Abstract: A method for coating an aluminum alloy heat exchanger includes subjecting at least one surface of the heat exchanger to a pre-treatment process including cleaning; conversion coating the at least one surface of the heat exchanger with a trivalent chromium compound; and subjecting the at least one conversion coated surface to an electro-coating in an aqueous solution containing an organic corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: An auto-loading firearm includes a bolt assembly that is both automatically operable and manually operable between a forward position closing the chamber of the firearm and a rearward position opening the chamber, and a fire control mechanism. The fire control mechanism comprises a trigger plate assembly operably located between the chamber and a magazine that is capable of housing one or more additional rounds of ammunition. The trigger plate assembly includes a latch release and a carrier that is operable to lift a round from the magazine to the chamber. The fire control mechanism further includes a feed latch that is operable to release of a round from the magazine onto the carrier when disengaged by the latch release. The trigger plate assembly and the feed latch are configurable to control the release of rounds of ammunition from the magazine during manual operation of the fire control.

Abstract: Firearms where the bolt catch, magazine, or both, can be released from either side using the same or a substantially similar motion using contact features that look, feel, or operate similarly on both sides, that are located within the firearm rather than externally, that can be used more easily or reliably, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a bolt catch engagement feature is similarly ambidextrous. In many embodiments, a user action on one side of the firearm is substantially similar to, but in the opposite direction from, a user action on the other side that performs the same function. In various embodiments, a left button, pad, or feature is directly opposite and in line with a right button, pad, or feature. Bolt catches can use two levers and magazine release mechanisms can use two parallel elongated members that are perpendicular to the barrel with a catch actuator located between.

Abstract: A firearm suppressor (1) has a suppressor housing (10) defining the outer surface of the suppressor (1), a mounting member (2) for fastening/detaching the suppressor (1) with a barrel (70) of the firearm (7) and having an aperture (20) for a projectile (8) and propellant gases of the firearm (7) to enter the suppressor (1), an interior arranged to form a number of compartments (30), which are separated by conical baffles (3) having an aperture (32) for the projectile to pass through, an exit aperture (60) for the projectile (8) and the propellant gases to exit the suppressor (1), the compartments (30) formed by the conical baffles (3) are different in volume so that in the order of advancing projectile path (PP) the largest compartment (30) is followed by number of smaller compartments (30).

Abstract: A system and method for a combination flash hider and muzzle brake. The flash hider is upstream of the muzzle brake. This allows the flash hider to take priority over the muzzle brake. The flash hider has slots allowing the exhausting gas to exit, causing the exhaust gases to decrease temperature and pressure to a point below the flash point. This reduces flash. The muzzle brake has at least one port.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for flash suppression according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a body that is configured to be selectively coupled to a firearm. The body may be formed with curved and or arcing protrusions extending longitudinally along the body. Each protrusion is separated from another protrusion by a gap configured to dissipate gases and unburned materials exiting the barrel of the firearm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a muzzle device for use with a muzzle end of a firearm barrel. The muzzle device includes a body having a central passageway extending along a central axis and being mountable to the muzzle end of the firearm barrel. A plurality of circumferentially spaced ports are provided on the body and extend generally radially outward from the central axis and open to the central passageway to provide fluid communication between the central passageway and an ambient environment external of the body. The ports are configured to direct propulsion gases generally radially outward therethrough when the firearm is discharged. The body includes a right-side portion and a left-side portion defined by a vertically-oriented imaginary plane, the ports being provided on the body such that the right-side portion directs a greater volume of propulsion gases therethrough than the left-side portion when the firearm is discharged.

Abstract: An apparatus is for use with a firearm having any one of a forestock and a barrel section and for use with an elongated stationary object. The apparatus includes a clamp device having a clamp portion. A forestock-support member is configured to make contact with any one of a forestock and a barrel section once the firearm is spatially positioned to do just so. A swivel connector is configured to extend from the clamp portion. The swivel connector is configured to rotatably couple the forestock-support member to the clamp portion. This is done in such a way that the forestock-support member, in use, pivotally swivels at will relative to the clamp portion once any one of a forestock and a barrel section (in use) contacts the swivel connector.

