A system and apparatus that facilitate automating and increasing the efficiency of ammunition case gauge inspection and testing. A fully interchangeable and mated cartridge case guide chute and cartridge case gauge plate assembly are provided to easily and rapidly change between various ammunition calibers for the automated inspection of ammunition. Variable speed control provides for synchronization of the auto-gauge ammunition inspection system with the source of the manufactured ammunition for inspection.

Various embodiments of this disclosure relates to a methods and related apparatuses for rapidly and visually determining and verifying multiple interface alignments of parts within a system. In particular, embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and related apparatuses enabling rapid visual determining and verifying multiple interface alignments of parts within at least one first system interface part that cooperatively engage with at least one second system's interface part each having at least one system-sub-system assembly alignment datum that requires the at least one first and second system's interface parts cooperatively and engagingly align within multiple respective tolerances of alignment.

A machine vision system for automatically identifying and inspecting objects is disclosed, including composable vision-based recognition modules and a decision algorithm to perform the final determination on object type and quality. This vision system has been used to develop a Projectile Identification System and an Automated Tactical Ammunition Classification System. The technology can be used to create numerous other inspection and automated identification systems.

A machine vision system for automatically identifying and inspecting objects is disclosed, including composable vision-based recognition modules and a decision algorithm to perform the final determination on object type and quality. This vision system has been used to develop a Projectile Identification System and an Automated Tactical Ammunition Classification System. The technology can be used to create numerous other inspection and automated identification systems.

A spine testing device having bearing supports located at a horizontal distance from one another in order to support opposite ends of an arrow, a measuring unit for determining a spine value of the arrow and a display unit for displaying the spine value. The bearing supports are equipped with a weighing device in order to measure a force emanating from the arrow. A stop is located in an area between the weighing devices at such a height that the arrow can be brought by a specified distance from a horizontal starting position into a bending position by exerting a force at a point of application of the same located between the ends of the arrow, in which bending position the application portion of the arrow lies in contact with the stop. The measuring unit includes an evaluation device having means for establishing a bending force acting on the arrow. The evaluation device includes a calculation formula with at least one reference value, so that the spine value of the arrow can be calculated by means of the calculation formula.

A spine testing device having bearing supports located at a horizontal distance from one another in order to support opposite ends of an arrow, a measuring unit for determining a spine value of the arrow and a display unit for displaying the spine value. The bearing supports are equipped with a weighing device in order to measure a force emanating from the arrow. A stop is located in an area between the weighing devices at such a height that the arrow can be brought by a specified distance from a horizontal starting position into a bending position by exerting a force at a point of application of the same located between the ends of the arrow, in which bending position the application portion of the arrow lies in contact with the stop. The measuring unit includes an evaluation device having means for establishing a bending force acting on the arrow. The evaluation device includes a calculation formula with at least one reference value, so that the spine value of the arrow can be calculated by means of the calculation formula.

Disclosed is a method for changing operation mode of a weapon that is connected to a maintenance device via an umbilical providing signals and power to the weapon. The method includes transmitting a mode change control signal to electronics in the weapon via a pin on an electrical interface connecting the umbilical to the weapon, and switching the weapon from an operational mode to a non-operational mode and vice versa after receiving the mode change control signal. Also disclosed is a weapon and system including a unit for performing the method.

An arena test system for characterizing fragments from a warhead. An entry panel and an exit panel are arranged in a wedge configuration with a wedge-shaped air space between them. Fragments are imaged as they pass through this wedge. A soft catch box is located behind the exit panel such that fragments that pass through the exit panel enter the soft catch box and are decelerated within the soft catch box.

An arena test system for characterizing fragments from a warhead. An entry panel and an exit panel are arranged in a wedge configuration with a wedge-shaped air space between them. Fragments are imaged as they pass through this wedge. A soft catch box is located behind the exit panel such that fragments that pass through the exit panel enter the soft catch box and are decelerated within the soft catch box.

An apparatus is structured to receive and contain a bullet. This apparatus also aids in determining a penetrative effect of the bullet relative to a material disposed in the apparatus. The apparatus includes an elongated central core comprising an internal cavity. This internal cavity facilitates ballistic penetrative testing on the material. The apparatus includes a removable lid coupled to the elongated central core. When the removable lid is coupled to the elongated central core, the two components cause the internal cavity to become a sealed internal cavity, except for one directed entry section through which the moving bullet can enter the internal cavity. The apparatus includes a funnel-like member having a wider opening and narrower opening. The funnel-like member is coupled to the elongated central core. The narrower opening provides the directed entry section. Additionally, the funnel-like member is structured to guide the bullet into the sealed internal cavity.