Abstract: A modular trigger and hammer assembly having a hammer, a trigger, a disconnector and a hammer spring for use in a weapon including at least a lob including a firing notch, a safety notch; and a curved landing flat. Also including a trigger needle bearing and a hammer needle bearing.

Abstract: A trigger control assistance device that allows a firearm user to focus on pulling a trigger without concern over trigger release. That is, a finger extension is provided to interface the user's finger during firing of the firearm. The extension is configured to reciprocatingly displace the user's finger from the trigger at a controlled rate. This, in turn provides enhanced control for the user who may now focus on aiming and pulling the trigger without undue concern over releasing the trigger. Added features such as an adjustable rate of fire and GPS enabling and disabling of the firearm may also be incorporated into the trigger control assistance device.

Abstract: A composite barrel assembly for a gun, such as a muzzle-loading mortar for fin-stabilized projectiles. The composite construction of the barrel has a plurality of generally concentric layers built-up around a rigid supporting liner which may be fabricated from any of several metal or ceramic compositions. An inner thermal barrier coating of inorganic glass, metal refractory alloy, chromium alloy, functionally graded material or ceramic is disposed within the liner. An overwrap layer of continuous fibers embedded in a matrix surrounds the liner. The matrix is either a resin, polymer, ceramic, glass or metal. An outer shell of continuous fibers embedded in a high temperature polymer matrix surrounds the overwrap. When the liner is made from a metal-based composition, an outer thermal barrier coating may be applied in between the liner and the overwrap.

Abstract: A firearm barrel has a gas channel in fluid communication with a gas port. The gas port diverts a portion of the gas produced when firing a round of ammunition into the gas channel. The gas channel extends longitudinally and substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the barrel to a gas block. The gas channel provides fluid communication between a gas block and a gas port located in different longitudinal positions on the barrel.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the level of a shooting rest. The device includes a triangle-shaped insert having a sloped first side that can receive the shooting rest thereon. A second side of the insert includes a plurality of slots that extend along the length of the insert, toward the first side. Each slot corresponds to a different level in which the shooting rest can be adjusted to when the insert is engaged therewith. An aperture on the insert receives a cord, wherein the cord can form a loop around the shooting rest for securing the insert thereto. The device is used with an existing tree stand or, in some embodiments, includes a tree stand. The insert receives the shooting rest against the first side thereof and the second side further secures to the tree stand, thereby providing adjustability of the insert for repositioning the level of the shooting rest.

Abstract: A crossbow may be a horizontal crossbow having a main beam and a bow assembly mounted to the main beam. The bow assembly may include: a bowstring; a riser attached to the main beam; a first bow limb; a second bow limb; a first wheel that is supported to the first bow limb; and a second wheel that is supported to the second bow limb. In some embodiments, the bow limbs may be separated at least as wide as a user's foot. In other embodiments, the bow assembly may include a trigger oriented parallel to pivot axes about which the wheels rotate. In yet other embodiments, a ratio of the distance between the wheels and the power stroke is less than 1.8.

Abstract: An archery release assembly and method are disclosed herein. The assembly, in an embodiment, includes a body having a first structure having a first finger engagement surface and a second structure defining a recess and an axial space. The assembly also includes a hook pivotally coupled to the body and an extension having a protrusion configured to be inserted into the recess. Also, the assembly includes a member configured to be at least partially positioned within the axial space.

Abstract: A pistol grip that assists in bump firing a pistol is disclosed. The bump fire grip may comprise a partially hollow exterior shaft that can contain an interior shaft. The interior shaft can be sized to slide from the front to the back of the exterior shaft, and vice versa. The interior shaft can slide on one or more pins, wherein the pins are lockedly engaged in the exterior shaft, pass through the interior shaft, but are not attached to the interior shaft. The bump fire grip can also employ a male/female grove design such that male groves on the exterior shaft can receive female groves on the interior shaft. The interior shaft can slide on the male/female groves. The bump fire grip can also include a locking mechanism, which, when engaged, can prevent the interior shaft from sliding within the exterior shaft, prohibiting bump firing.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing therein a firearm includes a firearm case including walls and defining therein a volume for storing therein a firearm. A recharger is configured for recharging a battery of an electronic device. The recharger is in electrical communication with an access port located in a portion of the firearm case.

