Abstract: A solenoid-operated device, and especially a weapon-arming device, subject to inertial forces is provided in which the solenoid armature is operatively coupled to a counterbalancing mass operatively constrained to move in synchronism with but oppositely to the armature, inertial forces on the armature acting equally and oppositely on the counterbalancing mass. The counterbalancing mass surrounds the solenoid coaxially and has an annular extension provided internally with rack teeth that mesh with sprockets free to rotate on fixed pins, these sprockets also being in mesh with rack teeth on an extension of the armature. An armature retraction spring bears on a shoulder on the counterbalancing mass.

Abstract: A piezoelectric fuse, and safe and arm mechanism for a small active projectile is dislcosed including a piezoelectric element mounted within the projectile near the leading end thereof with an impact deformable electrically conductive shell spaced from and at least partially surrounding the piezoelectric element and a resilient material substantially filling the space between the piezoelectric element and the shell. Electrical leads connected the detonator to the shell and to a rearward piezoelectric element contact so that upon projectile impact, the shell deforms compressing the piezoelectric element generating a volatge thereacross, and thereafter, the shell makes electrical connection with a piezoelectric element forward contact actuating the detonator. The safe and arm mechanism includes an interrupter located in a "safe" position between the detonator and a lead charge.

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: An article of submunition, having a housing on which there is arranged an outwardly extendable distance feeler or spacer support. A head on the support carries a sensor which is connected through the intermediary of a connector cable to an evaluating circuit which is arranged within the housing. The connector cable is formed as a ribbon-shaped or flat cable which is constituted of plastic material, in which the flat cable is bifilarly or double wound into a spiral, wherein the winding axis lies transversely of the longitudinal direction of the flat cable, in which the spiral of the flat cable has its shape stabilized through a thermal treatment, and in which the spiral is located adjacent the distance feeler support.

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 switch is adapted for use in a projectile for actuating an electrical explosives-igniter in response to impact of the projectile. The switch includes a stationary electrical contact and a movable electrical contact. An actuator moves the movable contact against the stationary contact to complete an electric circuit in response to projectile impact. The actuator comprises a ball movable toward the movable contact. The ball is seated in a conical recess to enable the ball to move toward the movable contact even when the projectile does not impact along its longitudinal axis. The movable contact may comprise a cone-like array of flexible arms which engage the ball; movement of the ball flexes one or more of the arms into engagement with the stationary contact. Alternatively, the movable contact may comprise a linearly movable bolt engaged by the ball. A movable weight may be positioned behind the ball and adapted to engage the ball upon projectile impact to urge the ball toward the movable contact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detonating an explosive in response to the dettion of a remote explosive without damaging any components positioned intermediate the two explosives. An impact switch having contact elements that permanently interlock when activated is positioned adjacent to one of the explosives. A power supply is connected to the impact switch, and the output from the power supply is connected to the detonator for the second explosive. When the first explosive is detonated, the contact elements of the impact switch close, permanently interlocking. This completes and activates an electrical circuit with the power supply that sends current to the detonator of the second explosive to initiate detonation of the second explosive.

Abstract: The conditions for detonating a follow-up charge in a dual stage weapon are etected for detonating the follow-up charge either instantaneously or after a time delay. An instantaneous detonation is caused when the dual stage weapon should not penetrate sufficiently through a target surface or when the weapon rebounds. A delayed detonation is intended when the dual stage weapon has penetrated a target. The delayed detonation shall be responsive, preferably randomly, to an approach to the weapon. This type of control of the weapon detonation in response to different detonating conditions is accomplished by using two, preferably three acceleration or vibration sensors producing signals which are evaluated for determining the respective detonating condition.

Abstract: A missile safe and arm system incorporates an electrically triggered explosive train that extends from the missile body to an extendable probe and back to the missile body. When the probe is in its retracted position, the explosive train, and electrical triggering circuit is interrupted and detonator firing leads are shorted and the missile is in a safe condition. Upon launching and upon the extension of the extendable probe, the explosive train and its electrical triggering circuit become aligned, the detonator shorting lead is removed, and the missile is thus armed.

