Abstract: A test fixture for testing firearms or ammunition according to the present disclosure includes a base, a barrel retention assembly, a door, and a firing pin. The base includes a longitudinal channel. The barrel retention assembly is configured to support a firearm barrel in the longitudinal channel. The door is pivotably mounted to the base and is configured to move from a closed position contacting a rear face of the base to an open position spaced from the rear face of the base. The firing pin is supported in a housing. The housing is slideably supported within the base and is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The first position aligns the firing pin and a longitudinal axis of the barrel retention assembly and the second position provides access to the barrel retention assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed are ignition source testing systems and methods that utilize a foam with flammable components to indicate the presence of an ignition source on a test article (such as metallic components of a fuel system). Foam is applied to the test article and an energy discharge (such as a simulated lightning strike) is applied to the test article with the foam. The energy discharge may create an ignition source (such as an arc) on the test article that is sufficient to ignite the foam. Test methods comprise determining whether the foam ignited in response to the energy discharge. Test systems comprise the foam, the test article at least partially covered by the foam, and an energy source configured to discharge energy into the test article.

Abstract: A histogram-based method for testing an electronic converter device, such as an analogue to digital converter, includes steps of defining at least one histogram hyperbin arranged to store hits for at least one subrange of output codes; applying an input test stimulus to an input of the device to test a subrange of output codes matched to the hyperbin; and accumulating the histogram. At least two hyperbins may be provided, each bin being arranged to store hits for at least one subrange of output codes, and the input test stimulus is applied to an input of the device to test a subrange of output codes matched to one of the hyperbins. Both hyperbins may be open while the histogram is being accumulated for any subrange of output codes. The method may further involve varying the input stimulus to test another subrange.

Abstract: A blast pressure recording device and method includes at least one first sensor for measuring a parameter indicative of a blast event, at least one comparator in communication with the at least one first sensor for determining whether said parameter indicative of a blast event exceeds a predetermined threshold, at least one second sensor for measuring blast pressure, a power control means providing power to the at least one second sensor only when the predetermined threshold is exceeded, and a controller for receiving and recording blast pressure.

Abstract: A water air-bubble fragment recovery test apparatus that facilitates accurate assessment of fragmentation characteristics and lethality that are normally detonated in air. An airtight, waterproof plastic container encloses a test warhead; the plastic container may then also be filled with a gas or just with air. The container is then embedded in a water-gas-bubble mixture found in a water tank, for the warhead to be detonated therein, and the fragments to then be later recovered.

Abstract: A test assembly for building a safety profile and a sensitivity profile of an explosive, by impacting the test assembly with a projectile. The safety profile of the explosive is built by determining a detonation threshold of the explosive in reaction to the projectile. The sensitivity profile is built by measuring a pressure difference between pressures acquired by the top sensor and the bottom sensor, resulting from a shock wave that travels through the explosive.

Abstract: A shaped charge pipe cutter is constructed with the cutter explosive material packed intimately around an axially elongated void space that is continued through a heavy wall boss portion of the upper thrust disc. The boss wall is continued to within a critical initiation distance of a half-cuter junction plane. An explosive detonator is positioned along the void space axis proximate of the outer plane of the upper thrust disc. Geometric configurations of the charge thrust disc and end-plate concentrate the detonation energy at the critical initiation zone.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for discriminating between launch and impact events using acoustic sensors.

Abstract: The aim of the present invention is to identify stationary and moveable high explosives and chemical warfare on-field with a unique structure of a portable neutrons generator used in strategic and public places, vehicles and airplanes. The present invention includes also a unique operation of fusion fuel below breakdown which is characterized with high production efficiency. The analysis of identifying the elements and their concentrations is also introduced in the present invention.

Abstract: A passive blast pressure sensor for detecting blast overpressures of at least a predetermined minimum threshold pressure. The blast pressure sensor includes a piston-cylinder arrangement with one end of the piston having a detection surface exposed to a blast event monitored medium through one end of the cylinder and the other end of the piston having a striker surface positioned to impact a contact stress sensitive film that is positioned against a strike surface of a rigid body, such as a backing plate. The contact stress sensitive film is of a type which changes color in response to at least a predetermined minimum contact stress which is defined as a product of the predetermined minimum threshold pressure and an amplification factor of the piston. In this manner, a color change in the film arising from impact of the piston accelerated by a blast event provides visual indication that a blast overpressure encountered from the blast event was not less than the predetermined minimum threshold pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for evaluating energetic materials for ignitability, flamespread, pressure and thermal characteristics, energetic material interaction, and other properties. The invention is directed to an apparatus for analyzing the suitability of energetic materials for interactions with other energetic materials, explosive or non-explosive. The invention includes a vented combustion chamber, an ignition tube and a firing mechanism. The invention also includes methods for using the apparatus. For example, the apparatus of the invention may be used to analyze energetic materials for their use in destroying rubble which may contain explosive material.

