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.

An object-sorting apparatus includes a housing that extends from a top end to a bottom end, at least one vibration element, and a plurality of stages arranged in a vertical sequence in the housing between the top end and the bottom end. At least one of the stages includes a sorting base that at least partially defines a floor of the at least one stage. The sorting base is coupled to the at least one vibration element, and is configured to receive thereon a mixture of objects having different sizes, including a target size associated with the at least one stage. The stage also includes apertures defined in and extending through the sorting base and into flow communication with a next lower stage. The apertures are sized to receive therethrough, from the mixture, objects having a size smaller than the target size associated with the at least one stage.

An object-sorting apparatus includes a housing that extends from a top end to a bottom end, at least one vibration element, and a plurality of stages arranged in a vertical sequence in the housing between the top end and the bottom end. At least one of the stages includes a sorting base that at least partially defines a floor of the at least one stage. The sorting base is coupled to the at least one vibration element, and is configured to receive thereon a mixture of objects having different sizes, including a target size associated with the at least one stage. The stage also includes apertures defined in and extending through the sorting base and into flow communication with a next lower stage. The apertures are sized to receive therethrough, from the mixture, objects having a size smaller than the target size associated with the at least one stage.

The cartridge case volume measurement system determines case capacity by sealing the internal system volume, and then changing it by a fixed amount. The resulting change in internal pressure of the system is measured and used to compute the volume of the case. The internal system volume includes the volume of the case, the volume inside a master cylinder that is behind a master piston, the volume inside any sensors, tubing, and channels that are part of or connected to the master cylinder. A computing device uses the ideal gas law in conjunction with calibration of the system using cases of known capacity in order to compute case volume from the change in internal pressure resulting from the change in volume.

The cartridge case volume measurement system determines case capacity by sealing the internal system volume, and then changing it by a fixed amount. The resulting change in internal pressure of the system is measured and used to compute the volume of the case. The internal system volume includes the volume of the case, the volume inside a master cylinder that is behind a master piston, the volume inside any sensors, tubing, and channels that are part of or connected to the master cylinder. A computing device uses the ideal gas law in conjunction with calibration of the system using cases of known capacity in order to compute case volume from the change in internal pressure resulting from the change in volume.

Herein described is a small caliber ammunition production loading machine with a novel measuring location and device. The machine will load one cartridge at a time and is referred to as a ‘single-out” machine (see FIG. 1). The machine will be similar in nature to existing loading machines with the following key novel aspects: a) The cartridge overall length (OAL) will be measured both as an overall dimension which is industry standard and also at a key datum location on a bullet's ogive. Measuring to a repeatable datum point on the bullet's ogive gives a more accurate representation of the cartridge's ballistic ability.

Herein described is a small caliber ammunition production loading machine with a novel measuring location and device. The machine will load one cartridge at a time and is referred to as a ‘single-out” machine (see FIG. 1). The machine will be similar in nature to existing loading machines with the following key novel aspects: a) The cartridge overall length (OAL) will be measured both as an overall dimension which is industry standard and also at a key datum location on a bullet's ogive. Measuring to a repeatable datum point on the bullet's ogive gives a more accurate representation of the cartridge's ballistic ability.

A precision depth measurement device precisely measures pocket depth and seated primer depth for consistent ammunition production. The device includes a drop indicator having a stem. The stem has an outer peripheral surface. A hub is annular having an inner perimeter surface. The inner perimeter surface is complementary in size to the outer peripheral surface of the stem. Thus, the stem of the drop indicator is insertable into the hub. A collar is removably couplable to the hub. The collar has a collar lip extending inwardly from an internal surface of the collar. The collar lip defines a collar opening at a base end of the collar. The collar opening is complementary in size to an ammunition casing wherein the collar receives the ammunition casing and holds the drop indicator in a perpendicular position relative to the ammunition casing.

An object-sorting apparatus includes a housing that extends from a top end to a bottom end, at least one vibration element, and a plurality of stages arranged in a vertical sequence in the housing between the top end and the bottom end. At least one of the stages includes a sorting base that at least partially defines a floor of the at least one stage. The sorting base is coupled to the at least one vibration element, and is configured to receive thereon a mixture of objects having different sizes, including a target size associated with the at least one stage. The stage also includes apertures defined in and extending through the sorting base and into flow communication with a next lower stage. The apertures are sized to receive therethrough, from the mixture, objects having a size smaller than the target size associated with the at least one stage.