Abstract: An archery bow/crossbow press and method provides operation to various bow designs including bows with past parallel limbs or having limbs with sharp curvatures using collectively connected bow limb supports to engage the outer face of a bow limb for compression; each bow limb support configured with at least one upper and at least one lower support arm wherein each support arm comprises bow limb contact areas that may include various shapes adaptable to engage a bow limb or limb components; each support arm may be positioned against a bow limb independently or collectively with each other; and, when the bow limb supports are positioned collectively on the bow they may be the sole contact of the bow press during the pressing operation.

Abstract: Among other things, there is shown embodiments of a feedgate for a paintball loader having vanes or paddles that permit supplying paintballs into the loader but limit or inhibit escape of paintballs from the loader through the supply hole. Embodiments can include a frame, which may be a single piece or multiple-piece structure, and an insert with flexible vanes or paddles. Embodiments can include a pivotable cap, and/or the insert can snap into the frame.

Abstract: A mechanically-actuated pneumatic valve can comprise an input port receiving compressed gas and one or more output ports. A face seal can be arranged in the valve body and be configured to move between two positions. In a first position, the face seal can permit compressed gas from the input port to be supplied to a first output port. In a second position, the face seal can vent compressed gas from the valve body through an exhaust port. An actuator, such as a pin or pin-shaped actuator, for example, can be configured and arranged to move the face seal from the first position to the second position. An actuator of an operative device could be configured to physically contact a surface of the pin-shaped actuator and drive the face seal to its second position.

Abstract: A lever-action tactical rifle having an upper receiver assembly having a rifle barrel and a hand-guard. A lower receiver releasably and pivotally connected with the upper receiver and having a butt-stock and a magazine receptacle releasably containing a cartridge magazine. A bolt mechanism having a bolt carrier and a bolt member and firing pin being located for reciprocating movement within the upper receiver. A lever-action mechanism is mounted to the lower receiver and is connected with the bolt carrier by an actuating linkage. The bolt member has cam slots being engaged by cam pins of the bolt carrier to translate linear movement of the bolt carrier to rotation of the bolt for bolt locking and unlocking.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved concealed carry clip, that attaches with machine screws to the slide rear cover plate, and which has friction features on the clip to facilitate drawing back the slide with the thumb and index finger. In addition, the cover plate can be equipped with projections that reduce shearing forces on the machine screws. As with the Clipdraw product, a drilled and tapped replacement rear cover plate is provided with the improved concealed carry clip. Though the improved concealed carry clips have, to date, been designed for Clock®, M&P® and Springfield Armory® XD handguns, the concealed carry clips may be adapted for use on other similarly constructed handguns in the future.

Abstract: An attachment system can include a plurality of apertures or openings in an attachment platform. The openings can be arranged in a pattern corresponding to a hexagon so that an attachment member for a MOLLE-compatible accessory may be passed through one or more of the openings so as to attach the accessory in a variety of different directions.

Abstract: A scope turret including a dial assembly that is configured to adjust point of aim optics of a scope is disclosed. The turret may include an adjustable stop assembly that prevents the dial assembly from rotating in one direction. The adjustable stop assembly may include a traveler, a nut assembly, and a bolt. The adjustable stop assembly may be internally-adjustable or externally-adjustable. The dial assembly may include an engagement mechanism. The engagement mechanism may include a button that is slidable between an engaged position and a disengaged position of the engagement mechanism. The turret may further include a locking mechanism that selectively prevents the dial assembly from rotating in any direction.

Abstract: A device for aligning a telescopic sight includes two opposing reference cards connected to each other within a common plane by a connecting bar and a level indicator on a surface of at least one card. The alignment device is attached to the front or rear scope base of a firearm, so that the front surfaces of two opposing reference cards appear on either side of the reticle. Once the alignment device is secured to the scope base of the firearm, the reticle may be aligned with the bore axis by rotating the telescopic sight until the horizontal cross hair is parallel with any corresponding pair of reference lines of the reference cards. The alignment device can also include an adapter that allows the alignment device to be mounted to a firearm by coupling to a corresponding slot of a mounting platform.

