Abstract: An electronic delay circuit for firing an ignition element. The delay circuit includes a capacitor which stores electric energy supplied from an electric blasting machine, an oscillator generating a clock pulse train, a circuit for over-exciting the oscillator, a counter which counts clock pulses of the clock pulse train, and a circuit for maintaining a reset state of the counter for a predetermined time period after the electric energy is supplied. The counter produces a trigger signal when it counts a predetermined number of the clock pulses, and the electric energy stored in the capacitor is discharged to the ignition element. Since the oscillator enters into the steady state in a very short time by the over-excitation, the delay circuit has large resistance to external noise.

Abstract: In an ammunition fuzing system, a fuze setter is inductively coupled with an electronic fuze incorporated in the projectile of an ammunition round being fed to a rapid-fire cannon to transmit power supply charging energy and fuze-setting data thereto. A detonation counter is incremented at a high counting rate to accumulate a projectile flight time count indicative of the fuze-setting data. A conformation signal is transmitted to the fuze setter for determination that the flight time count acceptably corresponds to the setting data. Upon projectile launch, the detonation counter is decremented at a low counting rate and functions the projectile warhead when decremented to zero.

Abstract: An electronic fuze package and method includes a left casing comprising a substantially flat left surface having left casing recesses and a right casing comprising a substantially flat right surface having right casing recesses. The combination of the left casing and the right casing defines a fuze casing for the mounting of fuze components. The fuze package also includes plated-on electrical tracks on the left casing, including component connections immediately adjacent to the casing recesses for electrically coupling the fuze components in a fuze circuit. The fuze package can be made of thermoplastic left and right casings which can be epoxy-glued together. Copper can be used for the plated-on electrical tracks.

Abstract: Apparatus for timing and initiating a multi-shot blast is disclosed and claimed. The apparatus comprises a programming tool 16 for individually programming a plurality of electronic detonator arrangements 18.1 to 18.5 with delay time data relative to a common initiate command signal. The programmed electronic detonator arrangements 18.1 to 18.5 are all connected to a data communication cable 28 connected to a control unit 20. The control unit transmits the initiate command signal to all the detonator arrangements on the cable 28. Upon reception of the initiate command signal, the detonator arrangements start timing out their respective programmed delay times to cause their associated charges 12.1 to 12.5 to explode at the end of the delay times. The blast may be aborted by a disarm command on the cable 28 at any time before the initiate command signal is transmitted on the cable.

Abstract: A plurality of magazines each receive an array of pyrotechnic devices. The magazines are latched to a fire control and support assembly which automatically engages the fire control circuit to each device of each magazine. The circuit ignites all devices of all the magazines in a given serial sequence. The system, under control of an operator, when turned off, may be restarted at the beginning of a selected sequence, at the point where the last device was ignited and continue the sequence or at selected different portions of devices. Different size devices can be ignited by one circuit using different magazines all coupled to one unit. Safety features also include delay ignition after startup and sounding an alarm before any device is ignited. A CPU is enabled by a fire command signal and disabled by internal programmed instructions. The CPU is periodically enabled in a device ignition cycle by external timing signals initiated by the CPU when enabled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blasting apparatus for activating a plurality of electrical detonators after predetermined time delays. The blasting apparatus includes a plurality of remote electrical delay devices. Each device is linked to a detonator, and is arranged to be serially programmed with a timing signal, which originates from the central control unit and which determines the time delay. A bidirectional signal harness, having ends which terminate at I/O ports in the control unit, serially links the delay devices to the control unit. In the event of a fault of discontinuity occurring in the harness prior to programming of the delay devices, the discontinuity is detected and the direction of programming along the bidirectional harness is reversed so that those delay devices which, due to the break, cannot be programmed in the initial direction, are programmed with timing signals travelling along the signal line in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Intelligent hard-target weapons provide a real-time estimation of a medium as the weapon is penetrating through it. Input signals are provided by an accelerometer used as a primary sensor. On-line concurrent processing of the data of a specific length facilitates a few different modes of feature extraction. The processor provides a robust, real-time decision making for the fuze utilizing sensor signals (accelerometer data). The feature sets utilized include (1) amplitude profiles of the signals, (2) their derivative profiles, and (3), the measure of their abrupt changes. The purpose is to provide for detonation at the proper point as the high-speed penetrator passes through various layers such as concrete, steel, dirt, sand, etc. on its way to a valuable buried target. Real-time decision making is provided for the fuze utilizing accelerometer data.