Abstract: A munitions dispenser employs a plurality of launch tubes mounted in an array as a segmented dispenser assembly. Each tube in the array is configured to carry a selected munition releasably coupled in a cylindrical bore of the tube for substantially vertical release through a lower aperture. A frame, mountable to an air vehicle, carries the array of launch tubes. A skin covers the array of launch tubes with the skin and frame with the array configured for nested engagement of multiple segmented assemblies.

Abstract: A sight mechanism for firearms such as pistols, rifles and the like. The sight mechanism includes a sight member that has a rear sight that is vertically adjusted. The sight member can be mounted on a vertically moveable member that has a fixing member that sets the vertical position of the sight member. The vertically moveable member may, without limitation, be a pivoting member. The sight mechanism includes magnets that bias the vertical member against the fixing member so that the magnets maintain the sight at the vertical position defined by the fixing member.

Abstract: Accessory for the installation, positioning and fixing of a telescopic sight or any other aiming accessory on an air rifle or firearm. The referred rifle or firearm comprises a series of longitudinal grooves (11) on its upper part, facing said accessory (10) and characterized in that said accessory comprises: first longitudinal support (14), with at least one orifice (17) perpendicular to the air rifle (12) or firearm, through which positioning means (16) pass that are housed on the rifle (12) or firearm, defining a firm supporting position between chamber (26) of said firearm and said first longitudinal support (14).

Abstract: The invention relates to ballistic resistant article having a multilayered material sheet which includes a consolidated stack of unidirectional monolayers of drawn polymer, whereby the draw direction of two subsequent monolayers in the stack differs. At least one monolayer comprises a plurality of unidirectional tapes of the drawn polymer, aligned in the same direction, whereby adjacent tapes do not overlap. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of the multilayered material sheet, and to a ballistic resistant article comprising the multilayered material sheet.

Abstract: The invention is an annular arrow fletch arrow stabilizer are therefor provided. The annular arrow fletch is used for; stabilizing arrow flight, providing better clearance and functionality then conventional fixed glued tail feathers, the invention can be used with light emitting diode arrow nocks. The invention improves current arrow shaft stabilization technology with reduced assembly labor cost, the elimination of facial and or face mask interference issues providing more clearance, improved accuracy, repeatable production with the consistent injection mold production of the annular arrow fletch, easy replacement of the annular arrow fletch in the field, and improved arrow storage. The annular arrow fletch incorporates a metallic contact point, which will work with all light emitting nocks.

Abstract: A one-piece four-blade machined broadhead and sharpener for sharpening the blades of a four-blade broadhead is described. A broadhead may be machined as a single component from, for example, bar stock material. A broadhead of the present disclosure may be machined on a multi-spindle machine such as but not limited to a Swiss or Swiss-style screw machine. A broadhead may be machined in a reverse configuration such that an attachment end for attaching the broadhead to an arrow is positioned at or near an open end of the bar stock material. One or more steps of the broadhead machining or manufacturing process may be automated, for example by the use of one or more robotic gripping arms. Furthermore, a sharpener of the present disclosure may have sharpening stones positioned at angles such that a two blades of a four-blade broadhead may be simultaneously sharpened.

Abstract: Provided is a rotational lock for a control surface, the rotational lock having an output gear including one or more locking members alignable with corresponding locking members on a lock plate in an unlocked position of the rotational lock, the locking members being engageable upon the axial movement of the lock plate to couple the lock plate and lock gear for common rotation. In this way, a rotational lock can be provided that is lightweight, utilizes minimal components, and utilizes an existing motor that actuates the control surface and unlocks the mechanism.

Abstract: A cartridge with a steel component bullet has desirable penetration capabilities and controlled separation of components upon terminal impact. In embodiments of the invention, the cartridge comprises a steel component, a lead core, and a copper jacket. The lead jacket having a leading edge portion that extends to the cylindrical mid portion. The steel component bullet may have a forward pointed ogive portion, a cylindrical mid portion, and a tapered rearward portion. The rearwardly facing surface may be concave. The leading edge portion may have a taper oriented in a direction opposite the taper of the ogive portion of the steel component. Structure to inhibit spin is positioned on a rearward face of the steel component. The bullet having a concave rear face.

