Time Controlled Patents (Class 102/276)
  • Patent number: 9068473
    Abstract: To solve both axial and rotational constraint problems in turbochargers with rolling element bearings (REBs), a REB cartridge is mounted to the bearing housing in a way that is not rigid, thus allowing for an oil damping film. At the same time, the REB cartridge is held both axially and rotationally, so that the outer race does not rotate relative to the bearing housing. This dual purpose is achieved using a special dual-mode spring clip with at least one anti-rotation feature for engaging the bearing housing and at least one anti-rotation feature for engaging the REB cartridge, thereby axially locating the REB cartridge and preventing rotation of the outer race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy House, Paul Diemer, Allan Kelly, Augustine Cavagnaro
  • Patent number: 9068598
    Abstract: To solve both axial and rotational constraint problems in turbochargers with rolling element bearings (REBs), a REB cartridge is mounted to the bearing housing in a way that is not rigid, thus allowing for an oil damping film. At the same time, the REB cartridge is held both axially and rotationally, so that the outer race does not rotate relative to the bearing housing. This dual purpose is achieved using a special dual-mode sliding clip with at least one anti-rotation feature for engaging the bearing housing and at least one anti-rotation feature for engaging the REB cartridge, thereby axially locating the REB cartridge and preventing rotation of the outer race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy House, Paul Diemer, Allan Kelly, Augustine Cavagnaro
  • Patent number: 9046268
    Abstract: A timer key relating to monitoring a countdown time of a countdown routine of an electronic device is disclosed. The timer key comprises a processor configured to respond to a countdown time associated with operation of the electronic device, a display operably coupled with the processor, and a housing configured to house at least the processor. The housing has an associated structure configured to engage with the electronic device to share the countdown time between the electronic device and the timer key. The processor is configured to begin a countdown routine based at least in part on the countdown time, wherein the countdown routine is at least substantially synchronized with a countdown routine of the electronic device when the timer key is removed from the electronic device. A system and method for synchronizing countdown routines of a timer key and an electronic device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance
    Inventors: Reston A. Condit, Michael A. Daniels, Gregory P. Clemens, Eric S. Tomberlin, Joel A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9037894
    Abstract: Timing circuits including supervisor chip(s), capacitors, and latches. The supervisor chip(s) and capacitors cooperate to generate an electrical signal (window signal) having a high logic state when the window is open. The latches are used to determine whether an event of interest occurred while the window was open using the generated window signal and an electrical signal asserted upon occurrence of the event of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Deric Keith Mason, Michael David Haddon
  • Patent number: 8991316
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Rory Berger
  • Patent number: 8813648
    Abstract: An ignition and delay circuit of an ammunition unit for time controlled delay of the initiation of an electric blasting cap. The ignition and delay circuit includes a piezo electric device generating electrical energy when hitting a target. An energy storing device stores the energy generated by the piezo electric device. A delay device supplied by the energy storing device and controlling the initiation of the electric blasting cap. A programmable micro processor is provided supplied by the energy storing device and arranged to control the delay of the initiation in dependence of at least the type of ammunition in question.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Henrik Remahl
  • Patent number: 8794152
    Abstract: A gas-impermeable sealer element (24, 124) for a detonator or other explosive initiation device includes a non-reactive sleeve (26, 126) having a channel (28, 128) formed therein. A reactive material strip (30, 130) is sealed within the channel for transmission of an explosive's initiation signal through the sealer element (24, 124), either alone or in cooperation with transfer charges located at the input and/or output end of the non-reactive sleeve (26, 126). The reactive material strip (30, 130) comprises a reactive metal wire or other substrate (34) having on one or both sides thereof a layer of reactive material (30, 130, 36), either reactive metal foils which react exothermically when ignited, or a deposited fuel-oxidizer reactive material. The reactive materials, upon being energized, react exothermically in the absence of atmospheric oxygen or other extraneous oxidizer and so may be encapsulated, sealed or otherwise isolated from the atmosphere in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Dyno Nobel Inc.
