Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to coat an edible pellet with an edible coating composition having a melting temperature below that of the pellet. The method comprises forming a slurry of the pellets and the coating composition between the melting and set points of the coating composition. A rotatable member having a working surface is axially rotated. A stream of the slurry is directed to impinge on the working surface. Pellets coated with the edible coating are spun off of the working surface and cooled.

Abstract: In mass production of explosive warheads, heat-meltable explosive material s continuously converted from an amorphous mass into small solid granules by directing melted exposive in a thin continuous stream against the upper inside surface of a rotating, generally bell-shaped vertically symmetrical element. Gravity and centrifugal force move the explosive downwardly on the said surface until it is flung off the bottom rim of the rotating bell element as small droplets. The droplets free-fall inside a surrounding cold air chamber which congeals them into solid granules of the explosive material which can then be loaded into the warheads. In another aspect of the invention, an explosive soluble in warm water, e.g., nitroguanidine, is provided in a contiuous warm water solution flow to the inside surface of the rotating bell-shaped element to generate free-falling solution droplets from its lower rim.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a generally spherical hand grenade, wher the fuze projects a lesser distance from the grenade body than prior art fuzes, this lower profile providing better aerodynamic and handling characteristics. The novel fuze includes two overlapping levers, the outermost one being a safety lever, which must rotate through a 90.degree. arc from the fuze body before the fuze can be actuated to detonate the grenade.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic delay fuze, for use in extended time explosive ordnances, crising a pyrotechnic delay cord in a spiral race in the base of the fuze. This system is activated through associated ignition materials. Upon initiation and propagation of the delay composition in the spiral race, the fuze provides a longer delay period and greater precision and reliability.