Abstract: A fuse is capable of installation in a warhead only when a rotor of the fuse is in its safety position. If the rotor is in its live position, installation in the fuse is not possible. The fuse comprises an installation safety element which is movable between a normal first position blocking installation of the fuse and a second position permitting such installation. In its live position, the rotor blocks movement of the element to its second position. When in its second position, the element does not interfere with movement of the rotor to a live position.

Abstract: A fuze for a projectile-forming or fragment-forming, in essence, a spine or barb-forming charge, which affords that two detonating locations which are necessary for the splinter or fragment formation, are concurrently triggered in the region of the circumference of the charge. Through-extending bores are provided in a cover plate for the charge at the end facing towards the fuze, the bores containing a centrally located booster or intensifying charge, and spatially separated therefrom at lateral secure distances, two further booster or intensifying charges positioned diametrically opposite each other, whereby the further booster charges are interconnected through a rapidly reacting transmitting charge arranged in a V-shaped triggering passageway, two detonators being arranged in a slider at a distance from each other, and the detonators in the armed position, respectively, correlate with the central booster charge and with the detonating location for the transmitting charge.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained fuse assembly for producing a near surface burst of a military projectile such as a mortar shell.

Abstract: A safing and arming (S&A) device 20 for a spin stabilized projectile 16 having an electronic fuzing system 18 which produces an electrical arming signal after the projectile 16 is fired. The cylindrical S&A housing 26 has two faces 28, 30 and a blow through hole 32 through the center of housing 26. A barrier recess 34 is formed in one face 28 of the housing 26 and a detonator 40 is mounted on the other face 30 and in alignment with the blow through hole 32. A barrier 36 is pivotally mounted in the barrier recess 34. Barrier 36 is held in its safe position blocking blow through hole 32 by a set back tab 54 and a barrier latch 48. The set back tab 54 is rendered inoperative when projectile 16 is fired from a gun. Latch 48 is bent out of contact with barrier 36 by a pyrotechnic actuator 56 being activated by the arming signal. When latch 48 is disengaged from the barrier 36, barrier 36 is free to move to its armed position, in which barrier 36 no longer blocks blow through hole 32.

Abstract: A safing and arming device mounted inside the shell of small caliber ammunition for normally forming a barrier between a detonator and an explosive train contained in the shell. A soft wire of lead, aluminum or plastic material, embedded in a groove in the top of the barrier normally holds it against movement. As the result of high spin, the barrier is forced to move so as to open a path between said detonator and explosive train to enable arming after a safe delay. The barrier may be two halves tied together by the soft wire of stretchable material which will slowly stretch as the result of high spin and ultimately break, allowing the halves to move apart radially to open the path. A modification of the barrier is to normally position it eccentrically of the center of gravity, at which location it forms a barrier. High spin will effect cutting of the wire and movement of the barrier to a non-blocking position.

Abstract: A safetied demolition charge fuze of the kind that upon actuation switches rom a safe to an armed state. Double safety means are provided to ensure the subsistence of a predetermined delay time. A detonator ignitable via a pyrotechnic delay charge is located within a safe-and-arm slide. In the safe state, the detonator is out of alignment with the pyrotechnic charge due to the safe position of the safe-and-arm slide. The latter is retained in the non-aligned, safe position by means of a retainer shaft which is locked in the retaining position by a heat sensitive defense mechanism. After a predetermined time delay, heat transferred from the burning pyrotechnic delay charge cause the latter to unlock and release the retainer shaft which thereupon and by yielding to its compression spring, clears the safe-and-arm slide. In consequence and by the action of springs associated with the slide the latter is urged to the armed position at which the detonator is aligned with the pyrotechnic delay charge.

Abstract: A safety device for use in the detonation of explosives, mines etc. Explosives are commonly detonated by a two stage operation, an explosive pellet is moved from a safe to an active position and then a hammer or electrical charge is fired to detonate the pellet. Failure of the second stage operation leaves the explosive in an unsafe condition, since the hammer or charge might fall as the fault is being investigated. The invention provides movement of the pellet from one safe position to another continuously and through an active position. If the hammer fails to fall as the pellet passes through the active position the device will assume a safe condition.