Abstract: An ignition system for projectiles, such as shells, bombs, or rockets is disclosed. The system has a pressure chamber defined by a double-diaphragm switch and a cap of a deformable material. The diaphragm of the double-diaphragm switch, which defines one wall of the pressure chamber, contains one or several perforations, the number and diameter of which depend on the spacing of the diaphragms, the areas thereof and the size of the pressure chamber. The double-diaphragm switch is connected to an electric ignition unit. An electrical circuit is closed only if a projectile housing a percussion fuse and the ignition system impacts on the ground or target after its flight. Any unintended ignition during firing or due to brief impact stress cannot occur.

Abstract: A safety device for ground impact detonators in fragmentation ammunition, which includes an electrical ignition circuit, a housing, and a slider with a detonator arranged in said housing and movable between the positions "secure" and "live", a primer charger fixedly located within the housing, as well as a contact pin and an electrical inertial switch.

Abstract: This invention provides a subcaliber projectile which is launched from a full bore projectile having a shaped charge warhead prior to impact with the target. The subcaliber projectile is tethered to the full bore projectile by means of a fine electrical cable of fixed length which serves as the communication link between the two projectiles with the length of the cable determining the fuzing standoff distance. The ballistic coefficient of the subcaliber projectile is made such that the subcaliber projectile always flies ahead of the full bore projectile.

Abstract: Arrangement in a fuse for projectiles with explosive charge for changing over between direct and delayed ignition of the explosive charge. The arrangement includes a movable contact member which in an initial position short-circuits an electrical igniter which is designed for direct ignition of the explosive charge. A locking member in the form of a pin in an initial orientation of the projectile takes up a position in which the contact member can move under the influence of the accelerational forces effective on the projectile to a second position where the contact member is held by a detent device. With a second orientation of the projectile the pin, as a result of its own weight, drops down to a position where it prevents the contact member moving from the said initial position.

Abstract: An annular impact switch for activating the electrical firing circuit of a uided projectile. An annular base member formed from thermoplastic is fixedly secured within the nose of the guided projectile. An annular crushable member formed from thermoplastic is mated to the annular base member. Both members are selectively coated with a multi-layered electrically-conductive film; a spatial separation between the electrically-conductive films coating the annular base member and the annular crushable member maintains the electrical firing circuit in an open state. Upon impact with a target the annular crushable member is deformed into contact with the annular base member such that their respective electrically-conductive films are in electrical contact to close the electrical firing circuit of the projectile, detonating the projectile explosive.

Abstract: A relative velocity sensor for projectile fuzes and the like provides adaptive penetration delay for maximum effectiveness. A pair of contact activated switches on the fuze spaced a known distance apart provide electrical signals useful for calculating the relative velocity of the projectile with respect to a target. An adaptive penetration delay circuit utilizes these signals to detonate the projectile after a delay period determined by the relative velocity. Low graze angle impacts will cause immediate detonation of the fuze. The invention provides simple, effective means for achieving adaptive target penetration delay with very low in-flight power consumption.

Abstract: A detonating arrangement for missiles in which, as a result of a change of the magnetic field of a permanent magnet at an approach to a ferromagnetic object, a voltage will be induced in an induction element, which is transmissible to the control input of electronic evaluating circuit powering a detonating medium.

Abstract: An optical impact fuze employing a transparent nose of a target seeking missile as a light transmission medium which deforms upon impact to reduce optical transmission and initiate a fuzing signal. Alternatively, one or more optically transmissive filaments can be positioned at or near a predetermined target impact point on a vehicle so that a fuzing signal is initiated upon the detection of an abrupt decrease in light transmitted by the filament resulting from target contact.

Abstract: A combined proximity and impact fuse employed in a missile, including a circuit arrangement for avoiding the actuation of a detonation upon impingement of the impact fuse on a rain drop. The circuit arrangement is connected to the proximity fuse and is respective to the signals produced by the same to prevent the generation of a detonation signal upon impact until recognition by the proximity fuse that a given release criterion for impact detonation has been met.

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: An impact fuze for barrel weapon ammunition of the type whose velocity of flight continuously decreases from the time of firing with increasing duration of flight, including a circuit arrangement for avoiding the actuation of a detonation when the impact sensor of the fuze impinges on a rain drop. The circuit arrangement is connected to the impact sensor to increase the detonation response sensitivity of the entire impact fuze during flight of the fuze.

