Abstract: A crossbow track assembly includes a crossbow track having a top surface and a side surface. The top surface includes an arrow track. The side surface includes a longitudinal passage leading to a longitudinal cavity. The side surface forms an upper shoulder and a lower shoulder of the longitudinal cavity. A second side surface may include a second longitudinal passage leading to a second longitudinal cavity. The second side surface may form an upper shoulder and a lower shoulder of the second longitudinal cavity. The crossbow track assembly may further include a crossbow accessory including an accessory body operatively connected to a plug, which is dimensioned to fit within the longitudinal cavity of the crossbow track for securing the accessory body to the crossbow track. The accessory body may be adjustably connected to the plug with a fastener. Alternatively, the plug may be in sliding engagement with the longitudinal cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electromagnetically controlling the muzzle velocity of a conventional gun using a coil gun on a barrel extension. This method can also provide an electromagnetically induced increase to muzzle velocity beyond that capable by conventional explosives. With higher muzzle velocity, the weapons will have longer range, higher penetrating power and stand-off distances. A section of coil gun can also be used to center the projectile in the barrel to control the exit trajectory. Using a coil gun to control muzzle velocity and center the projectile can be a retrofit to existing weapons that would greatly increase their down-range accuracy.

Abstract: A toy, namely, an elastic band launcher is presented. The invention includes a launch section, two band bridges, a handle section, a trigger assembly, a bridge section, and an anchor. The launch section includes a first launch surface at a first acute angle with respect to a second launch surface. The band bridges are separately disposed along the first launch surface. The trigger assembly is interposed between and fixed to one end of the launch and handle sections. The bridge section includes a pair of opposed ends separately fixed to another end of the handle and launch sections. The anchor is fixed to the second launch surface. The anchor, launch surfaces, band bridges, and trigger assembly are adapted to receive an elastic band. At least one band bridge constrains separation between the sides of the elastic band. The elastic band disposed between the band bridges defines a main pull vector.

Abstract: In a spring piston airgun, a compression piston is provided for longitudinal translation within a compression tube in response to a motive force. The compression piston includes a main piston body and a piston head, wherein the piston body and piston head are coupled for partial independent translation along a longitudinal axis. A resilient compressible bushing is longitudinally intermediate a portion of the piston body and the piston head, such that upon a deceleration of the piston head, the piston body is not immediately acted upon by the deceleration, rather the bushing absorbs a portion of the deceleration and radially expands to contact the compression tube.

Abstract: A toy launch apparatus for discharging soft foam darts, the launch apparatus having a cylinder, a piston, a launch spring and a dart tube. An air chamber with variable volume is formed between the cylinder and the piston and is divided into two or more sections, a first section where there is little or no resistance to relative movement between the cylinder and the piston so that there is a momentum gain, and a second section where there is rapid compression and increasing pressure to cause a loaded dart to be discharged.

Abstract: A rotating gun stock for a firearm having a gun stock fore-end, the rotating gun stock comprising: a rotary positioning disc fixed within the fore-end, the fore-end having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis, the rotary disc fixed within the fore-end substantially at the distal end; the rotary disc further having a first and a second face and a center coaxial with the longitudinal axis, the first face directed towards the proximal end and the second face having a plurality of concentric accepting slots and a radial slot formed therein, the radial slot formed to communicate perpendicularly with the plurality of accepting slots; a butt positioned substantially perpendicularly to the fore-end at the distal end, the butt rotatably attached to the center of the rotary positioning disc, the butt constrained to rotate only about the longitudinal axis; a selector inserted within a selector slot in the butt, the selector protruding into the radial slot and thereby successively into the plurality of a

Abstract: A configurable handgrip has a plurality of plates, the plates being arranged in a stack, a clamp element operably engaging the stack, and the clamp element being operable to transition between a first released position in which the plates are free to move with respect to each other, and a second clamped position in which the plates are secured against movement with respect to each other, such that the stack may be formed into a selected shape when the clamp is in the released position, and the plates are held in the selected shape when the clamp is in the clamped position. Each plate may define a plate aperture. The clamp element may be an elongated member received in the plate apertures. The plates may each have a contact edge and an opposed recessed edge.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a variety of apparatuses for carrying and concealing a weapon holster on a lower leg. A device is provided that offloads weight associated with a leg-carried weapon and eliminates torque forces caused by walking with said weapon. Supplies or alternative weapons can also be carried. The device includes an anterior exoskeleton bracket and, in some embodiments, a foot orthosis. A holster is mounted near the top of the device. The exoskeleton, attaching to the foot orthosis or a shoe/boot, provides ankle support and offloads the weight of the weapon. A variable resistance linkage is integrated into the exoskeleton. The resistance is adjustable for a particular user based on physical condition.

