Abstract: A delay release device that connects to an aerosol filled canister that releases the aerosol in a delayed manner. The device includes a main body with a first plunger assembly mounted on one end. Formed adjacent to the first plunger assembly is a first chamber filled with a compressed gas pressurized from 40 to 150 psi based on the time delay desired. In the main body adjacent to the first chamber is a second chamber and a third chamber. Located inside the third chamber is a second plunger with a hollow stem introduced into a top valve assembly on the canister. To activate, the first plunger assembly is pressed inward which activates a second valve disposed between the first and second chambers. The second valve allows compressed gas to flow slowly from the first chamber into the second chamber and into the third chamber.

Abstract: A safety fuze includes a magneto striker generator (MSG) as its a power generation source. The MSG provides energy to energize an electronic unit and a safety and arming device. The safety fuze allows safety and arming of military hand grenades, with a fully out-of-line explosive initiator and an integrated power generation means, for improving safety and performance. The MSG includes a striker and a receiving bobbin that houses a conductive coil. The striker comprises a permanent magnet that is mounted on a pivot mechanism for allowing a rotational displacement of the permanent magnet, into the bobbin, in order to generate an electrical current. As the permanent magnet is being inserted inside the bobbin, the magnetic flux change induces an electric current in the coil, creating the necessary energy for the fuze operation.

Abstract: A time control device for the movement of a micro-machined or micro-engraved counterweight with respect to a substrate, said counterweight incorporating at least one face having at least one indentation intended to cooperate with at least one other indentation on a housing in which said counterweight moves so as to ensure the delaying of said movement of said counterweight, wherein said one indentation on said counterweight respectively on said housing receiving said counterweight is made on at least one flexible tongue itself integral with said counterweight respectively said housing, said at least one flexible tongue being able to be deformed by bending during the displacement of said counterweight.

Abstract: A connector (30) which connects a detonator to a two-wire harness (14) from a control unit (12) and which includes a timer which, after a timing interval, enables the connection of a following detonator in a sequence to the harness (12).

Abstract: A ballistic shield for protection against up to 7.62×63 mm AP rounds (NIJ Level IV). The ballistic shield is multiple layered and includes polymer foam, ceramic tiles, and a support structure fabricated from ballistic resistant fabric. Individual layers are bonded with adhesives and preferably wrapped with fabric. Under the fabric cover of the exterior surface of the shield is a polymer foam layer that exhibits excellent blast impact resistance and blast attenuation properties as well as a hard ceramic or the like layer. The foam layer is preferably made from liquid crystal or semi-crystalline polymer to enhance fire resistance and provide enhanced ductility. According to a preferred embodiment, the man-portable ballistic shield of the present invention also incorporates a compact video system for viewing the front side of the ballistic shield thereby allowing for the elimination of the transparent view port weakness of current state of the art ballistic shields.

Abstract: A method to ensure payload activation of ordnance independently of a preset period of time including the steps of providing a power source to a clock, a detonator and a trigger circuit; the clock providing an initial count and a terminal count; the initial count providing a trigger signal to the trigger; the trigger circuit providing a terminal count signal to a self-destruct system if a malfunction results in no clock operation.

Abstract: A projectile fuze (12) having fuze electronics in which the time of flight (T) can be programmed, having a timer/counter which counts up to the programmed time of flight (T)—minus a defined time value (?t)—and then charges an electrical firing circuit, and having a mechanical safety and arming unit (16) which switches a firing chain to the armed position after a specific time interval. The firing chain has an electrical detonator (24), a fuze needle (20), a piercing detonator (22) and a booster charge (26). The projectile fuze (12) has a pyrotechnic force element (14), which is interconnected with the fuze electronics and mechanically blocks the safety and arming unit (16) until the time of flight (T) minus the predetermined time value (?t) is reached, after which the electrical firing circuit is charged and the safety and arming unit (16) is unlocked to the armed position by initiation of the force element (14).

