Abstract: An airgun has a high pressure reservoir for providing a pressurized motive gas to a breech to fire a projectile. A regulator is intermediate the high pressure reservoir and a downstream firing pressure reservoir for providing a consistent regulated pressure of the motive gas in the firing pressure reservoir. The airgun includes a bypass line for selectively connecting the high pressure reservoir to the firing pressure reservoir, independently of the regulator. Thus, an operator can select a firing of the airgun with either a regulated gas pressure in the firing reservoir or the pressure of the high pressure reservoir.

Abstract: A hand carryable, non-lethal personal protection device using compressed gas for operation. In some embodiments the device uses the compressed gas to create and shoot a vortex of air at the target. In other embodiments, the compressed gas can be used to shoot a burst of atomized water at the attacker. In still other embodiments the device uses the compressed gas to shoot ammunition, such as a ring airfoil, O-ring, bean bag, or other non-lethal blunt trauma munitions at the target. In still further embodiments, the device is modular in its construction, and can be used to apply the compressed gas to various different attachments.

Abstract: Embodiments include a stock for a crossbow or gun that includes two stock plates coupled to each other. The two stock plates define a gap. In an embodiment, the two stock plates are coupled to each other with one or more dampening elements. In an embodiment, the two stock plates diverge from each other towards one end of the stock, such that the gap widens towards the front end of the stock. In an embodiment, the stock is configured to shoot an arrow with the cock feather oriented vertically upwards or away from the stock. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A firearm handgrip assembly with laser gunsight system has a first grip frame element adapted for mounting to a first portion of the firearm frame, the first grip frame element including at least one of an illuminator, a battery, a switch, and a controller, a cover portion of the grip defining an interior channel adapted to closely receive at least a major portion of the first portion of the firearm frame and the first grip frame element, the cover portion having a contoured exterior surface adapted for gripping by a user's hand, and a fastener operably engaging the cover portion to the firearm frame. The firearm frame may be a curved butt frame of a revolver. The interior channel of the cover portion may be curved. The fastener may include a threaded element connected to a lower end of the firearm frame.

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 firearm flotation system with a rearward buoyant body and a forward buoyant body is disclosed. The forward buoyant body may have a keyed rail slot constructed to allow the firearm rail system to be inserted therein. Alternatively, or in addition to, the forward buoyant body may include a first buoyant body portion and a second buoyant body portion. The first buoyant body portion has an interlocking tongue and the second buoyant body has an interlocking groove, wherein the tongue fits into the groove and connects the first buoyant body portion to the second buoyant body portion. The system is sufficiently buoyant to render the firearm buoyant in water when the firearm is attached to the system.

Abstract: A firearm support system includes a receiver that has a back wall comprising a strap slot and a flexible strap extending from the back wall.

Abstract: A sighting system for use with firearms having a barrel for releasing a projectile toward a target, including an LED light, a power source for powering the LED light, a circuit that receives power from the power source and provides it to the LED light and controls the LED light, a housing for encasing the LED light, power source and circuit to act as an independent unit, wherein the housing is designed to be retrofit entirely on top of the barrel of the firearm, so that in dim light a user is guided by light from the LED light to align the barrel toward the target.

Abstract: A range finder for determining a distance to a target object includes a thermoelectric module and a range finding unit. The range finding unit includes a light source for emitting light onto a target object, a light receiving unit configured to receive light reflected by the target object, a distance calculation unit for calculating the distance to the target object based on the reflected light, and a display unit for displaying the calculated distance to the target object. The thermoelectric module generates electricity from a thermal gradient, produced from a user's body heat that is transferred to the module. The electricity power generated by the thermoelectric module powers the components of the range finding unit. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: Switchless sensing is provided to control electronic devices of the type associated with deterrent devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a firearm which may include a frame with a first outer wall, and a second outer wall opposite the first outer wall. A laser module may be disposed between the first and second outer walls. An alignment pin may be in communication with the first outer wall and may be configured to move the laser module relative to the frame.

Abstract: A sight configured to properly align a weapon in the left and right direction and in the vertical direction with respect to a target without the need to separately range the target. In particular, once the shooter aligns indicia on the site with structure on the target the weapon is properly aligned and ready firing. Knowledge of the distance between the shooter and the target is not necessary to adjust for projectile drop. Related method of use and manufacture are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for determining an aiming adjustment amount, in terms of both vertical and horizontal aiming adjustments, to shoot a target at a target range by iteratively solving for the projectile trajectory (e.g., projectile drop or path and deflection) such that the iteratively calculated projectile trajectory is determined to pass through the target location within a predetermined threshold amount (e.g., at a projectile path calculation of about zero). Also disclosed are techniques for indicating whether a projectile has supersonic, transonic, or subsonic speed at a given range.

