Abstract: Novel flash suppressors comprised of tines formed by cuts of varied lengths and widths to better reduce muzzle flash and eliminate any unwanted ringing caused by resonance of the tines.

Abstract: A shooting aid for removable attachment to a weapon allows the weapon to rest upon another surface for more accurate shooting.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a support apparatus that is set-up and operated by one hand of an operator to stabilize the forend of a barrel section of an item used to engage in an activity. The apparatus is a single hand-operated rifle support that stabilizes the for-end of the rifle barrel. The single hand-operated rifle support includes an actuated rifle rest body, a set of adjustable length aluminum pole legs connected to a lower portion of the rifle rest body, a set of bearings that is each connected by a pin to one of the legs and the actuated rifle rest for pivoting the legs, a rifle rest connected to an upper portion of the rifle rest body, and a single plunger and pivot arm linkage in an interior portion of the rifle rest body.

Abstract: A crossbow kickstand accessory which may be affixed beneath a crossbow stock. The kickstand has three positions: (1) a stored position; (2) a kickstand position; and (3) a bipod position. The kickstand position is at approximately a 40 degree angle, and the bipod position is at approximately a 90 degree angle away from the stock of the crossbow. The kickstand position allows the user to set the crossbow down while the stock is in the air making it simple to set down or pick up with only one hand. While the kickstand is open in the kickstand position, it prevents any twisting or rotation of the stand or the crossbow, which will prevent the crossbow from falling over. An alternative embodiment design would move the stand forward along the stock into the stock handle position.

Abstract: A portable shooting bench and utility table. In the shooting-bench embodiment, a tabletop is isosceles-triangle-shaped for ambidextrous functionality. In the utility-table embodiment, the tabletop is preferably round but can be any shape suitable for general use. The shooting-bench embodiment preferably includes a height-adjustable seat. A plurality of ratcheting leg couplers are rotatably attached to a support base and radiate outward from the support base. A proximate end of a leg attaches in ratcheting fashion to each ratcheting leg coupler, allowing adjustment of an angle of declination of each leg. The ratcheting leg couplers rotate about the support base, allowing radial positioning of the legs for optimum stability under various terrain conditions. The shooting bench or utility table can be converted from a deployed mode to a folded mode, in which shoulder straps can be affixed to the tabletop allowing transport of the shooting bench or utility table backpack-style.

Abstract: A crossbow comprises a longitudinal rail, first and second bow limbs, a slide, and a bowstring. The longitudinal rail has a longitudinal slot. The first and second bow limbs are coupled to the rail and arranged on opposing sides of the rail. The slide has a transverse hole therethrough. The bowstring is coupled to the first and second bow limbs and passes through the transverse hole through the slide. The slide is engaged with the slot so as to be constrained to move reciprocally along the rail and so as to enable the bowstring to move (i) from a forward brace position to a rearward drawn position and (ii) from the rearward drawn position to the forward brace position. A forward surface of the slide can be structurally adapted to engage a rear end of a bolt loaded onto the rail of the crossbow.

Abstract: A device and method to accelerate solid metal slugs to high speeds. In one embodiment, a large electric current is passed through an outer cylindrical metal tube enclosing in part a metal slug, a central electrode, and a conducting tail coupled at opposite ends to the. metal slug and the central electrode. Electromagnetic forces accelerate the metal slug to a point high enough to mechanically separate the conducting tail. On separation, a plasma is generated by the passage of electric current though a gas produced by vaporization of the conducting tail and nearby materials. An insulator enclosed within the tube prevents the plasma from shorting to the outer tube until the current flow has produced a sufficient magnetic field to contain the plasma. The metal slug is then accelerated to high speed by a combination of electromagnetic forces and mechanical pressure from the hot gas through which the electric current is passing.

Abstract: An angle-adjustable buffer tube system is a system that enables fluid transitions between a primary scope or sight and a backup offset iron sight without requiring the shooter to remove his or her cheek from the stock. The system includes a buffer tube and a firearm-mounting tube that is able to rotate concentric to the buffer tube. A stock may be mounted to the buffer tube while the firearm-mounting tube may be screwed into the body of a firearm. A lockable flange assembly featuring a flange, a mounting plate, a flange socket, and a plurality of grooves enables the rotation and additionally is able to lock the buffer tube and the firearm-mounting tube in place after the firearm has been rotated to a desired position. An annular retention plate is utilized to ensure that the buffer tube and the firearm-mounting tube do not separate from each other.

