Abstract: A proportional modular assembly of two charges for use in a gun, which charges are structured so that the power of one charge is related to the power of the other charge by a ratio of integers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring ground height in front of a vehicle, such as a vehicle for clearing buried land mines, in which a scanning pulsed laser to used to scan along one or more lines in front of the vehicle, with such scanning being executed more slowly in certain regions where data is collected and more quickly in intermediate regions where data is not collected. The time of flight along those lines is measured, and using that measurement, the ground height calculated and stored, with the higher elevations being discarded as the representing the tops of vegetation and the lower elevations being representative of the ground height or elevation in front of blade. A dozer blade on the vehicle is then adjusted in response to the calculated height to position the blade for the proper depth of cut in order to effectively uncover and remove the buried mines.

Abstract: An improved reactive armor system having one or more layers of matrix plates, each plate having a plurality of shallow wells with a plurality of blind holes in each well and an explosive pill in each blind hole. An explosive sheet covers each well and is in close proximity to the pills in the associated wells to insure that all the pills within a well will detonate when one pill therein is detonated. A separation plate covering and held in engagement with each matrix plate isolates each well from the other wells.

Abstract: A canister for launching a missile having a cylindrical outer tube with a hemispherical head releaseably secured to its lower end connected through stiffeners to an inner tubular member to form a passage for the gases generated when the missile is fired. A restraint mechanism secures the missile to a base plate, which is itself mounted on shock absorbers, with a release mechanism responsive to the firing of the missile for disabling the restraint mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved propellant system for firing projectiles in large caliber guns. Strips of energetic propellant are placed in the cartridge case so that the lengths of the strips are parallel to the length of the cartridge. Preferably, the strips are placed in a radially symmetric pattern. The strips provide passageways that allow ignition gasses to flow radially in the cartridge case and along the length of the cartridge case.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of reconfiguring a family of the armored, tracked vehicle of the troop carrying type to enhance producibility and protection from mine blast fragments. By using the configuration and modification disclosed herein, mine blast protection, vertical obstacle crossing capability and cross country mobility are enhanced.

Abstract: The invention provides an easily adjustable foot-operated pedal assembly, such as a brake pedal for use in heavy equipment, that can be placed in multiple positions to accommodate people of differing heights and body shapes. The pedal is mounted in an assembly including a dual linkage operating apparatus having one element of that linkage that freely rotates about a shaft. A second link of the pedal linkage is connected to a fixed link through an adjustment mechanism. The fixed link is fixedly mounted to the same shaft as the pedal link. The adjustment mechanism incorporates a latch that has multiple settings yielding three or more pedal positions. The pedal is urged upwardly to effect adjustment to raise the pedal. A latch bar of the pedal assembly is urged up to allow lowering of the pedal.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved propellant system for firing projectiles in large caliber guns. Strips of energetic propellant are placed in the cartridge case so that the lengths of the strips are parallel to the length of the cartridge. Preferably, the strips are placed in a radially symmetric pattern. The strips provide passageways that allow ignition gasses to flow radially in the cartridge case and along the length of the cartridge case.

Abstract: The invention provides a container for products free from moisture, such as potassium in an emulsified state. The container has sloping sides to facilitate the emptying of the container. The container is surrounded by a frame, which allows the stacking of several containers. The frame has forklift guides to facilitate movement by forklifts. The frame also has hoist lugs to facilitate movement by hoists. An assist vent valve is used to assist the filling and emptying of the container. The assist vent valve is removable, to allow the replacement of the assist vent valve, when an assist vent valve is damaged, or clogged.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for firing a guided projectile. The invention provides a matrix of one time shot gun systems. Each one time shot gun system has a one time shot barrel, a one time shot recoil system, a propelling charge, breakable seal, and a guided projectile which is stored in and from the barrel. The one time shot system provides an inexpensive firing system, which eliminates single points of failure that exist in conventional gun systems.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for generating surface plasmas, for ignition of propellants. The invention provides a plurality of sheet fuses with insulating sheets separating each fuse. One of the fuses is complete, while the other fuses have a gap. The fuses are sheets formed into concentric coaxial cylinders. The complete fuse forms the outer most cylinder. The fuses sequentially become a plasma starting from the outer most fuse to the inner most fuse.

