Abstract: A firearm single-shot bolt catch assembly and method of operation. The automatic firearm single-shot bolt catch assembly uses a tensioned spring that operates with a bolt catch. The tension from the spring works to pivotally articulate a plate in the bolt catch to a catch position, which restricts the recoiling bolt carrier group in linear path of the firearm. The tension from the spring presses the plate upwardly into the linear path to restrict the passage of, and hold, the bolt carrier group towards the rearward end of the firearm. This restriction of movement inhibits automated recoiling responses from the bolt carrier group, consequently creating a single-shot mode by disabling automated firing sequence of the firearm. Applying force to a lever that forms in the bolt catch overcomes the spring bias to displace the plate out of the linear path followed by the bolt carrier.

Abstract: A gun device allowing replacement of barrels with different sizes, having a gun body, one end of the gun body has an opening. The opening outer edge has a threading and a positioning slot. The gun body connects with a first size barrel by connecting the threading with a lock. The gun device further comprising: a guide adapter, a second size barrel and a barrel key. The guide adapter has a positioning body, a projecting part, and a first groove, the projecting part alignment connects with the positioning slot. The second size barrel has a second groove, the first groove corresponding with the second groove.

Abstract: The present invention regards a line-of-sight apparatus locking arrangement for demountably securing a line-of-sight apparatus to said arrangement, comprising a locking device for locking the apparatus to the arrangement comprising a handle member adapted for attachment to a rotation mechanism coupled to a translation mechanism adapted for, during maneuver of the locking device, converting rotational motion into translator motion, a pressing portion of the translation mechanism is provided for abutment against an abutment area of the apparatus. The translation mechanism comprising a resilient member provided for urging said pressing portion against the abutment area.

Abstract: A piercing device is provided, which comprises a housing movable with respect to a gas bottle holder having a gas bottle held therein; a piercing element received in the housing and configured for piercing into a sealing membrane of the gas bottle; and a stressing element, received in the housing; the piercing element being fixed on one end of the stressing element that is close to the gas bottle; the stressing element being capable of synchronously rotating along with the housing for being inserted into the gas bottle, or individually rotating and moving with respect to the housing for pushing the piercing element to pierce into the sealing membrane or releasing gas inside the gas bottle.

Abstract: A trigger mechanism for a toy blowgun wherein the toy blowgun comprises: a launching mechanism for launching a projectile from the toy blowgun; and a locking mechanism for locking the launching mechanism in a primed configuration, the locking mechanism being releasable to launch the projectile from the toy blowgun. The trigger mechanism comprises: a trigger chamber having an inlet for receiving a flow of air; and a shuttle movable from a start position to a launching position in the trigger chamber by the flow of air to release the locking mechanism.

Abstract: An air cannon has a barrel and a sabot sized to fit within the barrel and configured to engage a projectile located within the barrel forward of the sabot. A flexible cord connects the sabot to a fixed location relative to the barrel. Forward motion of the sabot is decelerated by the cord after the sabot exits the forward end of the barrel, and the sabot is retained by the cord near the forward end of the barrel.

Abstract: A concealable firearm is disclosed. The handle of the firearm is adjustable from a concealed position to an in-use position. When the handle is in the concealed position, the firearm has the appearance of a cell phone. This allows the firearm to be carried in the open and be easily accessible without drawing attention to the person carrying the firearm. The firearm cannot fire when in the concealed position because the trigger is not accessible.

Abstract: An improved device for enabling a user to quickly and securely attach and detach an accessory (e.g., a scope, light, bayonet, etc.) to the Picatinny or tactical rail of a firearm. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a lower portion, an upper portion and a locking mechanism. The device is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and safe and easy to use.

Abstract: A hunter safety device for transporting firearms from ground level to an elevated position. It attaches to the stock of a weapon which is in turn attached a sling. A tether attaches the weapon from the sling to an elevated platform position. Once installed, it prevents a falling weapon from contacting the ground. The device consists of three layers including an inner layer made of a non-slip material interior, a middle layer made of a tough type of material, an outside/exterior layer made of a durable material such as vinyl, for the exterior to be exposed to atmosphere, and a closure mechanism; an edge method like sewing or adhesive which secures the three layers; and an elastic strap encircles the three layers. The tether strap then is connected to the layers at one end and to a tree/tree stand at the other to safely secure the weapon.

