Abstract: A method for assembly and disassembly of formwork for walls (1) of poured material raised above a reference surface (2) using boards (3) each including a shuttering face (4) and equipped with wheels (31, 32) at their base. Assembly includes from an unshuttered position, rocking toward the wall (1) to be shuttered of at least the base (29) of the shuttering face (4) of the board (3) by rotating about an axis defined substantially by the support points (10) of the wheels (31) on the reference surface until the lower edge (35) of the shuttering face (4) is made to rest on the reference surface (2). The rocking is continued toward the wall (1) to be shuttered of at least the base (29) of the shuttering face of the board (3) by rotating about an axis substantially defined by the lower edge (35) of the shuttering face of the board (3) until the wheels (31) are raised from the reference surface. For disassembly, the rocking about the two axes is performed in reverse.

Abstract: The invention provides a shaping apparatus for an explosive charge to be d with an Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP). The shaping apparatus comprises a nonmetal mold in the form of a frustum of a cone with a latch and hinge attached thereto. The mold is hand-packed with a plastic bonded explosive to form an explosive charge.

Abstract: A patterned tool and method for producing a durable tactile warning surface for sidewalks and other walkways including pouring a concrete base, applying pigmented or colored hardener to the upper surface of the concrete base, stamping the upper surface of the concrete base with the patterned tool including a substantially flat member having a plurality of symmetrically disposed recesses of a predetermined diameter and depth formed on the lower surface thereof and a plurality of corresponding vent channels formed through the substantially flat member in communication with each corresponding recess and curing the concrete base to form a durable tactile warning surface including a plurality of symmetrically disposed raised elements of a predetermined diameter, height and spacing corresponding to the plurality of recesses to produce an uneven surface visually contrasting with adjacent surface areas.

Abstract: Destructible cores useful particularly for shaping the internal channels of cast propellant blocks. The cores include at least one elongated element which is shaped, for example by winding, the cohesion of which is ensured by way of a joining material and a portion of which is accessible from the exterior of the component to be cast. In order to obtain quickly cores having a high rigidity, the shaped element is a band which includes interlaced wires having free spaces, the joining material filling the free spaces.

Abstract: A system for forming an elongate concrete structure (20) which extends in a first direction and includes an outer surface (26) with a textured pattern having concave and convex portions which extend other than in just the first direction. The system includes an elongate, planar form (32) having a reverse image of the textured pattern on one side (202) thereof, a conventional slipformer (30), the mule (60) of which is modified so as to include only a top wall (64) and a side wall (62), with the opposite side wall of the mule being removed, and a side arm assembly (150) coupled to the slip former for supporting the form so that it engages the mule so as to block off the opening in the mule created by removal on the opposite side wall thereof. The planar form is erected prior to formation of the structure, remains standing during the formation of the structure and is dissassembled a predetermined period of time after the concrete structure has been formed.

Abstract: A method of installing a cementitious composition includes providing a dry fast setting cementitious composition having a set time and in the form of finely divided particles of at least one cement binder, pouring an amount of the dry cementitious composition into a volume of water located in a hole without any type of physical mixing of the cementitious composition and water other than the mixing which occurs merely by applying the cementitious composition into the water. The major portion of the particles of the cementitious composition have approximately the same drop rate through the volume of water. The water contacts the dry cementitious composition when poured into the volume of water to hydrate the particles of the dry cementitious composition, the particles of cementitious composition dropping through the water to displace excess water and form the hydrated cementitious composition particles in a substantially non-segregated mass.

Abstract: A system and composition is disclosed for binding rocket motor propellants directly to the insulation layer within the rocket motor. Conventionally, it is necessary to place a liner layer between the insulation and the propellant. The present invention is particularly adaptable for use with hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene-type (HTPB) propellants. The method of the invention involves coating the insulation layer with a reactive material, such as a solution of isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI). The reactive material is then allowed to penetrate the insulation layer. Once sufficient penetration is achieved, the HTPB-based propellant is applied over the insulation layer to form a rocket motor propellant grain. The IPDI reacts with both the insulation layer and the propellant and forms a strong bond between the two. In the case of the propellant, additional urethane linkages are generally formed, which results in an area near the bond which may be harder than the propellant grain as a whole.

