Manually Released Patents (Class 102/260)
  • Patent number: 11549793
    Abstract: A diversionary device trigger mechanism is provided that can be repeatedly used, and which allows a primer or blank to be discharged in two different ways. The device includes a main body with a number of other components secured to the main body about an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A firing pin, a ball bearing, an anvil, a top retaining cap, and a plunger are secured about the upper chamber. A blank carrier, a primer or blank, and a carrier receiver are secured about the lower chamber. In the first way, the ball bearing can be displaced relative to the main body, such as by throwing the device towards a surface. In the second way, the plunger can be pushed down relative to the main body. If either of these occur, the firing pin to be moved downwardly to pierce and set off the primer or blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Sleep Environment Innovations LLC
    Inventor: Alex Krzecki
  • Patent number: 11460280
    Abstract: A grenade firing mechanism 12 has a body 18 defining an internal chamber 32 in which a firing pin structure 40 is located. The firing pin structure is actuated by an inertia toggle 64 having a first end contained within the chamber and a second end region 72 which projects from the body. A safety lever 16 is releasably mounted to the second end region 72 of the inertia toggle in an operative position to prevent the inertia toggle moving to actuate the firing pin structure. A lever spring 104 is operative to eject the lever from the inertia toggle allow the firing pin structure to be actuated when the grenade is deployed. The lever 16 carries an abutment pin 120 which extends through the body to engage the firing pin structure 40 to inhibit the firing pin structure moving in a firing direction when the lever is in its operative position. The inertia toggle may have a convex abutment surface which engages the firing pin structure. The firing mechanism is particularly suited to a sound flash distraction grenade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Alliance Development Group Ltd
    Inventor: Duncan Thomas
  • Patent number: 11378371
    Abstract: A peripheral device that is used with a mixed reality system that is thrown by the user of the mixed reality system and captures scene and mapping data of the area the peripheral is thrown into. Upon capturing the scene and mapping data, the peripheral transmits the data (in some embodiments, including processed results of evaluation of the data) to the mixed reality system. The mixed reality system displays a visual representation of the scene and mapping data on a near eye display. In some embodiments, the visual representation appears in real space enabling an effect where the user of the mixed reality system can see through walls or other obstructions. In some embodiments, the peripheral is configured to detonate upon the satisfaction of a variable set of conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Chosen Realities, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Browy
  • Patent number: 11287231
    Abstract: A reusable simulated weapon device includes a holding chamber and an expansion chamber for receiving expanding gas. A shuttle is slidable between a closed position that blocks communication between the holding chamber and the expansion chamber and an open position that allows communication. A pilot valve allows pressurized gas in the holding chamber to drive the shuttle into the open position. A firing pin opens the pilot valve. The firing pin has an armed position, in which a protrusion engages with a recess to hold the firing pin against a spring. The firing pin can be released from the armed position in response to an impact to the device. When the firing pin is released, the spring drives the firing pin to actuate the pilot valve, causing the shuttle to slide from the closed position to the open position to allow gas to move into the expansion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: AIRSOFT INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventors: Robin Stoddart, Carlton Ie Loong Chong
  • Patent number: 11054234
    Abstract: A grenade firing mechanism (12) includes a body (24) containing a firing pin (20) and a tiring pin actuator mechanism (22). A safety system includes twist to arm collar (70) and a safety interlock (92). The collar is movable between an unarmed position and an armed position and tire safety interlock is movable between a collar locking position, a collar release position and a firing position. When the collar (70) is in the unarmed position and the safety interlock (92) is in the collar locking position, actuation of the firing pin (20) is inhibited and the safety interlock (92) inhibits movement of the collar to the armed position. When, the safety interlock (92) is in the collar release position, the collar (70) is able to be moved between said unarmed and armed positions and actuation of the firing pin is inhibited. When the collar (70) is in the armed position and the -safety interlock (92) is in the firing position, actuation of the firing pin is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: ALS, Inc.
