Abstract: This disclosure relates to a stabilized plasma injector device specifically adapted to incubate, shape and develop plasma under the influence of an adjustable electromagnetic field to provide ignition and further promote energy coupling between the plasma and a combustible mass. The device includes a pair of shaped coils one of which is evaporated to form the plasma and the other coil provides the electromagnetic force field to influence the characteristic arc symmetry and the energy coupling between the plasma and the surrounding combustible mass.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a computer based eminent and dormant threat acquisition, assessment and defense system. Threats are classified as to eminence and incidence of detection and rounds are optimally scheduled to defeat the threats based on inventory of defensive rounds, response time and probability of kill.

Abstract: A high energy coaxial cable is disclosed which is flexible to the extent of allowing a bend radius as short as 11 1/2 inches. The cable will conduct up to 500 kiloamperes and is reinforced to resist the high magnetic forces within the cable caused by the high current conducted. The cable is therefore useful in coupling high current between parts which experience relative movement such as a stationary power supply and a recoiling gun breech.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically sense and check the presence and absence of particulate matter and simultaneously confirm the seating position of a projectile in a predetermined ram depth in a bore of a gun is disclosed. The present invention combines optical and laser diode vision with solid-state controls and mechanical systems with the relevant interface wherein the operation of the apparatus is electronically co-ordinated with the gun fire control system and the breech block operations of the gun.

Abstract: The break action cannon invention disclosed herein enables weaponization and integration of complex fire control systems concurrent with projectile loading operations in a gun system such that superior firing cycle and efficient power and thermal management are achieved. A barrel is detachably shifted and tipped at an angle to accept a projectile while breech operations and other firing preparations proceed unencumbered.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of rear drive conversion of the M113 family of vehicles to provide a light, mobile and tactical hybrid vehicle. The method includes stripping an M113 to a base aluminum hull and providing modified or newly fabricated parts to enable the conversion. Using the rear drive conversion process disclosed herein, critical operations parameters such as volume under armor, mobility, air transportability and vehicle performance efficiency per unit weight are significantly increased.

Abstract: The high cycle rate transfer device invention disclosed herein enables a continuous conveyance of material in a limited space envelope. Particularly, a roller chain is driven by a center sprocket with outboard rollers on the chain running in a track so that material can be moved in both directions. Pawls on each end of the chain are used to urge the material. Each time the chain is moved, a pawl folding and unfolding mechanism maintains the pawls in a proper position and timed relation to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which provides coaxial connection between a high energy power supply and a plurality of plasma injectors in a gun breech assembly over a plurality of high energy transmission coaxial cables without losing the coaxial nature of the high energy transmission path at the connections between the coaxial cables and the plasma injectors. The apparatus includes a conductive bell housing for surrounding the connections while providing access for securing the connections with the bell housing in place.

Abstract: The method and apparatus disclosed herein relates to parallel implementation of a combinatorial optimization in a multiprocessor network. The system operates as an intermediary between a root processor and a multiprocessor network. The system generates shadow nodes which are used to occupy idle capacity available within the multiprocessor network. Particularly, the shadow nodes are used to refine solutions for enumerative problems, search graph and the like while providing a near 100% utilization of a processor time in a multiprocessor network. The system provides a fully asynchronous and homogenous system design to enable the creation of locally ordered expansion queues.

Abstract: An improved double ball valve powered emergency release coupling includes two fluid-carrying conduits, each having a ball or plug valve received therein, which are prevented from being decoupled unless both ball or plug valves are moved to a closed position prior to decoupling. The improved coupling prevents inadvertent spilling during decoupling. A mechanical or hydraulic actuator corresponding to each valve element is provided for sequentially rotating each valve element between opened and closed positions.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a device which enables adjustments and positioning in three dimensions for racks and other bulk stowage structures. A friction surface provides a sliding adjustment for stowage structures having surfaces in contact therewith. Further, a pin connected to a spacer is slidably inserted into a button base to enable vertical adjustments for raising and lowering the stowage structure, as needed, by adding or removing shims thereon.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a plasma generation device particularly adapted to an electrothermal-chemical propulsion system. The device comprises a membranous conductive substance having structural compositions which enable the formation of a continuous and volumetrically distributed plasma arc. The membranous substance is versatile and operates, inter alia, as a fuse wire, plasma incubator, plasma container, plasma distributor, plasma infusion and permeation media as well as a fuel container.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and device in which plasma arc is vectorally mobilized to ignite and create a moving burning propellant front such that high muzzle velocities are attained under low pressures. Primarily, electromagnetic forces are used to impart direction and velocity to an ionized conductive plasma arc mass in an electrothermal-chemical cartridge. The plasma arc mass is electromagnetically directed and accelerated through a combustion chamber and a gun tube thus imparting a traveling constant pressure and thrust behind a projectile to thereby yield very high muzzle velocities.