Abstract: This invention relates to a knocking-down septum comprising a steel shutter structure on the slats of which a granulated material rests. The granulated material may consist of granules of natural or synthetic rubber, also of recovery rubber and possibly of a self-extinguishing type of rubber, of dry sand, or of a mixture of sand and rubber or the like. This granulated material lies on the slats of the shutter structure in accordance with the shutter's natural angle of repose and is thereby retained by the shutter. When a bullet crosses the thickness of the granulated material the granulated material slows down the velocity of the bullet.

Abstract: A method for implementing an operational or functioning test on electrically-actuatable ignition or detonation-triggering circuits for ammunition, wherein the circuits are arranged on board the ammunition. Moreover, also disclosed is an arrangement for the implementation of an operational test of electrically-actuatable ignition or detonation-triggering circuits for the ammunition, wherein the circuits are arranged on board the ammunition.

Abstract: A spin rig for spinning wind tunnel models has a support mountable on a sting, bearings for mounting the model on the support and an electric motor mounted on the support, inside the model. The motor has a stator fixed to the support and a rotor that is connected to the model. With a D.C. motor of high coercive force permanent magnet stator, the spin rig can be accommodated within a model small enough to be used in small wind tunnels. Tests can be run at constant, controlled spin. Model development costs are significantly reduced.

Abstract: An ordnance piece is subjected to testing which approximates the time history of forces on the piece during actual firing thereof. A mass of predetermined weight is impelled to a predetermined velocity so that it attains a kinetic energy capable, upon deceleration to standstill, of imposing the desired time history of forces upon the brake and return mechanism of the ordnance piece. The force is applied to the muzzle of the barrel of the piece or to a dummy barrel and the energy transfer is effected in two stages of deceleration, the first stage being a cushioned stage and the second stage being a full impact or uncushioned stage. This results in a time history of forces acting upon the barrel in which the force increases from zero to a peak value and then decreases from this peak value to zero, thus approximating the actual time history of forces during actual firing of the piece.

Abstract: A ballistic test device for simulating propellant and/or bond and/or strain conditions in a high pressure, high strain rate rocket motor. The device uses internal compliant sleeves which allow radial expansion or growth of propellants, liners and insulation or any combination of all three.

Abstract: A system for testing space weapons includes a weapons platform and at least one target which are positioned in space, means for precisely determining the positions of the weapon and the target both with and without the cooperation of the target, a control and assessment system for receiving and processing weapon and target status and position data, generating command signals to the weapon and for generating, displaying and assessing weapon effectiveness data and a data communication system for maintaining communications between and among the weapon platform, the target and the test control assessment system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described which enables one to determine the amount of chamber pressure produced by a cartridge in any firearm chambered for said cartridge. A plastic material of uniform size, consistency, and shape is attached to the outside of the cartridge case with translucent adhesive tape - the total thickness of the plastic material and tape being such that chambering of the cartridge is not significantly inhibited. During firing the pressure inside the cartridge case causes the plastic material to spread between the cartridge case and the tape as both are forced against the rigid surface of the chamber wall. The width of the plastic material is measured and is proportional to the amount of pressure generated during firing of the cartridge. The actual pressure in pounds per square inch is determined from a standard curve that relates the width of the plastic material to pounds per square inch.

Abstract: In the testing of explosive munitions, particularly sub-munitions such as self-forging fragment and shaped charge devices, the munitions are spun about a longitudinal axis to simulate a spin-stabilized munition. An assembly for spinning the munition includes a stationary hub, a rotating hub and an arrangement for mounting the munition concentrically on the hub. A detonator mount positions a detonator and an explosive booster on the axle near the explosive. The stationary mounting of the detonator and booster allows a safer disarming of the munition in the event of misfire.

Abstract: The thermal deformation of an edge-restrained plate is expressed as a deflection of the plate out of its plane. Where the plate is used as a reference plane, the deformation of the plate can be quantitatively monitored and compensated for. In the case of a radiantly heated plate, the temperature gradient adjacent an edge of the plate is a linear function of the plate deformation. With convective cooling, the temperature drop from an initial condition relates linearly to deformation. Consequently, relatively simple temperature measurements will provide the necessary information. The invention has particular application to the roof of a military tank turret that is used as a reference plane for a gun sighting system.

