Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a heat exchanger having at least one heat transfer surface, wherein the heat is used in a thermodynamic process that uses a fluid that is condensed, expanded, evaporated, and compressed in a cycle process. The area of the heat transfer surface may be dimensioned with respect to a minimum surface area measurement of the heat transfer surface, the minimum surface area measurement being required at least for transmitting a minimum heat quantity to the fluid used with the heat exchanger in order to prevent a condensation of the fluid before, during, and after the compression process. The area of the heat transfer surface may be dimensioned based on a correlation between the molar mass of the fluid and the minimum surface area measurement of the heat transfer surface.

Abstract: An ejector has: a motive flow inlet; a secondary flow inlet; an outlet; and a motive nozzle. The motive nozzle has an exit. A motive flow flowpath proceeds through the motive nozzle and joins a secondary flow flowpath extending from the secondary flow inlet to form a combined flowpath to the outlet. From upstream to downstream along the motive flow flowpath, the motive nozzle has: a convergent section; a throat; a first divergent section commencing within 10% of a throat-to-exit length and diverging over a first length (LD1) of at least 10% of the throat-to-exit length (LTE); a second divergent section, the second divergent section diverging over a second length (LD2) of at least 10% of the throat-to-exit length at a shallower angle than the first divergent section over said first length.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotary four-way reversing valve with low pressure drop and low leakage, comprising a valve body and a valve core arranged in the valve body through bearings. The valve body comprises a low-pressure exhaust tube, a high-pressure air inlet tube, a condenser tube and an evaporating tube. The valve core is slantingly divided by a U-shaped seal ring with a spring into a high-pressure chamber and a low-pressure chamber that are not communicated with each other. The valve core comprises a through hole arranged in the high-pressure chamber and aligned with the high-pressure air inlet tube of the valve body and an opening aligned with the condenser tube or the evaporating tube, an opening arranged in the low-pressure chamber and always aligned with the low-pressure exhaust tube and an opening aligned with the condenser tube or the evaporating tube.

Abstract: A control method includes initially operating a compressor at the same RPM as an operating RPM of the compressor during a previous cycle, adjusting the RPM in consideration of an operation rate of the previous cycle such that the RPM is increased when the operation rate is greater than a first set value, reduced when the operation rate is less than a second set value, and maintained when the operation rate is within a range between the first set value and the second set value, and operating the compressor at the adjusted RPM, the first set value being greater than the second set value.

Abstract: A system for producing block ice may include a nitrogen gas supplying unit for supplying nitrogen gas under pressure; a cooled nitrogen-dissolved water producing unit for producing nitrogen-dissolved water, which is provided with a water receiving tank for storing material water, a cooler for cooling the water stored in the water receiving tank, and a nitrogen gas injector for injecting nitrogen gas supplied from the nitrogen gas supplying unit into the water stored in the water receiving tank; and a nitrogen-substitution block ice producing unit, which is provided with a plurality of ice cans immersed in a brine tank kept at a freezable temperature for water, a filling device for filling each of the ice cans with the nitrogen-dissolved water supplied from the nitrogen-dissolved water producing unit, and a gas injector for injecting nitrogen gas supplied from the nitrogen gas supplying unit into an unfrozen portion of the nitrogen-dissolved water.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration unit (TRU) includes a compressor. The TRU further includes a condenser disposed downstream of the compressor. The TRU further includes an expansion device disposed downstream of the condenser. The TRU further includes a first flow control device disposed downstream of the condenser. The TRU further includes a first evaporator disposed downstream of the expansion device and the first flow control device. The first evaporator is disposed upstream of a second flow control device. The second evaporator is disposed downstream of the first How control device., the expansion device, and the second flow control device. The second evaporator includes a thermal accumulator. The second flow control device disposed upstream of the compressor.

