Abstract: An optical system utilized to provide guidance information in the form of a modulated beam for a beamrider missile during its rocket powered flight phase. Our system comprises first and second zoom type optical subsystems arranged to function cooperatively in object space, utilizing coincident lines of sight, with these optical subsystems serving to provide guidance information to the missile when the exhaust plume from its rocket engine is relatively difficult to penetrate. The first optical subsystem is utilized in a closed loop servo system for positioning a mirror gimballed about two axes, such that it continuously tracks the missile. The second optical subsystem, along the optical axis of which the modulated beam is directed, comprises a negative optical group and a positive optical group combined into a defocusable beam expander.

Abstract: The fragmentation or splintering jacket of a projectile or shell is intended to fracture or disintegrate into a plurality of fragments or splinters of a predetermined size by a bursting or explosive charge located within the fragmentation or splintering jacket. This bursting or explosive charge is detonated by a fuze or detonator at a predetermined or desired moment or burst point. This fragmentation or splintering jacket comprises a plurality of rings provided with reference fracture locations. The fragmentation or splintering jacket fractures or breaks along these reference fracture locations into fragments or splinters of the predetermined size.

Abstract: A propellant configuration for a solid propellant rocket motor, comprising a generally cylindrical housing containing a generally cylindrical main grain having a central cavity, and an igniter assembly supported in the central cavity and having means therein for bringing about combustion. At the time of actuation of the igniter assembly, hot gases are directed along flutes formed in the interior of the main grain, to cause burning thereof to take place. Advantageously, the propellant utilized in the main grain is the same as utilized in the igniter assembly, with the burn surface area of the igniter grain being in a pre-established relationship to the burn surface area of the fluted main propellant grain, such that the igniter grain will be totally consumed at the time that the flutes of the main propellant are consumed.

Abstract: A proximity fuze of adjustable maximum range, configured to detect target pulses reflected only from a target within the lethality range of the associated warhead. My invention comprises a wideband switchable video amplifier connected to receive target pulses detected by a detector, and serving to supply therefrom an amplified version of the pulses to a pulse counter. The wideband switchable video amplifier is connected to receive signals from a gate generator, which signals do not interfere with the passage through the video amplifier of pulses representative of a target that will fall within the lethality range of the associated warhead. However, the gate generator provides blanking signals to the video amplifier that serve to prevent pulses reflected from a target outside such lethality range from reaching thepulse counter, and therefore preventing inappropriate detonation of the warhead. Quite advantageously, my novel fuze concept is usable with electro-optical devices or with radar.

Abstract: A method of securing a window of crumbly material in the end of a tube so as to effectively prevent leakage during temperature cycling, first involving the step of selecting a window having a small clearance when placed inside the end of the tube. Any contamination is removed from the periphery of the window, and then a thin metallic layer that will accept nickel plate is vapor deposited around the periphery of the window. Subsequently, a hoop of tensilly stressed nickel plate is applied over the thin metallic layer, after which the window and tube are sweated together by the application of suitable amounts of solder and heat. Significantly, the hoop of nickel serves to keep the window in continuous compression, such that leakage between the window and tube is effectively prevented.

Abstract: A power on-off reset generator for monitoring a power supply for a logic system powered from the monitored power supply. A precision-voltage sensor produces a control signal for a time delay circuit when the power supply rises above a preselected value. A delay signal is generated which maintains an active-LOW control signal to the logic system and causes a Schmitt trigger circuit to produce a HIGH control signal to the logic system at the end of the delay signal.

Abstract: A no-load missile restraint arrangement for releasing a rocket propelled missile promptly after ignition of its rocket motor, and the expulsion of a nozzle seal from its rocket motor nozzle. An anchor device extends from the aft end of the missile, which is engaged by the nose portion of a pivotable latch member. The latch member has two operative positions, with the nose portion engaging the anchor device until the seal is driven rearwardly at the time of ignition of the rocket motor. An elongate device operatively associated with the latch member is struck by the rapidly moving seal, bringing about the releasing of the latch member such that it can pivot to an anchor-releasing position. In this way the missile is released prior to any substantial buildup of thrust in the rocket motor.