Abstract: A novel composite armor for armored vehicles which attenuates mine blast loading better than monolithic steel armor plate of equal areal density without structural fracture. The disclosed composite armor, particularly used as vehicle floor armor, is designed so as to greatly enhance not only crew survivability, by markedly reduced compressive shock effect, but also vehicular integrity. The novel composite armor in most preferred embodiments comprises layers of high density steel honeycomb, balsa wood, and ballistic-resistant nylon such as KEVLAR, sandwiched in various arrangements between outer layers of steel armor plate.

Abstract: A novel testing system utilizing a novel subcombination multiple pin/probe ype, motion-sensing accelerometer transducer, capable of sensing exceptionally high levels of structural motion, in the domain of from about 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 Gs (force of gravity). Such motion may be imparted by shock wave forces generated by detonation of high energy ballistic and/or land mine charges, thereby generally deforming some portions of closely adjacent, high strength structures such as steel armor plate being tested. This novel accelerometer transducer comprises at least two and preferably from six to eight potentially deformable pin-like contact probes preferably of pure annealed metal which preferably project from both sides of a support fixture. One set of contact pin ends are generally spaced at slightly different distances from an adjacent surface to be tested.

Abstract: A light weight armor for combat vehicles, having at least three laminations f which at least the two outermost have the same mass, but with all having significantly differing densities and thicknesses.

Abstract: A TOW (Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided) missile system is mted on a combat vehicle turret for greater combat effectiveness. Before the missile is launched, the gunner keeps the target in his sights in azimuth by powering the turret through a movable sight to which the turret is slaved by a lock mechanism. Missile launch energizes certain electrical devices which unlock the mechanism to make sight movement independent of the turret, open the turret drive motor power switch, and set a brake on the motor which locks the turret against movement to provide a stable platform for tracking the target during missile flight. After a preset time to allow for on-target impact, the devices are automatically reset and the turret drive is again slaved to the sight in azimuth.

Abstract: An improved I beam construction for longitudinal I beams preferably as used n trailer frames. The I beam is comprised of a top flange, a bottom flange, a vertical web wall interconnecting the top and bottom flanges along their centerlines in a customary manner, for a substantial part of its length, with the novel aspect including a portion of the vertical web wall offset laterally toward the outer side edges of the top and bottom flanges so that said offset wall portion is essentially flush with those said edges. The purpose of this offsetting is to provide more advantageous horizontal and vertical mounting surfaces for saddle mount capability and attachment of a trailer's wheel suspension assembly, which construction is found to be stronger than can otherwise be fabricated.

Abstract: A precision power gear train assembly particularly adaptable for use with vehicles having a 360.degree. rotatable turret mounted thereon. The assembly embodies novel spring and stop means to minimize backlash and to limit gear tooth disengagement of the enmeshed output pinion and ring gears of such an assembly. More specifically a pinion-ring gear assembly mounts a gear box to oscillate about an axis parallel to the pinion axis of rotation such that the tooth pressure between pinion and ring gear biases the teeth apart, increasing backlash. A preloaded spring biases the gear teeth into tight mesh to eliminate backlash until the tooth pressure force exceeds a predetermined maximum. Thereafter, further increases in the tooth pressure force separates the teeth by compression of the spring beyond its preloaded compression. A stop limits tooth separation.

Abstract: A conventional shock absorber is modified by adding a valve cage to the rod nd and providing an additional cylinder outside the shock absorber to form an annular reservoir outside the shock absorber. Temperature sensitive valves open when oil heats to a potentially destructive level, unloading the shock absorber. When the oil cools to a safe operating temperature, the temperature sensitive valves re-close and the shock absorber is again operative.

Abstract: A method of recharging fire extinguisher bottles wherein special transfer linders are used to store and discharge predetermined quantities of liquid fire suppressant and pressurizing gas to the bottle; the process is carried out on a weight basis to minimize errors that would occur if the charging process were carried out on a pressure or volume basis. The invention is particularly applicable to the recharging of fire extinguisher bottles located in military vehicles without the necessity for first removing the bottles from the vehicles.

Abstract: An extended vision control device or accessory for selective attachable-detachable use with visual aid instruments such as binoculars, or monocular optical telescopes and the like, to enhance both visual tracking and radio control movement of mobile vehicles, such as model or miniature target tanks, trucks and the like. This accessory control device includes at least one housing for finger-operable controls, each housing adaptable for removable mounting upon a visual aid sighting instrument by means of quick attachable-detachable fasteners, and each housing further includes a control lever and an electrical conductor cable connectable with various of commercially available radio wave transmitter units having one or more sets of selector control devices, to thereby enhance movement observation and continuing radio-controlled operation of the device with which it is associated.

Abstract: A pair of flanged telescoping covers houses a main spring comprising two osed Belleville discs, which provide the elastically deformable metal that is squeezed when the gage is placed between the track and an idler wheel. Cam mechanism occupies a central cavity provided by both covers, wherein a pin held against rotation by one cover engages slots in a cup movable in the other cover against a helical spring. The cup carries a pointer which moves across a scale.

Abstract: Drain/check valve of soft elastomer for floor of vehicle, resembles a musom. Top surface of mushroom head has radial grooves. Central passage through head terminates in a tapered flat edge of mushroom stem which is normally closed. Head is peripherally grooved in grommet-like fashion to yieldably accept edges of hole-defining floor surface or similar panel. With valve in place, elastomer between radial grooves extends radially inward beyond walls of passage below head, thus forming narrowest part of passageway. Passage diverges downward, when wide open, and passage in its preformed state is progressively larger in overall perimeter and towards the terminal lower end thereof.

Abstract: Four red light emitting diodes are embedded in a synthetic resin encapsul. Two diodes in each of two pairs are connected in parallel and the two pairs are connected in series with a resistance, a blocking diode, and an on-off switch. A fifth diode which emits yellow light when energized is connected in series with a resistance, a blocking diode, and a brake-actuated switch.

Abstract: An elliptical wobble disk at its periphery engages a sine curve track, on a lide or on a drum, and slides the strip track or rotates the drum as a preferred alternative to a gear drive.

Abstract: A disposable electrosurgical cautery which functions in a dual capacity as a hollow sucker tube as well as a cauterizer, and is intended to be prepackaged in sterilized preferably envelope-type containers, to be used once and disposed of. The cautery consists of an elongated hollow metal electrode and suction tube having an electrical conductor wire permanently connected to the proximal portion, and together are encased in a plastic housing which serves as an insulating handle. The handle is of special anatomically contoured configuration to provide for deft and positive use of the distal or forwardly projecting probe or point of the cautery without chance of short circuits or burns through inadequate wire connections or poor insulation.

Abstract: An educational and recreational game for teaching players the engaging and appealing hobby or vocation of genealogy with an object to inspire players subsequently to trace their own real-life ancestors and to preserve a record of their family lineage for posterity. The game includes a multi-sided playing board having a continuous peripheral course divided into a pluality of interconnected playing spaces.

Abstract: A diaper of tubular knitted form having a pile surface on the outside of the tubular body and a smooth surface on its inside. The upper half portion of the tubular diaper has a larger width than its lower half portion. The diaper is less bulky, has higher water-absorbing properties and feels softer than conventional diapers and is therefore especially suitable for use by growing babies and infants.