Abstract: A mechanical device is provided for disconnecting a load lowered to the ground from the end of a cable in response to engagement of the load with the ground. The device comprises a clevis secured to the end of the cable and provided with a spring-biased pin holding an eye member in turn attached to the load. The weight of the load will hold the pin in the clevis, but when the load engages the ground, the weight of the pin is relieved and the spring will pop the pin out. A slidable member normally blocks outward movement of the pin. A weight releasable from the upper end of the cable is arranged to slide down the cable and strike the slidable member to move it to a position in which the pin is unblocked thereby arming the device for releasing of the load when the load engages the ground.

Abstract: An ignition device for igniting a rocket motor comprising a striker adapted or displacement by pressure generated by an auxiliary charge, a percussion-operated priming device for impact by the striker, and an ignition charge for ignition by the priming device and for igniting the rocket motor. The striker, in its inoperative position, is mechanically keyed within a hollow container body having an axial bore therethrough by a pair of diametrically opposed circumferential grooves within which an O-ring is retained. For operation, a fluid generates pressure on the striker, thereby dislodging it from its mechanical keying and driving it to impact the percussion-operated priming device.

Abstract: A smoke marker for indicating the location of a target drone. An aluminum tube with one open end and one closed end contains a polyethylene bottle filled with titanium tetrachloride, a smoke chemical. The bottle is held in place within the tube by means of set screws adjacent the bottle's neck. A nylon washer containing an explosive primer and a metallic disc are disposed between the bottle and the closed end of the tube. The open end of the tube is potted closed with styrofoam potting. Upon ignition, the explosive primer forces the copper disc to collapse the bottom of the bottle. The neck of the bottle shears and the titanium tetrachloride is expelled from the aluminum tube and the bottle, creating a 25 to 30 foot cloud of smoke.