Abstract: A mechanical shaker mechanism used in the laboratory for imparting oscillry motions to a military tank turret. The mechanism can be programmed to duplicate test track conditions at lesser cost then would be required to operate a complete tank on a proving ground. The mechanism is designed to include special link mechanisms between the power devices and the turret-support ring. Other stabilizer link mechanisms are provided between the turret-support ring and stationary anchorage points.

Abstract: A variable speed drive that uses cone clutch surfaces, and an adjusting manism for shifting certain ones of the cone surfaces parallel to the cone angle, thereby changing the speed ratio between the input and output members. The engaged clutch surfaces preferably comprise a relatively small diameter male clutch surface engaged with a relatively large diameter female clutch surface, such that a relatively large area engagement is achieved in all adjusted positions of the clutch system. The inventive system preferably includes an intermediate member between the input and output members; this intermediate member has two sets of clutch surfaces interengaged with clutch surfaces on the input and output members to produce a two step speed change from the input member to the output member.

Abstract: A mechanism for protecting the tires of military vehicles from destruction y enemy small arms fire. The mechanism includes a plate or disk of armor material radiating from the vehicle wheel to a point slightly less than the expected radial deformation of the tire so that the disk is prevented from impacting against the terrain during severe jounce motions of the tire. As an auxiliary feature, a series of paddles can be retractably mounted on each disk for extension from the disk preferably when it is desired to operate the vehicle in mud, sand, or other soft terrains. The paddles tractively engaged the terrain to prevent wheel spin.

Abstract: An adjustable shim structure for use between shaft-mounted equipments and aft-support bearings, whereby axial play of the equipments is prevented. The shim structure includes two collars having meshed threads enabling the collars to be rotated relative to one another for adjusting the axial length of the collar assembly. The shaft may be connected to each bearing by means of an expansible plug extending within a circular cavity in the shaft; the plug exerts an outward radial force on the shaft wall, thus expanding the shaft into an interference fit with the associated bearing.

Abstract: Mechanism to be added to existing two-wheeled dolly structures used for tng military shelter units from one geographical location to another. The add-on mechanism includes a motorized wheel unit attachable to the dolly structure to facilitate manipulation of the dolly structure into precise alignment with the shelter; the add-on mechanism further includes motor means for powering a hydraulic pump used to actuate certain lift cylinders on the dolly structure. The add-on mechanisms reduce the time expenditure required to hook the dolly to the shelter and raise same into a condition suitable for towing by a military truck.

Abstract: Add-on armor protection for a military tank having an externally mounted n gun. Horizontal armor plates are attached to existing upstanding gun cradle wall structure to provide enhanced protection for the driver and commander; an additional armor plate can be mounted at the rear ends of the gun cradle wall structure to protect ammunition stored in rear areas of the hull. The add-on armor components are particularly designed to protect against top attack munitions. Some or all of the armor components can be swingably adjustable to provide alternate protection against enemy ground fire attack.

Abstract: A liquid spray nozzle especially designed to spray vaporizable liquid fire extinguishant onto an explosive fireball. A minor portion of the incoming liquid is used to develop transversely directed liquid pulses which act on the liquid mainstream to deflect the stream from one nozzle boundary wall to another boundary wall. The exit stream from the nozzle exhibits a transversely oscillating character for minimizing vacant spots in the spray pattern while achieving a relatively divergent spray cross section. The method of oscillating the mainstream uses a relatively small energy expenditure so that the mainstream has a relatively long spray penetration distance.

Abstract: Disclosed is an observation system for military land vehicles, comprising ree television cameras and associated receivers. A first camera is located on a forward area of the vehicle for enabling the driver to view the area in the vehicle path. A second television camera is located in a protected area beneath the main gun; the gunner can use the second camera to train the gun on enemy targets. A third television camera is located at an elevated point on one of the trunnion walls for the main gun; the commander uses the third camera to search out new targets and enemy forces.

Abstract: A vehicle shock absorber wherein hydraulic flow out of the shock absorber chamber is controlled by a metering valve that is operated by an electrical power operator. The shock absorber dampener characteristics can be instantaneously changed by the driver of the vehicle or automatically by a computer, according to the value of the electrical signal applied to the metering valve power operator.

