Proximity Fuze Patents (Class 342/166)
  • Patent number: 7453392
    Abstract: A radar processor for controlling detonation of a munition and operable to receive a detonation altitude from an external source is provided. The radar processor is configured to set a first range gate and a reference range gate based on the received detonation altitude, and cause a radar transmitter to operate in a continuous wave mode, for a predetermined period, upon receipt of radar return signals through the first range gate. The radar processor calculates a velocity of the munition from continuous wave return signals, and calculates a time delay for outputting a detonation signal based on the received detonation altitude, the calculated velocity, and a reference altitude of the munition, the altitude of the munition calculated based upon receipt of radar return signals through the reference range gate. The radar transmitter operates in a pulse mode while the munition is outside the reference range gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Thomas, Timothy J. Reilly
  • Patent number: 7417582
    Abstract: A proximity fuze (proximity fuse) comprising an ultra wideband (UWB) radar transmitter, a UWB radar receiver, an antenna, a timing system, and a signal processor. One embodiment includes an antenna with an annular conical radiation pattern. In another embodiment, a trigger delay is produced that is related to target detection range. In a further embodiment, multiple range shells are utilized to further discriminate target characteristics including velocity. A method is disclosed that utilizes target range, velocity, signal amplitude, and radar signal phase to identify the target and trigger the detonation. A proximity fuze system having a long storage life is disclosed comprising a proximity fuze element powered by a turbine generator and internal gas source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis L. Troutman, Herbert U. Fluhler, Larry W. Fullerton, Douglas D. Fitzpatrick, James Richards
  • Patent number: 7352319
    Abstract: A method for controlling a detonation altitude of a radar equipped munition is described. The method includes calculating a velocity of the munition while the munition is at an altitude greater than the desired detonation altitude, determining when the munition is at a reference altitude, and calculating a time representing when the vehicle will reach the desired detonation altitude based on the calculated velocity and determined reference altitude. The method also includes generating a fusing signal to detonate the munition after the calculated time has passed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Thomas, Timothy J. Reilly
  • Patent number: 5644099
    Abstract: A proximity fuse, hereinafter called detonator for flying bodies, particularly missiles, to combat flying targets using speed information regarding the speed between detonator and target, wherein the firing of the detonator is initiated when the speed of approach v.sub.a and the relative speed v.sub.r differ by a firing value K.sub.z which is selected in dependence on the optimum point of firing where ##EQU1## and r=the location vector from detonator to target; ##EQU2## =the differential quotient after time t.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Telefunken Systemtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Rabbow, Georg Schmucker
  • Patent number: 4859054
    Abstract: A proximity fuze system includes an optical ranging apparatus, a detonation circuit controlled by the optical ranging apparatus, and an explosive charge detonated by the detonation cirtcuit. The optical ranging apparatus includes a pulsed laser light source for generating target ranging light pulses and optical reference light pulses. A single lens directs ranging pulses to a target and collects reflected light from the target. An optical fiber bundle is used for delaying the optical reference pulses to correspond to a predetermined distance from the target. The optical ranging apparatus includes circuitry for providing a first signal depending upon the light pulses reflected from the target, a second signal depending upon the light pulses from the optical delay fiber bundle, and an output signal when the first and second signals coincide with each other. The output signal occurs when the distance from the target is equal to the predetermined distance form the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Thomas R. Harrison