Abstract: A detonator which, once armed, is automatically disarmed after a predetermined time period in the absence of at least one defined signal during such time period.

Abstract: A modular fuze assembly is provided for use in multiple types of military ordnance. The fuze comprises a base unit having an initiator for arming the fuze; a timer assembly that includes a programmable clock package; a trigger assembly comprising a line monitoring circuit and a photo-capacitor; and a top cover unit. Each of the individual components are interconnected together to form a single, unitized system. Multiple initiation stages are provided to ensure payload activation.

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 improvements are applicable to fuses provided with a container (9) inside which may move axially a slider (10) having an electrical generator (1), the activation of which provides the electrical energy required for the operation of the fuse, delivering this energy to an electronic circuit (11) which discharges on a detonator (8), which causes the detonation which through a multiplier (12) is transmitted to the explosive charge of the grenade. The novelty consists in that two electronic timers are provided which are mutually independent and which may operate under different or identical technologies, one analogue and the other digital, and in that the detonator (8) and the multiplier (12) in a resting position are unaligned, with alignment resulting from a displacement caused by a specific arrangement of the elements of the explosive chain.

Abstract: A priming unit, consisting of a combination of rested casings 5, 6, 7, a firing pin 3 with assembly aid 12, as well as a priming spring 8 and a propulsion spring 9, are arranged to provide a secure detonation of a fuze or bomblet fuze. The priming unit ensures a secure detonation upon impact with a target or at the completion of the flight phase. As a result, almost no duds are created. If, for any reason, the detonator carrier has not been armed, it is maintained in the unarmed position as a result of the arrangement, so that no dangerous duds result.

Abstract: The determination of the active projectile velocity required for the correction computation and the correction of the disaggregation time (Tz(vo) are performed in a projectile after it has been fired. The velocity measurement takes place in the form of a measurement of a first time (t) which is required for a defined number of revolutions (Nm) of the projectile, wherein a velocity difference, which must be multiplied by a correction factor, is expressed by the actual projectile velocity and a lead velocity of the projectile by means of a time difference (t−tm) formed from the first time (t) and a predetermined second time (tm).

Abstract: An electronic safe and arm apparatus disposed in a projectile having a spin axis and a spin rate includes a battery; a power supply board connected to the battery, the power supply board including a mechanical G-switch that closes permanently at a predetermined acceleration, and a time-delay circuit connected to the G-switch; a firing board connected to the power supply board, the firing board including: an accelerometer that is oriented perpendicular to and disposed a fixed distance from the spin axis, an output of the accelerometer varying according to the fixed distance from the spin axis and the spin rate of the projectile; a comparator connected to the output of the accelerometer wherein the comparator compares the output of the accelerometer to a threshold voltage and an output of the comparator is low when the output of the accelerometer is less than the threshold voltage and the output of the comparator is high when the output of the accelerometer exceeds the threshold voltage; a rectifier connected t

Abstract: A mortar includes a fuse device having a detonator, and a firing booster arranged to be ignited in response to detonation of the detonator. The detonator is detonated by a firing pin which comprises part of a sliding component in an electric solenoid mechanism. Upon receipt of an electric firing signal, the solenoid produces an electromagnetic force that thrusts the firing pin against the detonator.

Abstract: A substitute solid state device for safely initiating a sustainer motor is provided. The substitute device replaces a mechanism that is integral to a warhead. The substitute device interfaces to a telemetry package and is suitable for insertion into small housings. A specific embodiment is a substitute interface to a telemetry system incorporating a circuit for firing a sustainer motor of a small missile or rocket. The substitute interface replaces the interface and firing circuit associated with the warhead in a missile of 2.75-inch diameter, such as the STINGER missile.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electronically controlling ordnance fuzes by sensing magnetic fields proximate the ordnance via a magnetic field sensor. The sensor is preferably a giant magnetoresistance detector. For spinning ordnance, in-flight cumulative range can be calculated by counting turns of the spinning ordnance. Ordnance may be armed a pre-determined time after exit of the ordnance from a weapon firing the ordnance as determined by the magnetic field sensor. The invention is also of a giant magnetoresistance sensor and method for making same and an apparatus for and method of sensing angular velocity for spinning ordnance.

