Abstract: The present invention relates to improved personal flotation devices and their methods of use. Advantageously, the devices and methods of the invention eliminate the need for a pyrotechnical firing mechanism, and compared to current devices, are less apt to be spontaneously activated by deterioration that is caused by storage in a humid environment or the passage of time. Instead, the devices and methods of use of the present invention incorporate electronic circuitry to activate automatic operation.

Abstract: A system operable by a single workman safely launches and recovers an unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) using a motor-driven carriage to transport the UUV to the water. The UUV is fitted to a reconfigurable sabot. An elevating ramp on the carriage supports the sabot and UUV on an elongate conveyer assembly having inclined rollers aligned with motor-driven belts to selectively outwardly and inwardly displace the UUV between the carriage and the water. Hinge members are used to rotatably connect the elevating ramp to the carriage, and a lifting mechanism connected to the carriage and ramp rotatably displaces the ramp about the hinge members. The rollers and belts displace the UUV on the conveyer assembly. A winch on the elevating ramp has a line connected to the UUV to lower and raise the UUV during launch and recovery operations.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic, molten metal jet torch which employs a loose pyrotechnic ster powder such as (1) magnesium powder, or an intimate mixture of (2) Mg and CuO, (3) Mg and Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, (4) Mg and Co.sub.3 O.sub.4, (5) Al and CuO, or (6) Al and Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 powders which are capable of being ignited by a conventional military incendiary grenade fuse and which generated enough heat to ignite pyronol pellets which are pressed from an intimate powder mixture of (1) nickel, (2) metal oxide, (3) a component selected from the group consisting of (a) aluminum and (b) a mixture of at least 50 weight percent aluminum and a metal that is magnesium, zirconium, bismuth, beryllium, boron, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a Pyronol torch and holder device for provid quick and efficient attachment of the torch to a barrier target (flat, curved, or irregular shape) that is made of steel or magnetic steel alloys. The device provides for attachment to the target and for holding a cutting torch containing pyrotechnic material at a predetermined standoff distance from the surface of the target for proper operation of the torch and for permitting escape of products of combustion to minimize liftoff forces on the holding device tending to lift it from the target to which it is attached.

Abstract: A composite armor shield comprising alternating layers of steel and a polymeric material which is either a polymethyl methacrylate of the general formula ##STR1## or a polycarbonate of the general formula ##STR2##