Abstract: A circuit for operating a load device comprising an operating circuit including an energy storage device for providing electrical energy for operating the device and a voltage responsive switch having a control terminal and connected between a voltage source and energy storage device of the operating circuit to provide energy to the storage device and opening when the stored energy causes the voltage on both sides of the switch to be essentially the same thereby disconnecting the source from the operating circuit so that any short circuit in the load does not affect the source or the remainder of the circuit associated therewith.

Abstract: A delay type electric detonating primer for use in a multiple-step blasting system including a capacitor for storing electric changes supplied from an electric blaster via bus wires and leg wires, an actuation circuit connected across the capacitor for generating an actuation signal when an energy supply from the electric blaster is stopped, a clock pulse generating circuit having a crystal oscillator and being energized with energy stored in the capacitor to produce clock pulses, a counting circuit which is initiated to count the clock pulses in response to the actuation signal, and generates an ignition signal when the counter has counted the predetermined number of clock pulses, and a switching circuit for discharging electric charges stored in the capacitor through an igniting resistor in response to the ignition signal.

Abstract: A weapon interface system evaluator and method for testing weapon carriage assemblies used with weapons and ejectors on military aircraft. The evaluator system is adapted for interfacing with a standard weapon system avionics box that responds to the aircraft's computer via a standard MIL. SPEC. data bus. The evaluator is easily deployed at forward military operating bases and under various temperature and weather extremes.

Abstract: A multiple-contact plug connection for electrically-actuatable triggering media. The multiple-contact plug connection has an identifying capacitor connected in parallel with each triggering device, whereby the values of the capacitances of the identifying capacitors for different triggering devices will clearly distinguish from each other.

Abstract: A bomblet within a cluster bomb is provided with an individually programmable detonation time delay, such that the bomblet can be programmed to detonate at a desired time after it has been dropped. Program signals are transmitted to the bomblet from a wire that runs through an opening in the bomblet, but is not mechanically attached to the bomblet. the bomblet has a secondary transformer winding to receive signals from the transmission wire, and is provided with a unique address code such that it responds to a timing program signal only when the signal is preceded by an appropriate address code. A series of timing program signals can be transmitted to a plurality of bomblets, with the bomblet addresses adjusted after each program signal so that only one bomblet (or more, if desired) responds to each successive program signal.

Abstract: An ignition device for a projectile, in particular a guided missile, where the ignition moment is controllable as a function of the impingement delay and of the flight time of the projectile. This allows compensation for the type of material comprising the taget, e.g., hard or soft, and for the amount of time the projectile has been airborne, thus compensating for reduced projectile velocity at the time of striking the target.

Abstract: System for the electrical sequential initiation of explosions comprising a series of initiating modules connected to one another and connectable to a power supply, and a corresponding series of electrically actuable initiators. Each initiating module is connected to an initiator and embodies a non-latching switch for actuating the initiator associated with that initiating module. The non-latching switch comprises a solid state electronic device having an emitter, a gate and a collector, and comprises a short circuit between the gate and the emitter for holding the device in an "off" state to a voltage applied to the collector. The device also comprises an open circuit between the gate and the emitter for turning the device "on" to a voltage applied to the collector, while a diode integrated on the device blocks a reverse supply voltage. The non-latching switch of each initiating module save the first in the series is connected to the initiator associated with the preceding initiating module in the series.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safe and arm mechanism for an exploding projectile to be fired from a rifled gun. The projectile first experiences axial and angular acceleration which moves a setback ball to initially arm the mechanism. A third projectile parameter, angular velocity, functions to lock the ball in the armed position. During projectile flight, a spin actuated escapement mechanism moves toward a fully armed position, but may be precluded from reaching that fully armed position by a command arm arrangement. The projectile is then fully armed when a command arm signal releases the arrangement and the escapement mechanism is allowed to complete its motion to the fully armed position. When the projectile strikes a target, it experiences axial deceleration which moves a contact ball partway to a detonating position. After the projectile passes through the target surface and into a void, e.g.

