Abstract: A four cycle piston engine has a crankshaft that includes a crank pin and a guide pin rotatable as a unit around the crankshaft rotational axis. The connecting rod has a linear trackway that slidably engages the guide pin so that the rod has linear slidable motion relative to the crankshaft. During the power stroke the connecting rod applies a pulling force to the crank pin via a special force-transmitting linkage.

Abstract: A particle separator comprising a liquid column having a liquid admission point located above the column lower end. Coarse size particles migrate downwardly to a hopper in the columns lower end. Carrier liquid flows upwardly through the column; fine size particles are removed at different levels along the liquid path.

Abstract: A wedge member usable as a door stop on a carpeted floor. Special triangular cross-sectioned grooves are formed in the lower face of the wedge member to bend and trap carpet pile yarns, whereby the wedge member is prevented from sliding out from beneath the door lower edge.

Abstract: An underwater speaker system having a pressure equalization system enabling the speaker to operate in its intended fashion over a wide range of water depths, e.g. from two feet up to sixty feet. Water pressure is applied to a diaphragm that forms one wall of a variable volume an internal face of a speaker membrane. Pressures are equalized on opposite faces of the membrane to enhance speaker performance.

Abstract: A support device for a bug repellant holder, wherein the device is attachable to a conventional wrought iron railing. Vertical posts in the railing serve as attachment points as well as confining mechanisms for the bug repellent holder.

Abstract: A device for separating the shells of an oyster and removing edible meat cleanly from one of the shells. A flat-surfaced blade is inserted into the hinged connection between the shells and then twisted around the blade axis to break the shells apart. The blade side edge has a convex oviform profile that enables the blade to slide under the edible meat in one of the shells, whereby the meat can be scooped out of the shell in one easy motion.

Abstract: A radiometric countermeasures system installable on a military tank to det a passive millimeter wave sensor in a guidance system on an enemy missile. The system comprises an oscillator source of mm waves; a variable attenuator connected to the oscillator to adjust the power level of the oscillator output signal; a circular polarizer connected to the attenuator; an antenna connected to the polarizer to broadcast mm wave radiation to the ambient atmosphere in which the military tank is located; and means for adjusting the attenuation of the attenuator such that total mm wave emission from the tank and from the antenna is substantially equal to the naturally-occurring mm wave radiation emitted by the background scenery in the vicinity of the tank.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, an improved mechanism for adjusting the rotational axis of the crankshaft to vary the engine compression ratio. The crankshaft is supported at spaced points therealong in circular disks that are swivably adjustable about their central axes. The crankshaft rotational axis is eccentric to the disk axis, whereby disk adjustment moves the crankshaft axis in a direction to vary the engine compression ratio.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension wherein hydraulic fluid is delivered to or from each spension unit via a pilot-operated shuttle valve. Each shuttle valve is controlled by the pressure within the suspension unit, such that suspension force is maintained during jounce and rebound motions. The various shuttle valves may be located in a common manifold housing to reduce the plumbing complexity. The shuttle valves may be selectively bypassed under special circumstances, e.g., to lower the vehicle, or to facilitate vehicle turning maneuvers.

Abstract: For use on a military vehicle a missile container wherein a pop-up rack scture is utilized to carry individual missiles. When the container cover is opened a linkage mechanism elevates the pop-up rack structure to present the missiles above the container, such that the soldier can readily remove the missiles from the rack structure and load same into a missile launcher located on the vehicle.

Abstract: A detachable hinge-like connection between a military tank and a mine rol assembly; the hinge connection is designed to be broken (disconnected) from a remote point, e.g. from within the tank, whereby the mine roller assembly can be left on the battlefield without exposing the tank driver to enemy fire. The hinge connection includes a hook member carried by the tank to partially encircle a hinge pin carried by the mine roller assembly. A small explosive squib is arranged to drive a latch pin out of a hole in the hook member, whereupon the hook member swings down under gravitational force, thereby breaking the hinge connection. The tank driver can detonate the explosive squib without leaving the safety of the tank.

Abstract: A rotary circuit-selector switch wherein a manual actuator knob must be pushed in and then rotated in order to effect a switching action. A releasable retainer or detent assembly is provided within the switch housing to maintain the switch in selected positions of adjustment. Two spaced parallel boards are located in the housing to operatively mount the rotary switch element; one of the boards acts as an electrical circuit board. Preferably an electrothermal type circuit breaker is mounted in the housing to protect the switch circuitry from current overloads.

Abstract: In a flat bed cargo vehicle having a series of upwardly-opening pockets spaced therealong, and cargo tie-down anchor members swingably disposed therein: the improvement wherein each pocket has a porous bottom wall permitting water to drain out of the pocket; each said bottom wall comprising a series of baffles preventing flames in the zone beneath the pocket from travelling directly upwardly through the pores defined by the baffles, to detonate ammunition located on the bed.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for delivering motive power to the wheel-tire units on a land vehicle, comprising a differential having two operating modes, namely a "locked" mode and an "unlocked" mode. The unlocked mode is used when a tire is punctured; differences in tire diameter incident to tire puncture are effectively compensated. The locked mode is used when the vehicle is traversing slippery terrain; tractive force is maintained under adverse operating conditions.

Abstract: A liner for the firing chamber of a gun, designed to prevent ammunition "cook-off". The liner minimizes flow of heat into the chamber wall, incident to the combustion process. The liner also retards the flow of heat in the reverse direction, i.e. from the chamber wall into a chambered round. Liner design is such that the liner can be removed and replaced by a new liner when it is damaged.

Abstract: A military tank is equipped with an auxiliary (extra) power source located utside the tank. With the tank engine inactive (non-running) the auxiliary power source can be energized to deliver power to the engine transmission and to the air-coolant fans for the engine. A tank, equipped with the auxiliary power source, can be subjected to a realistic live fire test of its fire suppression system even though the tank engine is inoperable or inactive.

Abstract: An existing military system for clearing a path through an enemy mine field (by use of an explosively-charged line) is equipped with a safety mechanism for preventing premature detonation of explosive charges. The safety mechanism includes means responsive to weight changes, incident to withdrawal of an explosively-charged line from a storage container. The weight-responsive mechanism permits electrical detonation of the explosive charges only when the container is emptied of the explosive charges.

Abstract: A remotely-operated lock mechanism for the main gun of a military vehicle. n arm structure is swingable between a prone (inactive) position and an upright position disposed to bear the weight of the main gun. A clamp device is swingably attached to the arm structure for movement between a position overlying the gun barrel and another position displaced laterally from the gun barrel. A single power mechanism is remotely actuable to operate both the arm structure and the clamp device.

Abstract: A semi-automatic tire deflation device attachable to a tire filler valve. A spring-urged plunger mechanism within the device is alignable with the filler valve element so that manual depression of the plunger mechanism opens the filler valve to start the tire-deflation process. The plunger has differential areas exposed to pressure forces, whereby reduction of the pressure to a predetermined value allows the spring to return the plunger mechanism to its starting position, thus automatically terminating the tire-deflation process.

Abstract: A spur gear system wherein each gear comprises two gear sections; gear te in the respective sections are staggered a one half tooth pitch distance. The effect is to achieve a relatively high contact ratio with relatively small diameter gears. Teeth on mating gears are of positive (convex) curvature and negative (concave) curvature to provide an enlarged contact area.