Abstract: This invention relates to a non-detonating cartridge containing an explosive composition, and more particularly but not exclusively to a non-detonating cartridge having enhanced safety characteristics. The cartridge includes a container including a cavity suitable for receiving a low explosive composition; an initiator, for in use initiating the explosive composition inside the cavity; and a shielding member which is displaceable relative to the container between a safe position, in which the initiator is shielded from the cavity such that initiation of the initiator does not result in initiation of the explosive composition, and a live position in which the initiator is exposed to the cavity to permit initiation of the explosive composition. The cartridge is characterised in that the shielding member is slideably displaceable relative to the container.

Abstract: A device produces an arming criterion for a fuze for a partly spinning munition. The munition has a first part which spins and a second part without or with little spin during flight of the munition. The device includes a sensor for outputting a characteristic variable for a relative rotation between the first part and the second part and a control unit for producing the arming criterion when the characteristic variable fulfils a flying criterion. The fuze for the partly spinning munition, which has at least one arming criterion, includes the device for providing the arming criterion or one of the arming criteria. The partly spinning munition includes the fuze with the device.

Abstract: A fragmentation structure is provided with improved performance e.g., fragmentation, projectile generation, storage, and manufacturing. An embodiment can include an open fragmentation structure that can be separated into individual components that can include a structure body section with a compartment, a removable initiator or detonator, a top cap section having an aperture configured to accept the removable initiator or removable detonator, and an explosive. An exemplary explosive can be preassembled to fit within the structure without a need for pouring in an explosive. An exemplary structure or top cap of the structure can receive an embrittlement treatment increasing its fragmentation characteristics. An ability of the structure to be easily disassembled allows for safer storage and a longer shelf life. A design of an exemplary embodiment of the structure allows it to be used with a wide range of explosive materials in addition to many types of removable initiators or detonators.

Abstract: A SAFE and ARM mechanism includes an elongated casing having a first end and a second end. A high-G force firing pin is arranged relatively near to the first end and a low-G force firing pin is arranged relatively near to the second end. A detonator is arranged between the high-G force firing pin and the first end. When a G-force within a first range of magnitudes is applied to the casing along its longitudinal axis, the low-G force firing pin is displaced to strike a portion of the high-G force firing pin, and if a G-force within a second range of magnitudes is applied to the casing along its longitudinal axis, the high-G force firing pin is displaced to strike the detonator. The device may become ARMED in response to a centrifugal force generated by spinning the casing on its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A safety and arming unit for a fuze of a projectile has a rotor for interruption of a firing chain. The rotor can rotate from a safe position to an armed position. In order to allow the safety and arming unit to be designed to be physically compact and such that it can be assembled easily, it is proposed that it has a first and a second rotor safety device which each engage in the rotor in order to block rotor rotation to the armed position, wherein the first rotor safety device is designed to carry out a release movement by virtue of its inertia during a launch acceleration of the projectile, and the second rotor safety device has a pyrotechnic charge for producing a release movement.

Abstract: A SAFE and ARM mechanism is includes an elongated casing having a first end and a second end. A high-G force firing pin is arranged relatively near to the first end and a low-G force firing pin is arranged relatively near to the second end. A detonator is arranged between the high-G force firing pin and the first end. When a G-force within a first range of magnitudes is applied to the casing along its longitudinal axis, the low-G force firing pin is displaced to strike a portion of the high-G force firing pin, and if a G-force within a second range of magnitudes is applied to the casing along its longitudinal axis, the high-G force firing pin is displaced to strike the detonator. The device may become ARMED in response to a centrifugal force generated by spinning the casing on its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A MEMS mechanical initiator having a striker arm extending from a striker body. The tip of the striker arm is adjacent to, but does not touch, the side of a microdetonator. A cocking and release mechanism moves the striker body such that the striker arm pulls away from the side of the microdetonator against the action of a set of springs connected to the striker body. Thereafter the cocking and release mechanism releases the striker body such that the tip of the striker arm swipes the side of the microdetonator causing initiation thereof.

