Abstract: A system for optical communication through a structure includes a light pipe extending from one side of the structure to another. A sensor in communication with one side of the structure is capable of producing a sensor signal responsive to an environmental condition. Transmitter electronics are joined to the sensor for producing an electrical signal. A light source is joined to the transmitter electronics and to the light pipe to provide an optical signal. An optical detector receives the optical signal from the light pipe on the other side of the structure. Receiver electronics are joined to the optical detector and provide an output signal.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for prevention of inadvertent weapons launches in which a hydraulic firing valve provides hydraulic pressure to a backup select valve rather than the backup select valve receiving hydraulic pressure directly from a ship supply header. This hydraulic pressure shifts the backup select valve to allow hydraulic pressure to pass to a mode select control valve that actuates a controllable air-firing valve, until a hydraulic firing valve for the weapon is opened. The backup select valve actuation can only occur with the initiation of the hydraulic firing valve. Only after the hydraulic firing valve is open, does the backup select valve initiate hydraulic pressure to the mode select control valve thereby preventing hydraulic actuation of the backup select valve.

Abstract: A breech plug support mechanism for a launcher barrel having a removable ech plug comprising a handle connected to the plug by at least one leg means, the handle having a pivot arm connected thereto, the pivot arm including a traverse rod and arranged parallel to the barrel, at least one bracket connected to the barrel and having a rotator connected to the bracket, and wherein the traverse rod rotatably engages the rotator for rotating the plug adjacent the barrel during loading of the launcher. The traverse rod includes a stop key member for engaging a slot within the rotator to control the rotational movement of the traverse rod. Additionally, the pivot arm at the end nearest the plug includes a sleeve having a key slot which engages a key on the handle leg to maintain alignment of the plug with the locking ring therefor.

Abstract: There is presented an elastomeric pump including a rigid outer housing deing an outer chamber and having a fluid inlet thereinto. The pump further includes an inner housing disposed within the outer housing. The inner housing is provided with rigid walls and first and second expandable members, the first expandable member having greater elasticity than the second expandable member, the rigid walls and expandable members defining an inner chamber. A fluid conduit extends from the inner chamber to the exterior of the outer housing. A rigid cage is fixed to the inner housing and is disposed over the first expandable member, and is configured to permit and limit expansion of the first expandable member.

Abstract: There is presented a manifold assembly for a linear pump, the assembly inding a tubular manifold for attachment to an outlet portion of the pump, the manifold having therein a central bore extending lengthwise therethrough and aligned with the pump outlet, and a widthwise water inlet extending through a wall of the manifold to the central bore. The assembly further includes a sleeve slidably disposed in the central bore and adapted to be fixed to a piston in the pump. The sleeve is moveable in the manifold central bore in accordance with movement of the piston in the pump, to effect closure and opening of the water inlet to provide water pressure adjacent the piston as the piston reaches the end of its working stroke.

Abstract: The device includes a rigid vessel that supports a frustoconical membrane the projectile entry end and at a downstream end. The volume defined between the vessel side walls and the membrane is filled with a fluid under pressure. The pressure is adjusted to accommodate a particular projectile size and weight so that the projectile is decelarated over a distance that is chosen to minimize inertial loads on the projectile.

Abstract: An apparatus for ejecting a tethered underwater device, such as a communiions instrument package, from a naval vessel such a submarine is taught. The system incorporates a relatively long hydraulically operated launch tube thereby permitting slow acceleration of the device to achieve the desired muzzle velocity resulting in a reduced acoustic pressure wave upon launch.

Abstract: A firing assembly for a stored energy projectile launcher of the type hav an energy storage device that is pressurized by a fluid. The projectile is mechanically latched in its launch tube and the aft end of the projectile cooperates with the breach end of the launch tube to define a breach chamber that communicates with and is pressurized with the bladder. A valve in a line from the breach chamber is electrically controlled to move a piston and release the mechanical latch when fluid pressure is provided to the piston chamber. The pressure used to overcome the force needed to raise the piston is taken from the energy storage device. No addition of energy to the system is required, with the exception of a short electrical impulse signal, to open a full port valve acting instantaneously on the rear face of the projectile.