Abstract: A machine provides in situ cutting of a specimen of elastomeric propellant rom a rocket motor wherein an undetached plug is formed by an annular opening cut through the motor casing and into the propellant. The machine has a length of resilient wire secured at its ends to a rod for forming a loop mounted on the rod. The rod is inserted into the opening at one side of the plug with the loop around the plug. The rod is then rotated to wind the wire onto the rod so as to contract the loop and sever the plug. A tray is pivotally mounted on the rod between the rod and the plug with the wire passing through slots in the tray. The tray is inserted into the opening beside the specimen so as to prevent engagement of the rod with the specimen during cutting and to receive the detached specimen for removal from the motor. The rod and tray extend from an assembly having an air motor rotating the rod through reduction gearing and through an overrunning clutch which drives in the loop contracting direction.

Abstract: A machine performs in situ excision of a specimen of tough and highly elac solid propellant from a fin of the propellant disposed within a cavity extending from the nozzle opening of a rocket motor. The machine is mounted at the opening and has a rod extended into and moved generally axially of the cavity by an actuator assembly. A knife is mounted at one side of the rod end within the chamber. A mounting assembly supports the actuator assembly on the rocket motor and provides selective positioning of the actuator assembly axially of the cavity, of the angle of rod movement to the cavity axis, and of the knife position rotationally within the cavity. The actuator assembly has a guide received in the mounting assembly. The rod extends through the guide which prevents rotation of the rod while guiding it axially. From the guide, the rod extends successively to and through an air cylinder and a hydraulic dampening cylinder to a rod end bearing an adjustable stop for selecting the axial movement of the rod.

Abstract: Chemiluminescent mixtures utilize mono and di-alkyl substituted 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene derivatives to provide higher chemiluminescence efficiencies. The preferred fluorescers are 2-ethyl-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene and 1,4-dimethyl-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene.

Abstract: Catalysts for low temperature hydrogen peroxide/oxalate ester fluorescer miluminescent systems are disclosed. Lithium carboxylic said salt catalysts which lower the activation energy of the reaction and also reduce the temperature dependence of the light emission process are preferred.

Abstract: Water repellent coatings for optical elements such as lenses and windshields. Coatings for uncoated glass, glass having a magnesium fluoride antireflective coating, and glass having an electrically conductive coating of a mixture of indium oxides and tin oxides are applied by applying compositions containing chloromethylsilanes, Dow Corning 531 and 536 fluids, or N, beta-aminoethyl-gamma-aminopropyltrimethylsilane and a perfluorocarboxylic acid to the surface where water repellent coatings are desired. Dow Corning 531 and 536 fluids are described as aminofunctional polydimethylsiloxane copolymers. Hydrolysis and condensation reactions in the presence of water at the surface to be coated result in a durable polymeric coating bonded to the surface.

Abstract: An air-reactive chemiluminescent formulation is encapsulated and material ich will catalyze the reaction of the formulation with air is affixed to the outside of the capsule. When the capsule is crushed, the formulation, air and the catalyst all come into contact with one other and high intensity light is produced rapidly.

Abstract: Tetraalkylammonium trifluoroacetates, lithium trifluoroacetate and sodium ifluoroacetate are disclosed as being useful as catalysts in chemiluminescent systems wherein a hydrogen peroxide component and an oxalate ester-fluorescer component are mixed and reacted to produce light.