Abstract: A firearm is provided comprising a body which defines a magazine well. The well has a rear wall and a first side wall integrated with the body. A front wall is detachable from the body and in part defining the well. Further a second side wall is detachable from the body and in part defining the well.

Abstract: Firearms including a slide, an ejector and an extractor assembly, which extractor assembly includes at least one stirrup-shaped extractor, a plunger and a biasing element. Production of such firearms is easier, and their assembly and/or disassembly is simpler, where the plunger includes a plunger body and a plunger extension, a frame is provided for mounting the biasing element and at least the plunger body, the slide includes a receiving groove for the frame, and the slide includes a maintenance bore which, in the installed state, penetrates the slide from below in the direction of the receiving groove and is provided in the region of the plunger body.

Abstract: A firearm including a barrel bushing is disclosed. The barrel bushing provides for guidance of the slide without a need for forward rails. The barrel bushing is retained by a bushing stop that allows the slide to be removed while the recoil spring and bushing are retained on the barrel.

Abstract: An accessory slide stop is retrofit for commercially available and military application pistols. The slide stop acts as an add-on lever that replaces an existing lever of the pistol. The slide stop helps decrease the time it takes to reload the pistol. The slide stop is an extended body over that which is known in the art. The slide stop optimizes a position from which the slide stop can be hit by the operator, allows the operator to use either hand as the his or her support hand (non-trigger hand) without having to include two slide stops on each side of the pistol, and even changes the direction in which the operator is allowed to hit the slide stop in order to release the slide such that it is consistent with the direction in which the operator's support hand is already traveling as a result of reloading a charged magazine into the pistol.

Abstract: A locking action firearm has a frame, a barrel connected to the frame, a reciprocating action element operable to reciprocate with respect to the frame between a forward battery position and a rear recoil position, a trigger lever connected to the frame and movable between a forward released position and rear actuated position, and a block element movable between a rest position in which movement of the reciprocating action element from the battery position to the recoil position is enabled, and a blocking position in which the block element contacts the reciprocating action element to prevent movement of the reciprocating action element from the forward battery position to the recoil position in response to movement of the trigger lever to discharge the firearm. The block element may be operably connected to the trigger lever and move based on the trigger lever position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pistol with a frame having a rear grip, a trigger facility forward of the grip and an upper surface. An elongated slide is connected to the frame and operable to reciprocate along the upper surface. The frame defines a rear recess open at the upper surface. An insert is included having a major portion removably received in the rear recess and having a frame rail extending from the major portion above the upper surface. The frame rail is adapted to connect with the slide to constrain reciprocation.

Abstract: A sight assembly for a firearm includes an optical sight configured for mounting to a firearm. The optical sight includes a sight body retaining a lens and has a point-of-aim indicator visible on the lens. A light source on the sight body is configured to communicate a firearm status to a user, such as whether a round is chambered in a chamber of the firearm. In one example, the sight assembly can be mounted to a handgun or a rifle. In some embodiments, the optical sight is configured as a reflex sight.

Abstract: A firearm operating system includes a housing, a central pivoting member disposed within the housing, a trigger including a portion disposed within the housing and a portion extending outside the housing such that the portion of the trigger within the housing includes a hole and at least one finger that extends in a first direction from the hole. Due to movement of the trigger, the at least one finger presses against the central pivoting member to cause the central pivoting member to rotate.

Abstract: A handgun, including a safety lever for disengaging a sear, the safety lever located under a slide of the handgun and extending along a longitudinal axis within a body of the handgun, wherein the safety lever includes a) a sear switch located external to the body of the handgun, and is configured to be positioned by a user in one of at least two positions along the longitudinal axis of the handgun and configured to move the safety lever with the sear switch to an elected position; (b) a sear tab at a rear end of the safety lever near a sear of the handgun, wherein when the sear switch is in a first position the sear tab does not interfere with the action of the sear and when in a second position the sear tab causes the sear to tilt so that the sear is disengaged and cannot come in contact with a striker of the handgun to fire a bullet.

Abstract: A pistol comprising a barrel having a combustion chamber and slide translatable between an advanced configuration closing the combustion chamber, and a retracted configuration opening the chamber and in both configurations is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis. The slide has a locking seat and longitudinal grooving. A closing organ rotatable with respect to the axis between a first and a second angular position and an element drawing in rotation the closing organ and fixed to the fore-end. The closing organ has a locking relief and a cam taking the rotation from the at least one element drawing in rotation.