Abstract: A maximum pressure indicator for indicating maximum pressure of a fluid system employs a deformable disc which is bonded to a main plug. The plug has a cavity which is sealed by the disc so that a low pressure is maintained in the cavity. The indicator is inserted into an installation bore of a fluid system. The maximum pressure exerted against the disc is indicated by means of the deflection distance of the disc into the cavity. A helical coil spring assembly is employed to secure the indicator in fixed position within the installation bore.

Abstract: An impact test apparatus includes a barrel adapted to contain pressurized gas and having a sealed end and an opposed open end. A shuttle including a bore for carrying a test sample is positioned for translation within the barrel. A seal is provided on the shuttle for sealingly engaging the barrel. The seal divides the interior of the barrel into a portion open to the atmosphere and a sealed portion. A trigger element selectively retains the shuttle in a fixed position within the barrel and permits the shuttle to be released to accelerate toward the open of the barrel as the pressurized gas in the sealed portion of the barrel expands. Brake rings are located proximate the open end of the barrel to decelerate the shuttle and retain the shuttle substantially within the barrel while allowing the test sample to travel towards a target aligned with the open end of the barrel. The impact test apparatus permits reliable and reproducible impact testing of projectiles without the use of towers or explosive charges.

Abstract: A device for allowing a 25 mm or similar gun to be cycled through its automatic or semi-automatic mode without live ammunition and without interrupting each cycle because of a misfire. The device is entirely electric and requires no mechanical attachments to the gun and no adjustments of the gun. The device is portable and can be quickly and easily connected to and disconnected from the gun. The device uses signals from a source of gun control signals to develop a sear solenoid voltage which simulates signals developed by gun recoil caused by live ammunition. The simulated signals enable the gun to operate without stopping due to a misfire.

Abstract: Two sensors are mounted a distance "a" apart near the muzzle of a gun barrel. The first position sensor generates a signal which initiates a binary count, upward from zero at a clock frequency, when the projectile passes the first point. The second sensor generates a signal which reverses the direction of count, at a preselected submultiple of the clock frequency. The time required to return the count to zero is an integer multiple of the time required for the projectile to travel from the first sensor to the second sensor. Thus, the distance that the projectile travels will be an integer multiple of the distance "a" between the sensors. The velocity of the projectile remains relatively unchanged over the specified distance. The signal that is generated when the counter returns to zero may be used to trigger a monitoring device located at the specified point in front of the muzzle when the projectile passes that point.

Abstract: A device for centering retention of ammunition includes an ammunition receiver having spring elastic holding elements acting in the radially inward direction in the tapering section of the ammunition and gripping elements holding the ring of the cartridge of the ammunition arranged in the bottom area of the ammunition. The holding elements are made up of leaf springs fastened to the ammunition receiver in the direction of the generators of the ammunition in a forward and a rear clamping location in order to assure retention of the ammunition without wear in case of severe jolting movements and to assure safe transfer of the ammunition into the cartridge chamber without damaging it. Each leaf spring comprising a recess or inward protrusion acting on the ammunition in its tapering section and a free end projecting past a forward clamping location in a radially inward direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting a time delay value in an electronic fuze of a projectile exiting the muzzle of a gun barrel, in which a single transmitter coil concentrically mounted to the gun muzzle is utilized both to sense the presence of the projectile at the gun muzzle and to inductively transmit a radio frequency signal having a duration proportional to the fuze time delay value to a receiver coil disposed on the projectile. The transmitter coil is energized from a radio frequency oscillator before the projectile is fired. As the front end of the projectile begins to emerge from the gun muzzle, its presence is detected by a change in the transmitter coil impedance, and the transmitter coil is automatically deenergized.

Abstract: The invention involves the design of a piezoelectric pressure transducer d for measuring pressure-time characteristics in gun tubes during the propellent ignition and burning process. The transducer utilizes one or two Z-cut tourmaline crystals as the piezoelectric pressure sensing element which produces a finite amount of electrical charge for a given change in pressure. The tourmaline crystals are incapsulated in a mechanical fixture which provides means for mounting in the gun tube, electrical terminals for connecting to signal conditioning and recording instrumentation, and insulators for electrically insulating the transducer from the weapon ground. A needle valve is also incorporated in the transducer which provides means for replenishing the thermal protecting material around the crystal assembly without removing the transducer from the weapon.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for aligning gun sights wherein the rifle is mounted on a gun-receiving member that pivots relative to a fixed base. A spring is fixed between the gun-receiving member and base for absorbing both the horizontal and vertical components of the recoil of the gun when it is fired, the spring being positioned on the side of the pivot adjacent the butt-receiving end of the gun-receiving member. An internally threaded hole is provided through the gun-receiving member on the side of the pivot opposite the spring, and an externally threaded rod, which is rotatably mounted to the base, is disposed through the aperture for selectively tilting the gun-receiving member relative to the base to help align the gun sight with a target. Once the gun sight and target are aligned, the gun is fired and the recoil is absorbed by the spring as the gun-receiving member pivots relative to the base.

