Abstract: A method of producing a perforation pattern in a slab of thermoplastic propellant material and the material produced includes subjecting the slab to a perforating press operation in which the press has a patterned array of fixed perforating members arranged according to a first pattern coordinated with a system for advancing and incrementally indexing the slab through the press is used to perforate the slab to create a desired second, denser perforation pattern by subjecting the slab to a series of perforation actions by the patterned array of perforating means coordinated with the indexing of the slab through the press.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed laser actuator/detonator includes a housing with an orifice for receiving a laser beam and a chamber having a first lens, a compression sealing material at least partially about the first lens, and an energetic material optically coupled to the first lens.

Abstract: A shaped charge explosive warhead assembly is composed of a one piece shaped charge liner including an explosive initiation charge, and a main explosive charge which surrounds the shaped charge liner. The one piece shaped charge liner includes a forward thin wall section and an integral tail end section having a common longitudinal axis of symmetry. The forward thin wall section includes wall portions having a trumpet or other selected shape, and the tail end section includes a plurality of symmetrically located spoke-like apertures extending radially from the longitudinal axis of symmetry and further includes a central bore hole extending from an end surface of the tail end section and in communication with the spoke-like apertures. The spoke-like apertures and bore hole of the tail end section are filled with the explosive initiation charge. A detonator is coupled to the explosive initiation charge within the bore hole.

Abstract: A ballistically deployed restraining net system including a cartridge receivable within a barrel, the cartridge having a base and an opposing open end. There is a restraining net packaged in the cartridge and a set of weights attached to the restraining net and packaged within the cartridge between the base of the cartridge and the restraining net. A deployment charge ejects the restraining net and the set of weights out of the barrel and out of the cartridge and a spreader charge deploys the weights after the net and the set of weight exit the cartridge so that the weights overtake the net in flight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas microgenerator intended more particularly for automobile safety. The microgenerator (1) comprises an igniter support (2) provided with a central bore (3) extended by a cylindrical neck (4) in which an igniter body (5) is fixed by crimping, two electrodes (8, 9) passing through this igniter body. A resistor (10) embedded in an ignition composition (11) links the two electrodes together. A shatterable case (13) containing an ignition powder (14) surrounds the resistor and the ignition composition. The electrodes in their lower part include cutting slots into which are inserted two electrically conducting sheathed wires (20, 21) coming from a supply cable (19). A closure piece (24), which is snap-fitted into the central bore locks the microgenerator. The microgenerator can be used to operate a belt retractor or to ignite a generator intended to inflate an airbag.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a subcaliber projectile as well as a projectile (1) which is formed according to the method and which comprises a penetrator (2), a propelling cage (3) surrounding the central or mid-portion of the penetrator, and a plastic cap (5) that is arranged on the front of the propelling cage (3) and is conically tapered toward the penetrator point (4). For an easy and cost-effective way of manufacturing the connection between the plastic cap (5) and the propelling cage (3), according to the invention a thermoplastic synthetic material is used as the material for the cap (5), and the plastic cap (5) is attached by ultrasonic welding to the propelling cage (3).

Abstract: A glow in the dark firework device and a method for making same is disclosed. The firework device (10) includes a body (12) having an outer body surface (14), and a glow in the dark fuse (18) passing from the inner body surface (7) of body (12) to the outer body surface (14) of body (12) of firework device (10). Fuse (18) is comprised of a fuse body (16), and a plurality of threads (20,22,26-45) having an ignitable substance (25) dispersed among the plurality of threads (20,22,26-45). The outer fuse surface (9) of fuse (18) has a phosphorescent solution (52) applied thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of applying a wear protection substance to the inside of metal cases used for ammunition. The wear protection substance comprises a composition of wax and a solid particle component which has a known barrel wear reducing effect. The wear protection substance is either applied in molten form to the inside of the metal case or is applied in solid form to the inside of the metal case and then melted. The wear protection substance is then spread to form a layer over the inside of the metal case. The metal case is then cooled whereby a solid coating is formed on the insides of the metal case.

