Abstract: A projectile launcher includes a frame and a projectile moves within a horizontal projectile plane and along the projectile axis. The projectile is fired from a front end of the frame. The projectile launcher includes a first power group at a first frame side. The first power group includes a plurality of first power group drawstring pulleys. At least one of the plurality of first power group drawstring pulleys is attached to the frame. The projectile launcher further includes a second power group at a second frame side. The second power group includes a plurality of second power group drawstring pulleys. At least one of the plurality of second power group drawstring pulleys is attached to the frame. The drawstring is configured to be routed at least partially around the first and second power group drawstring pulleys.

Abstract: A timing adjustment assembly for a compound archery bow is provided. The timing adjustment assembly is coupled with a pulley assembly and power cable of the archery bow. The timing adjustment assembly includes an adjustable component and a stationary component. The stationary component is attached to either the pulley assembly, the power cable, or the riser of the archery bow. The adjustable component is configured to move in a linear direction between multiple positional arrangements relative to the stationary component. The movement of the adjustable component changes the effective length of the power cable by moving the termination anchor point of the power cable or deflecting the power cable. The timing adjustment assembly adjusts the effective length of the power cable and relative synchronization of the pulley assembly with the archery bow in a brace position through the change in termination anchor point or deflection.

Abstract: A cranking mechanism preferably includes a planetary gear, a drive shaft, a one way bearing, a clutch assembly, and at least one drive unit. The clutch preferably includes a clutch pressure plate, a flywheel, friction surfaces and at least one friction plate. Each drive unit includes a carrier, a spool and a flywheel. The one way bearing and the clutch assembly are axial on the drive shaft. A pressure locking nut is threaded on to a threaded end of the crank shaft to exert pressure on the clutch assembly. The sun gear is fixed on the drive shaft. The at least one drive unit is axial with the drive shaft, and fixed with the carrier of the planetary gear set. The pressure locking nut is tightened against the clutch assembly to frictionally engage the drive shaft with the at least one drive unit.

Abstract: A crossbow includes a frame including a riser, a first and a second cam, a first and a second flexible limb, a first power cable, a second power cable, and a drawstring. Each cam has a larger diameter portion and a smaller diameter portion. The first power cable has a first end attached to a mounting position on the riser and a second end attached to the smaller diameter portion of the first cam. The second power cable has a first end attached to a mounting position on the riser and a second end attached to the smaller diameter portion of the second cam. The drawstring is attached to the larger diameter portion of the first cam and the larger diameter portion of the second cam. The drawstring wraps at least one full wind around the larger diameter portions of the cams when the crossbow is undrawn.

Abstract: An archery bow for a bow and arrow system comprises a main bow with a tensioner assembly designed to increase the pullback capacity and/or arrow firing strength of the bow. The tensioner assembly includes a first tensioner comprising an elongated bendable member made of a hard material. A middle section of the first tensioner is coupled to a main bow inner projection, wherein at least portions of the upper and lower sections of the first tensioner are offset from an inner side of the main bow, and wherein bending of the main bow causes the first tensioner to bend.

Abstract: A bow including: a frame having a predetermined length; a first pulley and a second pulley arranged on a first position and second position of the frame respectively; a first small diameter cam and a first large diameter cam rotated interlocked with the first pulley; a second small diameter cam and a second large diameter cam rotated interlocked with the second pulley; a string fixed to the first pulley and the second pulley, the first pulley and the second pulley being rotated when the string is pulled; a first cable and a second cable arranged in a linear shape between the first (second) small diameter cam and the second (first) large diameter cam, the first cable and the second cable being elastically deformed by being wound around the second large diameter cam or the first large diameter cam when the string is pulled.