Abstract: Apparatus to simulate supersonic high altitude flight for air driven eleccal generators. First and second air-tight chambers are provided, as are means for evacuating the chambers to a preselected pressure. The air driven generator has both air inlet means and air outlet means. The air inlet means of the air driven generator is in fluid communication with the second air-tight chamber, and the air outlet means of the air driven generator is in fluid communication with the first air-tight chamber. Adjustable orifice means are provided. Valve controlled air inlet means for allowing air to enter the second air-tight chamber through the adjustable orifice means are also provided.

Abstract: Test equipment which permits smoke or tear gas grenades to be detonated iors within an expansion chamber portion of the test equipment. The smoke or gas is then channelled through an opacity monitor which is capable of accurately measuring the volume of smoke or gas produced by the grenade. A borescoping system in the expansion chamber permits operating personnel to accurately check the duration of the smoke or gas emmission using external timing devices. After testing the smoke or gas is ducted through a high efficiency filtering system so that when exhausted into the atmosphere it is at a contamination level acceptable to federal and local air quality standards.

Abstract: Apparatus for predicting the cookoff characteristics of a confined explosive includes a cylindrical housing retained between an instrumentation plate and a witness plate. Small explosive samples contained in sample tubes are inserted within a heat conductive sleeve which is further disposed within the cylindrical housing. Electrical ring heaters are a source of heat the application of which eventually causes the confined explosive to react. Temperature measurements within the housing are obtained utilizing a thermocouple assembly which is inserted through the instrumentation plate and into a groove in the heat conductive sleeve. The degree of damage to the apparatus occasioned by the reaction of the heated explosive predicts the reaction of a full scale ordnance item containing that explosive to exposure to a fire.

Abstract: A gun breech mechanism has a barrel formed with a backwardly open shell chamber, a breech block displaceable into a position rearwardly closing the chamber, and a seal ring between the block and the barrel and having an inner face exposed in the chamber and an outer face lying against the block and barrel. A passage opens at the outer seal-ring face for detecting thereat a gas pressure in excess of a predetermined superatmospheric pressure and a device is provided for generating an alarm signal when such excess pressure is detected. A guide bore formed in the block has an end into which the passage opens and an indicating element having an end exposed at the bore end and slidable in the bore between an inner position with its element end close to the passage and an outer position spaced therefrom. Thus pressurized gas can flow through the passage from the outer seal-ring face to the bore. A spring urges the indicating element inward toward the bore end, that is into the inner position.

Abstract: A high pressure transducer, particularly for ballistic pressure measurements, with a sensor part, with a sealing part formed thereon and with a hollow mounting screw surrounding the sensor part with a clearance. The sensor part can be inserted together with the sealing part into a threaded mounting aperture in the component to be examined, whereby the sealing surface of the sealing part comes into sealing contact with a seating surface of the mounting aperture. The hollow mounting screw presses on the sealing part and produces the force necessary for sealing. The sealing surface of the sealing part is located somewhat ahead of a membrane portion while the sealing part is connected relatively elastically with the sensor part by means of a narrow web.

Abstract: The launch setback experienced by an ordnance projectile is simulated. A field of water droplets of varying density is placed in the path of the projectile. The momentum exchange between the projectile and the water droplets retards the motion of the projectile in a prescribed way to simulate the initial portion of the launch setback. A mitigator is placed downstream from the field of water droplets and in the path of the projectile. The mitigator retards the motion of the projectile in a prescribed way to simulate the remaining portion of the launch setback.

Abstract: Apparatus for catching a sample of solid high explosive detonation products hat get ahead of the shock front during the detonation process. The device is passive. The door of the rectangular box of the device is open to allow the passage of solid products ahead of the shockwave into the box. The door to the box is closed mechanically, by pressure applied to both sides of the bent (angled) door. The shockwave is the source of this pressure. A mechanical latch secures the door on closing. The device is made of steel plate and pipe of sufficient thickness to withstand explosive shock.