Abstract: An initiation signal transmission line tube (10a, 10b, 10', etc.), which is effective to transmit an initiation signal therethrough, contains one or more rupture lines (20a, 20b and 20c, etc.) in the tube wall. Rupture lines (20a, 20b and 20c, etc.), which may be weld seams or grooves or both, are ruptured by the initiation signal passing therethrough. The spent tube carcass is split or fragmented and therefore less troublesome as litter on a work site than an intact shock tube carcass. If the tube is extruded, a rupture line may be formed by contacting the parison (118) from which the tube is made with scoring means, e.g., a pin or blade (124a, 124b). Optionally, the scoring means may be moved radially during the extrusion process, to form serpentine, e.g., helical, rupture lines. Preferably, the rupture lines intersect periodically and, upon firing, the tube is fragmented into shards.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for dismantling and reassembling projectiles which contain a plurality of safety-activatable bomblets in one or more cluster layers. The method and apparatus are particularly useful for disassembling bomblets from a projectile of a first caliber, and loading the bomblets into a projectile of a second caliber. In the first projectile having its casing and components disassembled uncovers an uppermost bomblet layer. The bomblet layer is seated against a first transport cover configured to correspond to a positional pattern for those bomblets of the projectile being disassembled. The bomblet layer is pneumatically held against the first transport cover. A bottom cover is detachably secured to the first transport cover under the bomblet layer, and the fuse of each bomblet is secured. This forms a safe container for moving the bomblets.

Abstract: A notching device for fastening a projectile to a cartridge case. The cartridge case may include a shell mouth and a longitudinal axis and the projectile may include an adapter base for insertion into the shell mouth. The adapter base may include at least one circumferential notch inserted into the shell mouth. The notching device may include an elastic ring for exerting a radial compression force on the shell mouth adjacent the at least one circumferential notch to press a portion of the shell mouth into the at least one circumferential notch, and a device for laterally compressing the elastic ring. The lateral compressing device actuating the elastic ring to exert the radial compression force on the shell mouth. The radial compression force may be substantially equal around a circumference of the cartridge case to provide a fluid tight seal.

Abstract: A device and method for loading components into holders used in cartridge case reloading machinery is disclosed. The loading device includes a tray that receives and orients reloading components such as primers. The tray includes a strip receptacle which receives and positions a component holder while components are oriented by the tray and moved into position into receptacles in the component holder. The components are forced into the component holder by manual pressure, a roller, or a lever actuated bar. After the components are pressed into the component holder, the holder may be removed from the loading device and used in reloading machinery.

Abstract: A shell reforming system and method is shown comprising an automatically temperature-controlled and detachable heat mandrel on which a shell may be situated for a predetermined period of time. The system and method further utilize a plurality of detachable cooling mandrels which facilitate cooling the shell and deforming it to a desired shape, such as a generally elongated cylinder shape. The system and method is suitable for handling multiple gauge shells and for maintaining and controlling the temperature delivered to the heat mandrel so that shotshells may be reformed consistently. A method for reconditioning and reshaping the shotshells using the automatically controlled heat source is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical initiator which can be used with an automobile air bag or seat belt pretensioner. The initiator comprises a header, a cup, conducting pins, epoxy pin seals, a bridgewire, a primer, and an output charge. The header and the cup are composed of an insulating dielectric material capable of being ultrasonically welded together. The header secures the pins. Each pin is electrically conductive and each is formed with a buttress knurl to form a seal when each pin is inserted into the header. Additionally, the pins are further sealed to the header by an epoxy sealant. The bridgewire connects the pins together on one side of the header. An electrical signal through the bridgewire generates heat igniting the primer. Primer reacts with the output charge that in turn ignites a solid gas generant that produces gas that fills air bags or activates the gas generator that drives seat belt pretensioners. The primer contacts the bridgewire. The output charge contacts the primer.

Abstract: Small caliber primed cartridge cases are demilitarized by removing explosive primer mix from the cases. The cases are flushed with a chemical solution, preferably a sulfuric acid solution, to dissolve the binder material which holds the components of the explosive primer mix together. Upon dissolution of the binder material, e.g. gum arabic, the primer mix breaks apart into particles which flow forward through the flash hole(s) in the case and exit the open end of the case. The solution is agitated into a turbulent state so as to enter the open end of the hollow case and sufficiently contact the primer mix through the flash hole(s). The treated cases are chemically deprimed in that the explosive primer mix has been removed therefrom; additionally, any primer mix which might remain in the case is rendered inert by the acid solution. The deprimed cases may then be rinsed and dried and used for reloading applications or scrap recovery.