    Inventors: Tyson J. Plitt, Joseph W. Twarog, Jr., Mark Dorman, Raymond T. Overstrom, John Childs
  • Patent number: 8714090
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Nexter Munitions
    Inventors: Christian Pisella, Christophe Kergueris, Laurent Reynard, Renaud Lafont, Pierre-Marie Visse
  • Patent number: 8701560
    Abstract: A timer key relating to monitoring a countdown time of a countdown routine of an electronic device is disclosed. The timer key comprises a processor configured to respond to a countdown time associated with operation of the electronic device, a display operably coupled with the processor, and a housing configured to house at least the processor. The housing has an associated structure configured to engage with the electronic device to share the countdown time between the electronic device and the timer key. The processor is configured to begin a countdown routine based at least in part on the countdown time, wherein the countdown routine is at least substantially synchronized with a countdown routine of the electronic device when the timer key is removed from the electronic device. A system and method for synchronizing countdown routines of a timer key and an electronic device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Reston A. Condit, Michael A. Daniels, Gregory P. Clemens, Eric S. Tomberlin, Joel A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8453571
    Abstract: A multiple warhead fuzing apparatus including first warhead and a second warhead. Operation/detonation of the first and second warheads is controlled using safe and arming logic and an onboard weapon computer that communicates triggering and fire signal parameters to fire signal logic located on the weapon. For a hard target application, the initiation module(s) of each warhead will initiate when commanded by the warhead's fuze after specific criteria has been satisfied, as determined by the fuze programming from the weapon computer. Soft target applications will require the warheads to initiate simultaneously after a delay from impact. The large area target settings will initiate all warheads upon receipt of a fire command from the weapon computer or height of burst sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Brian Dwayne Dutton, John Kevin Kandell, Gabriel Henry Soto
  • Patent number: 8448573
    Abstract: A multiple warhead fuzing apparatus including a first warhead and a second warhead. Operation/detonation of the first and second warheads is controlled using safe and arming logic and an onboard weapon computer that communicates triggering and fire signal parameters to fire signal logic located on the weapon. For a hard target application, the initiation module(s) of each warhead will initiate when commanded by the warhead's fuze after specific criteria has been satisfied, as determined by the fuze programming from the weapon computer. Soft target applications will require the warheads to initiate simultaneously after a delay from impact. The large area target settings will initiate all warheads upon receipt of a fire command from the weapon computer or height of burst sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Brian Dwayne Dutton, John Kevin Kandell, Gabriel Henry Soto
  • Publication number: 20130112098
    Abstract: A gas-impermeable sealer element (24, 124) for a detonator or other explosive initiation device includes a non-reactive sleeve (26, 126) having a channel (28, 128) formed therein. A reactive material strip (30, 130) is sealed within the channel for transmission of an explosive's initiation signal through the sealer element (24, 124), either alone or in cooperation with transfer charges located at the input and/or output end of the non-reactive sleeve (26, 126). The reactive material strip (30, 130) comprises a reactive metal wire or other substrate (34) having on one or both sides thereof a layer of reactive material (30, 130, 36), either reactive metal foils which react exothermically when ignited, or a deposited fuel-oxidizer reactive material. The reactive materials, upon being energized, react exothermically in the absence of atmospheric oxygen or other extraneous oxidizer and so may be encapsulated, sealed or otherwise isolated from the atmosphere in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: DYNO NOBEL INC.
    Inventors: Tyson J. Plitt, Joseph W. Twarog, JR., Mark Dorman, Raymond T. Overstrom, John Childs
  • Patent number: 8327766
    Abstract: A timing element for an initiator is made from a reactive polymeric material such as, e.g., a glycidyl azide polymer. The reactive polymeric material may include pulverulent oxidizer additives, such as ammonium, perchlorate and/or ferric oxide. The oxidizer additives are used to increase the rate of reaction and the output spark of the polymer material. The timing element serves to delay the travel of an initiation signal between an input, such as a signal transmission input line, and an explosive output charge, for a predetermined period of time, usually about 5 to about 10,000 milliseconds, e.g., about 9 to about 9600 milliseconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Dyno Nobel Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Twarog, Jr., John C. Campbell, Jr., Tyson J. Plitt, Kim Chi Ho
  • Patent number: 8245643
    Abstract: A delay unit (10) comprises a timing strip (14) and, optionally, a calibration strip (20) deposited on a substrate (12). The timing and calibration strips comprise energetic materials which optionally may comprise particles of nanosize materials, e.g., a fuel and an oxidizer, optionally applied as separate layers. A method of making the delay units comprises depositing onto a substrate (12) a timing strip (14) having a starting point (14d) and a discharge point (14e) and depositing onto the same or another substrate a calibration strip (20). Timing strip (14) and calibration strip (20) are of identical composition and are otherwise configured, e.g., thickness of the strips, to have identical burn rates. The calibration strip (20) is ignited and its burn rate is ascertained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Dyno Nobel Inc.
