Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring muzzle velocity (V0) of a projectile, which apparatus includes a smooth weapon barrel or firing barrel as a waveguide, a signal generator which is electrically connected via a signal supply line to at least one transmission coupler in order to energize the weapon barrel or firing barrel, and a receiving line for passing on the signals measured at at least one receiving coupler to an evaluation device. If the velocity is measured after the projectile has passed through, the receiving coupler is located between the projectile base and the transmission coupler, while the receiving coupler is between the projectile nose and the transmission coupler when the velocity (V0) is measured before the projectile passes through. The electromagnetic field of the empty weapon barrel is measured without a projectile, in front of the projectile or behind the projectile, or in combination. The muzzle velocity (V0) is then determined from the measured signals.

Abstract: Firearm supporting devices (e.g., firearm vises), methods of assembling firearm supporting devices, and methods of packaging firearm supporting devices are disclosed herein. One aspect is directed to a firearm supporting device for supporting a firearm having a first section and a second section spaced apart from the first section. In one such embodiment, a firearm supporting device includes a base, a first support for carrying the first section of the firearm, and a second support for carrying the second section of the firearm. The base includes a first portion and a second portion configured to be attached to the first portion. The first portion is fixed relative to the second portion when the first and second portions are attached. The first support is configured to project from the first portion of the base. The second support is configured to project from the second portion of the base.

Abstract: A method for producing a missile nose cone is disclosed. The method consists of manufacturing a first missile nose cone from a first lot of polymeric material and determining a first rupture value. The method further consists of manufacturing a second missile nose cone from a second lot of polymeric material and determining a second rupture value of the second missile nose cone. Both first and second lots of material are mixed into a test batch with one another based on their associated rupture values. An evaluation missile nose cone is then manufactured from the test batch and a determination is made as to whether the evaluation missile nose cone has a desired rupture value. If a desired rupture value is not obtained, then the mixing and evaluation steps are repeated.

Abstract: A dampened recoil rest for supporting a rifle for enabling a shooter to operate the rifle with adjustable attenuation of recoil felt by the shooter, eliminating damage to the rifle by progressively absorbing or attenuating recoil, with the sight remaining on the target thereby eliminating a need to reacquire the target, without having to add additional weight to absorb the recoil, and with comfortable transfer of the recoil from the rifle to the shooter's shoulder. The rest includes a stationary base assembly, a rotating base assembly, a recoil attenuating assembly, and a rifle support assembly. The stationary base assembly is for attaching to a bench top. The rotating base assembly is rotatably attached to the stationary base assembly. The recoil attenuating assembly is operatively connected to the rotating base assembly. The rifle support assembly is operatively connected to the recoil attenuating assembly and is for supporting the rifle.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention sets forth an apparatus for registering a scoring event. The apparatus includes a target having a surface; a sensor, positioned in proximity to the target, adapted to detect the occurrence of a scoring event caused by the presence of a projectile in the scoring area and to determine a trajectory of the projectile; a time tracking device adapted to keep track of time of the scoring event; a location sensing device adapted to identify a location of the apparatus; a true north detection device adapted to detect the direction of true north with respect to the surface of the target; and a controller, coupled to the sensor and the true north detection device.

Abstract: A device for simulating the torso of an animal or human to determine projectile performance is provided, comprising a support frame; and a plurality of selectively removable simulant inserts, including a hide simulant insert, a muscle simulant insert, a bone simulant insert, and one or more internal organ simulant insert, and wherein the simulant inserts are placed within the support frame in a predetermined order specific to the type of animal or human being simulated. The support frame includes a mounting device to secure the support frame to a ground surface, and a base adapted to orient the support frame at a selectable angle relative to a projectile path. The support frame further includes a locking device adapted to secure the simulant inserts to the support frame. In a preferred embodiment, the locking device includes a fastener slidably disposed within a slot formed in the support frame, and an extended member adapted to contact one of the simulant inserts.

Abstract: A tripod assembly having multiple interchangeable accessories for use in supporting a firearm or other device includes mounting couplers for releasably securing the assembly to an attachment point on a device to be supported, such as the forearm of a rifle, mounting brackets that are not affixed to the device to be supported, and threaded fasteners adapted for connection to standard threaded sockets for supporting devices such as cameras, spotting scopes and the like. The tripod assembly has a substantially planar, generally triangular tripod base including three sides terminating in, and defining, first, second and third vertices carrying respective first, second and third telescoping support legs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology are directed to systems and methods for measuring projectile muzzle velocity. A muzzle velocity sensor measures an acceleration as well as a set of events occurring within the barrel of the firearm upon a shot being fired. Using the measured data, a muzzle velocity is calculated. The muzzle velocity sensor is used externally to the firearm, requiring no changes to the firearm or the projectile.