Abstract: A gun stock incorporating a buffer tube sleeve; a butt plate extending from the buffer tube sleeve; a spool housing attached to and extending downwardly from the buffer tube sleeve; a spool and axle combination operatively mounted within the housing; a sling having proximal end fixedly attached to the spool; a recoil spring connected operatively to the spool for drawing the sling toward the spool; multiplicities of lugs and recesses, each recess being bounded by a pair of the lugs and the recesses and lugs being formed wholly with the spool; and a pawl and pawl actuator attached to the frame, the actuator being adapted for normally engaging the pawl within at least one of the recesses.

Abstract: An adjustable free-float forend/handguard mounting assembly for a small arms weapon, for attaching a forend/handguard to the small arms weapon. The assembly includes a barrel nut having internal female threads at a forward end and internal female threads at an opposite rearward end and having a plurality of radial utility holes. The assembly further includes a jam ring having internal cylindrical surfaces and having a plurality of threaded radial mounting holes, a washer, and a jam bolt having a hollow cylindrical body with a rearwardly extending externally male threaded portion and a forward external collar portion. The jam ring is rotatingly supported on its internal cylindrical surfaces for free rotation about the male threaded portion and the forward external collar portion of the jam bolt. The washer and the jam ring have similar internal diameters and are each similarly mounted on the jam bolt.

Abstract: A payload launch system is described that provides one launch solution suitable for multiple applications. A payload, such as a UAV, is launched from a sealed launch tube using compressed gas or other energy source. The launch tube can be used to transport and protect the payload from harsh environments for extended periods prior to launch.

Abstract: There is provided a shooting training aid for a gun including a sight channel, a wing and connection member for connecting the shooting aid to the gun. The sight channel has a central vertical axis that extends substantially perpendicularly to an upper plane of the wing. There is also provided a gun mount training and gun-fit assessment methods using the shooting aid of the present invention.

Abstract: A device for preventing secondary light emitted by a laser sight from being seen is disclosed. The device includes a cavity defined by a sidewall and first and second ends of a light containment structure. In some embodiments, the light containment structure is mountable so as to receive light from a laser sight of a weapon through a first opening located at the first end of the light containment structure. The device can include a first portion located at the second end of the light containment structure, and a second opening defined by the first portion and that can pass light from the cavity toward an object such that the object is illuminated to a user of the weapon by the light from the second opening. In some embodiments, the cavity can be configured such that light does not directly illuminate the sidewall.

Abstract: A flexible and malleable ballistic panel having an adhesive surface for bonding the ballistic shield to a substrate, the ballistic shield including a laminate of a plurality of ballistic-resistant layers comprising ballistic material, each the ballistic-resistant layer having a first inner surface and second outer surface, and a plurality of bonding layers comprising banding butyl rubber material, each bonding layer having a first inner surface and second outer surface, at least one of the bonding layer being an inner-most layer of the laminate, and each ballistic-resistant layer having a bonding layer therebetween. The base layer of the ballistic shield is attached to the inner surface of the substrate to provide a reinforced substrate that improves the resistance to penetration of the reinforced substrate by a ballistic projectile.

Abstract: A protective collapsible shield is provided. The protective collapsible shield may include a first panel, a second panel and a third panel. The first and second panels each have a rectangular protrusion or lip extending from a bottom edge. The third panel includes slots for housing the first panel and the second panel. The third panel further includes snapping straps for securing the first and second panels in the slots when the protective collapsible shield is in a retracted state. The third panel further includes multiple locking mechanisms. Each of the locking mechanisms includes a cylindrical rod, a handle fastened to the cylindrical rod and a housing for receiving the cylindrical rod. The locking mechanisms engage with the first and second rectangular protrusions to secure the first and second panels in the slots when the protective collapsible shield is in an extended state.