Abstract: A hole is formed through the two or more parts, and a hollow tube is extended through the hole. A first plug is inserted into a first end of the tube, and a second end of the tube is pulled through the hole until the first plug is urged against the two or more parts. The second end of the tube is then cut so that the second end is flush with the two or more parts. A second plug is then inserted into the second end of the tub.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching incendiary spheres for prescribed burning is provided. This apparatus receives ‘charged’, or injected, spherical incendiaries, then launches them in a controlled direction at a controlled distance. The charged incendiaries are first emitted from a conventional Plastic Sphere Dispenser (PSD) into the intake of the apparatus whereupon they are moved along a lower pathway by a delivering wheel to a launching point relative to a spinning wheel or a plurality of spinning wheels. These spinning wheels convey velocity to each incendiary sphere, which is thereby launched in a trajectory that is determined by the azimuth of orientation, and the rotational velocity, of the spinning wheels.

Abstract: A cant indication apparatus includes a spirit level having a first and second surface, said spirit level containing a first fluid, said first fluid having at least one of a first light transmittance and absorbance, and a second fluid forming a bubble in said first fluid, said second fluid having at least one of a second light transmittance and absorbance, said bubble position indicating orientation. The apparatus further includes a light receiving optical fiber having a light receiving end and a spirit level connection end, said optical fiber spirit level connection end connected to said first surface of said spirit level whereupon said spirit level bubble is nearest said spirit level connection end of said light receiving optical fiber when said spirit level is in an uncanted orientation.

Abstract: An archery sight with a sight line that is capable of movement on an arced path along a radius that approximates the distance between an archer's eyeball and the sight. The arc is the part of the radius that includes the portion needed to position the sight accurately to compensate for an arrow's trajectory from the shortest to longest range that the bow is capable of. This results in a sight line that always aligns perfectly with an archer's eye.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to improved sighting for sporting goods, such as bows, for use in hunting and target shooting. The sight may have a pendulum level. The sight can be configured to be aimed at the bottom of an animal, and have an adjustable range finder.

Abstract: An electronic weapon accessory system includes an electronic weapon accessory, such as a light, and a detachable mount with integrated controls. The electronic weapon accessory includes an electronic component, such as an LED, and a power source disposed within a housing. The electronic component and the battery are electrically connected with a circuit having electrical contacts exposed on an outer surface of the housing. The mount has a body with a clamp structure, a switch disposed on an outer surface of the mount body and a circuit having electrical contacts exposed on the outer surface of the mount body. Fasteners removably secure the mount body and accessory housing in assembled relation. When the electronic weapon accessory and mount are assembled, the accessory electrical contacts physically and electrically engaging the mount electrical contacts to complete an electronic control circuit and provide integrated control and operation of the electronic accessory.

Abstract: Body armor comprising a projectile-resistant outer layer and an energy-absorbing inner layer, wherein the energy-absorbing inner layer comprises a superelastic three dimensional construct.

Abstract: A blind system comprising a plurality of slats or a sheet having a ballistic resistant material; a control system operably configured to cause a change in state of the blind from an open state to a protective closed state; and a sensing system operably configured to detect a threatening event, wherein the sensing system upon sensing the threatening event triggers the control system to transition from the open state to the protective state such that in the protective state, the blinds are adapted to be resistant to penetration by high-speed ballistic objects such as bullets.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosed subject matter involve an airborne-based network for implementing a laser-based visual disruption countermeasure scan pattern system, method, and computer program product. The scan pattern can be comprised of a plurality of lasers each with their own scan pattern and may be used to disrupt an optical system of a weapon or an individual. One vehicle in the network can transmit target information and/or scan information to one or more other vehicles or to a non-vehicle remote location in the network.