Abstract: An armored garment, and method for testing an armored garment, wherein a ballistics testing portion is appendant thereto. The testing portion, formed integrally of the armored garment material, may be subjected to ballistic impact, whereupon projectile interception capabilities of the garment may be verified or determined. If desired, the testing portion may be removed without harming the integrity of the garment.

Abstract: A high pressure transducer, especially for ballistic pressure measurements, with a body member and a sensor part, the body member can be screwed into a threaded mounting bore provided in a structural component, whereby the body member comes into sealing contact with its sealing surface against a seating surface of the mounting aperture. The body member is provided with a recess, into which projects an extension on the sensor part to be secured along its end-face on the body member. An annular gap is provided between the extension of the sensor part and the recess in the body member, which causes the force flux lines produced by the sealing forces not to pass through the sensor part so that the latter remains unaffected by changing conditions of the force flux lines, i.e. by the prevailing tightening torques.

Abstract: A recoil transducer fixture for determining force responses at high frequies. An impact transducer is mounted in a rigid assembly and is preloaded for operating under compressive loads. The fixture includes a pair of spaced plates having the transducer mounted therebetween and loading bolts cooperating with the plates for preloading the transducer to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A device for determining the timely delivery of compressed gas from compressed-gas containers for ejection and discharge tubes of submarines in which the compressed gas is suppliable via a system-controlled blowout valve comprising a compressed-gas container having a pressure pick-off with a pressure gauge and a converter for producing an electrical signal representing the actual pressure value. Upper and lower desired pressure values in the form of electrical signals are adjustable on transmitters electrically connected to separate comparator stages to which the electrical signal of the actual pressure value and, in each case, one of the signals of the adjusted predetermined values are supplied and by which a timing member having a running time indicator is controlled. The timing member is started when the pressure in the compressed-gas container falls below the adjusted upper pressure value and is stopped when the pressure in the compressed-gas container reaches the adjusted lower pressure value.

Abstract: A muzzle velocimeter comprising a pair of sensors positioned adjacent to the path of a projectile containing magnetic material wherein each of the sensors includes a permanent magnet having a wire coil wound thereon. The magnets provide magnetic fields which are disturbed by magnetic materials in a passing projectile causing each of the sensor coils to develop signal pulses. The distance between the sensor coils and the amount of time between the sensor coil pulses are used to calculate the velocity of the passing projectile. In an alternate embodiment a single sensor coil is used to sense the leading and trailing edges of a passing projectile, and the projectile velocity calculated by using projectile length and passing time of the projectile.

Abstract: In order to evaluate competing explosive trains at explosive interfaces, at least one penalty barrier is inserted in the gap between a donor explosive component and an acceptor explosive component. Each of the barriers, if more than one, has a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is selected to have a shock impedance greater than the second layer so that a shock pulse is attenuated to a desired degree. Additional barriers can be added to increase the attenuation. A use of this device allows the shock intensities to be varied without varying wave shape or duration and further allows use of established shock equation of states of materials.

Abstract: The apparatus and method are designed to allow a projectile to be supported n an external air bearing and spun up to a desired spin rate. When the desired spin drive is disengaged the projectile reacts freely to the gyroscopic forces in three degrees of angular motion. Spin loss, coning angle and nutation motion are measured as they vary with time.

Abstract: A method of removing product of an unacceptable height from a product line is disclosed. In the method, a quantity of the product is arrayed in a carrier and moved to a gauging station where the array is placed between a reference plate and a corresponding array of gauging members and gauged by raising the reference plate to a predetermined height position and measuring the height of the gauging members when the gauging members are supported on the product array. The signals from the gauging station are stored and the carrier plate is moved to a rejection station where unacceptable product is selectively removed in response to the stored rejection signals from the gauging station. The carrier plate is then returned to the product line with only acceptable product still in place.

Abstract: A black powder flamespread tester is disclosed in which powder to be qualed is packed in a sample tube provided with a plurality of sight holes. Light sensors are disposed adjacent each sight hole and emit signals upon flame front passage of the sight hole. The sample tube is removably secured to an ignition head which contains an electrically actuated pyrotechnic squib. The squib discharges gases into a transition chamber from which the gases pass through orifices in an orifice plate, through a void volume into the black powder bed, which ignites the black powder. The ignition head is removably secured to a tester chamber in which the sample holder is received. Light sensors are housed in a separate fin which is removably received in an aperture in the tester chamber wall. After the squib gas ignites the powder bed, the output signal of each light sensor increases to saturation as the flame front passes its respective sight hole.

