Abstract: A follower for a firearm magazine is provided. In some embodiments, the follower has: a cartridge platform coupling a first wall to a second wall. The first wall, the second wall, and the platform define a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of a magazine spring. At least one of the first wall or the second wall has a nonlinear end profile shaped to translate a lateral spring force into a longitudinal spring force.

Abstract: A signal from a wireless network and identify a parameter of the signal associated with the wireless network may be detected. A determination may be made whether to enable or disable a safety lock of a firearm in view of the parameter of the signal associated with the wireless network. Furthermore, a command may be transmitted to the safety lock of the firearm in view of the determination.

Abstract: A trigger assembly retention apparatus. It is useful in allowing the easy removal and reinsertion of a trigger assembly of a gun for cleaning, replacement, inspection or the trigger assembly or any other reason.

Abstract: Projectiles with sealed propellant are described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, a projectile includes a body having a nose portion and a tail portion, a plurality of propellant charges contained within the body, a plurality of selectable initiators contained within the body for ignition of respective propellant charges, one or more ports for exit of ignition gases produced by the charges for propulsion of the projectile from the weapon, and one or more inductors for inducing a firing current, where at least one initiator only initiates on receiving a firing current which is different from the firing signal required to initiate the other initiators.

Abstract: A gun barrel is provided, including: a barrel body, having a passage therethrough, the passage being provided for a bullet member to be received and pass therethrough, two opposite ends of the passage of the barrel body being respectively formed with a bullet inlet and a bullet outlet formed by an inner wall of the barrel body surroundingly and continuously arranged, a circumferential face of the barrel body being formed with an opening, the opening being near the bullet inlet; a tangential portion, disposed at the opening restrictedly and partially movably protrusive into the passage, the tangential portion for providing friction with a surface of the bullet member tangentially; at least one vent hole, disposed through the barrel body and being near the bullet outlet.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, in part, new muzzle brakes, kits, and weapons systems (e.g., rifles) that allow for incremental adjustment of the ports of a muzzle brake so that the muzzle brake can be tuned for the user and firearm system. In certain aspects, the present disclosure provides muzzle brake plugs having an interior surface defining a plug bore that extends at least partially through the thickness of the muzzle brake plug and muzzle brakes having a plurality of side ports extending laterally away from a central bore and arranged to replaceably receive muzzle brake plugs. A bottom wall closing the plug bore of a muzzle brake plug can be selectively drilled or punch-out to create or enlarge an opening with the plug bore, thus allowing a shooter to tune the muzzle brake to the firearm system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an archery bow comprises a riser, a first limb supported by the riser and a second limb supported by the riser. A first rotatable member is supported by the first limb and arranged to rotate on a first axis and a second rotatable member is supported by the second limb and arranged to rotate on a second axis. The first rotatable member comprises a first bowstring track comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a constant radius and a center located on the first axis, the second portion having a varying radius. A bowstring comprises a first end attached to the first rotatable member and a second end attached to the second rotatable member.

Abstract: A drop away arrow rest includes programmable or coded magnets that selectively move an arrow support arm to predetermined positions, such as a support position to hold an arrow, or a rest position to move out of the way of an arrow as it is launched from an archery bow.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for de-cocking a crossbow. The apparatus includes: (a) a body adapted to attach to a crossbow, the body having a channel therethrough and a threaded bore therethrough intersecting with the channel; (b) a notched wedge adapted to slide through the channel; and (c) a threaded stud so that when the wedge is slid through the channel and the threaded stud is threaded into the threaded bore, the stud can contact the wedge and halt further travel of the wedge through said body. When the body is attached to a cocked crossbow with the bowstring of the bow positioned in the notch of the wedge, the trigger of the crossbow can be pulled to release the bowstring against the wedge and the crossbow de-cocked by unscrewing the stud.

