Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of pyrotechnic actuators comprising a piston, the basic function of which is to exert a thrust so as to displace an object by shooting out the piston. More particularly, the invention relates to a pyrotechnic actuator (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) comprising a pyrotechnic-gas generator (7), a combustion chamber (3) and a piston (9) which can move in a slide chamber (5) under the effect of the said gases. The principal characteristic of this actuator is that it comprises a shut-off device (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) used after the triggering of the said actuator (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) in order, on the one hand, to close the slide chamber (5) and, on the other hand, to secure the depressurization of the combustion chamber (3).

Abstract: A method and a system controlling the operation of a safe and arm device. The embodiments include continually utilizing a rule based computation to generate an output signal to be sent to a controller affecting the operation of the safe and arm (S&A) device towards the safe condition or towards the armed condition.

Abstract: A safety and arming mechanism for a munition having a housing with a first detonator and an explosive mounted within the housing and in alignment with one another. A shaft is mounted within the housing. A first component is rotatingly fixed to the shaft and is moveable between a first and a second position. A second component is mounted on the shaft between the first detonator and the explosive. The second component is releasably fixed to the housing and is moveable between a safe and an armed position when it is released from the housing. The second component has a bore formed therethrough. The bore is aligned with the first detonator and the explosive when the first component is in the second position and the second component is in the armed position.

Abstract: A micro-electrical-mechanical-switch (MEMS) device comprises a semiconductor wafer, a first semiconductor layer formed on the semiconductor wafer, and a second semiconductor layer formed on the first layer. A first latching movable shuttle is formed in the second layer and has the first layer removed under the first movable shuttle, the first movable shuttle being moved in a first direction relative to the wafer in response to a predetermined acceleration of the MEMS device in a direction opposite to the first direction thereby changing an operating condition of the MEMS device from a first switch state to an intermediate switch state. A second latching moveable shuttle is formed within the first shuttle, the second shuttle being moved in a second direction relative to the first shuttle in response to a thermally activated force so as to change the operating state of the MEMS device from the intermediate switch state to a second switch state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for electronically arming and firing a MEMS-scale interrupted explosive train to detonate a main charge explosive. The device includes a MEMS slider assembly housing a transfer charge electrically actuated to move between safe and armed positions of the explosive train.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method utilizing a MEMS safe arm device for electronically arming and firing a MEMS-scale interrupted explosive train to detonate a main charge explosive. The device includes a MEMS slider assembly housing a transfer charge electrically actuated to move between safe and armed positions of the explosive train.

Abstract: The locking and stabilizing device for grenades utilizes a solid nylon ring and multiple nylon ribbons that are attached to the ring at regular intervals around its circumference. During storage, the ring surrounds and locks the slider of the grenade in its storage position. But upon deployment, under aerodynamic forces the ring moves away from the slider, releasing the slider. When the slider is thusly released, it slides out and brings the detonator in place to be impacted upon by the pin when the grenade hits the target, thus detonating the grenade. The multiple ribbons extending from the ring unfurl due to the aerodynamic forces and provide stability to the grenade flight.

Abstract: A detonator is intended to be installed in a chamber equipped with a blockable access opening. The detonator includes a member for initiating a pyrotechnic chain and a casing for confining the initiation member. The casing includes, facing the initiation member, a port for igniting a pyrotechnic charge placed in the chamber outside the casing. The detonator also includes a shutter for blocking the port which can be moved between a retracted position clear of the port and a position for blocking the port. A device for operating the shutter keeps the shutter in the retracted position when access to the chamber is blocked, and in the blocking position when access to the chamber is open.

Abstract: An igniter for a flare that includes a housing and a slider assembly. The housing includes an ignition device portion and a slurry groove portion. The ignition device portion has an ignition device portal for holding an ignition device, while the slurry groove portion has a groove for ignition slurry. The slider assembly is disposed within the housing, the slider assembly has an armed position and a safe position, the armed position not covering the ignition device portal allowing the ignition device disposed within the ignition device portals to ignite the ignition slurry, which ignites the flare, the safe position covering the ignition device portal and preventing ignition of the flare.