Abstract: A universal line components duct elbow (universal elbow) accommodates a variety of condensate tanks. The universal elbow includes an elbow base, an elbow cover, and an interface clip. The interface clip is releasably connected to the bottom wall and sidewalls of the elbow base and adapted for supporting a condensate tank within the universal elbow. In order to releasably connect the interface clip to the bottom wall of the elbow base, the bottom wall of the elbow base includes an elbow base/clip securing structure that engages a complementary clip/elbow base securing structure on one side of the interface clip. In order to secure the condensate tank within the universal elbow, the interface clip has a clip/tank securing structure on the opposite side that engages the structure of the condensate tank.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a bending machine main body, an internal heat exchanger, an external heat exchanger made of aluminum, a compressor. The vending machine further includes an attachment base made of a steel plate and disposed on the base such that the external heat exchanger and the compressor are provided on the attachment base, and a pair of right and left holding members made of synthetic resin and engaging with and fixing to the attachment base, each having an accommodation unit corresponding to an outer shape at two sides of a lower portion of the aluminum external heat exchanger. The pair of right and left holding members form a gap between the aluminum external heat exchanger and the attachment base such that the two sides of the lower portion of the aluminum external heat exchanger are accommodated and held in the accommodation units.

Abstract: An ice maker for forming ice having a refrigeration system, a water system, and a control system. The refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. The water system includes a water filter and a sump to hold water to be made into ice. The control system includes a controller adapted to determine a baseline freeze time, a baseline harvest time, and/or a baseline fill time after an initial set of ice making cycles and is further adapted to compare subsequent harvest times, freeze times, and/or fill times to the baseline freeze, harvest, and/or fill times to determine whether the ice maker needs maintenance. If controller determines that ice maker needs maintenance, controller can push a notification to a portable electronic device connected to the ice maker.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a main body; a storage room formed in the inside of the main body; a door including a front plate which is made of a steel material and in which a plurality of through holes forming a predetermined shape are formed, the door configured to open or close the storage room; a display unit disposed in the inside of the door, and including a display member in which a display element having a shape corresponding to the plurality of through holes and facing the plurality of through holes is formed; and an input member separated from the display unit, and configured to receive an operation command for operating the refrigerator.

Abstract: An object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator configured to improve main body stiffness, which is decreased as thickness of an insulation material is reduced to increase inner capacity of the main body, using a reinforcement structure, resulting in reduction of deformation of the main body. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator in which an electronic box including various electronic constituent elements needed to control the operation of the refrigerator is disposed in a hinge cover provided in a forward direction of an upper part of the main body, resulting in improved space utilization (or space occupancy).

Abstract: A device for biomass beneficiation, in particular for the mechanical drying of plant biomass. The device has a press chamber, which can be supplied with biomass via a feed chute and can be emptied via a feedstock outlet. A pressure plate, which for compacting the biomass can be moved by a feed unit against the front wall of the press chamber, the wall lying opposite to the pressure plate, is disposed in the press chamber. In addition, the device has conveys away the liquid phase coming out of the biomass during the compaction. A first pivot bearing, relative to the direction of biomass movement, is provided on which the pressure plate is mounted with its first edge, and a second pivot bearing, on which the pressure plate is mounted with its second edge opposite the first edge, whereby at least the first pivot bearing is movable transverse to the plane of the pressure plate.

Abstract: A post rapid prototyping device for drying a three dimensional printed object using forced air from an air blower, the device includes a housing having a substantially slanted bottom element and a drain, a top having a door for access to the interior of said housing wherein a drying hook is attached to the door, the housing has an aperture in a side element operable to receive air from the air blower and a vertical air channel operable to receive the forced air from said aperture, such that an output end of said vertical air channel focusses the air to a first drying location on said inside surface of said bottom element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate drying apparatus of substrate processing apparatus including a chamber that provides a space for processing a substrate, and a fluid supply unit that supplies a process fluid to the chamber, wherein the liquid supply unit includes a supply tank in which the fluid is stored, a supply line that connects the supply tank and the chamber, a branch line branched from a first point of the supply line and connected to a second point of the supply line, and a temperature control unit that adjusts the temperature of the fluid such that the temperatures of the fluids flowing through the supply line and the branch line between the first point and the second point are different.

