Abstract: A capsule adapted for disposition in a submarine launch tube for retaining the missile until launch thereof. The capsule includes a cylindrically shaped housing including a plurality of layers of glass fibers and layers of graphite, the layers including an outer layer of glass fibers defining an outer skin of the housing, and an inner layer of glass fibers. A titanium flange is fixed on the housing and in contact with the layers of graphite. An adhesive layer is disposed on the outer skin and an interface support pad is mounted on the outer skin and retained thereon by the adhesive layer. A layer of metal foil is disposed inboard of the adhesive layer and between the outer layer of glass fibers and the inner layer of glass fibers, to serve as a barrier to products of galvanic reaction occurring between the graphite layers and the titanium flange.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixture to be used during pressure/vacuum testing. The fixture includes a shell having a main body and a coupling ring surrounding the main body. The coupling ring has threads for engaging an external thread connection on the device to be tested and for facilitating installation and removal of the fixture. The fixture further includes a back plate welded to one end of the main body and a pressure adapter for connecting the fixture to a pressure source or a vacuum source. The fixture still further includes an optional insulator to be placed in contact with the device being tested.

Abstract: A bonding tool includes an aluminum metal alloy bar member of a predetermined width, the bar having an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposing longitudinal edges. A resilient material is adhesively joined with the bar, the resilient material having an upper surface, a lower surface and opposing longitudinal edges. The joining of the resilient sponge material to the bar is such that an entire upper surface of the sponge material is coextensive with an entire lower surface of the bar member. The bonding tool is made in several, for example five, sections and is laid on a cable for bonding the cable to a capsule or the like in a separate process. The sections are keyed so as to interlock one to another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixture to be used during pressure/vacuum testing. The fixture includes a shell having a main body and a coupling ring surrounding the main body. The coupling ring has threads for engaging an external thread connection on the device to be tested and for facilitating installation and removal of the fixture. The fixture further includes a back plate welded to one end of the main body and a pressure adapter for connecting the fixture to a pressure source or a vacuum source. The fixture still further includes an optional insulator to be placed in contact with the device being tested.

Abstract: A retractable seal replaces the existing o-ring seals on the Tomahawk Cape Launching System (CLS). An elastomeric member is shaped to fit within the existing o-ring slot on the CLS and a cylindrical ring member of shape memory alloy circumscribes the elastomeric member. Under normal operating temperatures, the shape memory alloy member has a diameter large enough to allow the elastomeric member to extend beyond the diameter of the CLS so as to form a seal against the missile tube, yet small enough to not interfere with the seal. When the shape memory alloy member is heated, it contracts to a smaller predetermined diameter, compressing the elastomeric member within the o-ring slot so as to allow the movement of the CLS into or out of the missile tube without abrading the elastomeric member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a titanium or titum alloy surface and a primer for use in the method. The method broadly comprises the steps of grit blasting portions of the surface to which an adhesive will be applied and thereafter applying an acid wash primer to the surface portions. The acid wash primer preferably consists essentially of 70% by weight isopropyl alcohol, 5% by weight ethyl alcohol, 15% by weight n-butyl alcohol, 5% by weight zinc chromate and 5% by weight phosphoric acid.