Abstract: A binary munition system comprising at least two non-explosive ingredients hat combine in flight to form a relatively safe explosive. The combination of said non-explosive ingredients for the purpose of forming safe explosives is novel.The binary munition stores the non-explosive ingredients in separate compartments which utilize membranes, bags or containers to facilitate the separation. The munition is equipped with means in which to rupture the compartments upon launch or fire. The purpose of the munition is to maintain separation of the non-explosive ingredients and to achieve mixing of the ingredients upon launch or fire of said munition.

Abstract: A binary munition system comprising at least two non-explosive ingredients hat combine in flight to form a relatively safe explosive. The combination of said non-explosive ingredients for the purpose of forming safe explosives is novel.The binary munition stores the non-explosive ingredients in separate compartments which utilize membranes, bags or containers to facilitate the separation. The munition is equipped with means in which to rupture the compartments upon launch or fire. The purpose of the munition is to maintain separation of the non-explosive ingredients and to achieve mixing of the ingredients upon launch or fire of said munition.

Abstract: A mechanical pressure gage for measuring the change in fluid pressure resing from an explosive charge and the like. The sealed gage housing includes a plate member having a recess in which a metalic foil diaphragm means is frictionally mounted therein. The plate member has a wedged-shaped opening centrally located on the plate member and extending therethrough. The diaphragm means covers the wedged-shaped opening and is adapted to be mechanically deformed by a change in the fluid pressure within the housing. A cover plate for the housing also has a corresponding wedged-shaped opening and has scale marking located adjacent to the edge for measuring the extent of the rupture of the diaphragm means upon the fluid pressure change. Another plate member forms a back to the housing.

Abstract: Shields of tungsten-plastic composite material are strategically disposed termediate neighboring rounds of ammunition containing highly sensitive cyclotol explosive. The shield's shape and composite structure permit the rounds to be more closely stored in tank and depot applications, with reduced danger of propagation of detonation and fratricide hazard.

Abstract: An ammunition rack in a vehicle ammunition compartment helps protect the nds from injury due to road shocks and propagation of an explosion, i.e., fratricide. The rack comprises a warhead block-mount fixture and parallel thereto, and spaced therefrom, a base block-mount fixture; both fixtures being of a resilient and flexible polymeric material and both having a set of holes therethrough; the holes in the two fixtures being aligned. Metal tubular sleeves are held within each pair of aligned fixture holes, the sleeves spanning the space between the fixtures. The ammunition rounds are removably inserted in the sleeves and held therein preferably by latch mechanisms.

Abstract: Solar energy is collected by an array of parallel trough-like reflectors of paraboloidal cross-section, and concentrated upon radiation-absorbent pipes positioned along the lines of focus of the reflectors. The array is mounted on a boat which floats on an irrigation pond of a farm and is rotated by a clock-like drive mechanism so as to follow or track the daily east-west motion of the sun, thereby maintaining the concentration of solar radiation upon the pipes. The flotation of the array by means of the boat permits the use of very low drive power for rotating it to track the sun, and also shields the underlying water from the air and sun so as to reduce evaporation thereof. A central column stabilizes the position of the boat with respect to lateral drift or angular tilt, while permitting vertical motion of the boat in response to changes in pond level; the array may therefor be protected from heavy wind by dropping the pond level so that the array is protected by the sidewalls of the pond at such times.