Patents Assigned to Thomson Brandt Armements
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Patent number: 5615465Abstract: The process for manufacturing parts of revolution which are made from a high-density metal with great regularity of reproducibility, especially as regards the homogeneity of the matter.It consists in carrying out the following steps:forging in three dimensions by successive upsetting and drawing-out operations carried out in three perpendicular directions;closed-die forging; andrecrystallisation heat treatment.Application to the manufacture of hollow-charged coatings made of tantalum.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1993Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Thomson-Brandt ArmementsInventors: Dominique Broussoux, Jean Collard, Marie-Therese Daumas
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Patent number: 5505136Abstract: The invention relates to warheads including a core-generating charge and rotating about an axis which is not the charge axis. In front of the coating of the charge is positioned a wedge with a straight or curved triangular cross section, for slowing down said coating in a non-isotropic manner. The wedge is further destroyed during the formation of the core.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1992Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Assignee: Thomson-Brandt ArmementsInventors: Jean Cauchetier, Jean-Pierre Frehaut
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Patent number: 5460422Abstract: In a system for the tilting of a suspended object, this object is suspended from a suspension point by three suspension lines, the suspension lines being each fixed to the object by a fastening point. A suspension point is deflected and tautened by a roller. The tilting of the object is then achieved by the translation of the roller with respect to the object. This shifting is obtained, for example, by a pyrotechnical thrustor fixed to the object. Application: sub-munitions suspended from a parachute.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1995Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Assignee: Thomson-Brandt ArmementsInventors: Bernard Amiot, Gilles Doisneau, Jean-Pierre Frehaut, Serge Morin
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Patent number: 5398613Abstract: In a system for the tilting of a suspended object, this object is suspended from a suspension point by three suspension lines, the suspension lines being each fixed to the object by a fastening point. A suspension point is deflected and tautened by a roller. The tilting of the object is then achieved by the translation of the roller with respect to the object. This shifting is obtained, for example, by a pyrotechnical thrustor fixed to the object. Application: sub-munitions suspended from a parachute.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1992Date of Patent: March 21, 1995Assignee: Thomson-Brandt ArmementsInventors: Bernard Amiot, Gilles Doisneau, Jean-Pierre Frehaut, Serge Morin
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Patent number: 5394804Abstract: An explosive device with a hollow charge of the type including a main warhead with a wave shaper and a primary warhead for the penetration of active primary armor. The primary warhead comprises a hollow charge provided at the apex of the main warhead and separated from the latter by wave transmitting means in the form of a third hollow charge placed inverted relative to the other two hollow charges, the primary warhead also acting as a wave shaper for the main warhead.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1993Date of Patent: March 7, 1995Assignee: Thomson-Brandt ArmementsInventor: Jean Cauchetier
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Patent number: 5337672Abstract: Ignition means being provided to ignite pyrotechnic materials, this ignition is produced by the activation of these ignition means. As long as the ignition means have not been activated, the casing is maintained firmly attached to a closing plug only by a first set of locking means so that at pressures within the casing in excess of a given pressure, the plug is ejected from the casing. As soon as the ignition means have been activated, the casing is maintained firmly attached to the plug by a second set of locking means at pressures within the casing in excess of the given pressure.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1992Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Assignee: Thomson-Brandt ArmementsInventors: Bruno Boissiere, Michel Bossus
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Patent number: 5325282Abstract: The invention concerns a low voltage-to-high voltage converter of the flyback type. The converter includes a transformer whose primary winding is linked to a supply voltage source via a switch and whose secondary winding is linked to the terminals of a capacitor via a rectifier diode. This converter includes, in a conventional manner, a secondary regulation loop which compares the output voltage appearing at the terminals of the capacitor, via a divider bridge, with a reference voltage in order to regulate the OFF time of the switch. Provision is made to maintain constant the primary energy accumulated in the transformer and the total charge time of the capacitor, regardless of the value of the supply voltage. Digital regulation of an open loop system is employed to control the ON time of the switch on the basis of the value of the supply voltage and the temperature of the converter. The invention finds particular utility in high-energy projectile firing systems.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1992Date of Patent: June 28, 1994Assignee: Thomson-Brandt ArmementsInventor: Joel Bansard