Abstract: The invention provides clamps for providing a compliant mounting surface which protects the edges of brittle materials, which can be constituent components in armor panels. Thus the invention prevents concentrated loads around the armor. The invention is modular and allows for modular placement of a plurality of spaced apart armor panel layers.

Abstract: Castings based on the nickel aluminide intermetallic alloy IC-221M were melted and poured with an addition of enough molybdenum to bring its concentration to 5 weight %. This resulted in a minimization or elimination of the nickel-zirconium eutectic phase in the dies machined and prepared from these castings. The benefit of eliminating or minimizing the nickel zirconium eutectic phase with the addition of measurable amounts of molybdenum (Mo) to the nickel aluminide (Ni.sub.3 Al) alloy is the increase in the useful service life of the tooling made from it; thus providing the advantages of increased productivity, enhanced quality and reduced costs in a manufacturing setting. Heat treatment of the dies machined and prepared from these castings was also undertaken. The heat treatment regimen includes solution treatment at 2100.degree. F. for 24 hours and aging from between 1150.degree. F. and 1300.degree. F. for between 12 to 24 hours.

Abstract: Castings based on the nickel aluminide intermetallic alloy IC-221M were melted and poured with an addition of enough molybdenum to bring its concentration to 5 weight %. This resulted in a minimization or elimination of the nickel-zirconium eutectic phase in the dies machined and prepared from these castings. The benefit of eliminating or minimizing the nickel zirconium eutectic phase with the addition of measurable amounts of molybdenum (Mo) to the nickel aluminide (Ni.sub.3 Al) alloy is the increase in the useful service life of the tooling made from it; thus providing the advantages of increased productivity, enhanced quality and reduced costs in a manufacturing setting. Heat treatment of the dies machined and prepared from these castings was also undertaken. The heat treatment regimen includes solution treatment at 2100.degree. F. for 24 hours and aging from between 1150.degree. F. and 1300.degree. F. for between 12 to 24 hours.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for washing fruit that includes supporting rollers, a nozzle for directing a spray of water at 100 psi at the surface of the whole fruit; and clean-out bars that reduce the movement of the fruit toward the nozzle being transported at a predetermined time.

Abstract: A method of modifying and converting an M113A1/A2 into a M113A3 with the use of the M113A3 style powerpack and the M113A1/A2 engine access hole location, which method utilizes a remote engine oil filter that allows the access hole in the bottom plate to remain unchanged from the M113A1/A2 to the M113A3, a remote engine oil filter adapter to accommodate the remote engine oil filter and a remote transmission oil drain and an engine oil adapter to allow engine oil drainage and transmission fluid service through the access hole.

Abstract: A high energy inductor and method of manufacture relates to an inductor which is capable of mechanically withstanding the high magnetic forces imposed thereon during transfer of high energy pulses. The inductor is wound with a conductor under tensile stress, wherein the conductor has a fixed inner end and a free outer end. The stress is maintained in the finished inductor by means of a clamp attached to and fixing the free end of the conductor. The fabrication method involves inducing tensile stress in the conductor as it is wound on an inductor core and then maintaining the conductor tensile stress in the finished inductor component.

Abstract: An improved ball deck having a plurality of driven balls arranged in rows, with each driven ball supported on a freely rotatable ball and a pair of drive wheels secured to parallel shafts positioned on either side of the driven balls in each row, and a tray for each row of driven balls having bearings in the end plates thereof. Chain drive sprockets attached to each of the shafts with adjustment means for adjusting the trays to control the tension in the chains.

Abstract: Clutch mechanism for use in an automatic feed system includes a lockout device that prevents re-engagement of a disengaged clutch mechanism until such time as reset of the clutch is accomplished. When the clutch is first disengaged a mechanical flag cooperates with a specially configured shaft to prevent shaft rotation until such time when the flag has been urged out of blocking contact with the shaft.

Abstract: The invention provides a harvester that applies continuous contact between the plant to be harvested and harvesting rails, which thus reduces damage to the plant. The harvester uses a hydraulic system which causes the rails to provide a constant gripping force against the plants when in a float position of the hydraulic system. The system also has a spread setting and may or may not have a third static setting.