Abstract: A disconnector trigger bar safety for a semi-automatic pistol is provided and includes a trigger bar having a firing pin end having a sear surface and a cam surface. The trigger bar has an inside surface disposed adjacent to the cam surface. A disconnector is moveable from an inward position to an outward position and has a cam surface to receive the cam surface of a trigger bar. An inset portion is provided on the trigger bar at the firing pin end that has a bottom surface. A protuberance on the side of the disconnector is provided to mate with the inset portion of the trigger bar. The protuberance has a top surface matable to the bottom surface of the inset portion. Rearward movement of the trigger bar causes the cam surface of the trigger bar to slide against the cam surface of the disconnector to move the firing pin end of the trigger bar downwardly. The disconnector moves to provide clearance for the trigger bar to move upward.

Abstract: A pistol comprises a frame with a slide operable to reciprocate on the frame. A trigger movably connected to the frame to move between a forward position and rear position, and a block element selectably interfacing with the slide and movable between a released position in which the slide is enabled to reciprocate and a locked position in which the slide is prevented from reciprocation. The block element is operably engaged to the trigger to move to the locked position when the trigger is in the rear position, such that the slide does not recoil after discharge when the trigger is held to the rear position.

Abstract: A pistol slide with a separable breech block includes a slide and a breech block. The breech block is configured to be secured within the slide such that one face of the breech block forms a breech face within the slide. The breech block and the slide may be made of materials with different density to reduce the weight of the pistol slide while ensuring mechanical compatibility of the pistol slide with various pistol bodies.

Abstract: A recoil-operated pistol has an arrangement which lowers the barrel bore axis and reduces the effect of felt recoil on the user. The pistol has a frame having a handgrip adapted to receive a magazine and a slide mounted for alternating longitudinal movement. A barrel carrier is mounted for alternating longitudinal horizontal movement along the frame and has a barrel rotatably connected to it near its muzzle end. The axis of the barrel bore when in the position for firing is below the lips of the magazine. An actuating mechanism under the influence of the recoiling barrel carrier rotates the barrel upwards such that the breech end of the barrel moves upwards to allow a cartridge to be removed. The recoiling barrel carrier urges the slide rearwards to facilitate the extraction and feeding of cartridges.

Abstract: A slide devise for facilitating grasping and pulling a pistol slide rearward during various pistol operations. The slide device facilitates pulling back the pistol slide utilizing relatively little force. The device includes an adaptor and a rack plate interconnected by a sliding dovetail joinery. The adaptor replaces the traditional slide cover plates on conventional striker fired pistols. The rack adaptor has an integral interface shoe, which seats within a complementary channel in the rack plate. The rack plate has a pair of opposed side protrusions or wings that are configured to fit or be engaged by the fingers or hand of the user, so as to allow the user to easily pull the pistol slide rearward.

Abstract: A recoil assembly for a rifle includes a barrel assembly, a bolt, bolt actuator, and a buffer assembly. The barrel assembly includes a barrel secured to a barrel extension. The barrel assembly is configured to be movably received through the fore end of the upper receiver and to move axially relative to the upper receiver when the rifle is fired. The barrel extension is coupled to a hydraulic buffer assembly located below the barrel extension and counteracts recoil forces acting on the barrel extension when the rifle is fired. An op-rod spring is coupled to an op rod extending from a gas piston assembly on the barrel. The op-rod spring counteracts recoil forces acting the bolt actuator when the rifle is fired.

Abstract: A firearm includes a frame, a barrel, a slide, and a recoil spring assembly. The barrel is coupled to the frame. The slide is coupled to the frame and is movable relative to the frame along a recoil axis. The recoil spring assembly is coupled to the frame and to the slide. The recoil spring assembly is retained within the slide and is situated between the barrel and the slide. The recoil spring assembly biases the slide to a fully forward position relative to the frame. The recoil spring assembly transfers a recoil force from the slide to the frame.

