Abstract: A tethered surveillance balloon having a relatively low lift-to-weight ratio (e.g., 1.1) and an aerodynamic device to help maintain the surveillance balloon elevation when subject to high velocity wind conditions at an altitude which is a high percentage of the altitude the surveillance balloon would assume if there was zero wind velocity and all other conditions were the same (e.g. temperature, air density). The surveillance balloon also includes a sensing device such as a TV detector for detecting objects and relaying information to a ground station and with possibly a target designation device, if so desired. The balloon is formed of a material which is virtually, if not entirely, radar and visibly transparent.

Abstract: The present invention is a balloon system for transporting a load wherein an aerostat is movable, both horizontally and vertically, throughout a working area defined by the guy lines that anchor the aerostat. Such area can include multiple pickup and discharge points. The balloon system is especially useful for logging in inaccessible or rugged terrain and transporting heavy loads between widely separated pickup and discharge points with intervening obstructions rendering group transport difficult. Individual loads may be picked up at any point within the working area for movement to a discharge point for unloading, after which conventional load handling equipment may be used to handle the load. A plurality of at least three guy lines radiating downwardly from the aerostat anchors the balloon to individual and separately controllable ground-based guy line control and storage apparatus. Each control apparatus is controllable to extend or retract its respective guy line.

Abstract: A sun shade is formed from two sheets of a tough, yet flexible material which have been cut to an appropriate shape and size, and sealed together at the edges to form a flat, balloon-like structure. A plurality of interconnecting flow channels or buoyant cells are stitched into the sheets to enable the structure to retain its shape without bulging. A conventional fill valve is provided for filling the space between the sheets with helium or another suitable gas. The shade is anchored above a selected surface using cables or other flexible connectors.

Abstract: A rescue balloon for rescuing individuals from high places such as towers and building includes an enclosed envelope for holding heated air under substantially greater than atmospheric pressure with a burner contained within the enclosed envelope for burning a combustible gas to generate sufficient heated air under pressure in the envelope to provide lift to the balloon. A rescue compartment is carried by the envelope for accommodating rescued individuals and a tether is provided for guiding the balloon as necessary to effect rescues. The balloon includes a porous blast shield positioned within the envelope to prevent direct contact between the envelope and the flame of the burner. The blast shield comprises an upright cylinder supported and secured in fixed relation within the envelope by a plurality of catenaries attached to the blast shield and to the inner walls of the envelope around its perimeter. The burn super-pressurizes the heated air within the envelope.

Abstract: A finned projectile intended to be launched toward a target has a project body and a plurality of main fins attached to the projectile body to provide stability thereto in flight. In the preferred embodiment, each main fin includes a supplementary fin movably secured thereto for increasing the overall surface area to further enhance the stability of the projectile after launch. A pin and channel arrangement is used for slidably retaining the supplemental fin and the main fins together for deployment under forces on the projectile during launch and flight thereof. The channel arrangement further includes a portion which angles suddenly to lock the supplementary fin in the deployed position. The preferred embodiment also includes putty disposed within the channel for preventing deployment of the supplementary fin during normal handling of the projectile. The putty is shattered upon initial impact with the pin during launching of the projectile.

Abstract: A booster retarding apparatus for an airborne vehicle such as a missile having a separable booster at its rear end, comprises a series of flaps with hinge assemblies for securing the flaps to the aft end of the booster for movement between an inner position extending rearwardly from the booster and an extended position projecting outwardly from the booster. The flaps are biased towards the extended position, and normally retained in the inner position by retaining devices. The retaining devices are released on booster thrust termination, and include a release mechanism responsive to booster thrust termination for releasing the retaining devices. The release mechanism includes a biasing device having a biasing force less than the acceleration forces developed on launch which oppose operation of the release mechanism so that the flaps are held in during booster thrust and are released and urged outwardly on booster thrust termination to brake the booster and separate it from the remainder of the missile.