Abstract: A system for inspecting, fixing, or screening ammunition comprises an ammunition conveying track, a plurality of ammunition trays arranged on an outer surface of the ammunition conveying track, an ammunition inspector disposed at right and left sides of the ammunition conveying track, an ammunition fixer disposed downstream of the ammunition inspector at right and left sides of the ammunition conveying track, and an ammunition discharger disposed at an end point of the upper portion of the ammunition conveying track, ammunition cartridges being sequentially discharged through the ammunition fixer and the ammunition discharger, wherein at least one of the ammunition inspector and the ammunition fixer includes ammunition-shaped chambers and actuators, wherein the ammunition cartridges placed on the ammunition trays are moved horizontally and inserted into the chambers, and wherein the actuators horizontally move the ammunition cartridges inserted in the chambers back to the ammunition trays.

Abstract: A gauge for cartridges is disclosed. The gauge includes a gauge body defining an opening, a window, and receiving space. The opening and the receiving space share an axis and are in direct communication with each other. The window is in direct communication with the receiving space. The opening and the window are separated by a body portion of the gauge. Each gauge has a receiving space that is sized and shaped to correspond to a predetermined cartridge.

Abstract: A tape measure marking attachment for coupling to a tape measure and marking a surface beneath the tape measure at a desired location includes a hinged ring base defining an enclosing structure which can be selectively secured to the tape body of a conventional tape measure, a securing clip operative to fix the ring base in a closed position when in place on a conventional tape measure, and a marking member which extends down from the ring base and provides an integrated marking implement. When the tape measure marking attachment is in place on a conventional tape measure, a user can view the precise distance location through the top side of the ring base and press the tape measure marking attachment against a surface over which the tape measure is suspended to mark the surface at the exact distance measurement shown through the ring base.

Abstract: A modular system (1) for checking a valve seat and its associated valve guide in cylinder heads of internal combustion engines comprises a guide and support assembly (10), movable in three directions, which carries one or more electronic gauges (11) and a precentering pin (14) to guide the insertion of the gauge in the valve seat and its associated valve guide, and a tilting table (3) for loading and locating a cylinder head (4). Thanks to the particular structure of a support mechanism (12) connected to the guide and support assembly, the gauge is able to self-position on the valve seat to be checked and to disengage in a checking condition from the guide and support assembly at least in one of the three directions. The tilting table can be adjusted depending on the dimensions and layout of the cylinder head to be checked and includes a swing system (6) to set the tilt of the table as a function of the inclination of the valve seat and its associated valve guide to be checked.

Abstract: The measuring machine (1) for measuring workpieces (23, 23a) features a machine table (2) and a mechanical device comprising a measuring slide movable in a first linear axis and a cross slide movable in a second linear axis, and a quill shaft (7) arranged on the cross slide and movable in a third linear axis. Arranged on the quill shaft (7) is, in addition to a sensor (9) for measuring the workpiece, also a gripper (11) by means of which a workpiece (23a) can be retrieved from a magazine (22) and transferred to the clamping device (20), or retrieved from the clamping device (20) and transferred to the magazine (22). Due to this configuration the existing mechanical device of the measuring machine (1) can be made use of to mechanically transfer and also retrieve a workpiece (23, 23a) being measured.

Abstract: A metrology method includes obtaining a pattern reflection light reflected from an object by irradiating a first divided light, which is generated by reflecting a polarized light, to the object; obtaining a phase-controlled mirror reflection light reflected from a reflector by irradiating a second divided light, which is generated by transmitting the polarized light, to the reflector; and obtaining a pattern of the object based on an interference signal between the pattern reflection light and the mirror reflection light.

Abstract: A laser heterodyne interferometric straightness measurement apparatus and method with six DOFs determination includes a part for determining the straightness and its position based on laser heterodyne interferometry and a part for error determination and compensation. The optical path for determination of four DOFs errors including three common beam-splitters, a polarizing beam-splitter, a planar mirror, a convex lens, a position-sensitive detector and two quadrant detectors is added in the optical configuration of the part for determining the straightness and its position based on laser heterodyne interferometry.

