Abstract: A power source including: a power generation device; a mass-spring unit having a mass and an elastic element operatively connected to the power generation device; and one or more retention fingers releasably engaged with the mass-spring unit for retaining the mass-spring unit in a position such that potential energy is stored therein and for releasing the potential energy upon occurrence of an event to generate electrical energy in the power generation device, the one or more retention fingers having a first end fixed at a base and a second end releasably engaged with the mass-spring unit. The occurrence of the event can be one or more of an acceleration and spinning of the base. Also disclosed is a power source having one or more retention fingers that are slidable with respect to a base such that the engagement of the first end is released upon a spinning of the base.

Abstract: A method is provided for differentiating a non-firing event of a munition from a firing event. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; calculating an impact pulse from the output; and determining whether the munition is to be fired based on the calculation.

Abstract: A method is provided for validating a firing of a munition and duration of firing of the munition. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; calculating an impact pulse from the output; and determining one or more of whether the munition has been fired and the duration of firing based on the calculation.

Abstract: A guidable projectile has a nose member, a projectile body, and a nose member articulation assembly which couples the nose member to the projectile body. The nose member articulation assembly includes a stator attached to the nose member, a rotor attached to the projectile body, and rotational support hardware interconnecting the stator to the rotor. The stator defines a central axis. The rotational support hardware is constructed and arranged to guide rotation of the rotor around the central axis defined by the stator. Such a guidable projectile enables circuitry such as the driver of the stator and the power source to reside at fixed locations relative to the stator thus alleviating the need for slip rings which would otherwise present potential points of failure.

Abstract: A spin-stabilized correctible-trajectory artillery shell has a generator in the rotation-decoupled engagement region between a canard guidance unit and its munition body. The generator can be switched over to avoid load fluctuations between an adjusting motor and a substitute load. In order to avoid an additional heat source in the interior of the guidance unit the substitute load is in the form of an electrical resistance on, at or in canard surfaces behind the afflux flow edges. The canard surfaces are preferably formed on anti-spin canards which are not adjustably mounted.

Abstract: A hollow cylinder has an electromagnet to hold back a canister and either an induction heating linear actuator or a firing pin to ignite the primer-containing combustive material inside the canister to eject a locked piston from the cylinder. There is a motor-included turbogenerator around the cylinder, which converts the energy of the post-combustion gases into electricity to get stored and to power an integrated or separate annular stator assembly to give the ejected piston a rotatory motion for stability in projectile motion. Another device has a helically arranged, multi-pole permanent magnet assembly annularly integrated around the cylinder to give the ejected piston a rotatory motion for stability in projectile motion. In other forms, an annular stator assembly around the cylinder is supplied with switched, externally generated electric power without either a turbogenerator or the motor-included turbogenerator to respectively produce electricity or to provide gyroscopic stability to the cylinder.

Abstract: A munitions energy system combines various sources of energy generation with energy storage to provide power to a munition through various stages of the munition's operation. The system uses energy harvesting technologies which convert energy captured from the environment of the munition to electrical power which can be used to meet the munition's power needs. Energy can be harvested from the mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic environment of the munition. The harvested energy can be stored by the system for later use. The system can also receive energy from conventional sources such as batteries and manage the energy from all sources to meet the power requirements of the munition.

Abstract: A method for electrically initiating an inertial igniter for a munition is provided. The method including: generating electrical power upon a firing acceleration of the munition: powering circuitry on board the munition with the generated electrical power; and electrically determining, at the circuitry, whether an acceleration profile experienced by the munition is an all-fire condition.

Abstract: A projectile has the ability to generate and provide power to components located in two sections of the projectile which have relative rotation to each other. The projectile has a pair of generators allowing the powering of components in two sections. The projectile has a force-producing device for altering the direction of the projectile as the projectile moves along the longitudinal axis of the projectile and the relative rotational position of the force-producing device on the projectile is controlled by a generator.

