Abstract: A method is provided for differentiating a non-firing event of a munition from a firing event. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; calculating an impact pulse from the output; and determining whether the munition is to be fired based on the calculation.

Abstract: An inertial igniter for use with a thermal battery for producing power upon acceleration is provided. The inertial igniter including: a base; at least one member disposed on the base, the at least one member having a hole; a mass movable towards the base, the mass having a concave portion; a locking ball disposed in the hole in the at least one member and having a portion thereof disposed in the concave portion for preventing relative movement of the mass with the base when an acceleration time profile is below a predetermined threshold; and a biasing spring including a portion for preventing the locking ball from leaving the concave portion when the acceleration time profile is below the predetermined threshold and for allowing the locking ball to leave the concave portion when the acceleration time profile is below the predetermined threshold to unlock the mass and permit movement of the mass relative to the base.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to initiate a detonation utilizing an impact switch. A nose assembly is mounted upon a missile or other kind of explosive device. Within the nose assembly conductive elements are separated from one another. The conductive elements are electrically connected to a fuze within the weapon. Upon an impact, the conducting elements within the assembly are forced together thereby completing a circuit in the fuze and initiating a detonation. A method of initiating a detonation utilizes an impact switch within which forcing conducting elements together initiates a detonation.

Abstract: An inertia igniter including: a housing; and a movable striker supported by first and second stages, the first stage having a first locking element for releasing the second stage upon a first predetermined acceleration of the housing and the second stage having a second locking element for releasing the striker upon a second predetermined acceleration of the housing greater than the first predetermined acceleration. Wherein the first and second locking elements of the first and second stages occupy a common cross-sectional volume along a longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: An inertial delay mechanism for use in an explosive projectile is provided. The delay mechanism consists of an inertial delay fuse that is precise, doesn't require sensitive primary explosives and doesn't utilize electronic circuitry. The inertial delay fuse includes a free sliding charge element that strikes an anvil located opposite to the sliding charge element. A delay gap is provided between the sliding charge element and the anvil. Upon impact, the sliding charge element slides forward and impacts the anvil, thereby inducing a shock wave in an initiator charge that subsequently results in detonation of main charges. The design is mechanically simple and robust enough to withstand severe g-loading forces that occur during firing and penetration of a projectile.

Abstract: A fuze for a weapon configured as a projectable device is provided to reduce the mechanical amplification of impact and penetration shock to a fuze-mounted accelerometer when a projectable device including the fuze encounters a target. The fuze includes a fuze housing having an outer surface, a flange extending radially from the outer surface of the fuze housing, and an acceleration sensor connected to the flange. The flange may include one or more axial holes to enable attachment of the fuze to a projectable device. A penetrating weapon projectable device and a method for installing a fuze for a projectable device are also provided.

Abstract: A fuze mounting assembly for a penetrating weapon configured as a projectable device, the fuze mounting assembly having fasteners, a fuze well and a fuze. The fuze includes an integral bolt flange for securing to the fuze well with the fasteners, wherein an amplification of acceleration of less than 3.0 is satisfied when the penetrating weapon is subjected to impact and penetration shock. Additionally, a projectable device having the fuze is provided. Also, a fuze mounting and a method for mounting a fuze are provided.

Abstract: An inertial igniter including: a first member having a wall and internal cavity; a second member slidable in the internal cavity, a striker disposed thereon and a first concave portion; a third member slidable on an exterior surface of the wall, a second concave portion; biasing springs for biasing the first and second members in a direction opposite an acceleration; locking balls in the first and second concave portions for preventing movement of the second and third members when the acceleration time profile is below a predetermined threshold; and a percussion cap primer on the first member; wherein when the acceleration time profile is greater than the predetermined threshold the locking balls are released from the concave portions to first permit relative movement of the third member with the first member and after a time delay to permit relative movement of the second member with the first member.

Abstract: An impact switch includes a housing having a wall including at least two electrically conductive contact elements spaced apart from one another. The switch includes an inertial body having a conductive surface disposed in a tapered aperture and electrically connecting the contact elements to one another in a switch closed condition. An impact switch for rapidly firing an explosive device is provided.

