Abstract: A device includes a thermal trigger having a firing pin, where the thermal trigger is configured to move the firing pin in response to an elevated temperature. The device also includes an out-of-line lockout device configured to disarm the thermal trigger in response to acceleration of the lockout device. The lockout device is configured to move a first lockout ball into a notch of the firing pin to disarm the thermal trigger. The lockout device could include an inertial mass configured to move the first lockout ball into the notch of the firing pin and a first spring configured to bias the inertial mass in an initial position. The lockout device could also include a second lockout ball configured to move into a position that prevents the inertial mass from returning to the initial position or a dampener configured to slow movement of the inertial mass.

Abstract: A power generation device including: a housing; an elastic element disposed in the housing in a preloaded state; a power source operatively connected to the elastic element such that release of the elastic element from the preloaded state converts potential energy in the elastic element to electric power by the power source; and a locking element for releasably locking the elastic element in the preloaded state such that removing the locking element causes the potential energy preloaded in the elastic element to be converted to electric power by the power source.

Abstract: An explosive tool comprises a body structure, a charge, a detonator to ignite the charge via propagation of thermal energy, a pressure actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to a surface pressure and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined pressure threshold, and a temperature actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to a surface temperature and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined temperature threshold. The charge, the detonator, the pressure actuated safety, and the temperature actuated safety are contained within the body structure.

Abstract: A safety and arming device may include a substrate and a frame fixed to the substrate. The frame may include a travel slot, a head socket, first and second gas expansion chambers having respective first and second nozzles, and first and second safety catch surfaces disposed adjacent to the respective first and second nozzles. A slider may be translatably disposed in the travel slot in the frame. The slider may include a latching head operable to latch in the head socket in an armed position of the device, a storage cavity for storing an explosive charge, first and second cantilevered arms disposed axially apart from each other and angled outwardly from the slider, and first and second deactivation cavities disposed adjacent to the respective first and second cantilevered arms. A spring may bias the slider away from the head socket.

Abstract: An explosive tool is disclosed. The explosive tool comprises a body structure, a charge, a detonator to ignite the charge via propagation of thermal energy, a pressure actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to a surface pressure and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined pressure threshold, and a temperature actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to a surface temperature and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined temperature threshold. The charge, the detonator, the pressure actuated safety, and the temperature actuated safety are contained within the body structure.

Abstract: An explosive tool is disclosed. The explosive tool comprises a body structure, a charge, a detonator to ignite the charge via propagation of thermal energy, a pressure actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to a surface pressure and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined pressure threshold, and a temperature actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to a surface temperature and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined temperature threshold. The charge, the detonator, the pressure actuated safety, and the temperature actuated safety are contained within the body structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a safety lighter intended to initiate the combustion of a pyrotechnic device, the lighter including a lighter body (10) having a cylindrical void (12) of axis XX?, and a pyrotechnic slide-in module (14) including pyrotechnic means (70, 74, 30) of initiating the combustion of the pyrotechnic device, the pyrotechnic slide-in module (14) being able to be displaced in the cylindrical void, from a so-called safety position (Ps), providing isolation between the pyrotechnic means of the slide-in module and the pyrotechnic device to be initiated, to a so-called initiation position (Pi), intended to provoke the combustion of the pyrotechnic device.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device (1) for a block of explosive material, forming a missile decoy, that is introduced into an explosive material container (2) with a sabot (4) and an ignition transmission charge (5). The safety device (1) is characterized by a prestressed tube sensor/slide (6) that is connected between the sabot (4), the ignition transmission charge (5) and the explosive material container (2) such that it can release or re-close an ignition channel (13) disposed between the ignition transmission charge (5) and the explosive material.

Abstract: An escapement fuze self-destruct mechanism for a projectile includes a drive weight that maintains a biasing member in a compressed state by centrifugal force when a projectile's RPM speed is above a preselected threshold. When the RPM speed falls below the preselected threshold, the biasing member exerts sufficient counter-rotational force to overcome the centrifugal force exerted by the drive weight. The biasing member expands to an uncompressed state and displaces the drive weight into position for mechanically implementing self-destruction of the projectile if a rotor is fully armed or for rendering the projectile “safe” if the rotor is in any position other then fully armed.