Abstract: Mechanism for locking individual rounds of ammunition in a bank of storage ubes disposed in an ammunition supply vehicle. A gang type lock actuator system can be operated to lock all ammunition rounds in place while the vehicle is in transit. Individual rounds can be unlocked when it is desired to transfer a specific number of rounds to a combat vehicle.

Abstract: A motion simulator for oscillating (shaking) a tank turret. Multiple fluid ylinders are used to produce elevational, roll, pitch and yaw movements of the turret. An additional fluid cylinder imparts rotational motion to the turret in the azimuth plane.

Abstract: Fluid pressure mechanism for locking a movable rod or similar member in scted positions of adjustment. The mechanism includes a fluid housing having at least one annular rod-gripper element encircling a movable rod. Introduction of fluid pressure into the housing causes the gripper element to expand out of locking engagement with the rod. Removal of the fluid pressure force enables the gripper element to relax into locking engagement with the rod. In a preferred arrangement two rod-gripper elements are employed. The rod passes through the two gripper elements located in opposite side walls of the housing.

Abstract: A method of sealing the pores in wall structures formed of sintered ceramic owders, especially silicon nitride or silicon carbide. The sealing operation is performed by pumping two reactant gases into the pores of the wall structure from opposite sides of the structure. As the gases meet one another within the pores they chemically react to form a solid ceramic sealant material, e.g., silicon nitride or silicon carbide. The reactant gases are selected so that the in situ-formed sealant corresponds chemically to the wall structure material.

Abstract: In an arctic vehicle having a heater for the passenger compartment, it is oposed to add an external heat exchanger to remove (condense) moisture from air flowing through the heater. The relatively dry air discharged from the heater into the passenger compartment is less likely to produce fogging or icing on interior surfaces of the vehicle windows. Eliminating or minimizing the fogging-icing condition improves passenger visibility. The invention has special application to military vehicles.

Abstract: A gas-operated motor that comprises a divergent nozzle helically wrapped around a rotary support shaft to convey gas from a high pressure inlet chamber to a low pressure outlet chamber. The gas is progressively depressurized during its flow along the nozzle passage; pressure energy is converted to a turning force on the shaft. The structure represents a relatively simple, low cost mechanism for converting gas pressure energy into high speed rotary motion.

Abstract: A transmission controller that includes a series of fluidic comparators receiving power signals from selected ports in a manually-actuable range selector valve. Hydraulic signals representing engine throttle position and transmission output speed are beamed against each comparator main flow stream to switch the flow between a primary collector port and alternate collector port. Comparator outputs are amplified and applied to the end faces of spool valves that provide hydraulic actuator force for the transmission clutches.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cannon-support mechanism that includes means for loading rds of ammunition into the firing chamber of the cannon. An upright hollow strut or arm has a swingable connection with a rotary firing chamber mechanism such that individual rounds of ammunition can be transferred from a support vehicle directly through the hollow strut into the cannon firing chamber. The hollow strut is raisable or lowerable in the direction of its length, whereby the ammunition transfer function can be carried out with the cannon in a range of different elevations relative to the roof area of the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to surveillance and counter-surveillance classificon of military vehicles using one-dimensional analysis of the target images. A two-dimensional image is digitized into a n by n pixel matrix which is summed along each row and column to produce a pair of n-component vectors which are invariant under image translation or rotation. A one-dimensional Fourier transform can be obtained from either or both of these two vectors. The image vectors are useful in the identification of U.S. and threat vehicle targets, or in the detection of target image motion.

Abstract: An air-inflatable structure wherein each flat wall of the structure comprs a separate air bag. Sharp rectangular corners can be formed at the demarcation zones between the separate air bags. The invention is particularly useful in the formation of air-inflated structures having flat walls and sharp corners, e.g., decoy (fake) military vehicles. Decoy structures (e.g., tanks, trucks, etc.) can be made to achieve closer more realistic simulations of actual structures.

Abstract: A nozzle for discharging vaporizable liquid fire suppressant material tow a flame area to be suppressed. A nozzle includes internal mechanism for forcing an insulator shroud around the liquid fire suppressant while the suppressant is still within the nozzle. The shroud insulates the liquid material while the liquid stream is traveling toward the target flame, thereby preventing premature flashing or vaporization of the liquid. A particular aim of the invention is to increase the penetration distance, i.e., travel distance before the liquid is dissipated.