Abstract: An electroexpansive linear actuator utilizes a sagittal tension member to amplify linear motion in which the electroexpansive member is placed in compression between a fixed base support and a lever support member hingedly connected to the fixed base. One end of the sagittal tension member is attached to the fixed base while the other end is attached to the lever support member distal the hinge point. The device to be actuated is connected proximate the midpoint of the sagittal tension member and moves perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sagittal tension member when the electroexpansive member expands and contracts. A second embodiment of the actuator utilizes a second lever support arm instead of the fixed base as a bearing support for the other end of the electroexpansive member.

Abstract: A housing having an inlet port and an outlet port utilizes a variable volume cavity connected to the housing and includes a device for limiting the volume of the cavity which is alternately filled through the inlet port and exhausted through the outlet port using a spool valve. The spool valve is arranged to prevent continuous communication of fluid between the inlet and outlet ports. The volume of the variable volume cavity can be varied using electro-expansive or piezoelectric apparatus. The spool valve is reciprocated between the inlet and outlet ports using an electromechanical device and a motion amplifier.

Abstract: A high pressure diaphragm for use with an electroexpansive material utilizes a generally planar central member, a generally outer flange-engaging member, and an annular ring member, which can have a frusto-conical shape, having its outer edge flexibly connected to the inner edge of the flange-engaging member and with its inner edge flexibly connected to the outer edge of the central member. The flexible connection includes a bridge member having a thickness less than the thickness of the annular ring member and maybe fabricated integrally with said annular ring member and with the central and flange-engaging members. In one embodiment the high pressure diaphgram is pre-loaded so that during movement no portion of the flexible connectors are in tension.

Abstract: A liquid propellant gun system which operates by the direct injection of a two-component hypergolic liquid propellant, i.e., a liquid oxidizer and a liquid fuel, into the combustion chamber in the gun to the rear of the projectile to be propelled. The preferred embodiment is an adaption of the inventive gun system for use as a rapid fire, small caliber, high muzzle velocity aircraft cannon system. As the hypergolic components come into contact and burn, the projectile is propelled forwardly through and out of the gun barrel by the resultant combustion gases. Unlike the prior art, the inventive system permits a significantly higher rate of fire of projectiles, eliminates the need for an igniter, prevents misfires and detonations, materially increases the reliability of the gun and the system thereof, and greatly reduces both the weight and the volume needed to house and to use the gun and the other components of the system.