With Secondary Shells Patents (Class 102/489)
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Publication number: 20040107861Abstract: A method and system for extracting and targeting multiple submunitions from a delivery vehicle. Each submunition may be self-extracting, recoil-less extracting, self-spin initiating, and/or sensor fuzed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Applicant: Textron Systems CorporationInventors: Ralph L. Nardone, Richard P. McConville
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Publication number: 20040083920Abstract: A fragment projectile (1) that can be produced at low cost, and has a sufficient fragment distribution for combating targets, while avoiding the use of explosives in the interior of space (7) of the fragment projectile (1). Instead, the interior space (7) normally required for the explosive for such proximity is at least partially filled with heavy metal fragments (4) and a relatively compact pyrotechnical ejector charge (5) is provided to effect the ejection of the fragments (4) at a desired or predetermined time. The fragment projectile (1) should preferably be a sub caliber projectile to attain the highest possible fragment speed in the target region.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Rheinmetall W & M GmbHInventors: Stefan Thiesen, Dieter Jungbluth
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Patent number: 6722283Abstract: A non-lethal projectile includes a projectile body; a fuze disposed in a rear of the projectile body; an expelling charge disposed adjacent the fuze; a wad disposed adjacent the expelling charge; a dense powder ballast disposed adjacent the wad; a non-lethal payload disposed adjacent the dense powder ballast; and an end cap disposed on a front end of the projectile body; wherein the expelling charge expels the dense powder ballast and non-lethal payload and reduces the forward kinetic energy of the projectile body and the fuze to one of a near non-lethal or non-lethal level such that as the projectile body and the fuze travel from a burst point to a target impact a residual kinetic energy of the projectile body and the fuze is non-lethal.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2003Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Frank J. Dindl, Curtis D. Johnson, Piotr Frey
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Publication number: 20040055498Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead deployment system and method featuring jettison housings each including a plurality of lengthy individual projectiles therein and a navigatable carrier for the jettison housings. The jettison housings are ejected in the vicinity of targets whereupon the individual projectiles are deployed in the trajectory path of each target.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventor: Richard M. Lloyd
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Publication number: 20040055499Abstract: A mission responsive ordnance includes projectiles arranged in a bundled configuration that defines a substantially solid structure with each of the projectiles forming a geometric portion thereof. In a unitary mode of operation, the bundled configuration is maintained to define an integral structural element that bears loads generated when the bundled configuration strikes and penetrates a target. In a sub-divided mode of operation, the projectiles are un-bundled before a target is struck so that the projectiles are released into a surrounding environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventors: Timothy L. Spivak, Mark W. Sewell, Perry L. Fridley, Michael M. Canaday
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Publication number: 20040050283Abstract: This invention relates to a gas generator having two or more compartments, each with a separate initiator, with one compartment discharging before another, i.e., the compartments discharge sequentially. Each compartment has the same propellants, but the propellants have different geometries in each compartment, which results in different rates of gas evolution from each compartment. The new gas generator is designed to reach maximum inflation at the same time as the current, single stage gas generators. However, the new generator has a more rapid initial inflation, followed by a more gradual inflation rate in the subsequent stages, improving safety to occupants.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2002Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventor: Sami Daoud
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Publication number: 20040020398Abstract: The present invention relates to a segmented subcalibre projectile (1) subdivisible into a number of separate segments contiguous with each other at least initially to form an integral projectile of united segments or submunitions (5). The advantage with this subcalibre projectile is that since the segments or submunitions (5) are arranged sequentially after each other, each one comprises an explosive charge (7) initiatable by a very powerful shock and encased in an outer casing (6) of hard material such that the projectile in integral form can be used directly against heavy armour, and by means of dispersion of the various segments can also be used against aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventor: Torsten Ronn