Abstract: A shock simulation test apparatus and method utilize a test plate and formed explosive charges to sever or penetrate one or more portions of a suspended test plate in order to subject any attached test item(s) to a realistic pyroshock stimulus. One or more shock measurement sensors, such as accelerometers, may be attached to the test plate or the test item(s) to measure the response to this shock stimulus. The apparatus and method is flexible in that many different scenarios can be simulated from different test plate materials, charge sizes and types. This method replicates actual end-use source shock environments typical in aerospace applications, but can be extended to any industry having a pyroshock environment and test requirement.

Abstract: Indicator devices and systems are provided. Indicator devices include a sleeve, a dome-like transparent member, a connector body, and an indicator. In alternate embodiments, indicator devices include a sleeve and an indicator retained in the sleeve by a retaining ring and a latch held in place by a spring. Indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to an enclosure containing critical equipment.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting and differentiating chemical analytes includes a microscale body having a first end and a second end and a surface between the ends for adsorbing a chemical analyte. The surface includes at least one conductive heating track for heating the chemical analyte and also a conductive response track, which is electrically isolated from the heating track, for producing a thermal response signal from the chemical analyte. The heating track is electrically connected with a voltage source and the response track is electrically connected with a signal recorder. The microscale body is restrained at the first end and the second end and is substantially isolated from its surroundings therebetween, thus having a bridge configuration.

Abstract: A transducer is fixedly positioned within a supporting frame, covered by a shield in underlying relation to an enclosure within which explosion pulses are generated for testing purposes. The explosion pulses are profiled during emergence thereof through an aperture in the shield onto a specimen of cellular protective material to be tested by positioning thereof on the transducer. The enclosure is filled with a fluid media such as water to establish a water column corresponding for example to an underwater environment within which such explosion pulses would be generated. The energy of the profiled explosion pulses, not absorbed within the specimen, is measured through the transducer and recorded as a function of time for evaluation of the explosion protective capability of the specimen material being tested.

Abstract: A shield for shielding structures, vehicles and personnel from a projectile and/or an explosive blast generally includes a substantially planar shield plate adapted for attachment to a structure to provide protection to the structure. The shield plate includes a chassis having an interior surface facing the structure and an opposite outer surface, and a ballistic liner disposed on the outer surface of the chassis such that the chassis is more proximal the structure than the ballistic liner. The ballistic liner has an exterior surface facing the exterior environment.

Abstract: A blast movement monitor for measuring the movement of material within a body of material as a result of a blasting operation, the monitor including: a housing having an interior chamber defining an inner surface; and an internal communication device that is received immediately within the interior chamber of the housing, the internal communication device including: a body portion; an electric coil wound around the body portion; a circuit board electrically connected to the coil; a battery electrically connected to the circuit board; an end portion associated with one end of the body portion; and a cap associated with an opposing end of the body portion that encapsulates the body portion and sealingly houses the body portion; wherein the internal communication device is biased to facilitate self-righting of the internal communication device to a desired orientation within the interior chamber independent of the orientation of the monitor.

Abstract: A passive blast pressure sensor for detecting blast overpressures of at least a predetermined minimum threshold pressure. The blast pressure sensor includes a piston-cylinder arrangement with one end of the piston having a detection surface exposed to a blast event monitored medium through one end of the cylinder and the other end of the piston having a striker surface positioned to impact a contact stress sensitive film that is positioned against a strike surface of a rigid body, such as a backing plate. The contact stress sensitive film is of a type which changes color in response to at least a predetermined minimum contact stress which is defined as a product of the predetermined minimum threshold pressure and an amplification factor of the piston. In this manner, a color change in the film arising from impact of the piston accelerated by a blast event provides visual indication that a blast overpressure encountered from the blast event was not less than the predetermined minimum threshold pressure.

