Abstract: The friction driven linear motor includes a slide element with a portion with a pair of parallel straight sides. The slide element is contiguous with a zig-zag spring-like element, which is contiguous with an anchor block, which is contiguous with a MEMS substrate. The zig-zag spring-like element deforms as the slide element moves away from the anchor block. There are opposing pairs of v-beam thermal actuators. Each actuator includes a projecting cantilever beam with an end tip cycled to impinge, angularly, the slide element and extend, therein frictionally pushing the slide. A modulating current ohmically cycles the actuator from retraction to braking to pushing. At high frequencies the cantilever beam never fully retracts. The entire linear motor is composed of and is etched on a MEMS substrate.

Abstract: A micro-electro-pyrotechnic energy-harvesting apparatus to harvest an incidental portion of a propellant energy utilized when a munition is fired freeing a magnet to strike an impact pin that strains a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element generates a collected voltage, which triggers a pyrotechnic initiator that, on activation, produces a straining force on a plurality of stacks of piezoelectric elements. The strained piezoelectric elements, in turn, generate a high voltage output sufficient to ignite the munition's explosive material. The apparatus may be quite small, for example, the cross-sectional size of a pen, which is about one centimeter, yet suitable for generating an electrical ignition of the explosive material.

Abstract: An initiator system includes a firing pin and a piezoelectric-based energy harvester that generates and stores electric energy when impacted by the firing pin. The electric energy is independently available at a first output and second output of the energy harvester. An electronic time delay is coupled to the second output for generation of an electric trigger signal using the electric energy available at the second output. The electric trigger signal is generated at a selected period of time after the electric energy is available at the second output. An initiation-energy generator is coupled to the first output for the storage of electric energy available thereof. The initiation-energy generator is also coupled to the electronic time delay to receive the electric trigger signal, and uses stored electric energy to generate an initiation explosion when the electric trigger signal is received.

Abstract: An apparatus used in a fuze device, which includes a MEMS micro-rotor. The micro-rotor of the apparatus may move an explosive material, for example, a fuze material, from an out-of-line position to an in-line position. The micro-rotor includes an integral cavity in which the material may be safely loaded and held in the out-of-line position. At an appropriate time, the fuze device of a fully assembled ordnance may be armed. When the apparatus is activated, the micro-rotor carefully moves the explosive material to the in-line position, where the ordnance is armed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for explosive systems such as grenades with novel micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) fuze and novel placement of the MEMS fuze providing increased performance, reliability, and safety. The MEMS fuze is disposed towards a rear portion of the explosive system providing superior performance and design flexibility. Further, the explosive system includes electronics configured to implement a launch timer and to sense impact or when the system stops spinning. The present invention includes an operational method improving safety and reliability by preventing detonation until after the launch timer expires, upon impact, or when the explosive system stops spinning.