Abstract: A device with a first MEMS device and a second MEMS device is disclosed. The first MEMS device is configured to sense at least one external influence. The second MEMS device is responsive to the at least one external influence. The first MEMS device is configured to change a state when the at least one external influence exceeds a threshold value. The first MEMS device is configured to retain the state below the threshold value, wherein the change in state of the first MEMS device is done passively and wherein the state of the first MEMS device is indicative of a status of the second MEMS device.

Abstract: A rack is provided wherein the type of micro-plate that is placed on the rack can be determined even when using one type of rack. The rack includes a bottom piece on which micro-plate is placed; at least one shielding component for recognizing the type of micro-plate; and a recognition unit having an enclosure disposed with a shielding component. When the rack is housed in a housing unit of an analyzer main unit, the shielding component is movable with respect to the enclosure so that the shielding component is positioned either in a detection position where detectable by a sensor or in a non-detection position where undetectable by the sensor.

Abstract: A micro-machined or micro-engraved safety and arming device for a projectile pyrotechnic train, said device comprising a substrate onto which a shutter is positioned to ensure the blocking of a channel, said shutter being mobile in translation on said substrate, said shutter being held immobile in the safety position by at least one acceleration lock that is released further to the application of the axial acceleration imparted to said projectile during firing, wherein said acceleration lock is constituted by at least one breakable tongue linking said shutter to said substrate, said tongue being oriented and dimensioned such that the axial inertial stresses developed during firing and exerted on said shutter cause said tongue to break.

Abstract: An ultra-miniature, electro-mechanical, MEMS type safe and arming (S&A) device for medium- or large-artillery rounds, including, three sequenced S&A interlocks: a setback slider which provides a 1st interlock with respect to an arming slider which moves due to the round's spin; a stop and release mechanism that holds the arming slider until a release command signal is initiated by the fuze circuit, triggering a spot charge which generates an expanding gas wave that flexes the latch arm from contact with the safety catch, unlocking the 2nd interlock, thereby freeing the arming slider to continue its motion into an arming position, unlocking the 3rd interlock, and aligning the parts of the firetrain within the device, such that upon signal from the fuze circuit to an output charge, the device will ignite the acceptor charge within the round.

Abstract: A micro-machined or micro-engraved safety and arming device for a projectile pyrotechnic train, said device comprising a substrate onto which a shutter is positioned to ensure the blocking of a channel, said shutter being mobile in translation on said substrate, said shutter being held immobile in the safety position by at least one acceleration lock that is released further to the application of the axial acceleration imparted to said projectile during firing, wherein said acceleration lock is constituted by at least one breakable tongue linking said shutter to said substrate, said tongue being oriented and dimensioned such that the axial inertial stresses developed during firing and exerted on said shutter cause said tongue to break.

Abstract: An inertia igniter including a mechanical delay mechanism having two or more members which are movable under different acceleration conditions to sequentially move a movable member upon sequential movement of the two or more members and an ignition member actuatable by the movable member such that movement of the movable member by the two or more members ignites the ignition member. The movable member can be movable by one of translation and rotation. The inertia igniter can further comprise an impact mass releasably movable in the housing, wherein the impact mass is released and movable by movement of the movable member to impact the ignition member. The inertia igniter can also further comprise a stop member for preventing movement of the impact mass until the movable member has moved a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An ammunition firing device incorporating a firing pin intended to impact a pyrotechnic composition to activate its ignition, wherein said firing pin incorporates a rod that slides when said ammunition is fired through the effect of the firing acceleration from a starting position to a deployed position, able to be locked in said deployed position, said rod being integral with a percussion tip occupying a fixed position in contact with said pyrotechnic composition, said rod being located fully inside said tip in said starting position and protruding from said tip in its deployed position, said device further incorporating a hammer to strike said rod during the impact of said ammunition on a target to cause the ignition of said composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety and arming device for projectiles and using micro-electromagnetic technology, such device incorporating a slider made mobile by the effect of the centrifugal acceleration with respect to the body of the device and immobilized in a safety position by at least one inertial lock, such lock incorporating at least one means to ensure its blocking in the unlocked position, wherein the inertial lock incorporates a counterweight having at least one straight groove whose longitudinal axis is parallel to the direction of movement of the lock, groove in which a fixed guiding pin integral with the safety and arming device is positioned, since the groove is of sufficient length to allow the displacement of the counterweight with respect to the pin, the slider in its safety position being made integral with the body of the safety and arming device by means of hooking means integral with the counterweight.