Abstract: A barricade component comprises an endless perimeter wall defining a geometric shape in a front-to-back plane. At least two circumferentially spaced-apart connecting lugs are also provided on the perimeter wall which interconnect like or similar barricade components and these extend in an axial top-to-bottom direction. A reinforcement cage is within the perimeter wall and the lugs, and at least one elongate truss extends in a circumferential direction and an axial direction within the wall from one said lug to the other said lug. A method of interconnecting a plurality of said barricade components, and a method of forming such a barricade component are also provided.

Abstract: A dart game system comprising a steel-tipped dart, a sisal dart board, at least one first mobile computing scoring device comprising a scoring interface, and a remote mobile computing device adapted to receive the scoring interface from the at least one scoring device for display of real-time dart game scores at a remote location.

Abstract: A target system designed to be stand-alone and modular which includes a target area which is two or more sided and which can be rotated through a large number of different positions and rotations. The system can also include systems for projectile impact recognition. Target rotation is generally accomplished through a target base that is in communication with and configured to receive data input from a remote target controller.

Abstract: A firearm ammunition cartridge comprises a case having a substantially tubular body portion, an open leading end, and a trailing end defining a primer port. An insert is received within the case and extending along the body portion. The insert has an exterior surface conforming to an interior surface of the body portion and a central cavity extending along an axial dimension of the insert. The central cavity opens to the primer port at the trailing end of the case and to a leading end of the insert. A quantity of gunpowder is disposed within the central cavity, and a projectile is received and retained within the leading end of the case. The gunpowder is confined to a chamber comprising at least a portion of the central cavity between said case trailing end and the projectile.

Abstract: An insert/outsert assembly for an arrow. The insert includes a cylindrical body having first and second ends. The second end of the insert is dimensioned to fit within the bore of an arrow shaft. The first end includes a prong containing male threads. The outsert includes a cylindrical wall with an arrowshaft end and an arrowhead end. A center bore extends between the arrowshaft and arrowhead ends. The center bore contains a threaded region with female threads located intermediate of the arrowhead end and arrowshaft end. The insert is threadedly connected to the outsert. An arrowhead is threadedly connected to the outsert.

Abstract: A series of small explosive charges are used to preferentially crack the casing of a warhead to provide for a controlled fragmentation of the warhead. During detonation of the warhead's explosive fill, the casing will break early in the process along predetermined lines resulting in very large fragments that are projected toward the ground and away from innocent civilians. A fragmentation control collar which contacts these charges can be fitted on the outside of existing warheads. An annular liner within the warhead aids in the controlled fragmentation.

Abstract: A kinetic fireball incendiary munition is provided having an outer shell or bomb casing, one or more incendiary sub munitions therein, and an igniter therefore. Each of the submunitions includes an incendiary portion, at least one rocket motor that propels the submunition inside of a target volume, and an oxidizer for the incendiary portion and rocket motor. The submunitions liberate sufficient heat to produce elevated temperatures inside of a target structure to thermalize the contents thereof without creating a substantial overpressure or explosive effect.

Abstract: A system for initiating and controlling a reaction between a metal and water is provided for use in propelling a rocket, torpedo, or other munition. A thermite charge having a quantity of reducing metal in excess of that required to react with the metal oxide is utilized to melt and/or vaporize the excess reducing metal. Water may be added to the munition immediately before use, or in the case of a torpedo, may be taken in from the surrounding water. The principles embodied by Bernoulli's equation may be used to regulate the intake of water for the reaction with the reducing metal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile destruction system, for example provided for allowing thermal destruction of ammunition, small arms and thereto related material. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for controlling such a destruction system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric detonator (1) comprising a cap (2), comprising a priming charge (3) and an electrode (4), comprising a positive pole, a negative pole and a resistor element (8), the said priming charge (3) comprising at least two primary explosives, a first primary explosive (9) and a second primary explosive (10), and at least one secondary explosive (11). The electric detonator is characterized in that the two primary explosives (9, 10) and the secondary explosive (11) are arranged in layers, in an increasing degree of sensitivity, bearing one against the other, wherein the first primary explosive (9), constituting the most sensitive of the two primary explosives (9, 10), is arranged closest to the resistor element (8), and in that the second primary explosive (10) is arranged thereafter between the first primary explosive (10) and the secondary explosive (11). The invention also relates to a production method for the said electric detonator (1).

