Abstract: Process for preparing cadmium sulfide compositions which are in a metasta state possessing greatly increased electrical conductivity and magnetic properties. The process comprises pressure quenching a cadmium sulfide composition containing between about 0.5% and 3.0% by weight chlorine, obtained by precipitation of CdS from aqueous CdCl.sub.2 solution with H.sub.2 S, to produce a precipitate containing a mixture of CdS and a complex compound of CdCl.sub.2 and CdS, which is washed with water to remove uncomplexed CdCl.sub.2. The pressure quenching treatment involves suddenly releasing the cadmium sulfide composition from a high pressure of at least 32 K bars at rates of at least 10.sup.4 bars/sec.

Abstract: Aliphatic and cycloaliphatic halogen compounds containing a halogen atom and a hydrogen atom attached to adjacent carbon atoms are dehydrohalogenated to the corresponding unsaturated compounds by contact with a quaternary ammonium fluoride or quaternary phosphonium fluoride.

Abstract: There is disclosed a gun operated firing device which utilizes the kinetic nergy of a gas-operated gun to generate, store and discharge voltage to fire electrically primed ammunition. The firing device contains a magnetic circuit comprised of a coil, a capacitor across the output of the coil, a diode between said capacitor and coil, a resistor in parallel with the capacitor and a switch in the form of a firing pin which connects the circuit to the primer. The circuit is in the bolt carrier of the gun which slides on an upper receiver tube containing a magnet causing the flux created to link with the coil.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic spotting charge for training projectiles contains 30-50% zinc owder, 10-30% aluminum powder, 10-30% potassium nitrate or sodium nitrate, and 10-30% potassium perchlorate. The composition (a) is fast reacting and produces a large volume of white smoke visible at a great distance before the projectile buries itself in the ground and (b) is of low brisance and does not cause fragmentation of the projectile.

Abstract: A feeder for transferring ammunition from a magazine to the loading assem of an elevationally rotatable gun includes a first chute and a second chute. The first chute is pivotally mounted about the magazine. The second chute is articulated between the first chute and the loading assembly. The chutes are sized to provide an internal passage for the ammunition. An endless transfer chain can circulate along an interior path from the magazine through the chutes to drive the ammunition therethrough. This endless transfer chain returns from the interior path to the magazine along a return path. Linkage coupled to the endless transfer chain along its return path can draw it inwardly as the chutes unfold.

Abstract: A high explosive composition comprising2 to 57% ammonium nitrate2 to 50% ethylenediamine dinitrate1 to 10% potassium nitrate1 to 80% nitroguanidineThese explosive compositions possess physical and explosive properties corable to those of explosive compositions based on TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene); but they are relatively insensitive and less costly to manufacture and can be loaded into projectiles with existing melt/cast loading facilities.

Abstract: A research type burner is provided which permits ready optical access for study of precombustion and primary reaction zones of adiabatic flames of premixed gases. The burner includes a channel for relatively laminar gas flow having an outlet with a pair of essentially parallel closely spaced knife edges for providing an essentially stable and adiabatic flame. The knife edges project sufficiently above the burner housing to allow the passage of a laser beam between the knife edges through the zone to be studied.

Abstract: Novel 4,4'-dithiodianil compounds are prepared by reacting 4,4'-dithiodianiline with an aromatic or pyridine aldehyde, such as 4-nitrobenzaldehyde. The novel dithiodianil compounds can be employed for detecting thiol compounds. They react with thiols to yield reaction products which possess a different color from the novel dithiodianil compound itself. The color change obtained in this manner with the novel compounds in many cases is stronger than that obtained with Ellman's reagent frequently employed for detecting thiols.

Abstract: Process for activating surfaces of superalloys and stainless steels prior to electroplating a metal such as chromium thereon, whereby a metal deposit having excellent adhesion to the substrate is obtained. The article is activated by anodic etching in a novel activation solution containing about 55% to 80% by volume of H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and about 1% to 10% by volume of commercial 52% hydrofluoric acid, preferably an aqueous bath containing 65% by volume of 95-98% H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and 5% by volume of 52% hydrofluoric acid at 30 A/dm.sup.2 and 20.degree. C. for one minute.