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Patent number: 6672220Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for dispersing munitions from a projectile using an expandable device. Exemplary embodiments are directed to an apparatus for dispersing munitions from a projectile which includes a case, and a core within the case including a plurality of munitions. At least one expandable device is in operative communication with at least one of the munitions, and multiple gas generators are associated with the at least one expandable device. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for dispersing munitions from a projectile which includes separating a case from a core of the projectile, then, after a delay, activating at least one gas generator to deploy plural munitions using an expandable device.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: George W. Brooks, Mike S. Gagnier
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Patent number: 6666146Abstract: The present invention relates to a projectile including a projectile charge consisting of a plurality of submunitions (2b), arranged in a shell jacket, of metal bodies (3) which contain at least one pyrotechnical active mass (10) and at least one igniter charge (12), wherein the submunitions (2b) are arranged around a tube (4), the lumen (5) of which forms a passage in the direction of the projectile's longitudinal axis (6), an ejector charge for ejecting the submunitions (2b) following launch of the projectile after reaching the target area, the tube (4) including throttle bores (11) directly communicating with the igniter charges (12) of the respective submunitions (2b).Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Buck Neue Technologien GmbHInventors: Norbert Wardecki, Achim Lais, Andreas Blache, Ralf Gregorzik
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Patent number: 6666145Abstract: A method and system for extracting and targeting multiple submunitions from a delivery vehicle. Each submunition may be self-extracting, recoil-less extracting, self-spin initiating, and/or sensor fuzed.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2001Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Textron Systems CorporationInventors: Ralph L. Nardone, Richard McConville
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Publication number: 20030226467Abstract: A method and system for extracting and targeting multiple submunitions from a delivery vehicle. Each submunition may be self-extracting, recoil-less extracting, self-spin initiating, and/or sensor fuzed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2001Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventors: Ralph L. Nardone, Richard P. McConville
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Patent number: 6659013Abstract: Projectiles or war-heads with an inner arrangement for the formation of bulging zones (4,4a) are proposed, comprised of an enclosed bulging medium (1) which is terminal-ballistically substantially ineffective and is radially enclosed by a penetration material (2) which is terminal-ballistically effective, with the bulging medium (1) having a lower density as compared with the enclosing penetration material (2). This leads to the effect that on impact or on penetrating a target plate (3) the bulging medium (1) remains behind relative to the encompassing terminal-ballistic effective body (2) and is laterally increasingly bulged by the bulging material (1) which continues to flow in from behind. As a result of the high pressures, a conical (crowned) pressure and bulging zone (4,4a) is formed dynamically, which zone radially widens or fragments the passing ambient effective material (5,5a).Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1998Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: futurec AG c/o Beeler + Beeler Treuhand AGInventor: Gerd Kellner
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Patent number: 6647889Abstract: A propelling device for a projectile that is lying in a standby position within a rocket motor in a missile. The projectile is translated with respect to the rocket motor by means of a pyrotechnic charge before the rocket motor is ignited. The projectile is lying within a translation tube centrally located in the rocket motor. The projectile comprises a power piston in the rear end thereof. The power piston encloses a pyrotechnic power charge and a pyrotechnic squib. The translation tube is sealable closed behind the power piston and forms a closed expansion chamber for the pyrotechnic charges which, by ignition, generate gas pressure that activates the power piston and thus propels the projectile forward within the translation tube.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Nammo Raufoss ASInventor: Hans B. Biserød
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Publication number: 20030177934Abstract: A mission responsive ordnance of the present invention arranges a plurality of projectiles in a bundled configuration. The bundled configuration is defined by the projectiles and a bundling means which, together, form a combination that bears loads generated when the bundled configuration strikes and penetrates a target. Unbundling means, coupled to the bundling means, can be operated to selectively render the bundling means inoperative before the target is struck so that one or more of the projectiles are released from their bundled configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2002Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventors: Timothy L. Spivak, Mark W. Sewell, Perry L. Fridley, Michael M. Canaday
