With Or Including A Timing Device Patents (Class 102/228)
  • Patent number: 8991316
    Abstract: A delay release device that connects to an aerosol filled canister that releases the aerosol in a delayed manner. The device includes a main body with a first plunger assembly mounted on one end. Formed adjacent to the first plunger assembly is a first chamber filled with a compressed gas pressurized from 40 to 150 psi based on the time delay desired. In the main body adjacent to the first chamber is a second chamber and a third chamber. Located inside the third chamber is a second plunger with a hollow stem introduced into a top valve assembly on the canister. To activate, the first plunger assembly is pressed inward which activates a second valve disposed between the first and second chambers. The second valve allows compressed gas to flow slowly from the first chamber into the second chamber and into the third chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Rory Berger
  • Publication number: 20120037028
    Abstract: A fuze mechanism for a submuntion includes an activation mechanism having a container filled with an activation fluid and an ampoule breaker to break the container upon deployment of the munition, a delay mechanism including a spring-loaded self-destruct firing pin to initiate a secondary detonator in close proximity to a primary detonator, and an interlock unit supported by the ampoule breaker that locks the self-destruct firing pin away from the secondary detonator. The ampoule breaker includes a piston and a timing ball, which accesses the activation liquid. The action of the activation liquid on the timing ball over time causes the timing ball to erode until it is forced into the container by the spring-loaded piston. The movement of the piston frees the interlock unit, allowing the spring-loaded self-destruct firing pin to move under force and impact or initiate the secondary detonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: DAY & ZIMMERMANN, INC.
    Inventors: William D. Chamlee, Jerry E. Smith, Berry W. Flournoy
  • Patent number: 7430964
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Terrence Lane Munsinger, David L. Riggs
  • Patent number: 5932834
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Charles Scott Lyon, Homesh Lalbahadur
  • Patent number: 5693906
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for safing and arming a projectile is disclosed. The apparatus utilizes an out of line rotor configuration where the detonator is mounted in the rotor. In the safe position, the detonator is out of line with an explosive lead. The rotor is locked out of line with two independent locks. One lock is removed at gun launch setback and the second lock is removed at the time of arming, when a preselected environment is detected by electronics and safe separation is assured. The first lock includes a spring and a weight where the weight is biased in a position to prevent the rotor from moving to an in line position. At setback, the g-forces act on the weight to overcome the spring and the weight is removed from the path of the rotor. Once the selected environment is sensed and safe separation is established the electronic input to arming is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventor: Peter H. Van Sloun
  • Patent number: 5429049
    Abstract: A flexographic printing system using mechanical and friction drive at the same time. The print cylinder is rotated by a friction drive only while printing (during the print cycle). The print cylinder is rotated past the anilox roll (during the inking cycle), and the print cylinder is reset to the start position ready for the next printing cycle by a mechanical drive. The print cylinder is preferably less than 360 degrees around, and most preferably measures only 170 degrees around. The print cylinder is made from plastic. Printing plates are pre-mounted permanently to a mylar carrier sheet that is designed with pin and hook holes that line up with pins and hooks that are part of the print cylinder. These plates have drive bearers as part of the mylar carrier sheet. The ink management system circulates the ink, cleans the entire ink system, and separates the ink from the waste and the cleaner. It also measures the pH of the ink or the viscosity level of the ink and automatically adds pH adjuster or thinner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignees: John Marozzi, Theresa Pugh, Barbara Batesko
    Inventors: John Marozzi, Greg Rochon, Urmil Patel, Ben Dambly
  • Patent number: 5212340
    Abstract: A safe and arm device, which has an explosive train interrupted by a void establish a safe condition, has the void filled with a liquid explosive to establish an armed condition. The void may be in a manometer-like device in which the liquid explosive is motivated by fluid pressure corresponding to free-fall or other velocities. The void may be a chamber portion filled with the liquid explosive by expansion of a bladder. Premature arming may be prevented by forming the explosive liquid from nonexplosive liquids mixed by rupture of a bladder or by melting a solid explosive with heat generated electrically or provided from ram air or combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Lee R. Hardt, Donald R. Burnett
  • Patent number: 4953475
