Abstract: Disclosed are an airburst munition and an airburst signal transfer device. By simply signaling information regarding a distance to an explosion location of the airburst munition to an explosion control system inside the airburst munition while the airburst munition passes through a tubular body of the airburst signal transfer device, it is possible to easily, simply, and automatically enter the information regarding the distance to the explosion location of the airburst munition to the airburst munition using the airburst signal transfer device.

Abstract: A method and a system for inductively programming a fuze including at least one target coil arranged in a projectile by a fuze setter including at least one setter coil, the method including i) conveying at least one of a projectile or a fuze setter by an actuator to bring the at least one target coil and the at least one setter coil in an inductive coupling position, ii) programming the fuze by transferring predetermined fuzing data from the at least one setter coil to the at least one target coil, iii) optionally transferring fuzing data from the at least one target coil to the at least one setter coil to confirm correct programming of the fuze has been performed, and iv) retracting at least one of the fuze setter or projectile from the inductive coupling position when the transfer of fuzing data has been completed.

Abstract: A velocity sensor, a controller, a plunger lift system and method for controlling a plunger lift system is provided. The velocity sensor can use a first magnetic field sensor and a second magnetic field sensor spaced a sensor distance to determine a velocity of a plunger as it passes the velocity sensor. The controller can use information received from the velocity sensor to both control the operation of the plunger lift system using the measured plunger velocity obtained from the velocity sensor and shut down the well if the plunger is measured travelling too fast.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring a muzzle velocity of a fired bullet so that the bullet may explode at an accurate location. The muzzle velocity measuring apparatus includes a detector configured to comprise a pair of cores encircled by probe wound coils and installed in two separate positions in an adapter, and to output a muzzle velocity signal based on eddy current signals which are generated by the probe wound coils when a bullet fired from a bullet chamber passes through the adapter, a muzzle velocity calculator configured to calculate a flight speed of the fired bullet based on the muzzle velocity signal; and a transmitter configured to transmit the calculated flight speed to the bullet.

Abstract: In a gun tube for firing rounds of smart ammunition, a sensor means applied to the ammunition which enables the calculation of muzzle velocity in the instant as the ammunition leaves the muzzle edge of the gun tube. The sensor relies on measurement of magnetic field induced voltages which are unique as the ammunition leaves the muzzle edge of the gun tube. Each round of ammunition has a planar transformer of wiring applied longitudinally on the side of the round, which aids in creating the necessary magnetic fields.

Abstract: A method of communicating with a detonator device using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to read data from the device, and to transmit information and commands to the device.

Abstract: Inductive or capacitive transmission of energy to a projectile is disclosed. A waveguide can be used to transmit the energy, the electric field being concentrated in the waveguide. The thus used energy transfer system includes at least one waveguide which is arranged or integrated in the region of the muzzle, for example between a muzzle brake and a gun barrel. A transmission coupler for transmission is fed by a signal generator. The projectile comprises at least one sensor which captures the signal and a store in the projectile is charged. Assemblies of the system are used for a V0 measurement as well as to program the projectile.

Abstract: A programmable ammunition which receives a program as well as energy transmission is provided. The ammunition also comprises an energy store, an electronic system and an ignition in addition to at least one sensor for capturing the signal emitted for the program, the signal having a frequency which is transmitted further to the electronic system. The ammunition is also combined with an energy transfer unit in such a manner that an additional signal having a frequency is guided to the energy unit by the same the sensor and/or an additional sensor and is charged. Programming and the energy transmission occurs when the projectile passes through a weapon barrel, a muzzle brake or similar which is operated as a waveguide below the threshold frequency.

Abstract: Disclosed is a firearm having dual barrels comprising a firearm body which is equipped with a small caliber barrel and a large caliber barrel; a selector installed on one side of the firearm body to select the type of bullet and the mode of firing; a fire control system installed on the firearm body to enable aiming the target through detecting the target both at day and night time; a firearm switch unit installed on the firearm body to transmit the information on the firing of the bullet; a fuse setter installed on the firearm body to transmit the control signal of the fire control system to the fuse of the explosive bullet which is introduced into the large caliber barrel; and a sensor device unit installed on the firearm body to transmit the position of the selector and sensed firing signal to the fire control system.