Abstract: An inertial igniter including: a housing; a striker mass movable relative to the housing; a biasing element for biasing the striker mass towards a percussion primer; one or more movable members each having one or more stops, the one or more stops having a first position for preventing a portion of the striker mass from striking the percussion primer and a second position allowing the portion of the striker mass to strike the percussion primer; wherein the movable members move the one or more stops to the second position when subjected to a predetermined acceleration profile.

Abstract: A MEMS fuze having a moveable slider with a microdetonator at an end for positioning adjacent an initiator. A setback activated lock and a spin activated lock prevent movement of the slider until respective axial and centrifugal acceleration levels have been achieved. Once these acceleration levels are achieved, the slider is moved by a V-beam shaped actuator arrangement to position the microdetonator relative to a secondary lead to start an explosive train in a munitions round.

Abstract: A safety and arming apparatus for use with a projectile includes a rotor pivotable between a safe position and an armed position. A biasing element holds a mass engaged with the rotor to restrain the rotor from rotation and is deformable to allow the mass to displace and disengage from the rotor in response to a setback force on the projectile. A second biasing element includes a displaceable end for engaging with the rotor to restrain the rotor from rotation and is deformable to disengage the displaceable end from the rotor in response to projectile spin. A piston actuator can rotate the rotor to the armed position if the mass is disengaged and the displaceable end is disengaged. A detonator on the rotor can be aligned with a detonation cord when the rotor is in the armed position and unaligned when the rotor is in the safe position.

Abstract: A fuze for a submunition comprises a fuze housing with a stabilizer ribbon for aerodynamic orientation, a fuze slider released by tension on the stabilizer ribbon, an air-powered electric generator extended into the airstream by the fuze slider and powered in flight by high-speed airflow, a MEMS safety and arming device, a fuze circuit board including an explosive fireset, and an electrically initiated firetrain. The fuze is fixed to and communicates explosively with the end of a grenade warhead.

Abstract: A fuze for a submunition comprises a fuze housing with a stabilizer ribbon for aerodynamic orientation, a fuze slider released by tension on the stabilizer ribbon, an air-powered electric generator extended into the airstream by the fuze slider and powered in flight by high-speed airflow, a MEMS safety and arming device, a fuze circuit board including an explosive fireset, and an electrically initiated firetrain. The fuze is fixed to and communicates explosively with the end of a grenade warhead.

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 command to arm apparatus includes a housing having a hollow interior. A pivotally-mounted rotor is disposed in the hollow interior. The rotor has a first, safe position of rotational adjustment that prevents detonation of an explosive and a second, armed position of rotational adjustment that enables detonation of an explosive. A locking cam is pivotally mounted to the rotor and has a rotor-locking position of repose. The rotor is free to rotate from its safe position to its armed position when the locking cam is rotated out of the rotor-locking position by a piston that extends from a piston actuator. The rotor abuts a flat formed in a sidewall of the housing and can rotate no further when the device is in the armed configuration.

Abstract: A projectile fuze (12) having fuze electronics in which the time of flight (T) can be programmed, having a timer/counter which counts up to the programmed time of flight (T)—minus a defined time value (?t)—and then charges an electrical firing circuit, and having a mechanical safety and arming unit (16) which switches a firing chain to the armed position after a specific time interval. The firing chain has an electrical detonator (24), a fuze needle (20), a piercing detonator (22) and a booster charge (26). The projectile fuze (12) has a pyrotechnic force element (14), which is interconnected with the fuze electronics and mechanically blocks the safety and arming unit (16) until the time of flight (T) minus the predetermined time value (?t) is reached, after which the electrical firing circuit is charged and the safety and arming unit (16) is unlocked to the armed position by initiation of the force element (14).