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: In a method of timing a multi shot blast, a plurality of explosive charges each comprising a programmable detonator arrangement 14.1 to 14.n are positioned at a blast site. At a control center 11, the desired times of the shots in the blast are programmed into a transportable firing tool 13 and the tool is carried to each detonator arrangement where a dedicated data path is established between the tool and each detonator arrangement, one after the other. The charges are fired by loading data regarding the times on which the detonator arrangements must cause their associated charges to explode into each detonator arrangement, individually. The detonator arrangements are allowed to process the data and to cause their associated charges to explode when according to a clock in the detonator arrangement and the data stored in the arrangement it is time for the charge to explode.

Abstract: An autonomous detonation device comprising an acoustic sensor, a logic circuit, and an output circuit. The invention is capable of discriminating the acoustic signal of an explosion of a primary charge such that it will detonate an explosive shortly thereafter. The invention further incorporates a delay system for safety purposes.

Abstract: A system for remotely programming a mine includes a programming device comprising a computer having a data memory storing functions required to control the mine once laid, a code word memory and a random number generator. Stored data is displayed on an output device. A random number generator generates random numbers corresponding to respective addresses in data memory under which selected displayed functions are stored. The random numbers are stored as code words, together with corresponding data memory addresses, in the code word memory. A transmitter connected to the computer transmits the contents of the code word memory. A programmable electronic unit in the mine includes a receiver and a second computer. The second computer has a second code word memory for storing the transmitted code word memory, and a second data memory corresponding to the data memory of the programming device storing identical data.

Abstract: A base mounted remote set digital time fuze permits a chambered round to e power, time setting information and cartridge case firing voltage available at an electric primer terminal of the cartridge case. Fuze power, time setting information and cartridge firing are performed sequentially over the same hardwire line.

Abstract: An actuator for use in conjunction with a detonator for blasting comprises electronic circuitry which on receiving input signals generates an output arm signal to arm a detonator, and then after a predetermined delay an output actuate signal to fire the detonator and an associated explosive charge. The delay is capable of being remotely and precisely set. The actuator is preferably used in conjunction with a control device which has a microcomputer whose memory contains arm and actuate codes and which has both arm and actuate keys. This microcomputer is such that the actuate key must be operated within a predetermined period after operation of the arm key, otherwise an actuate signal is not transmitted to the actuator.

Abstract: A modular electronic safe arm device (MESAD) (10) for arming and igniting an explosive is universal in application and employs a standard circuit architecture which uses application specific logic modules (12) and (14), a standard voltage control module (16), and standard high energy firing modules (18) and (20). In the preferred embodiment, the logic modules (12) and (14) are state machines using clocked sequential logic and having read-only-memories. The logic modules (12) and (14) generate dynamic arming signals at outputs (54) and (76) which cause the voltage control module (16) in conjunction with transformer (102), to convert a low voltage input (98) to a high voltage output (100). The high voltage output (100) is used to charge firing capacitors (112) and (138) in standard high energy firing modules (18) and (20). Logic module (14) generates two trigger signals at outputs (76) and (78) for activating the trigger modules (126) and (148).