Abstract: A fuze (10) for a projectile, in particular for a spin-free projectile, having a first and a second arming criterion for the safety and arming unit (14) for the fuze (10), with the first arming criterion using the launch acceleration of the projectile (12) or of the fuze (10). The fuze (10) has pressure and/or temperature sensors (20) arranged at a distance from one another in order to measure the pressure and/or temperature difference during the Right phase of the projectile (12), with the respective difference measured value being compared by means of a comparator (24) with a predetermined threshold value (26), and with a corresponding comparison signal (28) forming the second arming criterion for the safety and arming unit (14) of the fuze (10).

Abstract: A safe and arm (S&A) device is disclosed. The device utilizes a no-fire separation distance and a mechanical configuration of primary explosive/booster explosive and secondary explosive to establish a safe mode. While in safe mode, the device would allow no more than 1 in 1 million detonation transfers to occur from primary to secondary. In armed mode, the no-fire separation distance is taken away, allowing reliable detonation transfer. Two arming environments, which occur after launch and safe separation, are used to move the S&A device to armed mode. The first environment is the release event of the projectiles from their packed state in a dispenser. The second environment is a target sense mechanism. If either arming environment returns to its original state, the mechanism returns to safe mode. The S&A device will not allow inadvertent packing into the dispenser of explosive devices in the armed state.

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 safe and arm (S&A) device is disclosed. The device utilizes a no-fire separation distance and a mechanical configuration of primary explosive/booster explosive and secondary explosive to establish a safe mode. While in safe mode, the device would allow no more than 1 in 1 million detonation transfers to occur from primary to secondary. In armed mode, the no-fire separation distance is taken away, allowing reliable detonation transfer. Two arming environments, which occur after launch and safe separation, are used to move the S&A device to armed mode. The first environment is the release event of the projectiles from their packed state in a dispenser. The second environment is a target sense mechanism. If either arming environment returns to its original state, the mechanism returns to safe mode. The S&A device will not allow inadvertent packing into the dispenser of explosive devices in the armed state.

Abstract: A detonation timing apparatus and method of determining a detonation time is disclosed. The detonation timing apparatus comprises an initiation sensor, at least one impact sensor, and at least one controller. The at least one controller may be configured for sensing an initiation event associated with the initiation sensor and sensing an impact event associated with the at least one impact sensor. The at least one controller is further configured for determining an impact velocity estimate proportional to a temporal difference between the initiation event and the impact event, using the impact velocity estimate to determine the detonation delay, and generating the detonation event at the detonation delay after the impact event. The timing apparatus and method of determining a detonation time may be incorporated in a fuze, which may be incorporated in an explosive projectile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for triggering a warhead in a target-tracking guided missile. The guided missile has an impact fuse and a proximity fuse for triggering detonation of the warhead. The invention triggers the warhead such that the damage caused to the target, such as an enemy fighter aircraft, becomes maximal. To this end, the miss disdance is predicted from influencing variabled detected during the flight of the guided missile. The warhead triggering delay time of the proximity fuse is set dependent on the predicted miss distance to achieve such maximum damage.

Abstract: A rifle muzzle launched projectile having a launch tube defining an interior cavity, and having an opening at one end with an inner diameter sized to fit over the end of a rifle muzzle; a bullet trap located in the launch tube cavity; and a payload assembly mounted on the launch tube. The payload assembly is further configured for safely releasing a payload in a controlled manner. The payload assembly also includes a casing for retaining an aerosol composition; a propellant located in the casing; a primer for igniting the propellant; and a frangible portion of the casing in contact with the aerosol composition.

Abstract: An igniting element, such as is used in a vehicle air bag igniter reduces the power dissipated by the air bag ignition circuit, as well as its space requirement and its costs, by using the ignition switch/switches as the ignition element (7) itself of the ignition circuit. The ignition circuit is integrated in a silicon chip, and has at least one ignition switch constructed as a transistor.