Abstract: A scope mount with a rectangular plate with a top channel that extends to an upper portion of the rectangular plate, a bottom channel that is perpendicular to the top channel, a hole for a screw to be inserted through to secure the plate to a Daisy® Red Ryder BB Gun to allow an optic sight to be mounted to the Daisy® Red Ryder BB Gun.

Abstract: Armour comprising a container (2) containing a liquid (6), said container having a threat-facing wall (11) and at least one shock-reflecting layer (5) of material contained within the container (2), the shock-reflecting layer (5) having a shock impedance differing from the liquid (6) and being positioned at an angle to the threat-facing wall (11) whereby to reflect shock waves (8) created in the liquid by passage of a projectile (1) through the liquid back towards the projectile (1) and across the trajectory of the projectile whereby to induce tumbling of the projectile within the liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single system that can simultaneously protects a plurality of assets, such as soldiers, vehicles and structures in a given perimeter. The assets are, for example, vehicles and structures that could not otherwise be protected due to tactical and mechanical limitations.

Abstract: The embodied invention is a method and equipment suitable for a shooting game with dynamic shot recognition and automatic scoring among multiple players firing at the same target. Each player's shot is scored based on a difference in the target's image from a prior image as viewed by a camera. The scoring target is aligned with the camera, and the output of the score change is displayed to the multiple shooters.

Abstract: A walking target may include a plurality of target impact areas which are oriented in at least two different planes so that a plurality of target impact areas rest on a surface and hold one target impact area generally upright. The walking target may be formed from a single piece of metal.

Abstract: In an aspect of the invention there is provided an integrated circuit initiator device that comprises a circuit substrate provided with an electrical insulating layer; an electrical conducting bridge circuit deposited on the insulating layer; said bridge circuit patterned as contact areas and a bridge structure connecting the contact areas, said bridge structure arranged for forming a plasma when the bridge structure is fused by a initiator circuit that contacts the contact areas; and a polymer layer that is spin-coated on the bridge structure, for forming a flyer that is propelled away from the substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metallic case of a pyrotechnical igniter having a wall with at least one weak zone and an inner surface in the case with at least one part facing this at least one weak zone includes positioning the case on a matrix having a plane zone. The method further includes striking the wall with at least one punch so as to, in a single movement of striking, deform at least the part of the inner surface facing this at least one weak zone and having at least one initially curved-in zone in order to bring it on the plane zone and to form in this manner a plane inner surface, and to form the at least one weak zone.

Abstract: Shot shells with enhanced performance due to inclusion of an absorber between the shot wad and the shot payload. The absorber reduces the pressure within a shot gun's chamber during firing of the shell, such as by absorbing energy generated during the firing process, and may thereafter return some of the energy to the pellets as the absorber and pellets are propelled along the fireman's barrel. Accordingly, the absorber enables a shot shell to generate shot payload velocities that are greater than would be achieved without the absorber, typically at a lower internal chamber pressure. In some embodiments, the absorber has (1) a Young's Modulus of less than 2,000 psi (137.9 bar), (2) a compressive strength of at least 100 psi (6.9 bar) and/or less than 10,000 psi (689.5 bar), and/or (3) a tensile strength of at least 145 psi (10 bar) and/or less than 10,000 psi (689.5 bar).

Abstract: An arrowhead holder includes a rigid plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, and recesses formed in the top surface of the rigid plate, each recess shaped and sized to receive a shaft portion of an arrowhead. The recesses are distributed across the rigid plate at a spacing sufficient to accommodate an arrowhead being placed in each of the recesses. Magnets are disposed in the recesses, each magnet configured to securely retain an arrowhead inserted in an associated recess through magnetic attraction between a magnet and a respective shaft portion of an arrowhead.

Abstract: In a scale constituted by a plurality of scale lines, to provide such a scale capable of easily reading scale values. In a scale main body having a predetermined size and a plurality of scale lines formed thereon, temporary numbers are put one by one from 0 in an ascending order on the respective scale lines formed at each scale value interval desirably determined, with the scale line defined as 0 in the scale value being set as a starting point, and display methods between the scale line with the numeral 2, 3, 7 or 8 set at the lowermost position of the temporary number and the scale line with the numeral 1, 4, 6 or 9 set at the lowermost position of the temporary number are made different.

Abstract: A multi-function ruler is provided with a rectangular, transparent body; at least one opening through a top and an underside of the body; and at least one row of a plurality of equally spaced markings printed along one side of the body. The at least one opening includes at least one directional sign, at least one curve, and at least one figure.