Abstract: An enclosed ignition flare igniter that includes a housing and two slider assemblies. The housing includes a first portion and a second portion. The two slider assemblies are disposed within the housing; each slider assembly has an armed position and a safe position. The armed position allows conflagrant communication between an ignition device and flare grain, while the safe position does not. Each slider assembly includes an ignition portal portion, a tab portion, and a spring. The ignition portal portion and the tab portion are juxtaposed. The ignition portal portion includes an ignition portal for holding an ignition device, while the tab portion includes a spring bore for accepting the spring.

Abstract: A fuze for a submunition is miniaturized in size by forming the fuze of a micro-electromechanical systems (“MEMS”) velocity sensor (38, 32, 34 and 36), a MEMs shock detector (31), a DC power supply (30) and one of the MEMs arm-fire device (2, FIG. 1) or MEMs safe and arm device (2, FIG. 5). Multiple fuzes may be incorporated in a fuze to ensure detonation of the explosive charge, should one fuze fail. A millimeter-microwave (“MMW”) receiver-decoder may be included to permit remote detonation on command from a remote transmitter (52) and/or a microprocessor (54) may be included to time the detonation to the physical characteristics of the target.

Abstract: An igniter system for a flare that includes a housing, a slider assembly, and a piston assembly. The housing includes two ignition portals for holding ignition pellets. The slider assembly is disposed within the housing, and includes two sliders and a spring. Each slider corresponds to an ignition portal, and the two sliders communicate with the spring. The slider assembly has an armed position and a safe position, the armed position with the sliders uncovering the ignition portals and allowing conflagrant communication between the ignition pellets and flare grain, while the safe position with the sliders covering the ignition portal and not allowing conflagrant communication between the ignition pellets and flare grain. The piston assembly communicates with the housing. The piston assembly, when activated, can cause the slider assembly to be in the armed position.

Abstract: A MEMS type safe and arm apparatus for a fuze includes a setback slider responsive to a first setback acceleration, the setback slider moving linearly in response to the first setback acceleration; a setforward slider responsive to a first setforward acceleration, the setback slider unlocking the setforward slider, the setforward slider moving linearly in response to the first setforward acceleration; a first rotor responsive to a second setback acceleration, the setforward slider unlocking the first rotor, the first rotor rotating in response to the second setback acceleration; a second rotor responsive to a second setforward acceleration, the first rotor unlocking the second rotor, the second rotor rotating in response to the second setforward acceleration; and an arming slider that moves linearly in response to the rotation of the second rotor to thereby arm the fuze.

Abstract: A munition incorporating a fuze mechanism adapted to prevent momentary disarming of the mechanism once same is placed in an armed state. The fuze mechanism incorporates a fuze housing having a slide member movable slidably longitudinally between an unarmed position and an armed position. In an unarmed position, a firing pin tip of an arming screw engages a lock post disposed within an opening in the slide member to hold the slide member in the unarmed position. When the arming screw is unscrewed during airborne deployment of the munition, the firing pin tip is withdrawn from the lock post. This enables a spring to urge the slide member into a laterally extended position. As the slide member moves into its laterally extended position, the lock post drops partially out of the slide member into abutting engagement with a bottom cover of the fuze mechanism, thus preventing the slide member from moving back towards its unarmed position.

Abstract: A munition incorporating a fuze mechanism adapted to prevent momentary disarming of the mechanism once same is placed in an armed state. The fuze mechanism incorporates a fuze housing having a slide member movable slidably longitudinally between an unarmed position and an armed position. In an unarmed position, a firing pin tip of an arming screw engages a lock post disposed within an opening in the slide member to hold the slide member in the unarmed position. When the arming screw is unscrewed during airborne deployment of the munition, the firing pin tip is withdrawn from the lock post. This enables a spring to urge the slide member into a laterally extended position. As the slide member moves into its laterally extended position, the lock post drops partially out of the slide member into abutting engagement with a bottom cover of the fuze mechanism, thus preventing the slide member from moving back towards its unarmed position.

