Abstract: Cooling towers and cooling tower fill configured for the cooling of process water with air by indirect heat exchange, in which the fill is configured with a first set of channels and a second set of channels, said first and second set of channels interleaved with one-another so that heat exchange occurs across material separating said channels from one-another.

Abstract: A valve and a heat exchanger apparatus for a gas turbine engine include a valve body having a valve seat and an actuation component including a plate formed from a set of metal layers and responsive to a change in at least one of a thermal condition and a pressure exerted thereon such that the plate moves and the valve moves between an opened and a closed position where a portion of the plate engages with the valve seat.

Abstract: A shell loading system for a firearm in one embodiment includes a barrel, receiver, reciprocating slide and bolt assembly, tubular magazine, tilting carrier operable to receive and feed shells from the magazine into the action, a spring-biased carrier latch laterally moveable to engage the carrier, and a pawl pivotably mounted on the carrier. A carrier latch disconnect is movable between an unblocking and blocking position that prevents engagement of the carrier latch with carrier. To prevent bouncing of the carrier after firing a shot, a first detent feature on carrier assembly automatically engages a second detent feature in the receiver as the carrier returns downward from an upward position when the action is cycled by discharging the firearm. The detent features automatically disengage when the slide moves rearward to permit normal operation of the carrier when cycling the action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cartridge-in-chamber detection system for firearms which makes it possible to reliably detect the presence or non-presence of a cartridge in the chamber whilst making it possible to supply this information to the user intuitively and comprising at least two plates wherethrough it is possible to determine the variation of the electrical capacity between two possible states of the system, when there is no cartridge in the chamber and when there is a cartridge in the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for reliably limiting the cartridge loading capacity of firearm magazines. In one embodiment, a magazine capacity limiting assembly includes a limiter body and a limiter base. The magazine capacity limiter body reliably operates with a cartridge follower of a firearm magazine. The limiter body is installed substantially within coils of the magazine's spring, thereby limiting the travel of the follower within the magazine body to limit the magazine's cartridge capacity. The lower portion of the limiter body can include a plurality of extensions is configured to be severed at a corresponding plurality of pre-determined locations corresponding to a plurality of cartridge capacities. The limiter may also include a cupped top configured to be securely coupled the cartridge follower of a corresponding type of firearm.

Abstract: An electronic camera device, and associated system and interfaces, that generates, records and transmits video, audio and sensor data. Camera device comprises a housing with a fastening mechanism adapted to mount the device to a firearm. The device has a processor module, a memory module for storage, a camera module configured to generate and record video and store the video to memory. The device further includes a magnetic sensor configured to detect the presence and absence of a magnet and an accelerometer that is configured to detect a draw motion (e.g., a firearm being unholstered). When the magnetic sensor detects the absence of a magnet, and the accelerometer detects a draw motion, one or more corresponding signals are generated and transmitted, directing the camera to begin recording (and transmitting) video and send an alert signal to assets in the field to provide support.

Abstract: A locking box magazine safety device, comprising a magazine body comprising a rigid material shaped to conform to the internal dimensions and features of a box magazine well in a magazine-operated device; a lock cylinder comprising a key-operated lock and an operating rod, the operating rod configured to move when the appropriate key is used in the key-operated lock; and a pivoting arm configured to pivot about an axis, configured to be fixed in place by the movement of the operating rod, and configured to obscure the action of a magazine-operated device when fixed in place.

Abstract: An automatic submachine gun for exploiting recoil, that includes a stock; a fixed barrel; a grip provided with an extractable butt; a bolt sliding in direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrel inside the stock for locking the breech of the barrel; a device for recovering the recoil kinetic energy of the bolt; a hammer swinging in opposition and through the action of a spring actuator element between a cocked position and an uncocked position; a trigger assembly for the hammer; an opposing lever of the hammer for single shot fire; and an opposing lever of the hammer for continuous burst fire; a manual fire mode selector; an extractable magazine for loading cartridge ammunition; and a firing pin.

