Abstract: A spotting rifle barrel is aligned and retained relative to a launch tube and a spotting rifle receiver housing. A first annular lug is coupled to an outer portion of a breech end of the spotting rifle barrel. A second annular lug is coupled to an inner portion of the spotting rifle receiver housing. The spotting rifle barrel extends through the second annular lug so that a forward end of the first annular lug abuts an aft end of the second annular lug. The forward end of the first annular lug and the aft end of the second annular lug meet at a complementary radius of curvature. The first annular lug is retained in an abutting relationship with the second annular lug. A boresight adjustment assembly cooperates with a muzzle end of the spotting rifle barrel to adjust the boresight of the spotting rifle barrel while allowing for axial movement of the barrel.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing countermass assembly for a weapon has a crushable section, a piston at the forward end of the crushable section, and at the rearward end of the crushable section. The countermass can be a rupturable enclosure filled with a dispersible material.

Abstract: A mechanical device for generating actuating movement has a housing defining a first bore and a second bore contiguous therewith. The housing also defines radial ports that allow an environment about the housing to communicate with the first bore. A first piston is slidably mounted in the first bore. A second piston is slidably mounted in the second bore and is positioned so that it is flush with the first bore. A spring, coupled to the first piston, is capable of an at-rest state in which the first piston seals off the radial ports while being spaced apart from the second piston. The spring is also capable of a compressed state in which the first piston is positioned such that the radial ports communicate with the first bore between the first and second pistons.

Abstract: A water sensor includes a housing that has at least one inlet port formed therein for allowing water to pass therethrough when submerged in water. A drive piston is mounted in the housing for sliding engagement therein. A water-activated driver is coupled to the drive piston and is in communication with the inlet port(s). The water-activated driver is inert in air and reactive with water to exert pressure on the drive piston and so that the drive piston moves in the housing. A movable indicator is mounted relative to the housing and is positioned to be responsive to movement of the drive piston. The movable indicator moves from a first position to a second position in response to movement of the drive piston.

Abstract: A copper crusher gauge holder for testing internal pressures of cartridges during test firing is provided. The copper crusher gauge holder has a circular aluminum upper plate and a circular aluminum lower plate having a layer of urethane rubber approximately ¾ inch thick sandwiched between the plates. The gauge holder is bored to hold copper crusher gauges and center-bored to fit over a cartridge centerline primer tube. A series of machine screws hold the plates together and allow for tightening the screws once the copper crusher gauge holder is in place in a cartridge to be tested. As the machine screws are tightened, the urethane rubber expands laterally gripping the inside of the cartridge and gripping the copper crusher gauges. A method to manufacture the gauge holder is provided.

Abstract: A control mechanism is provided for coupling/interrupting two transmission leads. A first cam configured for spring-loaded rotation in a direction of rotation is positioned between the two leads. A lead coupler attached to the first cam couples the two leads to one another when the first cam achieves a prescribed position.

Abstract: A ball lock mechanism has a shaft with an annular groove formed therearou A first sleeve fitted on the shaft defines at least one channel between the first sleeve and the shaft. An opening facing away from the shaft is formed at the end of each channel. Ball bearings fill each channel so that, when the channels and annular groove are misaligned, one of the bearings extends partially through each channel's opening. A second sleeve is fitted over the first sleeve and the openings for retaining the bearings in the channels. The second sleeve is configured and movable with respect to the first sleeve to push the one bearing extending partially through each channel's opening into the channel when the channels and annular groove are aligned. As a result, another of the bearings is pushed into the annular groove while remaining partially in each channel to inhibit axial movement of the shaft relative to the first sleeve.

Abstract: An air-safed underwater fuze system is provided for munitions that are to launch-deployed and water-detonated. A housing defines a first bore contiguous with a second bore. Radial ports in the housing communicate with the first bore. A first piston is slidably mounted in the first bore and a second piston is slidably mounted in the second bore and positioned flush with the first bore. Piston control means are coupled between the munitions and first piston for positioning the first piston in a first position prior to launch in which the first piston seals off the radial ports while being spaced apart from the second piston to define a chamber. The piston control means moves the first piston at launch to a second position so that the chamber expands and the radial ports are in communication with the chamber. The piston control means further drives the first piston from its second position towards its first position at a specified time after launch.