Abstract: An explosion tester system comprising a body, a lateral flow membrane swab unit adapted to be removeably connected to the body, a first explosives detecting reagent, a first reagent holder and dispenser operatively connected to the body, the first reagent holder and dispenser containing the first explosives detecting reagent and positioned to deliver the first explosives detecting reagent to the lateral flow membrane swab unit when the lateral flow membrane swab unit is connected to the body, a second explosives detecting reagent, and a second reagent holder and dispenser operatively connected to the body, the second reagent holder and dispenser containing the second explosives detecting reagent and positioned to deliver the second explosives detecting reagent to the lateral flow membrane swab unit when the lateral flow membrane swab unit is connected to the body.

Abstract: Indicator devices and systems are provided. Indicator devices include a sleeve, a dome-like transparent member, a connector body, and an indicator. In alternate embodiments, indicator devices include a sleeve and an indicator retained in the sleeve by a retaining ring and a latch held in place by a spring. Indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to an enclosure containing critical equipment.

Abstract: A method of detecting energetic materials, such as explosives, includes energizing a sample area that contains particles of energetic materials. In the method, temperature characteristics from the sample area are monitored, and a temperature released from exothermic decomposition of the particles is detected. The method further includes analyzing the detected temperature to determine the presence of the exothermic compound which caused the decomposition.

Abstract: A blast movement monitor for measuring the movement of material within a body of material as a result of a blasting operation, the monitor including: a housing having an interior chamber defining an inner surface; and an internal communication device that is received immediately within the interior chamber of the housing and which is adapted to transmit a signal to an external communication device and/or to detect a signal transmitted by the external communication device; wherein the internal communication device includes a body portion and opposing end portions, the end portions being configured such that they are complementary with the inner surface of the interior chamber and the internal communication device being biased to facilitate self-righting of the internal communication device to a desired orientation within the interior chamber independent of the orientation of the monitor.

Abstract: A distributed ground sensor threat detection system, which is an automated missile warning system designed to provide reliable, timely and accurate missile location information of shoulder-launched SAMs within the volume under surveillance by a network of sensors. Remote sensor nodes position in proximity to an airport runway monitor the area between the nodes to locate threat missiles. Detection information from each remote sensor node is sent to a central processing node which processes the information to determine if a threat missile is launched against a commercial aircraft.

Abstract: A distributed ground sensor threat detection system, which is an automated missile warning system designed to provide reliable, timely and accurate missile location information of shoulder-launched SAMs within the volume under surveillance by a network of sensors. Remote sensor nodes position in proximity to an airport runway monitor the area between the nodes to locate threat missiles. Detection information from each remote sensor node is sent to a central processing node which processes the information to determine if a threat missile is launched against a commercial aircraft.

Abstract: A method for measuring the movement of boundaries between different portions of a heterogeneous rock body is disclosed. The method comprises placing a plurality of blast movement monitors 109 in a rock body prior to blasting and noting the position of each blast movement monitor. The rock body is then blasted to break it up into a plurality of pieces. Thereafter the position of the blast movement monitors 109 is located and based on this the boundaries of rock portions can be adjusted to account for the blast. This leads to a more accurate reporting of different ore bodies to the appropriate processor in a heterogeneous rock body. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises broadly a said monitor 109 and a receiver. The monitor 1 comprises a transmitter 109 received within a casing 111 that in turn is received within a housing 126. Further the casing 111 can move within the housing 126 and self right so that it always transmits its signal in an upright direction.

Abstract: The present invention aims at estimating a residual life of a blasting vessel. For the estimation, a strain gauge 30 is attached to a blasting vessel 10. The strain gauge 30 measures high-frequency repetitive strain caused in the blasting chamber 10 in each explosion. Strain waveform data obtained with the strain gauge 30 is analyzed to calculate the cumulative degree of fatigue damage due to a high-frequency repetitive load applied to the blasting vessel 10 in each explosion. A residual life of the blasting vessel 10 is estimated on the basis of a cumulative value of the cumulative degrees of fatigue damage.

Abstract: A method for measuring the movement of boundaries between different portions of a heterogeneous rock body is disclosed. The method comprises placing a plurality of blast movement monitors 109 in a rock body prior to blasting and noting the position of each blast movement monitor. The rock body is then blasted to break it up into a plurality of pieces. Thereafter the position of the blast movement monitors 109 is located and based on this the boundaries of rock portions can be adjusted to account for the blast. This leads to a more accurate reporting of different ore bodies to the appropriate processor in a heterogeneous rock body. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises broadly a said monitor 109 and a receiver. The monitor 1 comprises a transmitter 109 received within a casing 111 that in turn is received within a housing 126. Further the casing 111 can move within the housing 126 and self right so that it always transmits its signal in an upright direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to chemical sensors comprising fluorescent conjugated polymers as sensitive materials and to their use in detecting or assaying nitro compounds, in particular nitroaromatic compounds. Fields of application: detection of explosives, monitoring and observation of atmospheric pollution and of the quality of relatively confined surroundings, watching over industrial sites.