Abstract: A method includes sequentially acquiring phase-shifted images of an optical source in a plurality of predetermined positions in the z plane to form a plurality of image frame sequences; determining from the plurality of image frame sequences at least one phase-related characteristic associated with each predetermined position of the optical source in the z plane; and storing the at least one phase-related characteristic and the predetermined positions of the optical source in the z plane.

Abstract: A clear image of a measurement target in optical coherence tomography (OCT) is obtained while suppressing influence of reflected light from a specific portion. Included are a laser beam source, a beam splitter that splits a laser beam into a signal beam and reference beam; an objective lens that focuses the signal beam onto a measurement target in a container, a unit that moves the signal beam focus position, an objective lens that focuses the reference beam, a reflecting mirror, a flat plate arranged between the objective lens and reflecting mirror, and interference optics that combine the signal beam reflected by the measurement target with the reference beam reflected by the reflecting mirror and having passed through the objective lens. Three or more interference beams with different phases, and photodetectors that detect the interference beams are generated, and two of the objective lenses are the same lenses.

Abstract: An integrated sensing device with a suite of sensors assists construction machine operators in finding the correct level to dig a ditch/trench. The sensing device includes a gravity sensor to determine angles, a laser distance meter (LDM), and a laser receiver for detecting a known jobsite elevation. The sensing device is mounted to the dipper stick of an excavator; the gravity sensor detects the angle of the stick, and the laser receiver detects a laser plane of light that represents a known jobsite elevation. The LDM is aimed at another member of the machine that moves in a predetermined path as the bucket is rotated, to and the distance between the LDM and the target member is used to calculate the vertical elevation of the working tool edge. A display graphically shows the operator the proper dig depth and the present position of the working tool edge.

Abstract: A method for verifying a position of an energy beam spot, said method comprising the steps of: providing a calibrated energy beam having a first focus in a at least two positions at a work table, detecting said at least two positions of said energy beam spot on said work table created with said energy beam having said first focus, providing said calibrated energy beam having a second focus in said at least two positions at a work table, detecting said at least two positions of said energy beam spot on said work table created with said energy beam having said second focus, comparing said at least two positions created with said first and second focus, wherein said position of the energy beam is verified if said positions created with said first focus are deviating less than a predetermined distance from said positions created with said second focus.

Abstract: A multi-layer transparent composite detection technique includes producing two beams from a single, low-coherence source, a test beam and a reference beam, and scanning the reference beam to determine, with high precision, the depths of flaws (e.g., delaminations, bubbles, inclusions or other reflective or scattering objects) within a specimen or test object. The techniques combine light back-reflected or back-scattered from an internal flaw or interface with light in a reference path to identify such features and locations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a measurement apparatus for measuring a shape of a test surface, comprising an optical system configured to irradiate a measurement point on the test surface and a reference surface with light, and cause test light and reference light reflected to interfere with each other, a detector configured to detect an optical path length difference between the test light and the reference light by using interfering light and a processor configured to determine a position of the measurement point based on a plurality of detection results by the detector, wherein a detection result includes an error which cyclically changes, and the plurality of detection results include n detection results obtained in n states in which optical path lengths of the test light are different from each other by 1/n (n?2) of a cycle of the error.

Abstract: A measurement system includes: a projection apparatus that projects, onto a subject, first pattern light indicating a first pattern projection image including a first pattern image corresponding to a specific bit in gray code obtained by gray-coding projection coordinates stipulated by a projection coordinate system, and a second pattern image having the same cycle as the first pattern image, but having a different phase from the first pattern image, following a projection sequence where projections of the first and second pattern images coexist; and at least one imaging apparatus that images the first pattern light and generates an imaged image.

Abstract: The time and labor required to set an extraction region of point cloud data is decreased. A shape measuring apparatus includes a projecting unit that projects a measurement beam onto a measurement region of a measurement target, an imaging unit that captures an image of the measurement target onto which the measurement beam is projected, a movement mechanism that relatively moves the projecting unit or the imaging unit with respect to the measurement target so that a position of the measurement region of the measurement target changes, and an extraction region setting unit that sets an extraction region for image information used for calculating a position of the measurement target from capture images captured by the imaging unit, on the basis of positions of images of the measurement beam captured by the imaging unit when the measurement beam is projected onto different measurement regions.

