Abstract: A method for lubricating gun barrel bores comprises burnishing dry lubricating ceramic particulate into the metal surface of the bore such that the particles of particulate substantially fill grain boundaries in the metal. The burnishing of the particulate may be done manually or mechanically. Mechanically burnishing the particulate includes firing particulate-coated ammunition projectiles or other ammunition-firing pieces coated with particulate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating steam in which water is fed directly into a combustion zone which is configured in such a manner that water cannot by-pass the zone. A steam generator may be comprised of three conduits arranged coaxially with one another which carry fuel, oxygen, and feed water to a fuel-oxygen mixing zone and a combustion zone. Alternatively, a generator may be comprised of two concentric conduits which carry water and a mixture comprised of fuel and oxygen to a combustion zone. Steam flows out of the generator through a restriction at one end of the outermost conduit. In one embodiment, the combustion zone extends into a housing which communicates with and is attached to the outermost conduit. The invention provides very high thermal efficiency and very low atmospheric emissions.

Abstract: A method of treating the surface of a polymeric article by impact implantation with particulate material to attain hardening, abrasion resistance or other altered surface characteristics. High pressure treatment with a slurry of a liquid mixed with a ceramic particulate material in the 66 to 350 micron particle size range can be employed to implant the surface of a polymeric article to attain improved abrasion and erosion resistance. Similarly impact implantation with electrically conductive or magnetic materials can be employed to attain a conductive surface or a surface having electromagnetic radiation absorption characteristics. In addition to water jet impact implantation, there is disclosed methods of ultrasonic, sheet explosive and mechanical particle implantation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ultrasonic machining in which feeding of a tool assembly holding a machining tool toward a workpiece is accomplished automatically. In ultrasonic machining, a tool located just above a workpiece and vibrating in a vertical direction imparts vertical movement to particles of abrasive material which then remove material from the workpiece. The tool does not contact the workpiece. Apparatus for moving the tool assembly vertically is provided such that it operates with a relatively small amount of friction. Adjustable counterbalance means is provided which allows the tool to be immobilized in its vertical travel. A downward force, termed overbalance force, is applied to the tool assembly. The overbalance force causes the tool to move toward the workpiece as material is removed from the workpiece.

Abstract: An armor system which utilizes glass. A plurality of constraint cells are mounted on a surface of a substrate, which is metal armor plate or a similar tough material, such that the cells almost completely cover the surface of the substrate. Each constraint cell has a projectile-receiving wall parallel to the substrate surface and has sides which are perpendicular to and surround the perimeter of the receiving wall. The cells are mounted such that, in one embodiment, the substrate surface serves as a sixth side or closure for each cell. Each cell has inside of it a plate, termed the front plate, which is parallel to and in contact with substantially all of the inside surface of the receiving wall. The balance of each cell is completely filled with a projectile-abrading material consisting of glass and a ceramic material and, in certain embodiments, a polymeric material. The glass may be in monolithic form or particles of ceramic may be dispersed in a glass matrix.

Abstract: An armor system in which a plurality of constraint cells are mounted on a surface of a substrate, which is metal armor plate or a similar tough material, such that the cells almost completely cover the surface of the substrate. Each constraint cell has a projectile-receiving wall parallel to the substrate surface and has sides which are perpendicular to and surround the perimeter of the receiving wall. The cells are mounted such that, in one embodiment, the substrate surface serves as a sixth side or closure for each cell. Each cell has inside of it a plate, termed the front plate, which is parallel to and in contact with substantially all of the inside surface of the receiving wall. The balance of each cell is completely filled with a projectile-abrading material, which is a ceramic material in particulate form dispersed in a polymeric matrix.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing freeze-up of a pressure regulator valve in a liquified petroleum fuel system by heating the valve, a fuel expansion chamber and the fuel, after it has been expanded to a gaseous state, to counteract the refrigeration action produced by expansion of the gas at atmospheric pressure. A heat pipe transfers heat from an internal combustion engine to the fuel expansion chamber, regulator valve and fuel. The fuel is heated to a selected temperature in the range of 80.degree. F. to 140.degree. F. The heat pipe can provide structural support to the fuel expansion chamber to facilitate the installation of the fuel conversion system. The heat pipe can comprise a metal pipe or a corrugated metal hose which allows relative movement between the condenser and the evaporator ends of the pipe. Additionally, a heat pipe using a porous wick can be used so that the fuel expansion chamber can be located below the attachment point of the evaporator portion of the heat pipe to the engine.

Abstract: A force and multiplication control valve which utilizes ball leverage to produce multiplied forces on a ball lock seat device. Constantly changing wear surfaces provide self-cleaning and self-compensating wear characteristics to provide extremely high reliability of the device of the present invention. Non-hardened metals can be used because of the self-compensating wear characteristics. High pressures can be handled by the valve of the present invention because of the ability to use metals for metal contact surfaces to produce a valve seal. Additionally, the present invention can be used with many fluids which would normally be corrosive to materials used in valves employing rubber-type seals. The device can be configured to act as a pressure regulator control valve, a solenoid valve and can be used with various fluids including gases and liquids.

Abstract: The thermostatically controlled valve is of a type wherein the flow of fluid is increased when the temperature of the fluid is in a low to medium range and decreased as the temperature of the fluid exceeds a desired range. In a preferred embodiment, it makes use of a poppet valve assembly. It is particularly useful to control the temperature at which vaporization occurs in a liquid propane vaporizer utilized in the fuel system of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The thermostatically controlled valve is of a type wherein the flow of fluid is increased when the temperature of the fluid is in a low to medium range and decreased as the temperature of the fluid exceeds a desired range. In a preferred embodiment, it makes use of a poppet valve assembly. It is particularly useful to control the temperature at which vaporization occurs in a liquid propane vaporizer utilized in the fuel system of an internal combustion engine.