Abstract: A drive and control device includes a turbine provided with an output shaft capable of providing a first drive torque and an electric motor having an output shaft capable of providing a second drive torque. The device further includes a coupling component for coupling the rotation of the turbine and electric motor output shafts with the rotating machine of the treatment facility. The device further includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the electric motor and the turbine. The control unit is arranged to define a setpoint value of an operating parameter of the rotating machine in accordance with at least one characteristic quantity of the operation of the treatment facility (2), and to regulate turbine and electric motor operating parameters in accordance with the at least one characteristic quantity to bring the value of the operating parameter of the rotating machine closer to the defined setpoint value.

Abstract: An electric induction furnace for heating and melting electrically conductive materials is provided with a lining wear detection system that can detect replaceable furnace lining wear when the furnace is properly operated and maintained. In some embodiments of the invention the lining wear detection system utilizes an electrically conductive wire assemblage embedded in a wire assemblage refractory disposed between the replaceable lining and the furnace's induction coil.

Abstract: An improved skimmer (100) for removing a slag layer (24) from hot metal (6) in a ladle (2) during a process of metal purification such as steelmaking. The improved skimmer (100) is a steel framework covered in reinforced refractory, having a system of internal piping (60) that at one end is attached to a source of gas and at a second end terminating at one or more ports (64). The improved skimmer (100) is attached to a boom for a prior art skimming machine. In use, the improved skimmer (100) is moved along a top surface (6a) of the hot metal, though the slag layer, and predetermined flows of gas are forced into the piping system and expelled through the port or ports to move the slag layer out from the back of ladle so it can be skimmed into a slag pot (4).

Abstract: An improved method (110) for removing a quantity of slag (24) from hot metal (6) in a ladle (2) during a process of metal purification such as steelmaking using an improved skimmer paddle (100) having a system of internal piping (60) that at one end is attached to a source of gas and at a second end terminates into one or more ports (64). The improved skimmer (100) is moved along a top surface (6a) of the hot metal, though the quantity of slag, and predetermined flows of gas are forced into the piping system and expelled through the port or ports (64) to move the quantity of slag out from the back of ladle to be skimmed into a slag pot (4) to remove undesired impurities from the hot metal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a heat sink configured for dissipating heat from an electronic component. The heat sink includes a heat pipe and a metal board. The metal board includes a first face and a second face. An opening is defined in the metal board. The opening penetrates the first face and the second face. The heat pipe is received in the opening, and the opening is an interference fit to the heat pipe. The present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing the heat sink described above.

Abstract: Provided are: a cooling device that makes it possible to achieve sufficient cooling performance even within a thin electronic device; and an electronic device that is provided with the cooling device. The cooling device is provided with: a heat reception unit that vaporizes a refrigerant; a condensation unit that condenses the vaporized refrigerant and that comprises a vapor tube through which the vaporized refrigerant moves, an inclined section that has inclines in at least two directions, and at least two members that are connected to the inclines; and a liquid tube through which the condensed liquid refrigerant moves.

Abstract: A motor vehicle heat exchanger system includes a closed circuit for a working medium and an evaporator for evaporation of the working medium. The evaporator includes at least two evaporator cassettes having an exhaust gas channel formed between the evaporator cassettes. Each evaporator cassette includes a capillary structure and a liquid side and a vapor side. A medium feed is provided on the liquid side for liquid working medium. Each evaporator cassette includes a vapor collector.

