Abstract: A practice bomb comprised of a hollow two piece plastic shell having lug assemblies therein which aid in retaining the shell halves together notwithstanding the large stresses and strains placed on the bomb during its flight and launching and also releasably suspend the bomb during the transportation of the bomb to the target.

Abstract: In its "off" position, the miniature firearm is a scaled-down version of a standard Colt-type revolver. Its length is 4 to 5 cm, its caliber is 2 mm. Its cylinder (5) can receive six rimfire cartridges (7) on a stem (8). Its firing mechanism comprises the sear (18) and the hammer (19). The sear (18), functioning as a trigger, is made integral with a nose (28) which simulates the trigger, a portion (29) which simulates the trigger guard of the standard firearm, a nose (37) which locks the cylinder (5) into the firing position, and a nose (36) which lifts the hammer (19) by means of a retractable pawl. It carries a pawl (32) in front of the cylinder (5). In the position shown, the nose (36) separates from the retractable pawl of the hammer (19) so that a spring housed in the butt (3) and acting simultaneously on the sear (18) and on the hammer (19) will propel the end (26) of the hammer, which takes the place of the firing pin, onto the stem (8) and causes the bullet (9) to be fired.

Abstract: An electromagnetic projectile launcher is provided with a pair of parallel conductive projectile launching rails which are generally T-shaped with a significant current carrying cross section located symmetrically around a horizontal bore center line. Augmenting conductors which may be either series or parallel connected are located adjacent to the projectile launching rails. In favorable embodiments, force augmentation is also achieved by a reduction in launcher rail height from the breech to the muzzle end.

Abstract: A target member of the seismic energy source is driven into ground surface engagement, as the vehicle, to which the seismic energy source is pivotally connected, moves, due to the target member geometry, that is by resolving the tractive force so that the force driving the target member into the ground is a vector directed at an angle less than 90.degree. to the direction of the vehicle movement. Impulses from an impulse generator are transmitted to the target member after the latter has been driven into the ground, during the vehicle movement or at rest. The impulses are transmitted to propagate in a plane parallel to the ground surface and perpendicularly to the direction of the target member movement.

Abstract: An optoacoustic hydrophone for detection of acoustic waves in a fluid such as sea water. The hydrophone includes an optical waveguide comprising a fiber optic input lead, a fiber optic sensor, and a fiber optic exit lead, an optical subassembly and a signal processor. A coherent light beam generated by the optical subassembly is transmitted through the input lead and the sensor which is disposed in the fluid. Acoustic waves in the fluid modulate the index of refraction of the fiber optic sensor thereby modulating the transmitted light beam. The modulated light beam is directed through the fiber optic exit lead to a focus on one of two photodetectors. The other photodetector is oriented for receipt of light reflected from a partially reflective mirror disposed between the input fiber optic lead and the fiber optic sensor. The two light beams impinging on respective photodetector are combined with unmodulated light beams of slightly different frequencies to produce an interference pattern at each photodetector.

Abstract: A projectile is accelerated along a confined path by supplying a pulsed high pressure, high velocity plasma jet to the rear of the projectile as the projectile traverses the path. The jet enters the confined path at a non-zero angle relative to the projectile path. The pulse is derived from a dielectric capillary tube having an interior wall from which plasma forming material is ablated in response to a discharge voltage. The projectile can be accelerated in response to the kinetic energy in the plasma jet or in response to a pressure increase of gases in the confined path resulting from the heat added to the gases by the plasma.

Abstract: A loading ramp for cartridges to be supplied from a magazine to a gun of an armored vehicle turret comprises a ramp tube which defines a path of travel for the cartridge from the magazine to the gun. A rocker is pivotally mounted to the bottom of the ramp tube at an end of the tube near the gun. The rocker has a first rocker lever which is near the gun and a second rocker lever which is spaced away from the gun. The second rocker lever carries a stopping cam which can be engaged by the flange of a cartridge to pivot the rocker so that the first rocker lever rises. The first rocker lever is in a correct position for raising the forward end of the cartridge to center it with the gun barrel axis. The rocker is also spring loaded so that the stopping cam is biased into the ramp tube awaiting the passage of a cartridge flange.

Abstract: An automatic pistol is disclosed which is recoil-operated and has mechanical locking means. The locking action between the barrel casing and the breech member is effected by means of an amply dimensioned locking member pivotally supported within the breech member and participates in the movement thereof. Coupling means provided between the trigger lever and the striking lever are formed by crank-like means and are adapted to be controlled by corresponding control portions respectively provided on the trigger lever and the breech member or stock so that the striking lever will always move along the same distance whether the striking lever is manually cocked, cocked by the breech member, or cocked and released by pulling on the trigger. The disclosed pistol includes safety means and the pistol and safety means are operable easily and quickly with equal ease by both left-handers and right-handers.

Abstract: An electronic noise filtration system for use in improving the signal to noise ratio of acoustic data transmitted from a downhole transducer in a measurement while drilling system. Signals from a pair of receiving acoustic transducers located in the mud flow path directed downhole are input to a differencing amplifier. The RMS output of the amplifier is converted from an analog to a digital signal and then processed by a computer programmed with a least mean squares technique for minimizing the signal. The input from one receiving transducer is routed through a delay line wherein a programmable clock controls the timing of the signal delay. The delay time is controlled and adjusted by the computer's calculation of the frequency with which the clock should drive the delay line to minimize the difference between the two received transducer signals. This function minimizes ambient noise in the acoustic transmission line formed by the column of drilling fluids when no data transmissions are being made.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elongated, generally cylindrical, firing pin for a revolver, the firing pin having first and second end sections separated by an intermediate section. The first section terminates in a chisel tip for impacting a cartridge casing. The chiselled tip is characterized by bevelled sides and a bevelled bottom terminating in an asymmetrical tip end face. The firing pin is axially slidable in a bushing non-rotatably mounted in the revolver frame by a transverse bushing pin. A keyway system cooperates between the intermediate section of the firing pin and the bushing to preclude rotational movement of the firing pin relative to the bushing.