Abstract: A compact CMM touch probe may include internal digital processing, a regulated power circuit, a trigger signal generating circuit, an interface connector limited to two electrical connections, and a differential signal configuration that inputs and outputs differential digital communication signals (including touch trigger signals) through the two connections, superimposed on a CMM supply voltage connected to them from the CMM. A specialized supply isolation circuit is configured in combination with various probe components and operating parameters, to couple the regulated power supply circuit to the CMM supply voltage at the two connections, while isolating it from loading the differential digital signals, which are AC coupled to the two connections. The differential digital signals may normally comprise touch trigger signals, and intermittent control and data signals, during separate respective time periods.

Abstract: A feeler gauge includes multiple feeler blades and an optical sensor. Each of the multiple feeler blades rotates about an axis between a measuring position and a non-measuring position. Each of the multiple feeler blades includes a measurement portion configured to be inserted into a gap to be measured and a proximal end having an indication of thickness of the respective feeler blade thereon. The optical sensor optically determines one or more of the multiple feeler blades that are deployed in the measuring position from the respective indications of thickness of each of the one or more feeler blades.

Abstract: A tool for evaluating the internal surfaces of tubular is provided, wherein one or more arms extend outwardly from the tool to contact an inner wall surface of the tubular, and changes in the dimensions or condition of the inner wall result in changes in the position of the ends of the arms relative to the tool. This motion is converted, through an electromagnetic transducer. The probe arms extending from the tool are releasably held in bores formed by opposed members on the tool, within which the probe arms may pivot. The internal end of the probe arms need not be physically secured to an internal element of the tool, yet still enable motion of an internal components to actuate a transducer to provide electrical signals indicative of the tip of the probe arm relative to the tool as the tool traverses a tubular, such as a wellbore casing.

Abstract: A telemetry system with a matrixed telemetry switch unit array and a method for determining the switch position of a telemetry switch unit. The switch units include steering diodes and parallel signal paths each with unique resistance values. The signal paths correspond to switch positions and are closed when the switch unit is in the corresponding switch position. A signal source is electrically connected to an input current path and output current path of the array with a corresponding telemetry switch unit coupled into the signal path. A plurality of sensing signals are applied through the array and the resultant signals are measured. The switch position is determined from the resultant signals indicating the resistance value of the switch signal path currently coupled into the array signal path while accounting for the voltage drop of the steering diodes.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a first magnetic field sensor that is a first type of sensor and has a first magnetic field sensitivity in a first primary sensing direction. The first primary sensing direction is along a longitudinal axis of the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly further includes a second magnetic field sensor that is a second type of sensor different than the first type of sensor and has a second magnetic field sensitivity in a second primary sensing direction that is less than the first magnetic field sensitivity. The second primary sensing direction is along a second axis that is different than the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Different approaches for providing increased redundancy in determining a position of a rotating member, for example, a motor shaft, with galvanically isolated sensors. In one aspect, two separate on-axis sensing chips are positioned in line with one another on a PCB but each on opposite sides or surfaces of the PCB. Respective sensing surfaces are essentially parallel to one another. Advantageously, greater electrical isolation is provided by placing the two sensors on opposite sides of the PCB.

Abstract: A device for detecting thickness and thickness variation of a sheetlike object, includes at least a first guiding component and a plurality of second guiding components, deviation between the first guiding component and the second guiding components occurs while the sheetlike object passed through among the first guiding component and those second guiding components; a elastic member, having a first elastic displacement end, a second elastic displacement end and a elastic member fixed surface, both of the first elastic displacement end and the second elastic displacement have a plane disposed thereto and served to connect with each side of a movable elastic member, while the elastic member fixed surface is to fix the elastic member; and a displacement sensor is configured to detect a displacement of a side face on the first elastic displacement end. The present invention has the ability to raise the accuracy of the thickness and thickness variation detection.

Abstract: A magnetic angle sensing system for detecting a rotation angle of a magnetic field source arranged rotatably around a rotation axis, the magnetic angle sensing system including at least two magnetic field sensing elements that are located in/on a plane, are not arranged on a single straight line through the rotation axis, and are configured to provide output signals that are functions of the same magnetic field component which is in parallel to the rotation axis. The system also including a processor that is arranged to determine the rotation angle from an angle between a pointer and a reference direction, wherein the pointer is determined based on the output signals of the at least two magnetic field sensing elements.