Abstract: A structurally reinforced optically transparent panel that may be utilized as a bulletproof window or shield. The panel includes a plurality of angled reinforcement members having a reflective top and bottom surfaces. Optical lenses are disposed between the reinforcement members directing a light ray in a predetermined direction. The geometry and spacing of the reinforcement members is such that the light rays enter and exit the bulletproof panel at substantially the same angle allowing an observer to view optical images of objects behind the bulletproof panel, thus creating optical transparency. The reinforcement members are of a high strength material capable of being impenetrable by a projectile fired from a ballistic weapon or an explosion debris.

Abstract: A blast control blanket is provided. The blanket has a first tubular fabric layer and a second tubular fabric layer. Each tubular fabric layer has a circumferential weave direction. The tubular fabric layers are oriented so that their weave directions are orthogonal. The tubular fabric layers are preferably an auxetic woven fabric. Optionally, smaller fabric sections may be seamed together to form each tubular fabric layer. The tubular fabric layers are stitched together so as to form a perimeter channel. A wire cable is disposed in the perimeter channel and may be used to secure multiple blankets together or secure the blanket to another structure. Optionally, an outer cover may be provided, preferably of ballistic nylon.

Abstract: An MFA panel provides enhanced compressibility and off-axis threat protection by distributing solid elements among a plurality of vertically stacked, flexible supporting sheets, so that the elements on each sheet are spaced apart while the stacked arrangement provides adjacent or overlapping coverage of the panel, while allowing the solid elements to slide over each other during compression. The solid elements can be triangular or square, and can be metal or ceramic. The supporting sheets can be high tensile, such as para aramid, or low tensile, such as PET, Nylon, or cotton, for enhanced compressibility, flexibility, drape, and hand. A high tensile backing ply can be included to inhibit tensile failure of low tensile supporting sheets. In embodiments, the panels are attached to each other only at their edges. Fibers of para aramid supporting sheets can be unidirectional, so as to share the load of an impact throughout the panel.

Abstract: A composite fabric assemble having at least one layer of base fabric, to be worn adjacent to a user; is connected to a first layer of ballistic fabric which has portions thereof cut at least partially into strips of material. A second layer of ballistic fabric is connected to the first layer of ballistic fabric, and is punched at least partially therethrough to form at least one design or shape thereon, to improve the flexibility of the fabric assembly. Either the first layer of ballistic fabric or the second layer of ballistic fabric can be adjacently connected to and overlapping the base fabric, whereby the base fabric is covered.

Abstract: A multi-purpose stun gun is provided with a housing including top launchers, a sound and light interference device adjacent to the launchers, a front recess under the launchers; first triggers adjacent to the launchers respectively, a rear handle, a high-voltage generator in the handle, a battery power supply in the handle for supplying electricity to the high-voltage generator, a second trigger on the housing and electrically interconnecting the high-voltage generator and the launchers, a safety on the housing for locking the second trigger, and positive and negative electrodes on the front recess and electrically connected to both the high-voltage generator.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a target practice method, comprising a step of launching a target into a portion of space, a step of firing a projectile towards the target and a step of impact of the projectile on the target, characterized in that use is made of a projectile comprising a shell delimiting an internal volume containing a marking material and in that it involves a step of breaking the shell upon impact of the projectile on the target, thereby releasing the marking material.

Abstract: An air vehicle, such as a munition like a guided bomb or missile, has a control system that allows control surfaces to be mechanically uncoupled from one or more actuators to allow the control surfaces to freely move (rotate) relative to a fuselage of the vehicle, for example allowing the control surfaces to “weather vane” by assuming an orientation corresponding to the direction of airflow past the air vehicle (direction of airflow relative to the air vehicle). When active positioning of the control surfaces is desired, the control surfaces may be mechanically coupled to one or more actuators that are used to position the control surfaces. The selective coupling of the actuator(s) and the control surfaces may be accomplished by selectively coupling together a sleeve that is mechanically coupled to the control surfaces, and a nut that moves along a shaft of an actuator, for example using a resilient device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a communication network for aquatic vessels. The network comprises an unmanned aquatic vehicle (UAQV) having a warhead. A fiber optic cable is bi-directional and in a closed ring configuration enabling communication within the network and to the UAQV. A power grid cable is in a closed ring configuration and coupled to a generator providing power. A node is coupled to the fiber optic cable and to the power grid cable. A relay station is coupled to the node and in communication with the UAQV. A control center is in communication with the UAQV and facilitates remote control of the UAQV, and programming of a navigational plan for the remote control of the UAQV prior to launch. The fiber optic cable, power grid cable, node and relay station are capable of being located underwater during operation. The UAQV is capable of being launched underwater from open water.