Abstract: A barreled firearm having a mass-locked breechblock and a recoil-damping element which is connected on one side to a frame assembly and on another side to a barrel assembly including a barrel. A housing part of the barrel assembly is mounted in the frame assembly in an axially slidable manner. A support element stationary relative to the barrel is mounted in a breechblock housing or in the frame assembly in an axially slidable manner. Alternatively, a support element stationary relative to the frame assembly is mounted in a breechblock housing in an axially slidable manner. The breechblock housing is guided by the frame assembly in an axially slidable manner and the breechblock housing is supported by the support element by means of a spring element. This design absorbs or reduces recoil when a shot is fired from the barreled firearm.

Abstract: A gun slide galling prevention system includes a gun with a slide forming an elongated body. The elongated body includes a thickness and an inner surface along with an elongated cavity extending inwardly from the inner surface and into the thickness. The system also includes a rail separated from the slide and configured to extend a length of the elongated body and an insert having a configuration of the elongated cavity, the insert fits within the elongated cavity and remains flush with inner surface, the insert forming a channel configured to receive the rail therein.

Abstract: A barrel assembly for use in a semiautomatic firearm, including a barrel and a takedown lever. A rear portion of the barrel includes a follower lug and a rear lug extending from an underside of the rear portion. A pin of the takedown lever includes a notch with a vertical face configured to contact a vertical face of the follower notch when the firearm is in the locked position. The rear lug is configured to be supported by a portion of a locking block of the firearm prior to firing and during a portion of the recoil period. A fitting pad extending downward from a rear lug of the barrel can be adjusted to provide a customized fit of the barrel to a frame of the firearm. The modifications to the barrel assembly result in increased dwell time and accuracy of the firearm.

Abstract: Firearms with recoil mitigation have a frame with a connected slide, the slide configured to reciprocate relative to the frame along a slide reciprocation path, the slide having a ramp surface angularly offset from the slide reciprocation path by a first angle, a follower element connected to the frame and configured to reciprocate with respect to the frame along a follower path, the follower being biased toward the slide, and the follower having a slide contact portion configured to contact the ramp surface of the slide, such that reciprocation of the slide generates reciprocation of the follower element. The reciprocation of the slide may define a horizontal plane. The ramp surface may face downwardly and rearwardly. The slide may include a top panel and opposed downwardly-depending side panels each having lower edges. The ramp surface may be formed in a cutout above the lower edge of a side panel.

Abstract: A firearm slide and a firearm having a slide has a rail portion along which a slide moves translationally, the slide provides a plurality of serrations. The slide has a height and each serration of the plurality of serrations is cut into the slide along the entire height of the slide. The slide defines a horizontal axis and the plurality of serrations are angled relative to the horizontal axis. The serrations are in groups of serrations separated by one or more unserrated portions of the slide. The serrations being configured to maximize the thickness of the slide portion in the rail portion.

Abstract: A handgun subassembly includes a frame with a distal frame portion and a proximal frame end portion, where the frame has frame rails extending longitudinally along a top of the frame. A slide is displaceable along the frame rails between a recoil position and a battery position. The slide defines a catch surface adjacent a bottom portion of the slide. A forward assist assembly is disposed between the slide and the frame or grip module. The forward assist assembly provides a force on the slide in a distal direction when the slide is within a predetermined distance from the battery position.

Abstract: A firearm assembly is disclosed. The firearm assembly may include a slide comprising a guide slot and a barrel attachment comprising a main body and an elongated guide beam. The elongated guide beam may be configured to slide within the guide slot.

Abstract: An extendable slide member on a pistol slide action, providing leverage and a gripping base for a user to pull back or “rack” the slide along guides on a pistol frame, in a longitudinal motion relative to the pistol frame. The slide member facilitating racking the slide when in an extended position the slide member rotates either laterally outwards from a side surface of the slide or vertically upwards from a top surface of the slide, and presents a gripping segment for the user to pull the slide towards the breech end of the pistol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magazine for a handgun, comprising a chamber that accommodates the ammunition and a magazine head that is suitable for being accommodated by the magazine shaft in the breechblock housing of the gun, characterized in that according to the invention an ejector plate is arranged on the magazine head and means are provided for changing the relative position of said ejector plate in the magazine shaft when a magazine is inserted. The solution according to the invention makes it possible to change the position of the magazine head in the magazine shaft by means of an adjusting mechanism and thus to also change the relative position of the ejector plate, which is now on the magazine head, in the magazine shaft. In the process, the position of the ejector plate relative to the feeding web of the breechblock generally changes.