Abstract: A projectile launcher having a pair of band securement elements each configured to secure the ends of a band and a pair of members disposed a distance from the pair of securement elements and located to permit the band to wrap about each of the pair of members passing the medial portion of the band between the pair of members to stretch the band toward the drawn condition of the projectile launcher.

Abstract: An archery bow system apparatus and related methods for reducing bow torque, comprising: an outer bow grip; an inner bow handle enclosed by the outer bow grip; wherein: when the bow system is in an undrawn state, the outer bow grip is prevented from rotating relative to the inner bow handle; and when the bow system is drawn into in a drawn state, the outer bow grip is enabled to rotate over a limited angular range relative to the inner bow handle.

Abstract: A pulley assembly for a compound bow comprises a draw cable pulley and a power module attached to the draw cable pulley and adjustable among one or more positions and two orientations. Changing the power module orientation at a given power module position alters the bow's draw force curve and stored energy without altering the bow's draw length or draw weight.

Abstract: An arrow shaft pressing device for a crossbow includes a sleeve connected to one end of the aiming device and has a passage with an aperture defined through the lower end of the sleeve. A shoulder is formed at the connection portion between the passage and the aperture. A pressing member has a flange and a shank extending from the underside of the flange. The pressing member is located in the passage of the sleeve and the distal end of the shank extends beyond the aperture. A restriction member is connected to the top end of the sleeve. A resilient member is biased between the flange of the pressing member and the restriction member. The distal end of the shank of the pressing member resiliently presses the arrow shaft.

Abstract: A projectile launching system including a safety oriented projectile launching platform and mechanism disposed to segregate the genre of projectile which may be launched from the system. The launching system may include an embodiment embarked upon as a crossbow which includes a control mechanism in combination with which allows only one type of safe projectile to be launched from the device and also either prevents unwarranted or foreign matter from being loaded, or does not allow such items to launch or recoil, thus preventing injury to the users or bystanders.

Abstract: A device for controlling fluid delivery includes a hollow body closed by opposed end walls having an inlet and an outlet for a pressurized fluid and defining a first variable-volume chamber, between the inlet and the outlet for containing a first volume of pressurized fluid, an obturating member interacting with the downstream end wall of the hollow body for selectively closing the outlet, a guide member associated with the obturating member guiding it between a first end closing position and a second end opening position of the outlet; and an operating system acting upon the closure member to promote sliding thereof in the hollow body. The obturating member is movable relative to the guide member and is internally hollow to enclose the first chamber, and the guide member has a passage allowing fluid communication between the inlet and the first chamber. An air weapon incorporating the device.

Abstract: A firearm stock connection system that includes a grip with a first hole, a stock system with a second hole, and a button positioned within the first hole and extending through the second hole in an extended position. The stock system may include a frame member, a plate, an extender tube, and a lock. The extender tube may be threaded onto a threaded projection of the plate. The lock may prevent rotation of the extender tube with respect to the threaded projection. The extender tube may include structures that engage a portion of the lock. The structures may be a plurality of slots. The stock system may include a recoil device. The recoil device may be filled with gas. The grip may include a first end, a second end, a gap positioned between the first and second ends, and a bolt aperture extending from the first end to the gap.

Abstract: An adjustable butt stock adapter assembly may provide for vertical and rotational adjustment. A serrated plate may be positioned between an adapter with grooves for establishing a rotational position with the serrated plate, and a butt plate having serrations for establishing a vertical relationship with the serrated plate. The serrated plate may be operatively attached to a spring collar mounted in the adapter, such that pulling the serrated plate away from the collar and adapter overcomes the spring force and allows for adjustment of the rotational position. The butt plate may connect to the serrated plate through an engagement mechanism, such that disengaging the engagement mechanism allows for adjustment of the vertical position.