Abstract: A slide formwork with a formwork body (10) comprising several formwork segment groups (12, 22, 32) lying adjacent to one another in circumferential direction. Each of the formwork segment groups (12, 22, 32) is rigidly connected with one of several support frames (40) and is mounted onto the remaining support frames in slidable manner. Each formwork segment (14) comprises an outer formwork plate (16) supported on an associated longitudinal carrier (18) via hydraulic elements. The formwork plate (16) and associated longitudinal carrier (18) are coupled with one another in non-shiftable manner in longitudinal direction. Hydraulic presses (52) are arranged between the individual support frames (40), with which each support frame is shiftable with respect to the remaining support frames.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a poured concrete wall in which the concrete is poured into forms provided between a pair of parallel-opposing panels having reinforcing therebetween. The panels are supported on frames which are adapted to be clipped together and which are adapted to be positioned on the foundation by upstanding pins set into the foundation. Window and door openings may be provided in the panels with suitable framing surrounding the same.

Abstract: In ceramic welding processes, oxidising gas and a mixture of refractory and fuel powders are projected against a surface and the fuel is burnt to generate sufficient heat that the refractory powder becomes at least partially melted or softened and a cohesive refractory mass is progressively built up against that surface. In order to reduce any tendency for the weld mass to include a low-grade refractory phase and thus promote the refractoriness of that weld mass, the fuel powder is present in a proportion of not more than 15% by weight of the total mixture and includes at least two metals selected from aluminium, magnesium, chromium and zirconium, and in that at least the major part by weight of the refractory powder consists of one or more of magnesia, alumina and chromic oxide, and in that the molar proportions of silica and calcium oxide present in the refractory powder (if any) satisfy the following expression: molar concentration of SiO.sub.2 in % .ltoreq.0.

Abstract: High density ammonium nitrate particles, e.g. prills are treated to reduce the density thereof by contact with a liquid medium which penetrates into the particles via pre-existing pathways, dissolves ammonium nitrate at the surfaces of the pathways and produces a gassing reaction by virtue of the presence of a chemical gassing agent or by a reaction with the ammonium nitrate whereby a portion of the ammonium nitrate particle is depleted by dissolution or gas losses during reaction, the gassing action facilitating venting of liquid from the particles and drying thereof to yield a particle of higher porosity.

Abstract: A concrete forming system including an elongated member for extending from an exterior portion of the forming system to an interior portion of the forming system whereby the concrete or other pourable formable material exerts pressure on the interior portion of the elongated member and secures it with respect to the form members. A slidable member fits onto the exterior portion of the elongated member, the elongated member and the slidable member are secured to one another through perforations provided in both and through use of a securing pin to hold them rigid with respect to the formed border.

Abstract: A method for producing porous propellant charges from a mixture containing a propellant and a filler is described wherein a propellant having a decomposition temperature above 200.degree. C. is employed with a thermally removable filler to provide the charge forming mixture. The mixture is molded into a charge body and is subsequently heated to remove the filler at a temperature that is at least 50.degree. C. below the decomposition temperature of the propellant. Due to the heating at the elevated temperature the filler is wholly or in part removed to form a cavity within the charge body.

Abstract: The present invention is a contoured wall and method for creating the contour and appearance of a wall formed from individual assembled units such as stones. The wall is formed from a plurality of mating form liners each having a reciprocal contoured surface to that of the desired stone wall. The wall is formed from hardenable construction material such as concrete poured between two mold members with the form liners attached to at least one of the mold members. Each of the form liners has a lateral relief mold face adapted to provide a molded surface having the contour of a stone wall. Each lateral relief mold face of the form liners has a latticework non-linear mortar-forming interlocking portion surrounding stone-forming recessed portions. The form liners ar positionable in a plurality of arrangements wherein the interlocking portions and recessed portions along the mating edge of each form liner mate along the mating edge of the adjacent form liner to form a continuous lateral relief mold face.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method by which an opening into a lateral pipe connection for a pipeline into which a liner is being installed may be sealed and protectively lined. The invention features a bushing which is emplaced in the lateral connection by use of an expandable mandrel and a control means. The bushing includes an integral heating element for softening the thermoplastic material from which the bushing is formed. O-rings are positioned between the bushing and the lateral pipe to form a seal.

Abstract: A method of making a mold assembly for molding inner and outer shells of an equipment shelter utilizes a generally rectangular frame on which are supported a plurality of large flat panels formed of plywood and covered by thin sheets of stainless steel. The panels are separated by rib gaps on the sides and corner gaps at the corners which are closed by temporary, wooden rib and corner patterns. A reinforced plastic laminate is applied to the temporary patterns to form negative molds. When cured, the negative molds are removed from the frame, along with the temporary patterns. A reinforced plastic laminate is applied to each of the negative molds and cured to form permanent rib and corner molds. The permanent molds are positioned in their respective rib and corner gaps to complete the mold assembly.

