Abstract: A make-break device includes a first component having at least one engaging member, the engaging member presenting first and second orthogonally disposed edges, each edge being defined at the intersection of a respective pair of chamfered face and a second component having at least one engaging member, the engaging member presenting first and second orthogonally disposed edges, each edge being defined at the intersection of a respective pair of chamfered faces, where the first component first edge and the second component first edge cooperatively act to assist in facilitating radial meshing engagement of the first and second components and where the first component second edge and the second component second edge cooperatively act to assist in facilitating axial meshing engagement of the first and second components. A cannon employing the make-break device and a method of selectively coupling/decoupling stationary electric drive assemblies from associated shiftable driven assemblies are included.

Abstract: A projectile for a large caliber gun including a fall-back preventer ring disposed within a fall-back preventer recess defined by the projectile. The fall-back preventer ring engaging the barrel of the large caliber gun during a loading cycle and releasing from the barrel when the projectile is fired. The fall-back preventer ring is a multifaceted split ring device sized for both axial and radial movement within the fall back preventer recess. The present invention thus maintains the projectile safely within the barrel during loading and in the presence of other external forces.

Abstract: An assembly for effecting a variable volume chamber for use in a cannon having a breech assembly operably coupled to a chamber, and includes the chamber having a certain size being partially defined by a constant diameter for a known depth dimension and having a known volume and a breech plug assembly disposable in the chamber to a selectively variable depth, the depth being less than the known depth of the chamber such that the plug fills a first selectively variable portion of the known volume of the chamber, thereby leaving a second variable portion of the known volume of the chamber free and defining a chamber variable volume. A Cannon including the variable volume chamber and a method of effecting a variable volume chamber are further included.

Abstract: A fast acting active protection system for military vehicles defeats RPG (rocket propelled grenade) threats fired from close ranges. The system minimizes the hazard to troops and civilians nearby. The system uses a plurality of passive sensors to locate the threat and initialize the system. A low cost radar or laser tracker is used as the means to determine range, velocity, and (if required) angular position of the threat. The countermunition used may be one of several choices, with the requisites being that the countermunition provides fast response with low inertia, and is able to damage or destroy the detected threat. A multi-barrel recoilless gun is the weapon of choice. A launching device is used to deploy and aim the countermunition and the tracking means. On board software and electronics are used to control the system.

Abstract: A high energy toroidal inductor addresses not only the desire for reduced weight and volume, but also the desire for minimal stray magnetic fields. Specifically, the high energy toroidal inductor includes a bucking cylinder and a predetermined number of leaves. Each leaf is of a two-ended, twisted ring configuration and includes a top portion. The top portion is the narrowest portion of the leaf, and the width of the leaf graduates outward from the top portion to each end of the ring. The bucking cylinder interfaces with each of the leaves and presents the leaves in a side-by-side, continuous toroidal configuration.

Abstract: A military vehicle with a turbine engine mounted on an outer rear corner of the vehicle, with the engine being installed in a vertical orientation in order to save critical space. The vehicle is provided with access hatches which enable operators to easily work on the engine and related power generation components. The positioning of the engine allows the crew of the vehicle to be shielded from the heat, noise, and exhaust of the engine. The rear positioning of the engine also provides improved survivability of the engine, as well as a reduced heat signature for the vehicle. Finally, the unique engine placement provides easy access for maintenance and removal of components or component modules.

Abstract: Improved water monitoring systems comprise a test unit having an analytical device and a control system in communication with the test unit such that water supply data generated at the test unit can be communicated to the control system. In some embodiments, the analytical device can be a fluorometer that can monitor the fluorescence induction pattern of algae located in the water, which can indicate, when the induction pattern is compared against known baseline induction patterns, the potential presence of toxic chemicals located in the water supply. In other embodiments, the analytical device can comprise, for example, a pH meter, an infrared spectroscopy (IR) device or the like. In some embodiments, the test unit can provide continuous intake, analysis, and can communicate water supply data to the control system via a wireless communication device, fiber optic cable or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a Control System Architecture (CSA) for a multi-component armament system. The CSA provides dynamic reconfiguration of multiple nodes (e.g. a component, a subsystem, or a virtual simulation) in a Simulation-Emulation-Stimulation (SES) environment utilizing redundant client-server bus configuration of the nodes in a hierarchical model. The CSA provides for ease of configuration of nodes for any specific application, automated system reconfiguration capabilities to detect and bypass failed nodes or re-group available remaining nodes in the event of degraded mode operation, and expansion and/or downsizing of nodes without requiring a modification to the overall system architecture.

Abstract: An anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) weapon system with an overhead mounted, electrically driven, remote controlled weapon station that supports a tube-launched optically-tracked wire-guided (TOW) missile launcher and a machine gun, typically the caliber .50 M2, on a single traversing and elevating platform. Above-deck assemblies include the TOW and gun cradle, a dual pod missile launcher, the Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS), target acquisition subsystem (TAS), elevation and traverse motors and gear transmissions and drive electronics, and an ammunition case. Below-deck assemblies include the ATGM weapon system control handles, biocular display, control panel, ITAS fire control system (FCS), ITAS battery power source (BPS), slip-ring, and gunner's seat. Electrical cables connecting the two assemblies penetrate the vehicle deck directly below the weapon System.

Abstract: Method of welding titanium using gas metal arc welding procedure where the shielding for the weld included torch shielding gas only and no trailing or backup shielding. The technique used here is a departure from known titanium welding specifications wherein extensive shielding is required.

Abstract: An ETC igniter and compatible electrical connector for enabling an ETC gun to be used in a battlefield setting in close proximity with personnel and sensitive electronic equipment. This is accomplished by providing a current path to and from the igniter that is electrically isolated from all other portions of the gun. The connector and igniter are adapted to be capable of withstanding the high connection forces necessary to prevent arcing and the extreme stresses imposed during firing of the gun.