Abstract: A nuclear fuel particle wherein a core, up to about 250 microns in diameter, of a normally solid fissionable material is completely encased in a shell having at least two concentric layers. A yielding of carbonaceous material about 5 to about 50 microns thick is disposed inward of a layer of substantially impermeable refractory material, e.g., pyrocarbon, up to about 100 microns thick. Examples of the yielding layer include carbonized synthetic polymer resins and sooty pyrocarbon.

Abstract: A warhead fuze is attached within the warhead casing in such a manner that ressure buildup will cause the fuze mechanism to be ejected from its housing. The fuze and its associated booster is contained in a cup attached to an end cap which may be threaded to receive a closure cap. The joint between the booster cup and the end cap is made in such a manner that pressure buildup within the cup will case the joint to fail with a resultant expulsion of said booster cup away from the main explosive cavity.

Abstract: A nozzle ejection system having an outer nozzle, an inner nozzle located within the outer nozzle and a snap ring within the outer nozzle for holding the inner nozzle in place. An explosive charge is operatively connected to the snap ring, with the explosive charge detonating at a preselected time thereby either breaking or releasing the snap ring and allowing the inner nozzle to be ejected from the outer nozzle.

Abstract: An improved fuel assembly grid spacer and method of retaining the basic fuel rod support elements in position within the fuel assembly containment channel. The improvement involves attachment of the grids to the hexagonal channel and of forming the basic fuel rod support element into a grid structure, which provides a design which is insensitive to potential channel distortion (ballooning) at high fluence levels. In addition the improved method eliminates problems associated with component fabrication and assembly.

Abstract: An improved cartridge comprising an outer case member, an inner base member and an intermediate bushing member wherein the case may be plastic or similar material, the inner base member is of plastic or any other material, and the bushing member formed by injection between the case member and the base member. The intermediate bushing formed and interposed between the case member and the base member closely joins the case to the base to form a monobloc assembly.

Abstract: This application relates to a sleeving stand, a sleeving and a method of using a sleeving for loading blast holes with explosive, after those holes are lined with a blast hole liner in order to prevent water from interfering with the effective use of the explosive. The blast hole liner is of a convenient construction for easy use to line a blast hole and involves forward and rear panels and oppositely disposed gusset walls. The sleeving stand is a stand for use of the blast hole liner and for convenient dispensing of the blast hole liner in a blast hole.

Abstract: An apparatus for the simultaneous placement of a plurality of objects on a substantially horizontal surface is disclosed, said apparatus comprising a platform to position the objects, release mechanisms to releasably attach the objects to the platform and a system for simultaneous release of the objects.

Abstract: A high density armor piercing projectile having a cylindrically-shaped penetrator core. The core has a length substantially greater than the diameter thereof. Encompassing the penetrator is a carrier body and nose. The carrier body being press fit on the penetrator core and having a stabilizing ring press fit thereon. An obturator and pusher plate are secured to the rear of the penetrator core. In addition, the design of the carrier body enables the projectile to be spin stabilized when fired from any suitable weapon.

Abstract: The invention relates to hypervelocity projectiles of such mass, configuron, density and material that upon impact with targeted armor backface spallation occurs in which a large quantity of fragments are ejected from the backface although there has been no penetration of the projectile through the armor.

Abstract: A fuze for a round of ammunition is provided wherein the gun voltage used for initiating the primer is also used to contemporaneously charge the power supply capacitor.

Abstract: A two channel optical fuzing system for determining that a true target is esent by initiating a gating pulse when the forward looking channel first detects what appears to be a target and initiating an arming signal when the rearward looking channel sees the same target. If the arming signal initiated during the time interval of the gate pulse, a decision circuit passes an output pulse to the firing circuit which produces a firing pulse to initiate the warhead.

Abstract: A blast simulator for use as a noise environment tester in a simulated mile launcher. The blast simulator includes a cylinder capped at both ends by a paper disc and encloses a pyrotechnic charge. An electric squib is inserted through either the cylinder walls or the end discs and when actuated ignites the pyrotechnic charge.