Abstract: A method includes moving a first sensor assembly to a plurality of cross direction positions relative to a second sensor assembly, where the first and second sensor assemblies are configured to move in the cross direction relative to a web of material. The method also includes, for each of the plurality of cross direction positions, determining a sensor value associated with a sensor source disposed at the second sensor assembly as measured by a sensor receiver disposed at the first sensor assembly. The method further includes determining a starting alignment position of the first sensor assembly to be a first cross direction position where a difference between the sensor value at the first cross direction position and a corresponding sensor value at one or more adjacent cross direction positions is a minimum.

Abstract: A method for verifying a size of an energy beam spot, said method comprising the steps of providing a first beam spot having a predetermined size and power at a first position on a work piece, varying a focus and/or astigmatism lens setting for said first beam spot until max intensity for the beam spot is detected, comparing the detected settings of said focus lens and/or astigmatism lens for said maximum intensity of the beam spot with stored settings of said focus lens and/or astigmatism lens for the beam spot with said predetermined size and power, repeating step a-c for different predetermined beam powers, repeating step a-d for different positions on said work piece, wherein said beam spot size is verified if each detected settings of said focus lens and/or astigmatism lens are deviating less than a predetermined value from corresponding stored settings of said focus lens and/or astigmatism lens.

Abstract: For a simple, fast, safe and reliable determination of the layer thickness of a bonding layer between two layers of a packaging, a laser ultrasonic method is provided, in which the transit time of the ultrasonic wave through the first and second packaging layers (2, 3) is determined in advance, and a maximum (M1, M2, Mn) in the measurement signal (S) is sought, and the point in time of occurrence of this maximum (M1, M2, Mn) is determined as the total transit time (T1, T2, Tn) of the ultrasonic wave, and the transit time of the ultrasonic wave through the first and second packaging layers (2, 3) is subtracted from the total transit time (T1, T2, Tn), and the thickness (d) of the bonding layer is deduced from the known ultrasonic speed (vS) in the bonding layer (5).

Abstract: An inclinometer that provides inclination data of a walking beam in a rod pumping system includes a cover including an indented portion external to the inclinometer. The cover is attached to a chassis which together provide an internal area. Magnets are attached to a bottom of the chassis to magnetically attach the inclinometer to the walking beam. A power supply within the internal area includes a power storage and a charger. A solar panel is disposed in the indented portion of the cover and electrically connects to the power supply through a hole in the cover. Beam angle sensor circuitry measures an inclination of the walking beam and transmits corresponding inclination measurement data via an antenna in the internal area. The power supply is configured to supply power to this beam angle sensor circuitry.

Abstract: A level device in the present invention is described as having an elongated rigid frame with an X-shaped profile. The level device has modularly attachable levels, which include levels that can be rotated about the lengthwise axis of the level device, rotatable levels attached to the frame, circular surface levels attached to the frame, and levels guided by visual laser beams. Mechanical structures within the level device allow level modules to be swapped in and out based on user requirements. The level device has slide-able attachments which extend the footprint and measuring capabilities of the level.

Abstract: Optically magnifying apparatus, in particular monocular or binocular telescope or field glasses (1) or the like, having a housing (2) with at least one lens barrel (4) for accommodating optical elements (5), a compass device (6) which is arranged in the housing (2), at least one electronic device which is arranged in the housing (2), and at least one accommodation region (7) for at least one power source in the form of a battery (8) or the like, wherein the accommodation region (7) for the power source (8) or the power source (8) itself comprises a screening device (10) which acts against a magnetic sensor (9) of the compass device (6).