Abstract: A representative embodiment of the invention provides a MEMS-based safety and arming (S&A) device having a shuttle movably connected to a frame by one or more bowed springs. The device has an electrical path adapted to electrically connect the frame and a contact pad. In the initial state, the electrical path has an electrical break. If the inertial force acting upon the shuttle (e.g., during launch) reaches or exceeds a first threshold value, then displacement of the shuttle with respect to the frame causes the electrical break to close. If the inertial force reaches or exceeds a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value, then a latching mechanism employed in the S&A device latches to keep the electrical break irreversibly closed thereafter.

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: 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: 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 proximity-fuzed ammunition unit (1) that can approach a target and where during approach the proximity fuze function effects or gives rise to a voltage pulse pattern that is dependent on objects located along the flight path of the ammunition unit on its approach to the target. The voltage pulse pattern forms the basis for the actution of at least one triggering device (18) incorporated in the ammunition unit. The electrical circuit or circuits incorporated in or interacting with each triggering device is/are arranged to sense a voltage or amplitude value in the trailing edge of a pulse incorporated in or forming the pattern. If the pattern comprises a number of pulses an indication is given when a predetermined number of pulses has appeared to appears. Each electrical circuit causes or effects the opeation of the triggering device for its actuation depending on the said sensing and/or indication.

Abstract: A microscale firetrain for a safe and arm device having a safe position and an armed position, the firetrain including an input explosive column having a longitudinal axis; a transfer charge having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends and movable from a safe position to an armed position; a receptor charge having a longitudinal axis that is non-collinear with and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the input explosive column; wherein, in the safe position, the transfer charge is remote from both the input explosive column and the receptor charge; and wherein, in the armed position, the input explosive column is adjacent the first end of the transfer charge to thereby initiate the transfer charge, the longitudinal axis of the input explosive column is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transfer charge, the second end of the transfer charge is adjacent the receptor charge to thereby initiate the receptor charge and the longitudinal axis of the receptor charge is

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: An enclosed ignition flare igniter that includes a housing and two slider assemblies. The housing includes a first portion and a second portion. The two slider assemblies are disposed within the housing; each slider assembly has an armed position and a safe position. The armed position allows conflagrant communication between an ignition device and flare grain, while the safe position does not. Each slider assembly includes an ignition portal portion, a tab portion, and a spring. The ignition portal portion and the tab portion are juxtaposed. The ignition portal portion includes an ignition portal for holding an ignition device, while the tab portion includes a spring bore for accepting the spring.

Abstract: An igniter system for a flare that includes a housing, a slider assembly, and a piston assembly. The housing includes two ignition portals for holding ignition pellets. The slider assembly is disposed within the housing, and includes two sliders and a spring. Each slider corresponds to an ignition portal, and the two sliders communicate with the spring. The slider assembly has an armed position and a safe position, the armed position with the sliders uncovering the ignition portals and allowing conflagrant communication between the ignition pellets and flare grain, while the safe position with the sliders covering the ignition portal and not allowing conflagrant communication between the ignition pellets and flare grain. The piston assembly communicates with the housing. The piston assembly, when activated, can cause the slider assembly to be in the armed position.

Abstract: A munition incorporating a fuze mechanism adapted to prevent momentary disarming of the mechanism once same is placed in an armed state. The fuze mechanism incorporates a fuze housing having a slide member movable slidably longitudinally between an unarmed position and an armed position. In an unarmed position, a firing pin tip of an arming screw engages a lock post disposed within an opening in the slide member to hold the slide member in the unarmed position. When the arming screw is unscrewed during airborne deployment of the munition, the firing pin tip is withdrawn from the lock post. This enables a spring to urge the slide member into a laterally extended position. As the slide member moves into its laterally extended position, the lock post drops partially out of the slide member into abutting engagement with a bottom cover of the fuze mechanism, thus preventing the slide member from moving back towards its unarmed position.