Abstract: A guided projectile that includes a warhead case, a cartridge case coupled to the warhead case, and a tail kit assembly positioned within the cartridge case. The tail kit assembly includes a hollow casing including a plurality of fin slots defined therein, a control fin selectively extendable from within the hollow casing through each fin slot of the plurality of fin slots, and a fin slot cover positioned within each fin slot with a minimum clearance fit such that the control fin is retained within the hollow casing. The fin slot cover is releasable from within each fin slot such that the control fin is deployable therethrough.

Abstract: An initiator comprises: a first explosive substance, wherein the first explosive substance comprises a secondary explosive, and wherein at least the first explosive substance is capable of being initiated. The initiator comprises effectively no primary explosive. The secondary explosive can be a thermally-stable secondary explosive. A method of using an initiator comprises: initiating the initiator.

Abstract: A device configured to provide a faster and more accurate measurement of depths of holes for placement of bone screws and fastener for bone implant fixation procedures. The device includes a combination of a bone probe for physical examination of a hole drilled in a bone and a depth gauge member for determining a depth of the hole and providing digital measurement of the depth via a display on the instrument and/or via a wireless exchange of measurement data to a remote computing device, such as a tablet or smartphone. The device may further be connected to a separate neuromonitoring device and be used for nerve sensing and/or nerve stimulation by way of the bone probe. For example, the bone probe may include a conductive material such that the distal probe tip acts as an extension of the neuromonitoring device and may be used to sense and/or stimulate nerves.

Abstract: In a position measuring device (5) and a method for ascertaining positions of an object (3) to be measured, at least one capacitive position measuring sensor (7) provides a position measurement signal (PM) relating to the object (3) to be measured and at least one capacitive reference measurement sensor (14) provides a reference measurement signal (RM). The measuring sensors (7, 14) are connected to a computing unit (8) which is embodied to calculate a position signal (P) to ascertain the positions from the position measurement signal (PM) and the reference measurement signal (RM). As a result of interfering influences being contained substantially equally in the position measurement signal (PM) and the reference measurement signal (RM) as an interference signal (S), it is possible to determine and eliminate the interference signal (S) during the calculation.

Abstract: An optical sectioning apparatus using optical interference microscopy and fluorescence microscopy, including: a beam splitter capable of splitting an incident light beam into a reflected light beam and a transmitted light beam; a wide band light source for providing the incident light beam; a reference arm unit for making the transmitted light beam travel a round trip along an adjustable optical path; a short wavelength light source; a first dichroic splitter, with a first side facing the short wavelength light source and a third side facing the beam splitter, being capable of providing a light-blocking effect on wavelengths shorter than a preset wavelength; an objective lens, with a collimated side facing a second side of the first dichroic splitter; a sample carrier unit facing a focal side of the objective lens; and a projection lens and a sensor units for receiving an output light beam.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a dual-homodyne laser interferometric nanometer displacement measuring apparatus and method based on phase modulation. The linearly polarized beam with single wavelength emitted from a single frequency laser is projected onto a dual-homodyne laser interferometer consisting of four beam splitters and two retroreflectors to respectively form a measurement interference signal and a reference interference signal received by two photodetectors, respectively; an electro-optic phase modulator is placed in the optical path and a periodic sawtooth-wave voltage signal is applied to modulate the measurement and reference DC interference signals into AC interference signals; the measured displacement is obtained by detecting the variation of the phase difference between the two interference signals caused by the movement of the measured object.

Abstract: Methods and related equipment for dynamic on-axis in-situ interferometry where the reference surface is positioned in an vacuum chamber. The systems use a wavelength shifting, or a phase shifting interferometer that allows the freedom to eliminate the need to step the cavity length physically with the reference surface, allowing the reference surface to be placed inside the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A position sensing device includes at least one light receiver, and a processor. The light receiver receives lights that are emitted from a plurality of light exit positions of a scanning light source component to scan a predetermined area and are reflected by a sensing object within the predetermined area. The processor controls the scanning light source component, and senses position of the sensing object based on a light reception signal of the light receiver. The processor further determines from which of the scanning lights the light reception signal is obtained, and senses the position of the sensing object based on optical paths of the scanning lights.

