Mr. C. Walton Musser

Mr. C. Walton Musser was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania on April 5, 1909 and served as a research advisor at Frankford Arsenal from 1941 until his resignation in 1956.

He was co-inventor of the 57mm, 75mm, and 105mm recoilless rifles which were used so effectively in World War II. He was also the co-inventor of many patents in pioneering the development of various escape systems used for the ejection of personnel from military aircraft.

After leaving Frankford Arsenal, he pioneered the development of the harmonic drive, which uses the controlled elastic deflection of one or more parts for the transmission, conversion, or modification of mechanical motion of machine systems. He also pioneered the development of numerous cartridge actuated devices and associated lifesaving equipment.

He was the founder of elastokinesis--the field of mechanics dealing with elastic bodies--and promulgated the various laws covering its use as modifiers of force and motion.

Mr. Musser has been granted over 100 patents, has lectured at educational institutions and professional societies, and has authored numerous publications.