Abstract: An optic mount for a firearm allows a user to switch between a primary optic and a secondary optic, facilitating rapid target acquisition when a user switches between close quarter engagement and long range engagement. The base of the optic mount is securable to a firearm. A primary optic platform can be pivoted and linearly translated with respect to the base. The primary optic platform is spring biased toward the front of the base. An actuator mechanism rotates a secondary optic platform on the base from a spring-biased first orientation to a second orientation. When in the first position, the primary optic platform engages the actuator mechanism, causing the secondary optic platform to be rotated to the second orientation. When in the second position, the primary optic platform does not engage the actuator mechanism, allowing the secondary optic platform to rotate to the first orientation.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method and system for improving situational awareness and accuracy of a user with a firearm. The system includes a blank firing laser attachment which is mounted to an end of the firearm and emits a laser when the trigger is pulled.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical scope including an objective lens, an eyepiece lens, and a reticle, wherein a field lens having negative power is disposed in at least one of a front and a back of the reticle disposed on an image formation surface of the objective lens to increase eye-relief.

Abstract: This invention teaches a weapon sight whose eyepoint is offset with respect to the sight's main optical axis. A refracting wedge prism is added to the optical layout of a telescopic sight to tilt the viewing axis and provide an offset eyepoint. The invention has several advantages including better ergonomics when used in combination with other type of sights such as open sights or reflex sights.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy absorber for a blast barrier system comprising a substantially tubular member extending longitudinally along an axis from a first end portion to a second end portion, each of the first end portion and the second end portion having a substantially similar geometric profile, wherein the energy absorber collapses under a predetermined load when compressed by a residual blast force. The energy absorber of the present invention may help minimize damage to people and structures by further dissipating force from a blast in a blast barrier system.

Abstract: An expandable broadhead includes an elongated ferrule and a blade. The ferrule includes a forward ferrule tip and an aft shank operable to connect the broadhead to an arrow shaft. The blade presents an elongated cutting edge that extends along the length of the blade. The blade is shiftably mounted relative to the ferrule to shift into and out of a retracted position where the blade extends alongside the ferrule. The blade extends forwardly beyond the ferrule tip in the retracted position so that the blade presents a leading tip of the broadhead.

Abstract: An arrowhead attachment is provided. The arrowhead attachment may be formed from a unitary sheet of attachment material so as to be bent and/or twisted from a shipping configuration to an operable configuration. The arrowhead attachment may include an annular body and a plurality of radial arms extending from a periphery of the annular body. In the shipping configuration, at least one piercing tip is disposed alone each radial arm so as to be co-planar with the plurality of radial arms and the annular body. A user may use a common tool to twist the arrowhead attachment from the shipping configuration to the operable configuration. Then the user may place the arrow shaft through a shaft opening formed by the annular body so as to couple the arrowhead attachment behind an arrowhead.

Abstract: A hunting arrow for tracking target animals is disclosed and described. The arrow can include a chamber. The arrow may also include a transmitter housing that is installable into the chamber. A pair of bores extending through the transmitter housing and chamber may be configured and adapted for receiving a pair of shear pins. The shear pins may secure the housing in the chamber. The transmitter housing may comprise an animal engagement member, such as a hook. The transmitter housing is ejected from the chamber when the arrow strikes a target animal and the hook stops the forward momentum of the transmitter housing with sufficient force to shear the shear pins, thereby ejecting and embedding the transmitter housing in the hide of the animal. The transmitter within the housing may broadcast the location of the animal to the hunter to enable easy tracking of the animal, if wounded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrow with an embedded deployable RFID tag, and to the methods of using the same in order to improve tracking of an animal. In one embodiment, the tracking device has a body that attached intermediate the head and shaft of an arrow. The internal components can compress during impact with a target, allowing an embedded to become embedded within the target. The embedder can utilize an RFID or other electronically trackable device. A safety can further be provided to prevent the deployment of the embedder during target practice. A tracker can be used to track specific tags that are deployed, and in particular, tags that are lodged within an animal. In one additional embodiment, a signal is provided when the RFID tag is deployed.