Abstract: A helium balloon is attached to, and in communication with a helium bottle and has attached thereto four guide lines so that selected lines can be pulled as needed to guide the balloon through clearings in overhead foliage. When not in use the lines are wound on a spindle to be packed with the deflated balloon. The spindle carries an arrowhead to be extended from one end thereof and driven into the ground to anchor the guide lines.

Abstract: A balloon signalling system which includes a hollow flexible casing having a container section with an upper open end and a bottom closed end, and a cap for placement on the upper end of the container section. A hollow flexible flask having an opening is disposed in the container section. Disposed in the flask is a reactable material which when contacted by a certain solution, produces hydrogen gas. Also disposed in the flask is a cartridge which is breakable when bent, with the cartridge containing the certain solution. A string or other tether is held in the container section of the casing, with one end of the string being attached to the casing. Also included is an inflatable balloon dimensioned to fit in the cap when deflated and having a mouth through which gas may pass into and out of the balloon. Positioned in the mouth is a one-way valve for allowing hydrogen gas to enter the balloon and for preventing discharge of gas therefrom.

Abstract: A finlock mechanism for recreational rockets having a pair of finlock ring members disposed in spaced relationship to each other in circumscription about the motor tube in the rocket, each ring member having a plurality of finlock receptors disposed on the perimeter thereof in equispaced relationship to each other for receiving a finlock root extending through the rocket housing in snaplock engagement therewithin.

Abstract: A multi stage high-altitude data acquisition system comprising a first stage manned lighter-than-air, engine propelled aircraft and a second stage air-buoyant vehicle of stratospheric altitude attaining capability statically sustainable aloft by a sufficient quantity of lighter-than-air gas contained within an expandable envelope balloon to carry the vehicle to a stratospheric float altitude and transportable from ground level to a tropospheric launching altitude by the first stage aircraft from which the air buoyant vehicle and its partially expanded gas containing envelope is releasable at the launching level while the first stage aircraft is established in a flight condition of substantially zero airspeed.

Abstract: A rescue balloon for rescuing individuals from high places such as towers and buildings includes an enclosed envelope for holding heated air under substantially greater than atmospheric pressure with a burner contained within the enclosed envelope for burning a combustible gas to generate sufficient heated air under pressure in the envelope to provide lift to the balloon. A rescue compartment is carried by the envelope for accommodating rescued individuals and a tether is provided for guiding the balloon as necessary to effect rescues. The balloon includes a porous blast shield positioned within the envelope to prevent direct contact between the envelope and the flame of the burner. The blast shield comprises an upright cylinder supported and secured in fixed relation within the envelope by a plurality of catenaries attached to the blast shield and to the inner walls of the envelope around its perimeter. The burn super-pressurizes the heated air within the envelope.

Abstract: An airfoil which is capable of being inflated either by using a lighter-than-air or other gas from a gas cylinder or by oral inflation comprising an aerodynamically shaped inflatable portion, a flexible keel and two flexible winglets, one spaced on each side of the keel equipped with a tether system for providing the airfoil aerodynamic stability and maneuverability in flight.

Abstract: An emergency signal balloon apparatus having a helium canister, an emergency signal balloon, a predetermined length of tether line, a valve assembly and a two part canister housing within which all of the components can be carried. The balloon is constructed of ultra-light, high-strength material, such as Mylar, and most of it would have an iridescent color, such as hunter's orange, with the upper portion having large wedged shaped sections of a highly reflective silver material. The balloon would further have large black letters, "CALL 911" which is the universal distress telephone number. Each of the letters of the message is bordered with highly reflective material so that when light strikes the material at night the message is clearly reflected and is highly visible.

Abstract: A projectile comprising a projectile body having a rear end; and a deceleration element composed of a sheet of material at the rear end, the deceleration element having an edge region and being deployable from a folded condition to an expanded condition with the aid of rotation of the projectile, the deceleration element, when in the expanded condition, having the general form of a disk with a periphery defined by the edge region and being effective for decelerating the projectile, and wherein the deceleration element is constructed such that the edge region has a higher mass density than the remainder thereof.