Abstract: A mechanical device for generating actuating movement has a housing defining a first bore and a second bore contiguous therewith. The housing also defines radial ports that allow an environment about the housing to communicate with the first bore. A first piston is slidably mounted in the first bore. A second piston is slidably mounted in the second bore and is positioned so that it is flush with the first bore. A spring, coupled to the first piston, is capable of an at-rest state in which the first piston seals off the radial ports while being spaced apart from the second piston. The spring is also capable of a compressed state in which the first piston is positioned such that the radial ports communicate with the first bore between the first and second pistons.

Abstract: An air-safed underwater fuze system is provided for munitions that are to launch-deployed and water-detonated. A housing defines a first bore contiguous with a second bore. Radial ports in the housing communicate with the first bore. A first piston is slidably mounted in the first bore and a second piston is slidably mounted in the second bore and positioned flush with the first bore. Piston control means are coupled between the munitions and first piston for positioning the first piston in a first position prior to launch in which the first piston seals off the radial ports while being spaced apart from the second piston to define a chamber. The piston control means moves the first piston at launch to a second position so that the chamber expands and the radial ports are in communication with the chamber. The piston control means further drives the first piston from its second position towards its first position at a specified time after launch.

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: A safety and arming device interconnecting a bomb with a target detector ures safe mine laying deployment thereof through a detonation explosive train that is armed in delayed response to payout of a lanyard under enablement control exercised by a hydrodynamic piston in response to water impact during such deployment.

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.

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 safe and arm apparatus is disclosed wherein the apparatus utilizes setback acceleration for in-bore safety and sustained in-bore acceleration to position various members to allow for subsequent alignment of the firing train at arm time. The apparatus includes a rotor that houses an explosive lead and having a side bore hole formed therein which selectively interrupts the initiating explosive train both in front of and after the explosive train lead. The explosive interface between a detonator and a lead is unimpeded when the bore hole is in-line with a second corresponding hole in a protective cover. The rotor is normally secured by a setback lock and a shear tab. Upon launching from a gun, an in-bore lock (in conjunction with a retaining collar) moves down at a low acceleration level to additionally secure the rotor out-of-line while the projectile is in the gun tube.

Abstract: The invention concerns the domain of a charges which can be released, for example, from an aircraft to which they are fixed, and in particular a munition containing an incendiary gel made of hydrocarbons and gelatinizing agents, intended to have an incendiary effect on various targets on the ground.The invention enables the munition to be broken up above the ground thanks to means of distribution constituted of a detonating cord, gas-generating grains, a shield and a rod. These means of distribution ensure regular scattering of the incendiary gel before the impact on the ground. The invention also enables ignition of the incendiary gel on break-up of the munition thanks to means of ignition composed of ignition capsules.Application to munitions containing an incendiary gel, also to munitions containing a product to be scattered.

Abstract: An inertia element within a projectile is displaced to a retracted position y acceleration of the projectile during launch to unblock displacement of a slider to an armed position in response to subsequent pressurization of a projectile flight motor. Safe separation timers are thereby enabled in response to proper launch to delay pressurization of the flight motor and powering of an explosive firing circuit through switches actuated by said displacement of the slider from a safe position to the armed position. The slider is held in its safe position by an electrically grounded shear wire that is ruptured in response to slider displacement thereby removing a power disabling shunt connection to the firing circuit.

Abstract: A naval mine combined fail-safe deployment and activation system which, ar the mine has been dropped from an aircraft, deploys a parachute to slow its descent and thereafter arms a target detection device when the mine has settled into the water to a predetermined depth for exploding the mine when a target is detected.

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.

Abstract: A safety device for use in low-speed aerodynamic bodies. The pressure conditions at the outer contour of the flying equipment are used for obtaining an arming criterion of a fuse. A slide is movable from a safe to an armed position. In the safe position, slide pickup ports are within the internal contour of the body. In the armed position, the slide pickup ports are exposed to the air stream outside the external contour of the body for creating a pressure difference for arming the fuse.