Abstract: An explosive device receives signals specifying a unique communications address for use in a blasting circuit and a required blasting delay. The device has an electric igniter, but no independent power source which might cause accidental detonation. In an address and delay setting mode, when the device is being handled by a blaster, a unipolar signal is transmitted to the device to charge only a control power supply for general communications. In a blasting mode, a bipolar signal is transmitted to charge both control and igniter power supplies. A security code must, however, be transmitted to enable charging of the igniter power supply. Prior to detonation, each explosive device in a blasting circuit responds to a calibration signal by generating a timing circuit test count. A blasting machine processes nominal delays and test counts, and transmits adjusted delays to synchronize operation.

Abstract: A proximity fuze detects an approaching or attacking torpedo and responds ereto by timely detonating an explosive charge that effectively destroys the torpedo when it is within a predetermined lethal range.

Abstract: A proximity fuze system having a plurality of spatially disposed energy dctors, the response patterns of which overlap in such manner as to form an energy response "fence" for detection of an intruding object within a certain area. An explosive charge is also included in the system for disabling or destroying said intruding object, and a plurality of memories and gates are effectively connected between said detectors and explosive charge to effect the detonation thereof whenever said object is within such lethal range as to be sensed by predetermined pairs of said detectors.

Abstract: A proximity fuzing system includes a passive proximity detection section including an electrostatic probe for detecting initial missile entry into the electric field inherently associated with an airborne target. Probe signals are processed to determine that the intercepted electric field is characteristic of a valid target, and, if so, an active proximity detection section, such as a radar proximity detector, is rendered operational to trigger a warhead detonator at the optimum point in the missile's engaging trajectory to inflict maximum possible damage on the target.

Abstract: In the field of blasting, it is often desirable to ignite explosives at various relative times. Such delayed ignition can have advantages in better break up of rock and reduced ground vibration. A principle problem in using the time delay technique is the accuracy rate of a local oscillator which measures the delay time for each of the delay circuits. In the described system, a calibration interval, independent of any delay time, is transmitted from a control unit concurrently to each of the delay circuits wherein each delay circuit counts the output of its local oscillator during the calibration interval. This local oscillator output is then compared to a predetermined reference count, either at the delay circuit or at the control unit, and a correction factor is established. This correction factor is then applied to a delay count for the individual delay circuit.

Abstract: A proximity fuzing system for missile warhead utilizes an electrostatic probe to detect the electric field inherently associated with an airborne target. The probe plates are oriented perpendicular to the missile longitudinal axis and are short circuit loaded to develop a probe current signal whose initial slope is analyzed to qualify the target being engaged on a near-miss trajectory as a valid target and whose first zero current crossing is utilized as a trigger point for detonating the missile warhead before the missiles reaches a position of minimum miss-distance relative to the target.

Abstract: An arming device for a warhead which determines its location on the earth using navigational satellites and compares that location with an internally stored preprogrammed location. The locations must agree before arming can be accomplished, thereby ensuring that the warhead can be armed only at its authorized location. A two-part code system that requires the first part to be entered by an operator and the second part provided by a preprogrammed storage module is also disclosed. Anti-tampering destruction features are also incorporated.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a system and method for transmitting temporal data relating to the starting of a device placed in a missile launched from a carrier system. The command to fire the missile is transmitted to the missile from the carrier system by means of a firing control wire. The method consists in using the control wire to also transmit the temporal data to the device specifying when to start up the device after the missile has been launched.

Abstract: This portable munition system has multiple modes of operation with the sensor inputs, output actuator circuits, and timing requirements determined by the control electronics. A self-check is performed initially before the munition can be armed. An indicator light driven by the electronics circuitry provides status information to the operator. The warhead can be aimed with integral sights.

Abstract: A detonator of the type comprising an electrically-fired fusehead in an explosive charge comprises a conditioning means which has two states, normal and armed, and a control means for effecting a change from normal to armed state. The detonator cannot be fired when the conditioning means is in the normal state, and the control means may comprise electronic circuitry for recognizing and acting only on appropriate control signals. Accidental and unauthorized firing can thus be eliminated. Other embodiments include an actuator incorporating a delay capable of remote precise calibration and a safety device for reducing still further any risks involved when using these detonators in blasting operations. The detonator is preferably in modular form wherein the coupling together of the detonator, actuator, power unit, etc. forms the necessary electrical connections.