Abstract: A detonator safety device for a weapon, such as an artillery shell or a war ead, includes a detonator member, a detonator charge and an igniter plate for applying a firing impact with the aid of the igniter plate on a main explosive charge of the weapon in response to the firing of the detonator charge by the detonator member when the device is in a firing position. The arrangement is such, that the main explosive charge cannot be fired by the igniter plate when the device is in a safety position even if the detonator charge should accidentally be fired.

Abstract: A spherical safety rotor of a fuse of a spinning projectile comprises a recess to lock the rotor into its safety position. A retaining chamber for a detonator includes opposing orifices on the spherical surface. Cut-outs are provided in the rotor periphery to reduce the mass of the rotor. The cut-outs are arranged so that no portion thereof overlies a detonating chamber when the rotor is in its safety position.

Abstract: A detonator securing device for the combat charge of a projectile, including a detonator locking slide, and an impeller-generator movable along a slider guide transverse of the longitudinal axis of a projectile to a position outwardly of the wall thereof, the electrical energy of which generator serves for the release of a securing latch for the detonator locking slide.

Abstract: A fuze of the type used in a rifle grenade assembly with a striker, a rotor nd a rotor lock includes one or more improvements. One pertains to the striker to prevent it from reaching a detonator-striking forward position more than once. Once it advances to the forward position it is locked in it by a spring biased locking pin. Other improvements relate to the release of the rotor by the rotor lock. The rotor remains locked, i.e. in the disarmed state even after intentional launching. It is released to assume the armed state only when the launched assembly accelerates at a certain rate toward the target.

Abstract: A safe/arm mechanism for an air-delivered explosive device uses a slider containing explosive leads as the means of interrupting the explosive train. The slider is locked in the safe position such that the explosive leads are out-of-line with respect to the detonator. The slider is attached directly to the main parachute such that when two locks are removed the parachute deployment forces can overcome a shear pin lock and move the slider to an in-line or armed position where it is positively retained. In this position, initiation of the detonator will allow the explosive output of the detonator to be transferred to its associated explosive device and provide a dual point radial initiation of its booster charge.

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: 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 set back weight is moved by inertial force from a first position to a second position during acceleration of a missile. The set back weight is biased toward its first position to preclude its movement to its second position until the missile undergoes the rate of acceleration which is normally associated with a successful launch of the missile. Upon reaching the second position the weight becomes connected to a piston disposed in a fluid containing reservoir so that when the missile undergoes a reduction in its rate of acceleration and the set back weight moves toward its first position that movement is transmitted to the piston to express fluid from the reservoir. Fluid from the reservoir flows into a working cylinder to move an arming piston therein. Movement of the arming piston is slowed to delay arming of the missile by a flow restricting orifice in the path of fluid flow from the reservoir to the working cylinder.

Abstract: A unique signal, safe and arming device for preventing the inadvertent detonation of an ordnance, having an initiator barrier disk and an ignitor barrier disk situated adjacent respective opposite open ends of at least one transfer tube containing an initiator therein. The barrier disks are interconnected to move in synchronism with each other from a first position blocking the ends of the transfer tube to a second position unblocking the ends of the transfer tube. A maze-like slot is located within the ignitor barrier disk and a peg operably engages the maze-like slot. While the ignitor barrier disk moves from its first position to its second position under the control of preselected signals, the peg moves radially within the slot also under the control of preselected signals. This arrangement requires the proper input signals for the appropriate movement of both the peg and ignitor barrier disk in order to permit activation of the initiator to take place.

Abstract: An out-of-line safing and arming mechanism (10) includes an explosive chain (12) having one link (24) movably mounted on a slider (30) to be removed from the chain in a safing configuration and to be located in the chain in an arming configuration. A head (42) prevents the slider from moving into an arming position and is attached to the slider by an annular connecting system (44) which is stronger in tension and compression than it is in shear. The connecting section is broken by activation of an explosive charge (62) which is located within the connecting section and generates forces (66) tending to shear the connecting section as well as forces (64) tending to move the slider toward an arming position.

Abstract: A unique code device for use with explosive devices. A stepping motor is vided with a shaft for rotation a predetermined number of times for arming the explosive device. Magnetic damping (braking) means is provided to constrain rotation of the shaft.