Abstract: Provided is a compact, low-cost, lightweight, man-packable weapon system for engaging static and slowly maneuvering targets. In one embodiment, it may incorporate in its own backpack a compact launcher and multiple compact missiles, each weighing less than five pounds, for carry on a soldier's back. The missile itself uses a strapped-down acquisition and tracking sensor electrically connected to a simplified guidance system interfaced with an aero-control section capable of altering the flight path of the missile to a target. A solid-propellant rocket motor provides sufficient power to propel the missile at a predetermined limited speed and over a pre-determined limited distance that enables the proper operation of the simplified guidance system. A method for deploying a man-packable weapon system is disclosed also.

Abstract: A device for firing a pyrotechnic propellent composition having a sensor mass (3) which for firing purposes releases a locking lever (4) which in the rest position bears lockingly against a ring (9) of the firing pin (1).

Abstract: An initiator (10) comprises first and second coaxial terminals (70, 80) engageable by an electrical connector (40) to connect the terminals electrically with vehicle circuitry. Electrical insulation (100) electrically insulates between the first and second terminals (70, 80). The initiator (10) also comprises a spring (150) made of an electrically conductive material. The spring (150) has a first portion (156) electrically connected with the first terminal (70). The spring (150) has a first condition, when the first and second terminals (70, 80) are not connected with the electrical connector (40), in which a second portion (160) of the spring is in electrical contact with the second terminal, thereby shorting the initiator (10). The spring (150) has a third portion (162) which is engageable by the electrical connector (40) upon connection of the electrical connector with the first and second terminals (70, 80).

Abstract: The invention relates to a random time delay fuze for an area denial submtion with anti-disturbance capability.

Abstract: Actuating circuitry which may be used with a contact exploder, useful on a orpedo, for example, which is sensitive not only to direct hits but also to abrasive damage or sea water exposure caused by grazing contact, but insensitive to changes in its velocity or momentum or unwanted environmental background, such as shock, vibration and electromagnetic field variation. The exploder includes a normally insulated and shielded wire which traverses that part of the surface of the missile which is most likely to make contact with a target. The wire is so connected into associated actuating circuitry that it will cause explosion if: (1) even grazing contact with a target causes removal of even a small amount of the insulation and shielding of the wire, which causes grounding of the circuitry at the wire; or (2) even grazing contact opens or breaks the wire at any point.

Abstract: An ammunition bearing unit is provided. The unit includes at least three casings. When the ammunition bearing unit strikes a target, the casings are deformed and make successive electrical contacts. A detecting unit is arranged to detect a time difference between the successive electrical contacts created by the deformation of the casings. The detecting unit generates an initiation signal only if the time difference exceeds a selected value. An ignition system sends a signal to a charge as a function of the electrical contacts.

Abstract: A triggering arrangement for the priming or initiation of an anti-shelter projectile and more particularly, the triggering or detonation of the warhead of the projectile subsequent to the penetrating of the shelter wall structure. The triggering arrangement is provided with a time-delay device which delivers a trigger-releasing signal in dependence upon reaching of the entry of the through-passage into the shelter wall or the exit from the passage through the shelter wall.

Abstract: An ignition system for an ammunition-bearing unit includes at least two casings, an inner and an outer casing, which are arranged to at least partially surround each other and are intended to undergo deformation upon striking a target and thus establish electrical contact, and a detecting unit for detecting when electrical contact is established and for, upon actual striking of the target, emitting at least one initiation signal for triggering the charge of the anmunition-bearing unit. At least one of the casings includes plurality of sections which are spaced around its periphery and which are electrically insulated from each other and, upon deformation of the casings establish an individual electrical contact with the opposite at least one part of the at least one other casing.

Abstract: An accurate, yet ultra low power fuse electronics is presented in which two methods are used to reduce power consumption in the fuze electronics. First, the fuze uses low power 3.3 volt logic chips ("LV" series or equivalent CMOS logic chips) along with switches that have low input capacitance and low quiescent current. Second, a circuit design is used which, while still accomplishing the objects of the invention, drastically reduces the number of electronic elements required. When a projectile is fired from a weapon, a fire control system transmits a signal to a data conditioner located on the projectile. The data conditioner demodulates and filters the signal, producing a burst time data word which is transmitted to a microcontroller. The data conditioner is comprised of passive components, therefore no supply power is required. The microcontroller decodes the data word and also uses the data word to correct any error in the high and low speed fuze oscillators.

