Abstract: The present invention is directed to polishing the surface of an airplane part to an improved specularity by adding the additional step of sanding prior to the polishing step.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the enabling formability of the 6000 series alloys for the manufacture of small to medium sized water vessels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method employing wet chemistry techniques of treating wrought aluminum alloys in order to quickly and efficiently separate the alloys into their alloy families and major constituent members by separation by surface color of the treated alloys.

Abstract: A caster including a device for delivering a gas into a space created by the apparatus that define the mold of the caster and the nozzle of the caster. Introducing a gas into the space resists backflowing and freezing of the molten metal to the nozzle.

Abstract: The caster includes a pair of movable opposed belts, each of the belts having a casting surface and a pair of movable opposed dam blocks including a plurality of dam blocks having one end mounted to an orbiting support and a casting surface opposite the mounted end. The casting surfaces of the belts and the casting surfaces of the dam blocks define a casting zone for solidifying the molten metal into cast metallic product. The caster also includes cooling plates/bars for cooling the belts while the belts pass through the casting zone.

Abstract: Rolled plate products up to 6 inches thick or more and other products in an aluminum alloy consisting essentially of about 5.2 to 6.8% zinc, 1.7 to 2.4% copper, 1.6 to 2% magnesium, 0.03 to 0.3% zirconium, balance substantially aluminum and incidental elements and impurities, are useful in making structural members for commercial airplanes especially by machining or shaping such members from the plate. Such members include lower wing skins and wing spars and other members. The plate is made by operations comprising homogenization, hot rolling, solution heat treatment, stretching and artificial aging. Alternatively, the plate is shaped after stretching, which may include machining, and is then artificially aged.

Abstract: The caster includes a pair of movable opposed belts, each of the belts having a casting surface and a pair of movable opposed dam blocks including a plurality of dam blocks having one end mounted to an orbiting support and a casting surface opposite the mounted end. The casting surfaces of the belts and the casting surfaces of the dam blocks define a bar casting zone for solidifying the molten metal into metallic bar. The caster also includes cooling bars for cooling the belts while the belts pass through the bar casting zone.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the initiation of blasting. The method comprises the steps of initiating a detonation in an initial shock robe and causing the detonation to propagate along the interior of the shock robe. The detonation in the initial shock tube initiates a detonation in a high explosive charge in a connection device whereby the shock tube is connected to a plurality of further shock tubes. The detonation of the high explosive charge acts to transfer the detonation from the initial shock tube to the further shock tubes to initiate detonations therein. The transfer of the detonations from the initial shock tube to the further shock tubes is effected in a direction which is radial relative to the initial shock tube and radial relative to the further shock tube. The invention also provides a system for the initiation of blasting.

Abstract: The invention relates to oil resistant signal tube, in particular, to initiating explosives or explosives accessories which comprise signal tube. The signal tube of the invention has a sub-tube comprising polyethylene and an outer jacket comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane resin of the polyester type.

Abstract: A stemming agent is provided comprising: A) a neutralized acrylic acid polymer; B) a neutralized mixture of sodium silicate and a silicon oxide-containing material such as sand, clay, stones, volcanic ash, or the like; or C) a mixture of materials A) and B). The stemming agents produced are low cost, easily made, and preferably are free of nitrate salts. Accordingly, the use of these preferred stemming agents eliminates the contamination of ground water by nitrate salts. The stemming agents of the invention may be used in either bulk-delivered or packaged applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coating for ammonium nitrate prills which enhances the storage life and facilitates the transportation of said prills. The coating is derived from stearic acid and is hydrophobic.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of loading flowable explosives into a borehole, and a lance suitable for use in the method, A plurality of different fluids are fed into the borehole along a plurality of separate conduits each forming part of the same lance, The lance comprises said separate conduits, arranged side-by-side.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved connector comprising a first and second holding means for pressure fitting a detonating cord and shock tube in a substantially orthogonal pressure fitting relationship.

Abstract: This invention record describes the production of a low vulnerability propellant (LOVA) ingredients utilizing mixtures of alkyl nitratoethyl nitramines (alkyl NENAs) and/or bis(2-nitroxyethyl)nitramine (DINA) with nitrocellulose. Described compositions provide lower freezing points and decreases sensitivity while maintaining or surpassing output realized with currently used nitroglycerins/nitrocellulose mixtures. A process to provide for the production of desired mixtures of alkyl NENAs with each other or with DINA in a safe, cost-effective co-nitration process is disclosed. The process involves mixing together predetermined amounts of precursors for each of alkyl NENAs and/or DINA to be present in the final mix. Nitrating the precursors followed by a catalyst reaction, wash and neutralization step.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition having improved resistance to precompression desensitization comprising an emulsion explosive matrix and a high level of a low strength microspheres. Preferably, the microspheres having a crush strength of between 100 and 400 psi, and are present in at least 4% by weight of the formulation. Accordingly, the present invention allows the use of a more standard (and usually less expensive) microspheres in the production of a precompression desensitization-resistant emulsion explosive. Further, the emulsion explosives of the present invention would permit emulsion explosives, in general, to be utilized in a wider range of applications.

Abstract: Stabilized munitions are provided which comprise ammonium perchlorate and which have been plasticized with a NENA (nitratoethylnitramine) compound. In order to stabilize this system, Lewis base compounds of specified formula are included as part of the munition. Preferred stabilizers include urea, acetamide or nitroguanidine. The stabilized munitions, and in particular, propellants provide improved safety and/or energetic properties over current munition formulations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an article of manufacture which provides a disc which both cleans primary charge contaminants on detonator cylinder walls, and shapes the preloaded primary charge in the containment chamber of the detonator.

Abstract: This invention record describes the production of a low vulnerability propellant (LOVA) ingredients utilizing mixtures of alkyl nitratoethyl nitramines (alkyl NENAs) and/or bis (2-nitroxyethyl) nitramine (DINA) with nitrocellulose. Described compositions provide lower freezing points and decreases sensitivity while maintaining or surpassing output realized with currently used nitroglycerins/nitrocellulose mixtures. A process to provide for the production of desired mixtures of alkyl NENAs with each other or with DINA in a safe, cost-effective co-nitration process is disclosed. The process involves mixing together predetermined amounts of precursors for each of alkyl NENAs and/or DINA to be present in the final mix. Nitrating the precursors followed by a catalyst reaction, wash and neutralization step.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a connector for transmission tubes wherein a first initiated transmission tube transfers a signal to a second transmission tube within said connector.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a liner comprising a means to decopper, a means to quench heat transfer, and a means to substantially dissolve residue in medium and large caliber guns.