Abstract: An aiming apparatus and associated methods for aiming a device such as a firearm are disclosed herein. In various aspects, the aiming apparatus may include a front sight configured as a post and a rear sight configured to include a notch. An image portion is formed on the front sight and a complementary image portion formed on the rear sight such that the image portion and the complementary image portion present a unitary image to a viewer of the front sight through the notch when the front sight is aligned with the rear sight, in various aspects. A mark is provided on the front sight visually indicative of the midpoint of the front sight. Note that this abstract is presented to meet requirements of the USPTO. This abstract is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof.

Abstract: Flexible composite materials and soft body armor formed therefrom having enhanced abrasion resistance. The materials and armor include at least one first separator layer positioned between adjacent fabric layers, or between a fabric layer and a cover, where the separator layer spaces the adjacent fabric layers or the fabric layer and cover apart from each other without being laminated or otherwise attached or connected to either the layers or the cover such that they are free to move relative to each other.

Abstract: A personal portable power distribution apparatus including a portable central power source, a power management module coupled to receive power from the central power source, and a harness assembly having at least one power supply node for distributing power from the power management module, wherein the power management module is operable to control supply of power through each individual power supply node, each power supply node terminating in a like connector, and an adaptor module is fitted to a power input terminal of an electronic accessory device to adapt the device for operation with the power distribution apparatus by providing a corresponding connector suitable for interconnection with said like connector(s).

Abstract: A quickly releasable vest capable of protecting a torso portion of a user is disclosed. The quickly releasable vest includes a self locking buckle assembly, a ferrule, an elongated strip, and a socket member. The self locking buckle assembly comprises a wedge fork with a base portion and a body portion, the base portion comprising a security means for webbing and the body portion comprising a pair of legs and a ferrule guide member. The ferrule is adapted to be slidingly disposed on the ferrule guide member. A proximal end portion of the strip is connected to a tape guide member of the ferrule. An opening on the socket member facilitates removably retaining and locking of a prong on each of the pair of legs. The wedge fork, ferrule, and elongated strip Is disposed on a torso panel and the socket member is disposed on the other torso panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in facilitating force-on-force (FOF) training. Specifically, an impact marking vest (IMV) for use in registering a ballistic impact event upon a three-dimensional target surface.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatuses for creating a visual effect on a rubber article are disclosed. In one embodiment, a rubber article having a visual effect is provided, the rubber article comprising: a surface having at least one surface feature; and wherein the at least one surface feature comprises a plurality of linear elements creating a camouflage-shaped appearance.

Abstract: A method of making a ballistic resistant composite material having improved resistance to high energy rifle bullets and the like. The method comprises providing at least one fibrous layer comprising a network of high tenacity aramid fibers. The fibrous layer is coated with a thermoplastic polyurethane resin. The coated fibrous layer is molded at a pressure of at least about 1,500 psi (10.3 MPa). Preferably, a plurality of fibrous layers are employed, each of which is formed from to unidirectionally oriented aramid fibers in a thermoplastic polyurethane resin matrix. Adjacent fibrous layers are preferably oriented at 90° with respect to each other.

Abstract: Blast absorbing structures and system for use in absorbing blast forces exerted on a floor of a personnel cabin of a vehicle, are disclosed. The blast absorbing flexing structure comprises a bottom section forming a floor of the cabin, a first side section and opposing second side section, each side section extending from the bottom section and including a plurality of steps along a length of the second side section. The steps flex in response to a blast force. In another embodiment, the blast absorbing expanding structure comprises a force abatement device forming a floor of the cabin, a cover plate having a plurality of slots arranged around a perimeter of the plate. The cover plate is movable between a neutral position and a blast force position to diminish the blast forces prior to the blast forces to reaching an occupant of the cabin.

Abstract: A portable exothermic welding ignition controller includes a housing configured to receive a portion of a portable power tool battery. A circuit board is positioned within the housing and configured for electrical coupling to the portable power tool battery. An actuator is operatively engageable with the circuit board for selectively discharging power from the portable power tool battery to a connection terminal electrically coupled to the circuit board.

Abstract: Provided is an arrow that includes a shaft, a forward tip affixed to a first end of the shaft, a rear tip affixed on a second end of the shaft, and a plurality of fins. The shaft is formed by extruding a flexible plastic, forming a thin wall that extends an entire length of the shaft and enclosing a hollow.