Abstract: An inertia igniter including a mechanical delay mechanism having two or more members which are movable under different acceleration conditions to sequentially move a movable member upon sequential movement of the two or more members and an ignition member actuatable by the movable member such that movement of the movable member by the two or more members ignites the ignition member. The movable member can be movable by one of translation and rotation. The inertia igniter can further comprise an impact mass releasably movable in the housing, wherein the impact mass is released and movable by movement of the movable member to impact the ignition member. The inertia igniter can also further comprise a stop member for preventing movement of the impact mass until the movable member has moved a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A MEMS fuze having a moveable slider with a microdetonator at an end for positioning adjacent an initiator. A setback activated lock and a spin activated lock prevent movement of the slider until respective axial and centrifugal acceleration levels have been achieved. Once these acceleration levels are achieved, the slider is moved by a V-beam shaped actuator arrangement to position the microdetonator relative to a secondary lead to start an explosive train in a munitions round.

Abstract: A safety and arming unit (10) for a spinning projectile fuze, which has a fuze body (12) and a bearing body (14), which define a spherical cavity (16) between them, in which a spherical rotor (18) is mounted such that it can rotate, in which rotor (18) a detonator (20) is provided. In order to make the safety and arming unit suitable for fuzes in weapon systems with extremely fast munition feed units, the rotor (18) can be surrounded by a rotor locking ring (28) in the safe position, prevents the rotor (18) from rotating through an acceleration ring (30) and a spring element (32) which connects the acceleration ring (30) to the rotor locking ring (28) in an interlocking manner, with the rotor locking ring (28) being formed with a slot (36) in order that it can be spread open by rotation and centrifugal forces into an open space (34).

Abstract: A safety and arming device (10) for a spinning projectile fuze, which has a fuze housing (12), which is in the form of a pot, and a bearing body (14) with a booster charge (16). A spherical rotor (42) with a detonator (44) is mounted between the fuze housing (12) and the bearing body (14). A radial groove (22) is formed in the fuze housing (12), and an annular groove (46) is formed in the rotor (42). A holding ring (28) is forced against the annular groove (46), which is axially offset with respect to the radial groove (22), when the safety and arming device (10) is in the safe position. The holding ring (28) is designed with a separating slot (30) and a further, shorter slot (32). The separating slot (30) and the further slot (32) extend at the same distance apart in the circumferential direction of the holding ring (28) and define annular segment jaws (40). The spring device (48) has a pair of cup springs (58), which jointly form a horizontal V-shaped spring profile.

Abstract: A safing and arming (SA) system and method for a bore-launched projectile is provided. The SA system includes an arming switch, including a detonator, movable from a first position to a second position. When the arming switch is in the first position, the detonator is separated from an explosive train of the projectile. When the arming switch is in the second position, the detonator is substantially aligned with the explosive train, allowing the projectile to be armed. Safing systems are provided for retaining the arming switch in the first (safe) position. Various embodiments also allow for release of the arming switch so as to allow the arming switch to be moved to the second (armed) position, wherein the release may be triggered by a selected acceleration force exerted on the projectile and/or a determination that the projectile has been launched from the launch bore.

Abstract: A switch mechanism is provided that has a tubular enclosure; a contact pin electrically insulated from the tubular enclosure; a g-weight positioned inside the tubular enclosure and movable from an open position to a closed position; and a transparent closure that encloses one end of the tubular enclosure. The g-weight is in electrical contact with the contact pin and the tubular enclosure when the g-weight is in the closed position, such that a continuous electrical path exists from the contact pin to the tubular enclosure. The g-weight is for moving from the open position to the closed position when the switch mechanism is subjected to an acceleration greater than a threshold acceleration. The g-weight is visible through the transparent closure such that the position of the g-weight can be determined without removing the transparent closure from the tubular enclosure.

