Abstract: The wiring harness assembly of the present invention is an electrical and structural network which serves as a distribution system for the command/control signals and power of a comprehensive warfare system. The warfare system, which in worn by an individual soldier, contains multiple subsystems. The wiring harness assembly includes four distinct segments which allow each subsystem to communicate with a central microprocessor and with each other. The wiring harness assembly includes the Torso Segment which is partially embedded within the frame of an equipment carrier borne by the individual soldier. The embedded portion of the wiring harness assembly is protected from any harsh environment that may be encountered by the soldier. Other segments include the Integrated Helmet Assembly Subsystem Segment, the Weapon Subsystem Segment, and the Sensor Subsystem Segment which provide the electrical network for a variety of equipment options available to the soldier.

Abstract: An immobilization weapon of the type which imparts an electrical voltage across a live target using a projectile launched toward the target from a distance, employs a projectile having two connecters. One such connecter extends from the projectile in fixed relation thereto. The other such connecter is launched from the projectile at or near the target to assure proper spacing between the connecters irrespective of the distance to the target. In the preferred embodiment, the secondarily launched connecter is actuated by current through the target when the projectile is in proximity to the impact surface of the target.

Abstract: A tamper resistant trigger blocking device for weapons having a trigger guard featuring a pair of blocking members that cover the opposite sides of the trigger guard preventing entry into the trigger area. The two blocking members are clamped together by a pair of oppositely disposed combination locks each of which has a plunger in the other blocking member that is grasped by the combination locks. Movement of the blocking members in the plane of the trigger guard is minimized by a plurality of indexible rods in one of the blocking members that are engageable with both sides of the trigger guard to prevent that movement. The user adjusts the positions of these rods to fit the user's trigger guard size and shape.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving stability in a transmitter receiving a staggered pulse train includes maintaining a constant temperature of the transmitter at the start of each pulse of the pulse train. Such maintenance may be accomplished by inserting "false", "phantom" or "synthetic" pulses into the pulse train. These pulses may be inserted between pulses, prior to a cooler pulse, or after a hotter pulse. The inserted pulses are then gated out prior to the final RF transmission.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a ring vortex which will damage the hull of the get vessel. The apparatus comprises a torpedo which is launched from an attack submarine in the direction of the target vessel. When the torpedo is at a predetermined position, the torpedo is detonated. Detonation of the torpedo results in the generation of a ring vortex. The ring vortex is directed toward the hull of the target vessel and will impact the hull of the target vessel with sufficient force to destroy or disable the target vessel. Positioned about the periphery of the torpedo are a plurality of necklace charges. The torpedo also has a central charge which is located near the front end of the torpedo. When detonated each necklace charge forms a ring of imploding gas bubbles which collapse inward. At a predetermined time period after the necklace charges are denoted, the main charge within the torpedo is denoted resulting in the generation of an expanding gas bubble which expands outwardly.

Abstract: Improved rail adapter systems which enable firearms, including M16 type rifles and carbines, without any changes to the weapon except the handguard, to support accessory devices effectively even under combat conditions are provided via the invention by modification of the top semicylinderical part of the rifle's handguard attachment to include an elongated leaf spring arrangement in the front end and a unique rear clamp arrangement at the back end thereof so the leaf spring and rear clamp combination operate to compensate for thermal dimensional changes and combat abuse problems to maintain proper alignment of accessory devices attached to the weapon.

Abstract: A firearm cartridge case capable of withstanding internal gas pressures of at least about 50,000 psi has two substantially cylindrical portions of significantly different diameters interconnected by a frusto-conical shoulder portion. The case has a ratio of its overall length to its diameter, at a location 1.25 inch from its base, of no more than about 4.2, giving it an unusually short, fat profile. The base of the case has a rim with an outer diameter substantially no less than the case diameter at the aforementioned location, to facilitate reliable feeding of the cartridge from the magazine. The corresponding firearm chamber which matingly accepts the cartridge is capable of withstanding internal gas pressures of at least about 65,000 psi.

Abstract: A launch aircraft launches a bomb at a target and uses a radar to transmit a predefined waveform at the bomb and target. The bomb incorporates a transponder that frequency shifts the transmitted waveform and illuminates the target with a shifted waveform having a null at the center of its beam pattern. The initially transmitted waveform and frequency shifted waveform are reflected from the target and are received by the radar. The received signals are processed to generate a correction signal that is a function of the offset between the null of the frequency shifted waveform and the target location. The correction signal is transmitted to the bomb and is processed therein to correct the flight path of the bomb toward the target.

Abstract: A method of replacing a boiling water reactor core shroud includes the steps of removing at least a portion of the existing core shroud from supporting structure in the reactor vessel, lowering a replacement shroud into the reactor vessel, positioning the replacement shroud on the supporting structure such that a bottom portion of the replacement shroud mates cooperatively with the supporting structure to limit lateral movement of the replacement shroud relative to the reactor vessel, and holding the replacement shroud assembly in place by applying axially compressive forces to the shroud in the direction of the supporting structure. If the existing core shroud is secured by welds, a parting cut is made to remove the shroud and the replacement shroud is held in place by securing a plurality of tie rods between sites on the replacement shroud and the supporting structure at a respective plurality of angularly spaced locations about the shroud periphery.

Abstract: A search angle selection system generates a search angle for a torpedo in sponse to a number of inputs. Initially, the system bounds the region to be insonified. The system determines the search angle which best insonifies the region from the surface down to the target's keel depth out to the maximum acquisition range of the torpedo, for each search depth accounting for the torpedo's attack angle. The system determines a set of attainable aimpoints along the surface which are based on the environmental and weapon parameters. It then finds rays which intersect the aimpoints and uses the ray angles to determine an optimal beam steering angle. For each search depth, the system categorizes the sound speed profile between the search depth and the surface, and determines the maximum range that can physically be reached from the search depth. Using the maximum range and the weapon's range gate, a maximum aimpoint is established.