Abstract: A spin stabilized carrier projectile having a longitudinal axis comprising: a projectile body; and at least two submunition bodies disposed in, and ejectable from, the projectile body, the submunition bodies being spaced along the axis, each submunition body having a folded, expandable deceleration means for reducing the velocity and spin of the submunition body upon ejection from the projectile body, the deceleration means including a sheet of material for producing air resistance, and the deceleration means having different dimensions for respectively different submunition bodies so that each respective submunition body is decelerated less than the submunition body disposed behind the respective submunition body.

Abstract: An improved tether having a central strength member comprised of layers of synthetic fibers surrounded by a thin weatherproof plastic barrier. A current carrying metallic braid surrounds the weatherproof barrier and in a portion of the tether is of a higher strength and denser weave copper than in other areas. An outer protective jacket surrounds the metallic braid and one or more windows are formed by removing a short longitudinal section of the outer jacket above an area of the tether which has the high density metallic braid. The weatherproof barrier, at least in the area where windows are formed, is heat sealed to form a seamless barrier. A relatively soft copper wire is wound around the metallic braid in the window area so as to transfer lightning induced currents in the metallic braid of the tether to a grounding system.

Abstract: Helium inflatable emergency locator balloon having a longitudinal body and side wings defining horizontally a triangular, bilaterally symmetrical tetralobate monochamber having a forward lobate nose, a rearward lobate hind section and flanking rearward lobate wings, the latter three lobate portions being in side by side spaced apart and unconnected relation to each other and the hind section end extending rearwardly slightly beyond the wind ends, and in inflated condition each of the body and wings defining in longitudinal cross section a bilaterally symmetrical convex profile having a slightly rounded upper side and underside, a small rounded leading edge and an acutely pointed trailing edge, and a respective tail of streamer strips attached to each of the hind section and wing ends, such strips preferably constituting tuned radar reflective dipole strips, and optionally alternatively similar dipole strips being individually loosely disposed within the balloon, and a gas supply device for inflating the ballo

Abstract: A device for providing location data for use by a lost child or adult or an individual in need of assistance. The device is in the form of a small compact unit including a container having a top case and a bottom case containing a deflated airfoil and a gas cylinder containing lighter-than-air gas such as helium. A release key which when pulled allows the top case to separate from the bottom case and automatic inflation of the airfoil commences. The plunger strikes a lever driving a puncture pin into the gas cylinder filling the airfoil through a one way valve. The airfoil is tethered at one end by a line and is attached to the bottom case and maintains flight even in adverse weather conditions.

Abstract: In the event of an earthquake or fire, important objects like a recording medium used in a location where important information to the outside are relayed or in a location where natural phenomena are observed, are carried away, hanging from an airborne balloon that is inflated and released in response to the mechanical shock of an earthquake or the heat of a fire.

Abstract: A signal balloon (2, 2') has an inflated configuration that is horizontally elongated with opposite tapered ends (4, 6, 4', 6'). The balloon (2, 2') is shaped and dimensioned to cause it to ascend in response to an increase in wind speed. The sidewalls of the balloon (2, 2') have light transmitting portions (10, 10') and reflective portions (12, 12'). A light (40, 40') is positioned inside the balloon (2, 2'). The light may be an electric lamp (40) connected to a power source (64) on the ground via an electrically conductive tether (34). The light (40') may also be the upper end of a fiber optic conductor tether (34') which has a lower end connected to a light source (92') on the ground. The balloon (2') is provided with pivotable lower and upper lift members (22', 24') which are connected to the tether (34') and pivot in response to changes in orientation of the tether (34') to increase the lift of the balloon (2') when the tether (34') inclines away from a vertical position.

Abstract: A supersonic mortar grenade is disclosed. Such grenade has a front portion that possesses a first conical section which is tangential to a second ogival section. The second ogival section is tangential to a cylindrical center area. The cylindrical center area is tangential to a rear portion which is made up of a first convex section and a second concave section, the convex section being tangential to the concave section. The concave section of the rear is tangential to a cylindrical finned tail.

