Abstract: Shell loading apparatus, particularly for an externally mounted tank cannon, provides automated loading of shells from a magazine in a vehicle to a cannon externally mounted to the vehicle. The shell loading apparatus includes a pair of opposed, generally D-shaped cam tracks mounted in a cannon pod rearwardly of the cannon breech. Linear portions of the cam tracks are parallel to the barrel bore axis, arcuate portions of the cam tracks are directed upwardly with straight lead-in segments thereof directed towards a magazine shell extraction position when the cannon barrel is in a specific elevational position for shell loading. A shell rammer is connected to cam followers disposed in the cam tracks. A rammer support is fixed to gun mounting structure parallel to the cam track lead in segment.

Abstract: Convertible top apparatus for midengine automobiles, such as the Pontiac Fiero and Toyota MR2, which have a far forwardly extending rear deck lid for accessing the engine, comprises a foldable frame assembly, a pliable top covering for the frame and means for pivotally mounting the frame assembly to the automobile body, for example, after the factory installed hard top is removed, forwardly of the forward end of the rear deck lid. The frame assembly is configured so that rearward portions of the top extend rearwardly over the deck lid when the top is up, portions of the frame assembly stacking on top of forward regions of the rear deck when the top is down. The frame mounting means include mounting brackets fixed to the automobile and hinge members pivotally mounted to the brackets and to which both the deck lid and top frame assembly are connected. The brackets and hinge members are configured so that with the top up, opening the deck lid also pivots up rearward portions of the top.

Abstract: A breech/receiver assembly for automatic cannon incorporates a rotating chamber and a recoil and counterrecoil buffer integrated within the breech. The breech, including the buffer means, recoils with the barrel and because the mass of the buffer is added to the breech and barrel, recoil forces transferred to trunions mounting the breech/receiver assembly are significantly reduced. The configuration of the breech/receiver assembly, including the rotating chamber and integrated recoil/counterrecoil buffer, enables a shorter receiver, thereby enabling a vehicle-mounted cannon utilizing the breech/receiver assembly of the present invention to elevate to high angles while still maintaining a relatively low gun silhouette.

Abstract: Phase locked, pulsed oscillator apparatus, for example, for radar use, comprises a pulsed r.f. oscillator, a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) generator and a pulse shaping network. The PRF generator pulsed output signal of frequency, f.sub.1, is reshaped by the pulse shaping network to provide to the input gate of the r.f. oscillator a train of triggering pulses each having a very fast rise time, t.sub.r, which caues the triggering pulses to exhibit significant harmonic power near the r.f. oscillator's free running frequency, f.sub.FR. The reshaped pulses provided by the pulse shaping network gate the r.f. oscillator on and off and cause coherency of the pulsed oscillator output signal relative to the PRF generator output signal. The reshaped pulse rise time, t.sub.r, is preferably less than about 3-4, and more preferably is about two, times the oscillator output signal period, l/f.sub.FR. The peak turn on voltage, V.sub.p, of the reshaped pulses is preferably about twice the average voltage, V.sub.

Abstract: Shell magazine apparatus for tanks having a gun crew basket rotably mounted within a vehicle and having a cannon mounted to the basket comprises a primary shell magazine mounted in the gun crew basket and a secondary shell magazine mounted in the vehicle. The primary magazine includes a number of shell holding canisters pivotally mounted to a canister carrier rotatably mounted on a core. A Geneva drive incrementally rotating the carrier and canisters to sequentially position the canisters in a particular elevating position. A pressurized fluid cylinder is provided for pivoting a canister in the elevating position into a position from which a shell can be extracted by an associated shell loading apparatus. The secondary magazine comprises first and second drums rotatably mounted, side-by-side, in the vehicle rearwardly of the primary magazine when the gun crew basket is azimuthally zeroed.

Abstract: Shell feeding apparatus for a rapid fire, gun, such as a medium calibre cannon, comprises an elongate, linear shell rammer having a relatively small diameter, surrounded by a carousel-type shell magazine configured for holding several, for example, about six, shells. The shell rammer includes a pressurized fluid actuation cylinder having two transversely separated bores and two pistons mounted in the bores. Protruding ends of the pistons are interconnected by a motion multiplier which comprises a T-shaped member, to opposite sides of which are mounted two pairs of sprockets. A shell ramming member is fixed to two drive chains entrained over the two pairs of sprockets. The drive chains are fixed to the actuator cylinder so that when pressurized fluid moves the pistons, relative to the cylinder, a distance, "d", at a velocity, "v," the shell ramming member, and hence a shell engaged thereby, is moved a substantially greater distance, "D," at a substantially greater velocity, "V.

Abstract: A foldable gun, useful in mob control and police undercover work because of small size and unassuming appearance when it is in folded configuration, includes a magazine housing and stock pivotally mounted to a receiver assembly in a manner in which the magazine housing may be pivoted to a parallel position adjacent a receiver assembly underside while containing a magazine. Pivotal mounting of the stock enables the stock to fold to an underside of the receiver assembly. A U-shaped configuration of the stock enables it to both contain and conceal the magazine housing and magazine when the gun is in the folded configuration. In this manner, an extremely compact folded gun is achieved, and further, the gun, when folded, does not resemble a weapon.