Abstract: A wafer alignment apparatus includes a light source, a light detection device, and a rotation device configured to rotate a wafer. The light source is configured to provide light directed to the wafer. The light detection device is configured to detect reflected light intensity from the wafer to locate at least one wafer alignment mark of wafer alignment marks separated by a plurality of angles. At least two of those angles are equal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of determining a position of a height sensor in a dispensing system. The dispensing system includes a dispenser, height sensor, camera, and a calibration device configured to receive a signal from the height sensor. The calibration device may include an optical sensor that generates an alignment signal in response to receiving light from the height sensor and/or a fiducial that causes the height sensor to generate the alignment signal in response to a detected height change. The alignment signal is used to automatically determine the position at which the height sensor is aligned with the calibration device. The position of the height sensor relative to a camera is determined by aligning the camera with the calibration device and recording its position. The recorded coordinates of the camera are compared to the coordinates of the height sensor when the height sensor is automatically aligned with the calibration device.

Abstract: A device and method for surface height profiling are presented. The device has a source with a source slit through which light is provided. The device includes an objective lens having a reference surface. The objective lens is configured to illuminate a sample with test light from the source and to combine test light reflected from the sample with reference light reflected from the reference surface to form combined light. A spectrometer is positioned to receive the combined light at an entrance slit. The spectrometer is configured to image the combined light as a 2D image with a wavelength dimension and a spatial position dimension. A processor in electrical communication with the spectrometer is programmed to receive a signal representing the 2D image and to determine a surface height profile of the sample based on the signal.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes: a light emitting unit that projects irradiation light to an object; a first lens that changes a divergence degree of the irradiation light; an aperture stop unit that stops down the irradiation light projected from the first lens; a second lens that condenses the irradiation light passing through the aperture stop unit and projects the irradiation light to the object in a first direction; a transmission unit that is provided in a focal plane of the second lens and transmits therethrough a part of reflected light; a first light receiving unit that includes a light receiving surface that receives the part of the reflected light transmitted through the transmission unit; and a measurement unit that measures a height of a surface of the object by using a position of the part of the reflected light on the light receiving surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to methods and systems for measuring the thickness of coatings or thin films on various substrates. For example, one disclosed method includes the steps of providing and directing light waves of varying wavelengths toward a moving substrate comprising a coating, linearly polarizing the light waves, converting the linearly polarized light waves to circularly polarized light waves, analyzing elliptically polarized light waves reflected by the moving substrate, capturing analyzed light waves, generating light wave data based on the captured light waves, and determining a thickness of the coating based on the light wave data.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes: a light emitting unit that outputs light; a light condensing unit that condenses the light output from the light emitting unit; a diffusion unit that diffuses the light condensed by the light condensing unit; and a uniformizing optical system that receives the light diffused by the diffusion unit, uniformizes a brightness distribution thereof compared with that of the light being received, and outputs the resulting light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automated determination of a reference point of an alignment mark on a substrate of a photolithographic mask, which method comprises the following steps: (a) performing a first line scan within a start region of the substrate in a first direction on a surface of the substrate, the alignment mark being arranged within the start region, for locating a first element of the alignment mark; (b) performing a second line scan within the start region in at least a second direction, which intersects the first direction, on the surface of the substrate for locating a second element of the alignment mark; (c) estimating the reference point of the alignment mark from the located first element and the located second element of the alignment mark; and (d) imaging a target region around the estimated reference point of the alignment mark in order to determine the reference point of the alignment mark, with the imaging being carried out at a higher resolution than the performance of the

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for facilitating an inspection of a sample using an inspection tool. An inspection tool is used to obtain an image or signal from an EUV reticle that specifies an intensity variation across the EUV reticle, and this intensity variation is converted to a CD variation that removes a flare correction CD variation so as to generate a critical dimension uniformity (CDU) map without the flare correction CD variation. This removed flare correction CD variation originates from design data for fabricating the EUV reticle, and such flare correction CD variation is generally designed to compensate for flare differences that are present across a field of view (FOV) of a photolithography tool during a photolithography process. The CDU map is stored in one or more memory devices and/or displayed on a display device, for example, of the inspection tool or a photolithography system.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes forming field generating electrodes on at least one of a lower display substrate and an upper display substrate, forming alignment layers on the lower display substrate and the upper display substrate, forming a liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules between the lower display substrate and the upper display substrate, electric-field exposing the liquid crystal layer to pretilt the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer, and measuring pretilt angles of the liquid crystal molecules after the electric-field exposing.