Abstract: An arming and safing system for a missile having an acceleration responsive mechanism for actuating a timing device upon launching to insure arming only after the passage of a predetermined period of time, and an omnidirectional impact switch for activating a dudding switch in case of missile impact at a distance less than a minimum safe distance from the launching vehicle.

Abstract: An arming system for a missile which prevents destruction of the missile side of a specified area. The missile may be launched from a submarine, and follow a water-air-trajectory, and includes a variable-range timer acting in conjunction with an impact detection system. The timer drives arming switches to the armed condition after a predetermined time, and then opens the switches after a second predetermined time, which establishes a maximum range for detonation of the missile warhead.

Abstract: A gating circuit for a missile guidance system having a capacitor for supplying the output signal together with a plurality of silicon controlled rectifiers for applying or removing a supply voltage to the capacitor.

Abstract: An attitude sensing safing system for a missile, which senses an attitude ror of the missile, and activates a dudding signal when the error exceeds a certain value for a predetermined time. The missile includes a delay arming timer, which is deactivated when by the dudding signal. The system allows the missile to correct itself, by requiring that the error signals persist for a set time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining whether a warhead in flight and forming a part of a rocket, missile, or the like, is in a state which permits arming of the warhead. The arming of the warhead depends upon the conditions of the warhead's movement and the elapsed time from its launching. A specific time slot which begins at a predetermined time after the launching of the warhead and terminates at a predetermined time thereafter is demarcated. The velocity of the warhead is measured following its launch and at least during the specific time slot. The warhead will be armed only in the event that the measured velocity of the warhead has reached at least a predetermined value within the specific time slot.

Abstract: Objects are detonated by placing charges adjacent respective ones of the objects and connecting the charges to a time fuse by means of respective explosive cords for detonating all of the charges simultaneously when the time fuse fires. The time fuse can be set by fitting a clock to the time fuse. The clock has separate timer mechanisms which can be wound-up simultaneously and which prevent the clock from being fitted to the time fuse if the timer mechanisms have run down asynchronously. An adapter can be attached to the time fuse for releasing a safety of the time fuse upon receiving a remote signal such as an encoded radio signal.

Abstract: A pancake-configured housing holds first and second printed circuit boards. The first board includes electronic circuitry providing an adjustable timing delay and a first switch manually operated from a position external to the housing. The second board includes a pyrotechnic device and electronic circuitry for firing the device after the adjustable time delay. The second board also includes second switches with arms actuatable to convert such switches from first to second operative states. In the first state, the second switches short circuit the device and an energy storage member (e.g. a capacitor) on the second board and provide an open circuit to the circuitry on the first board. In the second state, the second switches provide a charging of the capacitor, the initiation of the timing through the circuitry in the first board with the first switch closed and the device firing by the capacitor energy after the adjustable delay.

Abstract: An electronic delay igniter including a firing capacitor (102) for storing energy required for firing by applying a voltage from an external power supply, an electronic timer unit (206) provided with a solid state oscillator driven by the energy stored in the firing capacitor (102) to output an output signal after a predetermined delay time, a switching unit (104) for receiving the output signal to transmit the firing energy to an ignition unit (107), and the ignition unit (107) having a ignition charge which ignites on receiving the firing energy, a voltage from the external power supply has a voltage application region where the electronic timer (206) is operated to operate the switching unit (104), but the ignition charge does not ignite even when the energy from the firing capacitor (102) is received.

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.