Abstract: A motor vehicle heat exchanger system with a closed circuit for an operating medium includes an evaporator for evaporating the operating medium and a condenser for condensing the vaporous operating medium AM is provided. A reservoir for the liquid operating medium is integrated between the condense and the evaporator. Liquid operating medium is conducted from the reservoir via a feed line into the evaporator. In addition the reservoir and the evaporator are connected with each other via a compensation line. Vapor which may form during operation of the motor vehicle heat exchanger system on the liquid side of the evaporator can escape through the compensation line thereby achieving a pressure compensation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a heat dissipation device includes: providing a tube, the tube defining a head end, a tail end and a chamber, the head end being closed and the tail end being opened, the chamber being connected outside via the tail end; providing a module for receiving a part of the tube therein, the tail end being positioned out of the module; providing a molding material and injecting the liquid molding material into the module, the molding material being made of metal, a melting point of the molding material being lower than that of the tube; solidifying the molding material to form a base, the part of the tube received and fixed in the tube; removing the module; injecting a working medium into the tube via the tail end; vacuumizing the chamber of the tube; and sealing the tail end of the tube.

Abstract: A chemical thermal storage device includes a reactor that is disposed around a heat exchanger and contains a thermal storage material that generates heat upon chemical reaction with NH3 and desorbs NH3 upon reception of waste heat, an adsorber containing an adsorption material capable of retention and desorption of NH3 through physical adsorption, a solenoid valve that is provided between the reactor and the adsorber and opens and closes a flow channel between both, and a safety valve that is provided in parallel to the solenoid valve between the reactor and the adsorber and mechanically opens when a pressure in the reactor reaches a preset valve-opening setting pressure. The safety valve has a check valve function to shut off a flow of NH3 from the adsorber to the reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manifold (1) for a heat exchanger (3), in particular for a motor vehicle, said manifold (1) comprising a tubular wall (5) and at least one separating partition (7) partitioning the manifold (1), said tubular wall (5) comprising at least one slot (11) formed over a portion of its cross section and able to allow an insertion of said separating partition (7), the separating partition (7) comprising an internal part (21) inserted into the tubular wall (5), said internal part (21) having a periphery provided with a first portion (21a) and a second portion (21b) situated facing the tubular wall (5), said second portion (21b) being adjacent to at least one deformation of the tubular wall, such that an internal cross section of the tubular wall (5) corresponds to the perimeter of the partition along the second portion (21b).

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a motor vehicle comprises a fluid reservoir having at least one continuous sidewall. A plurality of first coupling features are formed in a base of the sidewall, wherein the first coupling features are outward extending protrusions. The heat exchanger further comprises a header configured to receive a portion of the fluid reservoir therein. The header includes a mounting tab having a plurality of second coupling features and a plurality of reinforcing features alternately formed therein. Each of the second coupling features are cavities configured to receive a portion of a corresponding one of the first coupling features therein. A receiving surface of each of the second coupling features cooperates with an engaging surface of the corresponding one of the first coupling features.

Abstract: Flow devices and a methods for guiding flow are disclosed. The examples disclosed herein relate to a flow device (50) including a first line system (60) for conducting a first fluid flow (100), wherein the first line system (60) comprises a guide pipe (21) and at least one guide means (20, 22) influencing a flow direction of the fluid flow (100) such that the fluid flow (100) between an inflow region (61b) and an outflow region (62b) of the first line system (60) in a circulation-flow region (105) at a circumferential angle UW circulates in a radially encircling manner about an inflow axis (102) and/or an outflow axis (103). The examples disclosed herein furthermore relate to a method for guiding a fluid stream (10) which has an inflow portion (12) and an outflow portion (13) having substantially parallel, preferably coaxial inflow and outflow axes (14, 15).

Abstract: A drive system for driving a fan in a wet cooling tower, wherein the fan has a fan hub and fan blades attached to the fan hub. The drive system has a high-torque, low speed permanent magnet motor having a motor casing, a stator and a rotatable shaft, wherein the rotatable shaft is configured for connection to the fan hub. The drive system includes a variable frequency drive device to generate electrical signals that effect rotation of the rotatable shaft of the motor in order to rotate the fan.

Abstract: This invention relates to firearms having magazine wells for the insertion of ammunition magazines and, in its most basic forms, combines an appropriately sized and located magazine well ammunition monitoring port or aperture with either an interfacing port/aperture on the magazine to be inserted or a substantially transparent magazine or magazine portion such that the final rounds of ammunition in the magazine can be monitored. In its preferred embodiments, a vertical slot with a transparent cover is used, with the slot having markings to allow the user of the firearm to track and/or determine the remaining “end” rounds in the magazine.