Abstract: An ordnance system and method for controlling an ordnance system is provided. The system and method utilizes an addressable common, or shared, bus configured to transmit and receive data thereon. The addressable bus has further coupled thereto an ordnance controller including a control process and a telemetry process configured to control the addressable bus. The ordnance system further includes at least one initiator coupled to the addressable bus and responsive to the control process and at least one telemetry sensor coupled to the addressable bus and configured to interact with the telemetry process. The method provides control for the ordnance system by receiving telemetry data from a telemetry sensor over an addressable bus with an ordnance being further controlled by an ordnance controller over the addressable bus.

Abstract: A plasma antenna generator includes an ionizable material, an explosive charge capable of projecting the ionizable material upon detonation, and a detonator coupled with the explosive charge. An electromagnetic pulse transmitting system includes an electromagnetic pulse generator and a plasma antenna generator capable of reradiating an electromagnetic pulse emitted from the electromagnetic pulse generator. A method includes providing an explosive device comprising an ionizable material, detonating the explosive device to propel the ionizable material, and ionizing the ionizable material to form at least one plasma trail. A sensing system includes an electromagnetic pulse generator, a plasma antenna generator capable of reradiating an electromagnetic pulse emitted from the electromagnetic pulse generator, and a sensing system capable of receiving and analyzing at least a portion of the electromagnetic pulse after being reflected from an interface.

Abstract: An airbag inflator performance test system includes: a cylindrical tank; a disk-shaped piston vertically movably disposed with a gap between the piston and an inner peripheral face of the tank, the gap allowing gas to flow; a piston rod that projects upward from the piston and runs slidably through the tank so as to guide vertical movement of the piston; a lower chamber defined within the tank beneath the piston; an upper chamber defined within the tank above the piston; an inflator disposed in the lower chamber; a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of the upper chamber; and a piston displacement sensor for detecting a displacement of the piston in order to detect a volume in the upper chamber. After ignition of the inflator, an inflator local work and an inflator total work, which are indexes of the energy of the inflator, are calculated based on the pressure and the volume of the upper chamber.

Abstract: Blast pressure gauges and methods for detecting blast pressure during a blast test. The gauges operate independently of power sources, are portable, and are used in harsh environments including test ranges. Each embodiment is constructed to detect blast pressures as required in the circumstances of a particular blast test.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining whether a tubing conveyed perforating (TCP) gun has fired by detecting a change in characteristics of the flow of an oil well. A method and apparatus detects the presence of fluorescent tracer dye to determine whether or not a TCP gun has fired. The method and apparatus detects a change is capacitance, or fiber optic electrical properties to determine whether or not a TCP gun has fired. The method and apparatus detects the number of charges fired to determine whether or not all TCP guns have fired and also provides a method and apparatus for determining the contributions of injection wells to producing wells by introducing fluorescent tracers into injection wells and detecting the presence of the fluorescent tracers at production wells. A method and apparatus is provided for placing fluorescent dye particles in a gravel pack to sense when a gravel pack is deteriorating by detecting the tracer dye particles in the well flow.

Abstract: A molecularly imprinted polymeric explosives sensor is provided which possesses selective binding affinity for explosives, such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNB). The polymeric sensor incorporates a porphyrin which undergoes a detectable change in absorption and/or emission of electromagnetic radiation when the polymer is exposed to explosives.

Abstract: The invention features methods and systems for detecting the presence of an energetic material in a sample in which the presence of the energetic material is unknown. The method includes the steps of: heating the sample; measuring heat flow between the sample and its surrounding environment, e.g., by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); and analyzing the measured heat flow between the sample and its surrounding environment. An exothermal peak in the measured heat flow indicates the presence of the energetic material in the sample. The system includes a thermal measuring apparatus for performing the heating and measuring steps, and an analyzer for detecting the presence of the energetic material based on the measured heat flow. The invention also features methods and systems for identifying contraband materials (e.g., explosives and drugs) by measuring the thermogram (e.g., by DSC) of a sample to be identified and comparing it to reference thermograms for known contraband materials.