Abstract: Bullet feed die assemblies include a case retention station operable to retain the case in a position defining a columnar space above a casemouth of the case, the columnar space defining a primary axis, a bullet insertion facility aligned with the primary axis, the case retention station and bullet insertion facility being relatively movable with respect to each other along the axis between a first separated position and a second proximate position, the bullet insertion facility including a stem aligned with the primary axis, the stem having a lower end operable to press the bullet into a mouth of the case, and the lower end of the stem being laterally movable such that a bullet pushes the stem aside upon entering the columnar space. The bullet insertion facility may include a support element on the primary axis, and the stem may be pivotally connected to the support element.

Abstract: An ammunition cartridge casing having a geometry designed to allow for the use of polymeric materials in forming the walls of the cartridge casing of an ammunition article, and methods of reusing such cartridges are provided. More specifically, the ammunition cartridge has a specified ratio between the wall-thicknesses of select portions of an ammunition article's cartridge casing such that polymeric materials may be used in the construction of the ammunition article cartridge casings.

Abstract: A Bluetooth-enabled tape measuring system, a cooperating mobile or desktop application, and a method for using same. A tape measure with retractable tape stores each measurement taken and transmits the measurement to a computing device for automatic recordation and association, with the object of the measurement, which can be a user-input floor plan or the like. A software solution at the computing device is capable of planning necessary measurements, receiving transmitted measurements from the tape measure, and automatically associating received measurements with the user-input characteristics. The system may also direct the user to make certain measurements based on a user-stated project.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a three-dimensional profile of an edge of an object are presented. The edge is defined by adjoining first and second surfaces. A first set of surface points can be detected on the first surface, and a second set of surface points can be detected on the second surface. The second set of surface points can correspond to the first set of surface points. A sensor, such as a contact sensor, can be used to detect the first and second set of surface points. Based on the detected first and second set of surface points, a profile of the edge can be determined automatically, such as by a processor operatively connected to the sensor. In this way, the profile of the edge can be determined without direct detection of the edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a bending angle between two portions of a workpiece in a bending machine includes at least a motion sensor unit provided with a gyroscope sensor, a processing unit connected with the gyroscope sensor and a coupling device for connecting the motion sensor unit with a portion of the workpiece to be bent. During a bending operation of the workpiece the gyroscope sensor measures at least one angular velocity and a related rotation angle of the portion according to an axis and the processing unit receives data from the gyroscope sensor regarding the rotation angle in order to calculate the bending angle as a function of the rotation angle.

Abstract: A system for determining information regarding at least one object, comprising: a sensor sensitive to capacitive coupling; at least one object adapted to create a capacitive coupling with the sensor when at least one signal is input to the sensor; a detector adapted to measure at least one output signal of said sensor associated with the at least one object, wherein the output signal associated with the at least one object is an object information code.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an induction-based reference point locator is provided. The locator includes transmitter locatable at a position on a first side of a structure, the transmitter configured to generate an alternating magnetic field at a desired frequency; and a receiver locatable on a second side of the structure opposite the first side, the receiver configured to detect the magnetic field and provide a directional indication to the position of the transmitter relative to the second side of the structure.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems and methods are described herein for obtaining wide field OCT images and other types of image data from at least one portion of a sample. Various embodiments of systems, and methods are described herein for assessing a degree of differentiation for a second region of an OCT image of a tissue sample with respect to another first. Various embodiments of a sample container are also described herein for containing a tissue sample and maintaining the tissue sample in a defined orientation during imaging or handling.