Abstract: Miniature arm fire and safe and arm devices include an electrically operated pyrotechnic initiation device (5) to generate a detonation wave upon command and a movable pressure barrier (9) that blocks propagation of the detonation wave if the device is not intended to be fired and opens a window (12) to transfer the detonation wave externally of the device. The detonation wave may in alternate embodiments be a subsonic flame front and pressure wave or a supersonic shock wave, respectively. An electromagnet (7) may serve to move the pressure barrier. Detonation waves output from the device have application in igniting an explosive train, either directly or indirectly, the latter by operating an electrical switch. In the arm fire device, the barrier automatically prevents a detonation output when electrical power is removed from the device. In the safe and arm device, the barrier, once moved out of the way, remains out of the way, even when electrical power is removed.

Abstract: This parachute flare igniter assembly has a novel slider for attaining high reliability in firing efficiency. The slider moves along a raceway of an igniter assembly housing. Also disposed in the housing is a cartridge retained in a stationary state relative to the housing. The cartridge includes a stationary primer and a spring. A striker arm connected to the cartridge is movable into a cocked state in which the spring urges the striker arm towards the primer. The slider has an igniter composition chamber and a cocking wall portion, and is movable in tandem with the igniter composition chamber along at least a portion of the length of said raceway from a loaded position to a firing position. In the loaded position, the striker arm is maintained in the cocked state by the cocking wall portion.

Abstract: A safe-and-arm device for a projectile fired from a smooth bore gun has a rotor that rotates between a safe position and armed position. A setback sensor retains the rotor in the safe position until an acceleration of the projectile causes the setback sensor to be repositioned. Once the setback sensor is repositioned, a bore rider is released and a rotor spring rotates the rotor to arm the projectile.

Abstract: A micromechanical device that takes a vertical force to a micro substrate that results into a vertical motion and translates that vertical motion into horizontal motion. A pit is etched onto a micro substrate where the walls of the pit meet the floor of the pit at less than a 90° angle. A vertical force is applied to a structure to push it along the angled wall of the pit and as the structure reaches the bottom of the pit the vertical motion is translated into horizontal motion. By attaching a spring or similar mechanism to the structure, one can store the horizontal momentum for later use by latching the structure in some way before the spring can pull the structure back into its original position.

Abstract: A secondary self-destruct fuze that functions in the event the primary fuze mode fails to function, and that meets the design requirements for a low cost, highly producible no-spin/low velocity operating environment. The fuze includes an improved slide assembly comprised of an aerodynamic safety release (ASR), a safety pin, a secondary firing pin fitted with a spring, a secondary detonator which is placed in alignment with the secondary firing pin, a slide, an omni directional weight release that operates at various impact angles, and a weight release support. In use, the fuze is fitted to a munition or grenade. As the grenade is dispensed from its carrier, the oscillation of a grenade stabilizer causes an arming screw to back out from the fuze slide, allowing the slide assembly to move to an in-line position relative to the center of the fuze. Concurrently, the aerodynamic safety release is lifted in the upward direction under the force of the airstream, releasing the safety pin.

Abstract: An EFI (exploding foil initiator) or slapper detonator, including a explodable foil (or bridge), a flyer plate and a barrel plate having a movable barrier to close a barrel in a safety mode and for opening the barrel in an arming mode, wherein the movable barrier slides from a closed (safety) position to an open (armed) position under the control of a MEMS (microelectromechanical system) energetic actuator. The slidable barrier is maintained in the closed position by one or more locking devices of the MEMS energetic actuator until predetermined stimuli are detected to cause the locking device(s) to release the slidable barrier, thereby arming the EFI or slapper detonator.

Abstract: A control mechanism is provided for coupling/interrupting two transmission leads. A first cam configured for spring-loaded rotation in a direction of rotation is positioned between the two leads. A lead coupler attached to the first cam couples the two leads to one another when the first cam achieves a prescribed position.