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Patent number: 5317973Abstract: The detonating device for a secondary explosive charge includes energy reservoir means and exploding foil igniter means coupled to the energy reservoir means by an optical commutator functioning in photo-conduction mode. The device may be extended to any number of separate detonation channels, and each detonation channel may be supplied with optical pulse beams generated by a single laser source or by separate, dedicated laser sources. The optical pulse beams are guided via optical fibers that may vary in length in accordance with preprogrammed detonation timing sequences. The invention finds particular application in the field of high safety detonation systems.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1992Date of Patent: June 7, 1994Assignee: Thomson-Brandt ArmementsInventors: Andre Winaver, deceased, Dominique Broussoux
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Patent number: 5303631Abstract: The invention that relates to a pyrotechnic actuator in which the movement of the piston is damped. The actuator includes a body, a piston, a pyrotechnic material combustion chamber and a counter pressure chamber. The actuator also includes at least one intermediate compression chamber located between the combustion chamber and the end of the piston, with the intermediate compression chamber connected to the combustion chamber by a hole.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1992Date of Patent: April 19, 1994Assignee: Thomson-Brandt ArmementsInventors: Jean-Pierre Frehaut, Daniel Wisshaupt
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Patent number: 5299503Abstract: The invention relates to a shell, the base of which acts as the parachute can of a sub-munition. The shell contains sub-munitions stacked one behind the other and is closed at the rear by a base. The submunitions are each equipped with a parachute and a can containing the folded parachute, the separation of each sub-munition from its can permitting the deployment of the parachute. The can of the sub-munition situated at the rear of the shell is constituted by the base of the shell.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1992Date of Patent: April 5, 1994Assignee: Thomson-Brandt ArmementsInventors: Jean-Pierre Frehaut, Pascal Laurend
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Patent number: 5253587Abstract: This device concerns missiles and in particular those made up of a payload stage in the form of a sub-munitions cargo-container and a propulsion stage. It is intended for the separation and aerodynamic braking of the propulsion stage at the end of its operation so that the sub-munitions can be released without the risk of hitting it. It includes attachment by fitting and locking by shear screws of the two parts of the missile, an inflatable bag arranged in an annular housing, a mobile piston used to separate the two parts of the missile, an initiatable gas generator driving the mobile piston then inflating the bag, means of initiating the gas generator consisting of a primer and firing pin and sensitive to a drop in pressure of the gases in the propulsion stage.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1992Date of Patent: October 19, 1993Assignee: Thomson-Brandt ArmementsInventors: Rene Thouron, Pascal Herrero
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Patent number: 5204491Abstract: This detonator includes a cylindrical anvil of dielectric material bearing on one face an area of electrical contact and on the other a fusible bridge of which one end is connected to the area of electrical contact via a plugged conducting hole and of which the other end is connected to an annular conducting area around the edge of the anvil. A cylindrical hollow plug is connected to the anvil by a flanged ring soldered to the plug and to the annular conducting area of the anvil. Around this plug is fitted a cylindrical flexible contact part. A closing cylinder is soldered to the plug. Inside the plug are fitted a disk of plastic material, a barrel, and an explosive charge in a case. The assembly is closed by a cap laser welded to the closing cylinder. The invention is applicable to hermetic detonator structures for initiation in particular of warheads, propellors of rockets, missiles or other guided projectiles, or of gas generators.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1991Date of Patent: April 20, 1993Assignee: Thomson -- Brandt ArmementsInventors: Thierry Aureal, Joel Bansard, Gerard Humily, Christophe Riviere
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Patent number: 5196645Abstract: Optical device rotational about an axis XX', and making use of a set of detectors suitably arranged to detect the presence of a target in a determined solid angle, of the type which includes in longitudinal section in a plane P in which lies the axis XX', a window including a front point A and a rear point B, which admits radiation coming from an axis H intersecting axis XX' at a point 0 and forming with it an angle .THETA. of less than 90.degree., the opening angle 2.tau. of the window being represented by the two straight lines 0'A and 0"B, each forming the angle .tau. with the axis H, characterized by the fact that it includes two mirrors M1, M2 and a converging lens, the mirror M1 being represented in the section of plane P by the arc of a parabola P.sub.m1 with its focus at a point F located in front of point 0, and having as its axis of symmetry an axis D1 parallel to H and passing through F, the mirror M2 being represented in the section of plane P by the arc of a parabola P.sub.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1991Date of Patent: March 23, 1993Assignee: Thomson-Brandt ArmementsInventor: Daniel Wisshaupt
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Patent number: 5189248Abstract: The invention concerns a perforating munition for targets possessing high mechanical strength. A perforating munition, released at very low altitude to prevent destruction by ground-air defense systems, possesses a braking system constituted by a parachute (24) to give the velocity vector of the munition a position that is as close as possible to the vertical, thus enabling an improvement in the effectiveness of the munition on impact. To improve the positioning of the velocity vector with respect to the vertical, the munition has a curvature correction device comprising a back projector (13) that is fixedly joined to the rear part (2) of the munition and is positioned in a ring-like way around a front part (1) of the munition, so as to reduce the curvature of the munition in order to increase the effectiveness of the munition.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1991Date of Patent: February 23, 1993Assignee: Thomson-Brandt ArmementsInventors: Jean Deffayet, Alain Lepicard, Andre Winaver