Abstract: An actuator for use in conjunction with a detonator for blasting comprises electronic circuitry which on receiving input signals generates an output arm signal to arm a detonator, and then after a predetermined delay an output actuate signal to fire the detonator and an associated explosive charge. The delay is capable of being remotely and precisely set. The actuator is preferably used in conjunction with a control device which has a microcomputer whose memory contains arm and actuate codes and which has both arm and actuate keys. This microcomputer is such that the actuate keys must be operated within a predetermined period after operation of the arm key, otherwise an actuate signal is not transmitted to the actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for blasting comprises a series of electronically programmable detonators and an exploder, connected in series. The exploder communicates to the detonators at least programming and firing signals. The detonators are connected in such a way that programming signals will be received by a given detonator only when the adjacent detonator nearer to the signal output of the exploder has been programmed. This is preferably achieved by use of a connector associated with each detonator, the connector comprising a switching device which is operated by a logic element such that the logic element will operate on the switching device and allow signals to pass only when the detonator associated with that connector has been programmed.The apparatus permits the versatile and precise use of explosives, especially where large numbers of charges are involved.

Abstract: An article of submunition including a fuze or detonating device which can be armed in dependence upon environmental conditions, and wherein the fuze is electrically actuatable from an accumulator or energy storage. The submunition is provided with an in-line detonating medium for the attacking or combat charge of the submunition, whose detonating-energy storage can be connected to an energy source through the interposition of an interrupter across a securing device (safety) which is arranged in a carrier for the submunition. Only a single central securing or safe device is required for all articles of submunitions which are deployable by means of one carrier; in effect, for all fuzes or trigger devices, and this single, central securing device can be arranged within the carrier itself.

Abstract: A timing control system is disclosed which is particularly useful in connection with simulated mortar shells. Special circuitry is provided to assure that the shell does not overshoot, but rather detonates early in case of an improper condition; this ensures that ground personnel will not be harmed by a delayed detonation. The system responds to an externally applied frequency control code which is configured to avoid any confusion between different control modes. A premature detonation routine is entered in case an improper time-setting signal is entered, or if the shell is launched before completion of the time-setting sequence. Special provisions are also made for very early launch situations and improper detonator connections. An alternate abort mode is provided to discharge the internal power supply without a detonation in a manner that can be externally monitored, thereby providing a mechanism for non-destructive testing. The abort mode also accelerates the timing function for rapid testing.

Abstract: A submunition has a metallic body 1 a sensor 4 for sensing the presence of metal and an extendable probe (e.g. a spring 3) separating the sensor 4 and body 1 to avoid interference with the sensor. A circuit including the metal sensor and an impact sensor detonates the submunition if impact with a metal body is detected; if impact only is detected the submunition adopts the role of a mine.

Abstract: An ignition device for a projectile, in particular a guided missile, where the ignition moment is controllable as a function of the impingement delay and of the flight time of the projectile. This allows compensation for the type of material comprising the taget, e.g., hard or soft, and for the amount of time the projectile has been airborne, thus compensating for reduced projectile velocity at the time of striking the target.

Abstract: A time fuze or detonating device for unpredictably-detonating scatter ammunition, which is activatable through the intermediary of an electrical trigger signal. The time fuze or triggering device is equipped with a cyclical counter which, in dependence upon a time period which commences upon the deployment of the scatter ammunition, is supplied with counting pulses, and wherein upon the appearance of a switching information, there is counted further from an end-count position momentarily reached in the cyclical counter, into a pregiven triggering count position for the emission of the trigger signal.