Abstract: A firing assembly for activating a perforating device comprising a module having a first chamber and a second chamber. The firing assembly comprises a firing head for transferring ballistic energy to the perforating device, said firing head having a detonator and a plurality of ballistic charges, said detonator coupled to at least one of said first gun assembly and said second gun assembly a remote telemetry device for sending a detonation signal, a transmission medium for transmitting said detonation signal to said firing head, and a receiving device for receiving said detonation signal and a processor for interpreting said detonation signal and activating said detonator.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an electrical power upon an acceleration of the apparatus is provided. The apparatus including: a piezoelectric member having at least a portion thereof formed of a piezoelectric material; and a mass-spring unit having a spring element attached to the piezoelectric material and configured to compress and/or elongate within a predetermined limit, the mass-spring unit further having a mass offset from the piezoelectric material; wherein the mass-spring unit is configured to vibrate within the predetermined limit, upon the acceleration of the apparatus, the vibration applying a cyclic force to the piezoelectric member to generate an output power from the piezoelectric member.

Abstract: A method of determining a charging capacitance of a capacitor in an air bag system having an electronic control unit for controlling a gas generator, a bus line having a loop wire extending from the electronic control unit, gas generators connected to the loop wire, each gas generator having an igniter connected to the loop wire via a connector, one of the igniter and the connector being provided with an integrated circuit having the capacitor for providing power to a heat generating portion, a switching circuit for turning ON/OFF a supplying of current to the heat generating portion, and a microcomputer unit for controlling the switching circuit, the method including, determining a minimum charging capacitance of the capacitor necessary to operate the igniter based on a charging voltage and a minimum ignition energy required for making the heat generating portion of the igniter generate heat to ignite the priming.

Abstract: A method for generating power including an energetic charge is activated to produce a shockwave, which is imparted at an effective velocity and temperature on a gas to ionize the gas for creating plasma and to drive the plasma. The plasma is impacted on an electrically conducting cable for conducting an electrical charge therethrough.

Abstract: A method for generating power in a device is provided. The method includes: generating power from an inherent characteristic of the device; and supplying the generated power to at least one power consuming element associated with the device. Preferably, the inherent characteristic of the device is an acceleration of the device and the generating includes providing a mass which is movable upon the acceleration of the device and converting a potential energy of the mass into an electrical power. Alternatively, the inherent characteristic of the device is a heat generation on at least a portion of the device and the generating includes converting a heat from the heat generation into an electrical power. In another alternative, the inherent characteristic of the device is a spinning of the device and the generating includes converting the spinning of the device into an electrical power.

Abstract: A plasma antenna generator includes an ionizable material, an explosive charge capable of projecting the ionizable material upon detonation, and a detonator coupled with the explosive charge. An electromagnetic pulse transmitting system includes an electromagnetic pulse generator and a plasma antenna generator capable of reradiating an electromagnetic pulse emitted from the electromagnetic pulse generator. A method includes providing an explosive device comprising an ionizable material, detonating the explosive device to propel the ionizable material, and ionizing the ionizable material to form at least one plasma trail. A sensing system includes an electromagnetic pulse generator, a plasma antenna generator capable of reradiating an electromagnetic pulse emitted from the electromagnetic pulse generator, and a sensing system capable of receiving and analyzing at least a portion of the electromagnetic pulse after being reflected from an interface.

Abstract: A mechano-electrical fuse (10) for a hand grenade (76), which has a spring element for the storage of mechanical energy and which has a drive device connected to the spring element for driving an electrical generator (28) through mechanical energy which is stored in the spring element. The electrical generator (28) is connected through an electronic delay circuit (56) with a detonator (46), with which a booster charge (48) is associated. A barrier (40) is provided between the detonator (46) and the booster charge (48). The spring element is formed by a tensioning spring (24) associated with the handle lever (18) of the hand grenade (76). The drive device has a taut cable line (68) which is fixed at one end (70) to the generator shaft (30) and wound with a number of turns (72) around the generator shaft (30). The second end (74) of the cable line (68) is mounted to the handle lever (18).

Abstract: The improvements are applicable to fuses provided with a container (9) inside which may move axially a slider (10) having an electrical generator (1), the activation of which provides the electrical energy required for the operation of the fuse, delivering this energy to an electronic circuit (11) which discharges on a detonator (8), which causes the detonation which through a multiplier (12) is transmitted to the explosive charge of the grenade. The novelty consists in that two electronic timers are provided which are mutually independent and which may operate under different or identical technologies, one analogue and the other digital, and in that the detonator (8) and the multiplier (12) in a resting position are unaligned, with alignment resulting from a displacement caused by a specific arrangement of the elements of the explosive chain.

