Abstract: A work vehicle has steered wheels positioned forwardly of the vehicle relative to the direction of run of the vehicle, the steered front wheels having a caster angle of minus value ranging from -0.5.degree. to -2.degree.. Preferably, the caster angle is set at -1.degree.. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce a steering torque, especially a peak steering torque, and to obviate infiltrating and overshooting feels, thus providing a comfortable steering feel with respect to the vehicle.

Abstract: A launching chamber (20) with an exhaust orifice (32) covered by an obstruction member (34, 36) is in fluid-pressure dependent mechanical communication with an equilibrium chamber (40) such that when the two chambers are in fluid pressure equilibrium and fluid pressure in the equilibrium chamber is decreased to a predetermined amount less than the fluid pressure in the launching chamber the obstruction member uncovers the exhaust orifice. The equilibrium chamber (40) is vented through a turbine tube (70) which drives a turbine wheel (72).

Abstract: A pistol with a frame, a barrel and a firing mechanism. The firing mechanism includes a pivotably mounted hammer having a first hammer member and a second hammer member stationarily interlocked in a pocket of the first hammer member. The firing mechanism also includes a trigger assembly with a trigger member and a spacer pivotably mounted to the frame in a slot of the frame. The barrel has a lug on its bottom rear end that is movably mounted to the frame by a lug pin. A rear end of the lug has a contoured shape to accommodate the top of the trigger and a front of a pull bar being moved under the barrel. A handgrip panel is mounted to a handgrip section of the frame by a single fastener. The panel and handgrip section have cooperating angled surfaces to also mount the panel to the frame.

Abstract: An air-cooled gas turbine blade providing improved cooling characteristics is disclosed. The turbine blade includes several internal passages for conveying cooling air therethrough during turbine operation to provide the desired cooling effect. Two distinct passages are provided to cool the airfoil leading and trailing edges, respectively. Two serpentine cooling passages are disposed so as to efficiently cool each side of the airfoil. Disposed in the middle of the airfoil is an additional, distinct passage. The platform is cooled by three serpentine cooling passages. Two of these passages are in outlet fluid communication with the inlet to the middle airfoil passage. As cooling air traverses these two passages, heat is transferred, from the base simultaneously cooling it and warming the air. This warmed air is next directed through the middle airfoil passage, providing a slight warming effect to the center portion of the airfoil.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device with nonlethal interference active bodies for combating aircraft, which violate or do not heed flight bans, etc., and can be forced to land due to vibrations and interferences in the air current on the aerodynamic surfaces. A series of embodiments are described and depicted in the figures of the drawing.

Abstract: A fabricated high strength non-driven steer axle is provided so as to be cost effective to manufacture, the axle having a limited number of parts and steps of manufacture, as well as being of a reduced weight. The axle includes an integral one piece metallic form having a substantially U-shaped central portion in cross-section, and a pair of spaced arms extending from each end thereof toward a respective king pin mounting area. In order to simplify king pin mounting (e.g. eliminate the need for a bearing sleeve or tube), a separate king pin reinforcing plate is inserted between the spaced arms so that each king pin is received through an orifice in the reinforcing plate and a corresponding orifice defined in another plate, both in a bearing manner so as to efficiently support the king pin.

