Abstract: A method for initiating the decomposition of hydrazine fuels by bringing the fuel into contact with an initiator selected from the group consisting of iodates and periodates of metals from groups IIIB, IVB, VIB, VIIB, VIII, IB, IIB and IVA of the periodic table, ammonium iodate di-iodic acid, and heteropoly acids having iodine as their central atom and their salts.

Abstract: A propellant augmented, gas dispensing device is charged with a pressurized gas during assembly by inserting the gas in its solid form into the pressure chamber and thereafter sealing the pressure chamber. The gas is chosen so that it is in its gaseous state at normal ambient conditions. In another aspect, an improved pressure relief assembly includes a burst disc affixed to a flow passage between the pressurized gas chamber and the propellant chamber for normally preventing flow through the passage. In its preferred form, the burst disc carries an annular score line. A support member is provided on the propellant side of the burst disc and is placed in supporting contact with the burst disc adjacent the score line. The support member has a central opening communicating with the passageway to the propellant chamber. The score line is located outwardly from the central opening.

Abstract: A chemical heat pump and storage system employs sulfuric acid and water. In one form, the system includes a generator and condenser, an evaporator and absorber, aqueous acid solution storage and water storage. During a charging cycle, heat is provided to the generator from a heat source to concentrate the acid solution while heat is removed from the condenser to condense the water vapor produced in the generator. Water is then stored in the storage tank. Heat is thus stored in the form of chemical energy in the concentrated acid. The heat removed from the water vapor can be supplied to a heat load of proper temperature or can be rejected. During a discharge cycle, water in the evaporator is supplied with heat to generate water vapor, which is transmitted to the absorber where it is condensed and absorbed into the concentrated acid. Both heats of dilution and condensation of water are removed from the thus diluted acid.

Abstract: A propellant augmented, gas dispensing device of the type that includes a propellant chamber coupled to a pressure vessel containing a pressurized gas and exhaust passage from the propellant chamber incorporates an additional depressurization vessel coupled in fluid communication with the exhaust passage from the propellant chamber. The depressurization vessel has a restricted exhaust passage. The exhaust passage from the propellant chamber is constructed to allow a relating high flow rate from the propellant chamber into the depressurization chamber, permitting rapid depressurization of the propellant chamber to assure propellant extinguishment. At the same time, the restricted exhaust passage from the depressurization vessel permits controlled metering of the outflow of pressurized gas from the dispensing device.

Abstract: An inflatable buoy assembly includes a flotation receptacle (12), a propellant breech (14), and an equipment container (16). These three components are designed for telescoping engagement and packaging in a single housing (78). When deployed, the breech is suspended below the flotation receptacle. The equipment container, in turn, is suspended below the propellant breech. As propellant gases escape from the breech, they rise through the water in which the assembly is submersed and are captured in a cavity (26) at the bottom of the flotation receptacle. The gases then pass through apertures in the bottom of the receptacle and are captured within the gas bag (24) forming part of the flotation receptacle.

Abstract: An improved catalytic gas generator, of the type used, for example, in a monopropellant hydrazine rocket engine includes a dynamic catalyst bed retention device. The dynamic retention device comprises a compression band surrounding a generally cylindrical catalyst bed that is axially restrained at both ends. A torsional force is applied to the compression band, which converts the torsional force into a radially inwardly directed compression force. As voids develop in the catalyst bed upon repeated impulsing, the inwardly directed compressive force redistributes the catalyst bed so as to fill the voids. The retention device thus allows the catalyst bed to perform at peak efficiency yielding a gas generator that can be repeatedly pulsed with uniformly reproducible results.

Abstract: A two component, high temperature, thermally stable explosive composition comprises a liquid or low melting oxidizer and a liquid or low melting organic fuel. The oxidizer and fuel in admixture are incapable of substantial spontaneous exothermic reaction at temperatures on the order of 475.degree. K. At temperatures on the order of 475.degree. K., the oxidizer and fuel in admixture have an activation energy of at least about 40 kcal/mol. As a result of the high activation energy, the preferred explosive compositions are nondetonable as solids at ambient temperature, and become detonable only when heated beyond the melting point. Preferable oxidizers are selected from alkali or alkaline earth metal nitrates, nitrites, perchlorates, and/or mixtures thereof. Preferred fuels are organic compounds having polar hydrophilic groups. The most preferred fuels are guanidinium nitrate, acetamide and mixtures of the two.