Abstract: A toy gun capable of illuminating soft projectile being ejected therefrom, comprising a gun body, a grip assembly is fixedly attached to the gun body, and a trigger assembly mounted on the grip assembly. The gun body has a power source, a motor, a launch assembly with a launch tube, a light source and a light reflecting unit. When the trigger assembly of the toy gun is actuated, the power source activates the motor and switches on the light source. The activated motor causes the launch assembly to discharge a soft projectile in the launch tube and the light emitted from the light source is reflected by the light reflecting unit onto the soft projectile once it is discharged, thereby illuminating the soft projectile.

Abstract: A bubble generating device that includes a housing having an outer surface and a motor and fan device positioned in the housing. The fan device may be operably coupled to the motor so that the motor, when activated, causes the fan device to rotate to generate an upward air stream within the housing. The bubble generating device may also include a trough for containing bubble solution and a spout protruding beyond the outer surface of the housing and configured such that bubble solution fed into the spout flows into the trough. A bubble generating assembly may be operably coupled to the motor, so that when the motor is activated the motor causes bubble generating members of the bubble generating assembly to move into contact with the bubble solution in the trough and then into alignment with the upward air stream to generate bubbles from the bubble solution.

Abstract: An illuminated feedneck may be utilized in a toy blaster, laser tag gun, airsoft or other toy gun, and the like to illuminate ammunition, such as Gellets, for use in non-daylight hours or indoors. A feedneck may be illuminated through ultraviolet light that may be powered through batteries and/or one or more other forms of power. The illuminated feedneck may charge ammunition through a series of specialty UVA (˜400 nM) wavelength light emitting diodes (LEDs) that safely become illuminated with a long-lasting and bright green glow. The ammunition may be infused to create a glow-in-the dark tracer effect as they are powered and pass through the illuminated feedneck.

Abstract: A glass bubble includes a hollow glass body having an outer surface with a diameter of between about 16 micrometers and about 25 micrometers and a surface roughness of about 0.01% to about 0.1% of that diameter. A low density sheet molding compound incorporating a plurality of glass bubbles and resin is also disclosed.

Abstract: Improvements in methods for manufacturing glow in-the-dark targets are disclosed. This provides an ink that produces images that will glow in the dark for an extended period of time after the ink has been exposed to natural or artificial light. This can be used for flexographic printing, offset printing, gravure printing, and screen printing applications. The ink includes a phosphorescent pigment and optionally includes a colorant on a substrate of paper, plastic or metal. The phosphorescent pigment material is not coated prior to mixing with other ink components. The pigment material has a particle diameter size of about 600 mesh to about 1500 mesh. The ink includes a colorant (optional), a thermoplastic resin binder, a charge-controlling agent, a release agent, as well as the phosphorescent pigment.

Abstract: A metallic skeet target comprises a substantially disc-shaped body that is suitable for launching via a trap or other launching device. The metallic skeet target can be used more than once because it will not break in to multiple pieces like a traditional skeet target and because it is made of metal, it can give audible confirmation to the shooter that the target was indeed hit. The metallic skeet target may also be illuminated.

Abstract: A system for shooting arrows at targets, comprising at least one device for shooting arrows, at least one target and at least one arrow, characterised by the fact that it comprises a reflection wall and that the arrow comprises a head portion, the reflection wall and the head portion being configured so as to return the arrow in the direction of the shooting device when the head portion impacts the reflection wall instead of the target.

Abstract: An illuminated skeet target comprises a substantially disc-shaped body that is suitable for launching via a trap or other launching device. The skeet target contains at least two reagents that undergo a chemiluminescent reaction and give off light when combined so that the skeet target can be illuminated and identified when ambient lighting conditions are insufficient.

Abstract: A clay target magazine comprising a wall of cylindrical shape, said wall having at least one sight window provided therein, said magazine having slots provided in said wall proximate to said walls lower end to accept a retaining means therein, said magazine sized to hold a plurality of clay targets, said magazine further sized in order to be loaded into the carousel of a clay target trap.

Abstract: A target (2) for archery intended to be thrown into the air and capable of being impacted by an arrow is characterized in that the target (2) includes at least three layers (12, 13) of polymer foam. The target will find an application in sports training and/or game in archery.