Abstract: A fuze for a submunition comprises a fuze housing with a stabilizer ribbon for aerodynamic orientation, a fuze slider released by tension on the stabilizer ribbon, an air-powered electric generator extended into the airstream by the fuze slider and powered in flight by high-speed airflow, a MEMS safety and arming device, a fuze circuit board including an explosive fireset, and an electrically initiated firetrain. The fuze is fixed to and communicates explosively with the end of a grenade warhead.

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 MEMS type safe and arm apparatus for a fuze includes a setback slider responsive to a first setback acceleration, the setback slider moving linearly in response to the first setback acceleration; a setforward slider responsive to a first setforward acceleration, the setback slider unlocking the setforward slider, the setforward slider moving linearly in response to the first setforward acceleration; a first rotor responsive to a second setback acceleration, the setforward slider unlocking the first rotor, the first rotor rotating in response to the second setback acceleration; a second rotor responsive to a second setforward acceleration, the first rotor unlocking the second rotor, the second rotor rotating in response to the second setforward acceleration; and an arming slider that moves linearly in response to the rotation of the second rotor to thereby arm the fuze.

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: An electromechanical device having a size no larger than about 10 microns utilizing a working fluid in the high pressure liquid or supercritical fluid state. A process of preparing the electromechanical device involves the introduction of the liquid or supercritical fluid therein which permits the retention of the working fluid in the liquid or supercritical state after introduction.

Abstract: A safe/arm apparatus includes a slider barrier having at least one notch formed therein, the slider barrier including an optically diffuse surface and an optically reflective surface; at least one mechanical lock removably disposed in the at least one notch; a linear actuator for moving the slider barrier from a safe position to an armed position; a battery; a laser diode connected to the battery, the laser diode emitting a light beam towards the optically diffuse surface when the slider barrier is in the safe position and towards the optically reflective surface when the slider barrier is in the armed position; a photodiode for receiving light reflected from the optically reflective surface; a transformer connected to the photodiode; and a capacitor connected to the transformer.

Abstract: A first embodiment of the invention comprises a miniature release and latch anchor assembly that can be fabricated in combination with other moving and fixed elements on a single substrate (3). Such a release and latch anchor assembly has many applications in MEMS-type devices, particularly devices whose moving elements react in response to predetermined inertial loading inputs externally imposed thereupon. This embodiment provides ways of imposing or enforcing sequential operations of moving parts in a MEMS-type device, a necessary operational requirement for safety and proper arming of projected munitions. A second embodiment of the invention is a variation of the first embodiment wherein a reinsertable-re-releasable latch anchor assembly mechanism has insertable anchor feet members (5) in cooperation with the linchpin member (7) whereby re-latching of the anchor assembly can occur.

Abstract: A projectile fuze includes a detonator carrier having a safety position and an armed position; a pin having a blocking position in which it holds the detonator carrier in the safety position and a releasing position in which the pin allows the detonator carrier to move into the armed position; a spring urging the pin into the releasing position; a pyrotechnical delay element exposed to hot propellant gases for causing ignition and combustion of the delay element; and a pin-supporting component maintaining the pin in the blocking position against a force of the spring. The pin-supporting component is held in the pin-maintaining state by the delay element until combustion thereof, whereby the pin is allowed to move into the releasing position upon combustion of the delay element.

Abstract: A self destructing impact fuse including a cylindrical firing pin having a hollow centrifugal chamber for holding a number of spheres and a number of radial openings on its surface for exposing portions of the spheres when the chamber is spun. At one end of the chamber is a spring for exerting compression force along the longitudinal axis of the chamber and at the other end is a self-destructing (SD) firing pin for striking the detonator. A centrifugal lock having a pivot offset from the longitudinal axis holds the chamber in place by mating with a groove on the surface of the centrifugal chamber. The cylindrical firing pin is seated concentrically within a frame and disposed over an escapement assembly featuring the detonator. The detonator is rotated into alignment with the SD firing pin after the projectile, incorporating the fuse, travels the minimum tactical distance. The frame is further coupled with a base, which features a point detonation (PD) firing pin for striking the detonator.

