Abstract: A projectile fuze detects transitions between target layers by an electronic antenna radiating laterally into the target material and coupled to a pullable oscillator whose frequency shifts as the target material changes while the projectile penetrates. A frequency shift threshold detector relates the observed frequency shifts to a stored target profile to detonate the projectile after the desired layer penetration.

Abstract: A projectile fuze detects transitions between target layers by an electronic antenna radiating laterally into the target material and coupled to a pullable oscillator whose frequency shifts as the target material changes while the projectile penetrates. A frequency shift threshold detector relates the observed frequency shifts to a stored target profile to detonate the projectile after the desired layer penetration.

Abstract: The present invention provides two approaches for eliminating a keyhole problem associated with an azimuth-elevation gimbal antenna which is a problem that occurs when the antennae is tracking a satellite vehicle that is substantially directly overhead, i.e., the satellite vehicle is near the zenith position. At such a point, the azimuth motor of the gimbal antenna must turn very rapidly when the satellite passes through such near zenith position. A first approach involves tilting up one of the elevation axis joints when the antenna points at or near its zenith position such that the pointing angle may be altered by a predetermined angle, for example around 0.5° to 1°, from the zenith position. A second approach involves tilting the secondary reflector of the cassegrain antenna such that the pointing direction of the antenna may be altered by a predetermined angle.

Abstract: An antenna (30) includes a gimbal structure (32) having a base (46) and first and second pivoting devices (52, 54) defining a first rotational axis (40). A reflector (36) is mounted to the pivoting devices for rotating about the first axis. Signals are routed from the base to a connector (68) mounted to the reflector with a cable (10) which is coiled around a second rotational axis (50) of the antenna.

Abstract: Enclosure (28) of vacuum battery (10) includes a vacuum spring indicator (21). In a first position (23) of vacuum spring indicator (21) an indication is made that a sufficient vacuum has been drawn within enclosure (28). By a second position (24) of vacuum spring indicator (21), and indication is made that no vacuum exists within enclosure (28) and battery (10) is not operational.

Abstract: An electronic fuze package and method includes a left casing comprising a substantially flat left surface having left casing recesses and a right casing comprising a substantially flat right surface having right casing recesses. The combination of the left casing and the right casing defines a fuze casing for the mounting of fuze components. The fuze package also includes plated-on electrical tracks on the left casing, including component connections immediately adjacent to the casing recesses for electrically coupling the fuze components in a fuze circuit. The fuze package can be made of thermoplastic left and right casings which can be epoxy-glued together. Copper can be used for the plated-on electrical tracks.

Abstract: In a weapon subject to linear acceleration and spin, including a detonator and an explosive charge, the safing and arming device comprising a housing, a setback spring configuration restraining a ribbon spiral unwinder, and a detonator-enabling circuit which provides a fail safe for the omission of the safing and arming device from the fuze assembly.

Abstract: A projectile having a piercing front end with a solid lubricant molded on the front surface for reducing friction during penetration. The lubricant is molded in a shape to receive an antenna and other electronics. The front end also has an axial hole formed therein to enhance self destruction from the sudden release of compressional strain energy accumulated during penetration through a hard target.

Abstract: A mechanical field effect transistor sensor which has a drain and a source on a semiconductor portion, and a moveable gate which causes conduction between the drain and source when the gate is in proximity or touching the semiconductor portion. The gate in its preferred embodiment comprises a cantilever microbeam which allows movement of the gate up or down with respect to the semiconductor portion when a force is applied to the microbeam. The microbeam can be replaced with a diaphragm or a simply supported beam. The gate is coupled to an external voltage source which supplies a voltage to the gate causing the conduction between drain and source. Another embodiment uses a piezoelectric material for the gate which generates a voltage when it is compressed or expanded due to forces caused by changes in acceleration and magnetic fields.

Abstract: A turns-to-arm sensor which uses a piezoelectric crystal to produce a current flow dependent upon the spin rate of a projectile. An output voltage is produced across a diode, from said current, which is proportional to the square root of the voltage at the crystal. The output voltage is approximately equal to the angular velocity of the projectile and is converted to frequency. The frequency determines the rate at which a preset counter operates. At time-out of the counter an arming signal is sent.

Abstract: A projectile having a piercing front end with a solid lubricant molded on the front surface for reducing friction during penetration. The lubricant is molded in a shape to receive an antenna and other electronics. The front end also has an axial hole formed therein to enhance self destruction from the sudden release of compressional strain energy accumulated during penetration through a hard target.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a safe and arming apparatus and method that generates a magnetic field across a portion of the munition. The magnetic field provides a signal of arming data which is read by the safe and arming device in the munition. This signal is used with the velocity of the munition, after firing, to set the arming delay or the munition.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an apparatus for damping the movement of a microbeam sensor. The damping device consists of a gold plated chrome bar, or the like being placed, or fabricated, above the microbeam. This damper prevents excessive movement that could be caused from harmonic vibrations or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed providing a hermetically sealed impact switch that is non-critical to humidity and less susceptible to corrosion. The impact switch consists of a cover, a base, and a flexible beam disposed there between. Mounted in the cover and extending into a cavity created by the cover and flexible beam is a pair of contact pins, each electrically isolated from the cover and each other. Mounted to the flexible beam is a mass, which may be a piezoelectric crystal or the like. By utilizing a pair of pins, rather than one pin, the flexible beam may be mounted directly to the cover and base without an insulating bonding material which can cause corrosion of the contact pins.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for providing an impact switch that is non-critical to temperature variations and preload pressures. The impact switch consists of a plate having a pair of parallel slots disposed therethrough defining a beam capable of flexing. A mass is located on the beam. The plate is covered by a housing having a groove disposed therein and a pin extending through the cover and into the groove. The cover is placed such that the groove is disposed above the beam. When the required force is exerted on the beam it will flex causing the mass and pin to come in contact thereby completing a circuit. The force required to make contact can be varied by changing the mass and/or the material or dimension of the beam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for providing an impact switch that is non-critical to rotational forces. The impact switch consists of a plate having an "X" beam disposed therein that is capable of flexing. A mass is located in the center on one side of the beam. The plate is covered by a housing having a pin extending therethrough. The cover is placed such that when the required force is exerted on the beam it will flex causing the mass and pin to come in contact thereby completing an electrical circuit. The force required to make contact can be varied by changing the weight of the mass and/or the material or dimension of the beam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for providing an impact switch that is non-critical to temperature variations and preload pressures. The impact switch consists of a plate having a pair of parallel slots disposed therethrough defining a beam capable of flexing. A mass is located on one side of the beam and a piezoelectric crystal is located on the contact side of the beam. The plate is covered by a housing having a pin extending therethrough. The cover is placed such that when the required force is exerted on the beam it will flex causing the piezoelectric crystal and pin to come in contact thereby providing a voltage that will trigger the associated circuitry. The force required to make contact can be varied by changing the weight of the mass and/or the material or dimension of the beam.

Abstract: A method for simulating a shock pulse on an encapsulated component wherein the encapsulated component is placed in a specimen container attached to an end of a pressure bar having a mass and a drop height chosen to simulate the shock pulse. The specimen container attached to the pressure bar is dropped on an anvil and the resulting shock pulse is monitored using strain gauges. Otherwise unencapsulated components may also be tested by this method if the component is surrounded by resilient material before testing.