Abstract: A method of making a continuous fiber barrel wrap sheath onto a steel riffled barrel liner of a gas-operated firearm is described. A wrap made up of composite fiber is wrapped onto a steel riffled barrel liner in a continuous fashion, with no interruption within the steel liner for the purpose of delivering high pressure gas through the steel liner. After joining the composite wrap to the steel barrel liner, either by mechanical or chemical procedure, a slot is formed by carving out a top and/or a bottom of the composite. A gas key insert is then placed in the made slots and retained by mechanical or chemical procedure. Finally, a gas port is drilled through the key insert.

Abstract: A cover system for a sound suppressor that reduces the mirage created by the heat generated when a projectile is fired through the sound suppressor and allows the sound suppressor's appearance to be easily changed to blend in with the sound suppressor's surroundings. The cover system comprises a front cap and a cylindrical member. The front cap is configured for attachment to the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member is configured for attachment to the front cap and to receive the sound suppressor. An air gap is formed between an outer surface of the sound suppressor and an inner surface of the cylindrical member when the sound suppressor is at least partially received within the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for firearm training simulator which simulates realistic recoil of conventional firearms. The method and apparatus incorporates a linear motor and controllable mass for generating recoil. One embodiment includes an adjusting system for adjusting the amount of recoil provided. Also provided are means for simulating semi-automatic and/or full automatic operation of firearms. One embodiment can include a laser emitter which simulates the path for a bullet fired from a firearm that the method and apparatus is simulating.

Abstract: According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a device for retaining and stabilizing archery equipment, such as a bow, includes a first portion configured for attachment to a bow and a second portion configured for attachment to the first portion, the second portion having a distal tip opposite the first portion and configured for insertion into the ground or a stand wherein the device is structured to retain the bow above the ground without the bow touching the ground. In certain embodiments, the device further includes an adjustment element, the adjustment element structured to reversibly and adjustably connect the first portion to the second portion and an attachment mechanism structured to reversibly and adjustably attach the device to the bow, where the adjustment mechanism and the adjustment element are disposed in a first slot and a second slot of the first portion and the second portion, respectively.

Abstract: A revolver has a detent mechanism providing positive mechanical engagement between the cylinder yoke and the frame. A housing mounted on the frame has a spring biased plunger that transversely engages a pin. The pin projects from the housing and engages a recess on the yoke when the revolver cylinder is closed. The pin is biased into engagement with the recess by the plunger to maintain the revolver closed and the chambers of the cylinder in precise alignment with the barrel during firing. Manual force applied to the cylinder can overcome the biasing force and permit the revolver to be opened and closed.

Abstract: A stock for a firearm. In some embodiments, the stock is configured for bi-directional folding to either side of a receiver of the firearm. In some embodiments, the stock is configured for length adjustment. A biasing element is provided for the length adjustment that biases a proximal (butt) subassembly of the stock against the shoulder of the user. The user can adjust the length of the stock by moving his or her shoulder fore and aft against the butt of the stock. The bi-directional folding and the shoulder length adjustment aspects may be incorporated into a single embodiment.

Abstract: A firearm handguard assembly system is disclosed. The system comprises a handguard including at least four apertures, a barrel nut having a first threaded end and a second smooth end, the threaded end coupled to the handguard, and an index block including at least four apertures, the index block coupled to the handguard by at least four screws, each screw having a head and a tip, the tip threaded through: one of the at least four apertures on the index block, and one of the at least four apertures on the handguard.

Abstract: A belt attachment to support a firearm holster is disclosed. The belt attachment is configured to have a primary member comprising a first end and a second end to define a band of predefined length. The first end of the primary member is configured to have a plurality of holes and a buckle is attached to the second end of the primary member. A secondary member is fixedly attached to the primary member at a predetermined position, wherein the firearm holster is slidably attached via a free end of the second member. The primary member and the secondary member are locked together via one or more snap fasteners to selectively encompass the belt attachment around a user's waist thereby securely holding the firearm holster on the belt attachment. A method of using the belt attachment to hold the firearm holster is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gunsight for aiming a firearm comprises a projector, a viewing screen, an objective window and a plurality of intermediate walls extending between the viewing screen and the objective window. The projector may be positioned to project a reticle pattern onto a forward facing surface of the viewing screen. The viewing screen may be transparent or translucent so that the reticle pattern is visible to a user located rearward of the viewing screen. The projector comprises a light source and a liquid crystal light valve. The reticle pattern may have an appearance corresponding to a user provided image.

