined size chunks, removing particles of less than the predetermined size from the agglomeration. The chunks produced according to this process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an agglomerate, which is used as a blast furnace feed material, by mixing a fine material containing metal and/or metal oxide, a mineral binder, which comprises a mineral raw material and a lime-based material, and optionally other additives to form a mass and solidifying the mass to form an agglomerate, wherein a raw material comprising a silicon oxide fraction of at least 40 wt %, a fine grain fraction of less than 4 ?m of at least 20 wt %, and a grain size fraction of less than 1 ?m of at least 10 wt % is used as the mineral raw material. The invention further relates to a blast furnace feed material that can be produced by means of the method according to the invention, and to a pre-mixture for producing the blast furnace feed material.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a high-purity tungsten powder having a phosphorus content of less than 1 wtppm; wherein an ammonium tungstate solution containing 1 wtppm or more of phosphorus as an impurity in terms of the inclusion in tungsten is used as a starting material, this solution is neutralized with hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 50° C. or less to adjust the pH at 4 or more and less than 7 so as to precipitate ammonium paratungstate undecahydrate crystals, the resulting solution is heated to 70 to 90° C. and filtered in a high-temperature state so as to obtain ammonium paratungstate pentahydrate crystals, the obtained crystals are calcined so as to form a tungsten oxide, and the tungsten oxide is subject to hydrogen reduction so as to obtain a high-purity tungsten powder. Additionally provided is a method for producing a high-purity tungsten powder having a phosphorus content of 0.

Abstract: A method of desulfurizing steel including steps of forming a slag over a molten metal, drawing a vacuum to less than 5 torr over the slag and molten metal, stirring the molten metal and slag, and deoxidizing and desulfurizing the molten metal and slag to degas the steel reducing at least sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen contents, and reducing activity of oxygen in the molten metal to less than 30 ppm. The method includes forming a slag composition after degassing the steel comprising CaO between about 50 and 70% by weight, SiO2 between about 20 and 28% by weight, CaF2 between about 5 and 15% by weight, MgO not more than 8% by weight, Al2O3 not more than 1% by weight, and a combination of FeO+MnO not more than 2% by weight, where the sum of CaO+CaF2+SiO2+MgO is at least 85% by weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blade sharpening and storing device. The device includes a hollow housing for receiving and storing a blade and an access opening at an end of the housing through which the blade can be moved longitudinally to be inserted into or withdrawn from the housing. A blade sharpener is positioned to be engaged by a cutting edge of the blade when the blade is inserted into or withdrawn from the housing and which is responsive to movement of the blade relative to the housing to sharpen the cutting edge. A blade honing device positioned to be engaged by the cutting edge of the blade when the blade is inserted into or withdrawn from the housing and which is responsive to movement of the blade relative to the housing to hone the cutting edge. In another aspect, the invention relates to a blade storing device and blade combination. The blade includes opposite substantially parallel sides which meet at a cutting edge.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a connecting section between a head and a handle. The connecting section includes a vertical connecting portion integrally connected to a first side of the head. An extension extends outward from a section of an outer periphery of the head. A first compartment extends from the first side of the head through a second side of the head and rotatably receives a drive member. A second compartment is formed in a portion of the inner periphery of the first compartment aligned with the extension and receives two pawls releasably engaged with the drive member. The second compartment extends towards the extension. A first radius from the outer periphery of the head to a rotating axis defined by the head is smaller than a second radius from the extension to the rotating axis.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench includes a fixed jaw, a movable jaw, and a handle. The fixed jaw includes a chamber and a hole defined therein. An adjusting mechanism and an abutting mechanism are disposed in the chamber. The adjusting mechanism includes a worm gear and a fixing member. The abutting mechanism includes an abutting member. The handle is pivotally fixed to the fixed jaw. The adjustable wrench is operable in a first direction wrenching an object and including the worm gear stopped from moving along the fixing member by the abutting member fixedly abuts against the worm gear. The adjustable wrench is operable in a second direction moving relative to the object and including the worm gear adapted to be moved with respect to the fixing member and including the movable jaw moving with respect to the fixed jaw and including the abutting member not fixedly abutted against the worm gear.

Abstract: A telescoping extension tool for use in combination with a socket wrench is disclosed herein. Embodiments of the telescoping extension tool are installed onto the socket wrench to extend the reach of the socket used in combination with the socket wrench. Because the extension tool is telescoping, the reach of the telescoping extension tool is infinitely adjustable between the shortest extension and the longest extension of the telescoping tool. Additionally, the external surfaces of certain components of embodiments of the present invention allow the use of other tools designed to grip hexagonal shapes to supply the rotation and torque necessary to loosen or tighten fasteners.

Abstract: A plumbing tool for manipulating a piece of plumbing hardware configured for connection to a fluid meter yoke. A method for manipulating a piece of plumbing hardware configured for connection to a fluid meter yoke.

