Abstract: A method for reducing cavitation around underwater acoustic projectors is described. The projector is cleaned with a surfactant and then encapsulated with an aqueous gel containing a polysaccharide polymer such as a chitosan derivative, a hydrophilic stabilizer and a biocide.

Abstract: The present specification describes a process by which a blood substitute (hereinafter referred to as "HemoSafe") is derived from uniformly stabilized monomers and polymers of deoxyhemoglobin in its tight (T) conformation, with oxygen affinity similar to that of human blood. Two classes of HemoSafe are derived respectively from anima-hemoglobin and human-hemoglobin. HemoSafe (animal) differs from HemoSafe (human) in that it is free of polymers in order to reduce potential immunogenicity if used in man. Both types of HemoSafe may be derived in the following manner. The stabilized deoxyhemoglobins are converted to their carbonmonoxy derivatives (CO-HemoSafe) which are then stable under pasteurization conditions to render them viral disease transmission-free. CO-HemoSafes are stable for 2 months at 56.degree. C. in either the solution or the freeze-dried state. For transfusion CO-HemoSafes are easily oxygenated under sterile conditions by photoconversion yielding oxy-HemoSafe.

Abstract: A relatively low drag, completely free-flying, tubular vehicle comprises a body that defines a leading edge and a trailing edge and includes an external surface and an internal surface each extending from the leading to the trailing edge. The internal surface has an axially converging upstream section extending from the leading edge to a discontinuity that constitutes a throat in the vehicle. The internal surface also has an axially diverging downstream section extending from the throat to the trailing edge. The internal surface is configured to enable introduction and mixing of fuel into an airstream flowing therethrough, and to generate a shock wave when in flight. The shock wave is of such magnitude and direction as to create a hot spot that subsequently causes ignition and combustion of the fuel-air mixture. The combustion causes formation of a detonation bubble and migration of the associated wave front upstream to stabilize slightly downstream of the throat.

Abstract: Glycidyl azide polymers, which are used as binders in composite explosive and propellant compositions, include hydroxyl groups which react with the isocyanate curing agent normally used in such compositions. Since the functionality of available linear glycidyl azide polymers is less than two, triols and/or triisocyanates are needed to crosslink the chains to form a matrix. A glycidyl azide polymer with increased functionality (higher than two) and reactivity obviates the need for triols and triisocyanates in the compositions. Moreover, a glycidyl azide polymer with primary hydroxyl groups would give faster curing reactions at lower temperatures without gassing problems, eliminating the need for a catalyst. Examples of glycidyl azide polymer having increased functionality have one of the formulae: ##STR1## wherein R is ##STR2## wherein m and n are different from zero, and m+n is 4 to 60.

Abstract: Novel energetic azido thermoplastic elastomers (ATPE's) are described. Such materials are useful as binders in energetic formulations to replace conventional inert thermosetting prepolymers. The ATPE's are easily formulated either by blending or chemically bonding an energetic azido elastomeric component and a thermoplastic component. The elastomeric component is a branched chain hydroxy-terminated azido polymer or copolymer. The thermoplastic component is a commercial polyether or polyethylene oxide.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to novel branched chain hydroxy-terminated aliphatic polyether copolymers containing glycidyl azide and an additional substituent selected from the group consisting of alkylene oxide, styrene azide oxide and glycidyl units, and a single step method for the manufacture thereof which involves reacting a solid rubbery material selected from epichlorohydrin/alkylene oxide copolymer (PEEC) and polyepichlorohydrin homopolymer (PECH) with various epoxide monomers. The novel polyether copolymers are useful as energetic binders in explosive and solid rocket propellant compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the chemical initiation of detonation of a fuel-in-air (FAE) cloud such as might be used in a minefield breaching system. A component of the system is adapted to carry fuel to the breaching site and is also adapted to carry a compatible chemical, either gaseous or liquid. Upon detonation of a suitable explosive within the component the fuel is dispersed outwardly to form the cloud and the chemical is jetted outwardly into the cloud in a turbulent manner. A chemical reaction between the chemical initiator and the fuel-air mixture leads almost instantaneously to an explosive shock wave that propagates through the cloud causing detonation thereof. Such detonation neutralizes the minefield along a desired path. With the invention it is not necessary to utilize secondary charges and hence a more efficient and reliable breaching system is achieved.