Abstract: An explosive projectile carrying an active charge is to be launched from a barrel. Detonation of the charge requires that a firing pin be driven to a firing position where it impacts a percussion cap. The firing pin is held in a safety position by a barrel probe which is movable to an armed position in a direction perpendicularly to the launch direction. Prior to launching, the barrel probe is held immovable by engagement with both the launch barrel and an acceleration sensor. When the projectile leaves the barrel and acceleration displaces the acceleration sensor, the barrel probe is free to move to its armed position. Also provided are a pretensioned spring, and a pyrotechnical delay element for generating propulsion gas. Either the spring or the delay element functions to move the firing pin to its firing position, and the other of the spring and delay element moves the barrel probe to its armed position.

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 shock tolerant fuze includes a detector for determining when fuze timing should be initiated, a movable safe and arm assembly containing a time delay circuit and a firing aperture. The firing train detonator is preferably also mounted on the movable armature. When the fuze is armed, the time delay circuit is coupled to the detector and to the detonator, and the aperture provides a pathway between the output of the detonator and the remainder of explosive firing train of the weapon. Electrical energy storage is provided on the armature for powering the time delay circuit and the detonator in the event that primary power thereto is interrupted by impact. By including the time delay circuit and energy storage on the movable armature, a very shock tolerant fuze is obtained.

Abstract: A decoy flare with a sequenced ignition is disclosed. The flare comprises a case including an aperture for an impulse cartridge, a segment of pyrotechnic material and a sequencer igniter. The sequencer igniter includes a housing having an aperture, an ignition pellet and an interrupt positioned to cover the aperture when the sequencer igniter is in the case thereby separating the ignition pellet and the pyrotechnic material. When the impulse cartridge is ignited the segment of pyrotechnic material and the sequencer igniter move out of the case, the ignition pellet is ignited, the interrupt moves to uncover the aperture and the segment of pyrotechnic material is ignited.

Abstract: In well perforating operations, it is necessary to detonate shaped charges suspended in the well. To avoid dangerous detonation at the surface, a pressure responsive mechanism is set to respond to a pressure indicative of operation at a selected depth. This pressure setting arms the detonator in cooperation with an electrical arming mechanism operative in response to a selected current flow at a required voltage for a selected interval.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cellulose-based propellant for generating gas to inflate an air bag in a vehicle occupant restraint system. In one embodiment, the propellant includes cellulose in combination with an alkali nitrate oxidizer, such a potassium nitrate, and Kaolinite clay for increasing the viscosity of the residue resulting from combustion of the propellant. Also included in the present invention is a method for producing the propellant and incorporating the propellant into an air bag restraint system. In one embodiment of the method, cellulose fiber in the form of pulp board or wood pulp is soaked in a solution that includes an oxidizing agent to produce a slurry, the slurry is then formed into a sheet of a desired density, the sheet is then at least partially dried, if required, and then formed into a desired shape for incorporation into a vehicle restraint system that employs an air bag.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic chain igniter device for cargo warhead sub-ammunition including an explosive charge contained in an enclosure, comprising a first striker mobile in a longitudinal bore of a body for striking a primer, a slider carrying the primer, the slider being slidably mounted in a transverse groove in the body and being adapted for sliding between a safety position and an armed position, wherein the safety position is defined by the slider being misaligned with the first striker and the armed position is defined by the primer being substantially aligned with the first striker. The first striker is adapted for striking the primer when the slider is in the armed position and when the sub-ammunition impacts a target. At least one device for blocking the slider in the safety position is provided.

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: This invention provides a safing and arming mechanism for a fuze for a spinning projectile including a ball rotor journaled for rotation within a cavity in the fuze. A firing pin, said cavity and a booster charge lie along the longitudinal axis of the fuze. The rotor carries a stab sensitive detonator in its diametral bore. A first spring mounted on a first seat cut into the ball normally fixes the ball with the detonator, out of alignment with the longitudinal axis of the fuze. A second spring mounted on a second seat cut into the ball also fixes the ball out of alignment. To release the ball, the first spring must be shifted aftwardly by setback force to a third seat cut into the ball, and the second spring must be enlarged by centrifugal force and removed from said second seat.

