Abstract: A safe ordnance initiation system which is safe for normal handling, expoe to strong electromagnet fields, and electrostatic discharge comprises a firing circuit which provides a method for rapidly and efficiently connecting (switching) a charged capacitor to an electrical discharge inititation element; an enclosed and environmentally protected electrical discharge initiation element which provides a means of rapidly dissipating the capacitor charge and converting it to a shock wave and thermal/plasma energy output; a transmission line shock tubing which is connected to the electrical discharge initiation element at one end which is terminated in a target element at the other end thereof; and a target element having the capability for interacting with a predetermined output energy level of shock charge and thermal/plasma energy transmitted through the transmission line shock transfer tube to achieve a desired result for igniting or detonating the target element depending on the type of end termination employe

Abstract: Low frequency broadband energy is separated from an accelerator structure ndamental radio frequency (rf) energy in the broadband electromagnetic energy within specific frequency bands. The particle beam accelerator electromagnetic arc detection system comprises employing signal lines extended from existing particle beam accelerator diagnostic sensors to electrical filter circuits. Depending on the application requirements, filters are grouped by types such as low-pass, high pass, or bandpass types. The bandpass filters are employed in banks in a preferred embodiment to reject all electrical signals except those within the band of interest. The increase in broadband electromagnetic energy radiated through the accelerator structure as an arc begins to form is readily detectable in the rf spectrum at frequencies below 10 MHz. The electrical signals received by the filters are subsequently passed to detectors which produce a direct current (DC) level proportional to the strength of the signal.

Abstract: A video data link system utilizes spread spectrum to decrease the susceptlity of a low power video link to radio frequency countermeasures. The video data link system utilizes a combination of spread spectrum direct-sequence modulation and frequency-hop along with frequency modulation to provide spectral spreading of radio frequency energy to a bandwidth much greater than the information bandwidth. The direct sequence modulation allows minimization of the number of frequency steps required for complete spectral filling of the operational bandwidth on an average basis. Frequency hop timing is determined from the phase of the direct sequence generator to simplify the frequency hop synchronization process in the receiver. Bandwidth of the fm video signal, after being spread in spectral width by the bi-phase direct sequence signal, is approximately equal to the direct pseudo random sequence clock rate.

Abstract: A gel/solid bipropellant propulsion system employs fuel-rich combustion gs from a solid gas generator and an oxidizer gel in a highly efficient combustion chamber wherein the fuel-rich combustion gases and the oxidizer gel are each metered through a vortex injector into a combustion chamber to produce a hypergolic reaction. The solid gas generator (SSG) has a preferred composition of glycidly azide polymer (GAP). The GAP SSG is composed of GAP diol and/or triol polymerized with a di-or tri-function isocyanate, such as isophorone diisocyanate. The gel/solid bipropellant propulsion system comprises the SSG in combination with an oxidizer storage/extrusion vessel system, a combustion chamber system, and a system controller which controls initial ignition of the SSG to produce fuel rich combustion gas which pressurize the system. The system controller monitors pressures and flow rates of fuel and gel oxidizer.

Abstract: Edible coatings for protecting perishable foods against spoilage and for significantly extending the life of such foods as fruits and vegetables. A protein derived film is prepared from soybeans, wheat, corn, and mixtures thereof by a process of soaking the grain in water to soften the layer, subjecting the grain-water mixture to the shearing action in a blender to form a milky suspension which is filtered to remove the solids. The residual liquid is heated to denature the higher molecular constituents which are coagulated, allowed to float to the surface, and removed from the denatured proteinaceous solution. The denatured proteinaceous solution is cooled and subsequently employed to coat fruits and vegetable with coatings which function as excellent barriers for preventing the fruits and vegetables from reacting with atmospheric oxygen or carbon dioxide while providing barriers which are permeable to water which precludes their drying out due to dehydration during storage.

Abstract: A co-polymer comprised of butadiene and carboranyl methacrylate is disclo along with a method for preparation. The co-polymer is used as a combination plasticizer and catalyst for solid propellants. It is prepared by an emulsion polymerization process.

Abstract: This invention is a solid fuel air turbo rocket. A solid propellant charge, hich is richer in fuel than conventional propellant compositions, burns in an initial chamber. The gases so produced pass through turbine blades into a second chamber. The turbine, which is rotated by the gases impinging on and passing through the blades, drives a compressor which compresses air from the atmosphere. This compressed air is fed into the second chamber where the oxygen in the air reacts with the fuel rich gas to produce further combustion and gas expansion. The gasious products so generated pass through a nozzle into the atmosphere, resulting in thrust to the missile. As the missile accelerates a variable area air inlet is reduced to maintain a normal shock at the throat. When ramjet take-over velocities are reached, the turbo-compressor is jettisoned to allow the second chamber to function as a ramjet burner.

Abstract: This invention is an igniter for solid rocket propellants that is used when testing propellant compositions for smokiness. The igniter has a charge of solid propellant in the form of small, generally spherical particles or thin sheets so as to have a large total burning surface and thin web. The composition of the igniter propellant is same or similar to that of the propellant being tested so that true smokiness of the test propellant can be ascertained. Upon ignition, the igniter propellant charge burns rapidly in an igniter combustion chamber and produces a high internal pressure. The hot gases produced by this combustion of the igniter propellant discharge through an orifice in an igniter chamber wall and flow onto the surface of the main propellant being ignited.

Abstract: An initiator that produces an intermediate combustion step in a system for gniting solid rocket propellant with a laser beam. The initiator comprises a pyrotechnic pellet which has a concave conical surface and a breakaway/burn center section. The pellet is positioned in a container which has a window. A laser beam is directed through the window, onto the conical surface, and initiates combustion of the pellet. The container restrains the pellet from moving during combustion.

Abstract: The device of the invention comprises a ball and socket and shoe assembly ich is pressure balanced with hydraulic fluid. This combination provides for low friction and relatively large travels when used as a linear to rotary motion actuator. In accordance with the contributions of the structural elements of the device, hydraulic pressure is applied to the rear of a piston by modulating the fluid pressure through a servo valve. Four pistons are typically used with two pistons driving the support spider clockwise and the other two driving the support spider counter clockwise. The control pressure produces a force through both the piston and pressure balanced shoes. The force is transmitted to the spider which is pivoted about flexures to produce a torque which results in a rotary motion of the spider (support).

Abstract: A spring tension retained, gas pressure actuated annular piston is mounted n a centered gas tube disposed within an outer gas tube connected to a gas flow tube. The annular piston which is positioned around the centered gas tube and within the outer gas tube is connected to a retractable tension spring positioned on the outer surface of the center tube. In the absence of gas pressure, the force of the tension spring retracts the annular piston away from the mating surface of the structure to which it is mated or to be mated, but subsequently, after gas pressure is applied to the annular piston the force of tension spring is overcome, and mating of surfaces of piston-seal and the structure to be mated takes place to achieve a firm seal without damaging the interface seal disposed between piston and mating surface. The self-sealing seal is employed to connect two sections of a gas supply tube during missile assembly procedure.