Abstract: An impact fuze arrangement for a missile in which an electromagnetic field is set up within a compartment in the body of the missile and a warhead detonating signal is generated if the field intensity varies by more than a predetermined amount, as will happen due to distortion of the compartment on impact of the missile on a target. Fields may be set up within a plurality of compartments and warhead detonation may be made conditional on distortion of more than one of these compartments.

Abstract: A method for implementing an operational or functioning test on electrically-actuatable ignition or detonation-triggering circuits for ammunition, wherein the circuits are arranged on board the ammunition. Moreover, also disclosed is an arrangement for the implementation of an operational test of electrically-actuatable ignition or detonation-triggering circuits for the ammunition, wherein the circuits are arranged on board the ammunition.

Abstract: A combined warhead arming and drive motor ignition device for a self-propelled missile having a warhead and a drive motor comprises a first acceleration responsive means (1, 2, 3, 4) to provide an output when the missile achieves a first acceleration, a timer initiated by the output from the first acceleration responsive means and providing a first output (i) after expiry of a first period and before expiry of a second period and a second output (v) after expiry of a third period, and a speed responsive means (5, 6) to provide a speed output (ii) when the missile has attained a predetermined speed and also to provide a first distance indication output (vi) when the missile has travelled a first distance but has not yet travelled a second distance and a second distance indication (vi) output when the missile has travelled a third distance.

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: Each bomblet within a cluster bomb is provided with an individually programmable detonation time delay, such that the bomblets can be programmed to detonate at desired intervals over a relatively long period of time. Program signals are transmitted to a number of bomblets at the same time from a wire that runs through openings in the bomblets, but is not mechanically attached to the bomblets. The wire is attached to the bomb canister at selected points and is severed inbetween the connection points when the canister is opened, thus permitting the wire sections to be pulled away without disrupting the bomblets' dispersion pattern. Each bomblet has a secondary transformer winding to receive signals from the transmission wire, and is provided with a unique address code such that it responds to a timing program signal only when the signal is preceded by an appropriate address code.

Abstract: An electronic delay detonator for igniting an ignition resistor a predetermined delay time after supply of electric power from a blasting machine comprises two input terminals for receiving the electric power supplied from the blasting machine, a diode-bridge circuit connected to the input terminals, a power supply capacitor connected to the output of the diode bridge circuit, an RC charging circuit connected in parallel with the capacitor and having a predetermined time constant, and a monolithic IC.

Abstract: A safe-arm system for an explosive munition is provided which is in the form of a charge transfer circuit, including a low-voltage capacitor bank which over a relatively long period of time is charged by an associated air turbine. After being charged up, this charge is transferred to a transinductance by a transinductance to convert the low voltage to a high voltage. By the use of a multiplicity of transfer steps, which occur over a very short period of time, the size and weight of the transinductance can be small.

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: Low level remotely generated control signals are amplified at a local ignition site using a local power source and the amplified control signals are used to charge a local energy storage device. Thereafter firing control signals (e.g., controlled duration suppressions of the remotely generated control signals) are detected and used to control discharge of the thus stored energy through an electrical ignition device.

Abstract: A detonation system for use with supply of electrical energy has user operable firing console for selectably transmitting unit identification information, firing delay time information and selections from a command set including Output, Delay, Fire (Time), Abort, Power Up (Arm), Input, and Store. The console displays responses or information digested from responses by electrical delay detonators to the commands. The detonators have explosive, a capacitor for storing energy from the supply to set off the explosive, circuitry for charging the capacitor from the supply and transferring the energy from the capacitor to the explosive in response to first and second signals generated in response to the commands. Each detonator can be programmed with a unique identification number and delay time. The time base in each detonator can be compensated so that errors in the time base are obviated so as to achieve the correct delay.