Abstract: A method and system for compensating for significant soft iron magnetic disturbances in a heading reference system, such as an aircraft heading reference system, such as an integrated standby unit; or a vehicle inertial system, provides a heading correction signal to the heading reference system when a detected difference in value between a gyro heading relative to magnetic north and a magnetometer reading during a defined measurement period exceeds a predetermined acceptable threshold value of change, such as one based on the expected gyro drift over that period. Upon receipt of the heading correction signal, the gyro heading is adjusted to maintain an accurate heading relative to true magnetic north. If this threshold value is not exceeded, then the magnetometer reading is used for the heading value. This method is iteratively repeated in order to continually maintain an accurate heading and may be employed for each heading measurement axis.

Abstract: A short-path fuzzy navigation method is provided. The short-path fuzzy navigation method has steps of: a navigation apparatus planning a default path having a plurality of intersections thereon; and the navigation apparatus starting a short-path fuzzy navigation procedure. The short-path fuzzy navigation procedure has steps of: selecting two of the intersections as a starting point and a destination; calculating a plurality of possible paths between the starting point and the destination; for each of the possible paths, determining whether the possible path satisfies predetermined criteria; selecting each possible path which satisfies the predetermined criteria as a candidate path; sending a notice of a driving direction toward each candidate path before reaching the starting point; and terminating the short-path fuzzy navigation procedure when reaching the destination.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predictive health monitoring of gyroscopes and accelerometers are provided. In one embodiment, a system comprises: a plurality of navigation devices each comprising at least one gyroscope or accelerometer and at least one predictive health monitoring module, wherein the at least one predictive health monitoring module collects diagnostic parameters from the at least one gyroscope or accelerometer; and at least one server communicatively coupled to the plurality of navigation devices, the at least one server configured to receive the collected data from the plurality of navigation devices and analyze the collected data from the plurality of navigation devices to determine a service prognosis.

Abstract: An information processing device acquires acceleration generated by movement of a user, and estimates that the movement of the user is walking or running based on this acquired acceleration. In addition, traveling direction estimation methods for estimating the traveling direction of the user are switched between, based on the estimation results for the movement of the user, and the traveling direction of the user is estimated by way of this selected traveling direction estimation method.

Abstract: A guidance platform for providing guidance information is disclosed. The guidance platform receives a request from a user to navigate to a destination point. Based on the request, the guidance platform calculates a route to the destination point from a current location of the user. Further, the guidance platform selects guidance beacons installed along the calculated route. The guidance platform then activates the guidance beacons to initiate a presentation of the guidance information to the user.

Abstract: A method and system for determining an alignment error between sensors mounted to a machine is disclosed. The method may include calculating a first orientation value based on a signal received from a first sensor. The method may further include calculating a second orientation value based on a signal received from a second sensor. The method may further include calculating an alignment error between the first sensor and the second sensor based on a difference between the first orientation value and the second orientation value.

Abstract: A navigation device comprises a database storing footprint data for buildings which define a footprint of the respective building. For at least some buildings, the footprint data comprise position information defining a position of the building, a length indicator indicating a length of a rectangular portion of the footprint, and a width indicator indicating a width of the rectangular portion of the footprint. The length indicator is stored in a single byte. The width indicator is stored in another single byte.

Abstract: A curve-shape modeling device that divides multiple sampling points along a route into a linear section, a relaxation curve section and a steady section, and models a curve shape of the route, includes: a curve extraction unit that extracts a curve from the sampling points based on a curvature of the sampling points; a steady section curvature determination unit that determines a curvature of the steady section based on a curvature of sampling points included in an extracted curve; and a curve entry and exit determination unit that sets a predetermined curvature range including the curvature of the steady section, and determines a start point and an end point of the steady section based on the curvature range.

Abstract: An map display method wherein a point of interest is displayed on a map, the geo-coordinates updated by a trusted person and then stored for subsequent display to the displays of a plurality of different computers such as through the internet.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for measuring quality in optimal navigation routes. A plurality of nodes having latitude and longitude coordinates is received for analysis. The nodes may be map matched with a road network and a traveled route of the navigation device may be determined. Alternative routes may be calculated between the origin and destination of the traveled route at a time after the traveled route is completed. Comparisons may be made between the traveled route and the alternative routes. The comparison data may be used to develop an improved traffic database or the data may be reported to a navigation device or navigation service provider.

Abstract: A method according to an embodiment of the invention is provided for identifying at least one routing option for use in routing a user from a current location to at least one destination comprising.