Abstract: A loading head used for pressing grenades or other explosive containers i a projectile has an internal safety switch. The grenades have a transverse safety slider which normally remains in a retracted position but which can fail and extend into an armed position during loading. The loading head has a placing member containing at least one cavity. This cavity is sized to engage the grenade and encircle its slider. Mounted within the cavity is an annular switching device. When the placing member is engaging a grenade, the annular switch encircles the safety slider. In the event the safety slider should improperly release while within the cavity, the switching device is actuated. In a disclosed embodiment, actuation of the switching device is utilized to disable a ram which is driving the placing member so that it remains in position over the grenade or other explosive container. Being retained in this fashion, an operator can safely retract the slider while the grenade is still within the press.

Abstract: An electrically detonated fuse for a grenade is shown, used either as a b up system for the usual mechanical detonator, or independently as the sole arming and detonating means. The invention is considered more accurate and dependable than a mechanical system, which is aimed at the objective of reducing the amount of grenade duds, the dangerous phenomenon of still live grenades unexploded upon impact creating a hazardous situation for military and other personnel. The invention uses the ordinary twisting action of the currently used inflated ribbon which is extended from the grenade while it is in flight, to generate an electromotive force signal. An electrically activated detonator is installed next to the grenade's main charge, for blowing the device when the electrical detonator is switched on. A large surge of power is fed to the electrical detonator by the closing of an electrical impact fuse, when the grenade physically impacts a target.

Abstract: An electrically detonated fuse for a grenade is shown, used either as a b up system for the usual mechanical detonator, or independently as the sole arming and detonating means. The invention is considered more accurate and dependable than a mechanical system, which is aimed at the objective of reducing the amount of grenade duds, the dangerous phenomenon of still live grenades unexploded upon impact creating a hazardous situation for military and other personnel. The invention uses the ordinary action of the currently used inflated ribbon which is extended from the grenade while it is in flight, to generate an electromotive force signal via a piezoelectric crystal. An electrically activated detonator is installed next to the grenade's main charge, for blowing the device when the electrical detonator is switched on. A large surge of power is fed to the electrical detonator by the closing of an electrical impact fuse, when the grenade physically impacts a target.