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Publication number: 20030172832Abstract: An anti-missile missile (10) includes a missile configured to track and intercept an incoming missile travelling along path (12). Missile (10) includes at least one barrel assembly (13) having a multiplicity of projectiles stacked axially within barrel assembly (13), together with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges for propelling the multiplicity of projectiles sequentially through the muzzle of barrel assembly (13). The multiplicity of projectiles produce a fragment column (20) along path (12) to destroy the incoming missile. Alternatively, anti-missile missile (10) can be guided to produce a direct hit at point (18) on the incoming missile. Barrel assembly (13) can include an aiming mechanism so that barrel assembly (13) can be rotated through sector (15, 16) to target path (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2002Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
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Publication number: 20030172833Abstract: An ammunition unit (1) designed to he adaptable to different types of targets (2,2′) or situations. The said ammunition unit comprises cylindrical warhead charges (4, 5) that confine or form explosive compositions (23), on or around the outside of which there are effect layers or casing containing effect elements (25, 27). These effect elements together with the explosive compositions (24) constitute the combatant function. Two or more cylindrical warhead charges (4, 5) are arranged essentially parallel alongside each other or inside each other. Each of the cylindrical warhead charges comprises effect layers around their cylindrical outer surface that provide different effects in target. The cylindrical warhead charges are rotatably arranged to assume different rotational setting modes, and in each such mode the same type or co-ordinated types of effect layers are directed outwards.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventors: Torsten Ronn, Nils Johansson
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Patent number: 6621059Abstract: A weapon system comprising a mobile platform (1) e.g. an aircraft incorporating a first three-axis attitude reference sub-system (13), and a guidable vehicle (3) launchable from the platform (1) and incorporating a guidance sub-system (15) incorporating gyros (17) wherein correction of gyro parameters, i.e. scale factor and zero offset, of the vehicle attitude reference sub-system (15) is effected prior to launch of the vehicle (3) on the basis of repetitive comparisons of attitude data as measured by the platform and vehicle sub-systems (13, 15). The vehicle (3) may comprise a dispenser of a number of munitions (5) each itself incorporating a guidance sub-system (25) incorporating gyros (27), in which case corrections of gyro parameters of the missile guidance sub-system (25) may be effected prior to missile launch on the basis of repetitive comparisons of attitude data as measured by the dispenser and munition sub-systems (15, 25).Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1988Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Bae Systems Electronics LimitedInventors: Douglas George Harris, Rodney Pearson, Andrew Robert Runnalls
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Publication number: 20030164110Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for combating a pre-determined target with submunitions directed at the target from an airborne carrier in the form of a rocket, missile or equivalent (1) whereby the submunitions (17) are of the type whose main effect in target derives from impact with the target. As claimed in the present invention the submunitions (17) are given both a lateral motion vector (34) relative to the direction of flight of the carrier and a motion vector (35) in the direction of flight of the carrier. Jointly these motion vectors give the submunitions a resultant motion vector in a direction (36) towards the target.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventors: Torsten Ronn, Jan Axinger
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Publication number: 20030131752Abstract: The present invention relates to a projectile including a projectile charge consisting of a plurality of submunitions (2b), arranged in a shell jacket, of metal bodies (3) which contain at least one pyrotechnical active mass (10) and at least one igniter charge (12), wherein the submunitions (2b) are arranged around a tube (4), the lumen (5) of which forms a passage in the direction of the projectile's longitudinal axis (6), an ejector charge for ejecting the submunitions (2b) following launch of the projectile after reaching the target area, the tube (4) including throttle bores (11) directly communicating with the igniter charges (12) of the respective submunitions (2b).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Applicant: BUCK Neue Technologien GmbHInventors: Norbert Wardecki, Achim Lais, Andreas Blache, Ralf Gregorzik
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Patent number: 6591731Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling and penetrating hard materials utilizes a high velocity gun system that fires multiple shots of a projectile and an energetic slurry at the surface of the material to be penetrated. The penetrating device includes one or more firing barrels that are loaded with a propellant, a projectile and an energetic (explosive) slurry, and are controlled to fire in a preselected firing sequence. The projectile enters the material to be penetrated generating a hole into which the energetic slurry is also fired. The energetic slurry detonates upon contact with the material causing an explosion that further fractures the material and which blows the material out of the hole. The process is repeated until a desired penetration depth is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Apti, Inc.Inventor: Yeshayahu S. Goldstein
