Abstract: A space vehicle element configured to be at least partially destroyed during re-entry of a space vehicle into the atmosphere comprises a heat generating part comprising a metallo-thermal composition for providing additional heat during re-entry of the space vehicle into the atmosphere by an exothermic reaction of the metallo-thermal composition. The destruction of the space vehicle element is expedited by the additional heat provided by the heat generating part. The heat generating part is at least partially integrated within the space vehicle element or at least partially surrounds a portion of the space vehicle element. The application further relates to a corresponding method of manufacturing a space vehicle element configured to be destroyed during re-entry of the space vehicle into the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present system generally relates to a tamper resistant cap that prevents unwanted access to a semi-tractor trailer's 7 ways connection. The system includes a controller that can be operated remotely to transmit signals to an actuator within the cap. The actuator operates a lock to secure the cap in the closed position and selectively unlock the lock to allow the cap to be opened.

Abstract: A munition has a penetrator casing that houses a fuel-oxidizer mixture within the casing. A height of burst fuze is operatively coupled to the fuel-oxidizer mixture, to ignite the fuel-oxidizer mixture before impact with the target. By igniting the fuel-oxidizer mixture before target impact, the munition avoids the problem of the impact potentially causing damage to the fuze that would leave the fuze in operable. The fuel-oxidizer mixture may cause injury and damage into a space that has been breached by the penetrator casing, for example by expelling lethal combustion products (hot gases) into a hard target, such as a building or bunker, that has been breached by the penetrator casing. The hot gasses may also have the advantage of maintaining an opening that the penetrator passes through, with for example the hot gases glassifying the edges of a hole formed by the penetrator, such as through soil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas generator (10) comprising a body (12) delimiting at least one part of a combustion chamber (20), said part housing a primary pyrotechnic charge (16) adapted to generate gases in the combustion chamber (20) when said charge is initiated in combustion, and a slide valve (60) located outside said body (12) and defining with the latter a second chamber (66) housing a secondary pyrotechnic charge (74) whereof the self-ignition temperature is less than that of the primary pyrotechnic charge (16). A gas flow channel (50) for flowing gas out of the combustion chamber (20) is formed in the body (12). According to the invention, the slide valve (60) blocks this channel when it is in a first position, and under the effect of gases released by said secondary pyrotechnic charge (74), the slide valve is adapted to move to a second position wherein the channel (50) is no longer sealed off, allowing the gases contained in the combustion chamber (20) to flow outwards to the exterior.

Abstract: A Safe-and-Arm system for the prevention of unintentional operation of an explosive device by interrupting a detonation train, the system employing an interruptive transfer assembly made of silicon and suitable for implementing in a MEMS device, the assembly including a silicon based transfer charge carrier on a porous explosive passageway made by etching, the passageway extending between at least two ports on the circumference of the transfer assembly, and a drive means that can mechanically bring about at least one armed state of a detonation train.

Abstract: A cartridge for breaking rock which includes a tubular housing in which is formed a first compartment. The cartridge includes a first energetic composition inside the first compartment and a primer which is exposed to the first energetic composition. The cartridge includes a second compartment inside the tubular component and a plunger inside the tubular component which is movable under explosive force towards the primer. The cartridge still further includes a second energetic composition inside the second compartment and an actuator and a fuse for initiating the second energetic composition. The actuator has an area which is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the plunger and is movable, by movement of the plunger, towards the primer, and in that the primer is initiated by the actuator only when liquid fills a volume enclosed at least partly by surfaces of the actuator and of the primer.

Abstract: An explosive tool comprises a body structure, a charge, a detonator to ignite the charge via propagation of thermal energy, a pressure actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to a surface pressure and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined pressure threshold, and a temperature actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to a surface temperature and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined temperature threshold. The charge, the detonator, the pressure actuated safety, and the temperature actuated safety are contained within the body structure.

Abstract: An explosive tool is disclosed. The explosive tool comprises a body structure, a charge, a detonator to ignite the charge via propagation of thermal energy, a pressure actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to a surface pressure and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined pressure threshold, and a temperature actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to a surface temperature and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined temperature threshold. The charge, the detonator, the pressure actuated safety, and the temperature actuated safety are contained within the body structure.