Abstract: A priming mechanism for a propellant charge, notably for field artillery ammunition, comprising a tube (2) made of a combustible material, whose inner wall is lined with a priming charge which marks out a central channel (5) inside the tube (2), characterised in that the priming charge is formed of several successive layers (3) of black powder granules with a binder (4).

Abstract: An igniting system for a projectile propellant includes a combustible support tube having an outer surface and an inner surface; a plurality of throughgoing apertures provided in the support tube; a free igniting channel coaxially surrounded by the support tube; and an ignition transfer charge formed of a pyrotechnical hard foam layer having a thickness between 1 and 3 mm and being carried on the outer surface of the support tube. The hard foam layer is composed of a large-pore inner layer and two opposite surface layers which are of densely closed structure and between which the inner layer is sandwiched.

Abstract: A device for detecting and neutralizing an explosive device concealed in cargo by directing a plurality of energies or fields including electromagnetic, electrostatic, magnetic, or acoustic toward the cargo thereby externally inducing detonation. A blast containment enclosure is used to protect surroundings by containment and redirection of a resulting explosion. A method for the detection and neutralization of explosive devices is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for resizing the neck of a cartridge case which includes a housing secured to a stationary head of a reloading press. A support sleeve is attached within the housing such that the support sleeve can slide within a bore of the housing. The apparatus utilizes interchangeable bushings, located within the support sleeve, which each have substantially the same outside diameter but which have varying inside diameters. The bushings are marked with their inside diameter and the user selects a bushing with an inside diameter which the user determines will most accurately resize the neck. To change bushings, the top portion of the housing is separated from the bottom portion of the housing and the components inside the housing can then be slid out of the end of the bottom portion of the housing. A different bushing can be substituted for the one that was previously used.

Abstract: A primer pocket reamer for cartridge cases makes three distinct cuts for removing stake rings, chamfering the outer edge of a primer pocket and endmilling the bottom in a single process. This is accomplished by a cutter with three different rotating cutting edges. The cartridge case is brought to the cutter.

Abstract: A detonator assembly wherein the electrical leads are attached to an electrical connector which maintains the ends of the leads in non-conductive, waterproof condition and which permits the leads to be spliced to another pair of electric leads without any splicing tools. The length of the electrical leads is selected to permit the assembly to be inserted in a booster charge so that the electrical connector is contained entirely within the throughbore in the booster charge. Packaging for such detonator assemblies includes at least one tray integrally formed of fire retardant material. The detonator assemblies fit snugly in parallel elongate recesses in the top of the tray so that when the tray is tipped or inverted the detonators will remain in position. The detonator assemblies are arranged in alternating fashion so that the detonator ends of adjacent assemblies are at opposite sides of the tray.

Abstract: An electrothermal chemical cartridge with a fuse of tapering cross section enables higher impulse energy to be imparted to a projectile by means of complete controlled burning of propellant. A long, narrow tube filled with propellant has a fuse on its inside surface with a cross section that tapers toward the discharge end, separated from the electrical ground of the cartridge casing by a layer of insulation sufficiently thin to be destroyed as the fuse ignites the propellant. A high-voltage electrode connected at the back end of the tube provides for application of a pulse of sufficient current density to ohmically heat or burn the fuse in a controlled fashion from the discharge end to the back end. Many such tubes can be bundled together in a large casing for wide barrel guns.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating contraband vapor/particle detection devices is described. The invention includes a desorb site onto which may be deposited solutions containing known concentrations of one or more of the specific compounds to be detected. The desorb site, which may be rapidly heated to vaporize the particles contained in the solution deposited on its surface, is housed in a sealable chamber. The vapor and/or particles become entrained in an air stream forced across the surface of the desorb site, and the airstream is then delivered through a snout to the contraband vapor particle detector.

Abstract: A gas generant composition contains as a fuel a mixture of a major portion of a triazole or tetrazole and a minor portion of a water soluble fuel; and an oxidizer component, at least 20 wt % of said oxidizer component being a transition metal oxide, such as CuO.