Abstract: A munitions fuze implements an operating mechanism comprising a piston, operating rod and toggle body bearing a detonator, aligned in a cavity within a munitions housing. In the safe condition the toggle body is out of line with a transfer lead and output booster arranged to charge an explosive when activated by the detonator. Overlying the piston is a primer and a piezoelectric device and primer that, when impacted by a striker produces pressurized gas for driving the piston and electricity for an electronic delay circuit. The piston moves the operating rod to bring the toggle body and detonator into alignment with the transfer lead and booster for detonation.

Abstract: A fuze self-neutralizing system is used for munitions having fuzes with sng-forced sliders (13) and stab detonators (19). The self-neutralizing components include an auxiliary battery (5), a auxiliary timing circuit (3) and a physical barrier (11) that prevents the firing pin (18) from contacting the stab detonator (19). Once the barrier (1) is in place, the munition can be handled with relative safety.

Abstract: A fuze device for use with a detonator on munitions. A cup and ogive assembly includes an ogive post for aft axial movement upon impact of the device and activation of a spitback lead on the cup. An ogive post activates a first firing pin when the ogive is crushed. A first safe and arm (S&A) device is aligned with the centerplate assembly to provide a first detonator in both the safe and the armed condition by movement of a rotor. A second firing pin is positioned below the first S&A device. It has a blowthrough hole for alignment of the first detonator with the spitback lead. A second S&A device is below the first S&A device, and has a second detonator and rotor that rotates during spin to an armed position to expose the second detonator to the second firing pin. The second rotor is sized and shaped to always permit alignment of the first detonator with the spitback lead.

Abstract: A decoy flare ignition system is disclosed which includes an ignition initiator disposed at the aft end of the flare housing. An illuminant igniter is positioned in direct contact with the flare illuminant. The illuminant igniter includes at least one illuminant igniter pellet selected such that the firing of the ignition initiator triggers combustion of the illuminant igniter pellet if the safe-and-initiation device has been actuated. The igniter pellet is preferably configured as a circular cylindrical shell and is positioned over the bore of the flare illuminant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for safing and arming a projectile is disclosed. The apparatus utilizes an out of line rotor configuration where the detonator is mounted in the rotor. In the safe position, the detonator is out of line with an explosive lead. The rotor is locked out of line with two independent locks. One lock is removed at gun launch setback and the second lock is removed at the time of arming, when a preselected environment is detected by electronics and safe separation is assured. The first lock includes a spring and a weight where the weight is biased in a position to prevent the rotor from moving to an in line position. At setback, the g-forces act on the weight to overcome the spring and the weight is removed from the path of the rotor. Once the selected environment is sensed and safe separation is established the electronic input to arming is permitted.

Abstract: A follow-through grenade is provided which utilizes a primary fuze to trir both the main warhead and a delayed secondary fuze system. The main warhead explosion is used to breach barriers behind which enemy personnel are located. When the primary explosion occurs, the primary fuze simultaneously activates a delay timer and slide detonator. The slide detonator provides a means to keep the secondary explosive in a safe mode until the explosion of the primary warhead. The delay timer triggers the follow-through explosion after the primary explosion has breached the barrier. This behavior allows the follow-through device to penetrate the barrier and explode on the far side of the barrier for maximum effectiveness against personnel located behind the barrier. The present invention uses a standard dual mode fuze as its activator and is based on the McDonnell Douglas Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW).

Abstract: A priming system for the explosive charge of a sub-munition carried on board a carrier comprises a main firing pin, a primer tube operative to move from a safety position to an armed position, at least two devices to lock the primer tube in the safety position before the sub-munition is ejected, and a self-destruct mechanism operative to destroy the sub-munition after a predetermined delay. A first one of the locking devices is formed of a cam operative to move from a cam safety position, in which it forms a limit stop preventing the primer tube from passing freely into an armed position, to a retracted position in which it allows free passage of the primer tube. The cam carries an auxiliary firing pin to ignite a delay cord of the self-destruct mechanism. A second one of the locking devices engage the primer tube by the percussion tip of the firing pin to hold the primer tube in a safety position.