    Abstract: Arming of a detonator carried within a tube-launched projectile is delayed n accordance with an operational program of a safety-arming system initiated by simultaneous and independent detection of projectile propulsion involving pressure generated by an activated projectile propelling motor and inertial forces accompanying acceleration of the projectile during launch. Operating energy necessary to complete the operational program, terminated after the projectile is launched, is stored within the projectile during launch in response to said generation of pressure by the activated propelling motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Arnold S. Munach, John Q. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 4727810
    Abstract: A safe and arm device including a sensor-controlled switch arrangement in an electrical series-circuit, which is arranged ahead of a secondary-explosive detonator, especially for a submunition-projectile. The safe and arm device possesses a first switch which is actuatable at the presence of a surrounding air onflow against the submunition carrier in dependence upon a submunition ejecting command; and wherein a second switch is actuatable by the first switch when the submunition-projectile has released itself from its carrier and has implemented a transition into a gliding flight phase searching for a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Diehl GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Wilhelm Furst, Anton Brunner, Manfred Klare, Hartmut Gessler, Dietmar Kugler, Werner Rudenauer
  • Patent number: 4704965
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Diehl GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Bernhard Kratz, Gunter Postler
  • Patent number: 4697524
    Abstract: An after-firing safety mechanism of a training ammunition that is fired through the central barrel of a full-caliber dummy projectile is described. The training ammunition includes a primer igniting an active charge upon impingement of the training ammunition on the target, as well as a locking pin ejectable perpendicularly to the axis of the training ammunition, this pin fixing the primer in place at least as long as the training ammunition is within the barrel of the dummy projectile. The locking pin is inserted in this arrangement in a cavity, to be ejectable by gas pressure. The cavity is in communication with a pyrotechnical gas generator; the latter being connected to an ignition system operating with delay. This ignition system is initiated upon firing of the training ammunition from the barrel of the dummy projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Dynamit Nobel Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Horst Penner, Ernst Jensen
  • Patent number: 4643096
    Abstract: A set back weight is moved by inertial force from a first position to a second position during acceleration of a missile. The set back weight is biased toward its first position to preclude its movement to its second position until the missile undergoes the rate of acceleration which is normally associated with a successful launch of the missile. Upon reaching the second position the weight becomes connected to a piston disposed in a fluid containing reservoir so that when the missile undergoes a reduction in its rate of acceleration and the set back weight moves toward its first position that movement is transmitted to the piston to express fluid from the reservoir. Fluid from the reservoir flows into a working cylinder to move an arming piston therein. Movement of the arming piston is slowed to delay arming of the missile by a flow restricting orifice in the path of fluid flow from the reservoir to the working cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Unidynamics Phoenix, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Durrell, Kenneth E. Willis
  • Patent number: 4526104
    Abstract: A safe-arm device for use in a fuel-air explosive munition carried by an craft. The device has a housing having an environmental seal which is separated from the housing upon munition release to form a seal opening, a pressure probe for obtaining static and dynamic air pressure and extending through the seal opening when deployed, a piston and rod which is driven upon sensing of a sufficient differential air pressure between the static and dynamic air pressure probe, a safety lock which locks a pyrotechnic rotor and which disengages upon full extension of the piston rod, and an arming spring which is compressed by extension of the piston rod and which drives the pyrotechnic rotor for rotation against a mechanical escapement device thus providing for a timed rotation. The pyrotechnic rotor has two explosive wheels, each having switched detonators and upon receipt of electronic signals two explosive trains with a controlled time delay therebetween are initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Larry F. Brauer, Roger W. Leach
  • Patent number: 4455940