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Publication number: 20030029347Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead includes a projectile core in a hull including a plurality of individual uniquely shaped and densely packaged projectiles and an explosive charge in the hull about the core. The individual projectiles are preferably aligned when the explosive charge deploys the projectiles. The projectiles may also be aimed in a specific direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2002Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventor: Richard M. Lloyd
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Patent number: 6505561Abstract: A method an apparatus for inducing spin, or rotation, in a dispersed payload of a non-spin guided projectile is taught. Rifling is applied to a cylindrical surface of a projectile casing. The rifling engages a member on a payload, which may be a bulkhead, as the payload is expelled from the projectile casing. The rotation imparted to the payload causes the dispersed projectile, grenades in the preferred embodiment, to form a spiral pattern that provides a more uniform coverage of the target area as compared to the prior art.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Mark C. Dietrich
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Patent number: 6494140Abstract: A modular boosted penetrator (BPEN) is disclosed that includes a penetrating warhead in tandem with a booster motor. The modular BPEN can also include suitable guidance and control systems. The configuration of the modular BPEN is such that it can function as either a direct strike weapon, or as a launchable submunition, without substantial modification.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1999Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Frank F. Webster
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Patent number: 6484641Abstract: A cruise missile, such as the Tomahawk cruise missile, is adapted to deploy decoys in an area as the missile progresses along its preprogrammed course. Each decoy is shaped to be compatible with and ejected from the Tomahawk and has a preprogrammed control unit operating a transmitter connected to an extendible antenna. False beacon signals and/or false message signals are transmitted from each of the decoys to deceive and confuse defensive forces, such as enemy searchers looking for a downed airman.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Paul J. Carreiro
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Publication number: 20020166475Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for dispersing munitions from a projectile using an expandable device. Exemplary embodiments are directed to an apparatus for dispersing munitions from a projectile which includes a case, and a core within the case including a plurality of munitions. At least one expandable device is in operative communication with at least one of the munitions, and multiple gas generators are associated with the at least one expandable device. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for dispersing munitions from a projectile which includes separating a case from a core of the projectile, then, after a delay, activating at least one gas generator to deploy plural munitions using an expandable device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2001Publication date: November 14, 2002Inventors: George W. Brooks, Mike S. Gagnier
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Patent number: 6470805Abstract: Munitions are dropped from military aircraft to quickly combat large area fires within vast threatened regions. Each munition has a shell-shaped case having a chamber containing an air-bag power module and fire retardant. A lid closes one end of the chamber, and switches on the case provide signals for the air-bag power module to suddenly forcefully displace the lid from the chamber by the air-bag module and suddenly forcefully eject the fire retardant from the chamber and out of the case by the air-bag module. Munitions containing fire retardant can be targeted accurately at single hot spots, isolated structures, and along fire lines or can be quickly and accurately dropped to create a protected zone behind an area that has been made not to burn by munitions to protect fire fighters trapped in the path of runaway fires. Munitions are deployed from aircraft by military crewmen without requiring additional training.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia, Chris Doyle
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Publication number: 20020148377Abstract: A cruise missile, such as the Tomahawk cruise missile, is adapted to deploy decoys in an area as the missile progresses along its preprogrammed course. Each decoy is shaped to be compatible with and ejected from the Tomahawk and has a preprogrammed control unit operating a transmitter connected to an extendible antenna. False beacon signals and/or false message signals are transmitted from each of the decoys to deceive and confuse defensive forces, such as enemy searchers looking for a downed airman.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2001Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventor: Paul J. Carreiro
