Abstract: An apparatus for detecting is disclosed for detecting a low level of refrigerant circulating through a motor vehicle refrigerant circuit. The apparatus comprises an electronic logic module, and a pressure transducer and a thermistor preferably located in the refrigerant circuit between the compressor and the evaporator. The pressure transducer generates a signal indicative of the refrigerant pressure, from which the module derives a saturation temperature of the refrigerant. The saturation temperature is compared with the measured temperature to determine if a superheat condition exists indicative of low refrigerant charge exists. When the refrigerant remains at a predetermined level of superheating, the compressor clutch is disengaged to interrupt circulation through the refrigerant circuit.

Abstract: A missile launching system (18) for launching a missile (20) includes an automatically telescoping launch tube (22, 24) and a rest raining system (40, 42). The telescoping launch tube (22, 24) lengthens the period of guided travel of the missile (20) during launch, to improve its accuracy. The launch tube system has an outer case (24), and an inner launch tube (22) internally dimensioned to receive the missile (20) therein and externally dimensioned to slide within the outer case (24) from a rearward position to a forward position. The restraining system (40, 42) holds the missile (20) and inner launch tube (22) at the proper locations before and during firing, and includes a releasable holdback (40) for the inner launch tube (22) at the rearward position and a releasable holdback for the missile (20) at a preselected position within the inner launch tube (22).