Abstract: There is provided an automatic firing apparatus, and a method for operating the automatic firing apparatus, the apparatus comprising a trigger actuator for automatically firing bullets contained in a magazine of a firearm; a magazine release actuator for releasing an empty magazine from the firearm; a magazine bank for storing a bullet magazine inside the firearm; and a magazine loading actuator for loading a new magazine inside the firearm from the magazine bank. There is further provided a magazine bank apparatus for use with a firearm comprising a magazine bank base having a plurality of slots adapted to receive and store bullet magazines; and a magazine load actuator adapted to be automatically triggered for loading a bullet magazine among the stored bullet magazines inside the firearm.

Abstract: There is provided an automatic firing apparatus, and a method for operating the automatic firing apparatus, the apparatus comprising a trigger actuator for automatically firing bullets contained in a magazine of a firearm; a magazine release actuator for releasing an empty magazine from the firearm; a magazine bank for storing a bullet magazine inside the firearm; and a magazine loading actuator for loading a new magazine inside the firearm from the magazine bank. There is further provided a magazine bank apparatus for use with a firearm comprising a magazine bank base having a plurality of slots adapted to receive and store bullet magazines; and a magazine load actuator adapted to be automatically triggered for loading a bullet magazine among the stored bullet magazines inside the firearm.

Abstract: A composite projectile barrel is disclosed comprising a continuous fiber composite outer shell whose average effective coefficient of thermal expansion in the longitudinal direction approximately matches that of an inner liner. In one embodiment, the composite barrel comprises PAN precursor carbon fiber and a thermoset epoxy resin, with the carbon fiber wound at varying winding angles to form a plurality of regions within the outer shell. The finished barrel exhibits light weight, superior axial stiffness and strength, durability, and is reliably accurate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tuner system for use with a threaded muzzle end portion of a rifle barrel. The system has a tuning ring having a first threaded wall portion. A muzzle component is included which has a second threaded wall portion for engaging with the first threaded wall portion and enabling adjustable axial positioning of the tuning ring relative to a muzzle end of the barrel. The muzzle component also has a third threaded portion for threadably engaging the threaded muzzle end portion of the rifle. A damping component is included which is interposed between the tuning ring and the muzzle component, and at least partially circumscribes the muzzle end of the barrel.

Abstract: A retractable stand comprises a base and two ribbons. Each ribbon has a coiled portion and an uncoiled portion. The uncoiled portions of the ribbons have a curved cross-sectional shape and are positioned in opposing relation to each other. Preferably, the curved cross-sectional shape of each uncoiled portion defines a convex surface and a concave surface, and the convex surfaces are in facing relation to each other. In one embodiment, the retractable stand further comprises a foot brace secured to free ends of the ribbons. Preferably, the foot brace includes an arm movable relative to the ribbons. The present invention further provides a method of supporting a device above a surface using the above retractable stand. The method includes uncoiling the two ribbons, resting the brace on the surface, and supporting the device on the retractable stand. Preferably, the step of uncoiling includes moving the brace away from the base.

Abstract: A combined stabilizer/quiver for a bow is provided that may store arrows and may also function as a stabilizer. The combined stabilizer/quiver may comprise a shaft that extends forward from the front side of a bow and functions as a stabilizer, and arrows may be disposed substantially parallel to the shaft and contribute to the stabilizing function. With two components combined into one, the bow has less weight, improved accuracy and precision, and greater versatility. Alternatively, a quiver is provided which is adapted to attach to a conventional stabilizer which is attached to a riser of a bow.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an archery accessory attachment system comprises an accessory body comprising a mounting post and a mounting bracket suitable for attachment to an archery bow. The mounting bracket comprises a notch and a lead-in lip positioned next to the notch. The system has a disengaged orientation wherein the accessory body is disengaged from the mounting bracket, and an engaged orientation wherein the accessory body is attached to the mounting bracket and the mounting post is oriented in the notch.