Abstract: A powder-actuated tool cartridge clip comprising a generally elongate body member having major and minor dimensions, a plurality of explosive charge retaining receptacles arranged in series and an indexing member both disposed along the major dimension of the elongate body member. The cartridge clip is disposable in a feed channel of a powder-actuated tool of the type having an indexing mechanism for engaging and advancing the cartridge clip through the feed channel so as to sequentially position explosive charges retained at the cartridge clip in a discharge position. The cartridge clip also includes an indicator mark disposed along the elongate body member for indicating that a last remaining explosive charge retained in the cartridge clip is positioned at the discharge position or has been discharged when the portion of the cartridge clip having discharged explosive charges protrudes from the powder-actuated tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically transferring a vertically standing ammunition component from a delivery opening in a carriage mounted magazine to a flick rammer incorporated in a gun elevation system is provided. In the method, a loading pendulum is positioned immediately outside the delivery opening of the magazine and parallel to the ammunition component. The ammunition component is then ejected from the magazine onto the loading pendulum without changing the vertical orientation of the ammunition component. The ammunition component is then locked in the loading pendulum and the loading pendulum is raised about a first axle to a substantially horizontal position. An outer cradle, in which the loading pendulum is suspended, is then lowered about a second axle coinciding with the trunnion center of the gun to an angle which coincides with the elevation of the gun and to a position above the flick rammer such that the ammunition component is immediate above the flick rammer.

Abstract: A jet vane control system and method for a missile in which the system is compact, rugged, lightweight and detachably connected to the aft end of a missile. The system provides for very quick pitch over and roll control during launch. The system then detaches from the missile so as not to burden the missile during its flight to target. The vanes of the system are divided into quadrants, each having its own, mounting support and gear train assembly. Each vane is also connected through a, detachable coupling to the steering control system of the missile such that actuation of the steering control system simultaneously actuates the jet vane control system.

Abstract: A novel heat transfer apparatus and method including a body of carbon/carbon material with cooling tubes brazed therein. The carbon/carbon material includes carbon, graphite, carbon fibers, graphite fibers and combinations of the same and silicon carbide and boron carbide. The cooling tubes are prepared from stainless steel, nickel and its alloys, cobalt and its alloys, copper, molybdenum, molybdenum rhenium alloy, and carbon. A wetting agent is applied to the carbon surfaces to protect the carbon surfaces from attack by the molten brazing material and is selected from molybdenum niobium, tantalum, tungsten, and carbides of these refractory metals. The brazing material is selected from copper, copper alloys, silver, and gold.

Abstract: A vacuum device having a hand-held intake and collection unit and a hand-held heater/air exhaust tube assembly is used to chase and collect pests, such as insects, and their associated allergens from their harborages. The device has a system of filter assemblies which remove contaminants from the air and exhausts clean air back into the surrounding environment.

Abstract: An error detector apparatus (42) producing a signal used in the computation of a missile guidance signal in an aircraft-based missile guidance and tracking system. The error detector apparatus (42) incorporates means (146), (148), (150), (152), and (154) for producing a first envelope signal from a tracking signal emitted by a missile. The envelope signal is then converted, along with a reference signal, to a digital signal by an analog to digital converter (158). A microcontroller (168) calculates an error correction signal from the digital signals. A digital to analog converter (160) converts the digital error correction signal to an analog error correction signal and outputs the analog error correction signal to the system for use in computing a missile guidance signal.

Abstract: A method of reversibly converting pistols that have been manufactured as double action pistols to single action, target pistols. The double action pistols have an initial trigger stroke for the double action performance thereof. The length of the trigger stroke is substantially reduced by the removable placement of an abutment between opposed portions of the trigger and the frame, i.e., to the top of the trigger, to substantially shorten the full length of the trigger stroke. The hammer is modified to include an intermediate notch of sufficient depth and positioned to serve as a safety in the event that the hammer is dislodged in its fully cocked position. Any other mechanisms that inhibit the conversion to single action are removed, depending upon the pistol's structure. Such mechanisms may include the firing pin safety mechanism. The trigger, sear and hammer may be modified by replacement with parts having the desired features.

Abstract: An apparatus or apparatus system for vibration control, by harmonic optimization technology, of vibrations in the cantilever or barrel, portion of a device from which projectile is fired or launched along the centerline of the cantilever. More particularly this invention relates to rifles, where the rifle barrel is a cantilever portion, and methods and apparatus for increasing the accuracy of firing projectiles. The invention is principally directed to a method and apparatus including a mass device affixed to a flexible cylinder extension at the muzzle end, inertial mass devices, having combustion pressure reduction features, affixed intermediate the muzzle end and the cartridge chamber, and a spring suspension system between barrel and rifle stock affixed proximal to the cartridge chamber. This system decreases the angular dispersion of barrel vibrations at the muzzle resulting from the firing of projectiles through such barrels.