Abstract: The invention is a novel method for forming paper-wrapped cartridges of gassed emulsion explosive comprising the steps of (a) forming a water-in-oil emulsion at an elevated temperature, (b) chemically gassing the emulsion to form a sensitizing, uniform distribution of gas bubbles throughout the emulsion, (c) shaping the chemically gassed emulsion into a continuous rod of emulsion, (d) continuously wrapping the rod of emulsion with a paper packaging material that is shaped circumferentially around the rod and sealed longitudinally with an adhesive that can withstand the elevated temperature of the emulsion and is water-resistant, (e) cutting the paper-wrapped emulsion rod into individual cartridges, and (f) cooling the cartridges by contacting them with a liquid, preferably water, at a temperature below the elevated temperature of the emulsion.

Abstract: This invention provides a means for detecting local atmospheric contaminants from safe distances. The invention means of a detector system comprise a pulsed laser, a sensitive photo-detector, various optical filters, and necessary digital control circuitry. The detector system employs laser technology in combination with a sensitive photo-detector to achieve detection of any hazardous gas elements or other pollutants remotely located from personnel who may subsequently be exposed. In operation, a pulsed laser or a tunable dye laser is employed as an excitation source for the contaminant or pollutant to achieve excitation of the contaminant or pollutant. When the excited molecule of the contaminant or pollutant returns to ground-state it emits a photon at a given (measurable) frequency. A sensitive photo-detector is filtered to permit detection of only the frequency at which a harmful gas (as an example of a contaminant or pollutant) fluoresces.

Abstract: A gas generant composition contains as a fuel a mixture of a major portion of a triazole or tetrazole and a minor portion of a water soluble fuel; and an oxidizer component, at least 20 wt % of said oxidizer component being a transition metal oxide, such as CuO. Generant compositions in accordance with the invention autoignite in a range around 170.degree. C., providing autoignition of the generant without the need for separate autoignition devices. Also, the generant compositions are useful as autoignition pyrotechnic in autoignition devices.

Abstract: A bullet sizing die is releasably positioned at one end of a hollow die body in a bullet reloading press, the die having an internal diameter corresponding to the desired caliber of a bullet to be sized, each bullet being placed on a plunger so that axial advancement of the plunger will force each bullet in succession through the die and eject it from the die body as each next bullet in succession is advanced through the die. In a modified form, semi-spherical dies are interchangeably mounted in facing relation to one another between the plunger and die body for the sizing of lead shot.

Abstract: A propellant casting apparatus for automatically filling rocket propulsion motors with semi-solid propellant is characterized by a unique propellant filling assembly which injects a precise given quantity of propellant into the motor from the bottom. The propellant filling assembly includes a chamber having an injection cylinder arranged at one end and a fill valve at the other. With the chamber filled with propellant, the fill valve is brought into engagement with the bottom of the motor and opened. The injection cylinder includes a piston which is extended into the chamber to inject propellant into the motor via the valve. The length of travel of the piston is accurately controlled to govern the precise quantity of propellant injected into the motor.

Abstract: A drive member for the projectile head of a large caliber, multi-purpose cartridge or a multi-purpose training cartridge, wherein a threaded connection is provided for the form-locking connection between the drive member and the projectile head. In order to give such multi-purpose cartridges or corresponding multi-purpose training cartridges a modular configuration, with their assembly taking place only at their location of use, the drive member is provided with radial bores that start at its outer edge or periphery at its end facing the projectile head. Before joining the projectile head and the drive member, a holding and clamping device is then introduced into these bores so as to securely hold the drive member when the respective projectile head is screwed to the drive member.

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 low energy fuse is extruded as a single ply primary tube 1 from a plastic resin blend with particulate energetic material 2 being internally distributed in a manner known per se, said resin blend comprising a major amount of an orientable polymer, for example, linear low density polyethylene to provide structural integrity and a minor amount of a modifier to impart enhanced particle retentive properties to the tube and preferably also containing a polymer or copolymer to impart melt strength and aid in tube extrusion.

Abstract: A highly selective, sensitive, fast detection system and method are disclosed for detecting vapors of specific compounds in air. Vapors emanating from compounds such as explosives, or stripped from surfaces using heat and suction from a hand-held sample gun, are collected on surfaces coated with gas chromatograph (GC) material which trap explosives vapors but repel nitric oxide, then are desorbed and concentrated in one or more cold spot concentrators. A high speed gas chromatograph (GC) separates the vapors, after which specific vapors are decomposed in two pyrolyzers arranged in parallel and the resulting nitric oxide is detected. A low temperature pyrolyzer with silver produces NO from nitramines or nitrite esters; a high temperature pyrolyzer decomposes all explosives vapors to permit detection of the remaining explosives. Also disclosed is a series arrangement of pyrolyzers and gas chromatographs and an NO detector to time-shift detection of certain vapors and facilitate very fast GC analyses.