Abstract: A confocally chromatic sensor for determining coordinates of two different determination locations of a measurement object.

Abstract: An elevator hoistway dimension measuring apparatus includes: a base that is mounted to a floor; a first arm that extends in a first direction from the base so as to penetrate inside a hoistway; a pair of second arms that extend from two sides of the base when viewed in the first direction, and that are respectively placed in contact with inner surfaces of a facing pair of jambs of a doorframe; a pair of third arms that extend parallel to the second arms beyond the jambs of the doorframe; and a three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine that is mounted to an end portion of the first arm to measure the hoistway three-dimensionally from inside the hoistway, whereby measuring time is shortened significantly, and safety is also improved.

Abstract: A thickness measurement device includes a chassis provided with an installation surface on which a measurement object is installed and a facing surface disposed parallel to the installation surface with a gap therebetween. A distance measurement instrument measures the distances to objects in two opposite directions. A movement mechanism positions the distance measurement instrument at a measurement point between the installation surface and the facing surface such that the measurement directions thereof are aligned with the direction along the gap between the installation surface and the facing surface. An arithmetic unit calculates the difference between the total of the distances measured at the measurement point in a state in which the measurement object is not installed on the installation surface and the total of the distances measured in a state in which the measurement object is installed on the installation surface.

Abstract: The present invention has the advantages of simple structure, low detection cost, high measurement precision, high detection speed, strong practicability, etc. The present invention relates to a novel array photoelectric sensor grating displacement detection system and method. The system includes a parallel light source, an incremental glass grating ruler, photoelectric sensor arrays, a high-speed voltage comparator, a signal processing unit and a displacement display unit, wherein the incremental glass grating ruler is perpendicular to an irradiation direction, of the parallel light source.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method to convert three-dimensional data into a two-dimensional height displacement map and extract the three-dimensional features and dimensions of a three-dimensional object using a two-dimensional image processing technique. An illumination source of the system scans across the workspace using a line laser and generates a two-dimensional height displacement map of the workspace. The individual pixel location represents an actual workspace sampled location. The pixel gray scale intensity represents the Z displacement height at the pixel location. A processing device processes the features and dimensions within two-dimensional image as a gray scale using two-dimensional image processing such as pattern match, blob, convolution and edge detection.

Abstract: A method of determining the position and the orientation of at least one interface comprises illuminating the interface that is determined with at least one non-polarized diffuse light source point, using an image-forming device to acquire an image enabling polarization information determined about the reflection(s) of the source point on the interface to be determined, and in the image, locating any reflection of the light source point as reflected by the interface. For each located reflection, the light ray reaching the image-forming device together with at least its degree of polarization as its polarization parameter is calculated. The light ray as reflected on the interface that to be determined is calculated. Using the light ray reflected on the interface, its polarization parameter, and the known position of the source point, the position and the orientation of the surface element is deduced.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of systems and methods for monitoring locomotive wheel size. In an exemplary embodiment, a system generally includes at least one distance measurement device coupled to a locomotive and configured to measure a distance to a rail when a locomotive wheel is positioned on the rail. The system is configured to use the distance to the rail as measured by the at least one distance measurement device to determine a diameter of the locomotive wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of measuring a 3D profile of an article moving on a conveyor in a certain conveying direction, which method includes a step consisting in using an optical sensor to scan, by triangulation, a laser line projected onto the article moving on the conveyor. The method further includes a step of using the optical sensor to scan, by contrast difference, the article moving on the conveyor, and a step of making combined use of the results of the scans by triangulation and of the scans by contrast difference in a data processor unit for the purpose of measuring the 3D profile of the article.

Abstract: A method and system to measure misalignment error between two overlying or interlaced periodic structures are proposed. The overlying or interlaced periodic structures are illuminated by incident radiation, and the diffracted radiation of the incident radiation by the overlying or interlaced periodic structures are detected to provide an output signal. The misalignment between the overlying or interlaced periodic structures may then be determined from the output signal.