Abstract: Fuze including safety element (30) includes an acceleration detector (31) that acts on a timer (32) coacting with a primer housing rotor (14). Rotation of the rotor can be halted by a second safety device (35) responsive to the dynamic pressure generated by the speed of the projectile (11) in flight. For this purpose, the device includes a diaphragm (36) engaging a flexible blade (51) to space apart the end (55) of the blade and the rotor when the dynamic pressure has a predetermined value, whereby a primer (18) can be moved into line in the explosive train. When the dynamic pressure is too low, the end (55) stops the rotor (14) from rotating and the firing procedure is also blocked in a notch in the rotor (14). The resulting fuze thus has highly reliable dual safety element responsive to two separate physical phenomena and having a simple construction.

Abstract: A gas pressure switch is provided for an ignition and safety system for ammunition. The switch includes a housing; a piston actuator within the housing, the piston actuator being displaceable from an idle position to a contacting position by propellant gases of the ammunition during use; at least two contact pins that are attached immovably to the housing; a contacting device operatively associated with the piston actuator and located on a first side of the piston actuator, the first side being opposite a second side on which the propellant gases act during use, the contacting device connecting electrically to the contact pins when the piston actuator is in the contacting position; and a locking pin which holds the piston actuator in the idle position until a predetermined gas pressure is reached and which shears off when the predetermined gas pressure is reached, so that the piston actuator can be displaced into the contacting position.

Abstract: A safety and arming device has first and second portions of an explosive train fixably supported in a housing. A third portion of the explosive train is fixable in a first position such that the first and second portions remain operably separated from one another, and is further movable to a second position such that the first and second portions are operably coupled to one another via the third portion. An integrated water sensor/actuator is coupled to the third portion to provide the motive force that moves the third portion to its second position. The water sensor/actuator is based on a fibrous cellulosic material having anisotropic moisture-absorbing properties such that dried-in strain of the cellulosic material is greatest along one axis thereof. In the invention, a plug of the dry and compressed fibrous cellulosic material has a powder material coated thereon and mixed therewith.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting and arming fuses in a projectile to satisfy safety requirements and to initiate ignition with only minimal delay. In accordance with the method, after launch of a projectile, behind a cap having a central inlet opening a safety device of a turbine/ignition pin unit is released and the impeller thereof is subjected to ram pressure. The ram pressure displaces the turbine/ignition pin unit into a front position, to act as impact detector. In a device constructed in accordance with the invention, the turbine/ignition pin unit has a screw thread on its shank and is screwed into a threaded bushing so that the ram pressure displaces the unit, against the direction of flow into the front position. On impact, the rear end of the unit acts as a percussion needle and initiates an ignition chain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting and arming fuses in a projectile to satisfy safety requirements and to initiate ignition with only minimal delay. In accordance with the method, after launch of a projectile, behind a cap having a central inlet opening a safety device of a turbine/ignition pin unit is released and the impeller thereof is subjected to ram pressure. The ram pressure displaces the turbine/ignition pin unit into a front position, to act as impact detector. In a device constructed in accordance with the invention, the turbine/ignition pin unit has a screw thread on its shank and is screwed into a threaded bushing so that the ram pressure displaces the unit, against the direction of flow into the front position. On impact, the rear end of the unit acts as a percussion needle and initiates an ignition chain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to priming device for the explosive charge of a sub-munition scattered by a carrier, of the type incorporating a firing pin onto which a deployable drag ribbon has been attached, a primer able to be driven by a motor organ and a detonating primer to ignite the explosive charge. This device also comprises self-destruction means for the sub-munition operating after a predetermined delay, such means being activated by the extraction of a self-destruction lock. It is characterized in that the self-destruction lock is integral with the drag ribbon and is therefore extracted by the ribbon during its deployment.

Abstract: A fuze for a munition adapted to prevent unintended arming thereof. The fuze incorporates an arming screw having a keyed portion and a centrifugal locking mechanism for preventing rotation of the arming screw unless the fuze mechanism is in a rapidly spinning condition such as that experienced when the fuze and its associated munition are deployed from an airborne rocket or artillery shell, and thus spinning at a rate of at least several thousand rpm. The centrifugal locking mechanism includes a pair of locking members which are biased by biasing elements into engagement with the keyed portion of the arming screw. This prevents the arming screw from being accidentally unscrewed from an inertia weight within the fuze, thus placing the fuze in an unintended armed condition.

Abstract: A fuse device for a mortar shell includes an impact weight carrying a detonation charge and arranged to impact against a firing pin when the mortar shell strikes a target. A safety arm locks the impact weight against movement toward the firing pin in a safety position. The safety arm is movable out of locking relationship with the impact arm to establish an armed condition of the fuse device. Energy for moving the safety arm is stored in a spring. That energy is stored after the mortar shell has been launched, because an impeller is rotated by an air flow generated by the moving mortar shell, and that impeller rotation is transmitted to the spring to store energy.