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

Abstract: An improved arming and firing device especially suited for rocket motors. An explosive donor charge is packed against a bulkhead formed in the body of the device. Shock energy generated by the donor charge and transmitted through the unruptured bulkhead sets off a shock-responsive receptor charge, which in turn initiates a pyrotechnic or explosive rocket motor-actuating output charge. The bulkhead prevents blow-by or leakage of the rocket's combustion products. The donor charge is ignited by an electrically activated detonator. The detonator is carried by a moveable holder. The holder is moved against a return spring by electromechanical driving means. Arming the device is accomplished by moving the holder to position the detonator in firing train with the donor charge, thereby simultaneously bringing electrical contacts on the detonator into contact with electrical leads on a switch plate located adjacent the holder and thus closing the firing circuit.

Abstract: A compact safety device for a fuse or detonator for a weapon such as a bastic projectile to be fired or launched from a tube, is protected against the propellant charge gas pressure by a lightweight, yet pressure tight housing provided with double closure members. One arming detonator element out of a chain of such elements is mounted on a rotor in the pressure tight housing. The rotor is rotatable between an armed position and a disarmed position. The rotation of the rotor is controlled by separate safety elements so that the fuse or detonator can be armed only when it is installed in a weapon.

Abstract: A test operable electro-mechanical safe and arming mechanism for hardened rget penetrating, and other, ordnance, not relying on stored energy, incorporating two mechanical interlocks and providing an electro-mechanical elapsed time reference and mechanical logic to check external control apparatus operation comprises a body having a reversible motor which drives a rotatable shaft having ends threaded in opposite directions. The shaft penetrates the threaded holes of three members which move axially depending on the direction of shaft rotation. The middle member is an initially misaligned explosive train component configured to engage one threaded shaft end to advance into the aligned or armed position. A ball interlock maintains this component misaligned until ordnance delivery is sensed at which time motor energization occurs in a first direction to cause shaft rotation and to preposition the mechanism for arming.

Abstract: A manually rotatable cylindrical valve member forms a physical barrier in a "safe" position between a firing pin-primer charge and pyrotechnic flare ignition material. The valving member has a passage through it that, in the "armed" position, is in alignment with the firing pin-primer charge and the flare ignition material. An axial force on the valving member along with a rotational force is required for adjustment between the safe and armed positions and vice versa. Gas venting of the primer, upon accidental or inadvertent firing of the primer, prevents flare ignition when the valving member is in the safe position.

Abstract: An arming firing relock device includes a resiliently biased handle lock, a rive shaft, an output shaft or keyed member and a pivot block which may be attached to the exterior surface of a rocket motor. The output shaft may be connected to drive a rocket motor arming firing device. The handle lock moves between a safe position and an armed position via a free position in which the handle lock, drive shaft and output shaft or keyed member may be rotated to control the arming firing device. The pivot block, output shaft or keyed member, drive shaft and handle lock all cooperate to positively lock the arming firing device in the safe or the armed positions respectively, yet enable changing positions without the need for tools.

Abstract: A slideably mounted interrupter, or barrier, is constructed to interrupt or break a detonating train when held in a first position by a leaf spring in an unflexed mode, and to complete the detonating train when the interrupter is moved, by a predetermined amplitude of impact force, to a second position wherein the leaf spring is flexed and firmly wedged into a channel to prevent the interrupter from bouncing or otherwise moving out of the second position.

Abstract: A barrier assembly for a safety and arming electro-explosive device of the type comprising a rotor containing detonators and rotatable between safe and arm positions includes a body of lead as an energy absorbing material in the safe position of the device. When the shock wave from a detonator hits the lead, the lead flows and attenuates the shock wave. Cycling after the device has been fired in the safe position is precluded by an undercut in the rotor into which the lead flows, thus preventing rotor rotation after firing.