Abstract: A rocket system employing at least one rocket motor closure that includes low and high load capability retainers that, respectively, provide an insensitive munitions system during storage and positive locking of a nozzle assembly at launch. The rocket motor also includes a pressure equalizing system that accommodates changing temperature conditions during storage as well as varying gas pressure inherent in gun-launched rocket systems in a manner that allows for thinner case cylinder design and increased propellant volume.

Abstract: A free gyro for use with a missile's seeker which allows the seeker to tr the target. The free gyro includes a support structure having a pair of roll axis forks which support a pitch gimbal and allow for rotational movement of the pitch gimbal about a pitch axis. Attached to the pitch gimbal is an outer gimbal support structure which includes a U shaped support member having a pair of support posts which support an outer gimbal ring and allow for rotational movement of the outer gimbal ring about the pitch axis. The outer gimbal ring supports and provides for rotational movement of an inner gimbal ring about an inner gimbal axis which is perpendicular to the pitch axis. The inner gimbal ring supports the free gyro assembly and allows the free gyro assembly to spin about a roll axis to stabilize the free gyro assembly. The free gyro assembly includes the optical system for the missile's seeker or tracking device and the support structure for the optical system.

Abstract: A liner for a gas turbine engine combustor is disclosed having a non-linear cavity section, wherein air and fuel injected therein form a trapped vortex for igniting and stabilizing a flame in the combustor. The cavity section, which is substantially rectangular in shape, has an aft wall, a forward wall, and an intermediate wall connected at one end to the aft wall and at the other end to the forward wall. A plurality of passages are provided in the aft wall for injecting fuel therethrough and a plurality of air passages are provided in the aft wall surrounding each fuel passage for injecting air therethrough. Cooling holes are also provided in the aft wall, the forward wall, and the intermediate wall for reinforcing the fuel/air vortex flow in the cavity section.

Abstract: A connector block (10) for connecting signal transmission lines in a blast initiation system includes a body member (12) having a channel (18) formed therein for receiving and retaining a detonator (20). A locking member (28) is mounted on the body member (12) in a first position aligned with, but displaced from, its locking position. The detonator (20) is inserted into the channel (18) of the connector block (10) and, if axially misaligned, is properly seated therein by moving the locking member (28) through a passageway (36) to both axially shift the detonator (20) to its seated position and engage the locking member (28) and the detonator with each other to secure both within the channel (18). A method of assembling a detonator (20) within the connector block (10) to provide a combination of detonator (20) and connector block (10) is also provided.

Abstract: A package for packs, for example packs of absorbent articles, each pack comprising a plurality of such absorbent articles and a wrapper of flexible material with a carrying handle at the top. The package comprises a plurality of packs disposed side by side and fixed together with adhesive tape, the adhesive tape being detachable without tearing the flexible material. Each handle is capable of supporting the weight of the entire package.

Abstract: Remote telemetry control in the testing of multiple projectiles such as rets, simultaneously fired, in an environment requiring extremely low power dissipation in the inactive state and experiencing extremely high-G accelerations during launch. On-board battery charging, battery and telemeter conditioning and telemeter control are remotely effected in a highly reliable manner through interfacing a portion of which is on board each projectile and another portion of which is remote from the projectiles and also remotely controlled for safety reasons. The aforementioned on-board functions are prioritized to accomplish first the charging and conditioning requirements, whereby telemeter activation during same is prevented, and the control signals governing charging, conditioning and telemeter operation are electronically isolated to prevent spurious activation. Electronic switching circuitry is incorporated to protectively ensure deactivation of the telemeter during higher priority operations.