Abstract: This invention relates to countering of the weight caused by high temperature and pressure that arise during the firing of the pistol by this component, instead of the aluminum alloy body; by inserting, into the pistol with light alloy body structure, a bearing component that is all-steel, independent of the body of the pistol, and that can be assembled and disassembled when necessary; elimination of deformations of the aluminum alloy body caused by the high temperature and high pressure; and lengthening the working life of the pistol by increasing the rate of fire.

Abstract: A firearm (1) comprising a stock (2) and a slide (3) and a bolt (50) suitable to reciprocally lock them. Firearm wherein the slide (3) comprises a barrel (31), a spring and a spring-holder (35) suitable to act on the bolt (50). The bolt (50) comprises a spring-holder seat (500) which acts in conjunction with an engagement end (350) of the spring-holder (35). The spring-holder seat (500) comprises a support surface (501), a translation surface (502) which permits the translation of the bolt (50) acting in conjunction with said engagement end (350).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for facilitating reloading and resisting recoil of a firearm include an elastic member in communication with a portion of the firearm. A contact member coupled to the portion of the firearm, the elastic member, or combinations thereof, is movable between a first position in which movement of the portion of the firearm is biased by the elastic member and a second position in which movement of the portion of the firearm is generally unaffected by the elastic member. An actuator can be used to move the contact member between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A cam pin system, includes a cam pin comprising a first cylindrical portion having a first length and a first diameter and a second cylindrical portion concentric with the first cylindrical portion and having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, the second cylindrical portion comprising a through-hole to accommodate the passage of a firing pin. The system includes an end plate detachably connected to the first cylindrical portion of the cam pin, a cylindrical bushing encircling the first cylindrical portion and having an outside diameter approximately equal to the second diameter and a bushing length approximately equal to the first length, and lubricant between the cylindrical bushing and the first cylindrical portion. The cam pin system is configured so that the cylindrical bushing can rotate freely about the first cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A spring/rod recoil assembly may be improved with Belleville springs arranged in combinations of nested and inverted stacks that absorb recoil impact energy while providing rebound energy to properly load cartridges from the magazine into the chamber. A firearm assembly may include a cylindrical spring, and guide rod—having stops at both ends—lengthwise situated within the cylindrical spring. The assembly may include a Belleville spring stack captured on the guide rod between a back-end stop and the cylindrical spring, with one or more stacks of nested springs and one or more stacks of inverted springs. The spring stack may be arranged to return some of the recoil energy produced during firing of the firearm, and decelerate slide velocities without damage to the firearm. Each spring has a diameter allowing it to fit within a back chamber where at least the back-end of the guide rod and spring are situated.

Abstract: This invention relates to countering of the weight caused by high temperature and pressure that arise during the firing of the pistol by this component, instead of the aluminum alloy body; by inserting, into the pistol with light alloy body structure, a bearing component that is all-steel, independent of the body of the pistol, and that can be assembled and disassembled when necessary; elimination of deformations of the aluminum alloy body caused by the high temperature and high pressure; and lengthening the working life of the pistol by increasing the rate of fire.

Abstract: A slide for a semi-automatic pistol is provided where the pistol has a frame, a slide mounted on the frame, a barrel mounted between the slide and the frame, and a magazine for feeding cartridges into the chamber of the barrel. The slide includes a front portion for receiving the barrel where the front portion has a breech face end, a block having an elongate passage for receiving a firing pin mechanism, and a cam surface extending from a lower surface of the block adjacent to the breech face end which functions as a feed ramp for feeding cartridges from the magazine to the chamber. The cam surface is a truncated hemispherical protuberance having a flat surface where the flat surface extends at an angle from the breech face. Positive contact between the breech face and the topmost cartridge is ensured during forward movement of the slide.

Abstract: An improved semiautomatic firearm is provided comprising as assembly which reduces the effort of cocking the firearm or loading a first cartridge. A spring tube contains an inner recoil spring which is employed only during cycling of the firearm when firing. For initial cocking purposes, the inner recoil spring is bypassed in favor of a lighter outer spring which is selectively engaged by the user. When the inner recoil spring is engaged, both inner and outer springs are employed without adversely affecting the recoil dynamics of the firearm.

