Abstract: A fragment for an ordnance item having a blind recess within which are disposed a number of layers or pellets of thermite (Al-Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3) or a thermite-like metal-metal oxide mixture; the density of each layer being successively less than the layer beneath it, proceeding from bottom to top of the blind recess, due to the use of diminishing compacting pressures. The density of the top layer is such that it will ignite due to the heat and shock of explosive projection upon detonation of the ordnance item and produce the following reaction: 2Al + Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 .fwdarw. Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 + 2Fe. Since the burning rate of the layers varies inversely with their density, a substantial portion of the thermite will remain unreacted over a considerable range until the fragment impacts with a target at which time the remaining chemical energy of the thermite will be explosively released.

Abstract: Various synthetic, natural or metal fibers, in either random or selective ientation are cast or pressed in place within the explosive compositions to reinforce the explosives against cracking induced by service environments and thereby reduce the possibility of premature detonation or ignition within the gun bore.

Abstract: The device has a hollow housing having made therein a chamber adapted to accommoate an explosive charge, separated by a partition made of an elastomeric material for sealing the chamber from the cavity of the housing, communicating with the hole through lateral apertures in the housing. The device further includes a stem of a diameter that is lss than that of the rest of the housing, preferably threadedly secured to the bottom face of the housing. The stem has cut therein axial and radial passsages establishing communication between the cavity of the housing and the external lateral surface of the stem. A ring of an elastomeric material is received about the stem so that it closes off the openings of the radial passages in the external lateral surface of the stem.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a fuse for rifle-grenades and similar, wherein means are provided to visually indicate whether the first element of the pyrotechnic claim of the fuse, for instance a detonator, is live or not.

Abstract: A control system for hydrofoil craft is one in which control surfaces are moved automatically in response to signals derived from the motion of the craft to stabilize and control the craft. In such systems, a potentially dangerous condition can occur in case of a failure or malfunction in the roll control system. In order to prevent such conditions, two roll sensing devices are provided which normally generate identical signals to actuate the control surfaces to stabilize the rolling motion. In case a failure or malfunction, the signals provided by the two sensing devices become different and apparatus is provided to compare these signals and to respond to a difference in the signals to initiate landing of the craft rapidly and safely.

Abstract: A charging machine for loading fuel slugs into the process tubes of a nuclear reactor includes a tubular housing connected to the process tube, a charging trough connected to the other end of the tubular housing, a device for loading the charging trough with a group of fuel slugs, means for equalizing the coolant pressure in the charging trough with the pressure in the process tubes, means for pushing the group of fuel slugs into the process tube and a latch and a seal engaging the last object in the group of fuel slugs to prevent the fuel slugs from being ejected from the process tube when the pusher is removed and to prevent pressure liquid from entering the charging machine.

Abstract: A semiactive bomblet fuze having both contact and proximity fuze capability or a free-fall weapon, and utilizing both a gyro-rotor aligning fuze train and an optical lens for initiating a light sensitive explosive detonator.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: 1. Apparatus for detonation of high explosive in uniform timing comprising in combination, an outer case, spark gap electrodes insulatedly supported in spaced relationship within said case to form a spark gap, high explosive of the class consisting of pentaerythritol tetranitrate and trimethylene trinitramine substantially free from material sensitive to detonation by impact compressed in surrounding relation to said electrodes including said spark gap under a pressure from about 100 psi to about 500 psi, said spark gap with said compressed explosive therein requiring at least 1000 volts for sparking, and means for impressing at least 1000 volts on said spark gap.

Abstract: A casing or shell for explosive material to be used as a booster for detonating massive charges of blasting agents of low sensitivity is formed in two generally hemispherical half shell or casing members which are formed with sufficient precision that the two parts may lock together in telescoped relationship after filling, to form a liquid-tight joint. The two half shells are quite similar in size and shape but not identical, one bearing a flange having a hollow cylindrical inner surface into which a mating flange on the other is received; interlocking elements inside the outer flange and on the exterior surface of the inner flange hold the parts securely together by friction and without adhesive after full assembly.

Abstract: A sighting and laying system to properly aim the missile gyro axis to a petermined elevation and to orient this same axis in any desired horizontal direction. These functions are performed without any preleveling of the launcher elevating and slewing mechanism and permits the missile launcher to be located on up to a 6.degree. slope in any direction.

