Abstract: A waterjet propulsion system having at least two pumps in series so that low from a hull or other intake is directed through a first waterjet propulsion pump; and then via a two-position diverter valve, either out to a thrust nozzle, or to and through a second waterjet propulsion pump having a thrust nozzle. Subsequent series-pump units and diverter valves may follow to provide as many propulsion stages as required for power requirements. Each pump unit is driven by its own power unit which may be shut down when flow is diverted to the preceding unit's thrust nozzle. Good efficiencies are thereby attained over a wide range of power and speed requirements.

Abstract: A process for neutralizing the toxic nature of organo-metallic antifouling (AF) paint particles, in intimate mixture with spent abrasive particles, derived from the abrasive blasting of ships' hulls. The spent abrasive containing the organo-metallic paint residue is collected and heated in a vapor-tight furnace which is fitted with a safety pressure release valve. When the ignition temperature of the organo-metallic paint is exceeded, the organo-metallic paint particles are oxidized to a harmless, non-toxic metal oxide, which may be safely disposed of. Volatile organo-metallic paint vapors are drawn through an after-burner so that exhaust residue consist only of non-polluting carbon dioxide and water vapor. Metallic elements of commercial value, such as tin, may be recovered from the processed abrasive, which may also be reusable. To ensure complete combustion, air is fed into the combustion furnace from a blower fan, compressor, or other external source.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell exhibiting high specific power and specific energy n combination which comprises an aluminum-lithium alloy anode with an aqueous electrolyte. The electrolyte may be the readily available seawater circulated through the cell at a predetermined flowrate to obtain maximum controlled electrical energy output.

Abstract: A dual, side-mounted inlet for air-launched ramjet missiles that require h angle-of-attack capability. The inlets are located symetrically on both sides of the vehicle pitch plane at an optimum angular displacement around the vehicle's lower surface from windward side meridian, lying in the pitch plane. The inlet pressure recovery and relative weight flow reach maximum values at angular displacements between 45.degree. and 60.degree. at positive angles of attack. The inlet is attached to the vehicle with a conventional boundary layer diverter of minimum height.

Abstract: A pilot hydrauic fluid pressure operated valve having the function of a 4sition 5-way valve for controlling the flow of high pressure corrosive media in a high pressure environment such as the deep ocean. The valve body contains two double-ended axially aligned poppet pistons each of which comprise a large pilot actuated piston in the center of the "spool" and each of which have a valve poppet at each end of the "spool" for control of the media which may be sea water ballast of a deep submergence vehicle for example.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a floating platform or the like from the roll or heave motions, imparted by wind-maintained waves and regular swells. The platform is supported on a plurality of buoyant pontoons horizontally spaced a variable distance apart in the direction of the wave system. Once the significant wavelength is approximated, the buoyant pontoons are moved to a spacing of a wavelength, of the significant wave, and then continually adjusted to the possibly changing wavelength of the significant wave. These spacing, controlled from the wave system, stabilize the platform because such spacing insures that the lifts from all pontoons at each instant in time are equal.

Abstract: A superconducting switch or bistable device comprising a superconductor in a cryogen maintaining a temperature just below the transition temperature, having a window of the proper optical frequency band for passing a laser beam which may impinge on the superconductor when desired. The frequency of the laser is equal to or greater than the optical absorption frequency of the superconducting material and is consistent with the ratio of the gap energy of the switch material to Planck's constant, to cause depairing of electrons, and thereby normalize the superconductor. Some embodiments comprise first and second superconducting metals. Other embodiments feature the two superconducting metals separated by a thin film insulator through which the superconducting electrons tunnel during superconductivity.

Abstract: The skirt of a surface effects vehicle is made up of a plurality of oblong lements which are slanted toward the stern of the vessel. Each element partially rests against and/or supports the adjacent elements. This configuration reduces skirt drag, cushion leakage, skirt wear, as well as reducing the impact forces transmitted to the vehicle itself and increases obstacle heights which can be successfully crossed.

Abstract: Organic compounds exhibit superconducting-like behavior, as to magnetic and lectrical properties, at elevated temperatures above 21.degree.K, where 21.degree.K is the transition temperature of most known metallic superconducting materials. The structure of the organic materials according to this invention is a plurality of superconducting clusters, forming islands within a matrix of insulating material. The ratio of the clusters to the matrix material is a minimum at 1:10.sup.4. The organic compound comprises two distinct atomic groups termed an R group and COOM group combining as R--COOM with the COOM group clustering to form superconducting islands, within the R material matrix.

Abstract: A movable ramp, forming part of the inlet flow channel of a water jet prosion system, is adjustable to provide variable inlet area for various speed and propulsion requirements. In this flush or semi-flush type inlet, the lower lip is stationary and an upper ramp, forming an extension of the base-line shell, directs the flow into the inlet. If the baseline shell is not suited to the inlet installation, (for example, if a high deadrise angle exists) a forebody fairing is provided to make the baseline shell geometry suitable. The ramp is flexible, has a smooth surface, and is backed up by bell cranks and pusher bars that can move the ramp position to change the inlet area. The ramp position or inlet area may be adjusted manually or automatically to meet the requirements of speed and propulsion. If the centerline of the lip leading edge radius falls below the normal baseline (semi-flush inlet) suitably shaped "sideplates" are provided to avoid inlet cavitation or ventilation at yawed conditions.

Abstract: A dual piezoelectric fluid jet transfer valve having two opposing piezoelectric tubes that can carry fluid. One end of each tube is clamped to provide cantilever action. The free ends of the tubes are in alignment when they are unenergized or when both are energized to the same magnitude and polarity. Then flow occurs across the gap at the free ends. The free ends of the tubes will be out of alignment when one tube is energized and the other not, or when both are energized to different magnitudes and/or polarity. Then flow will be discontinued across the gap at the free ends. By using two opposing and separate tubes, it is possible to use a single or dependent sources of energization. Easier opening therefore will result, since less deflection is required of each tube to attain misalignment. Further, two independent sources of energization may be used, which can provide outputs of various polarities and magnitudes, to attain a "balanced bridge" effect.