Abstract: A guidance monitoring safety system for a guided missile having platform os and electromechanical integrators with inputs from a guidance information analyzer. The system monitors malfunctions resulting from erratic or unsafe missile flight either dudding the missile if any malfunctions are present or providing a safe-to-arm fuzing signal in the absence of malfunctions.

Abstract: An arming system for a missile which prevents destruction of the missile side of a specified area. The missile may be launched from a submarine, and follow a water-air-trajectory, and includes a variable-range timer acting in conjunction with an impact detection system. The timer drives arming switches to the armed condition after a predetermined time, and then opens the switches after a second predetermined time, which establishes a maximum range for detonation of the missile warhead.

Abstract: A ballistically deployed restraining net system including a projectile, a net packaged in the projectile, a net deployment device for unfurling the net in flight, and a fuze for triggering the net deployment device upon the occurrence of a preestablished criteria such as the impact of the projectile with an object, the expiration of a preestablished time period after launch or upon the projectile reaching a predetermined distance to an object.

Abstract: A pancake-configured housing holds first and second printed circuit boards. The first board includes electronic circuitry providing an adjustable timing delay and a first switch manually operated from a position external to the housing. The second board includes a pyrotechnic device and electronic circuitry for firing the device after the adjustable time delay. The second board also includes second switches with arms actuatable to convert such switches from first to second operative states. In the first state, the second switches short circuit the device and an energy storage member (e.g. a capacitor) on the second board and provide an open circuit to the circuitry on the first board. In the second state, the second switches provide a charging of the capacitor, the initiation of the timing through the circuitry in the first board with the first switch closed and the device firing by the capacitor energy after the adjustable delay.

Abstract: A shock sensing dual mode warhead is provided for use against both soft and ard targets and is capable of sensing which type of target has been struck. The warhead comprises a casing made of a ductile material containing an explosive charge and a fuze assembly. The ductile warhead casing will mushroom upon striking a hard target while still confining the explosive. Proper ductility and confinement are necessary for fuze shock sensing. The fuze assembly contains a pair of parallel firing trains, one initiated only by dynamic pressure caused high impact deceleration and one initiated by low impact deceleration. The firing train actuated by high impact deceleration senses dynamic pressure transmitted, during deformation of the warhead, through the explosive filler which is employed as a fuzing signature. The firing train actuated by low impact deceleration contains a pyrotechnic delay to allow penetration of soft targets.

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 timing and safe module for firing a missile that provides timed DET trir signals in response to a launch signal, a signal indicating that operating voltage is present and a signal indicating proximity to a target, as well as diagnostic signals indicating clock phasing.

Abstract: A multifunctional magnetic fuze is disclosed. The sensor includes an apparatus and method for counting each rotation of a projectile after firing from a weapon. A signal is generated which indicates the rotations of the projectile and a counter counts the turns so that the projectile may detonate at a predetermined nominal number of turns. The turns count may also be used to calculate spin rate and muzzle velocity so that the nominal turns count may be adjusted based on actual velocity. The fuze also may include a timer for counting a time to burst of a projectile. The turns count and/or the times count may be utilized to provide accurate detonation.

Abstract: An improved power supply (10) for an electrical circuit (12) mounted on a projectile. The inventive power supply (10) includes a mechanism (14) on the projectile for generating electrical energy on the acceleration thereof. The energy is stored and released to a load on the deceleration of the projectile. In a particular implementation, the energy producing mechanism (14) is a piezo-electric transducer. Storage of electrical energy in the transducer is facilitated by the connection of a diode (16) across the output terminals thereof. An acceleration switch (18) is provided which is mounted on the projectile to be open on acceleration and closed on deceleration thereof. The switch (18) thereby releases a predetermined amount of stored energy to the load (12) only on the impact of the projectile with an object.