Abstract: A mechanism for setting a fuse, applied to the structure of a firearm 5, includes a setting device 2, adapted to program the fuse, the setting device 2 being fixed to a support structure 13 and having a reference portion 21 and a setting portion 22, rotating around the longitudinal axis of the fuse, adapted to set the fuse of a cartridge. The setting mechanism includes a support structure, the support structure supports a control device of the position of the setting device 2, formed by a movable equipment 31 from an actuator of a vertical movement 34 and from an actuator of a horizontal movement 35. The actuators are able to move along a horizontal “X”-axis of the support structure, along a vertical “Z”-axis, the same movable equipment 31 for the positioning of the setting device 2, with respect to the cartridge, kept in a predetermined position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determination of the muzzle velocity of a projectile (2) when it emerges from the firing barrel (1) of a shoulder-held weapon. In order not to weaken the firing barrel, it is proposed that a transmitter (3) for transmission of signals be arranged on the end face of the firing barrel (1) and that two sensors (9, 10), which are arranged at a distance d from one another, be arranged in or on the projectile (2) in order to detect the signals transmitted by the transmitter (3) and that these sensors (9, 10) detect a pulse on flying past the transmitter (3), and that the muzzle velocity for the projectile (2) be determined from the time difference between the pulses detected by the two sensors (9, 10).

Abstract: An inductive or capacitative programming of a projectile is disclosed. A waveguide is used for the programming, the electromagnetic field being concentrated in the waveguide. The used programming unit includes at least one waveguide which is preferable located and/or integrated in the region of the muzzle, for example in front of the muzzle brake. A transmission coupler for the transmission is fed by a signal generator. The information relating to the projectile is modulated to the carrier frequency in the modulator. A reception coupler integrated on/in the projectile is electrically interconnected to a store or processor in the projectile. The reception coupler receives the modulated signal and transmits it to the processor which is where the eventual programming takes place.

Abstract: A method for detecting a target impact of the munition. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from an axial vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; and determining if the munition has axially impacted a target based on the output.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus is provided, which is included on a measurement and programming basis for a projectile, which detects the fields and/or signals which emerge/originate from a programming coil, and is electrically connected to an evaluation device which itself evaluates these detected values. These values can then be taken into account for the programming of the projectile.

Abstract: Inductive or capacitive transmission of energy to a projectile is disclosed. A waveguide can be used to transmit the energy, the electric field being concentrated in the waveguide. The thus used energy transfer system includes at least one waveguide which is arranged or integrated in the region of the muzzle, for example between a muzzle brake and a gun barrel. A transmission coupler for transmission is fed by a signal generator. The projectile comprises at least one sensor which captures the signal and a store in the projectile is charged. Assemblies of the system are used for a V0 measurement as well as to program the projectile.

Abstract: A munition including: a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration upon impact of the munition; a processor operatively connected to the power supply for initiating detonation time-out circuitry to disable detonation of the munition after a predetermined time.

Abstract: A programmable ammunition which receives a program as well as energy transmission is provided. The ammunition also comprises an energy store, an electronic system and an ignition in addition to at least one sensor for capturing the signal emitted for the program, the signal having a frequency which is transmitted further to the electronic system. The ammunition is also combined with an energy transfer unit in such a manner that an additional signal having a frequency is guided to the energy unit by the same the sensor and/or an additional sensor and is charged. Programming and the energy transmission occurs when the projectile passes through a weapon barrel, a muzzle brake or similar which is operated as a waveguide below the threshold frequency.

Abstract: An inductive or capacitative programming of a projectile is disclosed. A waveguide is used for the programming, the electromagnetic field being concentrated in the waveguide. The used programming unit includes at least one waveguide which is preferable located and/or integrated in the region of the muzzle, for example in front of the muzzle brake. A transmission coupler for the transmission is fed by a signal generator. The information relating to the projectile is modulated to the carrier frequency in the modulator. A reception coupler integrated on/in the projectile is electrically interconnected to a store or processor in the projectile. The reception coupler receives the modulated signal and transmits it to the processor which is where the eventual programming takes place.

