Abstract: An internal combustion catapult for loads such as an aircraft using much of the conventional steam system in that an existing elongated launch tube is utilized with an existing movable piston. The steam generation system may be replaced and a plurality of combustors positioned at the aft end of the launch tube facing the trailing end of the piston. Each of these combustors includes an injector assembly for supplying a combustible propellant. At least one igniter is operatively positioned with respect to the combustor to ignite the combustible propellant to form hot launch gases at high pressure to project the piston down the launch tube to launch the aircraft. A water manifold injects water into the combustion gases to cool them and form steam to propel the piston down the launch tube.

Abstract: A dry transfer system for spent nuclear fuel (SNF) assemblies includes a transfer container with a sliding sleeve for vertical translation therein. The sliding sleeve includes a number of compartments for receiving a corresponding number of fuel assemblies. The container includes an integral and remotely controllable hoist with a number of individually actuated grapples for latching onto a corresponding number of fuel assemblies. The system further includes a loading stand with an elevator for raising and lowering a fuel basket that also includes a number of compartments for moving fuel assemblies up to and in alignment with the sleeve of the transfer container that is landed on the loading stand.

Abstract: A dry transfer system for spent nuclear fuel (SNF) assemblies includes a transfer container with a sliding sleeve for vertical translation therein. The sliding sleeve includes a number of compartments for receiving a corresponding number of fuel assemblies. The container includes an integral and remotely controllable hoist with a number of individually actuated grapples for latching onto a corresponding number of fuel assemblies. The system further includes a loading stand with an elevator for raising and lowering a fuel basket that also includes a number of compartments for moving fuel assemblies up to and in alignment with the sleeve of the transfer container that is landed on the loading stand.

Abstract: An external storage system for a submersible vessel, e.g. a submarine, includes an outer skin formed as a fairing member of the vessel. The internal volume of the external storage system, bounded by the outer skin and the hull of the vessel is occupied by support members appropriate for the selected load and syntactic foam. The syntactic foam provides structural support for the outer skin and load support members, an additional attachment bond between the hull, skin, and load support members, and the buoyancy required to compensate for the additional weight of the external load. The syntactic foam also provides certain acoustic advantages.

Abstract: A single insert is provided with a plurality of curved channels extending therethrough. Such insert allows passage of a relatively large number of cables through a relatively small area of a pressure vessel wall, and the curvature of the channels prevents a straight line path for gamma radiation. The curvature of the channels (i.e. their radius) exceeds the design minimum bend radius for cables that will be passed through the insert. The ends of the insert are conical in shape to provide increased spacing for gland nuts secured in the ends of the channels.

Abstract: An actuator for varying the pitch of a plurality of propeller blades mounted on a propeller blade hub comprising an electric motor driving a drive gear, a reduction gear set driven by the drive gear and driving an externally threaded drive spool, an internally threaded pitch ring including a tangential slot, a pin received within the tangential slot and disposed on a blade hub to which the propeller blade is secured. Rotary movement of the drive gear, the reduction gear set, and the drive spool results in translational movement of the pitch ring. Translational movement of the pitch ring causes movement of the pin within the tangential slot, resulting in rotation of the propeller blade.

Abstract: A system for launching a weapon from a submarine comprises a tube for receiving the weapon, a ram assembly for launching the weapon, an actuator for actuating the ram assembly, and a volume within which water is received, the weight of the water received in the volume being approximately equal to the weight of the expended weapon. The ram assembly includes a ram head for transmitting a launching force to the weapon and a plurality of telescoping cylinders, the telescoping cylinders extending within the tube when the weapon is launched. The volume within which the water is received is formed between the tube and the telescoping cylinders in their extended position.

Abstract: Galvanic isolation between two fluid-conducting members made of dissimilar materials is provided by a coupling pipe that separates the two members (e.g. a pipe and a valve). The coupling pipe includes a tubular section and two flange sections, which mate with the two fluid-conducting members. An insulating liner on the inside diameter of the tubular and flange sections of the coupling device extends the entire length of coupling pipe and is coextensive with flange insulators that separate the coupling pipe from the two fluid-conducting members. The substantial separation distance provided by the coupling pipe with continuous insulation prevents or significantly reduces electrochemical corrosion.

Abstract: A submarine is steered by means of a special bow assembly. The submarine has a body formed with a contoured surface and a forward portion forming a bow. The assembly comprises an annular member surrounding the bow with an outer surface complementary to the contoured surface of the body, and actuating means secured to the body for movement of the annular member forward and away from the bow at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. When the annular member is displaced at the angle, the vehicle is caused to turn in the direction toward which the annular member is turned.

Abstract: A penetration fitting for passing pipes, cables, wires, etc., through a shell or wall that forms a pressure boundary. The combination of a penetrator that is solid metal except for pressure boundary channels, and a single compensating sleeve permits a relatively large number of pipes to be brought across a relatively small area of a vessel shell or wall while still maintaining the structural integrity of the vessel shell or wall.