Abstract: A method of suturing includes: (1) wrapping a first segment of a suture through a traction loop; (2) pulling the traction loop and the first segment through an opening in a suture lock; (3) continuing to pull the traction loop such that a second segment of the suture extends through the opening, wherein the second segment has a greater denier than the first segment such that the second segment more nearly fills an entire dimension of the opening than the first segment; and (4) locking the suture in place with the second segment in the opening.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a bow comprises a first limb supporting a first rotatable member. The first rotatable member comprises a first bowstring track and a first terminal post. A second limb supports a second rotatable member. The second rotatable member comprising a second bowstring track and a second terminal post. A bowstring comprises a first end attached to the first terminal post and a second end attached to the second terminal post. The first bowstring track and the second bowstring track are oriented in a bowstring plane, and the first terminal post is laterally offset from the bowstring plane.

Abstract: A method of suturing includes: (1) wrapping a first segment of a suture through a traction loop; (2) pulling the traction loop and the first segment through an opening in a suture lock; (3) continuing to pull the traction loop such that a second segment of the suture extends through the opening, wherein the second segment has a greater denier than the first segment such that the second segment more nearly fills an entire dimension of the opening than the first segment; and (4) locking the suture in place with the second segment in the opening.

Abstract: A bow includes a handle and upper and lower limbs. The upper and lower limbs are formed of a laminated fiber-reinforced plastic material. The upper limb has first and second sets of fiber sheets stacked in a direction along a lateral axis. The first set of fiber sheets have fibers aligned at a first angle from a longitudinal axis, and the second set of fiber sheets having fibers aligned at a second angle from the longitudinal axis in an opposite direction. The lower limb has third and fourth sets of fiber sheets stacked in a direction along the lateral axis. The third set of fiber sheets have parallel fibers aligned at a third angle from the longitudinal axis, and the fourth set of fiber sheets having fibers aligned at a fourth angle from the longitudinal axis in an opposite direction. The angles are between 16 and 44 degrees.

Abstract: A projectile launcher includes a frame and a projectile moves within a horizontal projectile plane and along the projectile axis. The projectile is fired from a front end of the frame. The projectile launcher includes a first power group at a first frame side. The first power group includes a plurality of first power group drawstring pulleys. At least one of the plurality of first power group drawstring pulleys is attached to the frame. The projectile launcher further includes a second power group at a second frame side. The second power group includes a plurality of second power group drawstring pulleys. At least one of the plurality of second power group drawstring pulleys is attached to the frame. The drawstring is configured to be routed at least partially around the first and second power group drawstring pulleys.

Abstract: A cranking mechanism preferably includes a planetary gear, a drive shaft, a one way bearing, a clutch assembly, and at least one drive unit. The clutch preferably includes a clutch pressure plate, a flywheel, friction surfaces and at least one friction plate. Each drive unit includes a carrier, a spool and a flywheel. The one way bearing and the clutch assembly are axial on the drive shaft. A pressure locking nut is threaded on to a threaded end of the crank shaft to exert pressure on the clutch assembly. The sun gear is fixed on the drive shaft. The at least one drive unit is axial with the drive shaft, and fixed with the carrier of the planetary gear set. The pressure locking nut is tightened against the clutch assembly to frictionally engage the drive shaft with the at least one drive unit.

Abstract: An archery bowstring weight is provided including a sleeve that is encapsulated and suspended at least partially within an overmolded polymeric body forming an exterior of the bowstring weight. The sleeve can be a metal body, such as a ring, that floats or moves inside the polymeric body when the bowstring vibrates to dampen vibration of the bowstring. The sleeve can be isolated or separated from the bowstring by an inner wall of the polymeric body that is disposed between the bowstring and the sleeve when the weight is installed on the bowstring. The oscillation of the sleeve inside the overmolded polymeric body also can attenuate string oscillation and reduce string noise. A related method is provided.

Abstract: A bow (e.g., compound bow, cross bow, etc.) that includes a cable splitter. The cable splitter is easy to install in that it does not require access to the yoke ends of the bow string. The cable splitter is self-anchoring to the cable. In addition, the cable splitter eliminates the need for a separate saddle and separate section of cable. The cable splitter also allows for tuning for cam lean by adding or removing twist in the yoke ends.

