Abstract: The plasma-arc torch is of the type wherein a thermally ionizable gas is ected past a non-consumable cathode electrode and through the constricted orifice of a nozzle. An arc is established between the non-consumable electrode and the nozzle to initiate and sustain a plasma stream through the constricted orifice and then through a final port in a housing. A shield gas is directed around the nozzle and through the final port in the housing. A wire guide/contact tip is used for supporting a positively charged spray wire with a wire alignment fixture for coupling the wire guide/contact tip to the plasma stream outside the final port in the housing, the wire alignment fixture having a first collar section fixed to the torch and a second collar section fixed to the wire guide/contact tip.

Abstract: A gas generator for a long range missile is driven by a solid propellant in assembly which includes a cylindrical inhibitor, a forward closure assembly that is attached to one end of the inhibitor and a propellant grain that is cast into the cylindrical cavity formed by the interior surface of the cylindrical inhibitor. Between the grain and inhibitor and between the grain and forward closure assembly is an adhesive bonding system for attaching the grain to the inhibitor and forward closure assembly. The exposed or aft end of the grain is the initial burning surface and includes a plurality of annular concentric grooves and a configuration that provides optimum burn progression that results in a complete high pressure burn. The external surface of the inhibitor is machined so that the solid propellant grain assembly may be readily inserted and removed from the gas generator.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the rotation of a nut with respect to a threa shaft, one version suitable for use on a plain threaded shaft and another version suitable for use on a threaded shaft having an axial keyway of rectangular cross section. The apparatus consists of a slotted and grooved nut and a tanged snap ring. The nut has radial slots across a face, and a circumferential groove which intersects the bottom of the slots. The snap ring fits over the nut within the circumferential groove, the tang extending down through the nut and engaging with the threaded shaft.

Abstract: A shield for the nozzle of the nozzle of a missile launched from beneath water, can be formed of a rigid plate spaced from the aft end of the nozzle to form a gap of area at least equal to the throat area of the nozzle. The gap reduces overpressure of the missile during launch while keeping water out of the nozzle by being directed perpendicular to the water flow direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the underwater course of a submarine-launched mile, by which gas contained within the missile body is vented from the interior of the missile, through ports in the missile exterior, into the water to alter the water pressure distribution over a portion of the exterior surface, thereby producing a desired pitching moment and resulting missile movement.

Abstract: A burst diaphragm sequence valve which effectively combines the structure a burst diaphragm with that of an ordinary swing check valve, the pivot of the ordinary swing check valve being replaced by an integral flexural hinge. The sequence valve provides a way to sequentially burn solid propellant hot gas generators which exit into a common gas manifold, thereby enabling gas-powered devices to operate for a longer time than the duration of one gas generator burn.

Abstract: An improvement to a variable-pressure solid-propellant-powered maneuvering ystem for spacecraft, enabling the system to operate for longer than one propellant burn time. At least two solid propellant gas generators are connected via a manifold to a plurality of nozzle valve clusters; at least one of the gas generators is connected to the manifold via a sequence valve which isolates that generator from the manifold until such time as it is desired to put that generator into operation.

Abstract: It is useful to a sonar instructor to have a device which simulates Doppler hifting of recorded sonar signals. Such a device can consist of a digitizer operating at a fixed rate storing data in RAM. A variable read rate is calculated based on the desired Doppler shifting. Data are read from RAM at a variable rate higher or lower than the fixed rate and converted D to A before being sent to the student sonar operator.