Abstract: A multifunctional magnetic fuze is disclosed. The sensor includes an apparatus and method for counting each rotation of a projectile after firing from a weapon. A signal is generated which indicates the rotations of the projectile and a counter counts the turns so that the projectile may detonate at a predetermined nominal number of turns. The turns count may also be used to calculate spin rate and muzzle velocity so that the nominal turns count may be adjusted based on actual velocity. The fuze also may include a timer for counting a time to burst of a projectile. The turns count and/or the times count may be utilized to provide accurate detonation.

Abstract: A safe and arm device has a cylindrical body from which a plurality of exsive leads diverge from a rotor movable through an arming angle to electrically and mechanically arm a plurality of detonators and has a rotary solenoid with a shaft oscillating a predetermined number of times when the device is to assume an armed condition. The device has an axle extending alongside the shaft, and a setback weight is mounted on and helically coupled to the axle to motivate the axle through an angle actuating the rotor through the arming angle. The shaft bears an arcuate pawl having recesses, and the axle bears an arcuate cam having recesses juxtapositioned to the pawl. Latch balls are mounted in the body between the pawl and cam for movement partially into and from the recesses.

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: A time delay fuze is shown to include a fuze base having an outer surface with a circular shape and a center cavity with an inner wall having a plurality of bores disposed through the inner wall to the outer surface. The time delay fuze further includes a plurality of encoder rings disposed about the fuze base, each one of the encoder rings having an inner surface with a predetermined arrangement of lands and grooves, the inner surface of each one of the encoder rings disposed adjacent the outer surface of the fuze base and a circuit board having a plurality of switches disposed in the center cavity of the fuze base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safe and arm mechanism for an exploding projectile to be fired from a rifled gun. The projectile first experiences axial and angular acceleration which moves a setback ball to initially arm the mechanism. A third projectile parameter, angular velocity, functions to lock the ball in the armed position. During projectile flight, a spin actuated escapement mechanism moves toward a fully armed position, but may be precluded from reaching that fully armed position by a command arm arrangement. The projectile is then fully armed when a command arm signal releases the arrangement and the escapement mechanism is allowed to complete its motion to the fully armed position. When the projectile strikes a target, it experiences axial deceleration which moves a contact ball partway to a detonating position. After the projectile passes through the target surface and into a void, e.g.

Abstract: A safe and arm device is responsive to electrical signals by way of two solenoids that push and pull, respectively, an arm to rotate, in turn, each of a series of three cogwheels by steps. When each of the cogwheels has been rotated a given number of steps prescribed by a secret code, slots or cutouts in each of the cogwheels are aligned to permit passage therethrough of an elongated bar or rack that can then operate or enable a switch or other mechanism to fire a rocket motor, etc.

Abstract: Apparatus for e.g. igniting a boost motor of a spinning projectile comprises an inertia wheel (5) which remains stationary within the spinning projectile and a linearly movable member (10) initially decoupled from the inertia wheel but become engaged therewith when a predetermined linear acceleration state of the projectile is attained and which then initiates winding up of a flexible tape coupled to a switch mechanism. When the tape has been fully wound up, i.e. when the missile has spun through a preset number of turns, the switch mechanism is pulled to operate it via the tape. Thus, the switch mechanism is only operated when the predetermined linear acceleration condition and the preset number of rotations (which equates to a preset flight distance) have been attained.

Abstract: An inertial mass is forced from an initial position against a compression spring by sustained acceleration of a predetermined value to travel to the end of a zig-zag channel where it is locked into place in engagement with four contacts and thereby enables an electric circuit for the firing of a squib by a firing command signal. When the firing command is given, the squib fires and the resulting pressure forces a piston to break a shear pin and move whereby the hot gases are forced into a flame tube hole previously blocked by the piston. The hole may be packed with ignition granules which speed propogation of the flame to an igniter. In the event the squib is fired inadvertently with the inertial mass in the initial position thereof, the piston is restrained by the inertial mass and cannot move to unblock the flame tube hole. As a result, the hot gases are retained harmlessly in the space provided.