Abstract: An archery viewfinder is disclosed. An example archery viewfinder may include a viewfinder housing having a cylindrical shape. The viewfinder may be mounted on one or both of a front toward target position and a rear toward user position in an archery bow system. The archery viewfinder may also include at least one light baffle in the viewfinder housing. The at least one light baffle is formed by a first diameter of the viewfinder forming adjacent ridges and a second diameter of the viewfinder housing forming a groove between the adjacent ridges. A combination of the geometrically parallel shape and the at least one light baffle substantially reduces or even fully eliminates incident stray light from causing glare when viewed or observed by the user.

Abstract: A projectile launching device includes self-timing without cam lean. The projectile launching device preferably includes a rail, a riser, two energy storing components, (such as two limbs), two cams, a launch string, and at least two cables. The ends of the launch string are attached to the two cams. Opposing ends of first and second cables are coupled to the first and second cams. A mid-segment of the first and second cables are slidably engaged with the first and second cable pulleys, respectively. The two cams are preferably built as mirror images of each other at a centerline of the rail. The two cams include a launch string track, having identical, but mirrored, upper and lower cable tracks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to abrasion resistance of bowstring fibers with a coating containing Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles to increases string life. The claimed coating lowers the coefficient of friction of the bowstring reducing internal yarn on yarn abrasion, external abrasion and increases longevity.

Abstract: A method of suturing includes: (1) wrapping a first segment of a suture through a traction loop; (2) pulling the traction loop and the first segment through an opening in a suture lock; (3) continuing to pull the traction loop such that a second segment of the suture extends through the opening, wherein the second segment has a greater denier than the first segment such that the second segment more nearly fills an entire dimension of the opening than the first segment; and (4) locking the suture in place with the second segment in the opening.

Abstract: An arrow rest cord length and lock adjustment device is disclosed. An example device includes a body having a plate section between a first end portion and a second end portion. A plurality of openings are formed in the body. A cord is threaded through the openings so that when the cord is under tension and fixed at one end of the body, one of the openings applies an orthogonal torquing force about an axis of another of the openings which in turn imparts a binding effect on the cord. At least one detent is provided on the body. An o-ring is received in the at least one detent and provided over a portion of the cord and a portion of a perimeter of the body to bring the cord closer to the plate section of the body.

Abstract: A composite string such as a bowstring or cable used in archery bows and crossbows includes multiple types of strands or multiple types of materials in its strands. The different materials or strands have different properties such as stiffness, strength, abrasion resistance, or density. The string therefore has specialized properties such as different properties when subjected to different tensile loads or optimized durability. A serving material is also used to bind strands of material to the string for silencing, vibration dampening, improving durability, or providing additional rigidity to select portions of the string.

Abstract: Devices and systems for use in soft tissue repair are provided, as are methods of manufacturing the same. In one exemplary embodiment, an implantable surgical construct includes an implant and a continuous braided closed filament loop that is attached to the implant. The continuous loop can be formed from a single strand of filament such that portions of the filament, sometimes referred to as tails, can be arranged with respect to each other to form a braided configuration. A related method of manufacture can involve passing portions of a single strand of filament around different sets of posts and selectively over and under each other to create the braided configuration. Other devices, systems, and methods of manufacturing are also provided, including some that involve using multiple strands of suture to form a continuous braided closed filament loop.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide apparatus suitable for treating a medical condition at a target site. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of strands, each having proximal and distal regions, wherein the plurality of strands are twisted in a generally helical manner to form a tubular shape. The proximal and distal regions of each of the plurality of strands comprise a contracted configuration adapted for delivery to the target site. Further, the distal region of at least one of the plurality of strands comprises an expanded, radially deployed configuration adapted to facilitate treatment of the medical condition. The distal region of at least one of the plurality of strands may be deployed in a self-expanding or balloon-expandable manner.

Abstract: A net includes at least two ropes (2, 4), at least one mesh, wherein at least one corner of a mesh is formed by a knot (15) formed by two of the ropes (2, 4). The knot includes a first and a second opening (6, 8) in the first rope (2) through which the second rope (4) passes, and a first opening (10) in the second rope (4) through which the first rope (2) passes. A part of the first rope (2) is being positioned in the first opening (10) in the second rope (4) being in between the first and second opening (6, 8) of the first rope (2).