Abstract: A line charge assembly and system are provided for use in a shallow-water obstruction clearing operation. Each assembly has a propulsion unit capable of flight through the air, a line charge array, an air-safed water-armed fuze, a first interrupter disposed between the line charge array and the fuze, and a second interrupter disposed in the line charge array. The line charge array is defined by a plurality of line charges successively coupled to one another by a detonation line capable of transferring detonation energy therealong successively to each line charge. The line charge array has a first end coupled to the propulsion unit and has a second end coupled to the first interrupter. The fuze generates the detonation energy at the expiration of a first time period provided the fuse is in water. The first interrupter permits the detonation energy to be transferred from the fuze to the second end of the line charge array until the expiration of a second time period.

Abstract: An energy supply device such as a fan wheel generator for a mortar fuse or a battery which can be activated by a fan wheel. The energy supply device has a fast rotating fan wheel shaft which is supported in a housing body of the energy supply device. The fast-rotating fan wheel shaft and the housing body have a common bearing interface, wherein the bearing surface of the shaft or the bearing surface of the housing body is formed of a polytetrafluoroethylene material.

Abstract: A projectile includes a fuze assembly which has a firing pin carrier supported for motion parallel to a longitudinal axis of the projectile; a firing pin secured to the firing pin carrier; a slide supported for motion transversely to the projectile longitudinal axis and having a safety position and a firing position; and a detonator mounted on the slide. The detonator is out of alignment with the firing pin in the safety position of the slide and is in alignment with the firing pin in the firing position of the slide. A holding shell is positioned in the projectile and is exposed to a force of an air current during projectile flight for causing the holding shell to fly off the projectile. A force-transmitting component connects the holding shell with the slide for displacing the slide from the safety position into the firing position upon movement of the holding shell away from the projectile.

Abstract: A fuse device for a mortar shell includes an impact weight carrying a detonation charge and arranged to impact against a firing pin when the mortar shell strikes a target. A safety arm locks the impact weight against movement toward the firing pin in a safety position. The safety arm is movable out of locking relationship with the impact arm to establish an armed condition of the fuse device. Energy for moving the safety arm is stored in a spring. That energy is stored after the mortar shell has been launched, because an impeller is rotated by an air flow generated by the moving mortar shell, and that impeller rotation is transmitted to the spring to store energy.

Abstract: A safety and arming device interconnecting a bomb with a target detector ures safe mine laying deployment thereof through a detonation explosive train that is armed in delayed response to payout of a lanyard under enablement control exercised by a hydrodynamic piston in response to water impact during such deployment.

Abstract: Time delay apparatus for providing a firing action at the end of a predetermined time-delay period. It is used with a source of fluid under pressure, and defines a fluid-receiving chamber for accumulating the fluid when released from the source. A flow controller is connected between the source and the fluid-receiving chamber for providing fluid communication between the source and the fluid-receiving chamber. A triggering assembly initiates flow of fluid from the source through the flow controller and into the fluid-receiving chamber. A piston-form firing pin in the fluid-receiving chamber is actuated by shear pin release for movement to an actuating position for desired firing action when a predetermined pressure has accumulated in the fluid-receiving chamber at the end of the predetermined time-delay period.

Abstract: A priming system includes a block made of pyrotechnically inert material having on one of its surfaces a cavity placed facing an explosive charge. Structure for allowing percussion of the block is mounted at a receiving surface substantially parallel to a surface where the cavity is located. The priming system can thus be completely devoid of pyrotechnic components.

Abstract: This invention relates to a relesable attaching apparatus for attaching a portion of a first object to a portion of a second object. The attaching apparatus has an attaching member with walls defining a cavity therein. A rapidly expanding material is placed within the cavity such that when the material is caused to expand, the attaching member will break at a failure zone located adjacent to the cavity. The rapidly expanding material is a composition that undergoes a phase change from a solid to a liquid, wherein the volume of the liquid is larger than the volume of the solid. In operation, an initiator triggers the phase change which causes a pressure build-up in the cavity, thereby loading the attaching member and causing it to break at the failure zone. Accordingly, the first and second objects are freed from one another.