Abstract: A sheet metal structural member for use in the formation of a cast construction panel which member, in turn, comprises a sheet metal web defining a linear edge along one side, and a zig-zag edge along the other side, the zig-zag edge defining wider regions, and narrower regions between the wider regions, and the web extending in a generally triangular fashion from one narrower region through a wider region to the next narrower region, edge formations formed around the zig-zag edge portions of the web and, attachment devices at the apex of each of the wider portions of the web, which may be secured to a construction material. Also disclosed is a construction panel incorporating such structural members, and a method of fabricating such structural members in pairing, and a method of building construction utilizing such structural members.

Abstract: A method for the facile filling of remotely located forms with cementitious materials. The method uses a transportable bin which is captively coupled to the arms of a skid loader. The bin includes a generally rectangular container having four vertical sides and an accessible interior truncated at a base and having a covered dispensing aperture at the bottom. The covered aperture is adapted to be actuable in situ by the skid loader operator using controls located within reach of the operator when the aperture is vertically disposed over a form to be filled.

Abstract: A large, curved or spherical shell of reinforced concrete is cast without utilization of supporting framework. A casting formwork is in the form of a thin, suspended membrane that is reinforced with a collar. During construction and transport, the membrane is preliminarily equipped with a reinforcing compression ring.

Abstract: A method and device for fabricating posts made of concrete having a polygonal cross-section includes the steps of providing and opening an integral liner, applying backing panels to the liner, holding the panels together with a hooping means, and pouring and hardening concrete in the integral liner. The liner is collapsible and preformed to open in the shape of a right prism with an internal section identical to that of the post to be manufactured. Backing panels made of cardboard or plastic material support the external faces of the liner and entirely cover the external faces of the liner. At least one of the backing panels is adhered to an external face of the liner. A hooping means holds the liner and the backing panels assembled in mutual contact during the use of the device.

Abstract: A method for improving the disperion of particulate materials in intermollar explosive compositions which comprises dry blending at least one fuel compound and at least one oxidizer compound, a viscosity modifier and a dispersable particulate material, melt blending the resulting dry blend, and thereafter casting the melt into a suitable form, casing or mold. The viscosity modifier suitable for use in the invention is a cationic salt of carboxymethylcellulose ether. The viscosity modifier is added in an amount sufficient to achieve a desired melt viscosity.

Abstract: Energetic materials exhibiting low sensitivity comprise a solid solution of itroaliphatic oxidizer, preferably trinitroethyl derivatives, in a plasticized thermoplastic elastomer such as a block copolymer of polystyrene and polyacrylate plasticized with dioctyl adipate. The energetic material is prepared by forming molten plasticized elastomer and then incrementally dissolving the oxidizer in the molten binder.

Abstract: Fluid products, particularly highly filled materials, are manufactured and cast in a continuous system utilizing feedforward composition quality control and plug flow. Liquid and solid raw are supplied to, and combined in, a continuous fluid flow system in which plug flow is established. Quantities of materials supplied are measured and averaged over time to determine composition proportions, which are compared to specification. Running averages are maintained for successive serial portions of the continuous plug flow stream. In-specification product is diverted to casting and off-specification to waste, after a time delay so that appropriate diversion is accomplished for each particular, composition-determined serial portion of the product flowstream.

Abstract: A formwork for a draft tube which includes ganged precast forms, each precast form corresponding to a curved segment of the draft tube. The precast forms are molded with continuous side plates extending thereabout and anchored in the precast concrete form and projecting beyond the surface opposite to the contact surface to provide a flange. A fastening means for attaching adjacent forms with a space therebetween to allow for stripping. A method includes determining the outline of the inner surface of the draft tube and dividing it into segments and preparing molds to make precast forms corresponding to each segment. The precast forms are assembled and shored to provide the draft tube ganged formwork, and concrete is poured about the draft tube formwork and is cured. The precast forms are stripped from the set concrete structure and reused in another draft tube formwork.

Abstract: A method for providing a test sample of concrete from a large poured area of concrete includes using a mold suitable for placement within the concrete form, the mold including a continuous sidewall and a bottom wall connected to the sidewall. An insert within the mold is spaced from the bottom wall so that a pressurization chamber is formed between the insert and the bottom wall of the mold. A fluid inlet is formed in the mold in fluid communication with the pressurization chamber and a fluid inlet tube is connected at a first end thereof to the fluid inlet. Preferably, the fluid tube is of a length sufficient to reach the surface of the concrete poured within the form. In one embodiment, a plurality of legs are formed on the insert to maintain the spacing of the insert from the bottom wall of the mold, the legs being separated sufficiently to allow fluid flow between them. In another embodiment, the space between the insert and the bottom of the mold is filled with a noncompressible fluid.