Abstract: A fixture for measuring runout in firearm cartridges, casings and bullets is provided. The fixture holds the cartridge at the tip and forward of the rim for rotation. A self centering tip bearing holds the tip of the cartridge, casing or bullet for rotation about an axis of rotation. The exterior surface of the cartridge, casing or bullet is supported in a V-shaped knife edge bearing. The distance from the knife edge bearing to the tip bearing is adjustable to accommodate various cartridge sizes. Interchangeable tip bearing tools are provided for rotatably holding bullets and casings, and for locating areas of variation in the thickness of the casing wall. The thickness indicating tool has a flat surface offset from the cartridge axis, which rests against the curved interior surface of a casing, forming a chord which supports the interior surface at two points. The gauge arm, placed on the outside of the casing between the two points, can then measure the relative thickness of the casing wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of disassembling large-caliber combat cartridges, particularly armor-piercing cartridges, including a combustible casing jacket that conically widens in the direction of the projectile, a casing bottom and a casing cover to which is fastened a sub-caliber projectile equipped with a propelling sabot.To be able, on the one hand, to reduce expenditures for the disassembly of such combat cartridges and, on the other hand, to reuse a major portion of the original combat cartridges for the production of corresponding training cartridges, it is proposed to separate the casing jacket as well as the casing cover starting at their outer circumference, in regions having approximately the same, predetermined diameter D1. This diameter D1 here corresponds to the maximum diameter of the component of the new cartridge to be produced later from the disassembled components.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for propelling a subcaliber penetrator through a gun tube which has a portion of the propellant charge contained in an annular cavity surrounding the sabot is disclosed. The annular cavity is defined by the scoop shaped front bourrelet, the aft bourrelet which has three radially extending support posts and bore riding shoes, and a combustible tubular case extension over the aft bourrelet extending forward to the front bourrelet. The assembly includes cartridge case having a multistrand ignition system having a plurality of flexible combustible ignition strand. The strands extend through the propellant charge in the case and extend between the posts of the aft bourrelet into the annular cavity to simultaneously ignite the propellant charge contained therein with the portion of the charge in the cartridge case.

Abstract: A tool for use in conjunction with a firearm to facilitate the performance of various functions with regard to the firearm. The tool includes a cartridge case simulator which is mounted at a distal end of a tubular rod. The end of the simulator opposite an end at which a bullet is to be positioned for subsequent identification of a desired location relative to an intended corresponding cartridge case is provided with an aperture, and an axial passage in the simulator, thereby, communicates with an axial duct in the tubular rod, the rod and simulator being axially aligned. A gauge shaft is disposed for reciprocal movement along the axial aligned passage and duct. A distal end of the shaft is intended to engage the base of a bullet so that the bullet can be urged to a desired axial position relative to a mouth of the cartridge case simulator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus whereby complex patterns are pressed into the interior of a part formed of compactible material. A flexible, pre-fabricated pattern form bearing the inverse of a desired pattern is wrapped around a conventional mandrel and this assembly is loaded inside of an isostatic pressing bag with a material charge. After compaction, the mandrel is separated from the pattern form, leaving the pattern form behind in the compact. The pattern form is then peeled, pulled, or otherwise removed from the interior of the compact, leaving behind the desired on the compact interior. Alternatively, a collapsible or melt-away mandrel with the inverse of a desired pattern formed on its exterior is employed to form the desired pattern on the interior of a compacted part.

Abstract: A manifolded, multiple-pin die apparatus and method processes potentially explosive material to form longitudinally perforated cylindrical pellets for use as gun propellants. A main entrance passage formed in mating manifold blocks gradually changes in cross-sectional configuration from circular to figure-eight, and then branches in a gently curved manner. The divergent branches formed then further branch in the same manner and feed circular cross-section passages leading to extruding dies wherein a series of die pins extend axially through a discharge passage. Each die comprises a central core member supporting an outer shell via radial ribs which are configured to form flow passages of hour-glass configuration. No change of flow direction in the entire apparatus exceeds fifteen degrees.