Abstract: A recoil operating pistol has a barrel and slide with at least a pair of flat mating surfaces extending along a substantial length of both the barrel and slide parallel to each other on opposite sides of the barrel. The matching flat surfaces of the barrel and slide allow relative sliding motion between the slide and the barrel when the at least a portion of the barrel is received in the hollow interior of the slide.

Abstract: An automatic pistol essentially consists of an immovable barrel, a breech with a firing pin and a cartridge extractor, a breech frame, a spring-loaded device for the removal of gas with a gas piston and a gas cylinder, a firing mechanism and a magazine. The barrel is fitted with an end piece, which is located in the lower part of the rear end of the barrel. The design of the breech allows for the displacement of its front part downwards, when the breech is in its front end position. The front part of the breech is fitted with side locking lugs. The corresponding locking grooves are located in the cavities on the end piece of the barrel. The gas piston has an opening for ejecting the cartridge casing. In the course of the backward movement, the gas piston unlocks the breech and draws it back. In the forward movement, the breech is carried forward and pushed downwards. The gas cylinder is located at the front part of the barrel and encompasses the barrel. Along the length of the barrel gas ducts are fixed.

Abstract: An apparatus having a frame, a slide assembly and a barrel is disclosed. The slide assembly may be slidably mounted to the frame along a sliding plane. The barrel may be disposed in the slide assembly. The barrel generally has a bore shaped to accept an ammunition round. The bore may define a bore axis intersecting the sliding plane such that when the ammunition round is fired the slide assembly recoils both backward and upward relative to the frame.

Abstract: A slide catch-ejector assembly for an autoloading firearm. An embodiment of a firearm having a slide catch-ejector assembly includes a housing, a slide slidably mounted on the housing for rearward and forward axial movement, and an assembly having a slide catch portion configured for engaging the slide and an ejector portion configured for ejecting cartridge casings from the firearm. In one embodiment, the assembly is selectively movable in the housing between a deactivated position in which the slide catch portion is not engageable with the slide and an activated position in which the slide catch portion is engageable with the slide. The ejector portion is selectively movable into and out of axial alignment with a chamber that receives a cartridge via moving the assembly between the deactivated and activated positions.

Abstract: A firing pin system for a firearm, including a breech block, a firing pin slidably disposed in the breech block and a single firing pin coil spring adapted to both urge the firing pin toward a cartridge in a barrel of the firearm when the firearm is fired and, subsequent to firing, to urge the firing pin back away from the cartridge such that the firing pin does not protrude through a breach face of a breach block of the firearm subsequent to firing.

Abstract: A handgun comprised of a frame having a barrel with a muzzle end and a breech end. A breech area is adjacent the breech end of the barrel. A slide is movable on the frame between one of a closed position and a blow-back position. An opening in the slide allows communication with the breech area. A hatch on the slide is movable between one of a closed position enclosing the breech area and an open position allowing access to the breech area.

Abstract: An improved barrel link for consistently and reliably placing a barrel of a semi-automatic pistol into battery is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention extends the width of the barrel link beyond that of the receiving channel of the barrel lug legs so as to substantially equal the exterior dimension of the barrel lug. In addition, the portions of the barrel link extending beyond the width of the channel of the barrel lug are designed to provide multiple points of contact with the front face of the barrel lug in both vertical and horizontal positions so as to reliably and consistently place the barrel into battery. The additional width of the barrel link and additional contact between the link and barrel lug aids in stabilizing lateral and rotational forces prolonging the life of the weapon.

Abstract: A pistol including a grip, a barrel slide movable on the grip in a firing direction, and a barrel capable of being interlocked with the barrel slide. A first locking device includes a projection provided on the outer contour of the barrel and has a forward-facing first inclined surface. A second locking device includes a lever pivotably guided in the barrel slide and a dog having a rearward-facing, second inclined surface cooperating with the first inclined surface. The unlocking means includes a stop that is provided in the grip and cooperates with a lug of the barrel. When the barrel impacts against the stop and the barrel slide continues its movement, the inclined surfaces slide relative to each other, and the lever is pivoted against the force of a spring such that the dog releases the barrel slide.