    Abstract: A random time delay fuze includes a fuze base member containing a cylindrl cup guide carrying a slidably mounted cylindrical cup. The cup contains a piston which has a recess slidably mounted on a cylindrical firing pin guide which is also attached to said fuze base and contains a spring biased firing pin. The cup has a ribbon stabilizer, which when exposed to an airstream pulls the cup forward a limited distance, thereby forming a space within the cup between the piston and the cup. The piston is provided with a "floating" O-ring seal, which allows air to flow into but not out of said space, and an air restrictor, which restricts the flow of air out of said space. A biasing spring forces the piston forward in said space, causing air to be vented through the restrictor and thereby retarding the forward movement of the piston. When the piston has moved forward sufficiently, it permits locking balls to release the firing pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Haruo H. Furuike
  • Patent number: 4449454
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Assignee: Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm Gesellschaft mit beschraenkter Haftung
    Inventors: Josef Liebhardt, Rudolf Fuhrer, Erich Dautel
  • Patent number: 4380197
    Abstract: A pneumatically operated safe and arm device for use in an ordnance item lizes cam controlled mechanical interlocks to prevent premature arming. This device also utilizes staticdynamic fluid pressure differential to cause the enabled mechanism to proceed with arming after a predetermined ordnance item velocity has been obtained. This pressure differential operates on a piston and rod to store energy within a flexible coil spring. Energy stored within this spring is subsequently released to power rotation of a disc, thereby aligning an out-of-line explosive train and causing switching functions in an electric arming and fuzing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Jefferson O. Eaton
  • Patent number: 4341159
    Abstract: A safing and arming timer being responsive to sequentially sampled deceleration forces to operate in one of a non-retard or retard mode wherein different non-retard and retard safe separation times may be predetermined and sequential outputs are available for sequential control of two different output functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1982
    Assignee: Motorola Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Edminster
  • Patent number: 4328754
    Abstract: A time delay device adapted to cooperate with a firing device. The time delay device comprises a piston cooperating with the firing device, a spring to move the piston between a first position in which the firing device remains in a non-operating condition and a second position in which said firing device is allowed to operate, a retractable pin to hold the piston in the first position, a reservoir of fluid adapted to be acted upon by the piston and communicating with a length of small bore or micro-bore tubing whereby upon movement of the piston fluid will be displaced from the reservoir through said tubing, with the rate of movement of the piston, and therefore the time for the piston to move from the first to the second position under the action of said spring, being dictated by the viscosity of the fluid in the reservoir and the length of the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1982
    Assignee: Commonwealth of Australia
    Inventor: Graeme D. Goodman
  • Patent number: 4300451
    Abstract: A differential drag apparatus is disclosed for detecting air pressure forces on a drag-sensing body. The body is movable in response to a predetermined magnitude of air pressure force. A pressure regulator responds to the movement of the body by releasing uniform pressure to an activation system. The activation system in turn releases a trigger provided the air pressure force acting against the drag-sensing body remains above the predetermined magnitude for a predetermined length of time. The trigger upon release may perform any number of activates such as opening or closing an electrical circuit, initiating a mechanical response, i.e. releasing a parachute, or detonating a small munition charge. The detonation of a charge, for example, may in turn ignite a rocket motor, release an explosive, or any other of related activities. The apparatus is insensitive to short duration forces above or below the predetermined magnitude, and radiation as results from proximate nuclear blast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1981
    Assignee: Tracor, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley T. Sallee
  • Patent number: 4215634
    Abstract: An environment sensing system that prevents rotation of a grooved rotor surface mounted on a shaft, with a ball, until a deceleration force causes the ball to climb an inclined surface, a bias spring causes the detent grooves to maintain alignment with the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1980
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: John D. Forsberg
  • Patent number: 4094247
    Abstract: A switch actuator, for safe and arm applications requiring utmost dependaity in order to preclude a premature or false arming sequence, utilizes a plurality of simultaneous input signals from independently coded pneumatic optical and electrical sources to drive a rotary switch. A rotary fluidic valving plate is used to decode non-uniform input optical signals into a uniform cyclical output pressure signal which is used to drive a fail-safe, reversible pneumatic piston type motor. A geneva mechanism is used to mechanically couple the prime mover to an output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1978
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Albertus E. Schmidlin