Abstract: A system for manually setting a timing value of an electronic fuze for an artillery projectile prior to firing without tools or electric power, and for displaying the set timing value in standard decimal format. Two adjacent setting rings, disposed about the outside of the fuze housing, are interconnected together with the housing so that one ring rotates with the other ring when the other ring is manually rotated in one direction about the housing axis, but is prevented from rotating when the other ring is rotated in an opposite direction about the housing axis. Each ring carries a plurality of numbers disposed about its outer periphery such that one of the numbers is axially aligned with an indication mark on the fuze housing at each setting of the ring. The two series of numbers are oriented laterally so that the two numbers aligned with the indication mark constitute the desired timing value.

Abstract: A hardened electromechanical switch is disclosed. When appropriate electrical contacts and pick-offs are aligned, four switches close. The possible number of switch combinations selectable are 4095 based upon a base eight counting system. The switch has a counter section and a memory section. The counter section uses an odometer like device based upon octal. Each counter wheel of the counter section has an electrical pick-off that interacts with the memory section. In the memory section, a plurality of octal numbers, four, are entered into and locked thereon such that each counter set disk, four, therein has one octal number thereon. Electrical contacts are placed on the counter set disks of the memory section and these touch the pick-offs of the counter wheels which will simultaneously close on the four contacts of the counter set disk in only one of the 4095 combinations noted above.

Abstract: A safety arming device driven by a reversible motor including a detonator sitioned in a casing for initiating explosive logic through the reception of signals from an electric circuit. A driver wheel is rotated by the reversible motor which matingly engages a driven wheel. The driven wheel includes a groove into which a guide pin from the driver wheel moves and the driver wheel rotates through a predetermined angle to align detent slots at a latching position. There is provided an output wheel having gear teeth and explosive output leads, and upon the alignment of the slots in the latching position, the latching mechanism engages the driver/driven wheels, and upon further rotation the wheels are enmeshed to rotate the explosive output lead to an alignment position with the detonator.

Abstract: The method of performing an arming operation in a falling munition which comprises the steps of decelerating the munition, quickly converting a portion of the energy of deceleration to potential energy, and slowly utilizing the potential energy to perform the arming operation.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical mechanism is disclosed which controls safety-armingring of an air-launched missile's rocket motor and safety-arming of the warhead. The mechanism has an out-of-line safety pyrotechnic design to maintain the electric firing circuits and explosive train in an open, safe position until a complete sequence of events occurs. Similarly, a second sequence must occur before warhead arming can proceed.

Abstract: A safety and arming device using two counter-rotating gears provides stabty from acceleration forces. The gears have a natural tendency to compensate for lateral shifts which tend to speed up or slow down any one single gear. The gears are anchored by a setback weight which when released is driven back by acceleration freeing the gears to rotate due to inertia effects. Upon completion of the rotation, the detonator switch is keyed to permit fuze detonation. The time required for the gears to rotate is controlled by an escapement device.

Abstract: A fuse provided with a detonator which is ignited by an electrical ignition signal is described. The detonator has a first terminal normally connected to earth and supported by a rotatable member which can move the detonator from a first position in which it is unable to transmit ignition to the chain, to a second position in which a second terminal thereof is in contact with a contact element at which the ignition signal arrives. The rotatable member is rotated by the centrifugal and inertia forces acting on the fuse and is controlled by a delay device arranged to allow it to rotate in a predetermined time and during at least part of the rotation of the rotatable member, the second terminal of the detonator is maintained in electrical contact with the earth so as to make the detonator electrically inactive during the part of the rotation.

Abstract: A setback motivated element has its movement to an armed position control by an electromechanical escapement which permits arming only upon the reception of a predetermined number of electrical pulses of opposite polarity to provide protection against improper arming due to either electronic or mechanical failure.