Abstract: An impact fuse for a projectile comprises a firing needle and a main detonator carried by a rotor. The rotor is rotatable about an axis, upon launching of the projectile, and is rotated by centrifugal force from a safety position to a firing position in which the firing needle is aligned with the main detonator. Upon target impact, the rotor is displaced axially to cause the firing needle to detonate the main detonator. Acceleration forces occurring upon launching cause a piercing pin to activate a delay detonator. After a pre-selected time delay, the activated delay detonator emits a gas which displaces the rotor axially and produces detonation of the main detonator, in the absence of target impact.

Abstract: An interrupter in a pyrotechnic system for selectively arming or disarming a detonation propagation transfer line comprises a mechanism for driving a barrier to and from safe and arm positions using safe and arm actuators. The motion of each of the actuators is damped to prevent cycling from external transient forces. A safety mechanism comprises a mediate member slaved to the drive mechanism and a lock member. A safing key is inserted into the interrupter to drive the lock member into a position which limits the motion of the mediate member whereupon an attempt to drive the barrier from a safe position will be blocked by the lock member. The safing key will be captured in the interrupter such that it cannot be removed until the barrier is returned to the safe position. In the preferred embodiment, the barrier comprises a rod having a non-circular transverse slot disposed between the line segments.

Abstract: Delay igniter plug for pyrotechnic machine, in particular manual or mechanical launch grenade, comprising a body (4) fitted with a control mechanism comprising a trigger lever (1) and a percussion mechanism (28) interacting with a primary pyrotechnic module provided with a primer (3), a retardant composition (9), a primary explosive (13) which are capable of ensuring initiation of the charge of the associated machine which is arranged so that the primary explosive (13) cannot be initiated without going via the retardant composition, the primary pyrotechnic module (5) being axially displaceable in the said body toward the principal charge, means (2) for holding the primary pyrotechnic module (5) axially separated from the principal charge (19) and a screen (12a, 15) interposed between the principal charge and the terminal part of the primary pyrotechnic module containing the primary explosive (13), characterized in that the means (2) for holding the primary pyrotechnic module (5) axially separated from the pri

Abstract: A pair of explosive detonators are recessed in the end of a cylindrical body containing a permanent magnet, which serves as the rotor in a brushless, bi-directional torque motor enclosed in a housing. A reversible positioning current causes the motor to rotate the body between armed and safe positions and thereby establish and interrupt axial explosive transfer paths from the detonators to a corresponding pair of explosive transfer lines ported through the housing cover. An internal switching circuit disables the detonators when the body is in the safe position and passes a firing current to them when the body is in the armed position. A detent ring secured to the rotatable body, and a pair of spring-loaded detents in the housing index the rotatable body in the armed and safe positions and prevent its accidental rotation. Mechanical safing means are provided for manually overriding an electrical arming signal.

Abstract: A self-powered fuze apparatus for a projectile containing an explosive charge which comprises a first housing containing a mechanical safety device for releasably preventing undesired movement of a detonator cup holder containing a detonator from an unarmed to an armed position wherein the detonator cup is shielded from the charge to be exploded in the unarmed position and the detonator cup communicates with the charge only in the armed position and the second housing adjacent the first housing containing an electronic safety means for sensing target impact and projectile launch and selectively passing a piezoelectrically generated firing current to the detonator cup only upon sensing a predetermined magnitude target impact only within a predetermined time after sensing the launch acceleration and only when the electronic means is electrically and mechanically connected to the detonator cup in the armed position.

Abstract: A fuzing system for use in operating tandem demolition warheads to sequentially activate a propellant on the rear of a follow through charge, detonate a forward shaped charge and detonate the follow through charge after a brief delay. An interface charge is located proximate to blasting caps. A first fuze responsive to the interface charge is configured to ignite the propellant and to arm the first arming assembly. A second fuze responsive to the interface charge is configured to arm the second arming assembly. A first arming assembly containing a first firing pin is located proximate to the follow through charge. A delay fuze is interposed between the first primary charge and the follow through charge. A second arming assembly containing a second firing pin is located proximate to the forward-shaped charge. In the armed state, a primary explosives are interposed between the firing pins and the follow through charge and forward shaped charge.