Abstract: A highly portable exercise device utilizing resistance bands is provided. The exercise device includes two ends, each end with a gripping component and latching mechanism. The latching mechanism comprising two magnets, wherein each magnet is secured to opposing ends of the device. A user can thereby hold one end of the exercise device in one hand and secure the other end of the device in either the other hand or against a surface. The user can move his or her body to create tension in the exercise device allowing the user to perform a plurality of different exercises by applying a force to intended muscles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surgically repairing a tear in soft tissue is disclosed. A plurality of collapsible tubes are positioned about the suture. The collapsible tubes are pushed through soft tissue and orthopedic mesh on opposite sides of a tear in soft tissue. When tension is applied to the suture, the tubes are compressed to fix the suture to the soft tissue and draw the soft tissue portions together.

Abstract: A composite string such as a bowstring or cable used in archery bows and crossbows includes multiple types of strands or multiple types of materials in its strands. The different materials or strands have different properties such as stiffness, strength, abrasion resistance, or density. The string therefore has specialized properties such as different properties when subjected to different tensile loads or optimized durability. A serving material is also used to bind strands of material to the string for silencing, vibration dampening, improving durability, or providing additional rigidity to select portions of the string.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous carbon fiber/thermoplastic resin fiber composite yarn and a method for manufacturing the same, wherein the carbon fiber composite yarn provides excellent mechanical properties, is light in weight, moldable, and has excellent impregnating ability. In particular, the composite yarn is provided with these superior properties by including a continuous carbon fiber having excellent mechanical properties, a thermoplastic resin fiber, and the like, and by using a false twist processing machine or a solution bath, and the like in order to manufacture the composite yarn.

Abstract: An archery string having a length, a first load-bearing path, a second load-bearing path, and at least one binding. The first and second load-bearing paths are laterally spaced apart relative to each other along the length, and the binding holds the first and second load-bearing paths substantially parallel to each other along at least a portion of the length of the string. Portions of the string are not bound to each other but remain parallel and positioned side-by-side. When the length of the string changes due to elongation, stretching, or contraction, the load-bearing paths do not helically twist relative to each other and remain parallel and side-by-side.

Abstract: A bag, such as a backpack, includes a back panel having an edge portion, a spacing panel having a fixed edge attached to the back panel and a free edge, an adjustment device, and a lace connecting the adjustment device and the spacing panel. The adjustment device can be configured to retract the lace, thereby translating the spacing panel toward the edge portion of the back panel, thereby increasing a space between the spacing panel and the back panel. The space between the spacing panel and the back panel can be smaller in a first configuration than in a second configuration and the back panel of the bag can be curved in the second configuration.

Abstract: An archery bow measuring device preferably includes a support tube, an extension spring, a measuring tab, a length recording insert and a string nock. The support tube includes a measuring slot formed from one end to substantially a middle of the support tube. A plurality of measurement graduations are formed adjacent the measuring slot. The measuring tab and the length recording insert are slidably retained in the measuring slot. One end of the extension spring is retained in an opposing end of the support tube. An opposing end of the extension spring is attached to the measuring tab. The archery bow measuring device is placed on an arrow support rest of an archery bow and a bow string is inserted into the string nock. The user retracts the string to a maximum draw length. The measuring tab will push the length recording insert to a length along the measuring slot.

Abstract: A bowstring including first and second ultra high molecular weight polyolefin fibers is described herein. The first and second ultra high molecular weight polyolefin fibers have different compositions such that the first ultra high molecular weight polyolefin fibers have a greater elasticity than the second ultra high molecular weight polyolefin fibers.

Abstract: A self-locking adjustable loop construction and a method of forming the construction are disclosed. The construction can include a flexible member having a first end, a second end and a first portion therebetween. The first end can be passed back through the first portion at a first point such that the first end passes through the first portion from a first side of the flexible member to a second opposite side of the flexible member. The first end can be passed through the first portion at a second point spaced apart from the first point such that the first end passes through the first portion from the second side to the first side so as to place the second end outside of the first portion.

