Abstract: A continuous process is provided for the vapor phase nitration of cellulose n a novel reactor having a gas tight housing containing a table with a perforated surface. Cellulose in porous sheet form is continuously passed into the reactor over the perforated table while continuously introducing nitric acid vapor into the housing through the perforations to provide a cushion of nitric acid gas supporting the sheet and forcing nitric acid vapor through the porous sheet. Water vapor formed in the reaction and unreacted nitric acid vapor are continuously removed from the housing, together with the nitrocellulose sheet produced. The rate at which the cellulose sheet is passed through the reactor depends on the rate at which the nitric acid is introduced and the degree of nitration desired. The cellulose can be partially nitrated by the novel process and further nitrated with nitric acid in liquid phase. The process produces a uniform nitrocellulose product suitable for use in propellants.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel explosive compound 1,3,5,7-tetranitroadamane, which possesses high explosive energy combined with excellent impact and thermal stability. The novel compound can be prepared by oxidation of 1,3,5,7-tetraaminoadamantane with permanganate.

Abstract: A rocket training round is disclosed to utilize a frangible nose cone conning dye marker material. Upon impact at a target the nose cone breaks thus releasing the dye marker which creates a dye cloud visible within a range of 3,000 meters.

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

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

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing a composition composed of TNT and a tmoplastic organic polymer containing as high as 30-35% of the polymer, in the form of a granular product, which is rapidly soluble in a TNT melt. The process involves preparing a solution of the TNT and the polymer in methyl ethyl ketone solvent and diluting the solution with water to precipitate the TNT-polymer composition as granules, which can be readily separated by filtration and are rapidly soluble in molten TNT.

Abstract: A plurality of flat or curved, wedge-shaped elements form the surface of a ens of an ultrasonic inspection transducer. The multiple wedge-shaped elements permit the ultrasonic energy from the transducer to be focused (1) in a substantially straight line (line focus) parallel to the axis of the lens and (2) deflected from a plane parallel to the wedge-shaped elements and at an oblique angle to the line focus. This achieves a concentration of ultrasonic energy along a line that can be projected into material as shear waves while maintaining equidistance from the transducer's sensing wafer. This results in a concentration of ultrasonic energy that can detect small cracks in a workpiece. Further, with this lens, wider ultrasonic scan may be made with minimal errors in detection. This lens also provides accurate location information on depth of flaws.

Abstract: A fatigue cycle sensor can integrate force with respect to time. The sensor has a body with a bore. A plunger is mounted in the bore for relative motion therethrough in response to force applied behind the plunger. The plunger is sized for an interference fit in the bore. This interference fit results in deformation in response to relative motion between the plunger and body. The foregoing sensor has many applications including estimating fatigue in weapons.

Abstract: A method and improved propellant composition for eliminating secondary mue flash in small and large caliber weapons without the increased smoke production or inhibiting burning characteristics through the step of incorporating a novel microencapsulated organic coolant additive into a conventional propellant composition wherein the microencapsulated coolant will survive the propellant flame zone intact so as to decompose down barrel to cool the bases exiting the weapon barrel. The preferred organic coolant is oxamide microencapsulated within a gelatin wall material and coated with Bakelite.TM..

Abstract: There is disclosed a gas operated, fully automatic weapon system with a d feed mechanism having a long recoil, soft cycle operation. The automatic weapon system consists of six groups or sub-assemblies. These are the backplate (rear end cap/fire control assembly), the dust cover unit, the dual selective rotary feed unit, the operating group unit, the receiver unit, and the barrel unit. These sub-assemblies combine to provide a weapon characterized by lightness of weight, relatively slight recoil force, relatively slow gunfire rate, excellent manual control resulting in good burst fire accuracy in hitting targets, and safety during operation and disassembly.

Abstract: A pressure seal for sealing a vessel against passage of fluid from a high essure containing cavity is disclosed to include a barrier means slidably disposed within the cavity having a seal body and a seal piston reciprocably received within the seal body. The seal piston and seal body cooperate to define a fluid containing chamber for accommodating compressible fluid to assist in the control of forces for generating sealing. The seal means include a primary seal for relatively low pressures and a metal-to-metal seal wherein the outer surface of at least a portion of the seal body is deflected outwardly against the inner surface of the cavity by displacement of the seal piston inwardly of the seal body such as to initially provide a secondary seal against passage of fluid outwardly of the cavity and thereafter providing sealing which increases in intensity in response to continuous build-up of pressure within the cavity.