Abstract: Activated carbon is used on gas-mask canisters for filtering air to remove toxic vapors. For military use, the charcoal is impregnated with inorganic salts or organic compounds for improving the chemical activity of the charcoal with respect to toxic vapors having low boiling points and small molecular sizes, e.g. cyanogen chloride. One such compound, namely triethylenediamine (TEDA) has been added to charcoal by sublimation at atmospheric pressure. A more effective method of impregnating charcoal with TEDA utilizes reduced pressure 0.13 to 13 Pa, preferably 1.3 Pa as a driving force to facilitate vaporization of the TEDA by sublimation. The activated carbon to be impregnated is dried at 110.degree. C. to 160.degree. C. for three hours and transferred to a vacuum desiccator. The required amount of the amine, namely 1.57 to 12.57%, preferably 4.7% is placed in the container on top of the activated carbon and the container is evacuated to a pressure of about 1.3 Pa and heated at 40.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to novel branched chain hydroxy-terminated aliphatic azido polymers and copolymers with variable molecular weight (MW) and a single step method for the preparation thereof which involves respectively reacting a high (MW) 0.5-5.0.times.10.sup.6) solid rubbery polyepichlorohydrin (PECH) homopolymer and epichlorohydrin/alkylene oxide copolymer (PEEC), with an alkali metal azide in a suitable organic solvent, in the presence of an initiator at elevated temperature. The MW of the azido product may be controlled by including the reaction mixture a basic degradation catalyst (such as LiOCH.sub.3 or NaOH) and varying the amount of catalyst. When the reaction is catalyzed, the MW of the product varies within the range 1,000-40,000 and the hydroxyl functionality is 2-10. Uncatalyzed reactions yield products with MW between 40,000 and 200,000 and a functionality of about 10.

Abstract: A land navigation system for use in a vehicle, comprises, in combination, a device providing a signal representative of the heading of the vehicle, a device providing a signal representative of the speed of the vehicle, and a computing apparatus responsive to the vehicle heading representative signal and the vehicle speed representative signal for providing a continuous indication of the position, altitude and heading of the vehicle.

Abstract: A protective system against chemical warfare agents consisting essentially of at least one alkali metal salt of phenol, acetone oxime, acetophenone oxime and 2,3-butanedione monoxime, a macrocycle chosen from 18-crown-6 or cryptand [2,2,2] and a solvent chosen from dioxolane, tetraglyme, dimethoxyethane, a polyethylene glycol or a polyethylene glycol mono- or diether the system also containing just enough water to dissolve the active ingredient. These systems afford protection against mustard gas (H or HD) and against chemical warfare agents of the V and G types.

Abstract: A filter canister assembly utilizes a sealant deflector to seal a particulate filter to the canister wall, even after the canister is sealed. The canister housing has a wall and an aperture with a particulate filter disposed therein. The particulate filter has an edge adjacent the wall, and is designed for removing particles of contaminants from a fluid, such as air, passed through the canister. A sealant deflector includes a plurality of vanes standing proud of a support substrate, and is situated between the aperture and the particulate filter and forms a permanent part of the canister assembly. The sealant deflector deflects a sealant in liquid state toward the wall to form a seal between the edge and the wall when the sealant is deposited on the sealant deflector while spinning. This deposits a sealant ring sealing the wall to the edge.

Abstract: A method is provided herein for controlling insects which are harmful to agriculture and forestry and which are also harmful both to humans and to domestic animals. The method involves the steps of applying to a locus infested with such insects, a composition comprising a carrier and a biocidal-amount of a specifically-recited phototoxic, naturally-occurring thiophene, acetylene, or a synthetic, structurally-related derivative, analogue or acetylenic compound. Then, that composition, while at that locus, is subjected to UV radiation in the range of about 300 nm to about 400 nm, for a sufficient time to impart, to such phototoxic naturally-occurring thiophene, acetylene, or synthetic structurally-related derivative, analogue or acetylenic compound the desired insect control activity. Certain of these phototoxic naturally-occurring thiophenes, or acetylenes or synthetic, structurally-related compounds are also novel and provide novel insect control compositions.