Abstract: A paintball loader for use on a paintball gun for feeding paintballs is provided. The paintball loader includes a container for holding a plurality of paintballs, a paintball agitator rotatably mounted in the container, the paintball agitator including at least two fins extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the fins spaced apart from each other forming a gap therebetween large enough to accommodate more than one paintball. At least two paintballs are positioned in the gap between the fins. A motor is configured to rotate the paintball agitator. The container includes an exit tube exiting from the bottom portion of the container and leading to an inlet tube of the paintball gun. A microprocessor in communication with a sensor may also be provided for controlling the motor. A deflector for deflecting paintballs may also be provided, the deflector movably attached to the interior surface of the container.

Abstract: A system for loading BB-shot into an air weapon includes a loader for storing BB-shot having an aperture, a pressure system promoting forced transfer of the BB shot through the aperture, a cartridge with a cylindrical body having axial channels offset by a predetermined angular pitch for housing rows of BB-shot balls, an elastic occluding member for holding the rows of BB-shot balls in the channels, an intermediate cylindrical element having a passage with an inlet communicating with the aperture and an outlet to be longitudinally aligned to one of the channels, a detaching member interacting with the occluding member for locally disabling it at the outlet and allowing a row of BB-shot balls to be transferred into the channel. The cartridge is rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the intermediate element for aligning the outlet of the passage with one channel at a time.

Abstract: A loader device for loading BB-shot into a cartridge for air weapons includes a main body with a plurality of channels for housing respective rows of BB-shot balls and at least one holding member for holding the rows of BB-shot balls that have been introduced into the channels. Such loader device includes an elongate container with an open end and a closed end defining a cavity for storing a predetermined amount of BB-shot balls, wherein the open end has a temporary connection element for connection to the body of the cartridge, to provide simultaneous gravity loading of the rows of BB-shot balls into the respective channels of the cartridge. An A cartridge for air weapons. A loader assembly comprising including the loader device and the cartridge. A method of loading BB-shot into air weapons.

Abstract: A support structure for a weapons system has a frame adapted for connection to a wearer, the frame having an elongated first portion defining a frame axis and adapted for positioning adjacent to the spine of the wearer, the frame having an upper end, a boom connected to the upper end of the frame and having a first boom portion extending away from the frame, and a second boom portion angled with respect to the first boom portion and extending away from the frame axis, the boom having a free end, a cable reel mechanism connected to the frame, a cable having a first end connected to the cable reel mechanism and a free end extending from the free end of the boom and adapted to connect to the weapons system, and the cable reel mechanism including a biasing facility to exert tension on the cable to provide support for the weapons system.

Abstract: The present invention provides weight support devices for a person supporting an elongate object at a generally horizontal pitch. Specific uses of the invention include use as a shooting support stick for firearms. The present invention is not limited to firearms and may be used to support a person's arm when using various other elongate devices, such as telescopes, bow and arrow, cross-bows, etc.

Abstract: Kits, apparatus, assemblies, and methods for mounting sighting devices are disclosed. A sighting device includes a base for coupling the sighting device to an object at a first interface, a mounting element connected to the base at a second interface, and a sighting element connected to the mounting element. A channel disposed in the bottom of the base is aligned with a channel disposed in the surface of the object and a channel insert is secured within both channels to securely couple the sighting device to the object. The secure coupling can resist movement of the sighting device relative to the object in at least one direction. The sighting element has a non-opaque body displaying a reticle. An illuminating element backlights the reticle from a first vantage point. The device optionally includes an opaque mounting body and a magnifying optic aligned with the sighting element in an open sight configuration.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to improved sighting for sporting goods, such as bows, for use in hunting and target shooting. The sight may have a pendulum level. The sight can be configured to be aimed at the bottom of an animal, and have an adjustable range finder.