Abstract: A firearm steady-rest which is provided in a folded storage form which is incorporated as part of a rifle sling. The steady-rest may be deployed by folding it outward to provide either a V-shaped support configuration or a U-shaped support configuration whereby the upwardly extending distal ends of the support engage and support the firearm therebetween. The steady-rest may then be grasped by the operator's forward extending hand to provide maximum steadying of the firearm for sighting and shooting. A gravity deploying bi-pod leg set is also provided which automatically locks into position when fully deployed by a gravity slide lock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determination of the muzzle velocity of a projectile (2) when it emerges from the firing barrel (1) of a shoulder-held weapon. In order not to weaken the firing barrel, it is proposed that a transmitter (3) for transmission of signals be arranged on the end face of the firing barrel (1) and that two sensors (9, 10), which are arranged at a distance d from one another, be arranged in or on the projectile (2) in order to detect the signals transmitted by the transmitter (3) and that these sensors (9, 10) detect a pulse on flying past the transmitter (3), and that the muzzle velocity for the projectile (2) be determined from the time difference between the pulses detected by the two sensors (9, 10).

Abstract: Adjustable shooting rests and shooting rest assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a shooting rest includes a rest assembly for supporting a forestock of a firearm. The rest assembly includes a base member and first and second upright members extending from the base member. A position of each of the first and second upright members is independently adjustable with reference to the base member. The shooting rest also includes a support assembly coupled to the rest assembly to move the rest assembly in a first direction and in a second direction. The first and second directions are in a plane generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the firearm. The shooting rest further includes a base coupled to the support assembly.

Abstract: This invention provides a shock mitigation means that attenuates the high frequency energy transmitted to the floating element of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) device in a cannon launched guided projectile or cannon launched munition improving the ability of the IMU to survive the extreme forces of such cannon launched environment. The invention utilizes a crushable foam mitigator located in the IMU device's housing to interfere and apply a compressive force to the floating element of the IMU device, plus a rubber pad attenuator element placed above the foam mitigator to further tailor the transmission of shock energy to the floating element in the IMU device.

Abstract: A device is provided for recording transverse acceleration of a projectile longitudinally traveling along a barrel. Within the projectile, the device includes a base, a cantilever beam, a stylus and a medium. The beam longitudinally extends at a first end from the base. The stylus connects to a second end of the beam, being longitudinally opposite from the first end. The medium is rigidly fixed relative to the base and indicates transverse deflection extent of the second end onto the medium. The transverse deflection extent can be vertically perpendicular to the beam, and the stylus can permit deflection that is horizontally perpendicular to the beam.

Abstract: A rifle recoil absorbing strap assembly for absorbing rifle recoil from a rifle, the strap assembly preventing the bruising of a shoulder when firing the rifle and without having to permanently mount the strap assembly on a target shooting bench, a table or a horizontal support member. The strap assembly includes an elongated, flexible, horizontal first strap member with adjustable and releasable fastener. The adjustable and releasable fastener is used for securing together a first end and a second end of the first strap member. Also, the strap assembly includes a flexible, vertical second strap member with a first end and an opposite second end. The first and second end of the second strap member are adapted for receipt around a front portion of the rifle and secured thereto for preventing upward movement of the rifle when firing. Further, the strap assembly includes a rifle butt cradle adapted for receiving and securing a rifle butt of the rifle therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating a roll angle of a projectile may include a measurement unit outputting roll rate, yaw rate, and pitch rate signals indicative of rotation rates about substantially orthogonal roll, yaw, and pitch axes, the roll axis substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the projectile. A controller may sample the roll rate, yaw rate, and pitch rate signals to obtain time sequential roll rate, yaw rate, and pitch rate samples; calculate time sequential cumulative roll estimates by summing the roll rate samples; calculate time sequential gravity vector estimates from the corresponding yaw rate and pitch rate samples; de-roll each gravity vector estimate based on the corresponding cumulative roll estimate; filter the de-rolled gravity vector estimates to determine a filtered initial roll estimate; and add the filtered initial roll estimate to the current cumulative roll estimate to provide a current roll angle estimate.