Abstract: A projectile according to exemplary embodiments generally includes a jacket with nose, middle, and heel portions. The nose portion includes a forward cavity. The heel portion includes a rearward cavity having sidewalls. A dense core is within the rearward cavity and bonded to the sidewalls. Upon upset of the projectile, the portion of the jacket forming the forward cavity peels generally back toward the heel portion thereby forming petals, and the sidewalls and the dense core axially compress and radially expand to define a bulge portion, with the jacket material substantially covering the dense core material thereby inhibiting exposure of the dense core material to the upset media.

Abstract: A bullet assembly comprising a bullet and a cup assembly, the cup assembly may have a ring portion for scraping the barrel of a muzzleloader. The cup assembly may be slidable on the bullet with an extended position and a contracted position, the contracted position having a greater diameter than the extended position. A contraction inhibiting member that requires shearing off of the member for contraction may be disposed on one of the components.

Abstract: A SAFE and ARM mechanism includes an elongated casing having a first end and a second end. A high-G force firing pin is arranged relatively near to the first end and a low-G force firing pin is arranged relatively near to the second end. A detonator is arranged between the high-G force firing pin and the first end. When a G-force within a first range of magnitudes is applied to the casing along its longitudinal axis, the low-G force firing pin is displaced to strike a portion of the high-G force firing pin, and if a G-force within a second range of magnitudes is applied to the casing along its longitudinal axis, the high-G force firing pin is displaced to strike the detonator. The device may become ARMED in response to a centrifugal force generated by spinning the casing on its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A measuring device for in-process measurement of test pieces during a machining operation on a machine tool, in particular a grinding machine, has a base body, and a measuring head movable between a neutral position and a measuring position and which is connected to the base body via a rod assembly which is configured and set up in such a way that the measuring head in the measuring position follows orbital rotations of a test piece about a rotational axis. The measuring head has a measuring sensor which is deflectable along a linear axis for recording measured values during a measuring operation. A control apparatus is provided for controlling the measuring operation. The control apparatus is configured and set up in such a way that the measuring device may be calibrated in a calibration mode.

Abstract: A probe includes a sensor and a support. The sensor is operable to provide an indication of a thickness of a frozen substance that has accumulated between the sensor and a cooling fin of a cooling unit, and the support is operable to hold the sensor spaced apart from the cooling fin. When a defrost controller uses such a probe to monitor an amount of frost build up on the fin or fins of a cooling unit (e.g., a refrigeration unit or freezer unit), the defrost controller can initiate a defrost cycle only when warranted, e.g., only when the thickness of the built-up frost equals or exceeds a threshold thickness.

Abstract: The subject invention reveals a distance measuring device comprising: a sensing module, a target module, and an evaluating module, wherein the sensing module and the target module are mountable so as to execute a movement with respect to each other along a movement trajectory, wherein the target module comprises a magnetic field generating element having a magnetic pole axis, wherein the sensing module comprises a first magnetic field sensing array being arranged distant to the movement trajectory. The sensing module and the target module can advantageously be situated within the pressurizable chamber of an air spring which is defined by (contained within) a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate, and a flexible member of the air spring.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography device comprises a light generator, a dispersive medium, an optical coupler and a detector. The light generator is adapted to generate a series of input pulses of coherent light, each input pulse having an input pulse width. The dispersive medium has an input that is optically coupled to the light generator and an output for output pulses. The dispersive medium is adapted to stretch the input pulse width to an output pulse width of each of the output pulses by chromatic dispersion. The optical coupler is adapted to couple the output pulses into a reference arm and a sample arm. The optical coupler is further adapted to superimpose light returning from the reference arm and the sample arm. The detector is adapted to detect an intensity of interference of the superimposed light with a temporal resolution of a fraction of the output pulse width.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices involving patterned radiation are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments include a device for projecting pattern radiation. Some embodiments include a method for estimating coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. Some embodiments include a system for estimating the coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. A variety of radiation patterns are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments may relate to the use of patterned illumination to identify the angular information that may be utilized to measure depth by triangulation.

Abstract: A position measuring device of the invention includes a light emitter configured to emit a laser light, a hologram configured to generate a reconstructed image of an inclined surface relative to an optical axis, a light receiver disposed on a reconstructed image forming surface of the hologram, and a measurement unit configured to measure a position of an object based on a position of light received by the light receiver. In the position measuring device of the invention, the light emitter may emit a linear laser light and the light receiver may include an image sensor having a two-dimensional array of pixels.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for automatically generating media and/or data associated with an item. An item imaging apparatus may apply an imaging sequence based on an item being imaged to gather media and/or data associated with the item. The media and/or data associated with the item may be used in the generation of additional data associated with the item. The media and/or data may be in a profile of the item in an electronic marketplace.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting curvature, including: a radiation unit radiating a plurality of rays of light having different focal lengths onto a surface of an target material; and an inspection unit inspecting the surface of the target material using the rays of light reflected from the target material. The apparatus can inspect the curvature or the bending of the surface of a target material at a high speed and with high accuracy.

