Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to green oxidizer compositions and method of synthesizing and using the same. Such green oxidizers are stable, may be used in conventional bipropellant thrusters, including, but not limited to LDACS applications, and offer several benefits over conventional oxidizers with respect to toxicity and/or corrosion. The present disclosure also relates to methods of synthesizing poly-nitrated oxetane, a green oxidizer, in an Argon-rich environment.

Abstract: A flow-controlling device is provided for controlling the flow of a fluid. The device comprises a housing, a flow-control element disposed within the housing, at least one seat operably engaging the flow-control element, a biasing device operably engaging each seat for urging the seat into sealing engagement with the flow-control element, and an actuating device operably engaging the flow-control element. The seat operably engages the flow-control element and the biasing device operably engages the seat to urge the seat into a sealing engagement with the flow-control element. The flow-control element, the seat, and the biasing device are comprised of a refractory and/or toughened ceramic material that is fully annealed so that porosity in the material is substantially eliminated and such that the material is substantially homogenous. Components fabricated from such a ceramic are generally heat, corrosion, and wear resistant and are capable of substantial elongation without failure.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of a fluid comprises a housing, a flow-control element disposed within the housing, at least one seat operably engaging the flow-control element, and a biasing device for urging the seat and the flow-control element relative toward each other. In some embodiments, the valve also includes an actuating device operably engaging the flow-control element. The flow-control element, the seat, and the biasing device are comprised of a refractory material, and at least the biasing device is formed of a toughened refractory or ceramic material that is fully annealed so that porosity in the material is substantially eliminated and such that the material is substantially homogenous. In some embodiments, the seat, the flow-control element, the biasing device, and/or other components may be advantageously fabricated together as a unitary structure. An associated fabrication method is also provided.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of a fluid comprises a housing, a flow-control element disposed within the housing, at least one seat operably engaging the flow-control element, and a biasing device for urging the seat and the flow-control element relative toward each other. In some embodiments, the valve also includes an actuating device operably engaging the flow-control element. The flow-control element, the seat, and the biasing device are comprised of a refractory material, and at least the biasing device is formed of a toughened refractory or ceramic material that is fully annealed so that porosity in the material is substantially eliminated and such that the material is substantially homogenous. In some embodiments, the seat, the flow-control element, the biasing device, and/or other components may be advantageously fabricated together as a unitary structure. An associated fabrication method is also provided.

Abstract: A flow-controlling device is provided for controlling the flow of a fluid. The device comprises a housing, a flow-control element disposed within the housing, at least one seat operably engaging the flow-control element, a biasing device operably engaging each seat for urging the seat into sealing engagement with the flow-control element, and an actuating device operably engaging the flow-control element. The seat operably engages the flow-control element and the biasing device operably engages the seat to urge the seat into a sealing engagement with the flow-control element. The flow-control element, the seat, and the biasing device are comprised of a refractory and/or toughened ceramic material that is fully annealed so that porosity in the material is substantially eliminated and such that the material is substantially homogenous. Components fabricated from such a ceramic are generally heat, corrosion, and wear resistant and are capable of substantial elongation without failure.

Abstract: In a yarn winding apparatus that includes a pair of windup chucks alternately movable into engagement with a drive roll for winding yarn on package supports carried by the chuck, the improvement comprises a device to provide a preselected constant force between the yarn package being formed and the drive roll and to release the force while a full package is being doffed and new package is started.