Abstract: An axial connecting structure of pliers contains two symmetrical bodies axially connected together by using a first screw bolt and a nut; each body including a first extension with a grip and a second extension axially connected with a clamping paw, wherein the second extension includes a hollow fitting member, the fitting member includes a central hole, a limiting shaft, a positioning orifice to receive a spring and a ball, and a circular disc; the clamping paw includes an annular tab having a central post, the post includes an axial aperture, the tab also includes a receiving chamber to fit the fitting member and an inner fringe, the receiving chamber includes a guiding groove based on a radian of a predetermined degree of first central angle, the inner fringe includes plural recesses arranged thereon based on a radian of a second central angle.

Abstract: The disclosed and claimed concept provides for an overmold that is applied to substantially all of the exposed portions of a wood handle for a tool.

Abstract: In an improvement to a pipe re-facing machine having a rotatable flange plate and a coaxially-mounted collar rotatable with and longitudinally movable relative to the flange plate, a support bracket projects from the flange plate, and a support block is retainingly mounted to and movable relative to the support bracket in an angled radial direction. The support block is adapted to receive a tool holder carrying a cutting element. An actuating mechanism is engageable with the support block such that longitudinal movement of the collar will move the support block relative to the support bracket. The actuating mechanism can thus move the cutting element in an angled direction relative to the axis of a tubular workpiece, thereby enabling machining of a bevelled edge on an annular shoulder of a tubular workpiece non-rotatably mounted to the re-facing machine by longitudinally moving the collar while rotating the flange plate.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for configuring a wheel associated with a track is provided. The apparatus is in a fixed position with respect to a rail associated with the track when in operation. The apparatus includes a tool configured to engage the wheel, a position system for positioning the cutting tool in at least two axis, and a computer control. The computer control is coupled to control the positioning system. The positioning system is controlled so that the wheel is configured in accordance with a profile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a main body vise device (7) in a band saw machine, characterized in that: a movable main body vise body (33) is provided to a main body vise bed (31); an upstream movable vise jaw (37) is provided integrally to this main body vise body (33), while a downstream movable vise jaw (41) is movably provided on a downstream side of the main body vise body (33); a first pressing/biasing module (43) capable of advancing and retreating the main body vise body (33) is provided; and a second pressing/biasing module (45) capable of advancing and retreating the downstream movable vise jaw (41) independently of the upstream movable vise jaw (37) is provided.

Abstract: A hand operated slicer incorporates a housing, a base, and a reciprocating blade assembly. The housing has a top, opposing lateral sides, a food retaining chamber, and a passageway extending therethrough between the lateral sides and aligned with a cutting plane. The base is coupled to the housing and configured to prevent the housing from moving during typical operation. The reciprocating blade assembly is slidably engaged with the passageway on the housing, and carries a blade that moves through or adjacent the food retaining chamber as the assembly reciprocates, to slice a food item in the chamber. The blade assembly can be adjustable to change the thickness of the slice, and can be convertible to create French fries, make julienne cuts or the like.

Abstract: A cutting blade for cutting a wire has a blade body with a cutting face extending from a cutting edge. The body has a slidable surface for engagement with an opposing surface that allows relative movement between the blade body and the opposing surface to permit the cutting edge to cut the wire. The slidable surface and the cutting face preferably are polished to provide a high degree of finish. The cutting edge, cutting face and slidable surface preferably contain a coating to reduce potential cold rewelding. In one embodiment, the coating is polished to provide a high degree of finish. A hollow in the blade body holds one or more cut wire particles to reduce interference by the cut wire particles with the cutting edge, cutting face, and slidable surface. The cutting blade excels in cutting various wires, and particularly wire containing an electrically conducting aluminum core.

Abstract: To provide an action of an upright piano which permits playing of repeated notes on the single key and touch of the keys that are comparable to a grand piano. A first spring (59) is provided to a pushing-up portion (20) of a jack (18), a first spring rest (71) is provided to a jack stop rail (53), and when a jack tail (19) moves away from a regulating button (47), the first spring (59) bent between the pushing-up portion (20) and the first spring rest (71) forces the pushing-up portion (20) to be pushed under a pushed-up portion (27) to be thrust up of a hammer butt (25). A second spring (66) is provided to a damper stop rail (56), a second spring rest (72) is provided to a hammer shank (33), and the second spring (66) bent between the damper stop rail (56) and the second spring rest (72) stops the rotational movement of a hammer (32) before the hammer (32) that moves rotationally by the force of the first spring (59) strikes a string (90).

Abstract: An invention is afforded for a dampening apparatus for a musical instrument. The dampening apparatus includes a plurality of dampening pads disposed on a base element. The dampening pads are spaced to allow a string of a stringed musical instrument to fit between two dampening pads. In addition, at least one dampening pad is configured to fit between two strings of the stringed musical instrument to allow for free string vibration. The base element and the plurality of dampening pads are configured to fit between the strings and a fretboard of the stringed musical instrument.