Abstract: The invention concerns the domain of a charges which can be released, for example, from an aircraft to which they are fixed, and in particular a munition containing an incendiary gel made of hydrocarbons and gelatinizing agents, intended to have an incendiary effect on various targets on the ground.The invention enables the munition to be broken up above the ground thanks to means of distribution constituted of a detonating cord, gas-generating grains, a shield and a rod. These means of distribution ensure regular scattering of the incendiary gel before the impact on the ground. The invention also enables ignition of the incendiary gel on break-up of the munition thanks to means of ignition composed of ignition capsules.Application to munitions containing an incendiary gel, also to munitions containing a product to be scattered.

Abstract: A single ordnance fuze comprising electronic means to initiate three separate detonation outputs.The first detonation output being used for round parachute deployment and fuze probe cover release. Simultaneously a mechanical timer is started which delays deployment of a six (6) foot stand-off probe until the parachute has slowed the round almost to its terminal speed.The second detonation is initiated by depression and closure of a switch in the tip of the probe. This detonation initiates deployment a pair of detonators from the round that serve to ignite fuel that is later distributed to a prearranged site by a third explosive charge.An automatic electronic timer of short duration is also initiated by the closure of the probe switch.The third detonation is initiated by the automatic timer.The third detonation initiates a burster charge for fuel dissemination, thus completing all three of the fuze explosive functions.

Abstract: An inertia element within a projectile is displaced to a retracted position y acceleration of the projectile during launch to unblock displacement of a slider to an armed position in response to subsequent pressurization of a projectile flight motor. Safe separation timers are thereby enabled in response to proper launch to delay pressurization of the flight motor and powering of an explosive firing circuit through switches actuated by said displacement of the slider from a safe position to the armed position. The slider is held in its safe position by an electrically grounded shear wire that is ruptured in response to slider displacement thereby removing a power disabling shunt connection to the firing circuit.

Abstract: An arrangement used in safing and arming a munition fuze includes a light sensor, a magnet, and a circuit composed of an inductor coil, a storage capacitor, and a photosensitive device. The light sensor is a fiber optic cable which responds to a flash of light generated by burning propellant of the munition by receiving and guiding the light energy to the photosensitive device. The magnet responds to setback of a projectile of the munition to move relative to the coil and generate an electrical voltage. The photosensitive device connected to the inductor coil responds to the voltage generated and to receipt of light energy from the light sensor by conducting electrical energy. An electro-explosive actuator connected to the photosensitive device is operable in response to conducting of electrical energy to actuate a rotor of the munition fuze from an unarmed condition to an armed condition.

Abstract: An interlocking release mechanism uses a toothed pinion engaging a toothed rack or gear. The teeth of the pinion are removed in certain areas so as a lock arm, when moved axially from in alignment with a tooth segment to where the tooth has been removed, permits the pinion to be rotated by the rack. The rack and the lock arm must be operated in the correct sequence or the lock arm will be jammed. With the correct sequence of lock arm motion and pinion rotation by the rack or gear, the rack or gear may be moved to achieve the desired release action of the subject invention.

Abstract: A safe and arm device for a fuze wherein the safe and arm device does not require stored energy and is activated by a solenoid operating on a pawl mechanism. The pawl in turn pulls a plunger against a detonating chamber in a ratchet-like manner. As the plunger is pulled towards the detonating chamber, a spring stem is compressed thus applying a force against the detonating chamber. Initially, the detonating chamber is locked in a safe position. After the pawl has pulled the plunger into compression against the detonating chamber, a lock on the detonating chamber is released and the detonating chamber pivots into an arm position. This allows a detonator within the chamber to detonate the fuze.

Abstract: A safe-arm or quick arm system for a perforating gun includes a body containing a detonator and an adapter head containing an electrical plug and a detonating cord shell, the body and associated detonator being rotatable relative to the adapter head and associated detonating cord shell. Upon rotation of the body relative to the adapter head, the detonator moves from a start position to a transport position. In this position, the plug is not electrically connected to the detonator and the leads connected to the detonator are short circuited. The detonator is not adapted to receive electrical power. Upon further rotation of the body relative to the adapter head, the detonator moves from the transport position to an electrical contact position. In this position, the plug is electrically connected to the detonator but the detonator is not aligned with the detonating cord shell.