Abstract: It comprises a detonator consisting of at least one charge and a system for igniting said charge, means for supplying a high voltage electric pulse to the detonator, means for positioning the detonator with respect to an explosive charge and for applying it to said charge. A control probe is positioned to the rear of the detonator and is applied thereto, said probe consisting of a film, having two faces, of a biaxially stretched polymer having a polarized zone and an electrode connected to each face of the polarized zone. Connection means connect each electrode to a measuring device.

Abstract: An air driven electrical generator, carried by a weapon, supplies low voltage electrical energy to a storage capacitor which in turn supplies reoccurring constant amounts of electrical energy to the primary of a flyback transformer. The secondary of the flyback transformer supplies relatively high voltage electrical energy to a slapper detonator capacitor.

Abstract: Electrical circuit continuity test apparatus for the high energy discharge circuitry of a firing unit couples to the stripline transmission line of the discharge circuitry but adds minimal inductance to the circuit. This is achieved by a coupling transformer having a core of high magnetic permeability alloy which loops around one of the strip conductors of the stripline. The primary winding, which couples into test circuit is merely another conductor wrapped around this core. The primary winding senses the reflected capacitive impedance of the discharge circuitry which includes an added capacitor to bypass the high energy switch of the discharge circuitry.Impedance sensing is accomplished by a resistance bridge driven by an oscillator and where imbalances indicating a defective circuit are sensed by a synchronous demodulator and a window comparator.

Abstract: A variable timing power storage arrangement for pre-setting a time interval between launch of a projectile and the initiation of a particular function or functions of said projectile and for storing power required inter alia for the initiation of said function or functions at the expiration of said interval, the arrangement comprising inductive coupling means for establishing before launch of the projectile an electrical coupling path between the projectile and control means associated with projectile launching means, signal generating means associated with the control means for generating a train of tone-burst modulated pulses for transmission over said inductive coupling means to the projectile, rectifying means in said projectile for rectifying the pulses of said train the first of which is utilized for charging up power storage capacitor means in the projectile to provide a d.c.

Abstract: An oscillator supplies clock pulses to a counter which also has a preselected time applied thereto and arming means are initiated when the count reaches the preselected time. Checking means are utilized throughout the circuitry to provide failsafe checking of each critical circuit with the arming circuit being deactivated if an error is detected. The entire circuit is incorporated in a single IC for energy and space conservation.

Abstract: An electronic ignition control circuit, including a logic circuit which is powered from a power supply source, for the obtaining of an ignition clearance signal from a combination of ignition clearance signals from a combination of ignition sensor signals, and including an electrical detonator which is ignitable through the intermediary of a switching element which is electronically reversible responsive to the ignition signal.

Abstract: A programmable electronic delay fuse for initiating a firing after a programmed and accurate delay time has been chosen, comprising a fire control unit (FCU), a programming unit (PU) to program and test the fire control unit (FCU), and optical coupling interface means (1) on each unit to electrically interconnect firing and status means (3) on the fire control unit (FCU) with command and test means on the programming unit.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic or explosive device comprises a pyrotechnic or explosive charge and an electrical firing circuit therefor. The firing circuit includes a source of electrical energy, an electrical firing element to ignite the charge, and an electric switch connected between the energy source and the firing element. The switch includes biasing means and manually engageable means for holding the switch open against the biasing means. Delay means, either pyrotechnic or electrical, are preferably included.

Abstract: A dual system for ballistic deployment of a parachute (40) caused by explosion of a powder charge (54) to propel a projectile (52) away from an air vehicle, pulling the parachute (40) away from the air vehicle and allowing the parachute to inflate free of the air vehicle. The powder charge (54) is exploded alternatively by the pilot pulling a pull handle (12) to send an igniting current to fire cap (55), or by the pilot pulling handle (70) to activate a spring driven firing pin (80) to fire cap (82); the firing of cap (55) or the firing of cap (82) will explode the powder charge (54).