Abstract: A telescopic sight for a firearm, comprising an external housing and a manually adjustable sighting adjustment mechanism comprising a manual adjustment control and a plunger. The optical system comprises a sighting assembly with a movable member for adjusting sighting. The plunger is slidably in a port in the housing, linking the adjustment control with the movable member. Manual adjusting the manual control causes the plunger to move the movable member, making the sighting adjustment. The housing interior remains atmospherically sealed as the plunger slides in the port. The manual adjustment control is removably affixed to the housing, and the manual adjustment control is fully separable from the plunger which remains slidably engaged and retained in the port when the manual adjustment control is removed from the housing, in order to maintain the atmospheric seal of the housing interior.

Abstract: A multi-function dry fire training device to be inserted into the chamber of a firearm, which comprises an illuminator for emitting, upon receiving a command from a controller, a beam of visible or invisible illumination from the barrel of the firearm, the beam being parallel to its central axis; a controller for controlling the functionality of the device including illumination of the illuminator, in response to activation of the firearm trigger; an actuator, being electrically connected to the controller, for activating the controller whenever being struck by the firearm striker and a power source for providing DC power to the controller and illuminator.

Abstract: A mount assembly for securing accessories to an underlying firearm assembly. The mount assembly includes a base that is constructed to be secured to an underlying firearm and an accessory support that is moveable relative to the base. An interface arrangement is provided between the base and the accessory support such that the accessory support can be rotated relative to the base between a first orientation that is laterally inboard of the base and a second orientation that is laterally outboard of the base to accommodate break-action operation of an underlying firearm when the accessory mount assembly is secured to the firearm.

Abstract: This scope mount will fit a Mosin Nagant rifle and with a little adjustment will fit 25 other rifles, it has a stabilizer bar that will fit snugly across the front of the receiver with 2 screws, it will attach to the mount with 3 screws attaching the mount to the side of the receiver, it will stabilize and secure the mount, it has a picatinny rail all the way across the top that will hold any scope of any kind.

Abstract: An adjustable assembly comprising a mounting plate, centre lever is pivotally connected to the mounting plate guided over the projected portion of centre lever and both are held rigid by the holding means. A base clamp pivotally connected to the centre lever and is guided through the projected portion of centre lever which is held rigid by the holding means, centre lever and base clamp are arranged to adjust in another required desired orthogonal axis by the adjusting means. The whole assemble structure is mounted to a parallel sighting devices such a laser unit or a camera or the like.

Abstract: An Anti-Ballistic chair including a seat portion, and a first Anti-Ballistic panel removably inserted into a pocket having an opening formed within the seat portion, wherein the Anti-Ballistic panel comprises at least a first layer of Anti-Ballistic material formed from high-strength synthetic fibers extending in a first direction, and at least a second layer of Anti-Ballistic material formed from high-strength synthetic fibers extending in a second direction, different from the first direction.

Abstract: A method and a device for providing a dummy target via decoy chaffs for protecting a vehicle and/or an object from radar-guided missiles. After identification of the radar-guided missile and calculation of a decoy chaff pattern, the decoy chaff pattern is presented in the form of polar coordinates in accordance with the firing of shots, a “cut-off” distance for the determination of a defence radius is then found in these polar coordinates. A minimum distance between the disassembly or detonation points within the defence radius is set. The dummy target is then optimized on the basis of the “cut-off” distance and the minimum distance between the disassembly or detonation points. As a result of this calculation, the only decoy chaffs that are deloyed are those that meet the conditions, i.e. that have a minimum distance between the disassembly or detonation points within the defence radius in the optimized dummy target.

