Abstract: A track tension system including a hydraulic cylinder coupled between a drive frame and idler of a track system, an accumulator and a hydraulic valve that controls flow between the cylinder and accumulator. The cylinder extends and retracts to change the distance between the drive frame and idler which increases and decreases, respectively, tension on the track system. The hydraulic valve can be opened to allow flow between the cylinder and accumulator, and closed to block flow between the cylinder and accumulator. Control factors can be monitored to control valve position. An overload pressure relief can allow flow between the cylinder and accumulator when the hydraulic valve is closed and pressure in the cylinder reaches overload pressure. An orifice can allow constricted flow between the cylinder and accumulator when the hydraulic valve is closed. A check valve can connect the track tension system to a vehicle hydraulic system.

Abstract: The velocity of detonation of an explosive such as detonating cord (18, 22) is controlled by the addition of a diluent to the explosive, e.g., to the core of the detonating cord (18, 22). An explosively inert diluent, or a diluent comprised of an explosive of lower brisance than the principal explosive comprising the core of the detonating cord, will serve to reduce the velocity of detonation. Such reduced velocity of detonation has beneficial effects in certain operations, including cleaving rock (10), wherein it is observed to significantly reduce radial cracks (24) and stickers (26) (long radial cracks) in the vicinity of the boreholes (12) in which the low-velocity detonating cord (18, 22) is functioned to cleave the rock (10). The low-velocity detonating cord also facilitates leaving behind a smoother face in cutting trenches and tunnels through rock.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rigid reactive cord such as a detonating cord (10) that includes a core (38) of an energetic material and a rigid non-metal sheath (40) disposed about the core. The cord (10) is sufficiently rigid so that it can be inserted through a material to be fractured or through passages formed therein. A method of using the rigid reactive cord for the removal of combustion residue from boiler tubes is also presented.

Abstract: An alkali metal, non-aqueous electrolyte cell having a cathode active material with minor amounts of powdered zinc and sulfur. The process of making the cathode includes pelletizing the powdered cathode materials and heating the pellets to interdiffuse zinc and sulfur into the active material.

Abstract: A lithium-organic electrolyte cell which is provided with an aluminum-magnesium alloy cladding on the lithium anode. The cladding provides a cell having improved pulse performance.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell having an active metal anode, an electrolyte compatible with the anode metal and a cathode of metal-rich iron sulfide said cathode being substantially devoid of sulfur-rich phases. An example of such a cell is Li/1M LiAsF.sub.6 dissolved in 50% propylene carbonate--50% dimethoxyethane/Fe.sub.1.2 S. The invention also includes such cathodes per se.