Abstract: A safing and arming device for a munition fuze operates without the use of stored energy. The safing and arming device is controlled by a solenoid rotating a rotor and shutter in a ratchet fashion. As the shutter is rotated, a detonating device is brought into position over an explosive lead charge. The design of the rotor and shutter ensures that the detonator is not aligned with the lead charge until after several safety steps have been completed, after which the shutter quickly arms the fuze. Energy is generated for fuze arming during the completion of the safety steps. The design of the safing and arming device minimizes power requirements for safing and arming the fuze.

Abstract: An improved shaft for a munition firing apparatus is disclosed. The shaft has a multiplicity of approximately curved firing channels and is supported in the firing apparatus in a low friction manner.

Abstract: A fuze for missile having a linear axis passing rearwardly through a forward penetrator, an explosive charge with the penetrator, a fuze rearward the explosive charge, a propulsion rocket rearward of the fuze, and a canister rearward of the rocket and containing a deployable parachute, the fuze containing timers for deploying the parachute from the canister a predetermined interval after release of the missile from confinement, and for igniting the rocket a predetermined interval after deployment of the parachute, a further timer for causing discharge of the explosive charge a predetermined interval after axial impact of the penetrator with a target, and a safe-arm arrangement for preventing discharge of the explosive charge prior to the impact of said penetrator.

Abstract: An ammunition unit has a fuze which includes an electrical trajectory safety device for preventing arming of the ammunition unit within a trajectory safety distance. An arming igniter actuable by the electrical trajectory safety device activates a movable portion for execution of an instantaneous movement to move a bursting cap disposed in the movable portion into an arming position in register with the initiation detonator included in a detonation chain and actuable by an impact or a proximity fuze contact. The movable portion is lockable by a locking pin, which is actuable on a retardation of the ammunition unit caused by a first hit of the ammunition unit against a first object located within the trajectory safety distance. Upon actuation, the locking pin locks the movable portion to prevent it from executing the instantaneous movement, even if the first hit were to cause mechanical action on the electronics which effects actuation of the arming igniter.

Abstract: A safety apparatus to safe or to arm and fire a munition, utilizes a rotor containing an aligned adjacent firing pin and detonator in holes extending completely through the rotor perpendicular to the axis. A first explosively powered piston actuator, when fired, will unlock the rotor and enable a second explosively powered piston actuator, when fired, to rotate the rotor to align the detonator with an explosive charge and to cause a firing pin to fire the detonator. The detonator will fire a transfer lead which, in turn, will fire the main charge. As assembled, a third explosively powered piston actuator is aligned with the detonator and, when fired, will cause the detonator to explode and translate the rotor with part of the axis extending out of the munition where it is held in this position to indicate a safe condition.

Abstract: The invention incorporates a thermally responsive rotor, with a primer athed, that revolves to an ignition position upon influence of a temperature rise. Thermally sensitive actuators, also incorporated in the invention, are designed to respond to the temperature rise according to the rate of temperature change. The actuators serve to cock a spring loadable slide. This slide has a firing member nose that is aligned with the primer when the primer and rotor are rotated to the ignition position. At full cocking of the slide, the actuators and slide become disengaged and the slide springs towards the primer. Impact of the slide's nose with the primer causes the primer to be initiated, resulting in a venting or a venting and ignition of an energetic material.

Abstract: An arming device for a missile having a rotating tail fin assembly is disclosed. The device includes a distance counter comprising a given length of coiled tape contained within a rotatable drum, the length of the tape being determined by the distance required to be covered by the missile before arming the warhead. The tape is wound onto a shaft driven by the tail fin assembly from the drum which is initially locked to the missile body, and when the tape has been completely wound onto the shaft, the drum is released and is free to rotate through a half-turn to initiate arming of the warhead.

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.