Abstract: A bowstring release having a removable safety pin that when engaged, allows for training. The safety pin physically preventing the release mechanism from fully releasing, while allowing enough movement to provide a tactile response that the release has been activated.

Abstract: A crossbow bowstring drawing mechanism comprises (1) a generally cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end; (2) a shaft rotatably mounted in the housing has a first end that at least partially extends through the housing first end; (3) at least one rope spool received on, and rotationally fixed to, the shaft intermediate the shaft first and second ends; (4) a handle operatively coupled to the shaft; and (5) a clutch mechanism received on the shaft. At least one of the rope spools is configured to attach to a first and a second end of a rope that is configured to be releasably attached to a bowstring. The clutch mechanism is configured to at least temporarily rotationally fix the shaft to the housing to prevent the shaft from rotating in a first direction and an opposite second direction until a force is exerted on the handle to overcome the frictional forces exerted by the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A manually assisted bowstring drawing mechanism may be used with a crossbow. The drawing mechanism may include a pair of handles attached to opposite ends of a rope and an engaging mechanism. The engaging mechanism may have two pieces that may receive the rope and may be selectively separated and connected together. When separated, the pieces may be extended up opposite sides of the crossbow from a trigger mechanism to a bowstring. The pieces may then be connected together and engaged to the bowstring. Next, the handles may be pulled by a user to move the bowstring from an uncocked position to a cocked position.

Abstract: An apparatus for one-handed operation of archery equipment may facilitate drawing and firing of an arrow from a bow. The apparatus may comprise a release aid having jaws for selective engagement and disengagement of a bowstring and a trigger mechanism operable to open and close the jaws. Head gear may be configured for attachment to the head of an archer and may be coupled to the release aid with a connection mechanism such that the archer may resist a tension in the bowstring with the headgear. An alternative apparatus comprises an automatic drawbar and engagement head such that an archer may manipulate drawbar controls to draw and release an arrow from a bow.

Abstract: A weight for an archery bowstring comprises a tubular shape defining an internal cavity. The weight can comprise a single piece of material. The weight desirably frictionally engages a bowstring and has the same shape before and after installation. The weight comprises a continuous structure surrounding the bowstring that will not become detached.

Abstract: An archery Bow, Floating Limb Compound; has two bowstring wheels, or eccentrics, that are mounted to the riser, or fixed portion of the bow, and each rotate free of relative linier motion in common moment with two each, or pairs each, of control cable wheels, or eccentrics, on each the same respective axis. The Limbs, (or individual limb assemblies), have each two control cable inputs, or paired mounts, one compressive and the other a degenerative stabilizing cross-feedback input; where under draw, the limbs compress by disproportions in pivot about each individual limb, or limb assembly's, riser mounted axis, in response to the stabilizing cross feedback.

Abstract: An archery bow has upper and lower rotatable draw force modules. The draw force modules each define first and second grooves. The bowstring and a first cable are anchored in the first groove; and a second cable is anchored in the second groove. The design of the draw force modules and the anchoring of the bowstring and cables to the draw force modules allows the cable pull to be more centered to the limb during operation yielding less limb twist and draw force module lean, resulting in improved durability and accuracy.

Abstract: A hybrid archery release including a release body pivotally joined with a roller defining a roller axis, a wrist strap, and a flexible tether extending between and joining the roller and the wrist strap. The release body can be a back tension release body and can have a body including a handle, and the release body can selectively rotate about the roller axis when the handle is engaged by an archer so that the release releases a bowstring held thereby upon such selective rotation. The release also can be configured to remain in a cocked mode as the release is used to draw a bowstring. A method also is provided for drawing and releasing a bowstring with the assistance of the hybrid release.

