Abstract: Determining cook-off time for a weapon is disclosed. A method determines a first barrel temperature next to a first energetic, such as a propellant charge, of ammunition within a gun barrel, and determines a second barrel temperature next to a second energetic, such as an explosive charge, of the ammunition. If the ammunition did not properly fire, the method determines a first cook-off time of the first energetic based on the first temperature next to the first energetic and the first energetic's type, and a second cook-off time of the second energetic based on the second temperature next to the second energetic and the second energetic's type. The first and second times may be determined by using one or more finite-difference heat transfer models. If either or both of the first and second times are less than a threshold, a warning-related action is performed to users of the weapon.

Abstract: Determining cook-off time for a weapon is disclosed. A method determines a first barrel temperature next to a first energetic, such as a propellant charge, of ammunition within a gun barrel, and determines a second barrel temperature next to a second energetic, such as an explosive charge, of the ammunition. If the ammunition did not properly fire, the method determines a first cook-off time of the first energetic based on the first temperature next to the first energetic and the first energetic's type, and a second cook-off time of the second energetic based on the second temperature next to the second energetic and the second energetic's type. The first and second times may be determined by using one or more finite-difference heat transfer models. If either or both of the first and second times are less than a threshold, a warning-related action is performed to users of the weapon.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a battery charger to an electric vehicle including a battery and a drive motor in an electrical circuit includes first and second cooperating connectors. The connectors are adapted for mating in electrical contact. A bracket is provided for mounting the first connector to the vehicle. The second connector is mounted on the distal end of cables leading from the battery charger. The apparatus also includes a switch for interrupting the electrical circuit between the battery and the drive motor prior to mating of the first and second connectors. The invention also relates to a battery charging system incorporating a battery charger, a charger receptacle mounted on the vehicle and a plug for operatively connecting the battery charger to the charger receptacle. Both the charger receptacle and the plug include cooperating electrical contacts.

Abstract: An improved rotating band for a projectile is disclosed. The rotating band omprises a plastic sleeve, two micarta inserts, and a retainer ring. One micarta insert, located in the middle of the plastic sleeve, contains grooves which increase the friction coefficient and elasticity of the rotating band. The second micarta insert, located further forward, provides additional barrel contact area. These improved characteristics enable the projectile to be retained in a hot gun when elevated or rammed at any velocity. A retainer ring is molded onto the aft end of the plastic sleeve to secure the invention to the projectile. The rotating band also acts as a seal and spins the projectile as it moves through the gun barrel. The rotating band disintegrates after the projectile exits the gun barrel.