Abstract: A biodegradable target disc adapted to be molded into a rigid target that is launchable from a launching device, the biodegradable target disc comprising soy protein isolate and protein filler.

Abstract: A voice activated apparatus for automatic sequential launching of clay targets for Skeet, Sporting Clays and Trap shotgun sports. The apparatus first detects a voice command and launches target(s) and then detects the gunshot(s) of the shooter to determine the completion of a segment of the shooting sequence and automatically progress to the next segment for activation upon the next voice command. The apparatus comprising a signal processing unit, designed to analyze spectral patterns and signal levels associated with acoustic signals, in order to distinguish the voice command from ambient and gunshot noise and prevent false activation. By tracking the number of gunshots fired by each shooter, the system determines the end of the shooting sequence and controls the number of clay targets allocated to each shooter.

Abstract: A binder pitch material includes a petroleum pitch and asphalt fraction obtained from petroleum crude oil and has a significantly lower polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon composition than a coal tar pitch having a like softening point. The pitch material is useful as a binder material for various applications such as clay pigeons.

Abstract: A projectable target is made from a composition including a filler material and a binder for the filler material. The binder includes a mixture of asphalt and an asphalt modifier selected from polymers, waxes, asphaltites, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the asphalt modifier is a combination of polymer and wax, and the binder has a penetration from 0 dmm to 5 dmm at 25° C., a softening point from 80° C. to 175° C., and a viscosity from 1000 centipoise to 25,000 centipoise at 163° C. The composition is formed into the shape of the projectable target and hardened.

Abstract: The invention comprises a target pigeon of the type which is used in sport shooting such as trap shooting, and which is fired in such a manner that the propeller-shaped wings (10) of the target pigeon move it in an unpredictable trajectory. The invention moreover comprises a method of launching target pigeons. An object of the present invention is to provide a target pigeon which has a very low effective height when it is stacked. Another object is to provide a target pigeon and a method of launching the target pigeon, where it is not necessary to orient the pigeon relative to the retaining and force-transferring means on the launching machine.

Abstract: A method of making clay pigeons is disclosed involving the step of compacting a dry powder comprising an inorganic filler comprising more than 50% by weight calcium carbonate and a binder. Also disclosed is a dry pressed pitchless clay pigeon.

Abstract: A dispensing game system includes a prize capsule storage hopper above two automatic hopper loaders that replenish the game below with prize capsules as needed. Two Ferris wheels carry free swinging gondolas that receive and hold the prize capsules from the loaders. Two or more player-activated actuator arms located next to the outer edge of the Ferris wheels are used to hit targets attached to the moving gondolas, in turn causing the gondolas to tip forward and release the prize capsule, which then falls down and rolls into the prize opening for the player to collect.

Abstract: A biodegradable skeet or trap target with a body composed principally of a composted waste material comprising sewage sludge, composted animal manure, and/or composted plant matter suitable for fertilizing plants, encapsulated within a substantially rigid, frangible matrix formed of a degradable binder material, is provided by the invention. The body of the target may also comprise a generally inert granular filler material, preferably sand. As an alternative to or in addition to the preferred composted waste material, prepared plant fertilizer may be used as the principal material in the composition of the target. A method of making a biodegradable target with plant nutrients is also provided.

Abstract: A shooting activity and a clay target which can be formed without pitch for use in such activity is provided. The activity involves shooting shot at the target and breaking targets hit by the shot. The target can be formed with a binder and filler and cast into a strong yet brittle state. Targets in accordance with the invention should be substantially pitch free and have a high LD 50 toxicity level as well as high frangibility. This can be accomplished in accordance with the invention by forming the targets with high internal stresses such as are formed by forming targets in unstable crystal states.

Abstract: An aerial decoy comprising a fuselage having forward and aft ends. Disposed within the fuselage are a plurality of decoy discs. Rotatably connected to the forward end of the fuselage is a ram air turbine which is cooperatively engaged to the decoy discs such that the rotation of the ram air turbine facilitates the dispensation of the decoy discs from the aft end of the fuselage.

Abstract: A biodegradable target fabricated from a mixture of a clay material and a peat material molded in a shape of a target.

Abstract: A practice targeting and shooting system having a laser emitter and a light detector which is attachable to a shotgun. Reusable, reflective disc-like targets are launched by a thrower. The shooter arms the shotgun and actuates the emitter. If a predetermined portion of the light beam strikes the target, it is reflected and sensed by the detector which registers a "hit" by a suitable audible and/or visual signal.