Abstract: An out-of-line fuse for primarily ring-type, multiple point concurrent initiation, projectiles is disclosed. In the unarmed state, the detonator and booster charges are angularly displaced while located at the same radial distance from the projectile axis in adjacent radial planes. When rotation of the projectile is sensed by a plurality of centrifugally actuated fiber optic light switches arranged in a series optical relationship, an electrically activated pyrotechnic thruster is fired to move the detonator charges and the booster charges into alignment arming the projectile; the electrical circuit having been priorly energized by inertia switches sensing the thrust forces during the launching of the projectile. When rotation of the projectile substantially ceases the detonator charges are electrically fired.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a body having one open end exposed for adaptation of a pyrotechnic cartridge and the other end sealed by the base of a pin type connector assembly having short conductive pins and elongated conductive pins with relief areas containing insulative material. The pins are inserted into the body cavity. A conductive grounding plate or plates have tabs which bite into the pins and connect selected pins in a first operational state. A plunger having fracturable bosses is located adjacent the contact plate. Upon activation of a pyrotechnic cartridge, pressure is applied to the plunger, causing fracture of the bosses and resulting in the displacement of the plunger to move the contact plate to a different position thereby changing the number of closed circuits.

Abstract: A foldable linear explosive charge (FLEC) comprising a plurality of similar tubular members which are hinged to each other at their ends so that they can be extended co-linearly to form a long tubular member or can be hinged and relatively rotated 180.degree. from each other to form a zig-zag folded system suitable for transport or storage. While in extended form, with the tubular members co-linear, they are wound with a helix of linear explosive compound (LEC). At the joints between each pair of tubular members, the LEC passes directly over the hinge, so when that joint is rotated from closed (folded) to open (linear) position, the explosive member is not moved, except for a rotation, in which it returns from a slight torsion. The FLEC is carried in a container in the folded condition and when it is to be inserted into a drilled shot hole, each successive pair of sticks is unfolded into a co-linear position and lowered into the shot hole.

Abstract: In the representative embodiments of the new and improved methods and apparatus disclosed herein for controlling multicharge perforating guns or core-sampling guns, the gun-control system of the present invention includes a selectively-operable multi-contact switch assembly operative from the surface to sequentially connect a group of electrically-detonatable charges into a firing circuit for consecutively firing the charges on the gun. An array of serially-connected Zener diodes cooperatively associated with the switch assembly provides indications at the surface showing which of the several charges is then connected into the gun-firing circuit. The new and improved gun-control system also includes a shot-monitoring system which provides additional surface indications from which it can be determined whether the charges on the gun are being successfully fired and, at least approximately, that they are being consecutively fired.

Abstract: A perforating gun for perforating earth formations, primarily in oil and gas wells. The gun includes a straight metal tube in which explosive jet charges are carried. A mounting apparatus within the tube holds the charges in pairs, the pairs being spaced vertically from each other. The charges within a pair point in the same general direction. The axis of each charge within a pair lies in a common horizontal plane with the axis of the other charge in the pair. The gun is operable with a decentralizer that places it in contact with the casing wall for firing. An alignment device within the gun assures that the charges are all pointing toward the nearest wall.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for perforating an earth formation from a well bore wherein each perforator unit of a perforator gun utilizes the combination of a shaped charge and a bullet and the perforator unit is adapted to fire the shaped charge responsive to detonation of detonating cord and the bullet is fired responsive to the firing of the shaped charge.

Abstract: A perforating gun barrel for carrying a plurality of explosive charges in a spaced apart relationship comprises a plurality of tubular sections positioned with the ends of adjacent tubular sections end-to-end, with the end of one section overlapping the end of an adjacent section. A coupling member is disposed entirely internally of said tubular sections at each coupling location. A plurality of bolts extend through the overlapping ends of the adjacent tubular sections and are secured in the coupling member to prevent separation of the adjacent tubular sections at the coupling locations. Wiring for detonating the charge carried in each tubular section is routed through a passageway provided in the coupling member.

Abstract: Projectiles exist with a stored electrical charge during flight and an elrically energized detonator which activates upon impact. Premature activation in flight, which can be caused by spurious voltage, is eliminated by the addition of a voltage threshold blocking device. Detonator activation will then occur, as intended, by the voltage released upon impact.