Abstract: A safe and arm device having a bellows motor-driven rotor bearing a detonr. When the device is in the SAFE condition the detonator is shrouded by an airpot piston extending from one end of a spring secured within the airpot cylinder in the housing. The airpot piston compresses the spring in response to weapon acceleration until the piston fully resides in the airpot cylinder in the device housing. The rotor is thus free to be rotated overriding a detent maintaining the SAFE condition by the action of the bellows motor which is electrically activated. The rotor turns until it reaches the "ARMED" position where the detonator therein is positioned directly in line with weapon's warhead explosive trigger charge in the housing. The rotor is rotationally secured relative to the housing in the "ARMED" position by the action of another detent.

Abstract: A safety apparatus to safe or to arm and fire a munition, utilizes a rotor containing an aligned adjacent firing pin and detonator in holes extending completely through the rotor perpendicular to the axis. A first explosively powered piston actuator, when fired, will unlock the rotor and enable a second explosively powered piston actuator, when fired, to rotate the rotor to align the detonator with an explosive charge and to cause a firing pin to fire the detonator. The detonator will fire a transfer lead which, in turn, will fire the main charge. As assembled, a third explosively powered piston actuator is aligned with the detonator and, when fired, will cause the detonator to explode and translate the rotor with part of the axis extending out of the munition where it is held in this position to indicate a safe condition.

Abstract: A solenoid-operated device, and especially a weapon-arming device, subject to inertial forces is provided in which the solenoid armature is operatively coupled to a counterbalancing mass operatively constrained to move in synchronism with but oppositely to the armature, inertial forces on the armature acting equally and oppositely on the counterbalancing mass. The counterbalancing mass surrounds the solenoid coaxially and has an annular extension provided internally with rack teeth that mesh with sprockets free to rotate on fixed pins, these sprockets also being in mesh with rack teeth on an extension of the armature. An armature retraction spring bears on a shoulder on the counterbalancing mass.

Abstract: A safing and arming (S&A) device 20 for a spin stabilized projectile 16 having an electronic fuzing system 18 which produces an electrical arming signal after the projectile 16 is fired. The cylindrical S&A housing 26 has two faces 28, 30 and a blow through hole 32 through the center of housing 26. A barrier recess 34 is formed in one face 28 of the housing 26 and a detonator 40 is mounted on the other face 30 and in alignment with the blow through hole 32. A barrier 36 is pivotally mounted in the barrier recess 34. Barrier 36 is held in its safe position blocking blow through hole 32 by a set back tab 54 and a barrier latch 48. The set back tab 54 is rendered inoperative when projectile 16 is fired from a gun. Latch 48 is bent out of contact with barrier 36 by a pyrotechnic actuator 56 being activated by the arming signal. When latch 48 is disengaged from the barrier 36, barrier 36 is free to move to its armed position, in which barrier 36 no longer blocks blow through hole 32.

Abstract: A safety device for use in the detonation of explosives, mines etc. Explosives are commonly detonated by a two stage operation, an explosive pellet is moved from a safe to an active position and then a hammer or electrical charge is fired to detonate the pellet. Failure of the second stage operation leaves the explosive in an unsafe condition, since the hammer or charge might fall as the fault is being investigated. The invention provides movement of the pellet from one safe position to another continuously and through an active position. If the hammer fails to fall as the pellet passes through the active position the device will assume a safe condition.

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: A safety and arming mechanism wherein a sliding member is held in an out-of-line position breaking the fuze train. An actuator releases the sliding member and moves the sliding member, which contains a stab detonator, in-line and towards a firing pin completing the fuze train. Arming and detonating occur at the same time when the fuze train is completed and the stab detonator is impaled on the firing pin.

Abstract: A projectile fuse comprises a rotor rotatable from a safety position to a live position. A slide is arranged to immobilize the rotor in its safety position. A piston is operably connected to the slide for displacing the slide to release the rotor for rotation. A conduit communicates one end of the piston with air pressure generated in response to firing of the projectile to shift the slide in a manner displacing the slide to release the rotor.

Abstract: A fuse or triggering device for a small bomb arranged in an artillery grenade, which includes a percussion fuse constituted of a striker and a detonator. The above-mentioned artillery grenade contains a plurality of small bombs arranged behind each other, which are ejected at a predetermined point in the trajectory of the artillery grenade. Each small bomb possesses an autonomous fuse. A slider containing the detonator is secured in a safety position, in that the slider lies against an outwardly pivotable securing lever which lies resiliently prestressed against the inner wall of a further small bomb, and in which the striker is fixed in position between the slider and a securing disc which is deformable in response to the firing acceleration of the artillery grenade.