Abstract: A hybrid gun device composed of two barrels (1,10) that accept energy from combustion of standard propellant (6), one barrel (10) being operative to produce a high intensity electric current to add accelerating energy to a projectile (7) in the second barrel (1) and at least one coil (8) stage to convert energy between electrical and kinetic to cause the projectile (7) to be launched at hypervelocity.

Abstract: A water gun is revealed. The water gun includes a jetting outlet and at least one suction inlet. The jetting outlet is disposed on a front plate of a barrel of the water gun while the suction inlet that works like a one-way valve is arranged around the jetting outlet. When the hand grip is pulled out, water outside is drawn into an inner space of the barrel of the water gun through the at least one suction inlet. The water in the inner space of the barrel of the water gun is unable to flow out through the at least one suction inlet when the hand grip is pushed in. Moreover, an inner thread is arranged outside the jetting outlet and used for connecting a ball inflating needle or a bike pump hose for inflation of inflatable toys or balls.

Abstract: A VATO comprises a blade, a handle, a stabilizing assembly, and a spherical weight. In a preferred embodiment, the spherical weight makes up a significant portion of the overall weight of the VATO. The spherical weight is positioned between the blade and the handle, and the stabilizing assembly is attached to a rear portion of the handle. When the VATO is thrown, a velocity vector is established in the direction of the trajectory of the VATO. The stabilizing assembly produces aerodynamic drag which assists in keeping the blade oriented in a forward position with respect to the trajectory of the VATO. The spherical weight is permitted to freely rotate thereby enabling the blade, the handle and the stabilizing assembly to independently rotate into alignment with the trajectory of the VATO such that the blade is in a forward position as the VATO strikes a target.

Abstract: A system for producing a grip that is customized for a user includes a fabricator that fabricates the customized grip and a computer. The computer is configured to: obtain measurements of a hand of the user, generate a three-dimensional model of the hand based on the measurements, obtain a three-dimensional model of a grip, subtract the three-dimensional hand model from the three-dimensional grip model to obtain a three-dimensional model of the customized grip, and send fabrication instructions to the fabricator based on the three-dimensional model of the customized grip.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for a barrel support for a for a firearm stock. In one example, the barrel support has an elongate frame with a longitudinal axis extending between a fore portion and an aft portion, a first concave barrel recess shaped to support a first barrel, the first concave barrel recess positioned on a first side of the elongate frame. The exemplary barrel support also has a second concave barrel recess shaped to support a second barrel, the second concave barrel recess positioned on a second side of the elongate frame. In this example the first barrel is a tapered barrel, and the second barrel is a straight barrel.

Abstract: A concealment holster includes a cord member and a pliable casing. The adjustable cord member is removably fastened to a portion of the clothing of the user. The pliable casing is fixedly attached at a distal end of the cord member. The pliable casing snuggly secures the trigger guard of the firearm. The pliable casing detaches from the trigger guard when the user deploys the firearm beyond a length of cord member. The pliable casing exerts a pressure on the trigger guard to snuggly fit onto the trigger guard, therefore the pliable casing detaches from the trigger guard when the pressure exerted by the user to deploy the firearm exceeds the pressure exerted by the pliable casing on the trigger guard. The firearm, after being secure with the concealment holster, can be positioned between the waistband and the body of the user to conceal the presence of the firearm.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively securing a weapon about the torso of a human comprises a base layer comprising a band of elastic configured to be disposed about the torso, a closure mechanism configured to retain the base layer about the torso and couple the first end to the second end, and a pocket comprising a padding layer coupled to the base layer on three sides. The base layer comprises a first end and a second end, and the base layer has a substantially uniform width about the torso when the closure mechanism couples the first end to the second end. The pocket has a width that is less than or equal to the width of the base layer.