Abstract: A safe and arm device, which has an explosive train interrupted by a void establish a safe condition, has the void filled with a liquid explosive to establish an armed condition. The void may be in a manometer-like device in which the liquid explosive is motivated by fluid pressure corresponding to free-fall or other velocities. The void may be a chamber portion filled with the liquid explosive by expansion of a bladder. Premature arming may be prevented by forming the explosive liquid from nonexplosive liquids mixed by rupture of a bladder or by melting a solid explosive with heat generated electrically or provided from ram air or combustion.

Abstract: A safe and arm device, which has an explosive train interrupted by a void establish a safe condition, has the void filled with a liquid explosive to establish an armed condition. The void may be in a device in which the liquid explosive is motivated by fluid pressure corresponding to free-fall or other velocities. The void may be a chamber portion filled with the liquid explosive by expansion of a bladder. Premature arming may be prevented by forming the explosive liquid from nonexplosive liquids mixed by rupture of a bladder or by melting a solid explosive.

Abstract: A naval mine combined fail-safe deployment and activation system which, ar the mine has been dropped from an aircraft, deploys a parachute to slow its descent and thereafter arms a target detection device when the mine has settled into the water to a predetermined depth for exploding the mine when a target is detected.

Abstract: A system for providing an emergency exit in a wall of an aircraft includes a pyrotechnic device disposed against the wall, and capable of cutting a desired opening in the wall, an igniter for the pyrotechnic device, a controller for the igniter, and a manometric safety device which receives the pressures inside and outside the aircraft and inhibits the action of the igniter when the difference between the pressures inside and outside the aircraft is greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A safety device for use in low-speed aerodynamic bodies. The pressure conditions at the outer contour of the flying equipment are used for obtaining an arming criterion of a fuse. A slide is movable from a safe to an armed position. In the safe position, slide pickup ports are within the internal contour of the body. In the armed position, the slide pickup ports are exposed to the air stream outside the external contour of the body for creating a pressure difference for arming the fuse.

Abstract: The design of low cost, safe to use cluster bombs is a prime military objective of aircraft weaponization. Present barriers to cost and safety result from the needed complex dispersion system of the submunition cargo. Spin-up, propulsion of the submunitions, projection of the submunitions and cutting of the walls of the bomb require usually explosives or propellants and always involve complex designs, which are costly to fabricate. The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing for a novel, simple and inert ejection and adequate dispersion system of the submunition cargo, of multi-purpose, anti-tank, anti-personnel, incendiary bomblets wherein the bomblets are dispersed through the nose end and the aerodynamic forces of the air impinging on the high speed bomblets cause these to fan out and provide for an area coverage which is equivalent to that obtained by the prior more complex and costly dispersal systems.

Abstract: A fuse assembly embodying a detonator movable by centrifugal force into alignment with a firing pin held retracted by a drogue and drag line and movable forwardly into engagement with the detonator by impact, the fuse assembly being attached to a grenade which, in turn, is attached to a projectile, for firing the grenade upon impact of the projectile with a target.

Abstract: Two cylinder chambers are provided in a housing, each of these chambers containing a piston. Pins project, as piston rods, from the pistons in differing directions. A duct is located in a zone between the pistons. This duct is in communication with a compressed gas cartridge. Upon triggering of the compressed gas cartridge, the released gas moves the pistons apart so that the pins are moved simultaneously or in accordance with a predetermined sequence of operations.

Abstract: A fuse or triggering device for a small bomb arranged in an artillery grenade, which includes a percussion fuse constituted of a striker and a detonator. The above-mentioned artillery grenade contains a plurality of small bombs arranged behind each other, which are ejected at a predetermined point in the trajectory of the artillery grenade. Each small bomb possesses an autonomous fuse. A slider containing the detonator is secured in a safety position, in that the slider lies against an outwardly pivotable securing lever which lies resiliently prestressed against the inner wall of a further small bomb, and in which the striker is fixed in position between the slider and a securing disc which is deformable in response to the firing acceleration of the artillery grenade.

Abstract: A fuze for setting off jacketed explosive charges, particularly underwater charges, comprises a breaking wall aimed at the explosive charge, and an initiating charge aimed at the breaking wall. Between the initiating charge and the breaking wall, an intermediate space is provided which can be filled with water. With the intermediate space filled with water, upon detonating the initiating charge, a shockwave is produced in the water in the intermediate space by which the breaking wall is fragmented to form a piercing spike setting off the explosive charge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to arming methods and devices for firing a submarine weapon.A device according to the present invention comprises a piston connected by a strip to a bistable arming organ. The piston shifts inside a cylindrical body between a first and second chamber. The first chamber accommodates sea water through orifices. The second chamber accommodates sea water through a valve and a cavity which is filled with sodium chloride. The piston is hollow and contains a semi-permeable fitting which is in contact with sea water that is contained inside the first chamber through a bore and ducts, and with the salt saturated solution contained inside the second chamber through channels.