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.

Abstract: An out-of-line safing and arming mechanism (10) includes an explosive chain (12) having one link (24) movably mounted on a slider (30) to be removed from the chain in a safing configuration and to be located in the chain in an arming configuration. A head (42) prevents the slider from moving into an arming position and is attached to the slider by an annular connecting system (44) which is stronger in tension and compression than it is in shear. The connecting section is broken by activation of an explosive charge (62) which is located within the connecting section and generates forces (66) tending to shear the connecting section as well as forces (64) tending to move the slider toward an arming position.

Abstract: An out-of-line water safing and arming device includes an out-of-line barrier assembly with an internal bore. When submerged, the bore fills with water which is entrapped by a hydrostatically-driven piston assembly to cause the barrier assembly to move to an in-line armed position. However, when the device is not utilized but is removed from the water or rises to the surface, the piston in reaction to the decrease hydrostatic pressure releases the hydraulic lock allowing the water to drain out.

Abstract: A pressure-actuated fuse has a housing formed with an inner chamber and with a passage having an outer end opening to the exterior and an inner end opening into the chamber. A plug in the passage has a porosity sufficient to allow slow liquid flow through itself. An actuating element is exposed inwardly in the chamber and outwardly to the exterior and is displaceable in the housing by a pressure differential between the chamber and the exterior along an actuating axis between an outer position and an inner position. The chamber is substantially closed to the exterior except through the passage. A valve in the passage connected to the actuating element blocks liquid flow along the passage only when the actuating element is in its outer position. Thus, when the element moves out of its outer position liquid can flow through the plug and limitedly along the passage into the chamber.

Abstract: A safety device for a projectile, adapted to make a barrier between an ignition charge in the forward end of the projectile and one or more incendiary and/or explosive charges situated behind the ignition charge. The device comprises two discs having concentric apertures therethrough, situated behind the ignition charge. A plug constituting the barrier is situated in the aperture in the foremost disc, and a split ring which is held together by a spring supports the plug, the split ring being supported by the rearmost disc. The plug comprises at least one portion adapted to seal the aperture in the foremost disc when being exposed to pressure developed by firing of the ignition charge prior to arming of the projectile. Arming takes place only when the projectile reaches a rotational velocity sufficient to open the split ring because of the centrifugal forces, whereby these forces exceed the resistance of the spring.

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.

Abstract: An improved release apparatus, including an actuator device, a release dee and a firing device, releases the firing device in a water environment and not in an air environment when the actuator device is remotely actuated. When in a water environment, a predetermined gas pressure from the actuator device drives forward a pusher piston and valve sleeve arrangement, disposed in a water chamber of the release device, initially to close off lower entry/exit orifices in the water chamber by action of the valve sleeve, and then to compress an entrapped column of water to a predetermined water pressure sufficiently to cause shearing off of an annular lip of a ball lock piston thereby separating the firing device from the release device. When in an air environment, the pressure from a compressed entrapped air column is not sufficient to cause shearing off or folding down of the annular lip of the ball lock piston, and, accordingly, the release apparatus is safed.

Abstract: A safe/arm device has a rotor that aligns or misaligns a path for an explve. The rotor is aligned by the effects of a fluid pressure differential acting upon a piston of the device. This pressure differential causes the piston to translationally move and this movement is transmitted to the rotor by a shaft. The shaft fits within an axial bore defined by the rotor. This axial bore in turn defines a helical groove. A ball, partially recessed within a well defined by the shaft, rides within this helical groove. As the shaft is translationally driven within the axial bore, the helical groove of the rotor tracks the ball. Translational movement of the shaft is thereby converted to rotational movement of the rotor. As a safeguard, the shaft is split into two sections, one in engagement with the piston and the other in engagement with the rotor. By this arrangement, a predetermined amount of movement of the piston is required before this movement is transmitted to the rotor.