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Patent number: 5180882Abstract: This system includes, in a projectile P bearing explosive warheads 2, 4, with their firing device 3, 5, impact detectors 1, an inertial unit 6 and a computer 7. The computer 7 determines, on the basis of the signals from the detectors 1, the instant of impact To and the angle of incidence I of the projectile on the target and, on the basis of the signals from the inertial unit 6, the speed V of the projectile at the instant of impact. Using the data V, I and the data on the type of target C, the computer 7 determines, in real time, the optimum delay with respect to the instant To for the firing of each warhead, and applies this delay to the firing command.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1991Date of Patent: January 19, 1993Assignee: Thomson-Brandt ArmementsInventor: Joel Bansard
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Patent number: 5160803Abstract: The invention concerns the domain of a charges which can be released, for example, from an aircraft to which they are fixed, and in particular a munition containing an incendiary gel made of hydrocarbons and gelatinizing agents, intended to have an incendiary effect on various targets on the ground.The invention enables the munition to be broken up above the ground thanks to means of distribution constituted of a detonating cord, gas-generating grains, a shield and a rod. These means of distribution ensure regular scattering of the incendiary gel before the impact on the ground. The invention also enables ignition of the incendiary gel on break-up of the munition thanks to means of ignition composed of ignition capsules.Application to munitions containing an incendiary gel, also to munitions containing a product to be scattered.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1990Date of Patent: November 3, 1992Assignee: Thomson-Brandt ArmementsInventors: Noel Fulchiron, Bernard Naillon, Patrick Nadaud
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Patent number: 5140909Abstract: A projectile with rear and front sections able to deliver payloads of submunitions contained inside the projectile after separation of the rear from the front section. The rear section is fitted with an assembly of thin blades. When both sections are assembled, the blades are partially in the rear section and partially in the front section, and when the two sections are separated, the blades spread out. The assembly is such that the length of blade that spreads out is greater than the length of blade that was in the front section before separation of the two section.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1991Date of Patent: August 25, 1992Assignee: Thomson-Brandt ArmementsInventors: Jean-Pierre Pineau, Jean-Pierre Frehaut, Philippe Kerdraon
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Patent number: 5123612Abstract: Anti-tank projectile with initial direct firing in overflight.This projectile comprises a device for detection of the instant of arrival in the vicinity of the target, this device acting on a sequencer which commands first the ignition of a first booster, situated at the front of the projectile and causing it to turn in a clockwise direction, its braking, and the curving of its trajectory towards the target, and then the ignition of a second booster, which being placed at the rear of the projectile, stops its turning motion. The impact on the target is then frontal.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1991Date of Patent: June 23, 1992Assignee: Thomson-Brandt ArmementsInventors: Jean-Paul Labroche, Guy-Andre Tonnerre, Daniel Wisshaupt
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Patent number: 5109774Abstract: Disclosed is a new type of penetrating projectile, the penetrating capacity of which is improved and more efficiently controlled, notably through a solution to the problems of obliquity. A projectile of this type has a front element forming the active part, fixedly joined to a tube. The tube has a closed end which contains a propellant charge for the propulsion of the element and an igniter for the charge, responding to the impact of the element on a target. In reaching the target, the projectile penetrates it slightly under the effect of the velocity and it is only at this instant, or slightly after it, that the penetration proper takes place. The penetration thus takes place without obliquity. This projectile can be used as an individual munition or sub-munition.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1991Date of Patent: May 5, 1992Assignee: Thomson-Brandt ArmementsInventor: Jean Deffayet
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Patent number: 5103734Abstract: The invention concerns a guided munition, fired from a launching system with a cannon effect. This munition comprising sub-assemblies is supported, during acceleration in the cannon, by a peripheral casing which rests on the first sub-assembly of the munition placed at the front of the munition and is fixed to an ejectable sub-assembly placed at the rear of the munition. The weight of this casing is necessary to withstand the forces due to acceleration and it enables the range of the munition to be increased during the ballistic phase. During the transition from the ballistic phase to the guided phase, the ejectable sub-assembly is ejected, taking with it the casing which thus frees the airfoil surfaces to open out. The casing thus positioned also provides sealing and protection of the sensitive parts and rigidity of the whole of the munition.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1990Date of Patent: April 14, 1992Assignee: Thomson-Brandt ArmementsInventors: Philippe Arnaud, Marc Bernard, Herve Boubault, Rene Thouron