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Patent number: 6408762Abstract: A target penetrating aerial bomb including a penetrating body shaped for improved target penetration, having a narrower impact profile at approximately the same weight as an existing bomb. An aerodynamic shroud encases the penetrating body and emulates the aerodynamic shape of the existing bomb, and the weight, center of gravity, and moments of inertia of the bomb closely approximate those properties of the existing bomb. The bomb constructed according to the present invention may be qualified by similarity to the existing bomb, thus avoiding lengthy and costly qualification procedures.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Bruce E. Schmacker, Ronald L. Wooten
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Patent number: 6405628Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling and penetrating hard materials utilizes a high velocity gun system that fires multiple shots of a projectile and an energetic slurry at the surface of the material to be penetrated. The penetrating device includes one or more firing barrels that are loaded with a propellant, a projectile and an energetic (explosive) slurry, and are controlled to fire in a preselected firing sequence. The projectile enters the material to be penetrated generating a hole into which the energetic slurry is also fired. The energetic slurry detonates upon contact with the material causing an explosion that further fractures the material and which blows the material out of the hole. The process is repeated until a desired penetration depth is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1999Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Apti, Inc.Inventor: Yeshayahu S Goldstein
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Patent number: 6374744Abstract: A shrouded bomb is provided having components which are substantially free of weld lines and rivets. The shroud assembly includes a nose cone having a forward end and a rear end, a central tube having a forward end contiguous with the rear end of the nose cone, and a rear end, and an aft tube having a forward end contiguous with the rear end of the central tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Bruce E. Schmacker, Ronald L. Wooten
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Patent number: 6279482Abstract: There is provided a countermeasure defense system against hostile missiles by employing non-explosive intercepting (“NEI”) elements 14 deployed by the spin stabilized rocket 10. The NEI are carried in a payload section 17 and contained by a sleeve assembly 16 which is removed by a drive mechanism 20 or a pyrotechnic device 152 after a countdown time delay programmed into the trigger release assembly 46 as controlled by the control unit 150. The drive assembly includes a drive rod 26 that is releasably held by a release assembly 46 a compressed coiled spring unit 30 drives the sleeve assembly 16 forward exposing the payload section 17 to the centrifugal force of the spin stabilized rocket propelling the NEI elements out from the rocket at constant angular velocity creating an interceptor cloud of elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1997Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: David P. Smith, Jane M. Lin
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Patent number: 6276639Abstract: An apparatus for launching and dispensing multiple satellites into orbit includes a central structure and a plurality of satellites releasably bundled around the central structure to form a cohesive, single payload mounted on an upper stage of a launcher rocket. The central structure includes a central tube and an adapter shell that fits onto the upper stage of the rocket. Each satellite has the shape of a partial cylinder segment of which an outer wall is a cylindrical segment shell. The satellites are bundled and secured together around the central structure by tension bands, whereby the cylindrical segment shells form a load-bearing complete outer cylindrical shell that surrounds the central tube. This structure provides sufficient stiffness and strength to withstand the loads that arise during launch, while having a reduced mass. The satellites themselves, rather than the central structure, bear the loads during launch. This allows the central structure to be of relatively lightweight construction.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AGInventors: Ernst Hornung, Huba Ory, Andreas Rittweger, Markus Quadt, Peter Borgwardt, Joerg Bolz
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Patent number: 6272995Abstract: A high precision electro-mechanical fuze mechanism for a munition such as a hand grenade. The fuze mechanism includes an electromagnetic signal generator having an armature, a permanent magnet, a coil and a magnetic impulse generator (MIG) member. The armature is preloaded during assembly through the use of a spring. Releasing an actuating lever of the grenade allows the armature to begin spinning and to dissipate the energy stored by the spring. This causes a current to be electromagnetically generated in the coil, which is transmitted to an electronic control circuit in the fuze mechanism. The electronic control circuit implements two time delays from two separate timers which each must time out before the control circuit can send an electric firing signal to an electric detonator. Movement of the armature also causes a simultaneous movement of a rotor, which moves a stab detonator into a position closely adjacent the electric detonator.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: KDI Precision Products, Inc.Inventors: William Marc Schmidt, James Arthur Hewlett, Patrick Dwayne McGregor, Ezra Stearns Waller, Donald Robert Helton