Abstract: An electronic programming system is for programmable ammunitions “M” implemented in a firearm (1). The system is adapted to send information to a detonating fuse of an ammunition “M”, which stores the information inside it, and is adapted to receive information on the characteristics of the ammunition “M” from the detonating fuse. The programming system is directly implemented inside a firearm 1, including at least one firearm-control unit 2, adapted to control all the systems implemented in the firearm 1. The electronic programming system includes at least one actuation mechanism 4, adapted to provide an electrical coupling between the detonating fuse and the programming system, and a programmer-control device 3, which, via appropriate interfaces, manages the data flows for communication both with the detonating fuse and with firearm-control unit 2.

Abstract: A programming device for the fuse of a projectile using programming coils transmitting a programming signal by induction to a receiver integral with the fuse, wherein the programming coils are integral with a substantially cylindrical wall of a corridor in which the projectile translates axially, the programming coils being made in the form of several elementary coils each encircling a ferrite core parallel to the axis of the corridor, the coils being distributed along several lines parallel to the corridor axis, the coils of one line being longitudinally staggered with respect to the coils of the neighboring line or lines.

Abstract: A system communicates data to a detonating fuse (3) of a projectile (P) of a firearm, and sends the data to a processing unit, inserted in the fuse. The projectile is of the under-caliber type with respect to the size of the barrel for which, in order to correctly insert the projectile in the same, an adaptor is used, formed by a capsule (2) fitting on the projectile, having an outer diameter which substantially corresponds to that of the barrel.

Abstract: A programming device for the fuse of a projectile using programming coils transmitting a programming signal by induction to receiver means integral with said fuse, wherein said programming coils are integral with a substantially cylindrical wall of a corridor in which said projectile translates axially, said programming coils being made in the form of several elementary coils each encircling a ferrite core parallel to the axis of said corridor, said coils being distributed along several lines parallel to said corridor axis, said coils of one line being longitudinally staggered with respect to said coils of the neighboring line or lines.

Abstract: A system that guides an airborne weapon toward a target, in order for the weapon to fuze at the target, so as to increase the probability of kill of the target. The system uses a lethality database that lists the various vulnerabilities for each target so that the weapon may fuze at a point that achieves maximum exploitation of the vulnerabilities. The system continually updates during weapon fly out in order to continually update the best achievable aim point for the weapon based on the changing encounter geometry between weapon and target.

Abstract: A fuze setting circuit in an artillery or tank shell having a case with a press-fitted head assembly is provided with an electromechanical fuze-wiring link that is completed electrically by mechanical assembly of a tracer-carrying projectile on the shell casing, and by the rotational attachment of a programmable fuze onto the projectile.

Abstract: A fuze setting circuit in an artillery or tank shell having a case with a press-fitted head assembly is provided with an electromechanical fuze-wiring link that is completed electrically by mechanical assembly of a tracer-carrying projectile on the shell casing, and by the rotational attachment of a programmable fuze onto the projectile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a programming process and device for a fuse of a projectile using a programming coil transmitting by induction a programming signal to reception means integral with the fuse. This process is characterized in that the programming signal is transmitted from at least one second programming coil that is separate from the first one, each coil being linked individually to electronic control means and the two coils being arranged so as to be able to lie in proximity to the fuse of the projectile when the latter passes in the feed means of the weapon, the coils being arranged such that the projectile fuse passes successively in front of each coil, particularly adapted to the programming of medium caliber projectiles.

Abstract: A fuze setting circuit in an artillery or tank shell having a case with a press-fitted head assembly is provided with an electromechanical fuze-wiring link that is completed electrically by mechanical assembly of a tracer-carrying projectile on the shell casing, and by the rotational attachment of a programmable fuze onto the projectile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a programming process and device for a fuse of a projectile using a programming coil transmitting by induction a programming signal to reception means integral with the fuse. This process is characterized in that the programming signal is transmitted from at least one second programming coil that is separate from the first one, each coil being linked individually to electronic control means and the two coils being arranged so as to be able to lie in proximity to the fuse of the projectile when the latter passes in the feed means of the weapon, the coils being arranged such that the projectile fuse passes successively in front of each coil, particularly adapted to the programming of medium caliber projectiles.