Abstract: An outer jacket (14), an inner jacket (15) and an explosive charge (16) are ach independently manufactured on one of three parallel production lines (1, 2, 3) and assembled on a contiguous assembly line (4). The jackets (14 and 15) are designed to have a sufficient shape stability to be handled as separate components, and obtain the required firing strength due to their assembly. By changing the inner jacket (15), the ammunition body manufactured in this way can be prepared with different active bodies as suited for the application intended.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projectile having an interior space in which disposable payloads and/or electronic components are arranged, and which are of a type intended to have an extended lifetime. To protect the interior components from corrosion, the interior space is filled with a protective gas, for example, argon, nitrogen or hydrogen, or a mixture of these gases. The protective gas may be present in the interior space at a greater than atmospheric pressure of, for example, three bar.

Abstract: A highly selective, sensitive, fast detection system and method are disclosed for detecting vapors of specific compounds in air. Vapors emanating from compounds such as explosives, or stripped from surfaces using heat and suction from a hand-held sample gun, are collected on surfaces coated with gas chromatograph (GC) material which trap explosives vapors but repel nitric oxide, then are desorbed and concentrated in one or more cold spot concentrators. A high speed gas chromatograph (GC) separates the vapors, after which specific vapors are decomposed in two pyrolyzers arranged in parallel and the resulting nitric oxide is detected. A low temperature pyrolyzer with silver produces NO from nitramines or nitrite esters; a high temperature pyrolyzer decomposes all explosives vapors to permit detection of the remaining explosives. Also disclosed is a series arrangement of pyrolyzers and gas chromatographs and an NO detector to time-shift detection of certain vapors and facilitate very fast GC analyses.

Abstract: A frangible projectile made from powdered metals comprising a body of either iron and carbon, or of iron and alumina. The powdered metals are compacted, sintered, and cooled.

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: A device for extracting ammunition casings from linked tubes of a flexible ammunition carrier is described which in a preferred representative embodiment comprises a generally tubular chute having an upper wall and a lower wall and first and second side walls which are divergent from each other along the length of the chute thereby defining a passageway through the chute extending from an entrance end to an exit end thereof which substantially uniformly increases in width along the length thereof; first and second channels defined along respective first and second side walls of the chute and configured to diverge one from the other in correspondence with the divergence of the first and second side walls and sized to receive respective annular flanges on the casings and the tubes of the ammunition carrier; and a rotatable paddle wheel disposed near the entrance end of the chute and including a plurality of paddles sized and spaced to engage spaces between adjacent tubes of the ammunition carrier which provides

Abstract: Method for reducing the peak overpressure of an explosion by disposing in the path of the explosion a barrier of an aqueous foam containing dispersion particulates predominately smaller than 200 mesh.

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 manifolded, multiple-pin die apparatus and method processes potentially explosive material to form longitudinally perforated cylindrical pellets for use as gun propellants. A main entrance passage formed in mating manifold blocks gradually changes in cross-sectional configuration from circular to figure-eight, and then branches in a gently curved manner. The divergent branches formed then further branch in the same manner and feed circular cross-section passages leading to extruding dies wherein a series of die pins extend axially through a discharge passage. Each die comprises a central core member supporting an outer shell via radial ribs which are configured to form flow passages of hour-glass configuration. No change of flow direction in the entire apparatus exceeds fifteen degrees.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for forming an explosive and more particularly to a system that is portable, self-contained and is capable of mixing essentially non-explosive ingredients from separate containers or separate compartments within a container to form an explosive. The system is particularly adaptable for military or tactical applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to coating devices and methods for application of sant to ammunition. Provided is a mechanically simple and effective way of weatherproofing or coating high volumes of small caliber sabot ammunition or similar items. The coating device typically consists of a container device, which is chamber of sufficient size and volume to hold sealant, covered by an integral lid comprising a frame holding a diaphram, sealant and means for applying the sealant. The frame and the diaphram are provided with aligning holes. The holes are sized to permit the object to be coated to penetrate through the frame, and deformably penetrate through the diaphram into the chamber and contacting the sealant and means of application. The means to apply the sealant may be a sealant dip, a series of spray jets to spray the sealant, a felt stamp pad, a fluidized bed, various combinations of these or any other type of application means to uniformly coat the object.