Abstract: A system for thermal destruction of munitions has a rotatable kiln with a duct opening. A gate pivotally connected to the duct is arranged to open and close the duct. A loading tray is pivotally connected to the duct such that with the kiln in a first position with the gate open, the loading tray may be pivoted to load the kiln. After a thermal destruction process, rotation of the kiln to a second position facilitates emptying of the kiln via the duct.

Abstract: An explosives storage system including a container having an opening extending from a top end of the container along a center axis of the container, a sidewall formed between an outer perimeter of the container and an inner perimeter of the opening, and a base portion formed at a bottom end of the container to enclose a bottom of the opening, the bottom of the opening having a hemispherical shape.

Abstract: Provided is a scale holding device including a scale and an attachment plate holding the scale. The scale holding device includes the attachment plate configured to have a first surface abutting on a first lateral side of the scale and a second surface facing a rear side of the scale, a first adhesive material configured to removably adhere the second surface of the attachment plate and the rear side of the scale to each other, and a second adhesive material configured to adhere the scale and the attachment plate to each other on a second lateral side of the scale.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing arranged to substantially enclose an internal cavity, the housing defining a tape port, and a tape positioned partially within the housing, the tape including an end portion that extends through the tape port and out of the housing. A hook is coupled to the end portion and a finger guard assembly is coupled to the housing and spaced apart from the tape port. The end portion extends through an aperture in the finger guard assembly and is movable between a retracted position in which the hook abuts the finger guard assembly and an extended position in which the hook is spaced apart from the finger guard assembly.

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: A capacitive sensor device and a method of manufacture are provided. The capacitive sensor device includes at least one sensor tip that includes an electrode positioned at a first end of the sensor tip, and a stem member coupled to the electrode and extending toward a second end of the sensor tip. The device also includes a coaxial cable including a center conductor, the center conductor coupled to the sensor tip at the second end, and an insulation layer supporting the sensor tip between the first and second ends. The insulation layer includes a metallization on a portion surrounding the second end of the sensor tip. The device further includes a casing surrounding a portion of the coaxial cable, the metallization, and the coupling of the center conductor and the sensor tip, wherein a braze joint is formed between the casing and the metallization to form a hollow, hermetic cavity.

Abstract: A rotational angle detecting device includes a resistor of which one end is connected to the power source and the other end is grounded, a rotary potentiometer having two wipers which come into sliding contact with the surface of the resistor, a control unit which detects voltage applied to each of the wipers depending on the positions thereof upon the surface of the resistor, two resistors connected at one end to each of the two wipers, and switching means which switch the connection state between the other end of the two resistors and the power source under control of the control unit.

Abstract: A laser interferometer and a method for operating a laser interferometer perform a differential position measurement by laser interferometry of two elements while offering a rotational degree of freedom to one of the elements using a reflecting sphere as a mirror for the laser beam. The laser interferometer and method do not require the object to be aligned with the rotation axis, but instead can track the object in off-centered geometries. This is achieved by employing the pointing of the reflected beam from the sphere as a feedback signal to realign the interferometer which then has a constant beam pointing to the center of the sphere in all cases. The laser interferometer and method keep the direction of the measurement constant. The laser interferometer and method are suitable for homodyne and heterodyne types of laser interferometer technology.

Abstract: A frequency swept laser source for TEFD-OCT imaging includes an integrated clock subsystem on the optical bench with the laser source. The clock subsystem generates frequency clock signals as the optical signal is tuned over the scan band. Preferably the laser source further includes a cavity extender in its optical cavity between a tunable filter and gain medium to increase an optical distance between the tunable filter and the gain medium in order to control the location of laser intensity pattern noise. The laser also includes a fiber stub that allows for control over the cavity length while also controlling birefringence in the cavity.