Abstract: A base element fuze having dual safing is disclosed. The fuze is useful with an explosive type shell propelled into a ballistic trajectory from the barrel of a gun. The fuze is actuated to move from first safety to the armed condition after experiencing the inertial setback forces of gun firing followed by the drag forces of deceleration during the ballistic flight phase before target impact. The firing circuit contains an inertial magnetic power supply or setback generator which produces a voltage pulse when the gun is fired, a storage capacitor to receive and store the pulse which is later used to initiate a detonator, and switch closure interface circuitry encircuiting the capacitor with the detonator at target impact. The sequence of events within the fuze is programmed by a spring driven rotor which is latched in first safety when assembled, is released when the gun fires, and moves to the armed position in about 18 ms.

Abstract: A number of detonating primers are electrically blasted by supplying a high frequency current through a bus wire formed by a pair of parallel conductors connected to each other at distal ends and having a constant impedance with which bus wire loops connected to the detonating primers via leg wires are electromagnetically coupled via a number of magnetic cores having slits formed therein. At first, one or more loops are inserted into respective magnetic core through the slit and one of the parallel conductors is also inserted into the magnetic core through the slit. When the high frequency current having a frequency from 100 KHz to 1 MHz is passed through the conductors of bus wire in opposite directions, there is induce electromagnetically secondary high frequency currents in respective loops, which are supplied to respective detonating primers for explosion.

Abstract: A microcomputer controlled electronic fuze capable of surviving a hard tat impact is disclosed comprising two epoxy potted printed circuit boards mounted back to back of which one of the boards is designed to survive impact and contains the microcomputer controller, storage charge, timing circuit, and fire pulse detonator circuit. The other board carries an electric motor drive circuit for mechanical timing and detonator alignment, a detonation delay command storage circuit, and an AC rectifier and voltage regulator circuit coupling a wind turbine generator power supply to the fuze.

Abstract: An electronic delay detonator actuated after the lapse of a predetermined delay time from the application of an input power source, comprises a capacitor for storing the electrical energy supplied from the input power source, a diode bridge for preventing the stored electrical energy from being released reversely toward the input power source, a CR oscillator, a counter for generating a signal upon having counted a pulse signal produced from the CR oscillator by a predetermined number, and a thyristor driven by the signal for supplying the electrical energy stored in the capacitor to an ignition device in the detonator, the delay time being accurately determined by counting the pulses generated from the CR oscillator.

Abstract: A fuze having an impact delay implemented by strobing the count from a time-of-flight counter to set a down counter after an impact is sensed and then decrementing the down counter to a predetermined count at which point a firing signal is passed.

Abstract: A time-delayed ignition system for a down-hole explosive tool such as a wireline cutter. The ignition system preferably includes: (a) a longitudinal housing; (b) means for supplying electrical current to the housing; (c) an electrical igniter located in the housing and operable to activate the down-hole tool by applying the electrical current to the igniter, and (d) means for delaying application of the current to the igniter until a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Preferably, the time-delay means are electronic and disposed within the housing.

Abstract: A high energy switching circuit for an initiator, for example, an exploding bridgewire (EBW) or slapper-type detonator, includes a charged capacitor which is placed across a pair of series diodes connected in a reverse standoff voltage mode with respect to the capacitive voltage in series with an EBW initiator circuit. A switching field effect transistor is connected in shunt across the lower diode. In the armed condition, the pair of diodes clamp the high energy capacitor voltage at their reverse avalanche voltage. Upon the activation of the switching transistor, the capacitor voltage is impressed across the upper diode and a high reverse current flows through the upper diode placing it in destructive conduction which immediately also forces the other diode into destructive conduction to complete the series circuit from the capacitor to the EBW or slapper detonator. The circuit comprises low cost components and features very good firing simultaneity between similar firing circuits.

