Abstract: A ballistic weapon is disclosed having a barrel with a forward end to which a barrel extender is secured. The barrel extender includes a cylindrical outer body portion, a forward ring-like portion and a rearward wall portion, which together define a forward chamber in communication with the bore of the barrel of the weapon. A plurality of apertures extend through the rearward wall portion and are angularly spaced equidistances apart around a central longitudinal axis of the bore of the barrel. The apertures define central axes which are substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the bore of the barrel. The apertures connect the forward chamber to an interior annular space extending between the exterior of the barrel and a perforated shroud extending exteriorly around the barrel.

Abstract: A cartridge is disclosed for use in a ballistic weapon system. The cartridge includes a tubular case and a ballistic projectile. The projectile has an annular groove which extends into an exterior periphery of the projectile. The tubular case has a cylindrical sidewall and a substantially closed rearward end. The cylindrical sidewall defines an interior cavity for receiving at least a rearward portion of the projectile. An annular lug is integrally formed with the cylindrical sidewall and inwardly extends from the sidewall into the annular groove of the projectile, interlocking the projectile and the tubular case. Longitudinal slits are formed in the forward end of the tubular case to allow the case to expand for receipt of the projectile until the annular lug is aligned with and then inserted into the annular groove of the projectile.

Abstract: A solar collector-heat pump heating system which comprises metallic plates which are directly exposed to the ambient atmosphere and which are in direct heat exchange relation with tubes. A compressor receives a heated low-boiling working fluid, e.g., R-22, from the tubes as a vapor, compresses it and delivers it to a condenser. The fluid then passes through a throttling valve where it partially vaporizes, then to the tubes, where vaporization continues, utilizing heat absorbed by the plates from solar radiation, the ambient air, rain, and long-wave infrared radiation. Heat is extracted from the condenser and used for space heating. Preferably, heat storage means, e.g., a tank of water or a body of low-melting salt, are provided. Preferably, the heat-absorbing plates are long and narrow. In one embodiment they are spaced from a diffuse reflective backing and are laterally spaced from each other. In another embodiment they form a siding for a building.

Abstract: A method for the direct visualization of surface and near surface cracks, voids, flaws, discontinuities, etc. in materials is disclosed. The detection of flaws or the like is accomplished by the visualization of the static and/or dynamic magnetic fields, either ambient or induced, associated with various flaws in a target material. A magnetic garnet epitaxial film is deposited on a non-magnetic substrate. In one embodiment, a reflective coating or material is provided adjacent to the epitaxial film, and the substrate with its associated layers is placed over the target material. A magnetic field is then applied to the target material and substrate. Polarized light is directed onto the through the substrate and associated epitaxial layer, and is reflected by the reflective coating such that the polarized light passes back out of the substrate.

Abstract: An ultrasonic method and apparatus are described for determining the depth of cracks 12 in a pipe or conduit 14. The apparatus 10 includes a transmitting transducer 30 and a receiving transducer 40 that are placed on the outside surface of the pipe to one side of the pipe. The transmit transducer 30 is energized to direct a shear wave beam 34 of ultrasonic energy at the crack to generate a complex reflected wave front from the crack 12 which contains information as to the size of the crack in relation to the wall thickness. The recovery transducer 40 is moved relative to the transmit transducer until a peak or maximum amplitude reading is found. When the maximum amplitude is found, the distance between the transducers is measured. The measured distance is then correlated with information obtained from specimens 80 of the same material and wall thickness as the on-site pipe to determine the depth of the crack 12.

Abstract: A solar collector-heat pump heating system which comprises metallic plates which are directly exposed to the ambient atmosphere and which are in direct heat exchange relation with tubes. A compressor receives a heated low-boiling working fluid, e.g., R-22, from the tubes as a vapor, compresses it and delivers it to a condenser. The fluid then passes through a throttling valve where it partially vaporizes, then to the tubes, where vaporization continues, utilizing heat absorbed by the plates from solar radiation, the ambient air, rain, and long-wave infrared radiation. Heat is extracted from the condenser and used for space heating. Preferably, heat storage means, e.g., a tank of water or a body of low-melting salt, are provided. Preferably, the heat-absorbing plates are long and narrow. In one embodiment they are spaced from a diffuse reflective backing and are laterally spaced from each other. In another embodiment they form a siding for a building.