Abstract: A safe and arm device and method for a fuze in a bomb utilizing a piston and a drive shaft to rotate a rotor in and out of the safe and armed positions. The piston is operated by a difference in air pressure within the fuze as the bomb leaves its delivery vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic safety and arming unit comprises a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) shutter device. The shutter (18) is suspended by thin lightweight arms and hinges, all formed by silicon processing of SOI substrates and includes holding latches for holding the shutter (18) in the closed position. The holding latches may be released by an electrothermal actuator. The shutter (18) separates an initiator section from an explosive train (6) of munitions such as shells, thereby providing safety until the shell is fired and away from its start point. After firing, the shutter (18) is opened ready for the main explosive to be detonated by the initiator (3). The shutter (18) may be suspended by a compliant displacement multiplier and may include an electrothermal actuator such as an electrically heatable bent beam. Heating of the beam causes movement of a shutter blade from a shut condition covering a firing aperture to an open condition.

Abstract: A two-stage acceleration sensing apparatus is disclosed which has applications for use in a fuze assembly for a projected munition. The apparatus, which can be formed by bulk micromachining or LIGA, can sense acceleration components along two orthogonal directions to enable movement of a shuttle from an “as-fabricated” position to a final position and locking of the shuttle in the final position. With the shuttle moved to the final position, the apparatus can perform one or more functions including completing an explosive train or an electrical switch closure, or allowing a light beam to be transmitted through the device.

Abstract: A method and a system controlling the operation of a safe and arm device. The embodiments include continually utilizing a rule based computation to generate an output signal to be sent to a controller affecting the operation of the safe and arm (S&A) device towards the safe condition or towards the armed condition.

Abstract: A safety and arming mechanism for a munition having a housing with a first detonator and an explosive mounted within the housing and in alignment with one another. A shaft is mounted within the housing. A first component is rotatingly fixed to the shaft and is moveable between a first and a second position. A second component is mounted on the shaft between the first detonator and the explosive. The second component is releasably fixed to the housing and is moveable between a safe and an armed position when it is released from the housing. The second component has a bore formed therethrough. The bore is aligned with the first detonator and the explosive when the first component is in the second position and the second component is in the armed position.

Abstract: A shell fuse has a target acquisition sensor, such as an impact sensor, and a firing train in which a firing device carrier is movable from a safe position into an armed position. Overflight safety all the way to the target is afforded in a simple manner. There is provided a force element, in particular a pyrotechnic trigger device, which can be initiated by the response of the sensor. The force element is coupled to the firing device carrier such that the firing device carrier is movable into the armed position.

Abstract: A two-stage acceleration sensing apparatus is disclosed which has applications for use in a fuze assembly for a projected munition. The apparatus, which can be formed by bulk micromachining or LIGA, can sense acceleration components along two orthogonal directions to enable movement of a shuttle from an “as-fabricated” position to a final position and locking of the shuttle in the final position. With the shuttle moved to the final position, the apparatus can perform one or more functions including completing an explosive train or an electrical switch closure, or allowing a light beam to be transmitted through the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for electronically arming and firing a MEMS-scale interrupted explosive train to detonate a main charge explosive. The device includes a MEMS slider assembly housing a transfer charge electrically actuated to move between safe and armed positions of the explosive train.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method utilizing a MEMS safe arm device for electronically arming and firing a MEMS-scale interrupted explosive train to detonate a main charge explosive. The device includes a MEMS slider assembly housing a transfer charge electrically actuated to move between safe and armed positions of the explosive train.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting and arming fuses in a projectile to satisfy safety requirements and to initiate ignition with only minimal delay. In accordance with the method, after launch of a projectile, behind a cap having a central inlet opening a safety device of a turbine/ignition pin unit is released and the impeller thereof is subjected to ram pressure. The ram pressure displaces the turbine/ignition pin unit into a front position, to act as impact detector. In a device constructed in accordance with the invention, the turbine/ignition pin unit has a screw thread on its shank and is screwed into a threaded bushing so that the ram pressure displaces the unit, against the direction of flow into the front position. On impact, the rear end of the unit acts as a percussion needle and initiates an ignition chain.