Abstract: An assist for drawing a bowstring of a compound bow to a position close to the standard draw position is described. The assist is a crutch that is inserted into a crutch mount that is affixed to the riser of the bow. The crutch allows the archer to place the bow on a support surface and to pull the bowstring up onto the crutch. When the archer is ready to shoot an arrow, he pulls the bowstring back from the crutch. The head of the crutch rotates into a vertical position, providing an unencumbered path for the arrow.

Abstract: An archery bowstring includes a plurality of strands, each strand made from a plurality of fibers. The fibers forming the strands are grouped together in a minimally twisted configuration to form the strands. The strands may be twisted together to form the bowstring.

Abstract: A weight for an archery bowstring comprises a tubular shape defining an internal cavity. The weight can comprise a single piece of material. The weight desirably frictionally engages a bowstring and has the same shape before and after installation. The weight comprises a continuous structure surrounding the bowstring that will not become detached.

Abstract: A crossbow setting device which assists with efficiently setting a crossbow into an armed position. The crossbow setting device generally includes a platform which includes a receiver aperture leading to a pathway extending inwardly from its front end. A locking member is slidably positioned within the receiver aperture so that it may traverse the pathway. A receiver opening comprised of a pair of slots is formed in an upper surface of the platform tangentially with respect to the pathway. By retracting the locking member, positioning the stirrup of a crossbow through the receiver opening and re-inserting the locking member, the crossbow may be locked into an upright position for use on-the-fly or to aid in setting the crossbow into an armed position.

Abstract: A back-tension archery release finger includes a housing containing a chamber which is adapted to receive a soft rubber insert. The housing includes at least one opening in a side wall thereof which communicates with the chamber to provide access to the insert. The insert projects through the side wall opening to define a contact surface for the finger of an archer. The housing may be contoured to match multiple fingers of the archer.

Abstract: A compound archery bow comprises a riser, limbs, pulley members connected to the limbs, a draw cable, and a power cable. A first pulley member includes a draw cable journal, a power cable take-up mechanism, and coaxial axle segments extending from opposite sides of the pulley member. The effective lever arm of the power cable take-up mechanism decreases, during a latter portion of drawing the bow, from a distance that is greater than a radius of the axle segments to a minimum distance that is less than that radius. The first pulley member is further arranged so that, with the bow fully drawn, at least a portion of the power cable passes through at least a portion of a space between the first and second axle segments.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an archery bow comprises a riser, a first limb and a second limb. A drawstring extends between the first limb and the second limb, for example extending between rotatable members supported by the limbs. A first cable, such as a power cable, also extends between the first limb and the second limb. A cable guard is attached to the riser, which comprises a body portion and a cable engaging portion. The cable guard biases a portion of the first cable in a direction away from the riser.

Abstract: A bow energy transfer system includes a pair of helically wound springs positioned on the bowstrings on either side of the bowstring nock point; the springs are secured to the bowstring with a serving thread wound between the individual coils into contact with the bowstring. The springs flex perpendicular to their longitudinal axes during discharge of the bow causing energy to temporarily be stored in the flexed spring to be returned to the arrow or bolt later in its discharge.

Abstract: A crossbow may comprise a main beam, a trigger mechanism, a bow assembly, and a barrel cable suppressor. First and second cables may pass through a cable slot formed in a barrel member. The first and second cables may be received by first and second cams respectively such that the rotation of the first and second cams in a first direction causes the first and second limbs to be pulled generally inward towards the main beam. The barrel cable suppressor may be positioned at least partially within the cable slot and may at least partially suppresses vibrations and noise caused by the first and second cables when the bowstring is released from the trigger mechanism.

Abstract: A crossbow includes a riser having projecting limbs with first and second pulleys mounted on the limbs for rotation around respective axes. A barrel extends from the riser, and a bowstring cable extends between the pulleys outside of the barrel for engaging and propelling a projectile. A pair of pulley rotation power cables extend between the pulleys through slots in the barrel, and a spacer is disposed adjacent to the riser and disposed in the barrel for engagement by the pulley rotation power cables at the end of the power stroke to dampen vibration from the riser and cables to absorb vibration that otherwise might be transmitted to the barrel.