Abstract: A non-contact and optical measuring automation system includes a base, a rotating chuck to clamp a disk cam, a moving stage module and an optical measuring module. The moving stage module includes a first linear motion stage movably disposed on the base, a second linear motion stage movably disposed on the first linear motion stage, and a rotary motion stage rotatably disposed on the second linear motion stage. The optical measuring module disposed on the rotary motion stage includes a laser-emitting unit and an image-capturing unit. The laser-emitting unit projects a light beam onto a cam surface of the disk cam, and the image-capturing unit receives scattering light to capture a grayscale measuring image including a profile speckle pattern. A computer calculates a profile speckle characteristic value according to the grayscale measuring image and the surface roughness value according to the profile speckle characteristic value.

Abstract: A spirit level has a hollow profile member as the spirit level body and at least one bubble level with a bubble level holder. The bubble level holder is mounted moveably in the spirit level body, and the bubble level holder has an opening into which a fixing element can be introduced through a wall of the spirit level body. The fixing elements prevents a displacement of the bubble level holder parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spirit level body, and allows a movement of the bubble level holder normal to a measurement surface of the spirit level body.

Abstract: In a method for determining navigation data, positional angle measurement values are determined using a first navigation device (310). A second navigation device (320) is then initialized using the positional angle measurement values determined by the first navigation device (310). Both navigation devices are supplied with rotational rate and acceleration measurement values from a common sensor unit in order to determine the positional angle measurement values. In the process, the first navigation device (310) produces erroneous measurements of the positional angle measurement values with a probability which is lower than as specified positional angle error rate, and the second navigation device (320) produces erroneous measurements of the positional angle measurement values with a probability which is higher than the specified positional angle error rate.

Abstract: On-board, computer-based systems and methods compute continuously updated, real-time state estimates for an aerial vehicle by appropriately combining, by a suitable Kalman filter, local, relative, continuous state estimates with global, absolute, noncontinuous state estimates. The local, relative, continuous state estimates can be provided by visual odometry (VO) and/or an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The global, absolute, noncontinuous state estimates can be provided by terrain-referenced navigation, such as map-matching, and GNSS. The systems and methods can provide the real-time, continuous estimates even when reliable GNSS coordinate data is not available.

Abstract: An open water navigation apparatus for use by a swimmer, the navigation apparatus includes a pair of swim goggles having a right lens, a left lens, and a head strap, a navigation module retained on the head strap of the pair of swim goggles, and a navigational signal output mechanism connected for signal communications to the navigation module.

Abstract: A non-time of flight or time of arrival position location system for accurate determination of a user's location in an enclosed, indoor, or covered environment can include a number of beacons mounted in an arrangement within the environment. Each of the beacons is mounted in a known location and transmits a broadcast signal containing a unique identifier that identifies the originating beacon. A handheld electronic device including a receiver and a communicably coupled processor can receive broadcast signals from at least some of the number of beacons, iteratively determine a vector quantity corresponding to each of the received signals, and sum the resultant vector quantities to determine an updated position. The iterative process can be repeated until consecutive iterations yield an updated position that falls within a defined threshold.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle is provided comprising a drive mechanism, a steering mechanism, a vehicle controller, a camera, and a navigation module. The camera is communicatively coupled to the navigation module, the vehicle controller is responsive to commands from the navigation module, and the drive mechanism and the steering mechanism are responsive to commands from the vehicle controller. The camera is configured to capture an input image of a warehouse ceiling comprising elongated skylights characterized by different rates of image intensity change along longitudinal and transverse axial directions, and ceiling lights characterized by a circularly symmetric rate of image intensity change. The navigation module is configured to distinguish between the ceiling lights and the skylights and send commands to the vehicle controller for localization, or to navigate the industrial vehicle through the warehouse based upon valid ceiling light identification, valid skylight identification, or both.

Abstract: A method is provided for generating ground truth data for positional data with matched road segments. The method comprises identifying a route comprising one or more road segments. Positional data, collected while traveling the route, is received. A plurality of candidate road segments is identified. The positional data is matched to one of the plurality of candidate road segments, wherein the one or more road segments are prioritized for matches.