Abstract: A method for determining absolute orientation of a platform is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first sky polarization data set for a first time Ti is measured using a sky polarization sensor disposed on a platform. A second sky polarization data set is obtained at a second time Tj. A difference in orientation between the first sky polarization data set and the second sky polarization data set is determined using an orientation determiner. The difference in orientation is provided as at least one orientation parameter for the platform at time Tj. The at least one orientation parameter is used to provide a direction relative to a reference point on the platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a measuring system (16) for determining the alignment of a first pulley (10) of a belt drive (12) with respect to a second pulley (14) of the belt drive (12), whereby the measurement system (16) includes a laser light emitting device (18) and a laser light recording device (20), and whereby the method includes Steps A to F.

Abstract: A laser beam generating device is provided for generating multiple mutually orthogonal light beams. The device includes a laser light generator that generates at least three output beams. A beamsplitter of the laser light generator has two incident surfaces orientated at forty-five degrees in relation to an optical axis. A first portion of a light from a light source is incident on a first of the two incident surfaces and output as a first output beam in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis. A second portion of the light is incident on a second of the two incident surfaces and output as a second output beam in a second direction opposite the first direction. The light source is arranged in relation to the beamsplitter such that a third portion of the light bypasses the beamsplitter and forms a third output beam projected parallel to the optical axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving MEMS gyroscope start time are provided. In one embodiment, a circuit board for a MEMS gyroscope system comprises: a proof mass assembly; a proof mass control loop coupled to the proof mass assembly by a first proof mass motion sensor pickup line and a second proof mass motion sensor pickup line, where the proof mass control loop generates a set of drive signals that operate the proof mass assembly using a first capacitive signal from the first proof mass motion sensor pickup line and a second capacitive signal from the second proof mass motion sensor pickup line; and a tunable capacitive coupler connected to at least one of the first or the second proof mass motion sensor pickup lines, where the tunable capacitive coupler varies at least one of the first and second charge signals as a function of the drive signals.

Abstract: The present application is directed an optical gyroscope. The optical gyroscope includes a substrate including a first and a second waveguide disposed thereon. One or both of the waveguides may be doped with a rare-earth material. A crossing element is disposed between the first and the second waveguides to form a substantially orthogonal connection therebetween. The application is also directed to a system including an optical gyroscope. The application is further directed to a method of observing characteristics of the optical gyroscope.

Abstract: Methods of locating a vehicle are disclosed. Location coordinates are received at regular intervals via a handheld locator device for the current location of the handheld locator device. The handheld locator device detects the cessation of the presence of the vehicle. The location coordinates last-received before the detection of the cessation of the presence of the vehicle are stored automatically, and represent the approximate location of the parked vehicle when the cessation of the presence of the vehicle is detected.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a receiver to obtain three-dimensional geographic information identifying at least one open area and at least a height associated with at least one object adjacent to the at least one open area, determine at least one pathway in the open area, and determine expected line of sight and expected non-line of sight detections of satellite positioning system (SPS) signals at locations along the pathway based on the three dimensional geographic information. The mobile device includes a processing unit to estimate a location of the mobile device based on application of the expected line of sight detections and the non-line of sight detections to signals acquired at the receiver.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, system and a computer program product for remote sensing. The method, system and the computer program product include a vehicle including a plurality of sensors configured to measure position and pose of the vehicle and to collect spatial data of a discovered object. In addition, the method, system and a computer program product include a storage having an object model database, a processor and a memory. The memory includes a comparison engine configured to compare the discovered object spatial data with spatial data in the object model database and a position and pose calculator arranged to calculate position and pose of the vehicle from the discovered object spatial data when the discovered object spatial data matches spatial data of a model object in the object model database.

Abstract: A method for determining initial data for determining position data of a vehicle based on driving dynamics data, the method including: assigning a determined environment status at a determined position of the vehicle to the determined position of the vehicle; detecting on environment status; and—using the determined position as initial data if a contrast of the detected environment status and the determined environmental status satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle is improved with a navigational system having both cameras and echolocation sensors, each including overlapping fields of view. The cameras and echolocation sensors may be part of an optical and echolocation system, respectively, that may work in conjunction with a global positioning system to determine a course for the autonomous vehicle to reach an objective while detecting and avoid obstacles along the course.