    Inventors: John Childs, Lawrence J. Shank, III
  • Patent number: 8134822
    Abstract: A remote initiator for the remote initiation of explosive charges. The remote initiator having: (i) a transmitter with means for generating and transmitting a coded signal and input means for inputting operational commands into the transmitter for generating the coded signal, (ii) at least one receiver adapted to be connected with the explosive charges, the receiver having means for receiving the coded signal from the transmitter and input means for inputting operational commands into the receiver for generating an output signal for the remote initiation of explosive charges upon receipt of a valid transmitted coded signal, (iii) a power source for each of the transmitter and receiver, and dual processing means that are independent of each other are adapted to provide independent control of a firing circuit and adapted to synchronise with each processing means before initiation can occur so as to enhance safety and reliability of the transmitter and receiver and the initiation of the remote initiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Mas Zengrange (NZ) Ltd
    Inventors: Roger Ballantine, Anthony Paul Hornbrook, Ian Moore, Tony Humphries
  • Patent number: 7958826
    Abstract: A grenade includes an explosion chamber having an explosive charge to which an ignition charge is connected. The grenade also includes a primer and trigger coupled to the ignition charge for detonation of the explosive charge held within the explosion chamber. A variable distance detonation mechanism has a trigger and primer for allowing controlled detonation of the grenade a specific distance from the launch point thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventors: Robert S. Thomas, III, Edward C. Waters, III
  • Patent number: 7926402
    Abstract: Microcontroller apparatuses and methods of use are disclosed. An explosive projectile system contains a faze and a remote fuze setter. The fuze includes a microcontroller comprising an RC-based clock generator and is configured to sample an accurate timing event sent from a crystal-based or similarly accurate timing device. The microcontroller is then calibrated with the received timing event and results are employed in a manner appropriate for desired implementation. Implementations of the microcontroller may include sampling a detonation delay value, in the form of a time pulse, and calibrating the microcontroller to issue a fire command at delay time after an impact event. Additionally, in a setter calibration application, a microcontroller may receive a carrier signal, calibrate the faze to an accurate time base and then set frequency boundary limits for subsequent data bit transfers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene C. Pikus, David P. Erdmann
  • Patent number: 7789153
    Abstract: Electronic time delay apparatuses and methods of use are disclosed. An explosive or propellant system, which may be configured as a well perforating system includes an electronic time delay assembly comprising an input subassembly, an electronic time delay circuit, and an output subassembly. The input subassembly is activated by an external stimulus, wherein an element is displaced to activate an electronic time delay circuit. The electronic time delay circuit comprises a time delay device coupled with a voltage firing circuit. The electronic time delay circuit counts a time delay, and, upon completion, raises a voltage until a threshold firing voltage is exceeded. Upon exceeding the threshold firing voltage, a voltage trigger switch will break down to transfer energy to an electric initiator to initiate an explosive booster within the output subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Francois X. Prinz, John A. Arrell, Jr., Ronald S. Borja, William J. Slade
  • Patent number: 7748324
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Scott A. Sutcliffe
  • Patent number: 7729205
    Abstract: A method and system for accurate timing in a low current system useful in fuzing applications generates a first count of oscillations of an oscillator of unknown frequency during a first period of unknown duration. A second count of oscillations of the oscillator is generated during a second period of a known duration. The duration of the first period is calculated based on the first count and the second count. A solid-state, thin-film battery is able to be used by virtue of low-current characteristics of the system, enabling extended shelf life for fuzing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Action Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jonathan C. Siebott, Richard A. Frantz
  • Patent number: 7650840
    Abstract: A delay unit (10) comprises a timing strip (14) and, optionally, a calibration strip (20) deposited on a substrate (12). The timing and calibration strips comprise energetic materials which optionally may comprise particles of nanosize materials, e.g., a fuel and an oxidizer, optionally applied as separate layers. A method of making the delay units comprises depositing onto a substrate (12) a timing strip (14) having a starting point (14d) and a discharge point (14e) and depositing onto the same or another substrate a calibration strip (20). Timing strip (14) and calibration strip (20) are of identical composition and are otherwise configured, e.g., thickness of the strips, to have identical burn rates. The calibration strip (20) is ignited and its burn rate is ascertained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Dyno Nobel Inc.