Abstract: A landmine-neutralization system has a vehicle including a water supply tank and an electrical power supply and an electro-discharge apparatus.

Abstract: A firearm ammunition cartridge comprises a case having a substantially tubular body portion, an open leading end, and a trailing end defining a primer port. An insert is received within the case and extending along the body portion. The insert has an exterior surface conforming to an interior surface of the body portion and a central cavity extending along an axial dimension of the insert. The central cavity opens to the primer port at the trailing end of the case and to a leading end of the insert. A quantity of gunpowder is disposed within the central cavity, and a projectile is received and retained within the leading end of the case. The gunpowder is confined to a chamber comprising at least a portion of the central cavity between said case trailing end and the projectile.

Abstract: A projectile has a front portion and a cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion comprises a cylindrical sidewall having an outer surface and an inner surface. The projectile also has a plurality of depressions in the cylindrical sidewall. The depressions have an outlet adjacent the second end, an inlet toward the first end and a neck area between the inlet and the outlet. A width of the inlet is smaller than a width of the outlet. The depressions at the neck area have a curved sidewall, but a generally straight sidewall between the neck area and the outlet. The surface of the depression extends at a ramp angle from the outer surface of the sidewall at the inlet of the depression toward the inner surface of the sidewall at the outlet.

Abstract: Tracer ammunition for tracking the trajectory and/or the impact of projectiles in the target generally contains pyrotechnics. These pyrotechnics demonstrate various disadvantages, wherein the most serious is the continued burning of the pyrotechnics, even after penetration of the projectile in the target. This causes an increased risk of fire and acute injuries. A mixture of light metal and a carbon-containing substrate, ignites during firing of a projectile and burns during its flight by means of air oxygen introduced into the combustion chamber by way of tear-off edges, and produces a tracer that extinguishes in the target.

Abstract: A missile or other flight vehicle has a stage separation mechanism for separating a downstream stage from an upstream portion of the missile. The mechanism includes one or more holes in fluid communication with a cavity between the upstream and downstream portions of the missile. The holes are located downstream of one or more shocks produced by one or more local variations in the outer surface shape of the missile. The one or more local variations in outer surface shapes produce the one or more shocks as the missile is flown at supersonic speeds. These shock(s) produce downstream pressure rises, and these pressure increases are communicated to the cavity by the hole(s). The increased pressure in the cavity provides a mechanism for separating the downstream stage from the upstream portion of the missile, after release of a mechanical coupling between the upstream portion and downstream stage.

Abstract: The invention is a tool for measuring the distance and angle between two points on two surfaces to measure position of the points and surfaces relative to one another to provide the user with angle and distance measurements which fully define the relationship between the surfaces and points without additional calculations.

Abstract: A method for measuring three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of a surface includes providing a manually positionable articulated arm portion having opposed first and second ends, providing a measurement device coupled to the first end, the measurement device including a camera having a lens and a photosensitive array and moving the camera to first and second positions and orientations to capture first and second images. Based on data from the camera, a first set of cardinal points common to the first and images and the second images are used to form a 3D coordinates that describe the surface.

Abstract: A probe includes a movable plate to which a stylus capable of contacting a measurable object is mounted, the movable plate displaceable in an X direction; a static plate arranged to overlap with the movable plate; a counter plate facing the movable plate and the static plate; an elastic movable side connection plate, the movable side connection plate connecting the counter plate at at least three places with each of a first end connector positioned toward a first end of the movable plate in the X direction and second end connectors positioned toward a second end in the X direction; and a static side connection plate which connects the static plate and the counter plate. An entire length of the first end connector in a Y direction orthogonal to the X direction is the same size as the entire length of the second end connectors in the Y direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of measuring a path length using a handheld electronic device comprising an acceleration sensor. The method comprises: sensing an acceleration of the handheld electronic device while the handheld electronic device is translated over the path, thereby obtaining an acceleration plot of the handheld device; and calculating the path length from the acceleration plot using an integration procedure. In some cases projection of a distance over a required measured path is used.