Abstract: A test system that is capable of evaluating the effectiveness of a weapons system designed to defeat an incoming, fast-moving, underwater munition is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, an extremely large tubular sheath is inflated underwater. The sheath is maintained at a depth and inclination that is appropriate for an incoming torpedo. An inert projectile is launched or flown inside the sheath at a speed that is consistent with the speed of munition that the weapons system is intended to defeat.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of determining an instantaneous speed of an arrow, includes determining a time-of-flight of the arrow; determining a distance between a location from which the arrow is loosed and a location of a target-face; providing, with an apparatus included in the arrow, data from at least a portion of a free flight of the arrow; and determining the instantaneous speed of the arrow for at least one point of the free-flight by employing each of: a) the time-of-flight; b) the distance; and c) at least some of the data provided by the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining and retrieving positional information including a surface having a plurality of first elements and a plurality of second elements, a first detection element connected to at least one of the plurality of first elements, and a second detection element connected to at least one of the plurality of second elements. The detection elements may include pulse detection elements or current sensing circuits. The plurality of first elements and the plurality of second elements may include conductive and non-conductive threads, and the conductive threads may include piezoelectric crystals embedded within conductive plastic.

Abstract: The shooting rest apparatus provides for a shooter to effectively engage moving targets as well as stationary targets. Among the advantages provided by the forestock-only grip of a rifle within the apparatus is that firearms with extended magazines protruding from the bottom of the firearm are accommodated. Felt recoil reduction is a further desirable benefit provided by an adjustable recoil adjustment mechanism. Recoil is absorbed through fore and aft movement only, without barrel elevation. Pistols are also supported by the apparatus.

Abstract: Adjustable firearm supports, and more specifically adjustable bipods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a firearm support includes a stock mount assembly configured to support a forestock of the firearm and an attachment assembly carried by the stock mount assembly. The attachment assembly is configured to releasably attach to the forestock of the firearm. The firearm support also includes first and second legs operably coupled to the support plate. Each leg is pivotable between a stowed position and an extended position. In the stowed position the legs are generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the firearm, and in the extended position the legs are generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the firearm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating a roll angle of a projectile may include a measurement unit outputting roll rate, yaw rate, and pitch rate signals indicative of rotation rates about substantially orthogonal roll, yaw, and pitch axes, the roll axis substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the projectile. A controller may sample the roll rate, yaw rate, and pitch rate signals to obtain time sequential roll rate, yaw rate, and pitch rate samples; calculate time sequential cumulative roll estimates by summing the roll rate samples; calculate time sequential gravity vector estimates from the corresponding yaw rate and pitch rate samples; de-roll each gravity vector estimate based on the corresponding cumulative roll estimate; filter the de-rolled gravity vector estimates to determine a filtered initial roll estimate; and add the filtered initial roll estimate to the current cumulative roll estimate to provide a current roll angle estimate.

Abstract: A firearm support device includes a carriage movably coupled to a base structure. Movement of the carriage is restricted to a single axis of direction. The firearm support device may also include an attachment feature for mounting a portion of a firearm and a striker assembly for trigging a projectile. A firearm support device may include a carriage slidably coupled to rails of a base structure restricting movement of the carriage to a single axis of direction. The firearm support device may also include an attachment feature for mounting a firearm and a biasing feature coupled to the carriage and the base assembly biasing the carriage in an initial position. A method of testing a firearm may include removing a barrel from a firearm, mounting the barrel to a support device, restricting the barrel to a single axis of movement, and firing a projectile with a firing pin.

Abstract: A rest for cleaning a rifle and for sighting a scope, a stock, and a bore of the rifle. The rest includes a base, a vise assembly, a fore-end support assembly, and an elevator assembly. The vise assembly adjusts for different-length rifles and clamps the stock of the rifle therein. The fore-end support assembly adjusts for the different-length rifles and supports the fore-end of the rifle thereon. The elevator assembly adjusts for the different-length rifles and supports the barrel of the rifle therein. The rest further includes a lapping tool, alignment tools, a stock alignment tool, a bore sighting tool, a centering tool, and a set of diopters. The lapping tool insures smoothness and proper interior profile of the mounting rings for a scope. The alignment tools insures that the scope fits properly without any binding or protrusions. The stock alignment tool lines up the stock of the gun so the gun is leveled. The bore sighting calibrates the scope. The centering tool cradles, centers, and supports the gun.