Abstract: A mechanism for setting a fuse, applied to the structure of a firearm 5, includes a setting device 2, adapted to program the fuse, the setting device 2 being fixed to a support structure 13 and having a reference portion 21 and a setting portion 22, rotating around the longitudinal axis of the fuse, adapted to set the fuse of a cartridge. The setting mechanism includes a support structure, the support structure supports a control device of the position of the setting device 2, formed by a movable equipment 31 from an actuator of a vertical movement 34 and from an actuator of a horizontal movement 35. The actuators are able to move along a horizontal “X”-axis of the support structure, along a vertical “Z”-axis, the same movable equipment 31 for the positioning of the setting device 2, with respect to the cartridge, kept in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A fuze setting circuit in an artillery or tank shell having a case with a press-fitted head assembly is provided with an electromechanical fuze-wiring link that is completed electrically by mechanical assembly of a tracer-carrying projectile on the shell casing, and by the rotational attachment of a programmable fuze onto the projectile.

Abstract: Embodiments of an inductive power transfer method are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a method of transferring data and power to a plurality of guided projectiles located in launcher tubes on a helicopter is described herein. In some embodiments, power and data are inductively transferred across the launcher windings to the projectile windings to configure the control systems of the guided projectiles to provide a lock-on-before-launch capability.

Abstract: The present invention generally concerns systems and methods for supplying electric power using supercapacitors; and more particularly, representative and exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to improved methods and systems for supplying power to a guided rocket.

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.

Abstract: Embodiments of an inductive power transfer method are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a method of transferring data and power to a plurality of guided projectiles located in launcher tubes on a helicopter is described herein. In some embodiments, power and data are inductively transferred across the launcher windings to the projectile windings to configure the control systems of the guided projectiles to provide a lock-on-before-launch capability.

Abstract: The present invention generally concerns inductive power transfer systems and their components. More particularly, representative and exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems, devices and methods for transferring modulated current between a launcher and at least one guided missile.

Abstract: The present invention generally concerns inductive power transfer systems and their components. More particularly, representative and exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems, devices and methods for transferring modulated current between a launcher and at least one guided missile.

Abstract: A method is provided for differentiating a non-firing event of a munition from a firing event. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; calculating an impact pulse from the output; and determining whether the munition is to be fired based on the calculation.

Abstract: A method is provided for validating a firing of a munition and duration of firing of the munition. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; calculating an impact pulse from the output; and determining one or more of whether the munition has been fired and the duration of firing based on the calculation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a programming process and device for a fuse of a projectile using a programming coil transmitting by induction a programming signal to reception means integral with the fuse. This process is characterized in that the programming signal is transmitted from at least one second programming coil that is separate from the first one, each coil being linked individually to electronic control means and the two coils being arranged so as to be able to lie in proximity to the fuse of the projectile when the latter passes in the feed means of the weapon, the coils being arranged such that the projectile fuse passes successively in front of each coil, particularly adapted to the programming of medium caliber projectiles.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained fire control system includes one or more of: 1) the means to provide geodetic positioning and navigational data for the host weapon platform in relation to established coordinate reference systems; 2) the means to digitally communicate with an off-platform command and control network; 3) the means to compute host platform ballistics data; 4) the means to indicate the current weapon orientation and additionally to indicate the horizontal and vertical weapon movements required to aim the weapon; 5) the means to inductively set fuzes for firing; 6) the means for digitally receiving and processing pre-computed mission data through to the fuze/projectile; 7) the means for locally computing mission data; and 8) the means for manually entering pre-computed data into the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for an exchangeable barrel module for a firearm equipped with the same. An example firearm includes an exchangeable barrel module, which includes a barrel and a barrel jacket. The barrel module also includes a range finder, control electronics, a transmitter to transfer the result of the control electronics to a projectile, an operating element, and a power supply. Further, the barrel jacket holds the barrel and at least a portion of the range finder, the control electronics, the transmitter, the operating elements, or the power supply.

Abstract: A self-contained fuze module, for installation on pieces of ordnance, having sensing devices and processing capability within the fuze module to determine whether conditions have been met to arm the ordnance. The fuze module is a unitary sealed module communicating with a launch vehicle via one or more communication/power buses.