Abstract: In order to adjust the volume of the combustion chamber with high accuracy, a cylinder head 200 includes a recess 204 constituting part of the combustion chamber of the engine and a mating surface for a cylinder block. The recess 204 includes a plurality of openings to which a plurality of specific members are attached respectively. The mating surface 202 is formed to have a cutting stock with respect to three-dimensional shape data of the cylinder head 200 designed to have a target combustion chamber volume. The adjusting method further comprises measuring the surface shape of the recess and the shape of the mating surface around the recess by successively changing the irradiation position of a laser beam using a line laser displacement meter. The adjusting method further comprises removing data of regions equivalent to the plurality of openings from measurement data by comparing the measurement data obtained by the line laser displacement meter with the three-dimensional shape data.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a recording medium records a shape calculation program that causes a computer to calculate a shape of a periodic structure. The shape calculation program causes the computer to extract a second scattering profile from a first scattering profile obtained when the electromagnetic waves are incident and to extract a fourth scattering profile from a third scattering profile calculated using a second periodic structure that is virtually set. The shape calculation program causes the computer to perform fitting between the second scattering profile and the fourth scattering profile and to calculate the shape of the first periodic structure on the basis of the result of the fitting.

Abstract: This invention reliably returns a measurement surface to a reference position while weakening the elastic force of a spring. A tool length measurement apparatus of this invention includes a supporter that supports the measurement surface that the tip of a tool contacts while translating in accordance with a biasing force received from the tool. The tool length measurement apparatus of this invention also includes a detector that detects the position of the measurement surface in a translation direction. The tool length measurement apparatus of this invention also includes a biasing unit that biases the measurement surface by a gas in a direction against the biasing force received from the tool.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a contact probe having a contact element includes measuring with the contact probe a first geometric property of a calibrated artifact and a second geometric property of the or a further calibrated artifact. The first and second geometric properties are such that a deviation between a measured value and the expected value, resulting from a difference between an effective diameter of the contact element and an assumed diameter used for determining the measured value, has the opposite sign for each of the first and second geometric properties. The method further includes identifying a difference in the effective diameter of the contact element from the assumed diameter including comparing deviations of the measured value to the expected value for each of the first and second geometric properties to determine whether there is a difference in the deviations.

Abstract: A motion sensor device including: an image sensor; first and second light sources; and a controller configured to control the image sensor and the first and second light sources. The controller makes the image sensor capture a first frame with light emitted from the first light source at a first time, makes the image sensor capture a second frame with light emitted from the second light source at a second time, performs masking processing on a first image gotten by capturing the first frame and on a second image gotten by capturing the second frame based on a difference between the first and second images, and obtain information about the distance to an object shot in the first and second images based on the first and second images that have been subjected to the masking processing.

Abstract: A method and device for locating layout points on a work surface using a laser level located away from the work surface to project one or more visible laser lines onto the work surface and one or more portable devices removably attached to the work surface along the level laser lines projected onto the work surface.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the angular rate sensor comprises a substrate and a rotating structure anchored to the substrate. The angular rate sensor also includes a drive mass anchored to the substrate and an element coupling the drive mass and the rotating structure. The angular rate sensor further includes an actuator for driving the drive mass into oscillation along a first axis in plane to the substrate and for driving the rotating structure into rotational oscillation around a second axis normal to the substrate; a first transducer to sense the motion of the rotating structure in response to a Coriolis force in a sense mode; and a second transducer to sense the motion of the sensor during a drive mode. In a second aspect the angular rate sensor comprises a substrate and two shear masses which are parallel to the substrate and anchored to the substrate via flexible elements.