Abstract: A travel time data processor extracts a link that is present in the neighborhood of a target link, as a reference link. The travel time data processor selects an identical time zone of the reference link that is identical with the time zone of the target link in which the number of sample data is less than a reference number, and searches for another time zone having similar statistical data to that of the selected time zone. The travel time data processor adds the number of sample data in a time zone of the target link corresponding to the searched another time zone of the reference link to the number of sample data in the time zone of the target link that is equal to or less than the reference number, and generates statistical data from the summed-up sample data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating alternate navigation directions for vehicles are provided. According to certain aspects, image sensor data of a vehicle operator may be used to determine the emotional state of vehicle operators in a plurality of vehicles in proximity to each other. The plurality of vehicles in proximity to each other may be considered to be a group of vehicles. If it is determined that more than one vehicle operator in the group of vehicles is frustrated, the electronic device of a vehicle operator of an approaching vehicle may notify the vehicle operator that there is a nearby group of vehicles with frustrated vehicle operators. The electronic device of the vehicle operator of the vehicle approaching the group of vehicles with frustrated vehicle operators may generate and provide alternate navigation directions to the vehicle operator in order to avoid the group of vehicles with frustrated vehicle operators.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to vehicle navigation systems. The teachings may be embodied in methods for predicting fuel consumption and time of arrival, including: recording a destination user input; calculating a distance to the destination from a current location of the vehicle; recording a driving speed profile for the destination user input or for a route to the destination, as calculated by the vehicle navigation apparatus; storing the driving speed profile together with a driver feature; recording a user input comprising a desired speed, time of arrival, or fuel consumption trend; recording a second destination user input; and calculating the fuel consumption and the time of arrival for the new destination user input on the basis of a route to the further destination, as calculated by the vehicle navigation apparatus, and a consumption value representing fuel consumption of the stored driving speed profile applied to the route.

Abstract: An automated method of caching map data for vehicle range projection using a computer system including a processor and a storage includes: retrieving, from the storage to the processor, data corresponding to an area of a map, wherein the retrieved data includes multiple links and multiple nodes; dividing, at the processor, the area of the map into a set of tiles; associating, at the processor, a portion of the retrieved data with each tile in the set of tiles; evaluating, at the processor, each particular link to determine whether the particular link spans multiple tiles from the set of tiles; and dividing, at the processor, the particular link into at least two sub-links if the particular link spans multiple tiles by adding a node at each point the particular link crosses a boundary between two tiles.

Abstract: There is provided a route search apparatus including a measuring unit configured to measure a traveling distance or a traveling time, a position information acquiring unit configured to acquire position information of a current point, a start point registering unit configured to register the position information, which is acquired by the position information acquiring unit when the measuring unit starts the measurement, as position information of a start point, and a route searching unit configured to, if an operation of returning to the start point is detected, search a return route between the current point designated as a departure point when the operation of returning to the start point is detected and the start point designated as a destination.

Abstract: As a function of a provided geoposition for the vehicle, a first position of the vehicle is determined in a first map, which represents a first geographic region. As a function of the determined first position of the vehicle in the first map, a map segment of a second map is determined. The second map has several map segments, which each represent predefined segments of a predefined second geographical region, and wherein directly adjoining segments overlap one another in a predefined manner. As a function of detection data of at least one predefined environment sensor of the vehicle and as a function of second map data of the determined map segment, a second position of the vehicle is determined in the map segment.

Abstract: An interactive viewing system of the present invention provides a user with a viewing duality in which a user is shown a floor plan, schematic layout, or other diagram on one side of a display and a visual representation, such as a digital image, corresponding to a selected portion of the schematic layout or diagram, on the other side of the same display. The user is presented with a current position marker and a directional indicator as they navigate through the schematic layout. At designated positions within the schematic layout, a corresponding image is concurrently displayed. In this manner, the user maintains a sense of where they are within the entire structure, while at the same time seeing images of the corresponding area.