Abstract: A modular illumination and aiming apparatus, a preferred embodiment of which includes an optical head module, mounting module, and an end cap module. The modular illumination and aiming apparatus is configured to be quickly and intuitively adjusted by a user in response to changing target and environmental conditions. The modular illumination and aiming apparatus is configured to be ergonomically supportive such that a user may maintain a consistent firing grip while activating the illumination and aiming functions. The optical head module is configured to allow the user to change radiation types by adjusting a cap. The alignment mechanism in the optical head module for the radiation source and optics is configured to provide a robust and zero-play optical mount in order to resist recoil and general physical shock.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting an optic to a body having a bottom member defining a mounting base, a top member releasably coupled to the bottom member to define an optic aperture therebetween, and a protective shield coupled to the top member. The protective shield is coupled directly to the top member and the top member is coupled to the body through the bottom member.

Abstract: An upper receiver for a weapon, the upper receiver having a plurality channels each being oriented in a first direction and wherein each of the plurality of channels intersect an elongated channel extending in a second direction; a modular rail having a pair of securement features configured to be slidably received within a pair of the plurality of channels such that modular rail can slide in the pair of the plurality of channels in the first direction until the pair of features can slide within the elongated channel in the second direction.

Abstract: A system for mounting an accessory to an accessory rail of a firearm includes an accessory mount which provides a plurality of rotational positions of the accessory relative to the firearm. The accessory mount also provides one-handed insertion and removal of the accessory without touching the accessory mount. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle and a sensor for use in the vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes: a sensor array configured to detect an explosion by sensing, at different heights within a base of the vehicle, mechanical deformation of the base of the vehicle caused by the explosion; and control circuitry configured to respond to detection of the explosion by causing a groundwards force to be applied to the vehicle that depends upon inputs, characterising the explosion, provided by the sensor array. The sensor includes: at least one support; a first frangible electrical connection, for conveying an electrical signal, held by the at least one support at a first height; and a second frangible electrical connection, for conveying an electrical signal, held by the at least one support at a second height different from the first height.

Abstract: A retrievable target assembly is provided that comprises a retrievable target and a string. The retrievable target includes a pyramid shaped portion from which extends an enlarged portion. The pyramid shaped portion includes a vertex portion and the string has a pulling end and a connecting end and the connecting end is secured to the vertex portion. The user throws the retrievable target in any desired direction and as far as desired. Then the user tugs on the string such that the vertex portion faces the user. The user shoots arrows into the retrievable target and when done, pulls the string to return the retrievable target so that the arrows can be removed from the target. The user removes the arrows and repeats the process again. The user may be sitting, standing, or standing in a tree stand. The retrievable target is differently shaped in other preferred embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shooting training control system having a plurality of shooting lines arranged in parallel to each other to allow a plurality of shooters to be located thereon to conduct shooting and a shooting control room for controlling shooting training of the plurality of shooters, the shooting training control system including: isolation covers disposed on the respective shooting lines, forming isolation spaces from the ground to allow the shooters to be located therein, and having both sides isolated from the adjacent shooting lines thereto; opening and closing means for opening and closing each isolation cover from the ground; and switching means disposed in the shooting control room to control the opening and closing means, so that each isolation cover is open and closed to open and close the isolation space formed therein.

Abstract: A marine cable cutter is provided for wirelessly severing wire responsive to an electromagnetic command signal. The cutter includes an explosive package for wrapping around the wire, and a clamshell case for containing the package around the wire. The package includes a wireless receiver to receive the command signal, an electric pulse generator triggered by the receiver, an explosive initiated by the generator, and a platform for containing the receiver, generator and explosive. The clamshell case includes a pair of envelopes connected along mutual first edges by a hinge and mutual second edges by respective clamps. The envelopes pivot on the hinge to open and receive the package with disposal of the wire therein, and subsequently to close and secure by the clamps. The envelopes can be composed of sheet metal with the clamps being flanges with aligned holes for receiving bolt fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a arrow target point, particularly for archery target practice and competition use, having a unique concavely curved conical section facilitating deflection of arrows already within a target and a shoulder incorporating grooves, divots, depressions or protrusions and the like to deflect and even displace or break other arrows.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide an Explosive Device Simulator (EDS). Embodiments of the Explosive Device Simulator may include two or more chemical components that are non-explosive when separated from each other within the EDS, but which form an explosive mixture or substance when combined. Because the individual chemical components are non-explosive, the Explosive Device Simulator may be stored, transported and handled safely for long periods of time and without increased security, protective measures, or special training. Further, the chemical components may be chosen such that the Explosive Device Simulator creates a realistic explosion (e.g. loud and bright), but which produces minimal concussive forces and is therefore safer to use as a training aid.