Abstract: An energy supply device for a mortar fuse includes a housing, a driven rotary shaft including a cylindrical shaft surface rotatably disposed in a stationary cylindrical bearing surface in the housing, and a fan connected to the shaft for rotating the shaft in a single direction of rotation in a speed range of 30,000-50,000 rpm. Either of the cylindrical bearing surface or the cylindrical shaft surface has a destructible coating of polytetrafluoroethylene, the coating having a thickness in the range of 0.02-0.03 mm, and being destructible in response to rotation of the shaft in the speed range for a period of time no longer than 5 minutes.

Abstract: A plasma antenna generator includes an ionizable material, an explosive charge capable of projecting the ionizable material upon detonation, and a detonator coupled with the explosive charge. An electromagnetic pulse transmitting system includes an electromagnetic pulse generator and a plasma antenna generator capable of reradiating an electromagnetic pulse emitted from the electromagnetic pulse generator. A method includes providing an explosive device comprising an ionizable material, detonating the explosive device to propel the ionizable material, and ionizing the ionizable material to form at least one plasma trail. A sensing system includes an electromagnetic pulse generator, a plasma antenna generator capable of reradiating an electromagnetic pulse emitted from the electromagnetic pulse generator, and a sensing system capable of receiving and analyzing at least a portion of the electromagnetic pulse after being reflected from an interface.

Abstract: A pyrotechnical ignition system with integrated ignition circuit for an occupant restraint system for motor vehicles includes electrical components for triggering or communication functions integrated therein, a capacitor arrangement, having a flat non-conductive external surface is used as a substrate or carrier element on which the other components are directly arranged and carried. A conductor structure linking the components can be formed by insertable metal parts that are arranged in the housing and project into the holding chamber in which the capacitor arrangement and the circuit component are arranged, and make contact with contact zones on the upper side of the circuit or the capacitor arrangement.

Abstract: A method for generating power in a device is provided. The method includes: generating power from an inherent characteristic of the device; and supplying the generated power to at least one power consuming element associated with the device. Preferably, the inherent characteristic of the device is an acceleration of the device and the generating includes providing a mass which is movable upon the acceleration of the device and converting a potential energy of the mass into an electrical power. Alternatively, the inherent characteristic of the device is a heat generation on at least a portion of the device and the generating includes converting a heat from the heat generation into an electrical power. In another alternative, the inherent characteristic of the device is a spinning of the device and the generating includes converting the spinning of the device into an electrical power.

Abstract: A high precision electro-mechanical fuze mechanism for a munition such as a hand grenade. The fuze mechanism includes an electromagnetic signal generator having an armature, a permanent magnet, a coil and a magnetic impulse generator (MIG) member. The armature is preloaded during assembly through the use of a spring. Releasing an actuating lever of the grenade allows the armature to begin spinning and to dissipate the energy stored by the spring. This causes a current to be electromagnetically generated in the coil, which is transmitted to an electronic control circuit in the fuze mechanism. The electronic control circuit implements two time delays from two separate timers which each must time out before the control circuit can send an electric firing signal to an electric detonator. Movement of the armature also causes a simultaneous movement of a rotor, which moves a stab detonator into a position closely adjacent the electric detonator.

Abstract: Patent of invention of an electronic delay detonator refers to a detonator meant to initiate explosive charges after an electronically predetermined delay time, transforming thermal energy generated by a heat source (2) into electrical energy through a miniaturized thermoelectronical battery (3), packed inside the detonator shell, placing the referred heating source over the heating face (3-A) of the battery (3) which has its opposing face unheated (3-B), being coupled in the detonator a nonelectrical initiation signal conductor medium (1) for the cap, having in the detonator shell the corresponding stages of a capacitor (4) for storage of electrical energy, an electronic timing circuit (5) which provokes the energization of the electric squib, following the detonation of a primary explosive (7) and a consequent detonation of the secondary explosive (8).