Abstract: A dual purpose munition includes a housing; a shaped warhead disposed in a front interior of the housing; a vertically orienting explosive disposed on a front end of the housing; a safe and arm device explosively connected to the shaped warhead for arming and detonating the shaped warhead; a dual sensor circuit comprising an E-field sensor board, a B-field sensor board and a processor board; and a power source connected to the dual sensor circuit and the safe and arm device.

Abstract: A multi-mode fuze includes first and second microprocessors, the first microprocessor being connected to a resistor/capacitor oscillator and the second microprocessor being connected to a quartz crystal oscillator, the first and second microprocessors being connected to each other, the second microprocessor being operable to time calibrate the first microprocessor; a safe and arm device connected to the first microprocessor; power storage capacitors connected to the first microprocessor; a nose mounted impact switch connected to the first microprocessor; at least one impact delay circuit connected to the first microprocessor; and at least one acceleration switch connected to the first microprocessor.

Abstract: A self-contained fuze module, for installation on pieces of ordnance, having sensing devices and processing capability within the fuze module to determine whether conditions have been met to arm the ordnance. The fuze module is a unitary sealed module communicating with a launch vehicle via one or more communication/power buses.

Abstract: Various implementations are disclosed for self-contained, non-intrusive data collection in ammunition. In some implementations, a gun is loaded with a non-explosive, non-firing round of ammunition containing a data acquisition system. Such a data-collecting round of ammunition may be loaded into the gun according to the same procedures as live rounds of ammunition, and, in particular, may be loaded into a firing position immediately after a preceding live round has been fired. In this way, the data-collecting round of ammunition is able to experience temperature or other conditions that are experienced essentially identically by live rounds. After collecting related data while in the firing position, the data-collecting round may be removed from the gun, for analysis of the data for, for example, development of hot gun misfire safety procedures.

Abstract: A method and system optimally determines a desired Height of Burst (HOB) over a target based solely upon the time at which the projectile reached or passes through the apogee or apex of its trajectory (ta). There are several modes of implementation. According to one mode, the downleg is determined as a percentage of the upleg. According to another mode, the time to Height Of Burst (tHOB) is calculated algebraically based substantially solely upon the time to height of apogee ta.

Abstract: A projectile, (Cruise Munition Detonator Projectile or CMDP), can be fired from a tank, modified grenade launcher or gun using a laser range finder, radar or manual input (dialer or keypad) range selector. The CMDP will prevent, neutralize and eliminate enemy close infighting. The CMDP can defend aircraft against SAM, shoulder launched missiles, and air-to-air missiles. The CMDP will travel a predetermined programmed distance and detonate in front of or behind, over or beside, or in the mist of a target. The CMDP allows small forces to strategically neutralize larger forces with devastating effect. The CMDP is a force multiplier and an anti-personnel weapon.

Abstract: A separating device is integrated in ammunition, with which a line is separated at the earliest possible time during a firing process. The separating device is composed mainly of a piston, which preferably has a sharp edge, is guided in a rigidly mounted cylinder, and, in the unloaded state, is positioned by a shear flange. The cable is preferably securely supported in a protective tube which is connected with a propellant charge primer, and in which the cable is guided as far as the tip of the propellant charge primer and is then further guided to the rear end of the projectile. In the upper area of the cylinder, the cable is guided through a bore, which preferably lies transversely to the direction of acceleration of the piston, so that when the piston moves forward, the cable is separated by the sharp edge of the piston.

Abstract: A projectile, (Cruise Munition Detonator Projectile or CMDP), can be fired from a tank, modified grenade launcher or gun using a laser range finder, radar or manual input (dialer or keypad) range selector. The CMDP will prevent, neutralize and eliminate enemy close infighting. The CMDP can defend aircraft against SAM, shoulder launched missiles, and air-to-air missiles. The CMDP will travel a predetermined programmed distance and detonate in front of or behind, over or beside, or in the mist of a target. The CMDP allows small forces to strategically neutralize larger forces with devastating effect. The CMDP is a force multiplier and an anti-personnel weapon.