Abstract: A fuze for a munition adapted to prevent unintended arming thereof. The fuze incorporates an arming screw having a keyed portion and a centrifugal locking mechanism for preventing rotation of the arming screw unless the fuze mechanism is in a rapidly spinning condition such as that experienced when the fuze and its associated munition are deployed from an airborne rocket or artillery shell, and thus spinning at a rate of at least several thousand rpm. The centrifugal locking mechanism includes a pair of locking members which are biased by biasing elements into engagement with the keyed portion of the arming screw. This prevents the arming screw from being accidentally unscrewed from an inertia weight within the fuze, thus placing the fuze in an unintended armed condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a random time delay fuze for an area denial submtion with anti-disturbance capability.

Abstract: The Auto-destruct fuze is a mechanism that provides a primary mode detona and a delayed auto-destruct/self-neutralize mode detonator function for a grenade or similar munition. The mechanics for the primary mode detonation is similar to the M223 fuze which the present invention is designed to replace. Operation of the auto-destruct/self-neutralize mode is based on the working principles of the Liquid Annular Orifice Device (LAOD). The LAOD is released from a locked position upon expulsion of the device from a storage container. The LAOD moves slowly under the urging of a spring and eventually releases a cleanup firing pin which activates a cleanup detonator to auto-destruct or self-neutralize the grenade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuze for a submunition grenade which will selfstruct electrically in the event that the mechanical primary inertial functioning mode fails to operate upon striking an intended target.

Abstract: A fuze mechanism (1) for projectiles, rockets, bomblets and mines which is of the type including a fuze housing (2) and a self-destruct device containing a pyrotechnic delay arrangement (10) and a firing pin (11), with the fuze housing (2) having a side opening (5) for a transversely movable detonator carrier (4) which can be moved out beyond the outer housing contour into the armed position and which contains the pyrotechnic delay arrangement (10) and a fuze detonator (7). To manufacture fuze mechanisms (1) which are simple and free of spin and whose self-destruct devices are additionally provided with a delay time that is as long as possible, the firing pin (11) for the self-destruct mechanism is pivotably fastened to the fuze housing (2) in the region of the side opening (5).

Abstract: A mechanical system for self-destruction of a munition, in particular a carrier shell submunition, is provided in a munition having a warhead initiated by a pyrotechnic sequence, a main striker and a priming device composed of a slide movable between a safety position and an armed position and which has a device for priming the charge. The self destruction system includes a secondary striker mounted inside a receptacle of a slide and a control device to release the secondary striker after a preset delay. Secondary striker is integral with a holding element and held abutting a seat by the urging of an arming spring. The control device of the secondary striker has a corrosive agent designed to chemically attack the holding element to release it from its seat. When the holding element is released, secondary striker is translationally moved to contact the detonator to destroy the munition.

Abstract: An arrangement to prevent a premature ignition of an active charge, which is to be ignited by means of an adjustable time-delay fuse and is provided for a projectile that is expended from a firing barrel by means of a charge, includes both a mechanical and a pyrotechnical safety element. The ignition path between a first delay element that can be ignited while firing and the active charge of the projectile can be blocked by a barrel probe movable at right angles to the firing direction, and in its position blocking the ignition path can be arrested by an acceleration probe movable counter to the firing direction and, as long as the projectile is located in the firing barrel, by the firing barrel wall. A second delay element which can also be ignited while firing and exhibits a shorter delay period than the first delay element pressurizes the barrel probe with gas pressure in the direction of its end safety position following expiration of its delay period.