Abstract: A method of securing a tracer cup 26 and fin segments 32, 33 to armor piercing penetrator 21. The penetrator 21 is fabricated of tungsten, or steel, with fin segments 32, 33 and tracer cup 26 being fabricated of steel. The tracer cup 26 contains a pyrotechnic tracer mix 27. The mounting flange 28 of tracer cup 26 is placed over a second boss 24 projecting rearwardly from a first boss 23 at the aft end of the cylindrical body of penetrator 21. A cylindrical sleeve 30 is press fit over the tracer cup 26 and first boss 23, and pre-fabricated fin segments 32, 33 are positioned on the sleeve 30. The fin segments 32, 33, cylindrical sleeve 30, and mounting flange 28 of tracer cup 26 are laser welded to each other and to the first boss 23 of penetrator 20 in one step.

Abstract: To improve the terminal ballistic performance of a subcaliber projectile 15 composed of a penetrator 15b and a tail guide assembly 16, a partial region 15a of the projectile 15 is given a conical configuration and is seated in a likewise conically configured recess 16a of the guide assembly 16. Thus, the transverse forces exerted on the guide assembly 16 during penetration of the target material are prevented, at least in the conically configured region 15a of the guide assembly, from being transferred to the penetrator 15b so that the penetrator 15b is prevented from breaking in this region.

Abstract: A non-rigid, gas inflatable airfoil having a bulbous inflatable forward body and three spaced-apart rearwardly extending inflatable tails. The tails are attached to the rearward portion of the body and form with the body a single inflatable chamber. The central tail is yieldably biased into an upwardly inclined position, and a pair of sheets extend between the tails. The airfoil has a generally delta shape and provides a positive lift when exposed to wind. The airfoil is connected to a single tie down line by a single attachment member and swivel attached to a central portion of the underside of the body. The body and tails have sufficient interior gas containing volume that when filled with a lighter-than-air gas will offset the weight of the airfoil. The bulbous body contains enough lighter-than-air gas that the airfoil assumes a vertical orientation with the body above the tail when in the water or in the air without wind.

Abstract: A torpedo recovery unit positionable within a torpedo casing having an opening for receiving the unit. The unit includes a body with an interior cavity having an open end mountable within the torpedo casing with the open end at the torpedo casing opening. The body is rigidly supported within the torpedo casing. A non-rigid, gas-inflatable airfoil is foldable within the body cavity for deployment therefrom upon inflation. A bottle containing pressurized helium is rigidly and removably attached to the body. A release valve on the bottle releases the pressurized gas on depression. A valve member is rigidly attached to the body. A first end portion extends through the body end wall and projects into the body cavity and has an inflation needle mounted thereof for inflation of the airfoil. A valve member has a second end portion positioned outside of the body and operatively engaging the release valve when the bottle is attached to the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to life spotting package comprising a lighter than air inflatable cylindrical device of an international orange composite having an inflated diameter of the order of one foot in diameter and a length of the order of five feet. A mirror finish helical strip of highly light reflective material runs from the top of the cylinder and winding axially 360.degree. down and around the cylinder to its bottom. The cylinder is of a metallic foil over plastic composite and is radar reflective. The bottom of the cylinder has an apron for the attachment of signaling devices by way of grommet eyelets and velcro patches. The cylinder is provided by a helium charged no return cannister. There is provision for introducing the helium from the cannister into the inflatable cylindrical device making the cannister part of the airborne lighter than air cylindrical device.

Abstract: A device for coupling a flexible envelope (1) to an external element including a ballonet (3) with two fasteners (4, 5) located in such a manner as to define the upper and lower poles of said ballonet, one of the fasteners (5) being linked by coupling members (2, 16) fitted to position the ballonet with respect to the envelope (1) in such a manner as to create a contact surface Z1 between said ballonet and the envelope (1), the second fastener (4) being linked to the external element by link means (8-15) including drive means to set the ballonet (3) in rotation; this device makes it possible to transmit large point forces or torques between an external element and an envelope, especially a space-balloon envelope.