    Inventors: John Childs, Lawrence J. Shank, III
  • Publication number: 20090235838
    Abstract: A selectable delay mechanism for a pyrotechnic munition having an indexing sleeve and a fuze core containing delay composition positioned within the indexing sleeve and a plurality of ports each located in the indexing sleeve and the fuze core wherein a port in the indexing sleeve is aligned with a port in the fuze core to vary the initiation of the delay composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: John A. Hultman
  • Publication number: 20090031911
    Abstract: A structure includes a substrate of a first material and a second material coating at least a portion of the substrate, where the second material is different from the first material, where the first and second materials, upon being thermally energized, react with each other in an exothermic and self-sustaining alloying reaction that propagates from a first location within the structure along a travel path to a second location within the structure at a rate that depends upon one or more characteristics of the first and second materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company
    Inventors: Richard M. Kellett, Carl F. Mallery, JR., Robert B. Korcsmaros
  • Publication number: 20090020032
    Abstract: An ignition delay module (10) for use in an airbag inflator (100, 200) has an ignition delay module housing (11). The ignition delay module (10) separates the inflator (100, 200) into two chambers (40, 60). A pyrotechnic tablet (2) is positioned inside the ignition delay module housing (11). Upon activation of the inflator (100, 200) the ignition delay module (10) prevents a gas generant (62) in a second chamber (60) of the inflator (100, 200) from igniting until at least a portion of the pyrotechnic tablet (2) is burnt. Preferably a burn inhibitor layer (3) is affixed or otherwise applied to a surface of the pyrotechnic tablet (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: KEY SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: DENNIS A. TREVILLYAN
  • Publication number: 20080110612
    Abstract: Electronic time delay apparatuses and methods of use are disclosed. An explosive or propellant system, which may be configured as a well perforating system includes an electronic time delay assembly comprising an input subassembly, an electronic time delay circuit, and an output subassembly. The input subassembly is activated by an external stimulus, wherein an element is displaced to activate an electronic time delay circuit. The electronic time delay circuit comprises a time delay device coupled with a voltage firing circuit. The electronic time delay circuit counts a time delay, and, upon completion, raises a voltage until a threshold firing voltage is exceeded. Upon exceeding the threshold firing voltage, a voltage trigger switch will break down to transfer energy is to an electric initiator to initiate an explosive booster within the output subassembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Francois X. Prinz, John A. Arrell, Ronald S. Borja, William J. Slade
  • Patent number: 7362659
    Abstract: A method and system for accurate timing in a low current system useful in fuzing applications generates a first count of oscillations of an oscillator of unknown frequency during a first period of unknown duration. A second count of oscillations of the oscillator is generated during a second period of a known duration. The duration of the first period is calculated based on the first count and the second count. A solid-state, thin-film battery is able to be used by virtue of low-current characteristics of the system, enabling extended shelf life for fuzing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Action Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Siebott, Richard Frantz
  • Publication number: 20080041260
    Abstract: A marker for use in a blasting system which includes a harness, the marker including a control unit, a memory in which information is stored and a connector for connection to a selected location on the harness whereby, upon receipt of an enabling signal via the harness, the information is made available by the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Andre Louis Koekemoer, Albertus Abraham Labuschagne
  • Patent number: 7213518
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Engel Ballistic Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. Sutcliffe
  • Patent number: 7146912
    Abstract: An electronic detonator system includes a control unit, a plurality of electronic detonators and a bus which connects the detonators to the control unit. Each electronic detonator includes a number of flags which may assume either of two possible values, each flag indicating a substrate of the respective detonators. The flags are readable from the control unit by means of digital data packets and the control unit is adapted, by means of these flags, to check the state of the electronic detonator and control the operation of the electronic detonator. When reading the flags, the electronic detonators give responses in the form of analog response pulses on the bus. The detonator system also includes a portable message receiver which on the basis of the flags obtains messages regarding the connecting status of a detonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Dyno Nobel Sweden AB
