Abstract: This invention provides provides a separable nosecap for the forward end of a homing torpedo, the nosecap and torpedo comprising a missile that is launched into the atmosphere for a ballistic trajectory to a distant underwater target. The nosecap comprises a nosecap shell having a volume of rigid cushioning foam material within its interior space defining a cavity into which is mounted a pneumatic apparatus including a flexible inflatable sleeve for forcefully disengaging the nosecap from the torpedo after the missile has entered the water environment. The inflatable sleeve engages the forward end of the torpedo and, upon inflation and axial extension, the sleeve disengages the nosecap from its mounting to the torpedo such that a homing mechanism of the torpedo may guide it to the intended target.

Abstract: A flexible and collapsible storage tank (10) for holding large volumes of material is fabricated in a rectangular shape from long lengths of a rubberized square-woven fabric. The lengths of fabric are oriented with overlapping adjacent edges to form inner (122) and outer (124) envelope structures which are integrally vulcanized into a homogeneous tank body (20). The inner envelope (122) is formed by longitudinally oriented fabric plies (22) having overlapping adjacent edges (22a) while the outer envelope (124) is formed by edge plies of fabric (26) folded about the peripheral edges of the inner envelope (122) and orthogonally oriented fabric plies (24) positioned on either side of the inner envelope (122). The tank (10) includes an air vent valve (40) mounted in its top and a closure (30) which clamps and seals a corner exposure (20a) of the tank body (20) and provides access and communication into the tank for filling and emptying.

Abstract: A flexible, fabric-reinforced, complex-shaped container comprises a fabric reinforcement material and at least one facing layer of a polymeric or elastomeric material, said fabric comprised of yarns capable of changing their effective lengths upon being shaped to a complex mold configuration and thereafter maintained in that shaped condition by curing of the composite material. The method of the invention comprises applying a differential pressure to the fabric reinforced composite in a concave mold having the desired complex configuration to move the composite into the mold cavities as the effective length of the yarns change to conform to the mold and thereafter curing of the composite so as to set the composite to the mold shape.

Abstract: A pneumatic pad comprises reinforcement fabrics of parallel cords pre-formed to a specific radius through the edges of the pad and press-molded to a very flat pre-pressurized configuration. At least two orthogonally oriented reinforcement fabrics are embedded in elastomer and have lapped ends positioned in opposite covers of the pad such that each cover comprises at least three cord reinforcement plies two of which are oriented orthogonally with respect to the other.

Abstract: A flexible, fabric-reinforced, complex-shaped container comprises a fabric reinforcement material and at least one facing layer of a polymeric or elastomeric material, said fabric comprised of yarns capable of changing their effective lengths upon being shaped to a complex mold configuration and thereafter maintained in that shaped condition by curing of the composite material. The method of the invention comprises applying a differential pressure to the fabric reinforced composite in a concave mold having the desired complex configuration to move the composite into the mold cavities as the effective length of the yarns change to conform to the mold and thereafter curing of the composite so as to set the composite to the mold shape.

Abstract: A bottom tension boom for collecting floating material, such as an oil spill upon a body of water, has a barrier containing an upper or freeboard portion, a lower or skirt portion which is submerged in and extends downwardly into said body of water, and pleats or slack portions which extend generally vertically across the barrier. A plurality of flotation elements is attached to the freeboard portion of the barrier and thereby supports the barrier as a whole upon the water. A lattice containing a plurality of strands made from an extensible material is attached to the skirt and extends downwardly therefrom. The lower portion of the lattice is connected to a bottom tension line which is shorter in length than the corresponding portion of the barrier. The boom is towed by tow lines connected solely to the bottom tension line and effects a backward skirt inclination with respect to the position of the bottom tension line.