Abstract: An improved arming-firing device that provides handling safety in a rocket otor. The arming-firing device provides pyrotechnic (out-of-line) and electrical (open and shortened initiator circuits) safety features wherein the arming-firing device is armed by rotating an assemblage of a mechanical rotor switch assembly, and solenoid wherein the solenoid aligns multiple cavities of the mechanical rotor with multiple prongs of a kinetic energy barrier assembly ad this action simultaneously electrically arms (closes circuits and removes shots) and mechanically enables the initiator whereupon receiving a firing signal fires and in turn ignites the ignitor of the rocket motor. The mating of the kinetic energy poppet-sleeve squib assembly's barrier prongs with the rotor cavities obviates rebounding, thus affording proper ignition. The mechanical barrier and a solenoid return spring prevents inadvertent firing from any cause.

Abstract: An electroexplosive device and percussion safe and arm device in which a ton actuated squib or a directional shaped charge is used to set off a pyrotechnic booster charge that is rotated relative to the squib to align the booster charge with the squib and thereby enable the squib to set the booster charge off. The booster charge is used to ignite an initiator main charge or an additional booster charge that then sets off an initiator main charge.

Abstract: A mechanism for immobilizing an arming shaft to preclude axial movement of he shaft until its release is desired, comprising a base and rotor mounted thereon. The rotor holds hardened metal balls in engagement with a circumferential groove on the shaft to lock the shaft in position. The base, rotor and shaft are held in locked position by an arming wire. Compression springs acting between the base and rotor cause relative rotation thereof, when the arming wire is removed, to an unlocked position where the balls can be forced into apertures in the base and release the shaft for axial movement.

Abstract: An explosive safe-arming apparatus for use with a perforating gun which includes a fixed barrier disposed between a detonator explosive and a booster explosive, and a movable barrier disposed between laterally facing portions of the detonator and booster explosives. Upon actuating the movable barrier, either a predetermined perforator disarming operating position or perforator arming operating position are obtained.

Abstract: A device actuated electrically for triggering a mechanical percussion detonator, comprising a tubular container wherein is housed a striker with a percussion pin, an explosive cap actuated electrically and held secure by a cover and a detonator holder containing a mechanical percussion detonator that can be installed or moved afterwards opposite the striker in order to avoid any untimely explosion of the detonator.

Abstract: An arming-firing device that provides handling safety in a rocket motor. arming-firing device provides pyrotechnic (out-of-line) and electrical (open circuit) safety features wherein the arming-firing device is armed by rotating a mechanical rotor by a solenoid that aligns multiple prongs of the barrier with multiple cavities of the rotor and this action simultaneously electrically arms (closes circuits) and mechanically enables the igniter whereupon receiving a firing signal starts the rocket motor. The mating of the barrier prongs with the rotor cavities obviates rebounding, thus affording proper ignition. The mechanical barrier and a solenoid return spring prevents inadvertent firing from any cause.

Abstract: A safety and arming device for a directed missile warhead using a rotor hng a plurality of explosive paths therethrough. A central shaft guides axial and rotary movement of said rotor. Missile launch is sensed and unlatches the rotor. Missile launch acceleration causes the rotor to move axially. Receipt of a second signal causes the rotor to rotate, thereby arming the device by aligning the explosive paths and the detonators. Circuit breakers may also be included on the housing and rotor to produce a continuous electrical path for the firing circuits only when the device is armed.

Abstract: An elongated, aerodynamically improved ballistic projectile fuse, having an overall fuse length greater than its maximum diameter by a factor of approximately two, includes a lightweight aluminum fuse body having forward and rearward portions and an interiorily disposed firing pin with a shearable flange thereon. A steel sleeve mounted in the fuse body is provided for supporting the firing pin with a head portion thereof forwardly directed and exterior to the sleeve and for guiding the firing pin through the fuse body toward the rearward portion thereof subsequent to impact of the fuse with a target. A cap, enclosing the firing pin head, is configured for collapsing and impacting the head upon fuse impact with a target, thereby causing shearing of the firing pin flange and driving of the firing pin rearwardly toward detonation means disposed within the fuse body rearward portion. The cap is in turn enclosed by a windscreen which provides an aerodynamically streamlined, forward continuation of the fuse body.