Abstract: A rotation rate sensor includes a substrate having a main extension plane and multiple seismic masses, in which for each seismic mass the following applies: the seismic mass is drivable at a drive oscillation, which occurs along a drive direction situated parallel to the main extension plane, the seismic mass is deflectable along two different deflection directions, each direction being perpendicular to the drive direction, the rotation rate sensor being configured to generate detection signals as a function of detected deflections of the seismic masses, one detection signal of the detection signals being associated with each deflection direction of the seismic masses, the rotation rate sensor being configured so that a linear, rotational and centrifugal acceleration of the rotation rate sensor are compensated with respect to at least one rotation axis of the rotation rate sensor through compensation in each case of two corresponding detection signals of the detection signals.

Abstract: An optical rotation sensor is provided, comprising an optical ring resonator (RR) formed by a one-dimensional photonic crystal (1D PhC) waveguide, and a bus waveguide. A light input section of the bus waveguide is connectable to a light source, and a light output section of the bus waveguide is connectable to a light detector. The bus waveguide is optically coupled to the ring resonator within a coupling area which is located between the light input section and the light output section of the bus waveguide. The optical rotation sensor is configured to measure a shift of frequency of a resonance area (or a plurality of resonance areas) close to a band edge of a photonic band gap of the ring resonator, wherein the shift of frequency is caused by a rotation of the optical rotation sensor.

Abstract: A system for skydiving trajectory and coordination feedback for a user. The system includes a controller coupled to a plurality of sensor inputs. The controller determines a user drag through air based on input data from the plurality of sensor inputs. The controller also receives a user flightpath and determines a projected user trajectory based on the user drag. The controller also determines user drag adjustments to align the projected user trajectory with the received user flightpath. At least one of an aural, haptic, or visual feedback device is coupled to the controller to provide feedback to the user in response to the user drag adjustments.

Abstract: In one aspect, information of multiple anchor points is received and stored. The information of each anchor point includes Global Positioning System (GPS) data of a particular location and radio frequency (RF) data that was obtained at a device at the particular location. A geo coordinate is determined for an indoor location based on the RF data obtained at the indoor location and the information of the anchor points. Various embodiments pertain to software, systems, devices and methods relating to anchor points and/or the obtaining of a geo coordinate for a location.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, computer program products, and systems related to partial map updates are provided. An example embodiment provides a method comprising receiving updated map data comprises a plurality of links. One or more changed or new are identified links. The method further comprises determining a tiling of the updated map data and determining, based on the tiling of the updated map data, that a tile boundary between a first tile and a second tile intersects at least one of the one or more changed or new links. The method further comprises compiling a map update based on the updated map data, previous map data comprising at least one of the changed or new links intersected by the tile boundary, and the tiling, and providing the map update for at least the first tile.

Abstract: A vehicle localization system includes a first localization system, a second localization system, and a controller. The first localization system is configured to determine a location of the vehicle using a first set of data. The second localization system is configured to determine a location of the vehicle using a second set of data. The controller is configured to switch from the first localization system to the second localization system when the first set of data is less than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Embodiments include method, systems and computer program products for route planning and management with a drone. Aspects include receiving a destination for an individual and determining multiple routes between a position of the individual and the destination. Aspects further include deploying the drone to determine safety and accessibility risks associated with the multiple routes and determining a preferred route from the multiple routes based on the safety and accessibility risks associated with the multiple routes.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive information relating to a vehicle location. The processor is also configured to determine one or more filters, based on the received information, for filtering out a plurality of non-specified locations from varied location types. Further, the processor is configured to apply filters for each varied location type to select a plurality of non-specified locations. The processor is also configured to calculate an estimated time of arrival (ETA), for each of the selected locations, and deliver the selected locations and the calculated ETAs to a vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for directing foot traffic are disclosed. Crowd data is gathered from one or more crowd data sources to monitor crowd densities of a geographic area. Locations are received for pedestrian client devices within the geographic area. Augmented reality commands are determined and supplied to the pedestrian client devices to direct movement of users, generally away from more dense zones and toward less dense zones within the geographic area. The augmented reality commands may direct haptic augmented reality output by a pedestrian client device and/or an accessory associated therewith.

Abstract: A navigation system includes an improved interface for accessing points of interest. Popular chains and franchises are accessible via a separate search, which can be accessed more efficiently and quickly. The list of popular chains can then be used to access the main database of points of interest.