    Inventors: Anne-Marie Bokvist, legal representative, Jan Westberg, Elof Jönsson, Sune Hallin, deceased
  • Patent number: 7100512
    Abstract: A timed pyric chain apparatus, particularly for the ignition of pyrotechnical fireworks includes a main conduit (2) for a retard fuse (16) the main conduit (2) having lateral branch conduits (5). The apparatus consists of coupled modular elements, each modular element having a fuse holder (1) including a main conduit (2) in which a retard fuse (16) is to be placed. The main conduit is divided into a first portion (4), the cross section of the first portion (3) being smaller than the cross section of the second portion (4), the fuse holder further including a lateral branch conduit (5) for receiving a wick (17) retainer (11) for a part of its length. The wick is provided with a fire passing sheath (18), the coupling of a first fuse holder (1) to a second fuse holder (1?) resulting from the introduction of the first portion (3) of the first fuse holder (1) in a second portion (4?) of the second fuse holder (1?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventors: Carlo Monetti, Luigi Leone Paolo Monetti
  • Patent number: 6629499
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a mechanical timer that operates by using the ambient temperature differences during daytime and nighttime periods in order to count desired intervals of days, months, etc. Embodiments of the invention employ the timer to render safe land mines or other ordnance devices after a specified period of time. Because the present invention uses ambient temperature differences in order to operate, no outside power source is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Michael L. Greene, David R Keene
  • Patent number: 6629498
    Abstract: The Fuze Safety Logic is disclosed that guards against erroneous responses created by accidents or by accidental releases of submunitions of payloads being carried by explosive ordnances. The fuze safety logic provides provisions for conservation of battery internal power, while at the same time ensures the maintenance of proper safety features of the explosive ordnances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Eugene E. Marquis
  • Patent number: 6618237
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic detonator delay assembly, having an associated detonator, that can be pre-programmed on site with a time delay and installed in a borehole to carryout a blast operation. The assembly is first coupled to a programming unit to program the desired time delay, and then to a blasting unit, by means of a magnetic coupling device in the electronic delay assembly and to a single pass of a conductive wire through the magnetic coupling device. The programmed time delay in the electronic delay assembly can be double checked through a wireless communication link between the electronic delay assembly and the programming unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Senex Explosives, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Eddy, Rajeev N. Singhal
  • Publication number: 20030110972
    Abstract: The weapon system includes a weapon and timing apparatus adapted to disarm the weapon after a selected time has elapsed. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes means for shortening or extending the selected time, either before or after the selected time has elapsed. It is preferred that the means for shortening or extending the selected time is remote from the weapon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Frank B. Porter
  • Patent number: 6578489
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiation delay device intended in particular to cooperate with a device for firing a pyrotechnic charge of the fuze type, particularly for a hand grenade, having a delay composition located inside a delay column, the latter having a lower end and an upper end, a percussion primer being able to cooperate with the upper part of the delay column, and a striker piston held firmly under the lower end of the delay column and able to move axially in the direction of the element to be struck under the action of an explosive charge cooperating with the lower end of the delay column. The delay column communicates with the explosive charge through a cavity containing plugging means allowing or preventing movement of the striker piston under the effect of the explosive charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignees: Bureau de la Propriete Intellectuelle de la Delegation Generale pour l'Armement, Jason Engineering S. A.