Abstract: An electronic encoder for use in setting fuzes in munitions and the like. The electronic encoder comprising: a switch which activates the electronic encoder by coupling in the power supply and which is used to set the electronic encoder; a display for displaying the setting of the electronic encoder; a display driver for driving the display; a selector operated by the switch for selecting a digit of the display to be set; and a setting device operated by the switch for setting the portion of the display. This setting, when completed, is transmitted to the fuse of the munition or the like.

Abstract: An electronic delayed-action explosive detonator comprising a tubular case, a capacitor chargeable by pulses from a blasting machine, an integrated circuit for processing pulses from the blasting machine to set a delay time, the integrated circuit controlling the elapse of the delay time after the delay time has been set, a primer to which current is supplied upon elapse of the delay time for enabling detonation, and detonator wires extending from the tubular case for enabling connection of the blasting machine to at least one of the capacitor and integrated circuit. A supporting plate arrangement for carrying the integrated circuit is disposed in series with the capacitor within the tubular case. The supporting plate has a first contact area with connecting pads for enabling attachment of leads of the capacitor, and a second contact area with connecting pads for enabling attachment of the detonator wires which are within the tubular case and extend outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: Each bomblet within a cluster bomb is provided with an individually programmable detonation time delay, such that the bomblets can be programmed to detonate at desired intervals over a relatively long period of time. Program signals are transmitted to a number of bomblets at the same time from a wire that runs through openings in the bomblets, but is not mechanically attached to the bomblets. The wire is attached to the bomb canister at selected points and is severed inbetween the connection points when the canister is opened, thus permitting the wire sections to be pulled away without disrupting the bomblets' dispersion pattern. Each bomblet has a secondary transformer winding to receive signals from the transmission wire, and is provided with a unique address code such that it responds to a timing program signal only when the signal is preceded by an appropriate address code.

Abstract: A re-securable mine including a triggering or ignition circuit which is actuatable through the intermediary of a trigger securing arrangement. A re-securing block with a comparator is provided for a pregiven information or code and for an introduceable information or code, so as to reset the securing arrangement into the secured position at a pregivable relationship between the two informations or codes.

Abstract: A mine including a seismic or vibration-responsive alarm sensor for a triggering sensor adapted to initiate a detonating signal. The mine is equipped with a reversible electrically-actuatable securing arrangement for the emission of the triggering or detonating signal, which can be reset through the intermediary of the alarm sensor from its armed position into the secured condition.

Abstract: A weapon control for a droppable weapon such as a bomb, has at least two sors for producing impact related or environment related signals for a microcomputer forming part of the weapon. The microcomputer evaluates the signals received from the sensors for producing different control signals for different situations as signified by the sensor produced signals. If the weapon has hit a hard target surface the responsive control signal detonates the weapon instantly. If the weapon got stuck in a soft target, the weapon is placed into a lurking state for a later detonation or defusing.

Abstract: This is a method for an adaptive delay time after impact of a projectile by determining the spin rate of the projectile using spin switches to set a time delay which may then be updated using a time of flight counter. This method may be used on artillery shells of varying calibers and each caliber of which has varying velocities.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a safe and arming device and method that utilizes a combination of linear and angular accelerometers to determine the type of weapon being used. From a determination of the type of weapon an arming distance is looked-up and divided by the linear velocity to provide an arming delay time. When the delay time has elapsed an actuator is activated thereby arming the munition.

Abstract: A device for detonating a rolling mine upon impact or collision with a target by a linkage of sensors which detect physical criteria independent of each other in a sequence predetermined in time, a signal processor connected thereto delivering a firing signal for detonating the mine at the proper time.