Abstract: Triggering a pyrotechnic charge. The contactor comprises:a supporting base (6), made of insulating material, having at least two conducting terminals (7 and 8),a contact sleeve (13) centered coaxially on the base, in contact with one of the terminals and having fingers urged centrifugally by elastic elements (22),a deformable conducting case (24) in contact with the second terminal,and a conducting slide (28) movable by inertia on the axis of symmetry against the action of a retaining spring (31).Application as an impact contactor for projectiles.

Abstract: This system includes, in a projectile P bearing explosive warheads 2, 4, with their firing device 3, 5, impact detectors 1, an inertial unit 6 and a computer 7. The computer 7 determines, on the basis of the signals from the detectors 1, the instant of impact To and the angle of incidence I of the projectile on the target and, on the basis of the signals from the inertial unit 6, the speed V of the projectile at the instant of impact. Using the data V, I and the data on the type of target C, the computer 7 determines, in real time, the optimum delay with respect to the instant To for the firing of each warhead, and applies this delay to the firing command.

Abstract: An ammunition unit includes an impact fuse for sensing the hardness of a target and, based on the sensed hardness, triggering a burst inside, at or outside the target. The impact fuze includes a first sensor for sensing soft targets having a first outer cone with a conductive inner surface and a first inner cone surrounded by the first outer cone having a conductive outer surface. These conductive inner surfaces come in contact with each other upon an impact of the ammunition unit against a soft target due to deformation of the outer cone towards the first inner cone. A second impact sensor for sensing hard targets includes a second inner cone with a conductive outer surface and the first inner cone having also a conductive inner surface and surrounding the second inner cone, the first inner cone being deformable or displaceable towards the second inner cone with the conductive surfaces coming into contact with each other upon impact against hard targets, but not during impact against a soft target.

Abstract: A static arming device for a bomb having a housing and a main charge therein is provided and consists of a portable power source and a fuse ignitor carried within the housing. The fuse ignitor is for detonating the main charge and is electrically connected to the power source. A mechanism is for selectively activating and deactivating the power source so as to arm and disarm the fuse. Another mechanism is for detonating the fuse ignitor after the power source is activated and when the rocket bomb impacts a target.

Abstract: A launchable a fin-stabilized round having an HE warhead that is fully telescoped in a cartridge case. The round has a forward, cone-shaped nose section, a base section with a booster cavity and a high-explosive (HE) cavity located therebetween. An HE charge is positioned in the HE cavity and a booster charge is positioned in the booster cavity. A time fuze, mounted in the booster cavity, has a presettable counter that is set by the gunner at firing via a hardwire data link through an electric primer. The tiem fuze will fire the booster charge a predetermined time period after the round is launched to enable a normally disabled proximity fuze that is mounted in the nose section. The proximity fuze will detonate the HE charge upon detection of a proximate target. Also mounted in the nose section is a contact switch for detonating the HE charge upon impact with a hard target.

Abstract: A base mounted remote set digital time fuze permits a chambered round to e power, time setting information and cartridge case firing voltage available at an electric primer terminal of the cartridge case. Fuze power, time setting information and cartridge firing are performed sequentially over the same hardwire line.

Abstract: The invention provides an explosively actuated switch and a method of using the same. The switch will include primary conductive elements which will remain generally stationary, and one or more movable conductive elements which will be clamped between the stationary elements. Various types of mechanisms may be utilized to exert a clamping force on one or more of the stationary members. An explosive material is provided to move the movable members from engagement with the stationary members upon detonation.

Abstract: An impact switch having a housing containing a rigid coaxial conductor ening one end. An inner cylindrical contact extends axially inward from and beyond the in housing end of an outer tubular contact which has a spiral spring extending axially from within a recess therein. The free end of the spring supports a mass spaced from the end of the inner contact. The contacts, spring and mass are enclosed within a flexible shroud spaced from the inner wall of the housing. The space between the shroud and housing contains an electrorheological fluid, the viscosity of which is a function of the voltage supplied by two electrodes extending through the housing and into the fluid. The voltage controlled viscosity permits control of damping of the shroud, mass, and spring movements in response to impact caused switch deceleration and control of time for switch closure and fuze delay by means of mass contact with the inner cylindrical contact, or spring contact with the outer tubular contact.