Abstract: An inertial impact switch is provided having a housing which comprises two onductive sections electrically insulated from each other and a movable contact member engaging one section and held out of contact with the second section by means of a concentric insulating member. Interior radial "fingers" of the insulator bend in response to the spin forces of the projectile containing the switch. To provide for this sensitivity, the fingers of the insulator may have varying stiffness to provide deflection under differing spin conditions. The body of the switch may also be provided with a single grove bellows that is compressible under applied stress prior to use, moving the first section of the housing closer to the second section of the housing, thus reducing the gap between terminals.

Abstract: An improved sealing projectile for use in a borehole perforating tool of a type wherein there is an explosive charge such as one or more shaped charge units disposed in each of a plurality of chambers that are located one above the other, with a partition means between each two adjacent chambers and sealingly isolating the adjacent chambers but for a passageway in the partition means through which ignition wires are passed, with a sealing projectile driven into sealing relation with the lower end portion of the passageway upon detonation of the explosive charge in the lower one of the adjacent chambers.

Abstract: A system for vibrating the earth in a location where seismic mapping is to take place, including forming a relatively shallow hole in the earth such as a hole 10 feet deep, placing a solid propellant in the hole, sealing a portion of the hole above the solid propellant with a device that can rapidly open and close to allow a repeatedly interrupted escape of gas, and igniting the propellant so that high pressure gas is created which escapes in pulses to vibrate the earth.

Abstract: Method of completing a hydrocarbon containing formation located downhole in a cased borehole by running a jet perforating gun downhole on the end of a tubing string. The tool string includes a vent assembly underlying a packer and located above the gun. The gun includes a special flexible linkage and biasing means which urges the shaped charge chambers of the gun into close proximity of the borehole wall. Pairs of shaped charges are positioned within spaced chambers to intersect one another out in the formation, to thereby enable a cavity to be subsequently formed therebetween. Treatment fluid is pumped into the cavity and used to consolidate the formation. Another form of the invention provides a wireline actuated apparatus wherein pairs of shaped charges are oriented to penetrate the formation and form spaced apart parallel tunnels which subsequently collapse to jointly form an enlarged cavity located back up in the formation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a single wire multiple shot selective fire perforating gun for piercing oil field tubular goods, typically during the process of completing an oil or gas well. A switch in the gun electrically isolates an associated blasting cap and short circuits the terminals thereof until the associated blasting cap and perforating element are armed. A plurality of blasting cap perforating element assemblage are vertically disposed on the tool with the detonation of one perforating element arming the next adjacent blasting cap.

Abstract: Improved end closures for shaped charge unit chambers in borehole perforating tools have flanged peripheral portions to be clamped in the threaded joint when sidewalls of adjacent chambers are threadedly joined. Also disclosed are sealing means for conductor wires passing through the end closures, which sealing means involves means for compressing and deforming the conductor insulation so that the conductors with their insulation sealingly occupy a predetermined space between surfaces of cooperating compressing and deforming means.

Abstract: A method of stimulation oil well production uses a gas generating chemical charge that is placed in the oil well bore at a depth of known oil productivity where it is ignited to generate a gas pressure-volume pulse of known pressure-time characteristics and time duration, the pressure time characteristics includes a pulsating pressure for greater penetration effect.

Abstract: Apparatus for perforating a well comprised of a closed retrievable carrier formed in an elliptic cylindrical shape and having shaped charge perforating means disposed therein. Upon actuation of the shaped charge perforating means the ellipticity of the carrier is reduced.

Abstract: Selective firing system for gun perforating comprising in combination a surface control, and a subsurface master sub together with a multiplicity of identical slave subs each operatively connected with a perforating charge and so interconnected that any of the slave subs may be armed and fired in any order under the control of the operator.

Abstract: An explosive charge for use under hydrostatic pressure comprising high explosive composition in a flexible plastics container closed at one end and having, at the mouth end, a shoulder and a neck defining the container opening, the opening being sealed by a closure cap which provides a central plug to support the neck against internal distortion and an outer annular skirt which supports the neck and shoulder against external distortion.