Abstract: An out-of-line water safing and arming device includes an out-of-line barrier assembly with an internal bore. When submerged, the bore fills with water which is entrapped by a hydrostatically-driven piston assembly to cause the barrier assembly to move to an in-line armed position. However, when the device is not utilized but is removed from the water or rises to the surface, the piston in reaction to the decrease hydrostatic pressure releases the hydraulic lock allowing the water to drain out.

Abstract: A safe-arm device for use in a fuel-air explosive munition carried by an craft. The device has a housing having an environmental seal which is separated from the housing upon munition release to form a seal opening, a pressure probe for obtaining static and dynamic air pressure and extending through the seal opening when deployed, a piston and rod which is driven upon sensing of a sufficient differential air pressure between the static and dynamic air pressure probe, a safety lock which locks a pyrotechnic rotor and which disengages upon full extension of the piston rod, and an arming spring which is compressed by extension of the piston rod and which drives the pyrotechnic rotor for rotation against a mechanical escapement device thus providing for a timed rotation. The pyrotechnic rotor has two explosive wheels, each having switched detonators and upon receipt of electronic signals two explosive trains with a controlled time delay therebetween are initiated.

Abstract: A pressure-actuated fuse has a housing formed with an inner chamber and with a passage having an outer end opening to the exterior and an inner end opening into the chamber. A plug in the passage has a porosity sufficient to allow slow liquid flow through itself. An actuating element is exposed inwardly in the chamber and outwardly to the exterior and is displaceable in the housing by a pressure differential between the chamber and the exterior along an actuating axis between an outer position and an inner position. The chamber is substantially closed to the exterior except through the passage. A valve in the passage connected to the actuating element blocks liquid flow along the passage only when the actuating element is in its outer position. Thus, when the element moves out of its outer position liquid can flow through the plug and limitedly along the passage into the chamber.

Abstract: A cartridge with firing actuation of the payload comprises a case solid with a case bottom which houses a threaded member constituting an ejection nozzle, and in front of the latter a missile provided with a delay ignition chain interrupted at the level of a transversally movable slide which comes into fire transmission position only after a predetermined delay. The cartridge has in addition a striker device actuated on impact so as to ignite the delay firing chain on impact, and a stabilizer device ensuring an axial deceleration permitting the satisfactory operation of the striker on impact.

Abstract: This invention relates to the safety of ammunitions.The projectile of a cartridge has a base which houses a safety stop consisting of a transversely slidable valve. A device ensures that the valve cannot be released until the projectile has been subjected to a powerful acceleration. Another safety device very advantageously ensures that the pyrotechnical chain inserted in the base functions only when the pressure of the ejection charge has been able to release a sealing-block.In particular, the invention may be applied to infra red window releasing cartridges.

Abstract: An improved release apparatus, including an actuator device, a release dee and a firing device, releases the firing device in a water environment and not in an air environment when the actuator device is remotely actuated. When in a water environment, a predetermined gas pressure from the actuator device drives forward a pusher piston and valve sleeve arrangement, disposed in a water chamber of the release device, initially to close off lower entry/exit orifices in the water chamber by action of the valve sleeve, and then to compress an entrapped column of water to a predetermined water pressure sufficiently to cause shearing off of an annular lip of a ball lock piston thereby separating the firing device from the release device. When in an air environment, the pressure from a compressed entrapped air column is not sufficient to cause shearing off or folding down of the annular lip of the ball lock piston, and, accordingly, the release apparatus is safed.

Abstract: An antipersonnel mine is shown, a plurality of such mines being adapted to be loaded into a round of ammunition for dispersal and subsequent detonation at random instants. The timing for detonation of each mine is determined by the discharge of a capacitor, starting when dispersal occurs. The condition of the explosive lead of each mine before loading is indicated by a position indicator in the safing and arming mechanism.