Abstract: In part, the invention relates to methods, devices, and systems suitable for controlling a light source. The light source is configured for use in a data collection system such as an optical coherence tomography system. The light source can be controlled with a drive waveform. Linearizing and symmetrizing parameters of the light source such as forward and backward scan durations is achieved using a suitable drive waveform. Phase, amplitude, and other parameters for different harmonics of a fundamental wave can be identified that improve operating parameters such as the duty cycle and peak frequency matching between scans. The fundamental wave and one or more of such harmonics can be combined to generate the suitable drive wave form. The light source can include a tunable light source that includes or is in optical communication with a tunable filter.

Abstract: A three-dimensional measuring device includes an extraction unit that extracts an image data set with a brightness value of each of pixels in image data within an effective range from among a plurality of image data sets at each of coordinate positions of an object to be measured, and a three-dimensional measurement unit that performs three-dimensional measurement relating to each of the coordinate positions of the object to be measured based on the extracted image data set. The extraction unit extracts the image data set imaged under a pattern light with the highest irradiation brightness among a plurality of types of pattern lights when there is a plurality of sets of the image data sets with the brightness value of each of the pixels in the image data within the effective range from among the plurality of the image data sets.

Abstract: An assembly includes a fish tape device or a duct rodding device having digital measurement unit attached thereto. A tape is housed in the fish tape device or a duct rodding device and is paid out of the device. The digital measurement unit includes an optical sensor which is positioned proximate to the tape. As the tape is passed by the optical sensor, the optical sensor uses digital image correlation to take successive images of the tape to determine a length measurement of tape that has passed by the optical sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system for measuring the thickness of a thin film are provided. The apparatus includes a signal detector, a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) generator, an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) generator, and a thickness analyzer. The signal detector detects an electric field signal with respect to a reflected light that is reflected from a thin film. The FFT generator performs FFT with respect to the electric field signal to separate a DC component from an AC component of the electric field signal. The IFFT generator receives the separated AC component of the electric field signal, performs IFFT with respect to the AC component, and extracts a phase value of the AC component. The thickness analyzer measures the thickness of the thin film using the extracted phase value.

Abstract: A laser scanner device for optically scanning and measuring an environment includes a base, a measuring head which is rotatable relative to the base, and a mirror which is rotatably relative to the measuring head, wherein, in at least one operating mode, the laser scanner is mounted on a cart by a mounting device, the cart moves the base which is fixedly connected with the mounting device, the measuring head rests relative to the base, the mirror rotates, and the measuring head is locked with the mounting device by a locking mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical sensing system (1) for determining the position and/or shape of an associated object (O), the system comprises an optical fibers (10) having one or more optical fiber cores (9) with one or more fiber Bragg gratings (FBG, 8) extending along the full length where the position and/or shape is be to determined of said object (O). A reflectometer (REFL, 12) measures strain at a number of sampling points along the optical fiber cores, and a processor (PROC, 14) determines the position and/or shape based on said measured strains from the plurality of optical fiber cores. The fiber Bragg grating(s) (FBG, 8) extends along the full length of said optical fiber cores (9), the fiber core having a spatially modulated reflection (r) along the said full length of the optical fiber core so that the corresponding reflection spectrum is detectable in said wavelength scan.

Abstract: In a method and system for detecting a position of a sheet of light in an image, two parameters are used, namely the width of the widest peak to be detected and the intensity difference of the least-contrasted peak to be detected. From these two parameters, a size S, a distance D, and a threshold T are determined. A region of interest (ROI) is determined based on the intensity profile associated with a line of pixels of the image, distance D and threshold T. A derivative filter of size S is applied to the intensity profile to produce a slope of the intensity profile. In the determined ROI, one or more zero-crossings in the slope of the intensity profile are detected. From the detected zero-crossings, a zero-crossing is selected and the position of the selected zero-crossing is returned as the detected position of the sheet of light for the line of pixels.