Abstract: A breech/receiver assembly for automatic cannon incorporates a rotating chamber and a recoil and counterrecoil buffer integrated within the breech. The breech, including the buffer means, recoils with the barrel and because the mass of the buffer is added to the breech and barrel, recoil forces transferred to trunions mounting the breech/receiver assembly are significantly reduced. The configuration of the breech/receiver assembly, including the rotating chamber and integrated recoil/counterrecoil buffer, enables a shorter receiver, thereby enabling a vehicle-mounted cannon utilizing the breech/receiver assembly of the present invention to elevate to high angles while still maintaining a relatively low gun silhouette.

Abstract: A linkless ammunition magazine for guns includes an endless, shell-holding conveyor having two, spaced apart bicycle-type chains which are entrained over several pairs of guides that confine the conveyor to a convoluted path within a housing. During firing of an associated gun, an externally driven sprocket drives the conveyor in a direction advancing conveyor-held shells towards a shell transfer position located just downstream of the drive sprocket. A pair of guides located just upstream of the shell transfer position, is compliantly mounted to deflect in response to fast start up of the drive sprocket upon initiating of firing, in a direction enabling only a short segment of the conveyor upstream of the transfer position to move before further upstream portions of the conveyor start moving, fast shell feeding from the onset of firing being thereby enabled.

Abstract: A fast Fourier transform (FFT) apparatus with data timing schedule decoupling is provided for obtaining the Fourier spectrum, f.sub.m, of a sequence of N data: S.sub.0, S.sub.1 . . . S.sub.N-1, derived from a time variable function, S.sub.t. The apparatus is operative for performing .alpha. sets of N/2 pairs of "butterfly" operations of the general form:A(x)'=A(x)+W.sub.(z) .multidot.A(y) andA(y)'=A(x)-W.sub.(z) .multidot.A(y),wherein A(x) and A(y) are data terms to be operated on and W.sub.(z) is a predetermined "pointer" into a corresponding matrix or phase angle library; .alpha. is determined by the relationship N=2.sup..alpha.. Comprising the apparatus are a first, A(x), A(y) data memory, a second, W.sub.(z) data memory, a multiplier accumulator (MAC) and an adder/subtractor.

Abstract: Programmable motor vehicle steering control apparatus, which enables zero settings of front wheel caster, camber, toe-in and steering axis inclination, comprises left and right pairs of first and second, tangentially loaded helical spring elements and means for connecting the left pair of spring elements between a left front wheel steering arm and tie rod and the right pair of spring elements between a right front wheel steering arm and tie rod. Parallel connecting arms of each second spring element cross so that when either pair of spring elements in push or pull loaded during vehicle turns, the two spring elements in each pair act in opposite, spring coil opening or closing directions. The connecting means includes means for offsetting outboard ends of the spring elements in each pair and preloading means are provided for selectively preloading each of the spring elements.

Abstract: Two stage shell feeding apparatus for a reciprocating bolt-type automatic cannon or gun, comprises a first stage shell rotor, having a plurality of shell cavities, rotatably mounted between a shell supply and a cannon shell pick up position, such that when a shell in one of the rotor cavities is in the shell pick up position, an empty rotor cavity is in shell receiving relationship with the shell supply. After firing of the cannon and while the bolt is recoiling rearwardly, barrel gas operated actuating means cause rapid partial rotation of the rotor to index a rotor carried shell into the pick up position. A spring actuated, second stage shell advancing slide is simultaneously cocked to enable subsequent spring powered transferring of a free shell from the shell supply into the aligned rotor cavity during the remainder of the firing cycle. Shell accelerator means are provided to cause shell acceleration before bolt pick up impact.

Abstract: Cradle apparatus for mounting an automatic cannon to an elevationally rotatable plate positioned at an exterior region of a weapons system turret or cupola includes an elongate, rigid, box-like cradle and first, second and third universal ball connections, arranged in a generally triangular configuration, for mounting the cradle to the rotatable plate. Each of the connections includes cradle portions fixed to the cradle and plate portions fixed to the plate. The first, uppermost connection includes means for releasably latching together the cradle and plate portions thereof; whereas, the second and third, lower connections define a cradle hinge line about which the cradle is pivotable between open and closed conditions relative to the plate when the first connection cradle and plate portions are unlatched. Means are provided in the cradle for mounting an automatic cannon in a manner enabling ready access to receiver portions thereof when the cradle is in the open condition.