Abstract: A test apparatus and method for a solid propellant, comprising a combustion chamber for the solid propellant, an igniter for igniting propellant in the combustion chamber, and an exhaust housing having a primary exhaust channel extending from the combustion chamber to an exit nozzle. A supplemental exhaust channel is connected to the primary exhaust channel, and a valve controls the size of the supplemental exhaust channel to selectively vary the flow of propellant gases therethrough, thereby to selectively vary the combustion chamber pressure to enable the testing of the burning characteristics of the propellant over a wide pressure range independent of the burning surface area of the propellant. In a further embodiment, an auxiliary exhaust channel closed by a burst disk is connected to the primary exhaust channel.

Abstract: A shaped charge tubing cutter performance test apparatus and procedure comprises a plurality of test coupons, preferably fabricated from a pipe wall section of the test subject. The coupons are configured with a height greater than the axial length of the shaped charge device and a width greater than the nine wall thickness. These coupons are secured around a circular perimeter with the width plane radiating from the perimeter and the thickness edges in parallel alignment. The circular perimeter diameter corresponds to the shaped charge diameter. A shaped charge cutter is centrally positioned within the coupon encirclement and discharged. Penetration of the cutter plasma into the coupons is measured directly. In variation, the entire assembly is encased, subjected to hydraulic pressure corresponding to a desired well depth and discharged.

Abstract: A field test kit for gunshot residue comprises a container having at least compartments separated by a barrier. A surface is tested by wiping it with a swab and placing the swab in a first compartment. The barrier is then breached, permitting reagent in the second compartment to flow onto the swab. The first compartment is transparent, and a color change will be observed if the reagent reacts with gunshot residue.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for identifying dangerous material that has an outer shell and at least one internal unit disposed within the shell that has a sealed tube and a dynamic needle moveable relative to the shell and with a penetration end disposed adjacent the first end of the tube and a proximal end disposed within a sleeve. The sleeve surrounds the dynamic needle and is in a sealed relationship with the tube. The device also has a fixed needle affixed to the outer shell with a penetration end adjacent the second end of the tube, and a dispersal end of the fixed needle disposed within the outer shell. In operation, the fixed needle punctures the tube and the dynamic needle forces a higher pressure within the tube to evacuate its contents and thus permit testing for dangerous substances, contaminants or contraband.

Abstract: A molecularly imprinted polymeric explosives sensor is provided which possesses selective binding affinity for explosives, such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNB). The polymeric sensor incorporates a porphyrin which undergoes a detectable change in absorption and/or emission of electromagnetic radiation when the polymer is exposed to explosives.

Abstract: The invention features methods and systems for detecting the presence of an energetic material in a sample in which the presence of the energetic material is unknown. The method includes the steps of: heating the sample; measuring heat flow between the sample and its surrounding environment, e.g., by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); and analyzing the measured heat flow between the sample and its surrounding environment. An exothermal peak in the measured heat flow indicates the presence of the energetic material in the sample. The system includes a thermal measuring apparatus for performing the heating and measuring steps, and an analyzer for detecting the presence of the energetic material based on the measured heat flow. The invention also features methods and systems for identifying contraband materials (e.g., explosives and drugs) by measuring the thermogram (e.g., by DSC) of a sample to be identified and comparing it to reference thermograms for known contraband materials.

Abstract: A description is given of an electronic device for use in regions subject to explosion hazards, which is small and light, can be produced cost-effectively and offers a high degree of flexibility, having a housing (1) with a connecting chamber (3), which is designed in accordance with the safety class Ex-d or Ex-e, in which there is arranged a connecting element (6) to which electric lines can be connected, and in which there is arranged a circuit (9) for limiting a current, a voltage and a power which are fed to the device via the lines during operation, the limitation being performed in accordance with the requirements of safety class Ex-i, and having an electronics chamber (4), in which there is arranged an electronic system (11) designed in accordance with the safety class Ex-i, and which can be opened, in which housing (1) the connecting chamber (3) and the electronics chamber (4) are mutually separated, and a pressure-proof electric bushing (10) is provided through which at least one output line of the c

Abstract: A reusable small-scale explosive testing apparatus has a structural member with a curved internal chamber, a head piece that inserts into the chamber, a cap to hold the head piece, a pressure-time gage, water to fill the chamber and a pressure release mechanism. The apparatus is used to test small amounts of explosive.

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.