Abstract: The safe and arming device comprises a housing containing a setback weight movable rearwardly against the resistance of springs in response to forward acceleration of the housing. A fire tube in the housing has a fire tube opening, blocked initially by first and second swingable inertial arming lugs. The weight carries a pin having a first portion initially received in a first opening in the first lug for retaining it in its safe position. The setback of the weight withdraws the first pin portion from the first opening. Spin acceleration causes swinging of the first lug to its arming position wherein a detonator on the lug is aligned with the fire tube opening. The lug has a second opening for receiving a second pin portion when the weight is spring-returned after cessation of the acceleration, whereby the lug's arming position is maintained. The second lug has a third opening for receiving a third pin portion to maintain the safe position of the second lug.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic chain igniter device for cargo warhead submunition including an explosive charge contained in an enclosure, which includes a striker mobile in a longitudinal bore for striking a primer, a slider carrying the primer, wherein the slider is slidable between a safety position and an armed position. The safety position is defined by the primer being mis-aligned with the striker and the armed position is defined by the primer being substantially aligned with the striker. The device also includes at least one means for blocking the slider in the safety position and a neutralization means including a trigger actuated by a driving means for preventing the slider to slide into the armed position.

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 safe-and-arm or securing device for the fuze of a spinning or spin-stabilized projectile which includes a fuze member and a supporting member in which a spherical rotor is rotatably supported and which has a radial groove formed therein. The rotor possesses a bore having a detonator inserted therein, and in a peripheral region incorporates a grooves which extends along a plane which is axially offset relative to the radial groove, and with a spreadably or expandable restraining medium being inserted into the groove. The restraining medium releases the rotor which is retained in its secured position only subsequent to the firing of the projectile through the securing element which is spreadable and axially displaceable under the effect of axial and spin forces and which allows the rotor, after its release, to be pivoted in conjunction with the detonator into the armed position.

Abstract: A safe-and-arm arrangement for a grenade or other projectile, having an interrupter slide member disposed in the path of an ignition/explosive train, in which said interrupter carries a portion of said train and interlocks with a setback pin to prevent arming except after insertion of the grenade or other projectile into a launch barrel and subsequent launching thereof from the barrel.

Abstract: A propellant igniter that is controlled by temperature and is activated by cceleration. The igniter includes a booster or primer for igniting a propellant charge. A spring-loaded firing pin is cocked by a rotating sear that, when released, energizes the booster. Rotation of the sear is controlled by a plurality of springs one of which produces a moment on the sear that is a function of temperature while others, a plurality of captive springs, produce restoring forces that are inversely proportional to acceleration as detected by an acceleration sensor. When the captive springs are sufficiently relaxed by the acceleration sensor, due to an increased acceleration, to allow the sear to rotate, the cocked firing pin is released, the booster is activated and ignition occurs.

Abstract: A safe-and-arm or securing device for the fuze of a spinning or spin-stabilized projectile which includes a fuze member and a supporting member in which a spherical rotor is rotatably supported, and which has a radial groove formed therein. The rotor possesses a bore having a detonator inserted therein, and in a peripheral region incorporates a groove which extends along a plane which is axially offset relative to the radial groove, and with a spreadable or expandable restraining medium being inserted into the groove. The restraining medium releases the rotor which is retained in its secured position only subsequent to the firing of the projectile through the securing element which is spreadable and axially displaceable under the effect of axial and spin forces and which allows the rotor, after its release, to be pioted in conjuction with the detonator into the armed position.

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 fuze for missile having a linear axis passing rearwardly through a forward penetrator, an explosive charge with the penetrator, a fuze rearward the explosive charge, a propulsion rocket rearward of the fuze, and a canister rearward of the rocket and containing a deployable parachute, the fuze containing timers for deploying the parachute from the canister a predetermined interval after release of the missile from confinement, and for igniting the rocket a predetermined interval after deployment of the parachute, a further timer for causing discharge of the explosive charge a predetermined interval after axial impact of the penetrator with a target, and a safe-arm arrangement for preventing discharge of the explosive charge prior to the impact of said penetrator.