Abstract: A method of charging a borehole with a column of explosives is described wherein the explosive charge is detonable in time-delay sequence by means of electrically initiated detonators. The method requires providing a loop of an insulated electrical conductor throughout the length of the borehole and, as the borehole is charged with explosives, sliding electrically actuable time-delay detonators along the wire so as to be positioned at intervals throughout the borehole. The detonators are electrically coupled to the looped wire by means of slidable toroidal transformer cores. The wire loop, in turn, is electromagnetically energized by means of a second transformer core and an energy source. The method provides for safe and efficient borehole charging and avoids the hazards associated with usual electric detonator systems.

Abstract: For small calibre projectiles the electrical energy needed for igniting a low-ohm ignition capsule is stored in a supply or ignition capacitor which, upon firing of the projectile, is charged by a current generator. To ensure that during charging of the supply capacitor upon firing of the projectile, the ignition capsule does not prematurely ignite, there are provided safety circuits, in particular a static blocking circuit, a dynamic blocking circuit and a static delatching circuit.

Abstract: A timing circuit is described which includes a storage capacitor, a switch, and a load to be energized in a closed loop. A programmable timer, energized by the storage capacitor controls the switch. An external potential is applied to charge the capacitor and hold the timer in a reset mode. Upon removal of the external potential the timer is enabled and closes the switch a predetermined time thereafter.

Abstract: The invention is an improved process for programming electronic fuzes, whby the fuze facility may be reprogrammed electronically without the need for disassembly and replacement of components of the circuitry. The invention comprises a circuit arrangement which provides a secondary receiving coil, of the reprogrammable electronic fuze system, that is positioned adjacent to the interior surface of a munition wall so that it can easily pick up high frequency programming signals from an external drive circuit. The receiving coil feeds programming signals to a rectifier. The output of the rectifier encodes a bubble memory. The bubble memory can be reprogrammed anytime prior to the use of the munition, by the same procedure. When the munition is deployed a launching mechanism closes an activation switch to the munitions power supply and at the same moment a short high frequency arming pulse from the external signal activates the internal power supply.

Abstract: An arrangement for the contactless transmission of electrical energy to a missile during the firing thereof from a firing device including a transformer-like coil system having a primary coil system connected to the firing device and a secondary coil system connected to the missile. The primary coil system is supplied with electric energy and the secondary coil system is responsive to the electric energy developed in the primary coil system for developing electrical energy therein. A partition is arranged between the primary coil system and the secondary coil system and is formed of a nonmagnetic material capable of withstanding thermal and mechanical stresses of repeated firings by the firing device. The partition is fixedly connected with the firing device and disposed for sealing the primary coil system with respect to the missile at least during the firing of the missile from the firing device.

Abstract: An electronic delay blasting circuit (100) receives an input signal through input lines (102, 104). The input signal is passed through a rectifier (106) to produce a DC signal for storing charge on capacitors (140, 152). The capacitor (152) serves as a power supply for a digital counting circuit. The capacitor (140) serves to store electrical energy for firing an electric match ignition element (174). A plurality of switches (200, 202, 244, 246, 248, 250 and 252) are set to a reference count to determine the delay period of the circuit (100). When the input signal is terminated, counter circuits (196, 198) are initiated to count the clock output of an oscillator (208). When the sequential count from the counters (196, 198) equals the stored reference count, an SCR (176) is triggered to apply the stored electrical charge from capacitor (140) to the electric match ignition element (174).

Abstract: A fuse triggering device for air to air missiles incorporates a readily rvable housing consisting of a threaded member mounted on a standard nut as a base and a hermetically sealed cover. The electronic components are wafered on a silicon substrate disc using a field effect transistor circuit to interrupt a transducer generated pulse as a gate for a silicon controlled rectifier which passes a triggering pulse.