Abstract: The firearm support device includes one or more “beanbags” directly mounted to a rifle stock that can be moved between a secured transportation position held against the stock and a support position suspended beneath the stock. The support device includes a stock attachment and one or more beanbags pivotally connected to the stock attachment. The stock attachment includes cinch and stirrup straps that secure the support devices to the stock and prevent it from inadvertently sliding up the stock. The bean bags are constructed of cloth pouches filled with a granular substance. The beanbags are sewn directly to the cinch strap or connected to the cinch strap by a slide buckle that rides along a rail strap sewn to a beanbag. The beanbags are securely held against the sides of the rifle stock in the transportation position by elastic cords, buckles, snaps, hook and loop fastening patches or other connection mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for producing a missile nose cone is disclosed. The method consists of manufacturing a first missile nose cone from a first lot of polymeric material and determining a first rupture value. The method further consists of manufacturing a second missile nose cone from a second lot of polymeric material and determining a second rupture value of the second missile nose cone. Both first and second lots of material are mixed into a test batch with one another based on their associated rupture values. An evaluation missile nose cone is then manufactured from the test batch and a determination is made as to whether the evaluation missile nose cone has a desired rupture value. If a desired rupture value is not obtained, then the mixing and evaluation steps are repeated.

Abstract: Adjustable shooting rests and shooting rest assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a shooting rest includes a rest assembly for supporting a forestock of a firearm. The rest assembly includes a base member and first and second upright members extending from the base member. A position of each of the first and second upright members is independently adjustable with reference to the base member. The shooting rest also includes a support assembly coupled to the rest assembly to move the rest assembly in a first direction and in a second direction. The first and second directions are in a plane generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the firearm. The shooting rest further includes a base coupled to the support assembly.

Abstract: It is proposed to use the gun barrel or launcher tube or the muzzle brake as a waveguide, which, however, is operated at a frequency that is below the cutoff frequency of the relevant waveguide mode. The transmit coupler excites the relevant waveguide mode. An oscillator generates the signal, which is then sent to the transmit coupler. The waveguide and the projectile form a system in which the electromagnetic field at the receive coupler is influenced by the position of the projectile. The characteristic change over time of the strength of the electromagnetic field at the location of the receive coupler that results from the change in the distance between the projectile and the receive coupler is measured and used to determine the muzzle velocity.

Abstract: A device for simulating the torso of an animal or human to determine projectile performance is provided, comprising a support frame; and a plurality of selectively removable simulant inserts, including a hide simulant insert, a muscle simulant insert, a bone simulant insert, and one or more internal organ simulant insert, and wherein the simulant inserts are placed within the support frame in a predetermined order specific to the type of animal or human being simulated. The support frame includes a mounting device to secure the support frame to a ground surface, and a base adapted to orient the support frame at a selectable angle relative to a projectile path. The support frame further includes a locking device adapted to secure the simulant inserts to the support frame. In a preferred embodiment, the locking device includes a fastener slidably disposed within a slot formed in the support frame, and an extended member adapted to contact one of the simulant inserts.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting and storing a number of rounds fired from a gun includes a microcomputer; a non-volatile memory connected to the microcomputer; and at least one piezoelectric transducer connected to the microcomputer and mounted on the gun, the at least one piezoelectric transducer comprising a power source that generates power during operation of the gun. The piezoelectric transducer may also sense the firing of the gun.

Abstract: Deployment control system comprises a weapon usage monitoring system for obtaining data of weapon usage, an aggregation system for aggregating usage of individual weapons to a predetermined level, and a presentation system for presentation of said weapon usage individually or at the predetermined level.

Abstract: Processes and systems for detecting a shot by a projectile weapon are disclosed. Data is obtained along at least two different axes for use in determining whether a shot has taken place based on an evaluation by a processor. In certain embodiments, multiple detection systems are positioned on a weapons platform mounting multiple projectile weapons, and each is configured to detect only a shot by a respective one of the projectile weapons.

Abstract: A ballistic test projectile includes a nose section comprising a windshield and aft of the windshield, an ogive; a body section aft of the nose section, the body section comprising a generally cylindrical body connected to the ogive; a base section aft of the body section, the base section comprising a base adapter connected to the body and a base bottom connected to the base adapter; a base pressure gage disposed in the base bottom; at least one side pressure gage disposed in the body; and an electronics cup disposed in the body, the electronics cup comprising a battery cup, a signal conditioning cup, a multiplexer cup, an accelerometer cup and a transmitter cup.