Abstract: A fuze for an explosive projectile, particularly a submunition projectile (bomblet) which includes a first primary firing pin mounted in a housing for axial displacement in the longitudinal direction, and a detonation charge carried by a slide disposed in the housing, with the slide being mounted for displacement transverse to the longitudinal direction of said housing, and to its center longitudinal axis, between a safety position, wherein the detonation charge is not aligned with the firing pin, and an armed position, wherein the detonation charge is aligned with the firing pin. The slide is further provided with a self destruct arrangement, which includes an ignition element disposed adjacent an edge of the slide, to cause self destruction of at least said fuze after a given time delay following ignition of the ignition element.

Abstract: A fuze for a bomblet projectile, with the fuze being of the type including a fuze housing, an axially displaceable firing pin mounted in the housing, a slide carrying a detonation charge mounted in the housing and displaceable transverse to the longitudinal direction of the housing between a safety position and an armed position, and spin braking fins pivotally mounted on the exterior of the fuze housing. To provide a further safety measure for the bomblet fuze and to ensure pendulum-free spin braking for safe detonation, the slide is provided with a safety pin and the fuze housing is provided with a corresponding opening such that the safety pin is in operative connection adjacent the opening with a spin braking fin if the latter is not deployed, and thus the slide can be arrested in its safety position.

Abstract: A fuze for a bomblet projectile of the type including a primary firing pin mounted in a housing for axial displacement in the longitudinal direction and a detonation charge carried by a slide disposed in the housing for displacement in a direction transverse to said longitudinal direction of the housing, between a safety position, wherein the detonation charge is not aligned with the primary firing pin, and an armed position, wherein the detonation charge is aligned with primary firing pin. To further improve the firing and safety devices of such fuzes and permit safe pick-up of duds, a lateral recess is provided in a side surface of the slide in the form of a longitudinal groove so that the movement of the slide, if minimum centrifugal forces are no longer present, can be arrested in an intermediate position by renewed engagement of a spring tensioned safety pin in the recess.

Abstract: A fuze for a bomblet including a slider in which there is arranged a detonator triggered in response to an impact or percussion, and which undergoes a transition during the free flight of the bomblet from a safe or secured position into an armed position. Arranged in the slider is a hydraulic or penumatic cylinder-piston retarding device and a spring-biased self-destruct pin which is operatively coupled to the device, which has a self-destruct detonator associated therewith, wherein the retarding device is blocked until the slider is generally located in the armed position thereof, and in which the retarding device, in the armed position of the slider, will brake the movement of the self-destruct pin during a self-destruct time period and thereafter will cause the releast of the latter.

Abstract: A motion translating device for receiving a force input from one direction nd translating it mechanically by combined linear and rotational components into a resultant motion is a different direction. The apparatus consists of a slotted frame member having a base for mounting to another object such as an airborne weapon and a pair of separated, parallel and vertical walls extending upwards from the base. A slotted slide member is movably contained between the two walls so that when a generally horizontal force is applied to one end of that member by way of a cable connected between that other object and said one end of the slide member, the slide member is caused to move forward thru the frame member while simultaneously its opposite end is caused to rotate upwards away from the frame member.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic fuze for projectiles, rockets, bomblets and mines, which possesses a triggering device for a delay detonator in a transversely movable slider housing, and a detonator for the triggering of an explosive charge, whereby the delay detonator is arranged to extend transversely relative to the detonator.

Abstract: A slider type fuse for a cargo warhead grenade. The slider is slidable in a lane normal to the axis of the striker pin and carries additional to the detonator a pyrotechnic device comprising an igniter charge, a booster charge removed therefrom and located in close proximity to the detonator, a delay charge between the two and swingable striker means which become unlocked in the armed state and are adapted to strike the igniter charge in consequence of centrifugal forces that develop in the course of flight. The delay of the pyrotechnic device is designed to outlast the flight time of the grenade. Whenever the striker does not strike the detonator when the grenade hits the target, the detonator is initiated by the booster charge of the pyrotechnic device.