Abstract: A digital timer fuze (DTF) in subcombination with a digital timer fuze sym. The central element in the fuze system is the aircraft fire-control computer including a fuze setter, which receives input signals from various sensors as required for rocket trajectory computations and, in addition, pilot commands. When the pilot arms the system and selects a firing mode, power is supplied to each fuze in the load. When the firing button (pickle switch) is depressed, timing commands are injected into each fuze in proper sequence and the rocket motors are initiated via circuits and initiators incorporated in the launcher pods. As each rocket moves forward under motor thrust, the lead to its fuze is separated. Physical interruption of this circuit initiates the "run" phase of the digital timer fuze.The digital timer fuze is electrically connected to the fuze setter. A signal from the fuze setter charges a power supply capacitor and causes a counter to count clock pulses for a given period of time and store the count.

Abstract: An alternating current generator for use as a shot exploder suitable for firing electric detonators coupled through toroid transformers e.g. `Magnadet` detonators. The detonating system is energized by means of a signal that is automatically generated at the resonant frequency, thus avoiding the usual time-consuming and dangerous practice involving in-situ determination of inductance and selection of capacitors. A power oscillator having a transistor is used to supply the energizing signal. This transistor is switched by a current feedback signal. In the preferred form a transformer is located in series with the output, the secondary of the transformer driving the transistor.

Abstract: An alternating current generator for use as a shot exploder suitable for firing electric detonators coupled through toroid transformers e.g. `Magnadet` detonators. The detonating system is energized by means of a signal that is automatically generated at the resonant frequency, thus avoiding the usual time-consuming and dangerous practice involving in-situ determination of inductance and selection of capacitors.

Abstract: An electronic safe and arm device for generating a trigger signal for initiating detonation of a flying plate detonator. A toroidal trigger capacitor surrounds the electronics of the device and will be shorted to disable the safe and arm device if damage occurs thereto. First and second sensor switches responsive to selected flight parameters control the charging of the trigger capacitor. A normally closed arm enable switch prevents the charging of the trigger capacitor until after break-wire launch has occurred.

Abstract: Separate electrical timing and load activation devices are provided for each of plural electrical loads and each device is connected to receive reference timing signals from a central unit. Each of the separate timing and load activation devices measures a reference time interval accurately defined by the reference timing signals and subsequently activates its associated electrical load after a respectively corresponding predetermined time delay which is determined as a function of the locally measured reference time interval.

Abstract: An explosive device comprises a charge of explosive material which can be fired by feeding power from a firing circuit to an igniter circuit which includes an electrically-energizable fuse. In order to check the integrity of the igniter circuit, a monitoring circuit feeds a continuous stream of electrical pulses to the fuse circuit at such a low energy level that the pulses cannot cause ignition of the explosive charge, but they are sufficient to cause a light-emitting diode to emit short bursts of light. The production of these bursts is monitored by a receiver circuit via an optical fibre, and provided that corresponding signals are received continuously by a timer, a lamp indicates that the igniter circuit is ready for operation. If there is a break in the received signals, for example due to open-circuiting of the fuse, an alarm is operated. The connections between the igniter circuit and the monitoring circuit may be made via a demountable transformer.

Abstract: An electrical projectile detonator which includes a voltage source, an impact detector, a timing element as well as an ignition switch which is arranged intermediate the voltage source and a detonating agent, and wherein the timing element is connected with the impact detector and the ignition switch.

Abstract: A fuse provided with a detonator which is ignited by an electrical ignition signal is described. The detonator has a first terminal normally connected to earth and supported by a rotatable member which can move the detonator from a first position in which it is unable to transmit ignition to the chain, to a second position in which a second terminal thereof is in contact with a contact element at which the ignition signal arrives. The rotatable member is rotated by the centrifugal and inertia forces acting on the fuse and is controlled by a delay device arranged to allow it to rotate in a predetermined time and during at least part of the rotation of the rotatable member, the second terminal of the detonator is maintained in electrical contact with the earth so as to make the detonator electrically inactive during the part of the rotation.

Abstract: A warhead initiation system in which a helical magnetic fluxtrapper explo a copper mesh initiator at a single point, several points, along a line and/or over a surface.