Abstract: An electrically controllable pyrofuze pin device for ordnance device actiion which functionally replaces the mechanical barrier and arming wire or other rigid and removable means used to provide ordnance device activation. The device includes a pyrofuze pin, a connecting ignitor transfer charge, and ignitor, and electrical terminals to provide power from an external power supply, and a weatherproof housing. When electrically activated the pyrofuze pin is reduced to molten by-products which functionally eliminate the mechanical barrier and permits the activation of the ordnance device.

Abstract: The trimer of 1,6-hexanediisocyanate, which has the chemical name in acconce with (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) (IUPAC) nomenclature of 7-aza-8-oxo-7[1-isocyanato-6-oxohexyl]pentadecanediisocyanate, is employed in a method of chemical bonding of solid propellant grains to the internal insulation of an interceptor motor. Both the propellant composition and the insulation are chemically reactive with the trimmer identified hereinabove. The method comprises providing a solid propellant rocket motor case having the internal insulation installed therein. Following degreasing of the insulation outer surface, the trimer identified hereinabove is spray coated onto the insulation, and the solid propellant composition is placed onto the trimer. A chemical bond is formed between the propellant and the trimer and the insulation to achieve the chemical bonding of an isocyanate curable solid propellant composition to the internal insulation.

Abstract: A process for making a body of gas generating material comprising the steps of preparing a slurry of the ingredients of said gas generating material; extruding said slurry into a plurality of extrudate; forming the extrudate into spherical granules; and pressing a plurality of granules to form a unitary body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the improved processing of materials wherein microcapsules containing a microencapsulated detection agent are combined with the components to be mixed; the microcapsules are designed to rupture at predetermined conditions, and the mixtures are monitored for the presence of the detection agent which indicates that the predetermined conditions were achieved.

Abstract: A solid propellant to inhibitor bonding system for use in replaceable prolant grain assemblies is used with an inhibitor sleeve that has one end attached to an end closure having interior insulation, made of the same rubber insulation material as the inhibitor, and forming a cylindrical cavity for receiving a poured propellant mix. The bonding system is employed prior to pouring the propellant mix. This bonding system involves cleaning the interior surface of the cavity with freon solvent and brush applying a barrier coat, comprising an epoxy resin with amine curing agents, to the interior surface of the cleaned inhibitor. The barrier coat is then cured and a liner is then brush coated onto the cured interior surface of the barrier coat. The liner is then cured and the propellant is then cast into the cavity formed by the lined inhibitor sleeve and insulated closure.

Abstract: A gas generating grain has a water-based particulate booster coating thereon. The coating comprises an alkali metal azide, a water-soluble inorganic oxidizer in approximately a stoichiometric ratio of oxidizer to azide, and a nucleating amount of a small particle size metal oxide. The inorganic oxidizer is potassium perchlorate. A preferred metal oxide is selected from the group consisting of iron oxide, nickel oxide and aluminum oxide. The coating is applied to the grain from a water slurry and dried.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing, by means of working, mixing and homogenizing, castable explosive substances of high viscosity containing crystalline and/or particulate explosives and, if appropriate, other action-enhancing additives and such small quantities of binder and other viscosity-reducing agents that the mixture in the unworked state virtually feels like and behaves like a dry powder. In order to achieve the desired working, mixing and homogenizing, use is made of an arrangement which is known per se.

Abstract: Improved bonding of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene based propellant grains to rocket motor liners and liners which are ultraviolet light radiation curable are provided by employing an acrylated polymer and an [[[(isocyanatoorgano)amino]carbonyl]oxy] alkyl propenoate in the liner composition.

