Abstract: An article of protective clothing includes a hardened armor section such as impact shields and an underlying layer incorporating one or more inflate fluid cavities or cushions. The fluid cavities are in communication with a reservoir of fluid under pressure. The reservoir can be used in conjunction with an impact sensor that directs the fluid to the cushions upon projectile impact or can be directed to supply fluid to the cushions upon user demand. In either case, inflation of the cushions is only accomplished when needed, thereby enhancing the comfort of a user.

Abstract: A biorepellent matrix structure comprises a resin and first and second micapsules suspended in the resin. The first and second microcapsules each includes a first shell and a second shell, respectively, containing a biorepellent material that is released upon penetration of any of the first and second shells, as for example, by a biological organism. The biorepellent material, such as capsaicin, diffuses through the first and second shells at different rates. The different diffusion rates of the biorepellent material together provide a biorepellant matrix structure that exhibits long term protection against the formation of biological organisms that would otherwise accumulate on the matrix structure, and deters organisms from gnawing or chewing the matrix structure.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor is also disclosed for measuring or detecting the prece of an environmental field condition such as under-water acoustic perturbations. The sensor includes a force transfer transducer, which is enclosed within a shell, with a pressure equalizer for equalizing the interior and exterior shell pressures. An optical fiber is coiled about the transducer. An optical detector detects stress or strain in the optical fiber, resulting from external perturbations. The sensor is able to operate at various depths or altitudes. Pressure equalization enables the isolation of dynamic external perturbations from other pressure variations. For this purpose, a pressure equalizing valve may be used to allow the equalization of slow changes in static pressures, and the detection of higher frequency perturbations which might emanate from a target source.

Abstract: A cost-effective, producible improved apparatus for and method of fabricag a transducer acoustic window for a marine environment has acceptable acoustic energy transmitting properties and appropriate mechanical properties to withstand the rigors associated with varying velocities of flowing water, fluctuating temperatures, changing ambient pressures, the abuse attendant operations, etc., that are routinely encountered during a prolonged deployment. The acoustic window has a cast CONAP 1556 polyurethane window portion that extends over a hull opening and on a bearing surface rim about the opening. A number of equidistantly, circumferentially spaced stainless steel inserts are molded in the cast polyurethane window portion. Each of the inserts has a threaded outer surface, a machined flat, a longitudinal slot and a countersunk unthreaded bore and each threaded outer surface, machined flat and longitudinal slot mechanically engage the cast polyurethane window portion in an adhering and bonding relationship.

Abstract: A mechanical release mechanism is designed to separate when a predetermined ension is exerted between two members. A ball or plug member is retained within a slitted, cylindrical-shaped spring housing member. When the tensile force between the members reaches a predesigned release force, the spring housing member is spread apart to allow the ball or plug to be pulled free. Merely reconfiguring the cylindrical spring housing member from different materials or with different dimensions or number of slits alters the tensile release force to accommodate a variety of different applications. After a predetermined separation, the members can be reassembled for reuse.

Abstract: An aluminum torpedo piston is provided with a piston head fabricated from a etal matrix composite material composed of aluminum and silicon carbide fibers that are integrally joined by an inertial welding technique. A 23% weight of silicon carbide fibers to powdered aluminum was selected. Resistance to intense heating which would otherwise cause melting and erosion of the piston is avoided to permit longer, high speed runs.

Abstract: Solid ramjet fuels made up of mixture comprising hydroxy terminated polybdiene or the like in combination with other hereinafter specified hydrocarbons are disclosed. When combusted, in the presence of air, the fuels of this invention exhibit combustion efficiencies similar to that of hydroxy terminated polybutadiene alone.