Abstract: In a cargo-transfer system wherein a truck-mounted boom is extendable into a cargo space to manipulate a cargo-lift mechanism, the improvement comprising a lowerable roller mechanism carried by the lift mechanism to slightly elevate the mechanism from the cargo space floor, thereby transferring the cargo weight to the floor, thus relieving the load that would otherwise have to be carried by the outboard end of the boom. The invention permits greater cargo weights and/or a greater extension of the boom, and/or a lighter and cheaper boom, and/or a lower cost power system.

Abstract: A locking connector that includes a shaft snugly fitting within circular nings in at least one of the two members to be connected together. The shaft carries a threaded pin that is eccentric to the shaft axis; a nut is threaded onto the pin to complete the locking connection between the two members.

Abstract: A reversed air system for periodically cleaning one or more filter panels an engine air cleaner. The cleaner system includes an air nozzle at one face of the filter panel and an air receiver at the other panel face. The nozzle and receiver are arranged on ball screws for transverse movement across the filter panel faces. Under our invention, the air receiver has flexible connections with ball nuts that travel along the associated ball screws. The flexible connections have swing flexibility in different planes to alleviate potential jamming tendencies due to manufacturing tolerances, installation variances, and ball screw sag due to the unsupported length of each screw.

Abstract: Military vehicles equipped with upright fuel tanks are subject to near-exsion type fires when enemy projectiles pass through the tank. It is herein proposed to provide a source of pressurized fire suppressant near the fuel tank. Discharge of suppressant toward the emergent fireball is controlled by a squib valve that is triggered to the open condition by a pressure-responsive sensor mounted on the tank; the sensor responds to the shock wave generated by passage of the enemy projectile through the tank. Suppressant is directed toward the fireball by a bladder stretched across the inboard wall of the tank. Such a bladder advantageously has no metallic components that could fragment into dangerous lethal particles.

Abstract: A cartridge ejector for a recoil-operated gun. In prior art guns of the ril-operated type if the gun fails to fire the lack of recoil force prevents the gun from continuing to fire. To allieviate this situation a manually-controlled charging mechanism is operated to draw the bolt carrier back to the full recoil position. Under the present invention the charging mechanism is augmented by a spring-urged piston that propels a special striker arm against the ejector rod carried by the bolt assembly. The ejector rod forcibly impacts the base of the ufired cartridge to eject it from the gun.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension especially for tracked vehicles, comprising an interly pressurized Bourdon tube operatively located between the sprung mass and each road wheel. A single liquid pump can be used to selectively pressurize different ones of the Bourdon tubes to different pressure values in accordance with expected loadings for particular ones of the road wheels. Depressurization of all Bourdon tubes can be used for vehicle height control, as for example to reduce the silhouette of a military vehicle and/or to reduce ground clearance.

Abstract: A mechanical clutch comprising interposed clutch plates keyed to the input nd output members for axial movement between driving positions frictionally engaged with one another and disengaged positions relaxed away from one another. The invention relates to the use of constant force, zero rate, springs for moving the clutch plates between the engaged and disengaged positions.

Abstract: A dual valve actuator mechanism for a fire extinguisher bottle in a milit vehicle. The mechanism includes an electrical trigger system for operating the valve automatically in response to energization of an electronic optical fire sensor; alternately the electrical trigger system can be operated by closure of a manual switch from within the vehicle interior. A second cable system is provided to operate the valve manually from a point external to the vehicle, as when the vehicle is unoccupied at onset of the flame or when the soldiers are forced to exit the vehicle to avoid inhalation of fumes or vapors. Unfortunately the valve actuation stroke is very small, on the order of two-tenth inch or less. The present invention relates to a lost-motion connection in the cable for lengthening the stroke necessary to operate the valve; this prevents inadvertant valve actuation due to vehicle vibrations or installation tolerances.

Abstract: Improved cargo tiedown anchor means adapted for removable mounting in a vcle cargo box to anchor the ends of flexible cargo-retention straps while the vehicle is in motion or in transit. The anchor means comprises a first anchor system near the box front wall and a second anchor system near the box tailgate. Each anchor system includes a rail extending the width of the cargo box and a series of curved rods welded to the rail at spaced points therealong. The rods form eyes to receive hook-like end connectors carried by the flexible cargo tiedown mechanisms.