Abstract: A stringed instrument bridge assembly for a stringed instrument having a plurality of strings of different gauges, the bridge assembly including a stringed instrument bridge; and a plurality of string-specific saddles arranged within the stringed instrument bridge. Each of the plurality of string-specific saddles includes a respective notch structured and arranged for accommodating therein a respective string of the plurality of strings. Each of the respective notches is configured in a string-specific manner to accommodate therein a string at least one of: configured to produce a particular note, having specific string gauge, and within a range of string gauges configured to produce a particular note.

Abstract: A drum pedal configured for cable-driven power transmission may include a base, a foot board, a shaft coupled to the base, a cam coupled to the shaft, and an opening extending generally horizontally from said base; the cam coupling to a cable and the cable extending through the opening, such that the cable departs in a generally horizontal direction from the pedal. The cam, which may be rotatably coupled to the shaft, may include an eccentric portion, and a groove may be disposed on the eccentric portion and configured to receive the cable. Additionally, a hi hat drum assembly may include a pedal, a hi hat stand, at least one cymbal, and a cable operatively connected to the pedal and the cymbal. The cable may depart from the pedal in a generally horizontal direction, and the pedal may not be connected to the hi hat stand. Instead, it may be separated from the stand and located anywhere the user desires, provided there is a path for the cable to travel between the pedal and the stand.

Abstract: Melody and accompaniment audio signals are received and processed to identify one or more harmony notes and a harmony signal is produced based on the one or more harmony notes. Typically the melody note is identified and a spectrum of the accompaniment audio signal and is obtained, and one or more harmony notes are identified based on the melody note and the accompaniment spectrum. The melody, and accompaniment signals can be processed in real-time for combination with the harmony signal in an audio performance. In some examples, audio signals are processed and harmonies generated for subsequent performance based on, for example, MIDI files generated from the audio signals.

Abstract: A computer implemented method allows a user to adjust tracks in a musical arrangement. The method involves a user selecting a musical position of an audio track, which the user desires to adjust in time, either by compressing it or expanding it, by indicating with a pointing device, such as a mouse, the position in the time line of the audio track that the user wishes to alter. A first marker is then displayed at the selected musical position in the audio track. Boundary markers defining transients in the audio signal surrounding the selected musical position are then automatically generated by analysis of the audio signal, and are displayed on the audio track. The two boundary markers define an audio segment that is to be adjusted in tempo by the user moving the first marker along the time line.

Abstract: When a signal representing a first set value or more is received from a detecting section, a determination is made whether a boost value is a predetermined value or more. When the boost value is the predetermined value or more, a currently set boost value is reduced by a predetermined step, so that a new boost value is set. Further, when the boost value is less than the predetermined value, a currently set volume level is reduced by a predetermined step, and a new volume level is set. Therefore, in a case when the set boost value is gradually reduced and the boost value is finally less than the predetermined value, the audio signal is still the first set value or more, the volume level is further reduced by each predetermined step. Therefore, an audio signal can be securely prevented from being clipped.

Abstract: A drum head (1) for an electric drum (100), the drum head having a first side (11) and a second side (12), wherein the drum head (1) comprises chloroprene rubber and wherein a nylon fabric is provided on the first side (11) of the drum head (1).

Abstract: An electronic keyboard instrument is provided and methods of playing and assembling the same. The instrument comprises a controller for enabling activation of electronic signals having audible, visible, amplifiable, recordable and/or like characteristics, and a power source for operating the controller. A first keyboard is provided having a first selected length and being oriented in a first direction such that (i) audible notes of music from at least one internal sound module and/or at least one external sound module, (ii) recordable data to be enhanced or modified by an external sequencer or program controlled apparatus, (iii) photoelectric signals, and (iv) processes or mechanisms, triggered or controlled by external signals or data, for controlling machines, video playback or lighting, and/or the like may be generated and/or activated using a first hand of one or more users.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for attaching or removing a sound suppressor or other auxiliary device to a firearm. The device has a mount body threadedly attachable to a muzzle attachment device attached to the muzzle of a gun. A locking spring extends around a portion of the mount body, and has serrated pawls for engaging a portion of the muzzle attachment device. An annular, rotatable locking collar attaches to the mount body and extends over the locking spring. As the locking collar is rotated, a reduction in diameter of the inner surface of the locking collar can urge the pawl into secured contact with the muzzle attachment device.

Abstract: A suppressor for reducing muzzle blasts in firearms includes mounting apparatus with a rear end designed to mate with a firearm barrel. A blast cap includes aligning and joining features mating the blast cap with the mounting apparatus. A plurality of baffles each includes aligning and joining features mating one baffle with the blast cap and the remaining baffles to each other. Each baffle includes a plate having gas ports therethrough positioned within a cylindrically shaped sidewall. The gas ports are positioned intermediate a central aperture and an outer edge of the plate. An end cap includes aligning and joining features mating the end cap with the adjacent baffle. The mounting apparatus, the blast cap, the plurality of baffles, and the end cap are affixed together using the aligning and joining features to form a suppressor and each includes a central aperture longitudinally aligned with the firearm barrel.

Abstract: A boomerang-shaped projectile, ammunition cartridge including the projectile, and a weapon barrel through which the projectile is fired.