Abstract: A check calibration device for a sting-held strain-gauge wind tunnel balance to permit pre-test or inter-test checking of the calibration of the balance in a short time is provided. The device comprises a housing adapted to be secured rigidly to the sting. A plurality of actuators are secured to the housing. Each actuator is positioned to act to generate a force in a predetermined direction at a predetermined location on the body of the balance when the balance and housing are in position secured to the sting. The device further comprises means to vary the load force applied by each actuator. Means are also provided to determine the load force applied by each actuator at a particular point in time and to measure the behavior of the balance in response to that load force at that point in time.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a safety device for preventing premature firing of a rocket due to radiation directed at the aft-end of the rocket. The safety device which is attached to the aft-end of a rocket comprises an electrical contact ring which is electrically connectable to the rocket igniter, a shielding means, also electrically connected to the igniter, for shielding the igniter and firing circuit from electromagnetic radiation, insulating means between the electrical contact ring and shielding means and electrical switch means connected between the shielding means and the electrical contact ring.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus is described for use in a target indicating system operative selectively to signal a strike on a target plate. The target indicating system includes an actuator mechanism adapted to be driven by a pressurized gas, conduit and servo control means in flow communication with the actuator mechanism and adapted, in use, to supply gas under pressure to the actuator mechanism. A strike sensing apparatus or assembly is also included, connectible, in use, to the conduit and servo control means. This sensing apparatus includes a housing defining a cylinder therein having one portion thereof adapted to be in flow communication with the source of pressurized gas. A piston is provided being slidably movable in the cylinder. The piston has a bleed channel therein to depressurize the cylinder. A motion-sensitive weight, preferably in the form of a sphere, is supported by the piston and acts on a needle valve to keep the bleed channel closed.

Abstract: A pneumatic ejector device suitable for use in an aerial bomb ejection system, in which pivotably operable jaws for gripping the bomb or other device are operatively interconnected to a pneumatically operated piston which engages with the bomb to effect positive release. The piston is contained within a gas tight cylinder and a radial clearance is provided therebetween to allow for gas leakage to both sides of the piston. The piston is locked in the loaded position by means of a spring and ball detent and is "armed" by charging air or other gas under pressure into the cylinder. Ejection is achieved by releasing gas pressure from the lower side of the piston at a rate in excess of the rate of leakage past the piston, by means of a solenoid controlled release valve.

Abstract: A spring actuated differential mechanism for controlling the angular position of one or more vanes which is particularly suitable for use in a guidance system for a guided weapon. A pair of vanes are mounted on an axle and a bevel differential is mounted centrally between them. The pivots of one set of bevels is normal to and solid with the vane axle and meshing therewith is a second set of bevels coaxial with but free on the vane axle. Each bevel of the second set of bevels is connected to one of a pair of large pinion gears which are induced to turn in opposite directions by an associated coil spring. Each of these pinion meshes with a small pinion, rotation of which is governed by a low power solenoid controlled escapement. Momentary energization of one solenoid permits a desired rotation of the associated escapement and a correspondingly smaller rotation of the associated large pinion and bevel.