Abstract: A method for reducing motion artifacts in optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography images is disclosed. The method is applied to the intensity or complex OCT data prior to applying the motion contrast analysis and involves determining sub-pixel level shifts between at least two B-scans repeated approximately at the same location and applying the sub-pixel level shifts to the B-scans to be able to correct for motion and accurately determine motion contrast signal. A preferred embodiment includes the use of 2D cross correlations to register a series of B-scans in both the axial (z-) and lateral (x-) dimensions and a convolution approach to achieve sub-pixel level frame registration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for tomographic imaging of a sample. Low-coherence light is split into a sample path and a reference path. A steering optic recombines light in the reference path with light scattered by a sample onto a camera having an areal focal plane array of detector elements such that light in the reference path and light scattered by the sample are characterized by respectively offset propagation vectors at incidence upon the camera. A processor derives depth information from light scattered by the sample on the basis of interference fringes between light in the reference path and light scattered by the sample. The apparatus tracks lateral motion and may be hand-held or attached to a mobile device such as a smartphone, thus enabling 3-D imaging with the mobile device.

Abstract: In a monitoring apparatus, an optical sensor senses objects present in a sensing area, and moving speeds and moving directions of the objects are calculated based on changes with time in positional information of the sensed objects. An object which meets a predetermined moving condition is determined as a moving object. Hence an entrance of the moving object into the sensing area can be monitored. In this apparatus, by a determining section, it is determined whether or not an object is sensed in an area (after-passage sensing area) which is set to include positions adjacent to positions through which the sensed moving object has passed. When the object has been sensed in the area, by the determining section, it is further determined whether or not the object has remained for a predetermined determination period of time or more. This determined result is outputted by an outputting section.

Abstract: An outer dimension measuring apparatus includes a light source; an optical system focusing the light emitted from the light source onto an optical axis; a reflector reflecting the focused light; a detector detecting an intensity of the reflected light; and a calculator calculating an outer dimension of a measured object using a first focus position, a second focus position, and a position of the reflector on the optical axis, the first focus position lying on the optical axis where a peak in reflected light intensity is detected by the detector for light reflected by a first surface, and the second focus position lying on the optical axis where a peak in reflected light intensity is detected by the detector for light that has been reflected by the reflector and emitted at a second surface.

Abstract: A method for measuring a length in a mobile terminal, and which includes selecting a virtual measuring tape function on the mobile terminal for measuring a size of an object; setting, via a controller of the mobile terminal, a reference object; setting, via the controller, a spaced distance of the reference object with respect to the mobile terminal to be zero when the reference object is brought into contact with the mobile terminal; measuring, via a laser of the mobile terminal, the spaced distance of the reference object with respect to the mobile terminal as the reference object is moved away from the mobile terminal; and outputting the measured spaced distance.

Abstract: A dimensioning system including a computing device running an alignment software program is disclosed. The alignment software uses range information from a range sensor in order to generate alignment messages. The alignment messages may help a user define a frame of reference and align the dimensioning system's range sensor for improved dimensioning performance.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring quality of a holographic image are disclosed. The apparatus for measuring the quality of the holographic image may include an obtaining unit to obtain a hologram, a reconstruction unit to reconstruct a three-dimensional (3D) holographic image by irradiating the hologram with a light source, a measuring unit to measure depth of the reconstructed holographic image, and an analysis unit to analyze depth representation quality of the holographic image base on the measured depth of the holographic image.

Abstract: The present invention regards a method for measuring displacement of a surface at a region of interest when the region of interest is exposed to a load.

Abstract: A specimen measuring device includes: a light source device that irradiates a specimen surface of a specimen with illumination light from multiple illumination units at a plurality of illumination angles; a spectral camera device that is arranged above the specimen surface, spectrally separates reflected light from the specimen surface, and acquires 2D spectral information through a single image capturing operation; and a calculating unit that calculates deflection angle spectral information of the specimen surface used to measure a measurement value of a certain evaluation item of the specimen using a change in an optical geometrical condition of an illumination direction and an image capturing direction between pixels in an X axis direction and a Y axis direction of the spectral information.