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Boyer, Andre Gilson, Raymond Rion
  • Patent number: 5714709
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Gebruder Junghans GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schillinger, Wolfgang Zehnder, Bernd Less, Werner Rudenauer
  • Patent number: 5612505
    Abstract: A dual mode warhead is provided for use against both soft and hard targets nd capable of sensing which type of target has been struck comprising a casing made of a ductile material containing an explosive charge and a fuze assembly. The ductile warhead casing will mushroom and later split upon striking a hard target while still confining the explosive. Proper ductility and confinement are necessary for fuze sensing. The fuze assembly contains a pair of parallel firing trains, one initiated only by high and one by low impact deceleration. The firing train actuated by low impact deceleration contains a pyrotechnic delay to allow penetration of soft targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James S. O'Brasky, Alan A. Alexander, Odis H. Griffin, Jr., John S. Foster, Morley C. Shamblen
  • Patent number: 5415100
    Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter provides a dc voltage to a fuze setting circuit which is proportional to the desired delay to be set. A digital controller operates the digital-to-analog converter responsive to the desired firing conditions for the fuze delay circuit. A current driver associated with the digital-to-analog converter converts the applied dc voltage to a constant current source, to charge a timing capacitor of the fuze delay circuit for an initial time interval. At two discrete points during this initial charging interval, the voltage across the timing capacitor is sampled and stored. The sampled voltages are applied to a computation circuit to correct for the variations in capacitance which are represented by this difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Base Ten Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin C. Tolley
  • Patent number: 5119715
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Frank K. Porter, Jr., William Ferriero, Leo R. Robitaillie, Harold B. Mueller
  • Patent number: 5018449
    Abstract: A paint dispersing training grenade includes a grenade body having dispersing passages extending between a central bore and an external surface of the grenade body, a plug threadedly received in one end of the bore, a piston resiliently urged by a spring toward the plug, a rupturable colorant containing capsule positioned between the piston and the plug, a separable release lever releasably pivotal on the grenade body and engaged with an abutment disk on a shaft extending from the piston, and an inertial delay mechanism engaged between the grenade body and the piston. The delay mechanism includes pivotable delay levers engaged with the piston at one end and having wheels rollably engaging a surface of the grenade body at another end. When the release lever is separated, movement of the piston by the spring is resisted by startup inertia of the wheels in rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: Edward W. Eidson, II
  • Patent number: 5009855
    Abstract: A gas generator for inflating a safety bag for the protection of persons in a vehicle, is equipped with a combustion chamber that is divided into a smaller section and into a larger section by a sheet metal insert. The sheet metal insert also divides the fuel into two portions, whereby a smaller fuel portion is located closer to the ignition openings of an ignition device while the larger fuel portion is located further away from the ignition device. The divider or insert provides a passage or gas flow openings which are so located that the combustion gas generated in the smaller section must flow entirely through the smaller section before it enters into the larger section. Thus, the smaller fuel portion is combusted substantially first and the larger fuel portion is combusted thereafter to provide an inflation characteristic for the safety bag such that the bag is initially filled slower and then rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Bayern-Chemie Gesellschaft fuer flugchemische Antriebe mbH
    Inventor: Karl E. Nilsson
  • Patent number: 4402270
    Abstract: A very-high-detonation-velocity detonating cord of the type having axial hollow space within the core is modified in its velocity of detonation by inserting at selected locations within the hollow core, elongated, flexible blockage elements. By a selection of the number of such blockage elements, the VOD of the cord may be controlled within narrow limits. Detonating cord having specific or controlled VOD has particular application in explosives welding and metal working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1983
    Assignee: CXA Ltd/CXA LTEE
    Inventor: Francis H. G. McCaffrey
  • Patent number: 4341159
    Abstract: A safing and arming timer being responsive to sequentially sampled deceleration forces to operate in one of a non-retard or retard mode wherein different non-retard and retard safe separation times may be predetermined and sequential outputs are available for sequential control of two different output functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1982
    Assignee: Motorola Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Edminster
  • Patent number: 4332199