Abstract: A method of measuring a center error between bearings includes disposing both sides of a rotation shaft on inner circumferential surfaces of a magnetic bearing and a backup bearing, applying current to the magnetic bearing to produce movement of the rotation shaft, determining a contact point between the rotation shaft and the backup bearing according to movement of the rotation shaft, determining a final target value using the contact point and predetermined position information of the magnetic bearing, determining a magnetic center of the magnetic bearing through the final target value, comparing the magnetic center of the magnetic bearing and a mechanical center of the backup bearing to determine a center error, and aligning the magnetic center of the magnetic bearing and the mechanical center of the backup bearing based on the determined center error.

Abstract: Provided are self-retractable centering assemblies and methods of using these assemblies for alignment of parts having determinant assembly alignment holes. An assembly includes a center pin having a threaded portion threadably engaging a drive component. The assembly also includes a puller bushing rotatably coupled to the drive component. The center pin protrudes through the puller bushing and can slide with respect to the puller bushing when the drive component is rotated relative to the center pin. The sliding distance is controlled by a limiter disposed within the cavity of the puller bushing. During operation, a portion of the center pin extends from the puller bushing and is inserted into alignment holes of parts being aligned. The drive component is rotated relative to the center pin resulting in the center pin being pulled out of the alignment holes while the puller bushing is being pressed against the parts.

Abstract: A position sensing system for measuring a position of a moving object includes an electromagnet configured to generate an alternating magnetic field, and a magnetic sensor configured to measure an intensity of a first magnetic field that is based on the alternating magnetic field. A controller is configured to estimate a position of the moving object based on the measured intensity of the first magnetic field.

Abstract: Provided is a displacement detection device which reduces the influence of disturbance noise on a magnetic field to be detected and makes a range detectable by a monopole magnet wider than a pitch of a magnetic detection elements. A displacement detection device includes a magnet which is displaced in a displacement direction Ds, is rod-shaped and has a form in which a longitudinal direction and the displacement direction Ds form a predetermined angle ?, and a sensor IC in which magnetic detection element groups, which detect a magnetic flux density of a magnetic field formed by the magnet in an x direction and a z direction orthogonal to the displacement direction Ds, are arranged in pairs with a predetermined interval dp, and which outputs a difference between outputs of the magnetic detection element groups.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flexible strain sensor includes a flexible polymeric substrate having a top surface and a layer of amorphous carbon formed on the top surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical apparatus of collecting three dimensional information of an object, which includes an optical detector, a mask, a first optical module and a second optical module. The mask has a first aperture and a second aperture separated from the first aperture by the mask. The first optical module in the first aperture to provide a first light beam of a first wavelength range in accordance with light reflected from the object. The second optical module in the second aperture to provide a second light beam of a second wavelength range in accordance with the light reflected from the object.

Abstract: A laser remote length measurement instrument capable of remotely measuring a length between two required points in a non-contact manner is provided. The laser remote length measurement instrument includes a rangefinding unit, an optical axis deflection section, a rotation angle detector, and a computation controller. The rangefinding unit is configured to cause a light emitting element to emit visible rangefinding light and obtain a light reception signal. The optical axis deflection section is configured to scan to-and-fro between two directions with the rangefinding light. The rotation angle detector is configured to detect a divergence angle between the two directions. The computation controller is configured to compute a distance between illuminated points in the two directions illuminated with the rangefinding light on the basis of rangefinding results for the illuminated points and the divergence angle between the two directions.

Abstract: A height gauge, comprising: a sliding support moving along a vertical guide and carrying a contact feeler, and a multi-chromatic light-emitting device mounted on the sliding support. A programmable controller drives the light-emitting device based on the position of the feeler.