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Patent number: 5992327Abstract: The invention relates to a sub-ammunition object for vapor generation for a spinstabilized carrier projectile with axial sub-ammunition discharge, consisting of a stackable, flat, disk-shaped, stamped part of identical caliber, which, at a height/width ratio of about 1:1.5 to 1:5, contains red phosphorus as the primary active substance and is designed to retain its structural and form stability during firing, discharge, and stacking as a result of fibers embedded in the active substance and/or a shell, with the combustion time being chemically and/or physically adjustable through the height, compression pressure and/or composition of the active substance. It is preferred that the active substance be located in a container with at least one blower aperture and one oxygen donor as the energy supply needed for combustion of the red phosphorus in the container.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Buck Werke GmbH & Co.Inventors: Norbert Wardecki, Herwig Feldmeier
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Patent number: 5988071Abstract: A penetrator having a plurality of stacked penetrator segments is disclosed. One or more of the segments contains an explosive element Each segment has a nose portion and a rear portion. The rear portion of each segment has a rearwardly opening cavity therein and a plurality of fins pivotally mounted thereon. The segments are stacked such that the cavity of the forwardmost segment contains the nose portion of the following segment, and the following segments are similarly positioned such that the nose portion of each following segment is positioned in the cavity of the immediately preceding segment. The fins of each segment are restrained in a stowed position when the cavity of the respective segment contains the nose portion of a following segment.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Robert J. Taylor
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Patent number: 5907117Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for combating identified targets (F) using warheads (2) from a launching vehicle (1) flying over a target area, by separating from this launching vehicle (1) warheads (2) which act independently after separation, and including those targets which lie close to the flight trajectory of the launching vehicle (1) and those which lie well to the side of same flight trajectory. The invention is based on the use of that part of the kinetic energy of the launching vehicle (1) which the warhead (2) takes over from the same when it is separated in order to give the warhead (2) a looping trajectory or any other programmed flight trajectory, which carries it up to a starting height adapted to its active use, which lies considerably above the actual flight trajectory of the launching vehicle (1), and which, if so required, can carry the warhead (2) back to the geographical position where it was separated from the launching vehicle (1).Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1997Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Assignee: Bofors ABInventors: Per-Olof Persson, Lars Paulsson, Stig Johnsson
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Patent number: 5900579Abstract: The invention is directed to a dispersal or scattering dispenser (cannister) in accordance with the species concept of claim 1, in which the muzzle velocity of the munitions can be changed during the munitions ejection in a target dedicated manner by the chronologically phased opening of a pressure chamber arranged between the gas generator and the munitions tube. Embodiment examples are described and illustrated in the figures of the drawing.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1988Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Assignee: LFK-Lenkflugkorpersysteme GmbHInventors: Horst Hutter, Siegfried Bock
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Patent number: 5886289Abstract: A long range artillery shell (1) comprising rocket propellant material (10), a rocket motor nozzle (14) and base bleed propellant material (12). Ignition of the rocket propellant material (10) is delayed until the base bleed propellant material (12) has substantially finished burning. The base bleed propellant material (12) may be housed in the same chamber and behind the rocket propellant material (10) in order to provide support to the rocket propellant material (10) during launch. The two propellant materials (10, 12) may be separated by a thermal ignition barrier (18) to prevent premature rocket ignition.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1993Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandInventors: Robert J. Nixon, Martin J. Lewin, Terence L. Spellward
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Patent number: 5880396Abstract: Process for guiding an elongated missile, equipped with booster motor, sustainer, power source, control electronics, payload, and search head, from above, upon a target, such as a helicopter, where the missile, after ballistic flight, is braked before the target area by a drogue chute and is diverted into a position that is essentially perpendicular to the earth's surface over the target area so that the search head of the missile, which is suspended from the drogue chute, will be pointed downward, whereupon, after the search head has locked on the target, the drogue chute is separated and the missile is guided to the target by the sustainer, characterized in that, immediately prior to, before, or after the moment of drogue chute deployment, a lateral motor, located in the center of gravity of the missile, is turned on so that, first of all, in order to accelerate the tilt-off of the missile into the vertical, there is generated a force that is added vectorially to the force of gravity and that thereupon oneType: GrantFiled: March 26, 1993Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Inventor: Athanassios Zacharias