Abstract: The system includes at least one data receiver, a low-power, photovoltaic power generation and distribution system, and a unique signal detector. The data receiver receives serial digital information from a remote optical data transmitter. The data receiver serves both activation and data/control wireless datalink functions. The low-power photovoltaic power generation and distribution system includes at least one photovoltaic panel for receiving optical power from a directed beam remote optical emission source. The power generation and distribution system also includes a power accumulation and distribution portion connected to the photovoltaic panel for accumulating power generated by the photovoltaic panel for periodically and intermittently distributing accumulated power in desired quantities. The unique signal detector is connected to the data receiver and to the power accumulation and distribution portion. It is also connectable to an electrical apparatus.

Abstract: The blocking disc serving as an explosive train interrupter of a safety and rming mechanism is angularly displaced from its safe position by a stepping motor through reduction gearing in response to timed energizing pulses applied thereto from a crystal-controlled pulse generator. The blocking disc is releasably latched in its safe position by a locking rod controlling the supply and cut-off of energizing voltage to the pulse generator to accurately time displacement of the disc to an armed position.

Abstract: An intelligent projectile that can be detonated at a predetermined range via a wide angle infrared laser. The projectile is fitted with a detector that is sensitive to the frequency of a wide angle laser beam that is attached to the weapon. Using the range obtained by the range finder, the wide angle laser beam is fired when the projectile is in proper position relative to the target. To prevent the projectile from exploding prior to its being fired, a series of batteries is held in a track via compressions springs. The springs must be compressed via centrifugal force due to the projectile spinning as a resulting of rifling in the weapon. Once, sufficient centrifugal force is reached, the batteries will slide into a "contact" position so that the projectile can be detonated. The apparatus fits within standard 40 mm shell casings and can be fired by conventional grenade launching weapons.

Abstract: A field coil stator of an electrical generator is fixed to the fuse body of n explosive projectile within which the rotor of the generator is supported for limited rotation dampened by a pendulum to effectively induce an electrical output from the stator field coils during and after launch of the projectile from an internally rifled gun barrel. The rotor is rotationally isolated from the stator during launch by shock absorbing means to avoid defeat of the pendulum dampening action on the rotor.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical base element fuze is disclosed wherein mechanical innovations along with the latest in electronic sensing, signal processing and miniaturization provide safety and simplicity as well as improving performance, reliability and reducing costs.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to the use of application specific integrated rcuits in safe and arm devices. The application specific circuits each comprising a buffer means for forming an environmental interface and providing input to a microcontroller, latch means for recording physical evidence, power-up reset means for providing a delayed state change which initializes the microcontroller, static and dynamic AND gate means, command arm data link register means, and a programmable counter means for providing a hard logic derived timing function.

Abstract: A thermal battery activated by external heat comprising an anode, e.g. cosed of a lithium-aluminum alloy, a cathode, e.g. composed of iron disulfide, and an electrolyte, e.g. a lithium chloride-potassium chloride eutectic, the electrolyte being inactive at ambient temperature but being activated by melting at a predetermined temperature when exposed to external heating. The battery can be used as a sensor or to ignite pyrotechnic and power electronic devices, in a system for reducing the hazard of ordnance exposed to detrimental heating. A particular application is the use of the battery to activate a squib to function in conjunction with one or more other components, to vent an ordnance case, preventing its explosion in a fire.

Abstract: An electrolyte dispensing ampule for deferred action batteries comprises a spring having means at both ends thereof for forming a closed, generally cylindrical space inside the spring and a metal layer covering the spring to hermetically seal the space. An electrolyte solution is contained in the spring and is dispersed to activate the battery when set-back forces extend the spring and break the sealing layer.

Abstract: An igniter which is triggered by a thermocouple for detonating an explosive material for forming an opening in a rocket motor case to render it non-propulsive in the event of a fire dangerously close thereto or for any other suitable purpose. The bridge therefor is preferably a suitable semiconductor bridge for handling a reduced amount of electrical energy which may be provided by the thermocouple. The thermocouple may be a plurality of pairs of dissimilar metal layers or foils alloyed together and the pairs connected in series.

Abstract: An electronic detonator system 10 comprises a remote RF transmitter 11 and a transportable housing 12 comprising means 13 for charging energy storage means in the detonator 15 and means 14 for programming delay time means in the detonator. The programming means 14 and charging means 13 are connected to a connector 26. Detonator 15 comprises an antenna 29, a RF receiver 30, programmable delay time means 32, a switch 33, a fuse 34 and energy storage means 35. The delay time means 32 and energy storage means 35 are connected to a connector 28. In use, connector 26 is connected to connector 28 at the blast site and storage device 35 is charged and delay time means 32 is programmed. A fire command signal is then transmitted by transmitter 11 and after the delay time, switch 33 connects storage means 35 to fuse 34 thereby to energize the fuse.