Abstract: Apparatus for simulating varying levels of friction in the bearings 13 of a free rolling tail afterbody 11 on a canard-controlled missile 12 to determine friction effects on aerodynamic control characteristics. A ring 16 located between the missile body and the afterbody is utilized in a servo system to create varying levels of friction between the missile body and the afterbody to simulate bearing friction.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of stressing test specimens to relatively high stres at an ultra fast rise time, and unstress at ultra fast decay time. System components include a hydraulic pumping unit, a gas-liquid accumulator, a pressure loading valve, an intensifier, a pressure vessel, a trigger mechanism, a pressure unloading valve, a surge tank, and system controls. To increase system operating response, the discharge port of the accumulator is connected directly to the inlet port of the loading valve. An exit port of the loading valve mounts directly to the inlet low pressure port of the intensifier. The high pressure outlet port of the intensifier mounts directly to the bottom inlet end of the pressure vessel, and the inlet port of the unloading valve mounts directly to a second exit port of the loading valve. The pressure vessel chamber and the intensifier's high pressure chamber are pre-filled as a closed system, with a low compressible fluid.

Abstract: The test-firing apparatus comprises a weapon-holder (WH) accommodating a rifle or hand-gun and a preferably freely mobile mounting (LG), for the said holder, in relation to a stationary base (S). A projecting support means (SA), connected to the weapon, allows the recoil-pulse to be absorbed, in conjunction with the freely mobile mounting, by the body of an operator, as in practical shooting. The only purpose of the mounting, preferably in the form of a linear precision guide comprising cross rollers, is to position the barrel-axis directionally, and the said mounting is therefore subjected to little stress. Resilient and/or damping absorption of the recoil-pulse may also be provided. The barrel-axis (X--X) is arranged in parallel with the movement-axis (Y--Y) of the mounting, so that the point of impact of the bullet upon the target cannot be affected by the recoil-stroke.

Abstract: A weapon simulator for checking the removal of ammunition from a magazine at the rhythm or cadence with which the firing weapon is fired comprises two cams for feeding the cartridges and mounted upon a shaft driven by a drive motor. The shape of the cams is such that during the removal of the cartridges there occur the same accelerations and decelerations as during the removal of cartridges by means of a firing weapon during series firing.

Abstract: A force transducer, particularly for the ballistic measuring of the combustion pressure in the cartridge case of a firearm, is disclosed which includes a force transmission element which rests with one of its front areas on the cartridge case. The force transmission element is surrounded on its exterior by an outer sleeve which also rests with its front area on the cartridge case. The front areas of the force transmission element and of the outer sleeve are exactly adapted to the curvature of the cartridge case by reaming after the transducer has been mounted in the firearm. With the combustion of the powder, the cartridge case expands and transmits its force to a sensor element via the force transmission element, with the sensor element being preferably in the form of at least one piezoelectric transversal quartz element which is held under pretension between the force transmission element and a basic receiver component.

Abstract: A projectile ground shock simulator for simulating the force pulse on a pectile in testing for shock effect on the guidance system of the projectile. The simulator incorporates a liquid/solid material as an energy absorbing and storing spring for simulating the force pulse on the projectile. The projectile is positioned in a drop tube and impacted with a drop vehicle to simulate the forces created during firing of the projectile. The drop vehicle is provided with the liquid/solid spring having a piston and cylinder on the impact face of the drop vehicle. The cylinder is filled with a liquid or solid polymer material having a high bulk modulus of compressibility which gives the spring volumetric stiffness. The spring thus duplicates the force pulse acting on a fired projectile and also allows for the drop vehicle to be reused.

Abstract: A method for burst testing a vented pressure vessel accurately measures the rue burst pressure of the vented pressure vessel. The method employs a burstpressure test fixture which comprises a plug and a gauge adapter member for substantially plugging the vent opening in a pressure vessel to be burst tested. The plug and gauge adapter member is adapted for receiving a transducer or pressure gauge that is integrally mounted with a pressure gauge tube which is insertably mounted in the plug and gauge adapter member. The vent opening which is substantially plugged with the tube member of the plug and gauge adapter member is free from stress during pressurization to burst pressure. The method requires that the plug and gauge adapter member be stationary, but the vented pressure vessel is allowed to move outwardly along the tube member during dynamic testing. The fit of the plug to the vent opening (i.e.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for soft recovery of a projectile is disclosed. A formable element is placed in the path of the projectile, whereby the projectile becomes embedded in the element upon impact therewith. Gravitational or mechanical forces are applied to the combined projectile and deformable element to decelerate the same thereby making recovery possible.