Abstract: A method and a system for measuring the velocity of a projectile. The method and system employ sensors that uses magnetoresistive sensing elements to measure the velocity of a projectile. Two magnetoresistive based sensors may be used to sense a time at which a projectile crosses a sense path associated with each of the sensors. Because the sensors employ magnetoresistive sensing elements, high quality voltage signals are produced, allowing accurate time measurements to be calculated. Accordingly, the velocity of the projectile can be determined by using these time measurements along with a measured spacing distance between the sensors.

Abstract: A test system that is capable of evaluating the effectiveness of a weapons system designed to defeat an incoming, fast-moving, underwater munition is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, an extremely large tubular sheath is inflated underwater. The sheath is maintained at a depth and inclination that is appropriate for an incoming torpedo. An inert projectile is launched or flown inside the sheath at a speed that is consistent with the speed of munition that the weapons system is intended to defeat.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device for determining the roll orientation of a body with respect to a local fixed coordinate system or a predetermined reference vector. The device uses a measurement of an external magnetic field, such as the Earth's magnetic field, to determine a roll orientation reference with respect to the field or an uncompensated roll orientation. The uncompensated roll orientation is then adjusted according to a bias angle, such as an angular difference between the external magnetic field and a local fixed coordinate system, to determine the roll orientation of the device with respect to the local fixed coordinate system or a compensated roll angle.

Abstract: Sensing vehicle speed is disclosed. A speed sensor is self powered. The speed sensor measures a speed data of multiple vehicles with one Doppler pulse. A sample is taken of speed sensor data from the speed sensor. The sample of speed sensor data is processed to calculate speed. The calculated speed is wirelessly transmitted to a server.

Abstract: The accuracy or computation speed of mechanical analysis of a golf ball using the finite element method is increased. In the mechanical analysis, a model representing the golf ball is prepared on a computer, and computation is made by the finite element method using elements and nodes. At this time, the elements are made solid elements of hexahedron, the aspect ratio of the shape of each element is set so as to be not lower than 1.0 and not substantially higher than 6.5, and nodes are provided on the sides and at the vertexes of the hexahedron of element.

Abstract: A shock tube tip tester determines reliability of a shock tube tip used in a blasting machine. The blasting machine, using shock tubes for non-electric firing, relies on a shock tube tip to initiate the blast. The shock tube tip tester measures the amount of wear and indicates when a particular shock tube tip should be replaced to help prevent misfires or delays in production due to no-fires. The shock tube tip tester includes a mechanical filter suitable for filtering the shock wave pulse created by the shock tube tip, a pressure sensor for sensing the filtered shock wave pulse, and a microprocessor for classifying the shock tube tip into one of several predefined conditions based on either a peak of the shock wave pulse or an area under the shock wave pulse.

Abstract: A bullet test tube (10) is taught having a media (22) for measuring a wound cavity (20), bullet penetration (52) and recovering a bullet (30) from a discharged firearm. The bullet test tube is made with an integral cylindrical tube (24) with both ends (26) open, cut to length from a cardboard tubular shipping container having a foil liner (28). The tube is filled with the media by casting at an elevated temperature preventing adherence to the sides of the tube and allowing the media to solidify internally without cracks or other deformities. A basic test tube (32) is utilized and a varied number of extenders (34) may be added according to the energy influence of bullet (30) under test. Covers (48) and (50) are provided to enclose the open ends of the various cylindrical tubes preventing contamination from debris during handling and shipping.

Abstract: A method and a system for measuring the velocity of a projectile. The method and system employ sensors that uses magnetoresistive sensing elements to measure the velocity of a projectile. Two magnetoresistive based sensors may be used to sense a time at which a projectile crosses a sense path associated with each of the sensors. Because the sensors employ magnetoresistive sensing elements, high quality voltage signals are produced, allowing accurate time measurements to be calculated. Accordingly, the velocity of the projectile can be determined by using these time measurements along with a measured spacing distance between the sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for inclusion in an arrow. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sensor configured to provide data concerning one or more flight characteristics of the arrow in flight and a communication link coupled to the sensor, the communication link configured to communicate the data to a device external to the arrow.

Abstract: Apparatus and accompanying methods to evaluate the performance of an antipersonnel/canister projectile using either test data or theoretical data. It provides a three dimensional projection of the fragments/payload that can be evaluated using a variety of performance criteria. The method can be applied to numerous target types and shapes. This method can also be adjusted to evaluate antipersonnel projectiles that utilize a fuze dispersion (payload is dispersed with an explosive charge).