Abstract: The target marking device comprises a small-size flying unit, said flying unit being configured to fly at low height and to be guided with the aid of guidance commands, said flying unit being furnished with at least one sensor able to measure at least one parameter of the environment, a data transmission unit configured to emit at least data relating to measurements carried out by the sensor from the flying unit and to receive guidance orders at the flying unit, and at least one emitter able to emit position information.

Abstract: An electronic fuze system comprising a fuze setter (110) and electronic fuze (112), wherein signals are transmitted between the fuze setter (110) and the electronic fuze (112) by a radio-frequency electromagnetic coupling link which facilitates data transmission via a wireless communication standard between a first induction-loop antenna (116) and a second induction-loop antenna (118) driven by the electronic fuze.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a shape measuring apparatus which continues to perform nominal scanning measurement to a workpiece having a slightly large deviation from a design data. A scanning path to move a stylus tip is calculated based on design data of a workpiece. The stylus tip is moved along the scanning path. It is monitored whether a distance between the scanning path and an actual workpiece is excessive. When the distance between the scanning path and the actual workpiece is excessive, a trajectory difference error is generated. When the trajectory difference error is generated, geometric correction is performed to the design data so that the design data approaches to the actual workpiece. Scanning measurement is performed based on the design data after the geometric correction.

Abstract: Described herein are measuring devices that can be configured to determine a pre-set value of an object, for example, its center. The measuring devices described herein can comprise a reduced number of parts, making the devices less likely to malfunction and break down and decreasing manufacturing costs. In some embodiments, these devices can comprise a manually-operated primary moveable component, an automatically-operated intermediate component, a stationary base component and a cooperation mechanism allowing interaction of the various components. In some embodiments, these devices can continuously and automatically find the center of an object. In some embodiments, these devices can be operated with a single hand.

Abstract: This angle measurement method is a method of measuring an angle of a variable vane of an axial flow fluid machine including a vane main body which is disposed inside of a casing, and an arm which is disposed outside of the casing and rotates integrally with the vane main body, and includes: a jig mounting step of mounting a measurement jig configured to measure an angle of the vane main body on the arm in a fixed posture in a rotation direction of the arm; and a measurement step of measuring a relative angle between a predetermined angle reference surface intersecting the rotation direction of the arm and at least a portion of the measurement jig.

Abstract: Disclosed is method for measuring influence of or propagation time of inductive fields including producing and detecting a first inductive temporal field change and a first change value, producing and detecting a further inductive temporal field change and further field change, at least one of the changes being influenced by an object, comparing the first and further change values to produce a comparison value used to produce amplitude values such that amplitude of the first or further change value are substantially of the same magnitude, detecting a clock pulse alternation signal corresponding to the field change, determining a difference value by a comparison of the clock pulse alternation signals, changing the difference value to change phase delay of the first or further field change until the difference value is zero, using the phase delay to determine influence/propagation time of the inductive change.

Abstract: An angle of rotation sensor for measuring an angle of rotation of a rotatable object includes an electrically conductive band to be disposed onto the rotatable object and having two terminal ends which are spaced apart from each other and which are respectively applied with different voltages; an electrical brush in electrical contact with the electrically conductive band; and a voltage measuring device coupled to the electrical brush and measuring a divided voltage which is a voltage at a position of the electrically conductive band at which the electrical brush contacts. The angle of rotation of the rotatable object is associated with the divided voltage and the different voltages.