Abstract: A projectile having a streamline assembly which includes a frusto-conical saddle secured to the boattail area of the projectile bullet, a carrying cylinder having one end secured to the saddle, with multiple, concentrically oriented, tapered, collapsible rings normally located inside the opposite end of the carrying cylinder and biased against a pressure disk fitted against the opposite end of the carrying cylinder, wherein firing of the projectile causes the pressure disk to tear away from the carrying cylinder and deploy the collapsible rings outwardly of the carrying cylinder and behind the bullet in a "beehive" configuration, to reduce air resistance as the projectile moves through the atmosphere. In a preferred embodiment the pressure disk is pressed against the carrying cylinder by means of a brass screw, the threads of which engage an aperture in the saddle and are stripped from the brass screw to release the disk when the projectile is fired.

Abstract: A method and system for aerially transporting loads between a loading site and a discharging site. A lift balloon is ballasted with liquid ballast at a discharging site and propelled to a loading site, where a load is suspended from the balloon. The liquid ballast is removed from the balloon in an amount corresponding to the weight of the suspended load. The ballast is recirculated from the loading site to the discharging site through a conduit. At the discharging site, the balloon is reballasted and the load is removed therefrom. The liquid ballast may also be moved through an aerial conduit connecting the lift balloon to a ballast site. In a further aspect of the invention, an elongated envelope houses a plurality of pear-shaped balloons to reduce the aerodynamic drag thereon.

Abstract: A balloon distress marker wherein the balloon has, in a wall thereof, a small compartment interiorly of the balloon and accessible through an aperture in the wall of the balloon for retaining an article therein. The compartment is substantially smaller than the volumne of the balloon and is useable for interconnecting balloons in series or inserting a flashlight therein to illuminate the balloon. A coupling for interconnecting balloons is preferably a small balloon in itself which can be inflated when in the compartment. A two-part balloon wherein the two parts are interconnected by a narrow neck portion rendering the marker useable as a life preserver. A rescue kit consisting of a casing having a removable top that can be illuminated by flashlights in the cap. Located within the container is a cylinder containing lighter-than-air gas for inflating the balloon.

Abstract: A telescopic projectile comprising a forward inner portion and a rearward outer portion, the forward inner portion being disposed within the rearward outer portion prior to firing of the projectile and being operative to move forward relative to the rearward outer portion upon firing of the projectile.

Abstract: A guidance system for small spinning projectiles which is mechanically simple, has low power requirements, uses relatively unsophisticated electronics, and is capable of withstanding large gas pressures and accelerations. The system uses a one-piece fin assembly which is de-spun so that its guidance fins maintain a constant attitude with respect to the ground. The guidance fins and their hub can be nutated simultaneously and independently in two orthogonal planes by pivoting and translating a single control rod. The hub cooperates with the projectile body to reduce its base drag and thereby extend its range.

Abstract: A projectile trajectory correction system, the projectile itself including a unique steering arrangement. The projectile, initially part of a shell cartridge, is fired, and its position is automatically sensed. A corrected trajectory necessary to hit a target is calculated and data commands are transmitted to the projectile. The data command signals are sensed by an antenna on the projectile. The antenna in turn generates a signal which is fed to the projectile steering mechanism which is deflected in response thereto to steer the projectile onto the correct trajectory. The steering mechanism includes an elongated rod extending from the rear of the projectile into the surrounding air stream. Deflection of the rod provides the actual steering.

Abstract: An airborne, free floating, lift-weight, balanced balloon having a closed envelope encompassing a fixed volume of lighter-than-air gas has ballast means fixed on the bottom of the envelope to tend to balance the weight of the balloon to equal the lifting effect of the gas, and to tend to cause the balloon to float in a desired horizontal attitude. At least one ballast member or a pair of ballast members form part of the ballast means and are fixed to the bottom of the balloon in symmetrical relationship to a vertical plane passing through the central horizontal axis of the balloon, ballast member(s) being constituted as a plurality of pressure sensitive removable weight control modules also arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane passing through the central horizontal axis of the balloon when the balloon is in its desired attitude. These weight control modules are removed one or two at a time in order to balance the weight of the balloon so that it will float at a desired altitude.