Abstract: Electromagnetic projectile launchers utilize multiple current path armatures in an internally series augmented conductor rail configuration or an internally augmented system connected to multiple power supplies. The current paths include plasmas, conductors or combinations of both. Plasma separation is maintained by trailing insulating plasma dividers extending toward the launcher breech from arc driving faces on a projectile sabot. Arc length and/or plasma volume is reduced by conductive assemblies adjacent to the arc driving faces.

Abstract: A method for finding the distance between a blowout well and a relief well. The method comprises measuring the acoustic noise in the relief well at two or more locations and then calculating the distance to the blowout well.

Abstract: The invention concerns an automatic, mass-obturated hand firearm comprising a body (1) with handle (2), a barrel (3) joined to the body, a breech block (4) with guide (5) constituted by the body and with cocking and firing mechanism (7), the guide of the breech block ascending rearward so that the rearward path of motion of the breech block deviates upward from the center-line (8) of the barrel. The purpose is to eliminate the problem of automatic hand firearms that during shooting the barrel tends to rise upwards.As taught by the invention, when the breech block (4) is in its forward position its center of gravity (9) is located forward of the handle (2). The breech block (4) is preferably disposed to have its major part forward of the rear end (10) of the barrel (3). Furthermore, the center of gravity (9) of the breech block (4) is preferably located forward of the rear end (10) of the barrel (3).

Abstract: A headlamp suitable for a motor vehicle comprises a first component part composed of a reflector and a second component part composed of a lens and a rearwardly projecting spacer, the two component parts being connected together by interleaved peripheral webs and channels which form a labyrinth seal preventing ingress of water, but allowing ventilation. Pivot axes are formed by interengaging partly cylindrical formations along the edges of the webs and channels.

Abstract: Lubricating apparatus for lubricating a non-linearly traveling fitting on a conveyor. A lubricating coupler is mounted on a pivotally movable platform so that the coupler can move angularly with respect to the pivot axis. Slidable rod means on the platform enable the coupler to move substantially radially with respect to the pivot axis, so that the coupler can move over an area encompassing the expected range of travel of the non-linearly moving fitting. Locating means enable the coupler to align with the fitting. The coupler is maintained engaged with the fitting for a dwell time sufficient to adequately supply lubricant thereto. Cooperating longitudinal surfaces in the coupler body and a movable tip form simultaneous bearing and sealing surfaces for the coupler.

Abstract: An improved candle holder in which the lens is trapped within elastic elongated bars that space the lens from the rigid metallic cover and frictionally hold the lens in an extended and retracted position. Viewing windows are provided for seeing the height of the unburned candle. A brandy glass attachment is provided for the top of the holder.

Abstract: A reactor coolant pump motor has an annular oil pot encircling the vertical motor shaft and containing lubricating oil to a predetermined normal level. A plurality of secondary oil containers are equidistantly spaced around the perimeter of the oil pot, each secondary container having a flat planar bottom surface disposed substantially at the normal oil level of the oil pot. A plurality of conduits provide liquid communication between the bottom of the oil pot and the bottoms of the secondary containers. Each secondary container is substantially closed, but vented to atmosphere.

Abstract: A perforating gun having a plurality of shaped charges to be detonated by a primacord positioned adjacent thereto, which primacord is to be actuated by a detonator positioned in detonating proximity to the primacord. The gun of the present invention mounts the primacord and/or detonator within the gun in a manner affording the relative movement therebetween to a position where the primacord and the detonator are non-aligned so as to safe-arm the gun. The relative movement between the primacord and the detonator can be accomplished through the gun carrier so as to simplify the detonation system and minimize any lengthening of the gun required to accomplish the safe-arming.

Abstract: The invention concerns an EM Launcher wherein each projectile has an insuor which, when subjected to a breakdown voltage, allows current conduction through the EM rails and the projectile for acceleration thereof. The insulator thus provides a disposable switch for a rapid fire EM launcher, negating the necessity of electrical (inductor circuit) charging or mechanical (breech) recycling.A key element in the invention is the replacing of a repetitively operated external switch with a plurality of single-shot, disposable switches. Better performance can be obtained from a single-shot switch (i.e., lower inductance, lower on-state voltage drop) because the compromises required of a repetitive switch to enable it to recover its voltage holdoff are not necessary.

Abstract: An explosively operated device by which a strong magnetic field pulse and an electric current pulse of microseconds duration is produced. A cylindrical magnet is used to initiate the field, and its energy source is an explosive filled metal tube. Within the converter itself, the lines of magnetic flux are essentially axial. When an explosive charge in the central tube is detonated, the end of the tube flares radially, and the tube begins to expand along its length. As it does so, the tube compresses the magnetic field against the inner surface of a magnet. Simultaneously, a helical coil inside the converter experiences a rapid increase in flux density, thus satisfying Faraday's law. This interaction causes a pulse of electric current to be fed into the turns of the magnetocumulative generator as its initial magnetic field is maximized. As the central tube expands against the inside of the coil, it shorts out the turns one-by-one as the detonation wave travels axially along the converter.