Abstract: An arming device for a missile having a rotating tail fin assembly is disclosed. The device includes a distance counter comprising a given length of coiled tape contained within a rotatable drum, the length of the tape being determined by the distance required to be covered by the missile before arming the warhead. The tape is wound onto a shaft driven by the tail fin assembly from the drum which is initially locked to the missile body, and when the tape has been completely wound onto the shaft, the drum is released and is free to rotate through a half-turn to initiate arming of the warhead.

Abstract: A fuse for an explosive shell comprises a body having a longitudinal axis, a hood unit fitting over the body and movable along the body vertical axis between a first position and a second position, and a parachute linked to the hood unit for pulling the hood unit from its first position to its second position when the explosive shell is released. A slide catch is housed in the body and is moveable in a direction perpendicular to the body perpendicular axis from an unprimed to a primed position. A primary detonator is housed in the slide catch. The primary detonator is out of alignment with the main charge of the explosive shell when the slide catch is in its unprimed position, and is in alignment with the main charge of the explosive shell when the slide catch is in its primed position. A safety catch holds the slide catch in its unprimed position until it is released by inertial forces acting on the fuze. A firing pin detonates the primary detonator.

Abstract: A fuze for a parachute-stabilized or band-stabilized small bomb which rotates during flight, including a detonator arranged in a transversely movable slider; a detonator pin for blocking the slider in a secured position thereof through engagement into a bore, and wherein the detonator pin can be turned out of the bore by the rotating parachute or band through the intermediary of a screw-coupling in a housing. A pyrotechnic charge or composition is arranged within the slider and which serves as a timing element, which charge is ignited by a destructor pin supported in the slider, whereby the pyrotechnic charge will trigger the detonator at its exit side, and in the secured position, the detonator pin will block the resiliently pretensioned destructor pin.

Abstract: A blind-setting or protective blocking device for a detonator, in particular for a detonator of a launched bomb, in which a release or tripping lever maintains a securing slider in a secured position. The tripping lever is maintained against the force of a spring through the intermediary of two latching elements, wherein, as a rule, the first latching element is released by an electronic circuit of the detonator within the launch tube or barrel, and the second latching element is released by the circuit subsequent to exiting from the launch tube, as a result of which the securing slider is placed into the armed position. The tripping lever is equipped with a projection which is associated with a contact stop on the securing slider, and in which the projection, in the secured position, is located outside of the path of movement of the contact stop, and pivots into the path of movement of the contact stop when the second latching element is also released prior to exiting from the launch tube.

Abstract: The fuse comprises a first striker member which is movable within the body of the fuse and is able to come into contact with a detonator to cause it to explode, and a slide which is movable in a direction substantially orthogonal to that in which the striker member is movable and which carries the detonator; within the said slide there is disposed a second striker member which is movable from a first position, in which it elastically deforms a spring and is held at a predetermined distance from the detonator, to a second position in which it comes into contact with the detonator to cause it to explode, the movement of the second striker member being delayed by delay means operable to allow the movement of the striker member itself from the first-defined first to the second position only after a predetermined time.

Abstract: An explosive body such as a rocket, bomb, cluster shell, or the like is pided with a safety mechanism which assures that the explosive body cannot explode in its launching tube nor shortly after leaving the launching tube. The mechanism also makes sure that a body which has been accidentally cocked cannot be inserted into its launching tube. For these purposes the safety mechanism has a slide (3) carrying a detonator and slidable in a housing under the control of a spring loaded see-saw lever (2) having one lever arm (16) cooperating with a plurality of position controllable stops (11, 12, 32) and another lever arm (17) cooperating with stop shoulders (5 or 6) of the slide (3) whereby shifting of the detonator into its arming or "life" position takes place in at least two steps. An arresting device (21) prevents the shifting of the slide back into the safety-on position once the slide has moved to any extent in the arming or safety-off direction.