Abstract: A fin-stabilized projectile which includes a propellant cage encompassing the projectile body, and with the cage consisting of a plurality of segments retained together through suitable fastening media, and which incorporates, at its leading end, an annular recess extending beyond the overall diameter of the propellant cage, through which there is initiated the spreading apart of the segments subsequent to the exit of the projectile from the weapon barrel.

Abstract: A kite has an inflatable body and flexible sheet material flaps extending to a tail thereof. Along the trailing edge of each flap is provided an inflatable tube, the degree of inflation of which can be variable to change the characteristics of the kite to suit different circumstances.

Abstract: A firing mechanism for projectiles comprises a housing (42) having a bore (50) in which a firing pin (54) is slidably mounted under the influence of a spring (70). Leaf springs (72) formed in the housing wall hold the firing pin in a safety position until released by movement of a slider (82) caused by aerodynamic drag forces acting on deployable fins (96) or a parachute (92).

Abstract: An erodable spin turbine having a plurality of turbine blades affixed to the outer periphery of a missile nozzle. When the missile is fired in its launch tube the exhaust gas stream flows across the turbine blades to impart an angular torque to the missile as it traverses the launch tube. As the missile traverses the launch tube the exhaust gas stream is also eroding the spin turbine such that when the missile exits the launch tube the missile has reached its terminal spin rate and the spin turbine is effectively eroded so that it no longer interacts with the exhaust gas stream. The spin rate of the missile in its free-flight trajectory is maintained by airflow over canted fins and canards mounted on the missile's airframe.

Abstract: The invention teaches an improved arrow construction which, by the partial or complete elimination of tail feathers as a means for stabilizing flight trajectory, improves both the speed and the accuracy of the arrow. A resilient stabilizing tail is substituted for tail feathers which substantially eliminates aerodynamic drag. In addition, the invention contemplates the use of a "shock piston" within the interior of the arrow shaft which serves to increase arrow penetration in the target by striking the arrow head after the initial target impact.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new system for generating electrical energy by wind power.The wind generator is suspended in the air like a kite by wind currents and is attached to the earth by a high strength cable to which are attached electric cables and a natural gas pipe.The numerous small wind generators are mounted in a box-like kite enclosure, which are raised to the desired elevation by rotary blade power with the assistance of a gas balloon.The wind generator kite is raised and lowered to the proper elevation for maximum electrical output.A complete system, including control methods, permits the production of electricity at a lower cost than conventional methods and provides means for generating large amounts of power with a high load factor.

Abstract: From one or more lighter than air bodies, carrying wind energy catching rotor devices, like windmills, turbines or the like, the caught energy is mechanically transmitted to earth by at least one endless cable-rope transmission. Each of the cables is led over an individual sheave fitted to a turntable on earth (ground, ship, float or so), from which it drives a stationary machine, like a generator or such, and cable guide rolls are provided as needed. All functions of force-transmission, consisting of energy transmission, wind-resistance and upward-floating forces and steering are performed by the turntable through the endless energy transmission cable(s), and no tethering or other force-transmitting cables are applied. In addition a loose, very low tensioned communication line for control, gas supply and the like extends from the turntable to the floating parts. Cable guide rolls are provided as needed.

Abstract: A steerable artillery projectile utilizing electro-optical circuitry to home on a laser designated target where the rear end of the projectile is displaceably coupled to the front end thereof which contains the electro-optical circuitry and munitions is disclosed. The displaceably coupled rear end of the projectile has a plurality of compartments equispaced around its longitudinal axis and each compartment has a gas cartridge which can be activated by the electro-optical circuitry. In flight, a selected gas cartridge may be discharged by the electro-optical circuitry causing the longitudinal axis of the rear end of the projectile to momentarily move out of line with the longitudinal axis of the front end of the projectile resulting in a modification of the flight path of the projectile to home on the laser designated target.

