Abstract: A method to attach a cotter pin to a receptor at its through hole includes using a flat slider key whose aperture has surface zones against which the pin's legs bias into a conforming slidable fit. The key is initially remote from the legs' free ends and is oriented perpendicular to a plane defined by the legs. The key is slid along the legs, which are forced toward each other without eliminating the gap therebetween. The key is then pivoted until the legs close so as to fit their free ends into an entry of the receptor's hole. Once the legs' free ends are in the hole, the key is returned to its original orientation. The legs are then passed through the key further into the hole until their free ends exit the hole and spread apart more than hole's width.

Abstract: A military vehicle equipped with a hollow panel containing a fire supprest, the panel being located directly inboard from one of the vehicle fuel tanks, whereby enemy projectiles fired into the tank also penetrate the panel; fire suppressant sprays out of the hole formed by the projectile, thereby preventing formation of or extinguishing a potential fireball within the vehicle before it can grow into a massive holocaust of lethal proportions. A foraminous screen is positioned on the inboard face of the panel to prevent the panel from fragmenting as the suppressant enlarges the hole formed by the projectile.

Abstract: In an arctic military vehicle, one or more heating units is/are positioned against the outer surface of the battery to heat the battery electrolyte and thereby improve battery output capability during the critical engine start-up period. Each heating unit includes an internal self-contained heat source, thereby enabling the system to be used in wilderness areas remote from building energy sources. The invention is particularly applicable to arctic military vehicles that might be required to move through relatively uninhabited enemy areas where stationary energy sources might be unknown or non-existent.