Abstract: A safety shutter for use in ordnance fuzes and the like consisting of two more metal plates in contact, with each region of contact shaped so that the plates are touching, or nearly touching, only at isolated points or small regions over the confronting faces so that there are six spaces between and intermingled with the areas of contact of the plates such that the broken interfaces between the plates interrupt the transmission of a shock wave capable of inducing spalling from the surface of the shutter which faces the secondary explosive thereby preventing accidental initiation of a propagating detonation. The broken interfaces also absorb the energy of an inadvertently functioned detonator by local crushing and shearing of the metal protuberances on each of the confronting faces of the plates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safe/arm detonator assembly for use with an oil well perforating gun assembly having two housing members sealingly isolated from well bore fluid and which are rotatable from a safe position wherein a detonator and a booster are held out of alignment, to an armed position wherein the detonator and booster are moved into alignment. The detonator assembly is further arranged to be installed in a well perforating gun assembly such that the gun assembly may be transported with the detonator assembly in the safe position, and rotated to the armed position at the well site without disassembling the gun assembly. A safety pin is further disclosed which may be included in one of the housing members to cover and protect the booster from accidental detonation when the detonator assembly is in the safe position.

Abstract: A rifle grenade including a delay-action firing mechanism including a striker, a detonator carried by a barrel, and a striker blocking device with inertia unlocking on shooting of the grenade. The barrel includes an annular element bearing upon a stationary abutment when the barrel is in a safety position, the abutment preventing the barrel from rotating in a wrong direction when it is released by the striker.

Abstract: An out-of-line igniter assembly having a primer located out-of-line of an nition train and movable to an in-line position for ignition of a main pyrotechnic charge. A housing has a raceway connected with a gas expansion chamber and a pellet chamber, and a slider having a primer and a striker assembly is movable in the raceway. Premature detonation of the primer causes the primer to fire into the gas expansion chamber but, in normal operation, the slider is moved so that the primer is fired into the pellet chamber. Movement of the slider causes the striker assembly to actuate when the slider is in an in-line position with the pellet chamber.

Abstract: A missile security mechanism comprises a sliding rod having two axially spaced-apart grooves, a socket slidably mounted on the rod and having hooks able to engage in one of these grooves then the other, and an inertia-block in the form of a sleeve surrounding and locking the hooks in the groove in which they are engaged. The inertia-block is displaceable by inertia against the action of a biasing spring to free the hooks. A second spring biases the rod towards the socket, the rod being held by a pawl which is movable to free the rod in response to a given displacement of the inertia-block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuze plug for hand grenade comprising a rotative drum having two axial bores having respectively a detonator and its propulsive charge and a pyrotechnic timer. In active position of the drum the detonator is aligned with a chamber provided in the explosive charge of the grenade and the pyrotechnic timer is operatively connected to a primer. In safety position of the drum physical barriers are interposed between the detonator and the explosive charge of the grenade as well as between the pyrotechnic timer and the primer.

Abstract: There is disclosed an initiator assembly for a ballistic missile system to ffect fluid flow of a gas from a source thereof to user equipment disposed in a housing therefor including gas inlet and outlet conduits and comprised of a rotor member journalled for rotation in the housing and formed with a mass of an eccentric weight distribution with respect to the axis of rotation and wherein the rotor is provided with an explosive assembly ignited by a striker assembly activated by launch acceleration of the missile and wherein a drive piston of the explosive assembly fractures a closure element disposed in one of said gas conduits.

Abstract: There is disclosed a safe and arming device for ordnance fuzes including an nterrupter. The interrupter includes a cylindrical body adapted for rotational or axial movement in a housing when subjected to acceleration or other mechanical force in a bomb, missile, or other projectile for which designed. The cylindrical body is provided with a plurality of radially extending orthogonal openings containing detonators, whereby, upon movement of the cylindrical body, the detonators are brought into facing explosive communication with explosive leads for arming the fuze.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel dual safety fuze for a rocket-launched mine learing linear high explosive charge. The fuze comprises a tubular housing, having a forward section containing two booster charges for initiating the line charge, an intermediate section containing two electric delay detonators, a rotor containing two lead charges positioned between the forward and intermediate sections and a rearward section mounting two axial arming pins, which provide a first and second lock of the rotor in the safe position. A novel rotor spring assembly includes a rotatable shaft, whose one end is attached to a torsion spring for rotating the rotor and other end has a screw-like configuration, which is engaged by a fork-like driver mounted on the first arming pin.