Abstract: An improved switch actuator, for safe and arm applications requiring utmost ependability in order to preclude a premature or false arming sequence, utilizes a plurality of simultaneous input signals from independently coded pneumatic, optical and electrical sources to drive a rotary switch. A rotary fluidic valving plate is used to decode non-uniform input optical signals into a uniform cyclical output pressure signal which is used to drive a fail-safe, reversible pneumatic gerotor type motor. A geneva mechanism is used to mechanically couple the prime mover to an output gear to activate a switch. Alternatively, an electrical switch may be incorporated within the housing of the actuator.

Abstract: A fuse apparatus for a depth charge or the like has a primary fuse that operates at a relatively shallow depth to position a detonator in line with a firing pin, and a secondary fuse that operates to release the firing pin to explose the detonator. A safety mechanism normally prevents operation of the primary fuse, but can be canceled to allow such operation. The secondary fuse cannot itself operate until the primary fuse has operated, so that the two fuses must operate successively to set off the detonator. In addition the two fuses operate along mutually perpendicular axes, so accidental jarring of the device cannot set it off. Finally the arrangement is constructed to leak slightly so that in the event it fails to go off it will rapidly become inoperative.

Abstract: A differential drag apparatus is disclosed for detecting air pressure forces on a drag-sensing body. The body is movable in response to a predetermined magnitude of air pressure force. A pressure regulator responds to the movement of the body by releasing uniform pressure to an activation system. The activation system in turn releases a trigger provided the air pressure force acting against the drag-sensing body remains above the predetermined magnitude for a predetermined length of time. The trigger upon release may perform any number of activates such as opening or closing an electrical circuit, initiating a mechanical response, i.e. releasing a parachute, or detonating a small munition charge. The detonation of a charge, for example, may in turn ignite a rocket motor, release an explosive, or any other of related activities. The apparatus is insensitive to short duration forces above or below the predetermined magnitude, and radiation as results from proximate nuclear blast.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a generally spherical hand grenade, wher the fuze projects a lesser distance from the grenade body than prior art fuzes, this lower profile providing better aerodynamic and handling characteristics. The novel fuze includes two overlapping levers, the outermost one being a safety lever, which must rotate through a 90.degree. arc from the fuze body before the fuze can be actuated to detonate the grenade.

Abstract: A miniature fuze for use with a bomblet munition having an arming and firing mechanism located adjacent one another within the fuze housing. The arming mechanism has no stored energy therein and relies upon a plurality of distinct operations to take place before cocking of the fuze begins. After cocking, the fuze is capable of being armed and can thereafter be detonated upon impact.

Abstract: An air pressure sensing probe for providing static-dynamic differential air ressure to operate a guided missile warhead safety-arming device is disclosed. The probe assembly is hermetically sealed to keep the device free of dirt and moisture during storage. An electrically initiated squib, fired at a predetermined time after missile launch, supplies gas pressure to the base of the probe which acts as a piston. The probe breaks a tip seal, extends laterally out from the missile, and wedges into the erect position. The base of the probe contacts a sliding punch which severs seals from two air pressure conduits and aligns air passageways with static and dynamic pressure ports in the probe. Differential air pressure is thus fed to a safety-arming device which utilizes pneumatic operation.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for monitoring acceleration of a body which utilizes liquid flow technology thus avoiding the need for electrical power. The apparatus includes steel balls of predetermined mass (hereafter "proof masses") disposed in annular cavities of a casing, the cavities containing a damping fluid. The cavities are grouped in pairs, each pair aligned with a principal axis of the body. The pairing allows for detection of acceleration in opposite directions along the respective axis.Movement of the proof masses in these respective cavities is proportional to the time integral of acceleration along the corresponding axis. This movement develops a force which opens a check valve arrangement allowing for displacement of the fluid through a temperature compensating mechanism to a first piston-chamber arrangement which registers the total movement of all such proof masses. Fluid is returned to the cavity by a second path connected between the cavity and the chamber.

Abstract: A safe/arm device has a rotor that aligns or misaligns a path for an explve. The rotor is aligned by the effects of a fluid pressure differential acting upon a piston of the device. This pressure differential causes the piston to translationally move and this movement is transmitted to the rotor by a shaft. The shaft fits within an axial bore defined by the rotor. This axial bore in turn defines a helical groove. A ball, partially recessed within a well defined by the shaft, rides within this helical groove. As the shaft is translationally driven within the axial bore, the helical groove of the rotor tracks the ball. Translational movement of the shaft is thereby converted to rotational movement of the rotor. As a safeguard, the shaft is split into two sections, one in engagement with the piston and the other in engagement with the rotor. By this arrangement, a predetermined amount of movement of the piston is required before this movement is transmitted to the rotor.