Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetoelectric resonance engine combining in its construction and operation an Alpha-type Stirling cycle thermal machine and a magnetoelectric resonance mechanism having a broad application to both electric generators and electric heat pumps.

Abstract: A composite gun tube having a liner prestressed in compression by a surroing cylinder formed of an appropriate Nitinol alloy. A first alternative construction utilizes Nitinol in filamentary form wrapped around the liner. A second alternative construction utilizes filamentary Nitinol embedded in the liner material. In all cases, the Nitinol is formulated so that the critical transition temperature is below that of any environment which the gun tube might encounter.

Abstract: A machine which combines an Alpha-type Stirling cycle thermal machine and a magnetoelectric resonanace mechanism adaptable to be useful both as an electric generator and an electric heat pump, such a Stirling cycle resonance machine has a simplified mechanical arrangement with a minimum number of moving parts within a hermetically sealed and permanently lubricated housing, is fully automatic, self-starting, and self-regulating in operation in that the mechanical motion of the pistons is maintained in appropriate phase relationship by an electronic quadrature phase-locking circuit. It can readily use multiple fuels as an electric generator and multiple electric power sources (DC or AC) as an electric heat pump.

Abstract: A round for an expendable breech gun wherein a filament reinforced breeche is lined with propellant throughout its length whereby the burning rate of the propellant in effect varies with projectile speed within the breechcase. A metal or plastic honeycomb bonded to the inner wall of the breechcase provides mechanical support for the propellant and precludes axial progression of the flame front in advance of the projectile. An alternative construction employs a propellant lining having a succession of increasing burning rates from the breech end to the muzzle end of the breechcase.

Abstract: A gun in which the interior wall of the breech portion of the bore is proed with a series of small annular combustion chambers distributed along the axis which are filled with liquid monopropellant to provide a propellant lined breech. Propellant is pumped into the annular combustion chambers through ports or fill orifices which communicate with an annular chamber surrounding the breech. This construction of the propellant in a series of small discrete volumes which eliminates the hydrodynamic instabilities associated with combustion of bulk loaded liquid propellants.

Abstract: An advanced lightweight towed artillery weapon system embodying an expendable breech gun provided with a fire-out-of-battery (FOOB) recoil system which utilizes a unique constant force, zone-controlled liquid recoil spring. To facilitate rapid fire, two linear feed ammunition clips are provided to be used alternately.

Abstract: A hollow fin of rhombical cross-section constructed of Nitinol or other memory effect alloy and mounted for oscillation about an internal shaft. The memory effect alloy has been previously stretched at a temperature below its critical transition temperature whereby heating of one pair of opposite sides, in a rhombic sense, above the critical transition temperature by resistive dissipation of an electric current will cause shortening of this pair of sides and consequent change in the angle of attack.

Abstract: A novel construction of the regenerator element of regenerative thermal machines, particularly Stirling-cycle engines, is disclosed. The new regenerator construction makes specific use of the physical anisotropy of certain materials such as pyrolytic graphite to improve regenerator heat transfer and storage performance characteristics.

Abstract: Advantageous specific applications of copper matrix composites, manganese-copper alloys, and structural ceramics to the design and construction of improved Stirling-cycle, reciprocating, thermal machines are disclosed which provide both high temperature strength and high or low thermal conductivity in components with matched thermal expansion coefficients.

Abstract: New thermodynamic working fluids with primary application to Stirling-cycle, reciprocating, thermal machines are disclosed which possess a greater dynamic heat transfer coefficient than either hydrogen or helium and which are both chemically inert and easily liquefied. A novel power level control subsystem based on the thermophysical properties of these fluids is disclosed for use in conjunction with Stirling-cycle machines; this new approach greatly simplifies procedures for changing the mean system working pressure, and thereby the instantaneous power level in such machines, during their operation.

Abstract: Mechanical arrangements with primary application to single-acting, multiple-piston, Stirling-cycle machines providing a dramatic reduction in mechanical complexity and production cost. Two specific new machines are disclosed in detail, a single-acting, two-piston "ducted axle" machine and a quasi double-acting, four piston "drum cam" machine. A power level control subsystem inherent in the ducted axle machine permits engine output to vary from maximum positive through zero to maximum negative under full load conditions by means of the simple rotation of a single moving part.