Abstract: A launchable a fin-stabilized round having an HE warhead that is fully telescoped in a cartridge case. The round has a forward, cone-shaped nose section, a base section with a booster cavity and a high-explosive (HE) cavity located therebetween. An HE charge is positioned in the HE cavity and a booster charge is positioned in the booster cavity. A time fuze, mounted in the booster cavity, has a presettable counter that is set by the gunner at firing via a hardwire data link through an electric primer. The tiem fuze will fire the booster charge a predetermined time period after the round is launched to enable a normally disabled proximity fuze that is mounted in the nose section. The proximity fuze will detonate the HE charge upon detection of a proximate target. Also mounted in the nose section is a contact switch for detonating the HE charge upon impact with a hard target.

Abstract: An apparatus for detonating explosive charges at a given location in response to an initiation at a remote location and after a preselected delay comprises a non-electrical initiation device for generating a non-electrical energy input by detonation or pyrotechnical combustion at the given location and initiated at the remote location, and an electrical igniter also at the given location responsive to the initiation device for time-delayed ignition of the explosive charge. The electrical igniter includes a transducer for generating an electrical output signal in response to the non-electrical energy input, an electronic variable time delay igniter in close proximity to the transducer for setting a preselected time delay and for generating a time delayed electrical output signal and an igniter also in close proximity to the electronic time delay means for initiating the ignition of the explosive charge.

Abstract: An artillery shell fuze incorporating a long life complete in itself battery and additional features to compensate therefor, which can be programmed to give a very long firing delays e.g.: days, weeks or even months to provide an efficient area denial capability.

Abstract: The present invention is an ordnance fuze power source assembled from commercially available cells to form, fit and function in place of the lead/lead dioxide/fluboric acid spin activated reserve batteries now used by the Army and the Navy. Specifically, direct replacements for the U.S. Army HDL P/N 11744726 and 5058639 power sources were made using a series connection of commercially produced lithium anode cells in series with an acceleration activated switch supported in an epoxy matrix. However, the invention is applicable to other fuze power sources as well. Adoption of this invention by the armed forces will ease the logistics burden at the onset of a national emergency by providing a readily available supply of fuze batteries.

Abstract: An electro ballistic escape sequencing system is actuated only by the seat initiators. Current entering the system by any other means will see only open circuits. A pressure sensitive switch is provided in each circuit subject to outside interference and is normally in the open position. When ejection is required, pressure from one of the seat initiators activates the thermal battery and closes all circuits required for ejection.

Abstract: A manual activation device (10) includes a support element (40) and a lever (42) having a cam surface (80) which contacts a ball (38) carried in a cap (36) mounted at one end of a reserve battery (17). Activation of the battery (17) is accomplished by rotating the lever (42) about a pivot pin (59) in the support element (40), causing the cam surface (80) to drive the ball (38) into the battery (17) and break the ampule (24) within the battery (17). The lever (42) is preferably mounted on the pivot pin (59) by means of a slotted bearing surface (82) which enables the lever (42) to be removed from the support element (40) only after the ampule (24) has been broken. In addition, when the device is used in a Pursuit Deterrent Munition (PDM) (12), the lever (42) may be connected to the safety pin (18) and the shorting bar (20) of the munition (12), causing both of those elements to be withdrawn when the lever (42) is pivoted.

Abstract: A plurality of control jets is provided in the nozzle-centerbody of an air riven resonator to deflect portions of the incoming air flow away from the resonator. The control jets operate so as to deflect major portions of the air flow during high velocity flight, while not substantially deflecting the air inflow during low velocity flight.

Abstract: A supply circuit for a load which is to be continually supplied within a projectile, with a generator connected ahead of a voltage generator, in particular a thermo-generator, which provides a power output which increases to a maximum within a first supply stage of the load and drops off in a contiguous second supply phase of the load, whereby during the first and second supply phases the provided power output is greater than the power required for the operation of the load.