Abstract: An improved frangible skeet target is provided. The skeet target has an aerodynamic structure and is constructed to retain structural integrity upon being thrown. The skeet target is biodigestible and comprised of finely ground food grains or seeds in a molasses binder cold pressed to form the hardened skeet target.

Abstract: Provided is a clay pigeon which is a saucer-shaped compressed piece of clay and one or more additives. One of the additives is a calcium-based compound which reduces the drying shrinkage of clay and stabilizes the clay, which is preferably limestone powder or mortar. The clay content is at least 50% and the additive content 5-50%, calculated from the dry matter of the clay pigeon. The clay pigeon may also contain another additive reducing drying shrinkage and a component improving the plasticity of the mass. Also provided is a method for preparing a clay pigeon, where clay, one or more additives, and optionally a component improving the plasticity of the mixture are mixed to form a mass. Water is added if necessary to improve the plasticity of the mass, the mass is fed into a mold in which it is compressed for a moment, and the clay pigeon is removed from the mold while still in a plastic state.

Abstract: A ballistic optical camera trigger having an integrated circuit capable of onverting light to a proportional frequency, wherein the integrated circuit has a fast response time and a wide dynamic range which allows it to sense positive or negative changes in light fast enough to trigger without delay for high speed imaging without computational delays or jitter causing interference. The frequency output of the integrated circuit is tracked by a phase lock loop/voltage controlled oscillator to allow it to follow slow changes in light, but not fast changes in light caused by, for example, a projectile such as a bullet. The frequency output from the integrated circuit is provided to one input of a logic gate which receives at another input thereof, a shaped pulse from the phase lock loop/voltage controlled oscillator circuit, wherein the output of the logic gate is applied to a one-shot for outputting a trigger signal.

Abstract: A hand-held multi-function target presentation control system with interchangeable operator control modules for communicating with at least one wireless target control modules. The operator control module having a user interface for selectively controlling a plurality of stations, each station having at least one target launch machine, for inputting and tracking a plurality of shooters, and for inputting a target launch sequence and a score for each shooter.

Abstract: A computer controlled target shooting system having a plurality of clay bird throwers which can be positioned at substantial distances and angles of throw from one another, preferably to throw clay birds in a safe direction for shooter(s) to engage. The throwers include a device for mechanical activation (electrical, air, hydraulic, etc.) and allow for varying horizontal and vertical angle of clay bird projection (flight). The plurality of clay bird throwers are interfaced to a microprocessor. The shooter can specify levels of difficulty which will set levels of time delays and difficulty of randomness between clay birds thrown. These shooter specified levels include two clay birds thrown at the same time (doubles) and extended time delay to allow for reloading of double barrel shotgun (double barrel).

Abstract: An article intended to be degraded when exposed to the environment is made from a brittle resinous or synthetic resin material incorporating moisture swellable particles as a filler, whereby exposure of the article to water induces fragmentation. In particular, hydrodegradable "clay pigeons" for shot-gun shooting may be made from a mixture of pitch, powdered limestone or chalk and dry potato starch. Exposure of such a "clay pigeon" or fragments thereof, to water causes swelling of the starch particles and consequent fragmentation of material into, eventually, a fine sludge which is ultimately absorbed into the ground.

Abstract: A hand-held multi-function target presentation control system with interchangeable operator control modules for communicating with at least one wireless target control modules. The operator control module having a user interface for selectively controlling a plurality of stations, each station having at least one target launch machine, for inputting and tracking a plurality of shooters, and for inputting a target launch sequence and a score for each shooter.

Abstract: Markers for aerial targets, also known as clay pigeons, of the type which shatter when hit by one or more pellets. The marker may comprise a ring of resilient material having a wail adapted to engage outwardly the rim of a standard clay pigeon target; may take the form of a dished disk having an upwardly curving central portion which fits into the underside of a clay pigeon target and an upwardly directed wail which has an internal diameter substantially the same as the outer rim of such a target, or it may take the form of a simple annulus having inner and outer upwardly directed wails which engage the lower rim of the target and are maintained in position by frictional contact between the wails and the rim. The wall of the marker engaging outwardly the rim of a clay pigeon target may carry a series of incisions or be formed as a castellated ring.