Abstract: The invention provides a process and composition for preparing steel surfaces for adhesive bonding. The process involves contacting the steel article with an etchant composition containing phosphoric acid and a liquid polyhydric alcohol such as propylene glycol, diethylene glycol or glycerine. The process produces steel surfaces, which when adhesively bonded yield joints much stronger than those obtained by abrasive blasting, and comparable to those obtained by use of phosphoric acid-ethanol etchant compositions without the hazards of the latter.

Abstract: A stable high expansion foam formulation for use as a single composite soion containing dibenz-(b,f)-1,4-oxazepine and stabilizers selected from the group consisting of glycerine, carboxyl vinyl polymers, and mixtures thereof. A method of using novel high expansion foam for visual obscuration and area denial is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hollow cathode discharge device is disclosed for ion plating a substrate with high temperature metal vapor. A hollow cathode tube is adapted to receive pellets of the high temperature metal at a short location from the cathode tube opening which is selected to correspond to a temperature peak along the length of the cathode tube. The temperature peak is a characteristic of the cathode diameter and gas flow rate in the tube. Inert gas is supplied to the tube and, the tube may be shielded and provided with a constriction at its end opening. An anode is spaced from the cathode tube opening and power supply is provided for supplying a negative bias to the cathode tube and a positive bias to the anode.

Abstract: There is disclosed a multi-vessel autoclave which is suitable for use in a continuous process for purifying nitrocellulose made by the nitric acid-sulfuric acid nitration of cellulose. The autoclave comprises a plurality of adjacent cylindrical vessels wherein each common wall between the adjacent vessels has an opening for the passage of the nitrocellulose which is in a slurry. The openings are situated so the slurry flows in a serpentine path.

Abstract: An improved ammunition propellant composition and method for reducing gun mber wear, erosion, flash and cook-off through use of an additive comprising a mixture of a super water absorbent starch modified polyacrylonitrile which has been subjected to alkaline saponification and water. The wear reducing additive is preferably formed into sheets which can be used with propellants selected from the group consisting of bagged propelling charges and cartridge cased propellants.

Abstract: An ammunition magazine has several compartments formed by vertical separas for holding rounds linked by a belt. A compartment cover is rotatably mounted to each vertical separator for either opening or closing an associated compartment. Each compartment cover has an opened position when the rounds are disposed inside its associated compartment, and a closed position when the associated compartment is emptied of the rounds.

Abstract: A fuze has a firing pin slidably mounted in a frame. A detonator mounted in he frame is operable to slide into alignment with the pin. An impact sensor can engage and restrain the pin. This sensor is pivotally mounted in the frame and is operable to disengage the pin in response to deceleration of the frame in excess of a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A high solids content explosive charge is formed by placing the dry solids uch as RDX in a mold, adding TNT over the dry solids and holding the interior of the mold at an elevated temperature and reduced pressure to permit diffusion of the liquid TNT through the solids while the vacuum enhances the discharge of air from the mass. In one embodiment, a casing and liner of a shaped-charge warhead is employed for the mold and the TNT is placed in a funnel atop the casing. This assembly is placed inside a heated evacuated chamber for long enough to permit the liquid TNT to diffuse through the solid particles and for air to be discharged. In other embodiments, an air-tight casing is employed whose interior is evacuated while heating is performed.

Abstract: Manufactures, apparatus and processes for shielding the hazards of exploss, pyrotechnics and propellants during manufacture, demolition, demilitarization storage, transportation and use.

Abstract: A belt-fed automatic weapon includes a retainer for holding one or more of he leading rounds on the belt exposed external to the magazine in a position where they can be picked up and automatically fed into the automatic weapon by a feed sprocket in the automatic weapon during insertion of the magazine into the weapon. This permits one-hand loading by an erect walking operator whose second hand is occupied supporting the weapon. A belt guide at the exit of the magazine prevents jamming of linked rounds when the weapon is fired upside down or on its sides.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process for removing trace sulfuric acid rom nitrocellulose fibers by dispersing the fibers in water and then subjecting them to ultrasonic energy for a time period and at an energy level sufficient to enhance the nitrocellulose fibers contact with water and facilitate sulfuric acid dispersal in the water. The waste water containing the traces of sulfuric acid contaminant from the nitrocellulose fibers is removed and the purified nitrocellulose fibers recovered.