Abstract: A controlled rectifier firing circuit for the warhead of a missile located n a rocket powered test sled traveling along a track in a target vulnerability test range. The firing circuit includes a silicon controlled rectifier which when rendered conductive discharges a capacitor to fire a warhead detonator. A relatively high voltage DC source is coupled to the capacitor prior to sled travel toward the target. A second capacitor is also charged from the high voltage source and discharges through a resistance when an impact type actuator switch is closed at the time of detonation. The voltage developed across the resistor is coupled to the gate electrode of the silicon controlled rectifier which renders it conductive, causing the first capacitor to discharge through the detonator to fire the warhead.

Abstract: In an armor piercing explosive shell of the kind which comprises a hollow charge and an impact contact member placed in the nose cone of the shell to provide electrical contact for initiation of the hollow charge upon impact of the shell against the target, the nose cone of the shell is provided with a reinforced tip for mechanical penetration of the active armor and the impact contact member does not extend all the way to the tip but positioned behind an inner shoulder made in the wall of the nose cone to improve the penetrative performance of the shell against targets protected by active armor.

Abstract: An environmental charging and detonation system for submunitions has an arnator in which a firing pin or rotor shaft is used for safing and arming, stab detonation, as well as the rotor for the alternator. A ram air actuated ribbon is deployed during submunition flight for arming the submunition and spinning the rotor of the alternator. The alternator generates energy that is stored in a charging circuit. A multidirection impact detection switch triggers a firing circuit that discharges the energy stored in the charging circuit through an electronic detonator. The electronic detonator will reliably detonate the submunition regardless of the submunition impact angle with a target.

Abstract: A firing head assembly for a well bore perforating gun in which alternative firing paths are provided. A first detonation cord passes longitudinally through a generally cylindrical housing, providing a firing path from a firing head above the housing to a perforating gun below the housing. A firing pin and second detonation cord are located in the housing and are positioned radially offset from the longitudinal axis of the housing. Boosters on the first and second detonation cords are positioned adjacent one another and opposite a third booster. Either or both of the first and second boosters may be used to fire the third booster. No splicing of detonation cords is required and the detonation cords are completely contained within a protective housing. The firing pin may be actuated by pressure or mechanical means.

Abstract: The fuse comprises an electric generator (2) consisting of a magnetic core (3) able to move in a winding (4) at the moment of the firing of the shot to provide a pulse for charging the condenser (C) intended to ignite the primer (6). In order to improve the resistance to shocks other than that of the firing of the shot, the displacement of core (3) can only take place after perforation of a small metal plate (17) by one end (16) of a rod, the other end (20) of which must be stricken by a mass (23) moving against the action of a spring (20) at the firing of the shot.

Abstract: An armor piercing explosive shell comprises a hollow charge and an impact contact member placed in the nose cone of the shell and arranged to provide electrical contact for initiation of the hollow charge upon impact of the shell against the target. To improve the penetrative performance of the shell against targets protected by active armor the nose cone of the shell is provided with a reinforced tip for mechanical penetration of the active armor and the impact contact member does not extend all the way to the tip of the shell so that upon impact of the shell against the active armor contact is obtained only after the reinforced tip has penetrated the active armor.

Abstract: A MOS controlled thyristor is incorporated into detonator ignition circui to reduce the physical size thereof, while also providing for ignition reliability enhancement. Signals to either prevent or trigger conduction of detonator ignition energy through the MOS controlled thyristor are applied to the gate terminal thereof by at least one capacitor in the preferred embodiments. The detonator ignition energy is also delivered from at least one capacitor in those embodiments of the circuitry for use with missile warheads and shunt resistors are connected to dissipate the energy stored in all of the capacitors for safety reasons.