Abstract: Two handed holding apparatus for all types of hand held firearms, including handguns, rifles, submachine guns and the like, includes a first handle fixed to the firearm to one side of a barrel bore axis and a second handle fixed to the firearm to an opposite side of the barrel bore axis in alignment with the first handle. The two handles, adapted to be individually held by one of a user's hands, divide firing recoil between the user's hands in a generally symmetrical manner to eliminate muzzle jump. For handguns, having a preexisting handle, a frame extension is provided, to a projecting end of which the second handle is fixed in orthogonal relationship to the first handle. To convert existing handguns, the frame extension is attached to the first handle and replaces one of the existing handgrips. The frame extension is configured to receive a pistol scope or fixed sights. In a variation, the frame extension is permanently fixed to the pistol frame, as an addition or as part of the original frame.

Abstract: Dual shell feeding apparatus for automatic guns having two shell supplies adapted for holding different types of shells, comprises a shell feeding rotor formed with first and second sets of three peripheral shell holding cavities each, the cavities being arranged in alternating relationship at 60.degree. intervals. The rotor is rotatably mounted between the two shell supplies and a shell pick up position of the gun in a manner causing, when one of the shell holding cavities of either cavity set is in the shell pick up position, another cavity of the same cavity set is in shell receiving relationship with the corresponding one of the shell supplies, shells being fed from one of the supplies by one of the rotor cavity sets when the rotor is selectively rotated in one direction and from the other supply by the other cavity set when the rotor is selectively rotated in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A saturable reactor regulated power supply utilizes a power oscillator to convert line voltage to a higher frequency voltage. The high frequency voltage is passed through the gate windings of a saturable reactor to an output circuit including an output power transformer. A feedback circuit interconnected between the output circuit and control windings of the saturable reactor controls the control winding current in order to pulse modulate the voltage applied to the output circuit. The feedback circuit includes several resistors which are connected to cause a phantom control winding resistance R.sub.c * which is much greater than that of a control winding series resistor R.sub.1. The created phantom resistance R.sub.c * causes the control winding circuit time constant to be substantially less than that which would otherwise be provided by the series resistor R.sub.1 ; whereas, the resistor R.sub.1 determines the control winding power loss.

Abstract: Cross axis shell feeding apparatus for firearms comprises symmetrical shell pivoting or turnaround means having an internal pivoting chamber configured for receiving, and pivoting through 90.degree., shells from an associated linear shell magazine in which the shells are loaded in either cross axis direction. The shell pivoting chamber, formed having shell engaging, or camming surfaces which cam the shells through 90.degree. of rotation, is shown configured for pivoting tapered casing, rifle-type shells. Shells are pushed forwardly through the shell pivoting means by first and second stage rammers mounted to reciprocate with the firearm bolt assembly. To prevent jamming of shells being pivoted 90.degree. in the shell pivoting means, shell engaging portions of the first stage rammer swing aside after a shell has been pivoted from an initial cross axis orientation through approximately 75.degree..

Abstract: Projectile velocity measurement and communication apparatus comprises a microwave probe fixed to a projectile barrel near a muzzle end. An oscillator, having a reference frequency selected for exciting a fundamental electromagnetic mode in the barrel, is connected to the probe through a hybrid mixer configured for extracting, from moving projectile-reflected microwaves, a true Doppler signal having a varying frequency related to projectile barrel velocity. A processor, connected for receiving the Doppler signal, measures, by a clock oscillator, Doppler signal periods (half periods). A data presorter in the processor selects a last "N" number of period measurements before the projectile reaches an interference position relative to the probe, to be fed to a fire control computer interface for determination therein of projectile barrel and muzzle velocities, calibration means being provided to update barrel diameter values used in such determination.

Abstract: For an automatic cannon, a pneumatic bolt and sear buffer comprises a housing fixed rearwardly of a breech ring, a cylinder, an end plate and a low mass piston projecting forwardly through the cylinder. A pin transversely installed through the piston, into slots in the cylinder and housing, limits relative axial movement between the piston, cylinder and housing. A forward cylinder flange also limits rearward cylinder movement relative to the housing. Pressurization of gas in a pressure chamber defined by the cylinder, piston and end plate is through an end plate valve. A bolt sear is pivotally mounted to a sear bracket extension of the cylinder, forwardly of the piston. After firing, recoil impact of a reciprocating bolt assembly drives the piston rearwardly into the cylinder, and upon bolt searing the cylinder is pulled forwardly relative to the piston; in both cases the buffer gas is further compressed, acting as a massless spring.

Abstract: Apparatus for electromagnetic radiation of living tissue, such as human tissue, or tissue simulating matter, comprises an electromagnetic radiation source having a dynamic frequency range of at least about 5 to 1, and preferably 10 to 1. Electrically connected to the source by a coaxial cable is a broadband applicator adapted for emitting electromagnetic radiation into tissue and the like. Parallel plate type radiation launching portions of the applicator are configured to have a characteristic impedance, throughout the dynamic frequency range, approximately equal to the impedance of specimens to be irradiated, which for human tissue, between 50 MHz-2000 MHz, is approximately 50 ohms. A transition for interconnecting the coaxial cable to the parallel plate launching portion is configured to provide a relatively gradual coaxial to parallel plate transition at constant characteristic impedance throughout the dynamic frequency range.