Apparatus and methods that can be used to stabilize the distal end of an arm (and an end effector attached thereto) of an automated extended-reach tool-equipped assembly. Stabilization is provided by three or more stabilizers, each comprising a stationary part and a movable part. Each stationary part has a fixed location relative to the end effector; each movable part is translatably coupled to a respective stationary part and comprises a contactor disposed at a distal end of the movable part. When the stabilizers are actuated, the contactors are translated toward and into contact with the surface of the workpiece and then locked in place to stabilize the distal end of the arm and the end effector. During tool operation, the stabilizers reduce oscillation of the end effector (and all structure fixedly coupled thereto).

Apparatus and methods that can be used to stabilize the distal end of an arm (and an end effector attached thereto) of an automated extended-reach tool-equipped assembly. Stabilization is provided by three or more stabilizers, each comprising a stationary part and a movable part. Each stationary part has a fixed location relative to the end effector; each movable part is translatably coupled to a respective stationary part and comprises a contactor disposed at a distal end of the movable part. When the stabilizers are actuated, the contactors are translated toward and into contact with the surface of the workpiece and then locked in place to stabilize the distal end of the arm and the end effector. During tool operation, the stabilizers reduce oscillation of the end effector (and all structure fixedly coupled thereto).

A ballistic test barrel system includes a fixture, a chamber in the fixture, a barrel extending from the chamber, and an observation window in or on the chamber.

A ballistic test barrel system includes a fixture, a chamber in the fixture, a barrel extending from the chamber, and an observation window in or on the chamber.

Apparatus and methods that can be used to stabilize a portion of an extended-reach tool assembly to enable the dimensional mapping, non-destructive inspection and/or simple repair of elongated and serpentine structures used in aerospace and military platforms. In some embodiments, a jointed (i.e., articulated) arm of the extended-reach tool assembly, which is mounted and manipulated at the entrance to a limited-access space (e.g., a cavity), is equipped with actuatable contact pads or bladders to stabilize the distal end of the arm to which a tool-carrying end effector is coupled. The end effector is capable of holding and orienting a probe or sensor (e.g., NDI sensor unit, laser scanner, camera, etc.) or other tool (e.g., drill, sander, vacuum, grabber, coating sprayer, etc.).

Apparatus and methods that can be used to stabilize a portion of an extended-reach tool assembly to enable the dimensional mapping, non-destructive inspection and/or simple repair of elongated and serpentine structures used in aerospace and military platforms. In some embodiments, a jointed (i.e., articulated) arm of the extended-reach tool assembly, which is mounted and manipulated at the entrance to a limited-access space (e.g., a cavity), is equipped with actuatable contact pads or bladders to stabilize the distal end of the arm to which a tool-carrying end effector is coupled. The end effector is capable of holding and orienting a probe or sensor (e.g., NDI sensor unit, laser scanner, camera, etc.) or other tool (e.g., drill, sander, vacuum, grabber, coating sprayer, etc.).

A method for determining the elapsed time after discharge of a firearm is disclosed. The method utilizes the change in induced magnetization of a firearm to obtain a value for initial magnetization after discharge of the firearm. This value can then be compared with a magnetic base calibration obtainable through further testing of the magnetization over a period of time. By comparison between the initial magnetization and the base calibration, the time of discharge of the firearm can be estimated. The invention also includes apparatus for use in measuring the magnetization of a firearm, and a kit for implementation of the disclosed method.

An headspace gauge has a feature which interfaces with the bolt face of a rifle and a feature which interfaces with the breeching feature of the chamber. The distance between these two features of the gauge is adjustable and is changed until the bolt of the rifle closes with slight difficulty. The gauge is removed and the distance between the two gauge features is measured. The measured value is the headspace dimension, the distance between the bolt face and the breeching feature of the chamber.

An headspace gauge has a feature which interfaces with the bolt face of a rifle and a feature which interfaces with the breeching feature of the chamber. The distance between these two features of the gauge is adjustable and is changed until the bolt of the rifle closes with slight difficulty. The gauge is removed and the distance between the two gauge features is measured. The measured value is the headspace dimension, the distance between the bolt face and the breeching feature of the chamber.

An automatic firearm, a barrel usable with an automatic firearm and a shot counter for mounting to a barrel of an automatic firearm. The shot counter is configured to track the number of shots fired through the barrel and to provide an indication of the remaining lifespan of the barrel.