Abstract: A teaching device for training shooters to choose the best place to shoot a clay target is provided, whereby the teaching device greatly simplifies the decision making process and increases the students' awareness of target lines, directions and break zones. The teaching device may include a plurality of pointers rotatably connected to a clock face by a pivot fastener. The teaching device may include a target holder centrally disposed along the clock face, wherein the target holder is understood to represent a clay target. The plurality of pointers may independently rotate relative to each other so that each pointer may be positioned at a different relationship to the target holder so as to physically represent different choices, predictions and outcomes regarding the targeting thereof, including chosen target lines, predicted break lines and the outcomes of their chosen target lines.

Abstract: Implementations of a mount assembly for interchanging optical sights on a pistol are provided. In some implementations, the mount assembly comprises an adaptor plate and a pistol slide having an adaptor interface. In some implementations, the adaptor interface of the pistol slide is configured to receive an adaptor plate therein. In some implementations, an optical sight may be secured to the adaptor plate. In some implementations, a dovetail configured to receive a rear sight is positioned between the ejection port and the adaptor interface of the pistol slide. In this way, iron sights may be used in conjunction with some implementations of the mount assembly disclosed herein.

Abstract: A self-defense glove. The self-defense glove includes a body having a palm portion, a rear portion, and a plurality of finger openings, each of the finger openings configured to receive a finger therethrough. A pocket configured to receive a spray-deterrent canister such as a pepper spray canister is disposed on the rear portion. A control is disposed on the palm portion. When activated by a user, the control is configured to actuate the pepper spray canister, causing pepper spray to be emitted therefrom. The user may aim the pepper spray canister in the direction of an attacker and activate the control in order to incapacitate the attacker with the pepper spray. The rear portion further includes a warning label and a light thereon in order to deter would-be assailants from initiating a confrontation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reactive target system including at least one target panel supported by a respective target positioning unit, and a shooter communications device. The target panel includes first and second electrically conductive layers positioned between first and second outer reinforcement layers, and separated by an electrically insulating layer. The first electrically conductive layer includes a plurality of electrically isolated target zones and a corresponding plurality of electrical connection sites. The second electrically conductive layer provides a common conductor zone and a corresponding electrical connection site. Each of the electrical connection sites are configured to be pierced by and electrically couple to a respective electrical contact element of an attachment mechanism on the target positioning unit.

Abstract: A system for propelling an air-driven projectile from an air gun includes an air gun with an elongate bore and a source of compressed air in fluid communication with the elongate bore. An elongate projectile is disposed within the bore of the air gun, the elongate projectile having an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the elongate bore, wherein the elongate projectile has a length that is at least substantially equivalent to a length of the elongate bore of the air gun. The elongate projectile has a butt on a proximal end of the projectile and a tip on a distal end of the projectile, wherein the butt comprises an outer diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of the elongate projectile and less than the inner diameter of the elongate bore.

Abstract: A wad (10) for cartridges, for example for hunting or competition, comprises a lower portion (11) suitable to rest on the propellant powder of the cartridge, an upper portion (13) on which rests the projectile of the cartridge, and an intermediate portion (12), arranged to join the lower portion (11) and upper portion (13). The wad (10) comprises at least one sealing element (20), suitable to form a seal against the escape of the combustion gases generated by the propellant powder, placed in correspondence of the upper portion (13). Advantageously, the wad (10) is made of paper so as to be environmentally friendly and, at the same time, provide excellent shooting performance.

Abstract: An animal tracking device comprising a housing, a controller, a battery, an antenna, a sleeve, an elastic ring, and a prong. The housing encloses the controller and the battery and includes a flexible clip having a flexible neck, a latch on an inner side of the flexible clip, an elastic ring groove on an outer side of the flexible clip for receiving the elastic ring, and a latch release member extending from the outer side between the flexible neck and the elastic ring groove. The elastic ring retains the housing over the sleeve to retain the animal tracking device on an arrow shaft. The latch release member catches on an animal's hide and flexes the flexible clip out of engagement with the sleeve to release the animal tracking device from the arrow shaft. The prong embeds in the animal's hide and retains the animal tracking device on the animal.