Abstract: A guidance device includes: a storing unit that stores information regarding content, a reproduction time of the content, and a providing range different from each content; a calculation unit that acquires a current position of a user and calculates a movement status; a selection unit that estimates, based on the movement status of the user calculated by the calculation unit, a position of the user at a time when the reproduction time of the content has passed, and selects from the storing unit content whose content providing range includes the estimated position.

Abstract: A system is provided that manages a geographic space including a route on which a moving object moves, including a plurality of subsystems operable to respectively manage maps of a plurality of regions obtained by dividing the geographic space, and a region manager operable to adjust loads of the subsystems by dynamically changing a boundary of at least one region among the plurality of regions. Also provided is a method and computer program product.

Abstract: In one disclosed embodiment, a portable user-carried device includes wireless communication circuitry capable of determining a relative direction of a wireless signal in a vehicle. A processor may be programmed to determine a location of the device within a vehicle based upon the relative direction of the wireless signal as determined by the wireless communication circuitry. In a disclosed method for activating a function in a vehicle, a state of a user-carried portable device is determined. A function is activated based upon the state of the user-carried portable device.

Abstract: Provided is an autonomous vehicle assistance device and method that may precisely determine a position of a vehicle based on input position error information. The autonomous vehicle assistance device includes a communicator configured to receive satellite navigation information, correction information transmitted from a base station, and position error information transmitted from a fixed body, and a vehicle position determiner configured to calculate first position information corresponding to the received satellite navigation information and correction information and to calculate a current position of a vehicle by correcting the first position information based on the position error information.

Abstract: A localization system within a vehicle in one embodiment includes a global position system (GPS) receiver, a radar sensor, a data storage device including program instructions stored therein, a symbolic map stored within the data storage device, and a controller operatively coupled to the data storage device, the GPS receiver, and the radar sensor, the controller configured to execute the program instructions to analyze data from the GPS receiver, data from the radar sensor, and data from the stored symbolic map, and determine a probabilistic vehicle location based upon the analysis.

Abstract: An approach is provided for comparing experienced curvatures with geometry-based curvatures to identify road environments. The approach involves causing, at least in part, an aggregation of a plurality of curvature samples collected from one or more vehicles traversing one or more travel segments. The approach also involves processing and/or facilitating a processing of the curvature samples to determine at least one experienced curvature for the one or more travel segments. The approach further involves determining at least one geometry-based curvature for the one or more travel segments. The approach also involves determining one or more differences between at least one experienced curvature and the at least one geometry-based curvature.

Abstract: A navigation system includes: a map information acquiring unit 31 for acquiring map information; an HOV lane decision unit 38 for deciding whether an HOV lane is included in a road represented by the map information acquired by the map information acquiring unit 31 or not; a road number processing unit 43 for performing, when the HOV lane decision unit 38 decides that the HOV lane is included, processing of adding information representing the HOV lane to a road number of the road including the HOV lane; and a display processing unit 44 or a voice information unit 46 for causing the road number passing through the processing by the road number processing unit 43 to be displayed on the guide map or output in voice.

Abstract: A mapping system is disclosed that provides route guidance in the form of a map and verbal or textual directions which includes reference to both landmarks and personal contacts. Landmarks and contacts can be rated for suitability in providing route guidance. Depending on the rating, guidance using landmarks or personal contacts can be preferentially used in place of or to supplement guidance based on the underlying road network.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for defining travel paths in parking areas. In one embodiment, travel paths in parking areas are defined in a digital map by automatically, semi-automatically, and/or manually after the parking areas are identified from one or more captured images of the parking area.

Abstract: A user of a mobile device may use the technique to obtain future location-based situation awareness, e.g., a future location route displayed on the user's mobile device. That future location route comprises the user's future locations through time and space, e.g., a set of planned meetings at successive locations in a geographic area. A service that provides the user's mobile device with the future location route may also alert the user of potential threats to the user's planned activities, such as a restaurant being over-booked. On a permission basis, the user's mobile device may also receive a future location route for at least one other person associated with the user in a social network. The other person's future location route may be overlaid on the user's route so that one or both individuals receive advance notifications of their potential to have their respective paths “crossing” during a future time period.

Abstract: A system and method for guided navigation of a mining vehicle are presented. A position sensor is mounted to a haul truck. The position sensor is configured to identify a position of the haul truck. A navigation aid is configured to identify a target destination for the haul truck, calculate a path including the target destination, and use the position sensor to monitor a progress of the haul truck along the path. A user interface is configured to display at least a portion of the path to an operator of the haul truck.