Abstract: Efficient interferometer designs for optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems are presented. One example interferometer design includes two polarization dependent beamsplitters and a non-polarization dependent combiner. The first polarization dependent beamsplitter transmits light in a first polarization state to a sample arm of the OCT system and transmits light in a second polarization state different from the first polarization state to a reference arm of the system. The second polarization dependent beamsplitter transmits light returning from a sample to the non-polarization dependent combiner. The combiner combines light returned from the sample and the light that has passed through the reference arm, which is then detected at a detector. Another example interferometer design includes free space optics comprising a non-reciprocal beamsplitting element in a beam path from a light source to a sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and techniques based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology in combination with optical actuation. A system for providing optical actuation and optical sensing can include an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device that performs optical imaging of a sample based on optical interferometry from an optical sampling beam interacting with an optical sample and an optical reference beam; an OCT light source to provide an OCT imaging beam into the OCT device which splits the OCT imaging beam into the optical sampling beam and the optical reference beam; and a light source that produces an optical actuation beam that is coupled along with the optical sampling beam to be directed to the sample to actuate particles or structures in the sample so that the optical imaging captures information of the sample under the optical actuation.

Abstract: An angular localization system for determining an object's location includes a signal processor and three channels have a respective first, second, and third photodetector. The first channel images a first portion of an optical signal from which the first photodetector generates a first electrical signal. The second channel images a second portion of the optical signal onto a slow-varying optical mask having a strictly monotonic transmissivity along a dimension x. The second photodetector converts the second portion into a second electrical signal. The third channel images a third portion of the optical signal onto a fast-varying optical mask having a spatially-varying transmissivity having a same value at more than one value of x. The third photodetector converts the third portion into a third electrical signal. The signal processor is configured to determine, from each electrical signal, a respective signal amplitude, and determine the location parameter by comparing the signal amplitudes.

Abstract: A spherically mounted retroreflector (SMR) having a reference point placed on a body of the SMR in a fixed and predetermined relationship to a runout error vector as given in a manufacturer's data sheet. A method for aligning the reference point to minimize measurement error.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to measuring lengths in a physical environment using one or more sensors. The sensors can be arranged in one or more configurations and can use one or more methodologies for carrying the measurement of lengths.

Abstract: A target location device has a video camera, a range finder, a self location module and an inertial measurement unit. The device provides a video display including video output of the camera and an object marker such as a cross-hair overlayed on the video output for aiming the camera on a reference point or on a target in the video output. The range finder determines a distance from the device to the target. The self location module identifies the geographic location of the device. The inertial measurement unit includes at least one gyro for providing outputs corresponding to the location of the reference point and the target. Video stabilization may be use to allow accurate placement of the object marker on the target or reference point. Automatic range finder firing and gyroscope error compensation are also provided.

Abstract: A monitoring system and method of operation thereof includes: providing a substrate on a platform; performing a scan of the substrate; depositing a material layer on the substrate; monitoring a deposition thickness of the material layer; and generating an alert based on an error in the deposition thickness.

Abstract: Higher-precision measurement is achieved by an optical inner surface measuring device configured to cause a probe to enter into the inner peripheral surface or deep hole of a target object, capture and observe reflection light from the inner surface in a three-dimensional manner, and measure the accuracy of the target object. In a structure including an optical fiber built into a tube, a light path conversion unit arranged at a leading end side of the optical fiber, and a motor configured to rotationally drive the light path conversion unit, a unit for measuring the amount of runout of a rotation shaft unit of the motor is provided. Shape data on the inner peripheral surface of a target object is obtained by calculating at a computer reflection light from the target object, and is modified by displacement amount data from a displacement measurement unit to realize high-precision measurement with no measurement error resulting from runout and rotational vibration of the rotation shaft of the motor.

Abstract: A device for determining the distance between two points on a surface or surfaces in 3-dimensional space, regardless of the orientation of the points relative to the device, provided an unobstructed line-of-sight between the device and both points. The device includes two distance measuring range finders that are joined by a hinge. The hinge includes a rotary encoder for measuring the angular displacement of the two sensors. By utilizing the distance measurements that each range finder relays, as well as the angular displacement measured by the rotary encoder, the microcontroller determines the final length between the two points and displays it through a display screen.

