Abstract: An improved rocket engine combustion chamber including a first chamber having a first diameter and located intermediate to a propellant injector and a second chamber having a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. The combustion chamber extends radially outward from the first diameter to the second diameter suddenly at the intersection between the first and second chambers. Film cooling is provided by providing a stratified layer of low temperature fluid adjacent to the inner wall of the first chamber and surrounding a primary inner core of high temperature gases. The sudden stepped expansion at the interface between the first and second chambers provides secondary recirculation mixing of the propellants and facilitates complete combustion. In an additional aspect, the inner surface of the first chamber may be made of a material that has a high degree of thermal conductivity to minimize temperature gradients.

Abstract: An improved rocket engine combustion chamber design wherein a first or precombustion chamber having a first diameter is located intermediate to a propellant injector and a second or main combustion chamber having a second diameter which is larger than the first diameter. The combustion chamber extends radially outwardly from the first diameter to the second diameter suddenly at the intersection between the precombustion chamber and the main combustion chamber. Film cooling is provided by providing a stratified layer of low temperature fluid adjacent to the inner wall of the precombustion chamber and surrounding a primary inner core of high temperature gases. The sudden stepped expansion at the interface between the precombustion chamber and the main combustion chamber provides secondary recirculation mixing of the propellants and will complete combustion between the main hot gas core and the propellant film cooling layer.

Abstract: The applicator includes two elongated conveyor rollers arranged in parallel alignment and inclined from a sealant application station toward a tire unloading station. The rollers simultaneously rotate a series of tires in the same direction about a common axis in side-by-side engagement with one end tire adjacent the sealant application station and the other end tire adjacent the unloading station. A kicker assembly unloads the latter end tire, whereupon the rollers advance the remaining tires toward the unloading station while maintaining coaxial rotation thereof. A fresh tire then may be positioned at the application station and the application and advancement steps repeated. The applicator further includes a sealant applicator for effecting airless spray application of sealant to a tire, together with a control system for controlling the position of the spray applicator and causing sealant to be purged a predetermined time after no sealant application is made.

Abstract: A fast gelling method of formulating and applying a curable butyl rubber sealant composition which composition is cured using a quinoid curing agent and a free radical cross-linking activator. The curing agent and a first portion of the activator are added to the sealant components to produce a base component. If the amount of activator in the first portion is chosen correctly, the base component remains ungelled until the remainder of the activator is added, at which time a very rapid gel takes place. This method is particularly useful where the sealant is a tire sealant and is to be sprayed onto the inner surface of a tire.

Abstract: A two component field mix explosive composition comprising a first solid component comprising ammonium nitrate or mixtures of ammonium nitrate with ammonium perchlorate, and a second liquid component comprising as a first ingredient hydrazine, a second ingredient which is water, alcohol or a mixture thereof, and as a third ingredient ammonium nitrate in an amount no greater than about one-sixth of the total weight of the second component. At the site of use the liquid component is poured into the solid component to form an explosive composition. This composition is detonable in elongate packages as small as one inch in diameter, by use of a blasting cap.

Abstract: A composite catalyst bed comprising a foam metal matrix packed with a plurality of catalyst particles. The foam metal matrix is a three dimensional, structurally rigid network of interconnected ligaments which define a plurality of interconnected pores filled by particles of a suitable catalyst, such as Shell 405. The composite structure is made by first filling the foam metal matrix with the catalyst particles and then compressing the same so that the catalyst particles become packed tightly in the matrix, with some of the catalyst particles being formed into the ligaments of the matrix. The composite catalyst bed is shown in a monopropellant reactor to decompose hydrazine based monopropellants, and also in a catalytic muffler to oxidize exhaust combustion products from an internal combustion engine. The foam metal matrix retains the catalyst particles in place to alleviate attrition of the particles, and also provides good thermal conductivity to improve performance of the catalyst.

Abstract: A crash restraint apparatus comprising a bag which is inflated to its protective position by an aspirating inflating device, with a two stage compressed gas source to supply aspirating gas to the inflating device. The two stage gas source comprises a high pressure container having a first chamber with a less restricted outlet opening to supply high flow rate aspirating gas during an initial inflation phase, and a second chamber having a more restricted outlet to supply lower flow rate aspirating gas during a later inflation phase. With the passenger in the normal position resting against the back of the car seat, the bag will inflate to its fully inflated position. In the event an occupant is at a forward position adjacent the bag, during the initial inflating phase the bag is inflated to an intermediate position where it inflates around the occupant but does not move him rearwardly to any appreciable extent.