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Patent number: 5864086Abstract: A spin-stabilized projectile containing a payload is presented. The projectile includes a projectile body with a payload chamber that may be laterally defined by a projectile casing, on top by an axial fixing device for a payload disposed in the payload chamber, and on the bottom, by a dividing wall. The projectile casing may include axial grooves on the inside, which on the contribute to the fixing of the payload and include intended break zones for freeing the payload. Below the dividing wall, an opening charge may be disposed, which includes complete radial contact and is axially spaced apart from the dividing wall by a damping device. The detonation of opening charge causes the projectile casing to immediately split open at the intended break zones to release, by centrifugal force, the payload from the payload chamber. The damping device prevents the payload from being damaged in the region of the dividing wall and prevents the release of the payload from being interrupted.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1998Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AGInventor: Peter Ettmuller
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Patent number: 5817969Abstract: A spin-stabilized projectile containing a payload is presented. The projectile includes a projectile body with a payload chamber that may be laterally defined by a projectile casing, on top by an axial fixing device for a payload disposed in the payload chamber, and on the bottom, by a dividing wall. The projectile casing may include axial grooves on the inside, which on the contribute to the fixing of the payload and include intended break zones for freeing the payload. Below the dividing wall, an opening charge may be disposed, which includes complete radial contact and is axially spaced apart from the dividing wall by a damping device. The detonation of opening charge causes the projectile casing to immediately split open at the intended break zones to release, by centrifugal force, the payload from the payload chamber. The damping device prevents the payload from being damaged in the region of the dividing wall and prevents the release of the payload from being interrupted.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1996Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AGInventor: Peter Ettmuller
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Patent number: 5796031Abstract: A multi-flechette weapon packing for a flechette holding canister has one set of fin back flechettes, each having a tip end and a fin end with a plurality of integral fins at the fin end and a plurality of fin forward flechettes, each having a tip end and an opposite end and a plurality of integral fins offset from the opposite end toward the tip end. The fin back flechettes and fin forward flechettes are located in the canister and adjacent to each other in an alternating fashion with the tip ends aligned in the same direction to increase packing density.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1997Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Primex Technologies, Inc.Inventor: John W. Sigler
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Patent number: 5792976Abstract: Rapidly deployable restraining systems and methods for rendering personnel, nimals and other objects immobile includes an assembly of confinement devices housed in a dispersion package. Each confinement device has a propellent, a primer and an inflatable bag that is rapidly inflated by the propellent when fired by the primer. A detonator, located in the package, is discharged to open the package, disperse the confinement devices and cause the primers to be energized, thereby inflating the bags. The package is pre-emplaced in a target area or it is projected into the area via a fired projectile of which it is a part.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1997Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: James A. Genovese
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Patent number: 5760330Abstract: A delivery apparatus (11) for full-calibre submunitions or the like payloads (12) which are coaxially stacked in its load space (19) results in a system which operates in a fault-free manner when, for ejecting the payloads (12), detachment of the load space (19) from the rocket motor (17) disposed therebehind and detachment of the ogive (14) from the opposite end of the load space (19) are each promoted by a pyrotechnic charge (28, 31), with the load space (19) being braked as a result of being positioned transversely beside the trajectory (26) of the separated motor (17) which flies further along the trajectory and past the load space in a stable configuration and with the load space (19) only then being turned by a braking parachute (23) connected to its end (22). The load space tail (18) which thereafter then faces forwardly in the direction of flight is opened by detachment of a cover (25) and the load space (19) is pulled away from the payload stack (12--12) by means of the braking parachute (23).Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1997Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: Diehl GmbH & Co.Inventors: Rainer Himmert, Alfred Eckel, Gunther Thurner, Harald Wich