Abstract: A method of removing a track pin from a track shoe comprising the step of tating and advancing an annular cutter element into a rubber bushing that surrounds the pin. The teeth of the cutter element shred the rubber into particulates that can be removed during withdrawal of the cutter element from the annular space between the pin and track bore.

Abstract: A cargo bed having an indeterminate number of upright stanchions mounted reon to engage side surfaces of cargo components supported on the bed surface. Each stanchion includes a laterally-extending finger that registers with a slot in the bed wall. By rotating the stanchion about its axis it is possible to orient the finger crosswise of the slot, thereby locking the stanchion to the bed. The stanchion may be removed by twisting the stanchion to a position in which the finger registers with the slot.

Abstract: A conventional hydraulic braking system using a master cylinder and a force ooster means between the brake pedal and master piston. The force booster means comprises a liquid cylinder and control valve means for selectively communicating the cylinder with a hydraulic pressure source or drain, depending on the application or non-application of manual force to the brake pedal. The control valve is designed to regulate the cylinder movement in accordance with pedal movement while increasing the force applied to the master piston.

Abstract: A method of forming an acrylic polymer coating on a substrate wherein the ating is cured with ultraviolet light. Photoinitiation of the crosslink reaction is provided by a benzophenone moiety in the crosslinking agent. The photoinitiator moiety is an integral part of the chain, thereby producing a relatively fast cure rate while contributing strength and coherence to the network.

Abstract: In small caliber ammunition, an explosive train for igniting the main prolant charge within the cartridge, said explosive train comprising a shock-sensitive percussion primer and a shock-resistant booster charge. The booster charge is formed as a single annular pellet coaxially aligned with the primer. The primer generates a jet of flame through the central hole in the booster pellet, thereby igniting the pellet to a self-heated condition sufficient to ignite the main propellant charge.

Abstract: This invention relates to automatic guns having bolt carriers operated by coil movement of the gun barrel. High pressure gas is bled from the barrel into a gas tube that delivers both mechanical and fluid pressure forces to a piston impactor aligned with the bolt carrier. Special floating rings are arranged on the gas tube to provide controlled escape of high pressure gas from the tube. The floating rings are shiftable radially to compensate for manufacturing tolerance build-ups in the gun components. The invention reduces manufacturing costs and also increases field service capabilities.

Abstract: Freight container transport mechanism comprising a pair of jaw-like platfs movable toward one another by a winch-cable means to abut opposite ends of a freight container. As the platforms move toward one another certain upstanding struts on the platforms swing upwardly to raise the freight container from ground level to a transport position supported between the platforms.

Abstract: An endless track for a tracked vehicle comprising a series of track shoes, ach having a cavity therein for removable reception of an elastomeric terrain-engaging pad or removable grouser, each pad or grouser being locked within its cavity by a mechanism which includes a swingable latch element having an inturned free end adapted to hook over one edge of the shoe to prevent outward dislocation of the pad from the cavity.

Abstract: A face seal for sealing the joint between a rotary shaft and a stationary using, said seal comprising two sealing discs engaged together through the biasing force of a zero rate spring means. The spring means provides a constant biasing force to maintain a pre-determined sealing engagement force between the discs irrespective of such disturbances as manufacturing tolerances, component assembly errors, service oscillations of the shaft, vibrational effects, or service wear on the sealing discs.

Abstract: A fire-extinguishant mechanism comprising a thick-walled bottle containing pressurized fire extinguishant liquid. Liquid outflow from the bottle is through a poppet valve located at the lower end of the bottle; the valve discharges pressurized extinguishant in one or more preselected directions, depending on the location or application of the bottle system; valve actuation is by means of an explosive squib and/or explosive cartridge (as backup). The bottle is initially filled and pressurized through a multi-purpose fitting at the bottle upper end; a filler tube extends from the fitting downwardly into the bottle to introduce the pressurizing agent below the liquid extinguishant surface. The fitting is specially constructed to mount a charging valve, a pressure gage, rupture disc, and liquid deflection mechanism.

Abstract: An electrically-controlled fuel injector comprising a balanced pressure sl valve that alternately connects an injector plunger control chamber to fuel supply pressure or drain pressure, thereby putting the injector plunger in the closed mode or the injection mode. Fuel pressure is utilized so that the spool valve can be operated (moved) by a relatively small size solenoid. This injector is particularly designed for use in electronic fuel injection systems.