Abstract: The conditions for detonating a follow-up charge in a dual stage weapon are etected for detonating the follow-up charge either instantaneously or after a time delay. An instantaneous detonation is caused when the dual stage weapon should not penetrate sufficiently through a target surface or when the weapon rebounds. A delayed detonation is intended when the dual stage weapon has penetrated a target. The delayed detonation shall be responsive, preferably randomly, to an approach to the weapon. This type of control of the weapon detonation in response to different detonating conditions is accomplished by using two, preferably three acceleration or vibration sensors producing signals which are evaluated for determining the respective detonating condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-acceleration resistant, programmable, electronic time fuze and a method of an apparatus for the correction of the operating time of this time fuze by muzzle velocity measurement carried out inside the projectile or at the gun tube. The time fuze uses the muzzle velocity measured at firing to adjust its operating time. Thus, range dispersion of the event time is substantially reduced. The muzzle velocity is measured with a metal sensitive probe installed inside the projectile. When the probe passes annular grooves in the gun wall, an oscillator is detuned and generates pulses for determination of the projectile muzzle velocity. A bidirectional counter responds to the pulses in one direction, to other information in the other direction and sets off the fuze at a predetermined count such as zero.

Abstract: Geophone apparatus for receiving seismic signals due to an approaching vehicle, and giving an output when the signals are those characteristic of a heavy vehicle.

Abstract: For the chronologically staggered initiation of a plurality of electronic explosive delay detonators connected together with a blasting detonating machine, a signal current produced in each explosive detonator by signals sent by the blasting detonating machine, for example an impulse sequence, is integrated up in order to establish the delay time and, for carrying out of the delay, is integrated anew or integrated down to equality of the integrals or of the starting values. According to the invention, the integrating up begins in all explosive detonators simultaneously, with the end of the integrating up being controlled by signals from the blasting detonating machine.

Abstract: A variable timing power storage arrangement for pre-setting a time interval between launch of a projectile and the initiation of a particular function or functions of said projectile and for storing power required inter alia for the initiation of said function or functions at the expiration of said interval, the arrangement comprising inductive coupling means for establishing before launch of the projectile an electrical coupling path between the projectile and control means associated with projectile launching means, signal generating means associated with the control means for generating a train of tone-burst modulated pulses for transmission over said inductive coupling means to the projectile, rectifying means in said projectile for rectifying the pulses of said train the first of which is utilized for charging up power storage capacitor means in the projectile to provide a d.c.

Abstract: An oscillator supplies clock pulses to a counter which also has a preselected time applied thereto and arming means are initiated when the count reaches the preselected time. Checking means are utilized throughout the circuitry to provide failsafe checking of each critical circuit with the arming circuit being deactivated if an error is detected. The entire circuit is incorporated in a single IC for energy and space conservation.

Abstract: A fuze having an impact delay implemented by strobing the count from a time-of-flight counter to set a down counter after an impact is sensed and then decrementing the down counter to a predetermined count at which point a firing signal is passed.

Abstract: A digital time fuze for providing an output pulse following a precise, specified time interval, wherein control means extract time interval data from a set signal, the control means thereafter providing a portion of a clock signal to a counter such that the length of the portion of the clock signal provided is determined by the time interval data. Counter means count the number of pulses in the clock signal portion to accumulate a timer count. In response to a start signal, the counter means counts down the timer count according to a count down clock which is provided by the control means and which is proportional to and derived from the clock signal. When the count reaches zero the output pulse is provided.

Abstract: A time-delayed ignition system for a down-hole explosive tool such as a wireline cutter. The ignition system preferably includes: (a) a longitudinal housing; (b) means for supplying electrical current to the housing; (c) an electrical igniter located in the housing and operable to activate the down-hole tool by applying the electrical current to the igniter, and (d) means for delaying application of the current to the igniter until a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Preferably, the time-delay means are electronic and disposed within the housing.

Abstract: Separate electrical timing and load activation devices are provided for each of plural electrical loads and each device is connected to receive reference timing signals from a central unit. Each of the separate timing and load activation devices measures a reference time interval accurately defined by the reference timing signals and subsequently activates its associated electrical load after a respectively corresponding predetermined time delay which is determined as a function of the locally measured reference time interval.