Abstract: The disclosed valve assembly permits the automatic scuttling, or sinking, floatable pressure vessels or other containers, and comprises an extensible, spring-restrained nozzle containing a spring-biased ball seal within a flow passage. Vessel internal pressure extends the nozzle from a retracted position to expose the exterior end of the flow passage. A calibrated restraining spring ring maintains the nozzle retracted and in the extended position during pressure vessel operation. The ball seal is displaced from a nonsealing position against a ball seat to preclude pressure relief through the flow passage. After exhaustion of internal pressure, the bias spring and external water pressure force the ball seal from the ball seat to permit water entry and subsequent sinking of the vessel.

Abstract: A fail-safe, velocity-discriminating centrifugal clutch having a biased, ion-transmitting pawl element displaceable at speeds at or above a predetermined threshold value to an engagement position with a driven ratchet assembly. Under conditions of missing or malassembled parts, clutch operation is in the fail-safe mode with no transmission of rotary motion. In the engaged position, no centrifugal force generated by the pawl element is applied to the ratchet assembly. This feature, plus the radial contact between the pawl element and the ratchet assembly, allows operation between misaligned input and output shafts, even at high rotational speeds.

Abstract: An assembly for explosively shearing material to form openings in contain and to separate attached elements comprises an explosive material positioned within a groove in a backing support adjacent one side of the material to be severed. A shear element located on the other side of the material has its shearing edge axially aligned with the centerline of the groove and explosive material. Upon detonation, the explosive pressure forcibly displaces the material against the shearing edge, severing the material without fragmentation.

Abstract: A fuze system for cluster weapons comprises a dispenser fuze signal generr, low complexity bomblet fuze signal receivers and a fluidic signal link. The dispenser fuze generates a pneumatic enabling and arming signal to the bomblet fuzes and opens the dispenser. Deformable signal processing diaphragms and detents enable the bomblet fuzes and arm the bomblets upon dispenser opening.

Abstract: An explosive-train, arming-rotor type fuze mounted flush with the skin of a eapon wherein the arming rotor is doubly out-of-line in the safe position, and where both linear translation and angular rotation is required to align the explosive train in the armed position. A visual and tactile indicator is provided, the fuze being "safe" when it remains flush, and being able to become "armed" when the fuze protrudes from the skin of the weapon.

Abstract: A fail-safe projectile fuze safety-and-arming mechanism comprises a rotor ving thereon an explosive train component, said rotor having its mass center on the projectile spin axis. Fixedly secured to the rotor is a pinion whih engages first and second drive gears provided with clearance spaces on the circumference thereof, wherein a plurality of gear teeth have face dimensions less than the thickness of the gears. The mass centers of the drive gears are offset from the geometric centers thereof. Engagement is continuous between each of the drive gears but, because of the clearance spaces, is intermittent between the drive gears and the pinion. Rotation of the rotor is controlled by the position and dimensions of the clearance spaces. A locking ball positioned in a raceway between the rotor and the housing of the device prevents undesired movement of the rotor.

Abstract: A safing-and-arming mechanism for ordnance fuzes having an air speed sensor nd redundant means to prevent premature arming rotor movement. Upon weapon delivery, a spring-loaded snorkel is extended to unlock the first of two rotor locks and to direct a stream of air past a turbine wheel to drive an electric generator and a gear train through a centrifugal clutch. A winding disk is rotated to place a rotor spring in tension, the rotor being held against the spring force by a tumbler controlled by an explosive actuator. Upon an ignition signal from the electronic fuzing package, the tumbler is retracted and the rotor displaced to the armed position to align explosive components of a firing train.

Abstract: A one-piece sabot of the can type comprises an energy storage means posited between the obturator and the aft end of the subcaliber projectile and means for mounting the sabot on the projectile in one of a plurality of axial positions. Energy stored in the storage means during the initial phase of launch is released after launch to effect projectile-sabot separation.

Abstract: A retaining clip capable of repeated, reliable application of a high retention force on an elongated member, such as an arming wire, having a planar base portion with ends formed into upstanding, reversed S-shaped bends. The upper bend of one S-shape has a reduced width portion receivable in an aperture provided in the upper bend of the other S-shape. Stop means are provided on the reduced width portion which engage the sides of the aperture to restrict displacements to the elastic-range of the heat-treated material of the clip.

Abstract: An aerodynamic window for isolating different gases or different states of ases when typical transparent window material is not feasible. An adjustable, supersonic conical nozzle is mounted coaxially with an opening and a cylindrical tube is mounted to the opening and extends coaxially toward the conical nozzle. A sliding-wedge-type gate valve is used to close the tube. The start up procedure consists of adjusting the conical nozzle axially to equalize the pressure on both sides of the wedge valve. Once the pressure is equalized the wedge may be removed.

Abstract: A portable, rocket-deployed signaling system for deploying a pin-point loion marker including a tractor rocket propulsion unit and attached payload container launched from a hand-held tube. The payload comprises an inflatable marker balloon, a gas generator for inflating the balloon and a tether line connecting the balloon to the launcher tube. A coupling pin, secured to the tether line at a predetermined length from the end attached to the launcher tube and removably supported on the payload container, is pulled subsequent to launch to permit the container to separate and deploy the balloon. A percussion igniter then actuates the gas generator to inflate the balloon with the generator separating after inflation.

Abstract: An anti-derailment system to prevent train derailment due to axle failure sulting from journal bearing overheating includes a thermal sensor to continuously monitor the temperature of the bearing and to activate the brake system when the temperature exceeds a predetermined level. A thermally-responsive element located in the journal bearing adapter physically deforms to activate a power source. The resulting signal initiates an electroexplosive brake line venting mechanism, puncturing and venting the brake line to stop the train. Several configurations of the thermal sensor and the power source are possible.