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Patent number: 5691502Abstract: A plurality of objects is deployed in generally radial directions at low velocities in order to achieve a predetermined pattern of the deployed objects. The device has a metal inner wall member (20, 120) having a plurality of annular cylindrical segments of differing outside diameters, an explosive body (22, 122) of low velocity explosive, and a plurality of arrays (40, 140) positioned coaxially with and exteriorly of the explosive body (22, 122) and spaced along the length of the explosive body (22, 122). Each array (40, 140) comprises a plurality of objects (28). The explosive body (22, 122) can be in the form of a plurality of annular sections which provide the objects (28) in each array with an amount of energy different from that provided to each of the objects in the adjacent array. An annular flange (32) can separate the forward end of the explosive body (22, 122) from a booster ring (66), or the booster ring (166) can be positioned within a central cavity of the inner wall member (120).Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: Lockheed Martin Vought Systems Corp.Inventors: Gerald Graves Craddock, Elmer C. Cruise
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Patent number: 5684267Abstract: A resupply projectile is described which can deliver critical logistic supplies rapidly and accurately to forward combatants with minimum risk to supply personnel or equipment and which is not hampered by either weather or terrain.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1997Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: The United States of Americas as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Charles E. Dean
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Patent number: 5679919Abstract: A method and apparatus is for imparting, in a continuous sequence, a predetermined rotational movement to a warhead releasably housed in a protective canister and ejected out in ballistic ejection trajectories from the canister. The canister is spun to the desired rotational speed by flow of combustion gases through gas outlet nozzles discharging in the outer periphery of the canister and supplied from a central combustion chamber in which a propellant powder charge is combusted. The combustion gases are then led from the combustion chamber, in the final phase of the propellant charge combustion, through gas outlets facing towards the warhead and initially covered by the propellant charge and exposed as a result of the combustion, for ejecting the warhead out of the canister.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1995Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: Bofors ABInventors: Anders Holm, Jan Axinger, Kenneth Jarnryd
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Patent number: 5656792Abstract: A ballistic projectile including a subcaliber-sized penetrator which is coaxially carried in the casing of the projectile, and in which the penetrator additionally carries an explosive charge. The projectile possesses a proximity fuze at its tip which electrically triggers a penetrator-propellent charge which is arranged in the projectile base and which fills the volume of the projectile base, which accelerates the penetrator through a therebetween arranged propellant base, and in which the penetrator additionally possesses an impact detonator.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1996Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Diehl GmbH & Co.Inventors: Max Rentzsch, Manfred Schildknecht, Hans Strauss, Rainer Himmert
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Patent number: 5649488Abstract: The non-explosive core of a reentry projectile is fixedly positioned within hollow casing of the projectile at a location maximizing conversion and transfer of kinetic energy to an earth bound target in response to the projectile's impact at a hypersonic velocity and at a steep impact angle to the surface of the earth. The hollow casing is formed of a material capable of withstanding high temperatures, therefore, not requiring any cooling and allowing for the hollow casing to be free of heat transfer medium that might otherwise impede the desired quick release of the core upon impact of the projectile. The core is in the form of a single dense metallic slug having a mass establishing a center of gravity and moments of inertia for the projectile as a kinetic energy warhead corresponding to that of an explosive or nuclear warhead without weapon system modification.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Alfred M. Morrison, John S. Vamos, William G. Dorsey, W. Carson Lyons
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Patent number: 5649466Abstract: Rapidly deployable restraining systems and methods for rendering personnel, nimals and other objects immobile includes an assembly of confinement devices housed in a dispersion package. Each confinement device has a propellent, a primer and an inflatable bag that is rapidly inflated by the propellent when fired by the primer. A detonator, located in the package, is discharged to open the package, disperse the confinement devices and cause the primers to be energized, thereby inflating the bags. The package is pre-emplaced in a target area or it is projected into the area via a fired projectile of which it is a part.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: James A. Genovese