Abstract: Parallel laser light beams are irradiated from different positions into a telescope. Beams of laser light are incident on a secondary mirror attitude detection mirror from different locations. Laser light detectors detect each beam of laser light reflected by the secondary mirror attitude detection mirror. A first attitude calculator determines an amount of attitude variation of a secondary mirror based on a result detected by the laser light detectors. The laser light detectors detect each beam of the laser light reflected by the primary mirror and the secondary mirror after entering the telescope. A second attitude calculator determines an amount of attitude variation of the primary mirror based on a result detected by the laser light detectors and the result detected by the laser light detectors.

Abstract: A shaft accuracy measuring device includes: a measurement unit including a light projecting unit that projects a measuring light and a light receiving unit that receives the measurement light projected by the light projecting unit; a motor installation unit that installs the motor such that the output shaft of the motor is disposed between the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit; and a calculation unit that calculates at least one of axial run-out, center run-out, and face run-out of the motor based on a measurement result of the measurement unit.

Abstract: A conduit-bending level has a pair of bubble levels oriented in such a manner as to facilitate the bending of conduit in a first plane and a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane. This bending operation is preferably conducted without having to detach the conduit-bending level from the conduit in order to make the second bend.

Abstract: A rotation rate sensor, comprising a substrate having a principal extension plane and comprising a first Coriolis element movable with respect to the substrate and comprising a first suspension means movably suspending the first Coriolis element relative to the substrate, is proposed; the rotation rate sensor having a first excitation means for driving the first Coriolis element in such a way that with the first excitation means activated, the first Coriolis element continuously exhibits motion states deflected with respect to a rest position, the velocity vector of the mass center point of the first Coriolis element having, in each of the deflected motion states, an absolute value from greater than or equal to 90% of a predefined target velocity to less than or equal to 110% of the predefined target velocity.

Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a gyroscope comprising a central anchor, a plurality of internal flexures, a plurality of masses, each mass coupled to the central anchor via at least one of the plurality of internal flexures and configured to translate in a plane of the gyroscope, and a plurality of mass-to-mass couplers, each mass-to-mass coupler coupled between two adjacent masses of the plurality of masses, and a plurality of transducers, each configured to perform at least one of driving and sensing motion of a corresponding one of the plurality of masses, wherein the plurality of transducers is configured to drive the plurality of masses in at least a first vibratory mode and a second vibratory mode.

Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a gyroscope comprising an axially symmetric structure, and a plurality of transducers, each configured to perform at least one of driving and sensing motion of the axially symmetric structure, wherein the plurality of transducers is configured to drive the axially symmetric structure in at least a first vibratory mode and a second vibratory mode, and wherein the gyroscope is implemented on a hexagonal crystal-based substrate.

Abstract: A control system includes a processor that operates one or more control loops that enable gyroscopic angular measurement for an inertial measurement unit (IMU). Each of the one or more control loops operates over a range of set points defined for each of the respective control loops. A dynamic loop adjuster receives environmental input data to determine environmental conditions for the IMU. The dynamic loop adjuster alters at least one of the set points for at least one of the one or more control loops operated by the processor based on the determined environmental conditions.

Abstract: A method for producing a vector map of a prescribed area may include producing orthophotographs by a first camera oriented at right angles to the earth's surface and fitted to an unmanned, automated air vehicle that overflies the prescribed area at a high altitude; evaluating the orthophotographs to ascertain at least one infrastructure network located in the area; computing a flight route for the unmanned autonomous air vehicle along the ascertained infrastructure network located in the area; producing detail aerial photographs of the infrastructure network along the computed flight route by a second camera oriented obliquely with respect to the earth's surface and fitted to the unmanned automated air vehicle that overflies the infrastructure network located in the area at least one low altitude, and computing the vector map of the area based on the orthophotographs produced and the detail aerial photographs.