Abstract: A beam-shaping optical system suitable for use with optical coherence tomography includes a sheath defining a central cavity having an inner wall, an optical fiber positioned within a ferrule, the ferrule configured to mate with the inner wall of the sheath, and a beam-shaping insert positioned within the sheath and configured to mate with the inner surface of the sheath. The beam-shaping insert defines a beam-shaping element. The optical fiber is configured to emit an electromagnetic beam toward the beam-shaping element and the beam-shaping element is configured to reflect the electromagnetic beam externally to the beam-shaping insert.

Abstract: A high-speed, high-definition optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system for non-invasive examination of an artwork in a macroscopic scale includes a high-speed, large field-of-view OCT imaging platform which includes a spectral domain OCT imaging system and a pair of linear motors configured to translate the artwork in two orthogonal directions creating a 2D stage system for scanning the artwork and acquiring volumetric OCT data from adjacent, non-overlapping Regions of Interests on the artwork. The linear motors each have an accuracy compatible with the lateral resolution of the OCT system. The imaging platform is operated at a high speed due to the Fourier domain configuration of the OCT system and parallelized signal processing enabled by a Graphic Processing Unit. The data acquired by the system provides both 3D surface information of the artwork and structure information underneath the surface, providing a nondestructive alternative for the analysis and conservation of artworks.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography device provided with: an OCT optical system configured to output OCT signal; and an analysis processing unit configured to process the OCT signal and generate motion contrast data of the specimen. The analysis processing unit is provided with: a first image data generation unit configured to process multiple OCT signals to generate first image data representing phase difference information of the multiple OCT signals, and a second image data generation unit configured to process the OCT signal to generate second image data representing amplitude information of the OCT signal. The analysis processing unit generates the motion contrast data based on the phase difference information in the first image data and the amplitude information in the second image data.

Abstract: An optical sensor for determining a coordinate of a measurement object is provided which includes a stop element and an illumination apparatus configured to generate an illumination light beam and to illuminate the measurement object through the stop element, a sensor element configured to detect a portion of a detection light beam emanating from the measurement object and to determine an intensity distribution, and an optical element configured to focus a portion of the illumination light beam at one focal point along an optical axis. The optical sensor includes an apparatus configured to vary and set a relative lateral position of the optical axis to the measurement object to determine, for each of first and second focal points, first and second intensity distributions at first and second relative lateral positions and to determine therefrom a distance coordinate and/or a lateral coordinate of the measurement object.

Abstract: A measurement device having a camera captures images of an object at three or more different poses. A processor determines 3D coordinates of an edge point of the object based at least in part on the captured 2D images and pose data provided by the measurement device.

Abstract: A measuring system for dimensionally measuring an object, comprising an object carrier, a plurality of optical markers, which are arranged at the object carrier and/or the object, and a first sensor for a tactile, optical and/or tomographic scanning of the object. The first sensor generates a first measuring signal. A second optical sensor captures a spatial orientation and position of the object with the help of optical markers. The second sensor generates a second measuring signal that contains information relating to the position and spatial orientation of the optical markers. The second sensor is connected to the first sensor via a mechanically rigid connection. An evaluation unit is configured to determine, from the second measuring signal, the position and spatial orientation of the object relative to the first sensor and to determine, from the first measuring signal, a geometry of the object.

Abstract: A method for non-destructive testing a cutting insert to determine coating thickness is disclosed. The method includes the steps of using a source of electromagnetic energy to ablate a surface of the cutting insert to non-destructively form a geometric feature and expose the substrate and each layer of the coating; and measuring the thickness of each layer of the coating. In one example, the geometric feature is a groove with a generally trapezoidal shape. In other examples, the groove can have a U-shape, V-shape, and the like. The thickness of each layer of the coating is determined using focus variation, contrast detection, confocal microscopy, an interferometric microscopy, an imaging interferometric microscopy, or similar technique.

Abstract: An optical characteristic measuring apparatus includes an optical system, a detector, and an analysis unit. The optical system collects detection light incident from a sample. The detector spectrally disperses the detection light in plural times to generate plural pieces of detection data, the plural pieces of detection data indicating their respective spectra of detection light incident from the sample to the optical system with an optical distance between the sample and the optical system being different from each other. The analysis unit analyzes the spectrum indicated by the detection data to measure a predetermined optical characteristic of the sample. The analysis unit specifies a piece of the detection data to be used for measuring the optical characteristic based on intensity of the detection light in the plural pieces of detection data, and measures the optical characteristic based on the specified piece of the detection data.