Abstract: An externally adjustable slide trigger assembly which is a drop-in replacement for existing conventional slide triggers. No drilling/tapping or other handgun modifications are required. The variable adjustment range provided allows the handgun owner to change trigger-pull characteristics from a stock trigger-pull weight to a low competition trigger-pull weight in the field. Trigger slack is completely eliminated at or near competition trigger-pull weights.

Abstract: A jig-type fishing lure which simulates the movement of live bait and functions as a weedless fishing lure. The fishing lure includes a typical jig head having a molded head, a hook member, and an attachment eye. A pair of spring arms are attached to the molded head such that the spring arms extend upwardly and outwardly from the molded head and intersect one another. The spring arms contact the bottom of a lake or river to simulate the movement of live bait. Upon contacting a weed, the pair of spring arms deflect to prevent the weed from becoming entangled in the barb of the hook member.

Abstract: A gas-pressure loading arrangement for a self-loading rifle includes a gas cylinder fluidly connected to the bore of the rifle barrel and a gas piston received in the gas cylinder to define a gas chamber. The gas piston has piston ring members seated thereon in engagement with the inner surface of the gas cylinder under tension. The piston ring members allow the gas piston to be loosely received in the gas cylinder while preventing gas leakage around the piston. The piston ring members also scrape gas deposits off the inner wall of the gas cylinder during piston movement so that the inner wall remains clean.

Abstract: This invention concerns a missile launching system, and particularly a missile launching and orientation system. It can be used to modernize missiles with an inclined launch at an angle by transforming them into missiles controlled for circular defense, avoids ejection of the passive mass within the launching area. In order to do this, the launching system comprises launching means, aerodynamic control surfaces with drive and means of orientation including at least one gas generator and nozzles connected to it. Orientation means are located in an annular body rigidly connected to the rear part of the missile body. The outside surface of the annular body is cone-shaped and is covered with a thermal insulating material forming a gas pipe, the profile of which is a continuation of the profile of the nozzle of the missile cruise engine.

Abstract: An apparatus helps a user steadily hold a pointable device, such as a camera, a telescope, or a gun. It includes an arm rest having upper and lower portions, respectively, for supporting an upper arm from below and for restricting rotation of a lower arm bent at the elbow. The upper and lower arm holding portions each can press against a user's arm from enough directions to retard motion of the arm perpendicular to its length. The upper and lower portions can include cylindrical inner surfaces angled to bend an arm at least sixty degrees at the elbow. A support holds the arm rest from below. The support can include a rigid elongated member. In some embodiments, this member reaches to the ground. In many others, it rests against a user's hip and has a lower end designed to be supported by a pocket, belt, or Velcro pad on the user's hip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly which can be employed to support a weapon in an upright orientation. The assembly is such that it can easily be disassembled, transported to a hunting sight, and reassembled for use. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a stand which is adapted to be inserted into the ground. The stand, in the preferred embodiment, can be removably coupled at one or more locations. Additionally, a butt receiving piece is adapted to be removably secured to the lower extent of the stand. A weapon supporting arm, in turn, is adapted to be removably secured to the upper extent of the stand. Thus, when assembled, the assembly provides a convenient means to keep a weapon upright and at the ready.

Abstract: A search angle selection system determines acoustic homing beam offset ans to be used by a torpedo from a group of target depth conditions in response to given environmental, tactical, target and weapon information. The system optimally bounds the region that is to be insonified. The system determines the search angle which best insonifies the depth band, that is, the region between the upper depth bound and the lower depth bound, for each search depth, accounting for the weapon's attack angle, including search depths which are not in the depth band itself. For each search depth, the system determines the relative depth separation of the search depth from each of the bounds, and based on this separation an aimpoint which projects from a reference plane through the torpedo is chosen at the depth of each bound. The aimpoint is selected from a table of empirically-determined values.

Abstract: A loading lever assembly for a hand-operated firearm has a loading lever which can be pivoted from a released position in which it lies in the longitudinal direction of the weapon to an end-of-swing position on either side of the weapon. The lever is pivotally connected to a mounting strip on the breech block carrier by means of an oblong slot formed in an end of the loading lever and a pivot pin on the mounting strip. The oblong slot allows the lever to be moved from an end-of-swing position to an operation position in which the loading lever engages two end stops on the mounting strip to prevent the lever from swinging forward or rearward. A spring-loaded cam arrangement provides the restoring force for returning the lever to the released position from the end-of-swing positions.

Abstract: An isokinetic sampling system and method of operation assures the taking of more valid data over a long period by automated isokinetic sampling of flue gases in the stack for a stationary combustor. Sample air is extracted from the flue gases by a sampling probe having a sampling nozzle of a precise inner diameter, a thermocouple to measure the air temperature in the stack, and a pitot tube that gives readings representative of differential pressure across sampling nozzle. A separate transducer senses absolute pressure of the flue gases. Temperatures, absolute pressures and differential pressures of the flue gases are measured and representations of the temperatures, absolute pressures and differential pressures are fed to a micromanometer which feeds signals representative of these representations to a computer that generates responsive control signals for a mass flow controller.

Abstract: A process for preparing bis alkylene glycol esters of an alkali metal salt of 5-sulfoisophthalic acid. The subject compound is useful in preparing modified polyesters which can be dyed with basic or cationic dyes. The process is economical and low cost since intermediate reaction products are not purified.