Abstract: A missile system is disclosed which collects and stores energy during the early stages of flight of a missile at a time when the acceleration forces on the missile are the greatest and thereafter, regulates the stored energy to at least one mechanism on board the missile for operation thereof. More specifically, the missile system includes a main support housing section and a nose cone section which is slidably, mechanically interconnected to the housing section. During the early stages of flight, the nose cone section is caused to move with respect to the housing section under the induced acceleration of the missile. Means are provided on board the missile to collect and store the energy resulting from the acceleration induced movement of the nose cone section with respect to the housing section and to provide the stored energy in a regulated fashion to at least one mechanism disposed on the missile for operation thereof during the flight time of the missile.

Abstract: In a round assembly having a propellant and an igniter for activating the opellant, a thermoelectric power supply comprising a plurality of junctions, which are coupled to the propellant for sensing the propellant temperature, and means of generating a voltage in response to the temperature sensed by the junctions.

Abstract: An air deflector is provided for the air inlet means of a fuze ogive. The flector comprises a stationary deflecting surface which is configured so as to substantially reduce the amount of air entering the ogive during high velocity flight, while not substantially reducing the air inflow during relatively low velocity flight.

Abstract: A timing system for providing a fuze function time for firing a fuze which s independent of power source rise time. A non-volatile counter is programmed with a count indictative of the function time, and is read out starting at missile take-off to fire the fuze upon completion of read out of the count. Inhibit circuitry is provided for automatically reducing the stored count during the setting operation and for subsequently inhibiting the reading out of the counter by a time corresponding to the reduction in the stored count. This time is selected to be greater than the largest expectable rise time of the fluidic generator power source, but no longer than is necessary.

Abstract: A projectile having a light-settable photodetector pickup assembly, in the form of a plurality of photovoltaic cell units, circumferentially mounted on the annular surface of the projectile, and also having an angular-position-indicating index reflector on the surface thereof. Each discrete photovoltaic cell unit is electrically connected with an electrical signal storage unit which is activated as a function of light acting on the respective photovoltaic cell unit associated therewith. A further photovoltaic cell unit is preferably provided as a source of energy for storage unit and/or logic or other circuit of operation.

Abstract: In a combination fuze for missiles comprising a current generator which is driven by a ram air operated means having ram air supplied through an inlet in the nose portion of the missile and supplying electric energy to an electric firing circuit which comprises an electric detonator and means adapted to detonate the electric detonator before the missile reaches the target, and comprising a mechanical percussion switch adapted to cause detonation of the missile upon impingement of the missile against the target, the mechanical percussion switch comprises a sting sensitive detonator surrounded by a metal foil and a firing needle which is included in the electric firing circuit. Upon impact the relative movement between the firing needle and the sting sensitive detonator induces such a circuit configuration of the firing circuit that triggering of the electric detonator will take place.

Abstract: A signaling device to be launched underwater having a fuze body and a protile containing pyrotechnic compositions. The pyrotechnic compositions are ignited by an electrical squib which is detonated by voltage from a sea water battery which is sealed from sea water until a valve opens to permit entry of water into the fuze. An open circuit is provided between the battery and leads of the squib and, in addition, the squib leads are shorted. The opening of a valve to permit entry of sea water into the fuze causes the short to be removed and closes the circuit between the battery and the squib.

Abstract: An adjustable time fuse includes an electrolytic cell with the anode and cathode connectible in two circuits with opposite polarity and a battery connected in the circuits. One of the circuits causes an element of the electrolyte to be deposited on one of the electrodes to activate the cell and the other causes the same element to be removed from the electrode. When this element is completely removed, the internal resistance of the cell increases rapidly. This increase in resistance triggers a thyristor to allow a condenser to discharge through a primer to produce the desired action.

Abstract: A time-delay RC circuit, having a preselected time constant, is connected ross a reserve battery undergoing activation. The function of the circuit is to hold off the application of the load of a power utilization device until the battery is sufficiently activated. Since the drain rate of the time-delay circuit is very small, it does not retard activation via polarization as would be the case if the full load were draining the battery during activation. A first switching transistor is connected across the charging capacitor of the RC circuit and turns on when the time constant is reached. When the first switching transistor is turned on, it turns on a second switching transistor connected between the battery and the utilization device.