Abstract: A thin frangible cork barrier conforming to the contour of the burning surface of individual solid propellant grains in a multiple grain rocket motor prevents premature ignition of the protected grain by the heat of combustion of previously ignited adjacent grains and is expelled through the rocket motor nozzle upon ignition of the protected grain. In a second embodiment, the thermal protection afforded by the frangible cork barrier is augmented by bonding to a thermally-protective elastomer layer which is in turn bonded to the propellant grain burning surface. By virtue of the composition and structure of the embodiments, thermal protection is afforded. Upon ignition of a protected grain the thermal barrier breaks up so as to pass readily through the throat of a small motor nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for establishing the alignment of heat seeking missiles with the longitudinal axis of a launch pod within which the missiles are contained is disclosed. A housing containing a heat source and collimating optics provides a simulated distant infrared target for the missiles. A tapered probe rigidly attachable to the housing fits securely into a central alignment socket in the launcher pod. The probe is accurately offset from the center line of the alignment socket by the housing to establish the optical axis of the simulated target parallel to the axis of the launcher pod, and in front of the stored missiles. The position of the missile within the launch pod is adjustable to maximize the target signal strength received by the missile from the simulated target to achieve missile alignment with the axis of the launcher pod.

Abstract: A compound parallelogram four-bar linkage is provided wherein a first primary link is connected to a second primary link through connector links of substantially the same length and the pivotal angles of the first primary link and second primary link are maintained at substantially ninety degrees as movement is transferred from one primary link to the other so that the resonant frequency of the linkage does not vary and the linkage stiffness is independent of the angle of rotation.

Abstract: A method for electroless overplating of a conductive metal on printed wiring circuitry components mounted upon a plastic substrate which eliminates deposit metal overgrowth upon the plastic substrate and plastic bonding materials. The substrate and printed wiring are treated by exposure to a tetrafluoromethane plasma environment to chemically passivate, or neutralize, the plastic or adhesive substrate surface areas prior to electroless plating of the printed circuitry elements, thus preventing the establishment of catalyzing ions on the plastic or adhesive surfaces and subsequent lay down of the deposited metal thereon.

Abstract: A pivotal pistol grip firing mechanism mountable upon an operator-portable rocket launcher for use in aiming and electrically arming and firing a rocket loaded within the launcher is disclosed. A mounting bracket attached to the exterior of the launcher supports a pistol grip pivotally, between a carrying position and a firing position. The pistol grip houses a percussion activated thermal battery together with a firing pin assembly for activating the battery to supply power to fire the rocket. Energy to activate the thermal battery is not available until a firing pin spring is compressed by positioning the pistol grip in the firing position. A trigger and safety lever assembly in the pistol grip control the release of the firing pin. A manual safety switch in the pistol grip circuitry prevents transmission of the battery output unless closed by the operator prior to firing.

Abstract: A missile launch cannister end cap removal device utilizing the pressure pulse of a traveling shock wave within the cannister is disclosed. A pressure chamber, the interior of which is separated from the interior of the cannister by a diaphragm having a selected rupture pressure. Gas pressure is generated in the chamber by the firing of an explosive charge at the appropriate time in the missile launch sequence. The diaphragm is ruptured by the pressure developed in the chamber introducing a traveling shock wave into the interior of the missile cannister. The pressure pulse of the shock wave removes the end caps fitted over the open ends of the cannister.

Abstract: A man portable shoulder fired rocket weapon system including a two section tubular launcher, sections of which are hingedly foldable one over the other to reduce the launcher length for storage and transport, and permitting the launcher to be holster carried in the manner of a sidearm. A lock and seal coupling connects the unfolded launcher tube sections to extend the launcher for firing and also serves as a safety element in the firing circuit. Two tubular blast shields are mounted concentrically upon the launch tube sections and are extendable therefrom to further lengthen the launcher and provide protection for the user against rocket motor exhaust. A compatible rocket round is carried in the folded launcher as a ready round. A waist worn holster and reload pack complete the weapon system elements.

Abstract: A firing mechanism for portable rocket launchers that includes a percussion activated thermal battery to supply electrical power for arming the warhead and igniting the motor of the rocket contained within the launcher. The energy to activate the thermal battery is not available until a firing pin spring is compressed by the opening of the firing mechanism cover preparatory to firing, and the output of the battery is isolated from the rocket by a normally open electrical switch that is not closed until the trigger mechanism moves to initiate the activation sequence. A safety plate physically blocks movement of the battery firing pin and trigger until positioned by the operator. The trigger and safety plate are arranged for single handed operation while at the same time maintaining a firm grip on the firing mechanism in aiming and firing the rocket launcher.

Abstract: A burner casing having a vertical support sleeve mounted at its center forms a combustion chamber below the sleeve and an annular duct space that surrounds the sleeve. A self supporting fuel cartridge containing consolidated solid fuel particles fits slidably within the support sleeve and has one end resting upon a mandrel located in the combustion chamber. Air to support steady state combustion of the fuel particles at a surface of the cartridge is forced downwardly through the cartridge. The heat of combustion and exhaust products pass from the combustion chamber through the annular duct space and then to other furnace components.

Abstract: A missile launcher tube from which a missile is fired from a forward end causing gases to exit out the aft, or exhaust gas, end of a launcher tube in which the aft end is provided with a conical surface (flare) forming a nozzle so that as the missile exits from the forward end, a forward pressure force created by the exhaust gas acting on the conical surface as the exhaust gas exits from the aft end opposes and reduces an aft end directed recoil force. The conical nozzle is located entirely within the outer surface of the launcher tube so that the launcher tube envelope is not disturbed.