Abstract: A six sided double walled container housing having an open top and holding within the confines of those walls the canopy and lines of a parasail device therein and by four flexable fingers extending partly over the contents from the top perimeter of the four rigid foam perpendicular inner walls whose bonded exterior covering is a soft impact absorbing plastic foam material.Target housing has a front and rear configuration showing a downwardly and rearwardly sloped triangular shaped front panel having a vent through which a stream of air enters to cause ejection of the parasail canopy which will support the target housing in flight. Base of the sloped triangular shaped front panel joins the matching perimeter of the bottom panel of the target housing to form an aerodynamic lift surface and the adjoining four perpendicular panel's matching perimeters joined to each other's matching perimeters are then joined to the matching perimeters of the bottom panel and those of the sloped triangular shaped front panel.

Abstract: A game or prize dispensing apparatus and method which transfers prizes or objects from a lower position in the machine to an upper position of the machine, releasing the prizes and allowing them to freefall. The player attempts to strike or grab the falling prize by actuating a mechanism at the appropriate time. A successfully struck or grabbed prize may then be dispensed.

Abstract: An expendable drone aircraft to be used as a target for advanced weapons tforms is made of a lightweight crushable foam material. The drone is adapted to realistically converge upon the weapons platform so as to activate the tracking/fire control sensors thereof. A solid fuel rocket motor is encased in a non-metallic lightweight housing and is used to power the drone in free flight. A simple optical seeking device is used to input a signal to a guidance control system which directs the drone in free flight to converge upon the weapons platform. If the weapons platform fails to neutralize the drone during convergence thereon, the impact hazard of the drone is neutralized by the lightweight crushable foam material which acts to harmlessly absorb the kinetic energy of the drone thereby minimizing danger to equipment and personnel of the weapons platform.

Abstract: A trapshooting target comprising at least two parts. A first part comprises a regular polygon or disc and carries at least one detachable second part. Separation of the parts during flight causes a change in the flight path of the parts.

Abstract: A remote-controlled autogyro visually and functionally simulates a helicopter with stub wings (e.g. the Hind D), so that an expendable helicopter-simulating target is produced. The target has a fixed angle rotor shaft, the rotor being solely aerodynamically controlled. The rotor blades have a negative pitch angle, and a positive conning angle. The engine is mounted at the front of the fuselage and has a downthrust angle, and the horizontal stabilizer also slopes downwardly aft. The rotor is at about the center of lift (horizontally) of the wings, and the wing span is about 50-60 percent the length of the fuselage. The ailerons and tail rudder are electrically interconnected. Remote control is provided for the elevators ailerons, and engine speed.

Abstract: Projectable, frangible and environmentally acceptable targets are disclosed which are free of pitch, and which are in all respects environmentally acceptable, and furthermore which can be produced by a simple compacting procedure. The targets are produced from an inert filler component, such as limestone or clay, and a binder component which is capable of binding the inert filler component without being heated to its thermal decomposition point, the inert filler component being friable and relatively wettable with a solvent so that agglomerates of the inert filler component, the binder component, and a solvent can be produced, and a target may then be prepared by compression forming such agglomerates.

Abstract: A non-toxic clay pigeon with excellent mechanical and ballistic properties is produced by subjecting a mixture consisting essentially of plaster, an amount of water constituting a considerable amount in relation to the amount necessary for setting the plaster, calcium carbonate and optionally fly ash, and/or heavy spar; as well as one or more surfactants, organic binders, set-controlling agents and brittleness-promoting agents to compression in a clay pigeon mould heated to a temperature in the range of 100.degree. to 160.degree. C. such that the excess amount of water in relation to the amount necessary for setting the plaster is driven off from the mould.

Abstract: An aerial target, which can operate either in a self-propelled or towed ciguration, is made of a lightweight, frangible foam material. When employed in the self-propelled configuration, the target includes a remotely controlled guidance system; a remotely controlled guidance system is an optional feature of the target in its towed configuration. The self-propelled target is powered by a solid fuel rocket motor encased in a non-metallic lightweight housing. In order to cause realistic destruction of the target when it is hit by a projectile, a liquid-filled cavity is included in the body of the target. When hit by a projectile, this hydraulic device ruptures and severs the target to simulate warhead detonation and to prevent further flight.