Abstract: Measuring a feature on a wafer, the feature including at least two edges. Scanning the wafer with an electron beam over the length of a first scan interval that includes at least a portion of a first edge of the feature. Preventing the electron beam from illuminating the wafer while moving the scan position of the electron beam across a portion of the wafer to a second scan interval that includes at least a portion of a second edge of the feature. Scanning the wafer with an electron beam over the length of the second scan interval. Determining a distance between the first and second edges of the feature.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine has a rotary table supporting a measurement object, a measuring head including a measuring element and a frame, on which the measuring head is arranged. The frame has first, second and third frame parts moveable relative to the workpiece holder along first, second and third movement axes, respectively. The measuring element is mounted via at least one fluid bearing, such as an air bearing, on one or more of the frame parts. The measuring head is positioned at a defined position along the first, second and third movement axes. Thereafter, the at least one fluid bearing is deactivated and the rotary table rotated around a further axis while the measuring head, using the measuring element, records current measured values. A shape contour of the object is determined on the basis of the measured values recorded while the at least one fluid bearing was selectively deactivated.

Abstract: An absolute encoder includes a light-emitting mechanism including a light-emitting surface and emitting detection light from the light-emitting surface. A light-receiving mechanism including a scale plate having a scale area and receiving at a light-receiving area the detection light emitted from the light-emitting surface and passing through the scale area of the scale plate. The light-emitting mechanism and the light-receiving mechanism are set to a positional relationship that inclines an irradiation axis extending from the light-emitting surface through the scale area to the light-receiving area relative to a rotation axis direction of the scale plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the horizontal position uses a gas bubble in a bubble level. The gas bubble is in a cylindrical sealed housing that is partially filled with liquid. At least two light-emitting devices are used to illuminate the gas bubble and an inner bottom surface of the bubble level. A corresponding number of receiving devices are used to receive the light that is either reflected by the inner bottom surface or is reflected and refracted by the gas bubble. The amount of light received is translated into an electrical signal and is sent to a processing unit to calculate the position of the gas bubble. The light-emitting devices and the receiving devices are disposed in an alternating manner at the periphery of the cylindrical sealed housing.

Abstract: A micro-gyroscope for determining a rate of rotation about a Z-axis includes a substrate and two sensor devices each of which comprises at least one drive mass, at least one anchor, drive elements, at least one sensor mass and sensor elements. The drive mass is mounted linearly displaceably in the direction of an X-axis, and can be driven in an oscillatory manner with respect to the X-axis. The sensor mass is coupled to the drive mass by means of springs. The sensor mass is displaceable in the Y-direction, and sensor elements detects a deflection of the sensor mass in the Y-axis. The two sensor devices are disposed parallel to each other and one above the other in the direction of the Z-axis, and the drive mass in these two sensor devices are coupled to each other by means of a coupling spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to integrated circuits, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of integrating a gyro sensing circuit with a gyroscope to detect a shock or a disturbance, and accurately differentiate rotation-based sense signals from noises introduced by the shock or disturbance. The gyro sensing circuit may be implemented in a differential or non-differential demodulation scheme, and comprises at least one demodulation unit and a peak detector. The at least one demodulation unit demodulates a gyro output signal provided by the gyroscope with a reference signal. In a demodulated gyro output signal, a shock signal or a gyro disturbance signal is substantially isolated out from interested gyro sense signals that are used to sense a rate of rotation. A peak detector samples the modulated gyro output signal, determines whether the signal exceeds a threshold level VTH and outputs a shock flag indicating a corresponding determination result.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus of a vehicle includes a measuring module and a triaxial orientation sensor to provide measured axial accelerations in a Cartesian reference system during a certain time interval. The apparatus also includes a triaxial movement sensor to supply at least one angular variation signal proportional to the axial angular speed of the vehicle during the time interval. A processing unit receives a distance signal proportional to the distance traveled by the vehicle in the time interval, receives the at least one angular variation signal, and supplies at least one reference acceleration of the vehicle. An estimator-calibrator block recursively estimates at least one calibrated acceleration as a function of the measured axial accelerations and of the at least one reference acceleration.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a processor and memory including computer program code, the memory and computer program code configured to, with the processor, enable the apparatus at least to: identify, for use in route navigation, a complete set of lane traversals for a road intersection from two or more different complete sets of lane traversals for the road intersection based on respective safety-traffic flow scores assigned according to one or more predefined safety-traffic flow criteria, wherein each lane traversal defines a path of travel from an inbound lane of the road intersection to an outbound lane of the road intersection, and wherein each different complete set of lane traversals comprises a different combination of lane traversals for the road intersection.