Abstract: 2,4,6,-trinitrobenzyl chloride is converted to HNS (2,2',4,4',-6,6'-hexanostilbene) by reaction with hydroxide ion supplied by aqueous amines and ammonia. The present method increases the yield of HNS substantially over that obtainable by conventional reaction with sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: An improved pyrotechnic fuel composition comprising a metal fuel and a contional pyrotechnic oxidizer for producing light, heat, smoke and sound through an exothermic reaction wherein the improvement comprises the use of a metal hydride as the fuel ingredient to produce a pyrotechnic composition which readily ignites and which has a lower burning rate for increased luminous intensity. The metal hydride fuel is preferably selected from the group consisting of magnesium hydride, titanium hydride, sodium borohydride and a lithium aluminum hydride.

Abstract: Apparatus for initiating the removal or stripping of a round of ammunition rom an ammunition link belt for feeding automatic weapons comprising a cam situated proximate to and rearwardly from the feed means of an automatic weapon, the cam having a surface inclining upwardly in the direction of feed so as to impart a positive forward displacement of the round to disengage the round from a link retention tab prior to the counter recoil stroke of the operating group of the automatic weapon, thereby permitting the operating group to engage the base of the round and move the round into battery with significantly reduced energy requirements.

Abstract: Castable high explosive compositions of generally improved physical characteristics consist essentially of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and about 0.05 to 10% by weight of the TNT of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, which is soluble in the trinitrotoluene and is fully reacted, i.e. contains essentially no free isocyanate groups, prior to incorporation thereof in the explosive composition.

Abstract: 1,3,5,7--Tetraacetamidoadamantane is prepared by reacting 1,3,5,7--tetraiadamantanewith acetonitrile and water in the presence of actinic radiation. The 1,3,5,7--tetraacetamidoadamantane can be hydrolyzed with hydrochloric acid to produce 1,3,5,7--tetraaminoadamantane tetrahydrochloride, which can be converted to the free base by treatment with an equivalent amount of an alkali, e.g. aqueous sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: A cartridge containing a propellant charge, and a separate projectile are dividually loaded into two independently operable sections of a gun breech assembly. The automatic loading operation is facilitated by separating the two sections during recoil movement, loading each component, and re-aligning both sections with the gun barrel in the battery position at the conclusion of counter-recoil movement.

Abstract: The invention is an improved apparatus for the removal of sodium carbonate from cyanide plating baths. The method involves the precipitation of sodium carbonate by the effect of cooling the cyanide plating bath liquid. A container is submerged in the solution with the container opening extending above the plating bath solution level. The container is filled with dry ice and water which produces a temperature of approximately zero degrees centigrade inside of the container. The solution adjacent to the exterior of the container is cooled so that excess sodium carbonate is precipitated as a crystalline deposit. After a desired interval, the container is removed with the encrustation of sodium carbonate for disposal.

Abstract: A sabot launching device attachable to the muzzle of a standard rifle for launching a non-lethal ring airfoil projectile at a desired velocity and for imparting a desired rate of spin to the projectile, the invention comprises a housing having rifle grooves formed proximous to an open distal end thereof for imparting spin to the projectile as said projectile is launched from the open end of the housing. A sabot member engages the projectile within the housing prior to launch and is projected forwardly within the housing while in engagement with the projectile under pressure produced by firing of a gas-producing round in the standard rifle. The forward movement of the sabot member is rapidly slowed by a buffer mechanism disposed within anterior portions of the housing after initial acceleration to cause only the projectiles to exit and thus be launched from the housing, the sabot member thereby remaining within the housing and being reusable.

Abstract: A process for preparing 2,2',4,4',6,6'-hexanitrostilbene in high yields by eacting 2,2',4,4',6,6'-hexanitrobibenzyl in a suitable solvent with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst is selected from the group consisting of copper ammino and cobalt ammino compounds, copper and cobalt acetates, copper and cobalt halides, copper sulfate, and ammonium and alkali metal bases.