Abstract: A recoverable plug for the blasting hole of a mine. A steel ball is enclosed within one hollowed-out portion of the plug, and sealed therein, so that the plug may be magnetically recovered after the blasting has been completed; or later, when the mined material is treated with a fluid such as water. The hollowed-out portion is further charged with compressed air, or similar fluid, to assist in absorbing the shock when the blast occurs, with the hollowed-out-portion also making the plug bouyant when it passes through a washing or similar liquid. Suitable expansion means is provided to "seat" the plug in a blasting hole.

Abstract: A projectile having a first plurality of flechettes arranged to be disper during the flight of the projectile by an explosive removal of a surrounding portion of the projectile casing and a second plurality of flechettes adapted to be subsequently dispersed by a movement thereof forwardly through a rear portion of the casing of the projectile and subsequent lateral displacement therefrom.

Abstract: 1. A fusible salt electrolyte cell system including a cathode, an anode, and a mass of non-fused electrolyte in contact therewith and wherein said cathode and electrolyte components essentially consist of a series of layers of powders compressed under a pressure of the order of 50,000 to 60,000 p.s.i. into a single pellet with adjacent layers intimately united, said electrolyte being admixed with dehydrated kaolinite in a sheet layer crystalline structure form, which is present throughout the mass of electrolyte in an amount sufficient to impart nonflow characteristics to the fused electrolyte so as to maintain the electrolyte against substantial displacement under pressure when the electrolyte is fused thereby to retain the fused electrolyte in intimate contact with said anode, and heat source material adjacent said electrolyte and adapted to release heat in an amount adequate to fuse said electrolyte so as to activate the cell.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic signal such as a flare, smoke signal, or the like, which is provided with a hollow plastic handle into which the pyrotechnic mass is telescopingly received. For storage, the pyrotechnic mass is positioned within the handle and for use the pyrotechnic mass is partially withdrawn from the handle. The handle may be rendered water-tight so that the signal can be used in marine environments and will float on water.

Abstract: 1. A fusible salt electrolyte cell system including a compressed mass of non-fused electrolyte admixed with an adsorbent binder and in intimate contact with an anode, said adsorbent binder being present throughout the mass in an amount sufficient to impart non-flow characteristics to the fused electrolyte so as to maintain the electrolyte against substantial displacement under pressure when the electrolyte is fused thereby to retain the fused electrolyte in intimate contact with said anode, said binder essentially comprising dehydrated kaolinite in a sheet layer crystalline structure form.

Abstract: A stemming device for holes which device comprises at least one layer of a esilient material capable of forming a seal in conjunction with the wall of a hole, the seal being characterized in that it prevents, minimizes or substantially retards the flow of flowable, pourable or pumpable material from the hole. The device is used to stem a hole by positioning the same in the hole in a manner such that said stemming device forms a seal in conjunction with the wall of the hole capable of preventing, minimizing or substantially retarding the flow of flowable, pourable or pumpable material from the hole.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of removing underwater obstacles by blasting with a fluid explosure. This underwater blasting method comprises the steps of injecting into a blasting hole drilled on an underwater obstacle an inert fluid which is immiscible with water and has a specific gravity greater than water, then injecting a fluid explosive having a specific gravity greater than the inert fluid to replace therewith a part of the inert fluid and thereafter detonating the injected explosive.

Abstract: Sintered nuclear fuel pellets of improved dimensional stability under irradiation are produced by controlling the production of voidage in the pellets during manufacture of the pellets.

Abstract: This invention comprises wrap-around fins for a rocket missile, the fins ng mounted on rods which are borne by a spool-like runner which encircles the nozzle body of a rocket missile. The nozzle body is exteriorly coated with teflon. The spool-like member has a ring-shaped extension on each end, each of which fits into a ring-shaped teflon bearing which, in turn, fits into a slot in a flange on the nozzle body whereby the spool-like member and the fins which are mounted on it are free to rotate relative to the nozzle (and therefore the rocket) body. The interior of the nozzle of the rocket is formed with flutes, the action of the exiting gases on the flutes causing the missile body to rotate in flight.