Abstract: A contactless, and accurate device and methods of use thereof are provided to calibrate and verify the calibration of a robotic arm and associated attachments. The device uses a laser gauge for calibrating and subsequently verifying the calibration of the robotic arm, digitizer, or robotic tools. An optical transmitter, in communication with an optical receiver is fixed nearly perpendicular to a second optical transmitter in communication with a second optical receiver that form two optical micrometers that are offset a small distance, forming a small gap, d, to create a measuring void having two distinct non-intersecting measurement planes. One measurement plane measures the position and size of an object in a first axis direction and the other measurement plane measures the position and size of an object in a second axis direction. The position and size of an object is measured within the measuring void in both axial directions.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to 3D surface measurement systems and methods configured to direct engineered illumination of beams in one or more ray bundles to N illumination directions incident a sample surface. The systems and methods can measure a map of surface normals, a depth map, and a map of surface properties using intensity images captured while the engineered illumination is directed to the sample surface.

Abstract: A Brillouin-based distributed bend fiber sensor and method for using the Brillouin-based distributed bend fiber sensor are described herein. In one example, the Brillouin-based distributed bend fiber sensor is specially configured to measure a temperature distribution (?T), a bend angle ?, and a bend radius R along a deployed fiber (e.g., four-core fiber).

Abstract: A 3D measuring system having a projector, a camera and a chassis that connects the projector and the camera, characterized by a heating device for heating one or more components of the 3D measuring system.

Abstract: Method, metrology modules and RCA tool are provided, which use the behavior of resonance region(s) in measurement landscapes to evaluate and characterize process variation with respect to symmetric and asymmetric factors, and provide root cause analysis of the process variation with respect to process steps. Simulations of modeled stacks with different layer thicknesses and process variation factors may be used to enhance the analysis and provide improved target designs, improved algorithms and correctables for metrology measurements. Specific targets that exhibit sensitive resonance regions may be utilize to enhance the evaluation of process variation.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a wheel alignment change of a vehicle may include: a straight driving situation detection unit configured to detect whether a vehicle is going straight, based on information on positions of objects on a road and a yaw rate and steering angle; a wheel alignment change detection unit configured to detect a wheel alignment change based on lane information acquired from a camera sensor of the vehicle, when the vehicle information detected by the straight driving situation detection unit indicates that the vehicle is going straight; a driver alarming unit configured to output an alarm to a driver when the detected wheel alignment change is larger than a preset threshold value; and a wheel alignment change compensation unit configured to compensate for steering for SCC or LKAS control, when the detected wheel alignment change is smaller than the threshold value.

Abstract: MEMS mass-spring-damper systems (including MEMS gyroscopes and accelerometers) using an out-of-plane (or vertical) suspension scheme, wherein the suspensions are normal to the proof mass, are disclosed. Such out-of-plane suspension scheme helps such MEMS mass-spring-damper systems achieve inertial grade performance. Methods of fabricating out-of-plane suspensions in MEMS mass-spring-damper systems (including MEMS gyroscopes and accelerometers) are also disclosed.

Abstract: Localization and navigation systems and techniques are described. An electronic device comprises a processor configured to apply an extended Kalman filter (EKF) as the electronic device traverses the trajectory. The extended Kalman filter is configured to maintain a state vector storing estimates for a position of the electronic device at poses along a trajectory within an environment along with estimates for positions for one or more features within the environment. The EKF computes constraints based on features observed from multiple poses along the trajectory, and updates, in accordance with motion data and the one or more computed constraints, the estimates within the state vector of the extended Kalman filter while excluding, from the state vector, state estimates for positions within the environment for the features that were observed from the multiple poses and for which the constraints were computed.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide race route distribution and/or display for mobile structures. A race route distribution and/or display system includes a race route generator, a distribution server, a display board, various race route receivers, and/or a user interface, each of which may be used in conjunction with operation of one or more mobile structures participating in a race to receive a race route from the race route generator and/or distribution server. A race route receiver may include and/or be configured to communicate with a logic device, a memory, one or more sensors, actuators/controllers, and/or corresponding interface modules. The logic device may be adapted to receive the race route and display various portions of the race route to a user using intuitive symbols and/or adjust a directional control signal provided to an actuator of the mobile structure accordingly.