Abstract: A process for forming a concrete wall having a projecting portion such as those formed at a door, windows or the like, including installing two spaced apart opposite form boards which confine a cavity for receiving concrete, one of which has a groove for forming the projecting portion, lining the wall segments with a cushion member which is made of a flexible and compressible material, pouring concrete into the cavity, and moving simultaneously the form board from the formed concrete in a direction similar to the direction of the projecting portion utilizing a hydraulic drive mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for ejecting an interceptor missile from the silo in hich it is stored. The method employs an ultrahigh-burning rate (e.g., burning rate 10-20 inches per second) booster solid propellant grain in combination with a fuse or a combination of fuses having a burning rate (e.g. 25 to 100 inches per second) or a rate which is well above that of the ultrahigh-burning rate booster solid propellant grain. The fuses are designed to a predetermined exterior contour which is the same as the exterior contour of the mandrel which would normally be used to provide the contour to the internal perforation of the booster propellant grain. The method include positioning the fuses longitudinally in the booster motor instead of the normally used mandrel, and then casting the propellant around the fuse or a combination of fuses and curing the propellant to yield a booster solid propellant grain.

Abstract: A process for producing a detachable insulation for inaccessible hollow spaces on warm installations of pipelines, fittings, and containers includes the steps of surrounding the installation with a sheet metal jacket, supporting the sheet metal jacket at a spaced location from the installation in order to form a hollow space between the sheet metal jacket and the installation, filling the hollow space through an opening in the sheet metal jacket with free-flowing insulating material and a binder, curing the binder to form a rigid insulating shell, removing the sheet metal jacket, and cutting the insulating shell by appropriate axial and radial cuts to form individually removable insulation sections.

Abstract: Solid propellant test strands are inhibited, i.e., prevented from burning in an uncontrolled fashion, by coating the strands with a liquid composition containing a partially cured phenolformaldehyde in a volatile solvent, then volatizing the solvent.

Abstract: The invention provides shaping apparatus for an explosive charge, particularly for use with plastic explosive in forming shaped charges. The shaping apparatus comprises a hollow cylindrical body (1), a substantially conical partition (2) within said body for shaping an explosive charge (3) inserted into the body on one side of said partition (2) and means (5) on the other side of said partition (2) for supporting a detonator (6).

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomers made by copolymerizing macromolecular monomers with alkoxyalkyl acrylates in the presence of energetic materials serve as solid propellants which have high burn rates and increased insensitivity over conventional propellants. The copolymers are prepared in situ by subjecting the mixture of monomers and energetic materials to electron beam radiation.

Abstract: A combined caulk application-striking tool is shown which is an elongated tube having a rearward end, and a forward end, the forward end having an upper wall, lower wall and two side walls. These walls are generally trapezoidal in cross section, and the upper and lower walls are substantially straight in cross section. The forward end of the elongated tube is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube, from the upper wall rearwardly down to the lower wall. The tool may be used to apply caulk with the configuration forcing the caulk into the joint or opening and smoothing it. The tool may be also rotated so that the upper wall of the forward end is perpendicular to the area to be sealed, further forcing caulk into the joint or opening and providing for a flattened surface of the caulk.

Abstract: A method of melt casting plastic bonded explosives by:A. forming a uniform binder mixture of the following ingredients(1) from 10 to 30 weight percent of a triblock polymer of the formula A-B-A wherein A represents a polystyrene block and B represents an elastomeric midblock which is selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene, polyisoprene, and polyethylenebutylene; and(2) from 70 to 90 weight percent of a low viscosity oil selected from the group consisting of naphthenic, paraffinic, and olefinic oilsby mixing the ingredients under low-shear conditions at a temperature of from 80.degree. C. to 110.degree. C.;B. mixing an energetic filler into the binder mixture under low shear conditions and at a temperature of from 80.degree. C. to 110.degree. C., provided that the viscosity of the mixture does not exceed 20 kilopoise;C. pouring the energetic filler-binder mixture formed in step B into a mold; andD. cooling energetic filler-binder mixture to form a solid explosive composite.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of dibasic propellant charge powder by a solvent-free process, in which a continuous flow of raw powder mixture moist with water is kneaded at an elevated temperature in a set of shearing rollers, to which the raw powder mixture is continuously supplied and at one end of which the gelatinized mass is continuously removed and immediately continuously granulated. The resulting granulate is continuously delivered to an extruder by means of which it is moulded into powder strands which are worked up into the finished powder by cutting and an end treatment. The process requires only small quantities of powder within the kneading equipment and thus provides a safe and efficient continuous manufacturing facility.