Abstract: An impact calibrator for use with firearms is disclosed. Impact of the firing pin on a cartridge unit creates a voltage signal detectable by a calculator unit. The calculator unit computes and displays the impact force of the firing pin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for the determination of the mass and ocation of fragments from a warhead. The fragments are caught in a stack of soft panels placed in the line of fire. Each panel is then fed thru a reading device including an array of magnetometers and the data fed to a reduction computer.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting gun sights, particularly telescopic sights on rifles, wherein the rifle is mounted upon and rigidly clamped to, a gun support which is slidably supported upon a base structure so that the rifle can move a short distance parallel with the axis of the gun barrel when the gun is fired without damaging the apparatus or the gun because of the force of the recoil. The gun support includes a pair of spaced cradles, one of which supports the barrel and the other of which supports the butt. The barrel-supporting cradle is vertically adjustable and clamp means are provided for engaging the barrel and the butt stock adjacent said cradles for firmly holding the rifle with respect to the support.This invention relates in general to an apparatus for adjusting the sights of a gun and, more particularly, to a gun sighting apparatus adapted to adjust the telescopic sight on a rifle.

Abstract: A fatigue cycle sensor can integrate force with respect to time. The sensor has a body with a bore. A plunger is mounted in the bore for relative motion therethrough in response to force applied behind the plunger. The plunger is sized for an interference fit in the bore. This interference fit results in deformation in response to relative motion between the plunger and body. The foregoing sensor has many applications including estimating fatigue in weapons.

Abstract: An instrument package (or telemeter) designed to be carried by a projectile uring test flights thereof and to process and record performance and/or meterorological data during such flights. The data is obtained from a plurality of on-board sensors and after signal conditioning the sensor outputs are sequentially sampled and the samples digitized before storage in memory. The stored data may be easily recovered after the projectile impacts by means of a portable interrogator unit. The package is designed to withstand the shock of the projectile's firing, flight, and impact.

Abstract: Snapshot data from a projectile traversing a resisting medium are analyzed o determine a lower critical value within the resisting medium where rapid yaw growth begins and a yaw-growth constant governing yaw growth from the lower critical value to an upper critical value. Snapshot data from additional projectiles are similarly analyzed. Curves produced by the solution of a differential equation, including the lower critical value and the yaw-growth constant, are overlaid graphically or analytically to provide an increased data density sufficient to improve substantially the ability to predict the yaw performance of the projectile.

Abstract: A multiple sensor condition monitoring device for use with an enclosed coiner. The device includes a plurality of passive sensors positioned within the container and adapted to measure temperature, pressure and relative humidity within the container. Meter means are connected to the sensors for operating the sensors and receiving measurements from them. Finally, means for enabling the calculation of the specific quantity of moisture in the container using the measurements from other sensors is provided.

Abstract: The hot spall tester comprises a tube furnace portion adapted for retaining a magazine portion for containment of a plurality of steel ball bearings which are heated and individually dropped through a feed tube member to a programmed or manually operated carrousel portion having a plurality of sample cups for receiving and containing individual solid propellant samples to be spall tested in accordance with the method. A torque rod is employed to facilitate rotation of the magazine portion and carrousel portion in a vertically aligned relationship with the magazine portion so that the heated steel ball is delivered by gravity through a feed tube to a sample cup of the carrousel portion positioned below the magazine portion. In operation the magazine portion and carrousel portion are aligned and vertically positioned to provide a calculated transit time for the steel ball bearing to drop by gravity to the propellant in the sample cup. Subsequent rotation of the carrousel of about 22.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing and measuring axial force and torsional force exerted n a spool of fiber optic datalink filament as the filament is drawn off the spool at rates of speeds comparable to that experienced in the flight of a missile. The apparatus includes support means for supporting the spool, which includes an elongated shaft mounted on a plurality of elongated supporting members. Each of the supporting members has a first flex portion of reduced thickness which permits the support member to flex along the longitudinal axis of the support shaft and a second flex portion of reduced thickness which permits the support member to flex transversely of the longitudinal axis of the support shaft. Strain sensor bridges are used to convert the flexing of the flexed portions into electrical signals which are accumulated in a microprocessor and converted to signals to indicate the axial and torsional forces exerted on the spool during the pay out of the filament from the spool.