Abstract: An optical guidance system for a spin-stabilized autorotative projectile ing a target radiation detector, a detector cooling means, a fixed-coil electromagnet and a tuned-frequency steering vane. During projectile flight the detector temperature is reduced for increasing the sensitivity of the detector to radiation. When target radiation is detected, a signal is generated that is representative of target deviation from the flight path of the projectile. This signal sets up a periodic oscillation in an electromagnet for generating an electromagnetic force which, periodically and in phase with the oscillation, projects a steering vane into the air stream, creating a lift on the projectile to steer it to a target.

Abstract: An illuminating projectile which can be launched from a rifled-tube unit.The projectile includes on the one hand an illuminating flare which can be disconnected from the body of the projectile after a predetermined period of time under the action of an ejection charge, and on the other hand at least one parachute for braking translation of the illuminating flare, and floating fins acting on the illuminating flare itself to reduce the speed of rotation of the illuminating flare. The floating fins are connected to the illuminating flare by filiform connecting elements, one of the ends of which is attached to the illuminating flare while the other end is free and provided with a stop, the fins being mounted for free rotation and translation around and along a connecting element.

Abstract: Lubrication means are provided for applying lubricant to appropriate devices associated with a hollow rotating shaft. More particularly, a first annular dam is disposed in the flow path of lubricant migrating along the interior surface of a hollow rotating shaft thereby causing lubricant to accumulate upon the interior surface to a sufficient radial thickness to lubricate that portion of the device spaced radially inwardly of the interior surface.

Abstract: A system wherein a plurality of thermoelectric modules are thermally connected by heat pipes forming a cascaded structure that is capable of operating effectively and reliably with large temperature gradients, the heat pipes providing relatively low temperature gradient interfaces between the thermoelectric modules and thereby act as stress isolation structures.

Abstract: A gyro seeker which may be employed and housed in the nose section of a cannon launched missile. The gyro seeker functions in a dual mode in that it detects either laser designated targets or targets emitting infrared radiation. Structurally, the gyro seeker comprises a spherically shaped gyro element hydrostatically supported on a gas bearing surface within a spherical cavity of a spherically shaped platform. The gyro in turn supports optical and detector/cryostat assemblies for tracking and detecting desired targets. The platform is similarly hydrostatically supported on gas bearings within the housing. The platform is restrained on the base of the missile by a trapeze mechanism which limits the platform to two-degrees-of-freedom. Means are provided for torquing both the gyro and the platform. Additional means are provided to allow the gyro seeker to withstand the high induced acceleration forces of cannon launching.

Abstract: Training ammunition including a projectile disposed in a cartridge case, the projectile having a rear portion with an axially extending recess and a charge disposed therein, a cover cap extending over the rear of the projectile in a formfitting manner, and at least one obturation member disposed proximate to the cover cap, the cover cap having an outer diameter at least equal to and/or slightly greater than the caliber of the projectile.

Abstract: A pressure activated, timed missile flight termination system for destroy a test missile after a predetermined period of flight to shorten its hazard space so that it can be used on firing ranges having a minimum amount of area. A delayed destruct sequence is initiated by pressure in the missile combustion chamber upon ignition of the missile. A pressure driven piston is compressed by the pressure created in the combustion chamber, causing it to strike a primer which initiates a delay fuse, a detonator, and a linear-shaped charge to destroy the missile.

Abstract: A smoke marker for indicating the location of a target drone. An aluminum tube with one open end and one closed end contains a polyethylene bottle filled with titanium tetrachloride, a smoke chemical. The bottle is held in place within the tube by means of set screws adjacent the bottle's neck. A nylon washer containing an explosive primer and a metallic disc are disposed between the bottle and the closed end of the tube. The open end of the tube is potted closed with styrofoam potting. Upon ignition, the explosive primer forces the copper disc to collapse the bottom of the bottle. The neck of the bottle shears and the titanium tetrachloride is expelled from the aluminum tube and the bottle, creating a 25 to 30 foot cloud of smoke.