Abstract: An improved barrel link for consistently and reliably placing a barrel of a semi-automatic pistol into battery is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention extends the width of the barrel link beyond that of the receiving channel of the barrel lug legs so as to substantially equal the exterior dimension of the barrel lug. In addition, the portions of the barrel link extending beyond the width of the channel of the barrel lug are designed to provide multiple points of contact with the front face of the barrel lug in both vertical and horizontal positions so as to reliably and consistently place the barrel into battery. The additional width of the barrel link and additional contact between the link and barrel lug aids in stabilizing lateral and rotational forces prolonging the life of the weapon.

Abstract: A method of modifying a .45 ACP pistol having a slide and a receiver defining a magazine well includes the steps of reducing the size of the magazine well and shortening the slide. The slide includes a breech face and a proximal end and the magazine well includes a front wall and spaced therefrom a rear wall. Reducing the size of the magazine well involves moving the rear wall closer to the front wall. Shortening the slide involves removing material from between the breech face and the proximal end. The shortening of the slide generally corresponds to the size reduction of the magazine well.

Abstract: A firearm includes a frame, a slide, and modular sear and trigger mechanism housings. The frame has fore and rear receptacles integrally formed therein, e.g., upwardly open compartments accessible from the top of the frame. The modular housings house one or more operational components of the firearm, e.g., trigger and sear components, and are configured for “drop in” insertion into the receptacles. Each housing also includes a set of integral slide rails. For assembly, the operational components are attached to the modular housings, and the housings are dropped into the receptacles and secured to the frame. The slide is operably positioned on the slide rails for reciprocating movement thereon. The frame is provided without integral rails and other features for supporting the operational components. Instead, the rails are provided as part of the modular, drop-in sear and trigger mechanism housings, which also support the operational components.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pistol with a housing (1), breech part (4) movable relative to housing (1), a barrel (5) arranged within breech part (4) and a trigger system (14, 15 16). The housing (1) according to the invention contains a receiver (2) and an upper housing part (3) designed in one part with it, which encloses the breech part (4) with the barrel (5) arranged in it.

Abstract: A firearm such as a semiautomatic pistol or handgun includes a barrel and a slide with a front aperture for rearward movement of the slide around the barrel during cycling of the slide between forward and rearward positions. A wire bushing is provided between the outer diameter of the barrel and the inner diameter of the aperture of the slide for positioning the barrel within the aperture during cycling. The wire bushing is a spring-like, generally round or O-shaped member (e.g., a bent metal wire) mounted within a groove provided in the slide aperture, with portions of the bushing being bent to lie out of the groove for contacting the barrel. The wire bushing reduces the tolerances between the slide and the barrel, thereby improving operation of the firearm, improves re-location of the barrel within the slide, provides for easier maintenance, and reduces mass, cost, and complexity.

Abstract: A camblock assembly with a camblock and a guide rod is employed in a firearm having a frame constructed of synthetic polymer material. The camblock has a front flange with flange surfaces that engage corresponding bearing surfaces of the frame to distribute forces and energy to the frame during recoil of the firearm. A shelf member is positioned at a front end of the camblock and a coiled flat wire buffer spring is positioned about the guide rod to resist movement of a reciprocating slide. A detent mechanism positioned within the camblock contacts a surface of a slide stop pin to hold the slide stop latch in place. The interior of the slide stop latch contains an elongated wire having an end that engages the frame such that the slide stop latch is biased in a down position.

Abstract: A firing pin system for a firearm, including a breech block, a firing pin slidably disposed in the breech block and a single firing pin coil spring adapted to both urge the firing pin toward a cartridge in a barrel of the firearm when the firearm is fired and, subsequent to firing, to urge the firing pin back away from the cartridge such that the firing pin does not protrude through a breach face of a breach block of the firearm subsequent to firing.

Abstract: A gun comprises a frame and a framework on which at least some components of a firing mechanism are mounted. The framework is inserted into a cross cavity of the frame and means for locking the framework within the frame are provided. The framework holds the whole firing mechanism except for a trigger and a connecting lever extending from the trigger. The framework comprises two hangers adapted to be laterally inserted into the cross cavity. The hangers are arranged at a mutual distance and the components of the firing mechanism are assembled between the two hangers being connected to each other by means of a bridge.