Abstract: Communications systems and methods for communicating data are provided. In one example, the communications system includes an outer ring having an inner surface and an inner ring having an outer surface. The inner surface and the outer surface are separated by a gap that extends around the inner ring to define a loop. A modulating light arrangement receives data and produces modulated light. A first light diffusing optical fiber and a second light diffusing optical fiber are disposed on a first side of the gap and extend in the loop to define an optical data ring. The first light diffusing optical fiber and the second light diffusing optical fiber cooperate to diffuse the modulated light along the optical data ring. A detector is disposed on the second side of the gap and detects the diffuse modulated light.

Abstract: Armored vehicles, weapon measurement system, and methods for determining barrel elevation of a gun, are provided. In one example, an armored vehicle includes a vehicle body portion and a gun having a barrel extending away from the vehicle body portion at a barrel elevation angle. A weapon measurement system includes a reference light generator arrangement configured to generate a reference light at a single wavelength or within a narrow wavelength band and to diffuse the reference light, thereby defining a distributed reference light. An image sensor arrangement includes an image sensor and a filter. The filter is configured to substantially block light that is at a different wavelength than the distributed reference light while allowing the distributed reference light to pass through to the image sensor for determining the barrel elevation angle.

Abstract: Armored vehicles, weapon measurement system, and methods for determining barrel elevation of a gun, are provided. In one example, an armored vehicle includes a vehicle body portion and a gun having a barrel extending away from the vehicle body portion at a barrel elevation angle. A weapon measurement system includes a reference light generator arrangement configured to generate a reference light at a single wavelength or within a narrow wavelength band and to diffuse the reference light, thereby defining a distributed reference light. An image sensor arrangement includes an image sensor and a filter. The filter is configured to substantially block light that is at a different wavelength than the distributed reference light while allowing the distributed reference light to pass through to the image sensor for determining the barrel elevation angle.

Abstract: A grenade machine gun or other weapon which employs superelevation of the barrel comprises a barrel unit and an aiming system mounted upon a support. The aiming system is mounted to the weapon and the support by a coupling unit. The aiming system comprises an imaging and display unit for displaying an image of a scene including a target, angle encoders for providing a signal representing displacement of the imaging unit in elevation relative to the support, and a control unit, e.g. a computer, for selecting either of two states for the coupling unit. The first state entrains the imaging unit to move with the barrel. The second state secures the imaging unit to the support and allows the barrel to move relative to both, i.e. during superelevation of the barrel. The coupling unit may comprise a first part connected to the weapon for rotation in elevation with the barrel unit and a second part connected to the imaging unit.

Abstract: A machine gun unit comprises a machine gun mounted to a support by a mounting permitting pivoting movement of the machine gun relative to the support in azimuth and/or elevation. Angle encoders provide position signals representing angular displacement of the machine gun relative to the support. An aiming system comprises a sensor, for example a CCD sensor, which provides a video signal representing a field of view for the aiming system, a display device for displaying the field of view, a manual input interface, a graphics artifact generator, and a digital signal processor (DSP). The DSP monitors the outputs of the angle encoders and controls the graphics artifact generator to combine the output of the graphics artifact generator with the output of the CCD sensor for display by the display device. Various graphics artifacts can be provided. Masks may be provided for delimiting field of fire. A cursor may be repositioned to reflect superelevation requirements.

Abstract: A test set, as used for indicating line conditions and line identification for telecommunication cables for example, has a casing formed from two identical mouldings. A rib and groove seal is provided for the mating surface by forming a rib on half the mating surface and a groove on the other half. Laterally extending webs form a channel in which the leads of the test set are wound when not in use. Ears on the webs extending towards each other form constrictions which maintains the leads in the channel. At the top of the casing, arcuate webs provide a protected region in which are situated a toggle switch and indicator lamps. Inside the casing, formations hold a printed circuit board and define a compartment for a battery.