Abstract: Non-contacting caliper measurements of free-standing sheets detect mid-IR interferometric fringes created by the reflection of light from the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet. The technique includes directing a laser beam at a selected angle of incidence onto a single spot on the exposed outer surface and scanning the laser beam through a selected wavelength range as the laser beam is directed onto the exposed outer surface and measuring the intensity of an interference pattern that forms from the superposition of radiation that is reflected from the exposed outer surface and from the inner surface. Alternatively, the intensity of an interference pattern formed from the superposition of radiation that is directly transmitted through the web and radiation that is transmitted through the web after internal reflections from the internal surfaces of the web. Thickness can be extracted from the fringe separation in the interference pattern.

Abstract: An optical position-measuring device includes a measuring graduation having a measuring graduation period and a scanner movable relative to the measuring graduation. The scanner projects a light pattern having alternating bright and dark regions with a light pattern period onto the measuring graduation. The measuring graduation period differs from the light pattern period such that interaction of the light pattern with the measuring graduation produces a vernier pattern having bright regions and dark regions. The measuring graduation is a phase grating having a line-to-space ratio different from 1:1 and a phase shift between lines and spaces selected such that the zeroth diffraction order is suppressed. The position-measuring device is configured such that, at a position at which the zeroth diffraction order of a bright region is suppressed, a higher diffraction order is deflected and impinges on a detector array in a bright region of the vernier pattern.

Abstract: Data acquisition devices for analyzing reference objects and systems for monitoring turbine component deformation are provided. A data acquisition device has a longitudinal axis and includes a lens assembly and an image capture device in communication with the lens assembly for receiving and processing light from the lens assembly to generate images. The data acquisition device further includes a light source and a light tube coupled at a rear end to the light source. The light tube extends along the longitudinal axis between a front end and the rear end, and is operable to transport light from the light source therethrough and emit the light from the front end. The data acquisition device further includes an actuator operable to activate the image capture device and the light source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a measuring apparatus (200) for measuring properties of a surface (101, 103), the apparatus (200) comprising a mounting structure (210) comprising a plurality of segments (211-216) moveably mounted (217) with respect to each other, an actuation mechanism to move the segments of the mounting structure with respect to each other, and a plurality of sensors (220), each sensor being mounted to a segment of the mounting structure (210). The invention also provides a method of measuring properties of a surface (101, 103). The surface (102, 103) to be measured may be an aerodynamic surface of an aircraft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inspecting a crankshaft, which enables accurate detection of defects which occur partially in the crankshaft, such as underfills and dent flaws, by discriminating these defects from bending and torsion over an entire length of the crankshaft.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring of performance of a mirror array of a digital scanner with a use of a lateral shearing interferometer (operated in either static or a phase-shifting condition) to either simply identify problematic pixels for further troubleshooting or measure the exact magnitude of the mirror's deformation.

Abstract: An electronic angle measuring device for measuring the bending angle between the legs (4) of a metal sheet (5) having a sensor element (7) which delivers angle-equivalent signals in a contact-free manner to a signal processing device (9) comprising a microprocessor and a memory unit which is connected to a digital display (10) is described. In order to create advantageous measurement conditions, it is proposed that a sensor element (7) which deflects a laser beam through a rotating mirror onto the two legs (4) of the metal sheet (5) and which forms a measured value from the reflection beam received in the emission direction, the signal processing device (9) with the microprocessor and the memory unit as well as the digital display (10) form an angle measuring device (6) which can be fastened to an upper tool (1) of a bending machine and which can be used as a manual measuring device (6).

Abstract: An arrangement for aligning guide rails of an elevator, comprising a carrier moving upwards and downwards in an elevator shaft along guide rails, at least one plumb line being provided in the vicinity of each guide rail. A laser scanner is attached fixedly or movably to the carrier or to the guide rail or to an apparatus, which is supported on walls of the elevator shaft and/or on the carrier. The horizontal position of the guide rail in relation to the plumb line is determined with the laser scanner.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensing system includes an ultrasonic receiver configured to receive an ultrasonic signal and a gain-adjustable amplifier operably coupled to the ultrasonic receiver. The gain-adjustable amplifier is configured to amplify the ultrasonic signal according to a variable gain determined based at least in part on a value of a timer that corresponds to a measuring distance.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and system for determining a wearing position of a wearable device. The method includes receiving motion data from a wearable device associated with an individual, wherein the motion data comprises a first data segment and a second data segment, the first data segment associated with walking, and the second data segment associated with non-walking. The method further includes determining first characteristic data associated with the first data segment and second characteristic data associated with the second data segment. The method further includes determining, by a computing device, a wearing position of the wearable device associated with the individual based on the first characteristic data and a match between the second characteristic data and an activity signature associated with a time of day.