Abstract: Head harness form gas mask consists of several pieces of biaxially stretchable elastic fabric stitched together to provide a concave configuration in the relaxed state. The harness is shaped and sized to fit a range of normal human heads by stretching over the back and top of the head. The forward edge of the harness has a number of tongues of the elastic fabric that attach to a gas mask. The preferred material for the harness is a 280 denier bare spandex power net fabric that has a flat load versus elongation curve. A gas mask fitted with the harness applies a uniform pressure within the comfort range on the face of the wearer without significant adjustment of the harness, despite wide ranges in the head size and configuration of the wearer.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a novel composite material resistant to passage therethrough of noxious substances. The novel composite includes a first layer which may be in the form of a film or coating, of a water and particulate material impermeable, vapor permeable material which is also resistant to sebaceous excretions. A second layer of a vapor permeable stretch fabric material is also provided. Disposed between said first and second layers is a third layer of vapor permeable stretchable fabric material containing a particulate adsorbent material for the noxious substances. Depending upon the application, other optional layers may be included. The composite is stretchable to an extent of 30 to 500% and is intended for use in making close-fitting clothing to protect the wearer from noxious substances.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-layer protective fabric for protective suits used in hazardous or toxic environments. A first layer comprises strips of water and vapor impermeable material, there being a gap between adjacent such strips. A second layer comprises a plurality of strips of a wicking material with each such strip covering the inner surface of a first layer strip, passing through the gap between adjacent strips and covering the outer surface of the adjacent first layer strip. Moisture, such as perspiration will pass via the wicking material through the gaps past the first layer for evaporation and diffusion through a third layer of a liquid impermeable/vapor permeable material which extends over the second layer material covering the outer surfaces of the first layer.

Abstract: A method for preparation of 1-methoxycyclohepta-1,3,5-triene in commercial quantities, which comprises the steps of heating 7,7-dichloro-1-methoxybicyclo[4.1.0]heptane in a refluxing reaction solvent comprising a lower boiling aromatic amine, at reflux, until suitable amounts of 1-methoxycyclohepta-1,3,5-triene have been produced, and recovering the 1-methoxycyclohepta-1,3,5-triene. Suitable reaction solvents include 2-picoline, pyridine and 2,6-lutidine. The method according to the present invention results in safer temperature control in the production of 1-methoxycyclohepta-1,3,5-triene, and increased yields.

Abstract: A practice projectile for use with military aircraft and the like for training pilots in attacking ground targets comprises a unitary body formed of sintered sponge iron powder and having a sintered density equivalent to the apparent density of a projectile to be simulated.

Abstract: An interferometric acoustooptic signal processor utilizing a circular antenna array to cover a 360 degree field of view. Each antenna element of the array is connected to an input port of a Butler matrix. The signals are phase shifted within the Butler matrix and applied to a multi-channel periodic Bragg cell, resulting in generation of one or more acoustic waves therein. A laser beam is used to illuminate the Bragg cell and is modulated due to interaction with the acoustic waves, resulting in diffraction of the laser beam and generation of a diffracted beam pattern output from the Bragg cell. A Fourier transform lens focuses the diffracted laser beam on a back focal plane at a point characterized by two perpendicular coordinates designating the input signal power spectrum and the angle of incidence in relation to the antennae, respectively.

Abstract: A narrow band noise cancellor and signal correllator which obtains an increased signal to noise ratio of a received signal from a multi sensor array; the resulting output signal is at double the input frequency. A pair of narrow band similar input signals are added, and subtracted, and the resulting signals are multiplied together. The positive and negative product terms of the signal are separated and the positive term inverted, and the resulting separated signals are individually added with the squared representation of one of the input signals. The resulting added signals are summed and the sum is passed through a narrow band filter having its center frequency at double the input frequency.