Abstract: An apparatus for hydrotesting a hollow component includes a generally cylindrical main body having a bore therethrough that defines first and second open ends, the bore including a central axis; first and second end plates fixed to the main body for closing the first and second open ends, the first end plate including a vent port and a pressure port that open into the bore radially distal from the central axis, the second end plate including a vent port and a pressure port; an alignment disc disposed in the bore and fixed atop the second end plate, the alignment disc including a vent port and a pressure port that open into the bore radially proximal the central axis, the vent port and the pressure port of the alignment disc being in fluid communication with the vent port and the pressure port, respectively, of the second end plate; and a movable sealing cap disposed in an opening in the first plate and movable along the central axis of the bore.

Abstract: An expendable metal detector system for facilitating the detection of improved explosive devices (IED) where the metal detector is launched toward the suspected IED and using either magnetic field sensors in a passive mode to detect magnetic anomalies or current pulses through a loop antenna in an active mode to detect eddy currents, or using both modes sequentially, detects the ferrous material in the IED. In the active mode, the loop antenna is deployed automatically after launch and impact. The signals are transmitted from the metal detector to the operator who can then take appropriate steps to neutralize the IED.

Abstract: A skin and tissue simulant including a gelatin composite block and an ether based cast polyurethane sheet. The gelatin composite block acting as the tissue simulant. The sheet acting as the skin simulant, the sheet disposed over a portion of the gelatin composite block.

Abstract: A multi-variable, multi-parameter projectile launching and testing device includes; a.) an elongated hollow acceleration tube having a firing end and an exit end; b.) firing mechanism functionally connected to the firing end of the elongated acceleration tube to create sufficient force to accelerate a projectile through the elongated acceleration tube; c.) a heating mechanism for temperature control of a projectile; d.) rotation means functionally connected to the elongated acceleration tube for rotating it; e.) a first control mechanism for variable control of the firing means; f.) a second control mechanism for variable control of the heating means; and, g.) a third control mechanism for variable control of the rotation mechanism. A user may accelerate a projectile through the elongated acceleration tube with a pre-selected force, at a pre-selected temperature and with a pre-selected rate of rotation using the first, the second and the third control mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting data on small-arms usage in the form of a device which is mounted to the firearm so as to be able to sense at least an impulse in the firearm due to firing. The device is mounted to the gun so as to detect impulses due to firing. A processor accepts impulse signals from the sensor, and uses either a hold-off delay or a windowing time to determine and store information related to the firing of the firearm. This information may be any combination of temperature, firing rate, firing intervals and time data for subsequent analysis, and, optionally, information identifying the weapon to which the device is attached. The device preferably has an interface to transfer data from the device to a computer or other data collection device.

Abstract: A device for collecting data on small-arms usage that senses when a shot has been fired from a gun using its acceleration, acoustic noise or RF emissions; measures the interval between shots so that the firing rate may be determined; measures the time at which each shot has been fired; measures the temperature of the barrel when each shot is fired; stores any combination of temperature, firing rate, firing intervals and time data for subsequent analysis and has an electrical interface to transfer data from the device to a computer or other data collection device.

Abstract: A system for precisely measuring muzzle exit velocity of a “muzzle loaded” mortar projectile fired from a mortar tube using two back-biased Hall effect sensors for projectile gas ring channel detection. The system includes a back-biased Hall effect sensor block, a digital resolver electronic circuit and a computer software interface. The back-biased Hall effect sensors are located in a calibrated sensor block attached to a mortar tube. As the projectile metal casing passes a face of the sensors, the sensors trigger and release, providing two electronic pulses. The pulse edges are captured in the resolver electronics, containing a discriminator circuit for filtering all input pulses to distinguish between a projectile loading event and a projectile firing event. Once a valid firing event is detected, an output of precision timers is presented serially to a computer where it is processed and displayed by a computer software interface.

Abstract: A differential variable reluctance transducer (DVRT) is provided to measure a translation parameter, such as acceleration and/or deceleration of a test projectile. The DVRT, contained in a canister of the projectile, includes a cylindrical housing and an electronics module. The housing defines a cavity containing insulation and a bobbin around which a wire coil is wrapped. The housing has an attachment end and a distal end that faces the acceleration indicator. The bobbin is disposed substantially collinear to the housing. The wire coil is helically disposed around the bobbin. The insulation fills the remainder of the cavity. The electronics module receives electric current from the wire coil and connects to a data recorder.