Abstract: A method for operating a navigation device. The navigation device carries out a position determination on the basis of received signals. In parallel, another position determination is carried out on the basis of signals from inertial sensors. These two determined positions are compared. If these two determined positions differ by more than a predetermined amount, which has been defined by a predetermined limit value, an error value is recognized. If an impermissible deviation is recognized, then especially the direction of movement, the speed differences and the position changes are taken into account. When the error value is recognized, shaded areas in the surroundings of the vehicle are determined and associated with the determined momentary position, as a result of which an association with a lane level is carried out.

Abstract: A device for predicting energy consumption includes an obtaining unit (110), an air resistance calculating unit (140, 150), and an energy consumption predicting unit (150). The obtaining unit (110) is configured to obtain road information including traveling speed information set for each route. The air resistance calculating unit (140, 150) is configured to calculate air resistance as a calculated air resistance value by an air resistance calculation formula on the basis of the traveling speed information of the scheduled traveling route and to correct the calculated air resistance value so that the air resistance is higher according as the traveling speed along the scheduled traveling route is lower. The air resistance is caused when a vehicle travels along a scheduled traveling route. The energy consumption predicting unit (150) is configured to predict an energy consumption of the scheduled traveling route on the basis of the corrected air resistance value.

Abstract: An approach is provided for presenting a contextual menu in a map display. A contextual menu platform determines an input for a delineation of at least one route, at least one geographical area, or a combination thereof in at least one map user interface of at least one device. The contextual menu platform determines contextual information associated with the at least one route, the at least one geographical area, the at least one map user interface, the at least one device, at least one user associated with the at least one device, or a combination thereof. The contextual menu platform also determines one or more contextual menu options based, at least in part, on the contextual information. The contextual menu platform further causes, at least in part, a presentation of at least one contextual menu to present the one or more contextual menu options in the at least one map user interface.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle navigation method includes obtaining electronic textual navigation information and converting the textual navigation information into audio data. The audio data is stored within the vehicle and is played back within the vehicle in sequential increments that correspond to respective legs of a trip being made by the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for vehicle to another party communications that includes a vehicle personality module adapted to create a vehicle personality and a communications system that utilizes the created vehicle personality for one or more communications instead of a user's profile. The one or more communications are associated with one or more of an identifier and an icon representing the vehicle personality, with this identifier and/or icon sent with at least one communication and displayable to the recipient of the communication.

Abstract: An event search area for searching for events of interest to the user, including a maximum off-route crow-fly distance from a user in-route travel path is established. One or more events of interest to the user is determined based on the established event search area. Each of the off-route travel paths that connect each event to the user in-route travel path is also determined. An off-route driving time and a total in-route and off-route driving time from the user in-route travel path to the applicable determined event and back are computed. The one determined off-route travel path that has a minimum computed off-route driving time and the one or more of the determined off-route travel paths that has a minimum computed total in-route and off-route driving time are identified and notified to the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide a navigated-shopping service are discussed. In an example, a method for navigated-shopping can include receiving a destination location, accessing a route to the destination, displaying the route with indications of a plurality of items for purchase, receiving selection of a selected item, and purchasing the selected item. The plurality of items for purchase can be within a predefined distance of at least one point along the route. The selection of the selected item can include selection of a retail location of a plurality of retail locations along the route.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for graphically displaying up-linked and down-linked messages on an aircraft cockpit display. After determining if the message was up-linked or down-linked, symbology graphically representative of whether the message was up-linked or down-linked is generated and displayed along with the message content. The message content may be an altitude change request for display on a VSD.

Abstract: In an approach for adaptive sampling of smart meter data, a computer retrieves one or more balancing constraints associated with one or more smart meter sensors. The computer retrieves meter sensor data from the one or more smart meter sensors according to the one or more balancing constraints. The computer determines a subsample of the meter sensor data, and then transmits the subsample of the meter sensor data to an optimization engine for use in solving an optimization problem.