Abstract: A method of installing a polysiloxane insulation in an interceptor rocket motor comprises of applying an adhesive composition, which is compatible with a composite rocket motor case and polysiloxane with which it interfaces; applying a polysiloxane in an uncured state and any added reinforcing fibers to the inside surface of rocket motor case containing the adhesive coating; curing the polysiloxane to form a polysiloxane insulation; casting a solid propellant composition on the cured siloxane insulation; and curing the cast solid propellant composition to complete the method of installing a polysiloxane insulation. The polysiloxane insulation enables the use of a wider selection of reinforcing fibers, even fragile fibers, since the fibers can be incorporated with less energy and the mixing and extruding of the polysiloxane does not destroy the fiber length.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of enhancing the rate of consumption of a propellant s a result of having shrink tubes or spheres embedded in the propellant. The shrink tubes suitable for use in this method are derived from various polyurethane or polyolefin resins which undergo shrinkage when exposed to moderate heat. The mechanism of enhancement derives from the fact that when the flame front reaches the shrink tube or sphere, the tube or sphere undergoes shrinkage, and thus, exposes additional propellant surface to the burning process. High burning rate are achieved because of the apparent reduced overall propellant web created by the presence of and resultant action to these shrink tubes or spheres.A modification of the method of this invention is to embed these plastic tubings in the propellant, raise the temperature of the propellant mass to a temperature at which the tubing will undergo shrinkage.

Abstract: A high impulse, non-detonable solid propellant grain is prepared from a cd detonable proepllant composition having a small critical diameter of less than one inch and an uncured detonable propellant composition having a large critical diameter of several inches. The method of preparation comprises grinding or cutting the cured detonable propellant composition into granules less than its critical diameter in any direction. An uncured propellant composition, in a predetermined amount of les than its critical diameter, is prepared, and the granules of the cured propellant are added and blended with the uncured propellant composition (which serves as the propellant binder) to form a homogeneous propellant blend. The homogeneous propellant blend is cured to yield a high impulse, non-detonable solid propellant grain having a critical diameter less than the critical diameter of the uncured propellant composition.

Abstract: A method of safely detoxifying mustard gases comprises reacting the gases a first reaction with incandescent pyrophoric metallic powder compounded in specific formulation. A second reaction enhances the neutralization of the toxicity of the mustard gases by thermal pyrolysis or deflagration. To accomplish the basic reaction which results in formation of thiacyclopentane, aluminum powder which is a preferred incandescent, pyrophoric metallic powder, is compounded in a basic formulation of aluminum powder, a binder, a curing agent, oxidizing agent, and burn rate catalyst. Examples of detoxification formulation which accomplishes the first reaction as well as a second reaction which enhances the neutralization of the toxicity of the mustard gases or toxic chemical agents by thermal pyrolysis or deflagration are shown under Table II and Table III.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of an explosive cartridge in a tubular casing, including mixing a solution containing hydrogen peroxide, an oxidizable organic material, and at least one precursor monomer of a gelling agent; and reacting the at least one precursor monomer to form macromolecules of the gelling agent in situ in the tubular casing.

Abstract: An encapsulated signal illuminant flare composition is comprised of powde magnesium from about 45 to about 60 weight percent, of powdered sodium nitrate from about 32 to about 49 weight percent, and of capsular adhesives containing about 91 weight liquid materials contained within capsules having cell walls of equal parts Arabic gum and gelatin of about 9 weight percent to yield a binder from about 6 to about 12 weight percent. The composition ingredients are blended in a dry mixer to achieve a homogeneously, blended signal illuminant flare composition. The blended signal illuminant flare composition is incrementally fed into a flare press for compacting into cartridges in two increments at about 14,000 psi pressure which ruptures the capsular adhesives by hydraulic forces to achieve polymer mixing and the surrounding of the powder ingredients with the binder ingredients to form a very homogenous signal illuminant flare composition mass.

Abstract: A metal case to non-metal bonding system that has a long shelf life and will withstand high temperature and pressure operating conditions and that satisfies requirements relating to material compatibility, surface preparation, strength, aging, ease of application and stability over a broad range of temperatures comprises a cylindrical metal case and a non-metallic insulation attached to the interior surface of the case wherein the case interior surface is sand blasted and cleaned, a corrosive resistant coating is applied and cured, a metal to rubber adhesive coating is brush applied and cured, uncured insulation material is laid up against the interior surface of the cured adhesive, several layers of insulation material are used wherein a vacuum bag is used between layers to attach adjacent layers, the uncured insulation, adhesive and metal liner are cured and vulcanized bonded, and the interior surface is machined to final dimensions to receive a solid propellant grain assembly.

Abstract: Tooling for solid propellant casting consisting essentially of a shaped, filled polymer or copolymer article having an outer layer of cured polyvinyl butyral. The casting tooling is used extensively throughout the solid propellant industry to mold or form the solid propellant grain of rocket motors. The cured polyvinyl butyral layer provides improved mold release properties to the tooling.