Abstract: A self-contained signal balloon dispensing apparatus provides a lower case having a bottom and attaches to enclosing side walls with an open top. An upper lid assembly hingedly affixes to the lower case at the open top, the lid assembly providing at least a pair of half enclosure sections, at least one of which provides a horizontal partition when in a closed position to at least partially seal the open top. A vertical partition is mounted within the lower case and divides the lower case into two parts. A shaft is mounted within the lower case and attaches at one end portion to the partition and at the opposite end portion to the side wall. A dispensing spool wound with a length of tether line is rotatably mounted on the shaft. A helium gas dispensing canister is mounted in the lower case on the opposite side of the partition from the spool. An inflatable balloon is mounted within the case and connects to the canister.

Abstract: An impact apparatus responsive to a time rate of change of velocity of a housing is used to activate a system. A specific application of the invention fixes the housing to an aircraft body with an inertial member movably contained within the housing and uses the relative movement between the housing and inertial member upon impact to inflate and elevate a balloon above the aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided utilizing a spherical balloon filled with buoyant gas such as helium at a pressure substantially greater than atmospheric so that its dimensions are substantially unaffected by changes in atmospheric pressure or temperature. The aircraft may take the form of a self-propelled and self-contained airship, or may be merely a passive device for providing lift and intended to be towed by and controlled from a helicopter. The spherical balloon is mounted on a normally horizontal axle having end portions projecting from opposite sides of the balloon, and includes a rigid load supporting yoke including two arms extending upwardly from a central load supporting structure and each with an upper end suspended from the axle.

Abstract: Solar power station with semiconductor solar cells for generating electric power, wherein the semiconductor solar cells are provided on a member such as a balloon or a kite which carries the solar cells into the air. The function of the balloon or kite can also be fulfilled by a glider or airship. The solar power station can be operated by allowing the system to ascend at sunrise and descend at sunset or when the wind is going to be too strong in order to avoid any demage.

Abstract: A lighter-than-air (LTA) wind energy conversion system (WECS) wherein the gas-filled LTA envelope carries a main rotor and electrical generator to take advantage of high wind speeds available at high altitudes. The LTA envelope is tethered to a ground based mooring system designed to provide self-orientation for the LTA envelope. In a preferred embodiment, heavy mechanical transmissions are eliminated by providing a radial disk diffuser within the LTA envelope coupled through a drive shaft to a wind-driven external rotor. Rotation of the rotor-diffuser drives an induction turbine positioned within the gas inlet to the diffuser, the lifting gas for the envelope also serving as the working fluid for the turbine. The output of the induction turbine is coupled to an electrical generator whose output is, in turn, transmitted to the ground via the tethering system.

Abstract: A projectile comprises a nose ogive tapering outwardly to a cylindrical or onical body portion of caliber diameter. A reversely tapering stabilizer is connected to the rear of the body portion and is terminated at a tail stabilizer which tapers outwardly in the same direction as the nose ogive. The largest diameter of the tail stabilizer is at most equal to and preferably less than the caliber. Aerodynamic stabilization is thus achieved without the use of a sabot or complex stabilizer fin deployment mechanisms.

Abstract: A ball or projectile for small caliber ammunition is disclosed. The projele is useful in training ammunition for the training of personnel on firing ranges having a limited area and a maximum range which is below the range of the standard service round for the weapon on which the training is conducted. The projectile has a body including an ogival forward section, a cylindrical center section, and a conical trailing section. A plurality of fins is mounted longitudinally on the conical trailing section for generating spin dampening torque to cause gyroscopic instability and thereby create high aerodynamic drag upon said projectile when fired from a weapon.

Abstract: Apparatus for stabilizing the flight of a rocket wherein the body of the ket is provided with a plurality of petals arranged around the periphery of the aft end of the rocket with the leading end of each petal being pivotally attached to the rocket body such that the trailing end of each petal is free to move outward away from the rocket body. A ring slidably mounted on the rocket is linked to each of the petals in such a manner that as the ring moves in an aft direction on the rocket body the trailing ends of all of the petals simultaneously move outward equal distances from the rocket body.