    Inventor: Duncan Thomas
  • Patent number: 8726810
    Abstract: A grenade includes a body having at least one interior chamber; a fuze assembly attached to the body, that fuze assembly being capable of detonating the grenade and a safety lever movable between a first position to a second position which engages the fuze assembly. A firing pin is engageable with the safety lever to prevent the lever from being moved to the second position. A retaining clip retains the firing pin and prevents premature release of the pin from the grenade wherein the retaining clip is integrated within the safety lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Combined Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Kravel
  • Patent number: 8250980
    Abstract: An exemplary firing pin with a release mechanism apparatus at least partially composed of an elastic thermoplastic material. The apparatus includes a rod with a first end portion, a middle portion, and a second end portion. The first end portion includes an integral cage-like element with a plurality of restraining wall elements, which, interiorly, are undercut defining an interior chamber with a volume sufficient to accommodate a cable stop element and define an aperture in communication with the chamber. The aperture is sized to accommodate a cable or the like, but small enough to prevent the stop element seated in the chamber from moving, so long as the restraining wall elements are constrained. The restraining wall elements are generally constrained by a substantially rigid element, such that they cannot deform, flaring open, even if the cable is under tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James Mackie-Smith, Edward Tersine, Ryan Barrow
  • Publication number: 20120119013
    Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead having destructive elements. The weapon also includes a folding lug switch assembly that provides a mechanism to attach the weapon to a delivery vehicle and is configured to close after launching from the delivery vehicle, thereby satisfying a criterion to arm the warhead. The weapon still further includes a guidance section including an antenna configured to receive mission data before launching from the delivery vehicle and further configured to receive instructions after launching from the delivery vehicle to guide the weapon to a target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Steven D. Roemerman, John P. Volpi
  • Patent number: 6082267
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Bulova Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Edward F. Cooper
  • Patent number: 5902953
    Abstract: The blocking disc serving as an explosive train interrupter of a safety and rming mechanism is angularly displaced from its safe position by a stepping motor through reduction gearing in response to timed energizing pulses applied thereto from a crystal-controlled pulse generator. The blocking disc is releasably latched in its safe position by a locking rod controlling the supply and cut-off of energizing voltage to the pulse generator to accurately time displacement of the disc to an armed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Daniel S. Lenko, Thomas P. Frederick
  • Patent number: 5594195
    Abstract: The blocking disc serving as an explosive train interrupter of a safety and rming mechanism is angularly displaced from its safe position by a stepping motor through reduction gearing in response to timed energizing pulses applied thereto from a crystal-controlled pulse generator. The blocking disc is releasably latched in its safe position by a locking rod controlling the supply and cut-off of energizing voltage to the pulse generator to accurately time displacement of the disc to an armed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Daniel S. Lenko, Thomas P. Frederick
  • Patent number: 5396845
    Abstract: A fuze or igniter provided with an adjustable electronic unit (24), a separate energy supply (40) as well as a mechanical safety device (26). In order for this fuze to be independent of the weapons system and not be bound to a particular type of payload, the adjustable electronic unit (24) and the mechanical safety device (26) are accommodated in the essentially cylindrical, watertight housing (22) of a basic module (20) that has two end faces (28, 30). The energy supply (40) can be mechanically and electrically connected with the basic module (20). In the region of one of its end faces (28), the basic module (20) can be connected with either a programming device (136) in order to program in an ignition time and a sterilization time (desensitization time) or a payload (42) that is independent of the weapons system employed and is not ammunition specific.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Backstein, Hermann Schaper, Dirk Wolff
  • Patent number: 5198615
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Robbie, William O. Maruska
  • Patent number: 4599945
    Abstract: A hollow pivot pin, with an exposed primer at its side, holds boron potassium nitrate pellets 78 for igniting a flare. A spring-loaded firing pin mechanism is attached radially to the pivot pin and is swung about it by a parachute lanyard. When the firing pin becomes aligned with the primer charge, the firing pin is released and fires the charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Assignee: Morton Thiokol, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward P. Groustra, Henry J. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4483250
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Thurston, George A. Berkley
  • Patent number: 4474112
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: George E. Cooksey, John F. Prescott, Rodney H. Zagala
  • Patent number: 4314614
    Abstract: An improved safe-arm method and apparatus is provided for preventing unwanted detonation of shaped charge perforating guns while in storage and in transport, yet providing quick and easy arming at the well site. An interrupter member is inserted within an air gap between an ignitor section and an explosive charge section. To ready the perforating gun for use, a lanyard connected to the interrupter and extending externally from the perforating gun housing is pulled, removing the interrupter from the gap and arming the perforating gun section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1982
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. McPhee, Timothy G. Golian
  • Patent number: 4296689
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Thomas K. C. Hardesty
  • Patent number: 4292895
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Bell, Jose B. Garcia
  • Patent number: 4202271
    Abstract: A safe and arming device used with electrically operated fuses of a missile nd including a housing with an acceleration responsive device rotatably mounted therein between safe and arming positions and biased into the safe position by a spring and actuatable to the arming position when accelerated at a predetermined rate, latching means which latches the acceleration device in the armed position and reset means which releases the latching means to allow the device to be reset into the safe position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1980
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: John H. Day
  • Patent number: 4172421
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1979
    Assignee: Jet Research Center, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Regalbuto
  • Patent number: H1266
    Abstract: A coupling device for use with a primer and blasting cap in demolition fig devices and the like. The device includes a body portion defining a straight line path from the primer to the blasting cap. Also included is a moveable slide positioned in the body to block the straight line path and moveable to clear that path. A spring is used to act on the slide to clear the path, and a safety pin holds the slide against the spring until firing is desired. A time delay device such as a liquid annular orifice dashpot delays movement of the slide. A preferred embodiment uses two slides and two springs to first clear the path and second place a blasting cap lead in alignment on the path when the slides clear the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Alexey T. Zacharin