Abstract: A distance detecting device and an image processing apparatus including the same are disclosed. The distance detecting device includes a first light source to output a first output beam and a second light source to output a second output beam having a wavelength different from that of the first output beam, a scanner to progressively perform first directional scanning and second directional scanning to output the first output beam and the second output beam to an outside, a first detecting unit to convert a first received beam corresponding to the first output beam into a first electric signal, a second detecting unit to convert a second received beam corresponding to the second output beam into a second electric signal, and a controller to detect a distance from an external target based on the first electric signal and the second electric signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining the distance to a specified point or distances between specified points on one or more objects, where the specified points are obscured behind an opaque barrier and cannot be viewed. Specified points are illuminated with penetrating radiation from two or more successive locations, and scattered radiation from the specified points is detected, and distance is calculated based on illumination angles. The apparatus has a source of penetrating radiation, a beam scanner for directing the penetrating radiation, a detector for detecting scattered radiation, and a processor for calculating the distance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rangefinder comprising: a housing shaped like a cylinder and opened frontward and backward; an object lens comprising one or more lenses arranged in a front end portion of the housing and facing an object targeted for distance measurement; a display providing a user with an image from the object lens; an image split prism arranged in between the object lens and the display, making the image from the object lens be split and focused, and installed movably along an optical axis within the housing so that a space between split images can be adjusted; and a distance indicator indicating distance from the targeted object in accordance with positions of the image split prism, in a state that the position of the image split prism is adjusted to set up the space between the split images to a reference position.

Abstract: A device relating to a standalone laser target system which has the capacity to employ gravity to achieve a position plumb with the ground and to be easily operated at night or in low light conditions. The laser target is retro-reflective and is self-plumbing from the target frame. The target frame also has a detachable handle, which is used for positioning the target. The target frame further has an internal power source to illuminate the target. The device is designed to be easily packed in a protective carrying case to facilitate transport of the device.

Abstract: In a surveying prism comprising a prism housing (12) for accommodating a prism element, which prism housing is pivotably mounted in a bracket about an axis that is oriented parallel to the light ingress surface of the prism element, the bracket is formed as a base comprising a base plate (16) which forms a support surface for the surveying prism (10), and two bearing flanges oriented perpendicular to said base plate, between which bearing flanges the prism housing (12) is pivotably mounted.

Abstract: A payload including a gimbal assembly and gyro assembly that includes a gyro assembly control associated with the gyro assembly and operable to trigger the gyro assembly to obtain deviation measurements and process the measurements in a first dynamic range for stabilizing the payload utilizing the gimbal assembly. The gyro assembly control is operable to trigger the gyro assembly to obtain instantaneous measurements and process the measurements in a second dynamic range having different sensitivity than the first dynamic range, for finding deviation of the payload from the magnetic north of the earth.

Abstract: A method for compensating for bias of a gyroscope. In one embodiment, bias measurements for a plurality of drive angles are generated using the gyroscope. A set of equations for the bias of the gyroscope is identified using a model for motion of the gyroscope. The set of equations includes a set of parameters for the bias of the gyroscope. A set of values for the set of parameters is identified using the bias measurements and the set of equations.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously identifying an inertial rate of a gyroscope and a bias for a gyroscope. A set of equations for an output of the gyroscope is identified using a model for motion of the gyroscope. The set of equations includes a set of parameters for the bias of the gyroscope. The inertial rate of the gyroscope and a set of values for the set of parameters for the bias of the gyroscope are identified using the set of equations and measurements generated by the gyroscope for a plurality of drive angles.

Abstract: An n-NV-based gyroscope is provided that includes a diamond structure implanted with a plurality of NV centers, whose nuclear spins form a spin gyroscope. A number of radio-frequency (rf) coils and microwave (?w) co-planar waveguides are fabricated on the diamond structure to provide a sensitive and stable three-axis gyroscope in the solid state while achieving gyroscopic sensitivity by exploiting the coherence time of the 14N nuclear spin associated with the NV centers in the diamond structure combined with the efficient optical polarization and measurement of electronic spin.