    Abstract: A device for adjustably changing the arming time of a projectile having an rming mechanism for arming the projectile at a predetermined rate is presented. A pallet made of magnetically susceptable material and supported for repetitive movement is disposed within a generated magnetic field. The pallet is connected to the arming mechanism for corresponding movement therewith and is driven by the arming mechanism while arming. The magnetic field induces within the pallet, magnetic losses which retards the arming rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: James E. Means
  • Patent number: 4306501
    Abstract: An omni-directional impact actuating mechanism for utilization in actuating a system such as a munition device. By utilizing a multi-directional impact sensor the munition device becomes omni-directional in that it can be detonated when receiving an impact force from any angle. The omni-directional actuating mechanism includes: an actuating member which is movable between a first position and a second position, a control mechanism for switching the actuating member between its two positions and an impact sensor which serves to operate the control mechanism for switching the actuating member. The control mechanism itself is switchable between a first condition for initially applying a force for restraining the actuating member in its first position and a second condition for subsequently applying a force for moving the actuating member into its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Assignee: Hamilton Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph G. Eshleman
  • Patent number: 4291628
    Abstract: A safety mechanism for the trajectory for a projectile fuse.The mechanism uses a symmetrical escapement of the cylindrical dead-beat type which does not comprise an inlet lip. The balance comprises two cheeks located one on each side of the escapement wheel, a cylindrical sector being provided on each cheek. Impulses provided by the escapement wheel are transmitted alternately to one of the two sectors then to the other sector, thereby causing the balance to oscillate first in one direction and then in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1981
    Assignee: Mefina S.A.
    Inventor: Jean Rosselet
  • Patent number: 4281601
    Abstract: Relative rotation of the two rotational members of a fuze during dynamic dition of firing are eliminated by interlocking annular, serrated, axial seating surfaces of the two members. A radially sinusoidal split ring in between radially adjacent annular recesses of the members cooperates with an inclined wall of the outer member's annular recess to provide an axial force biasing the serrated surfaces into engagement during static conditions. The split ring further serves as a locking device to hold the two members together as an assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: David L. Overman
  • Patent number: 4267776
    Abstract: A desired range is selected prior to firing the projectile carrying the remote set fuze and after firing a Doppler radar provides Doppler pulses proportional to the relative velocity of the projectile. Constant frequency pulses are counted during a predetermined number of the Doppler pulses to provide an indication of the actual velocity of the projectile and the preselected range-to-function is achieved by means of a time-to-function adjustment to compensate for differences between the actual velocity and a predicted velocity. The adjusted time-to-function is transmitted to the remote set fuze in a coded form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis L. Eickerman
  • Patent number: 4233673
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory has a plurality of storage bits, each bit comprising an insulated gate field effect transistor having a variable threshold voltage and selectively set to first and second stable threshold voltages in response to the application of positive and negative polarizing voltages between the gate and source thereof. The threshold voltage state of the transistor is determined by applying a read voltage having a magnitude greater than the first stable threshold voltage and less than the second stable threshold voltage, the transistor being activated only if it has assumed the first threshold voltage. Complementary addressing circuitry selectively and sequentially couples the data bits of a serial data word, received at a data terminal, to corresponding memory bits for storage in the memory. The memory bits are initially cleared by applying a positive polarizing voltage to the transistors to set them to the first stable threshold state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1970
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1980
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: James R. Cricchi, Gustav Cavar
  • Patent number: 4217826
    Abstract: A time delay firing device used for initiating explosives or pyrotechnics ter a preset delay. The unique design allows the device to be used directly in combination with explosives or pyrotechnics or with a variety of accessories. It can be used in conjunction with a standard safety and arming device or with a special blasting adapter for initiating electric caps, or in conjunction with a training adapter for initiating standard pyrotechnics. When used in conjunction with a blasting or training adapter, the device can be refurbished and reset by the user in the field. Furthermore, a self test feature is provided. Time delays in eleven discrete settings from 15 minutes to 72 hours are achieved through the use of a highly stable oscillator coupled to a shift register counting circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1980
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Charles Young, Jr., Gee-In Goo