144results about "Time fuzes" patented technology

A method is provided for detecting a target impact of a 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; and determining whether the output of power from the power supply has dropped below a predetermined threshold.

Initiator systems for warheads include a first initiation device configured to detonate at least a portion of an explosive material contained in an explosive device and a second initiation device configured to deflagrate at least a portion of an explosive material of a warhead. Scalable output explosive devices include an explosive material at least partially disposed within a housing and an initiator system including a first initiation device configured to detonate at least a portion of the explosive material and a second initiation device configured to deflagrate at least another portion of the explosive material. Methods of igniting warheads include deflagrating a portion of an explosive material disposed within the warhead and detonating at least another portion of the explosive material disposed within the warhead.

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. The explosive booster provides the detonation output to initiate the next element explosive or propellant element, such as an array of shaped charges in the well perforating system.

A detonation timing apparatus and method of determining a detonation time is disclosed. The detonation timing apparatus comprises an initiation sensor, at least one impact sensor, and at least one controller. The at least one controller may be configured for sensing an initiation event associated with the initiation sensor and sensing an impact event associated with the at least one impact sensor. The at least one controller is further configured for determining an impact velocity estimate proportional to a temporal difference between the initiation event and the impact event, using the impact velocity estimate to determine the detonation delay, and generating the detonation event at the detonation delay after the impact event. The timing apparatus and method of determining a detonation time may be incorporated in a fuze, which may be incorporated in an explosive projectile.

An actuator assembly that includes, in one example embodiment, a substrate with a bridge coupled between a first electrode and a second electrode on the substrate. A lithographically disposed flyer is positioned in proximity to the bridge. In a more specific embodiment, the actuator assembly further includes a lithographically disposed barrel that partially surrounds the flyer. A fireset is coupled to pins that extend through the substrate to the first electrode and the second electrode. The flyer further includes a three-dimensional surface adapted to flatten during flight. The flyer may be concave, convex, or may star shaped, may have perforations therein, or may exhibit another shape or other features.

A multi-mode fuze for a munition has at least one sensor that generates an electrical output dependent on a rate of deceleration when the munition impacts a target, a logic circuit electrically coupled to the at least one sensor effective to discriminate between a soft target and a hard target dependent on the electrical output and a fuze that transmits a detonation signal to an initiating explosive to thereby detonate the munition. The detonation signal is transmitted at a time dependent on target discrimination. The multi-mode fuze of the invention may be incorporated into an explosive projectile that includes an aerodynamically shaped metallic casing, an explosive contained within the metallic casing and an initiating explosive contacting the explosive. The multi-mode fuze communicates with the initiating explosive to trigger detonation of the explosive either on impact with a hard target or following a delay on impact with a soft target.

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. The explosive booster provides the detonation output to initiate the next element explosive or propellant element, such as an array of shaped charges in the well perforating system.

An inertia igniter including a mechanical delay mechanism having two or more members which are movable under different acceleration conditions to sequentially move a movable member upon sequential movement of the two or more members and an ignition member actuatable by the movable member such that movement of the movable member by the two or more members ignites the ignition member. The movable member can be movable by one of translation and rotation. The inertia igniter can further comprise an impact mass releasably movable in the housing, wherein the impact mass is released and movable by movement of the movable member to impact the ignition member. The inertia igniter can also further comprise a stop member for preventing movement of the impact mass until the movable member has moved a predetermined distance.

A detonation timing apparatus and method of determining a detonation time is disclosed. The detonation timing apparatus comprises an initiation sensor, at least one impact sensor, and at least one controller. The at least one controller may be configured for sensing an initiation event associated with the initiation sensor and sensing an impact event associated with the at least one impact sensor. The at least one controller is further configured for determining an impact velocity estimate proportional to a temporal difference between the initiation event and the impact event, using the impact velocity estimate to determine the detonation delay, and generating the detonation event at the detonation delay after the impact event. The timing apparatus and method of determining a detonation time may be incorporated in a fuze, which may be incorporated in an explosive projectile.

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.

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.

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). The ignition delay module housing (11) has a first end with a plurality of openings (7) and a second end with openings (20) blocked by the pyrotechnic tablet (2) at the burn inhibitor layer (3) such that upon an ignition of a gas generant (42) in the first inflator chamber (40), the burn inhibitor layer (3) is overcome and the pyrotechnic tablet (2) is ignited and burns to expose the openings (20) in the second end of the ignition delay module housing (11) causing a time delay before igniting a gas generant (62) in the second chamber (60). The ignition delay module (10) is usable in either a pyrotechnic inflator (100) or a hybrid inflator (200).

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. The timing strip (14) is adjusted by an adjustment structure to attain a desired delay period, preferably on the basis that the burn rate of the timing strip (14) is substantially identical to that of the calibration strip (20) and ascertaining the burn rate of the calibration strip. The adjustment may be attained by one or more of providing the timing strip with jump gaps (164), an accelerant or retardant (166a, 166b), completing the timing strip with a bridging strip (14c), or establishing a selected effective length of the timing strip by positioning one or both of a pick-up charge (16) and relay charge (18) over a portion of the timing strip.

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

A multi-stage inertial switch including: a housing having a first electrical contact; two or more members disposed in the housing, at least one end of each of the two or more members being sequentially movable upon a different level of acceleration of the housing; and a movable member movable within the housing by the sequential movement of the two or more members, the movable member having a second electrical contact capable of engagement with the first electrical contact to one of open or close an electrical circuit between the first and second electrical contacts upon an occurrence of a predetermined magnitude and / or duration acceleration event.

A target discrimination system monitors an acceleration switch signal to determine an impact of a projectile on a target. During a sample period of approximately 1.0 milliseconds, the system repeatedly samples the acceleration switch signal, compares the sampled acceleration sensor signal with a reference voltage, and sets a comparator data output to logic one if the sampled signal exceeds the reference voltage. Otherwise, the comparator data output is set to logic zero. The system counts the instances that comparator data output equals logic one during the sample period and executes a selected delay. The selected delay is approximately 50 milliseconds if the counted number of instances exceeds a predetermined threshold of approximately two-thirds of the samples and, otherwise, the selected delay is approximately 10 milliseconds. The selective delay enables target discrimination and selective detonation of a projectile.

A energy transfer device (10) is provided that is capable of transferring the energy output from one pyrotechnic device (52) to another device (78) for initiating firing thereof. Device (10) comprises a device housing (12) in which a deformable device insert (14) is received. Device insert (14) comprises a central passageway (34) for transmitting the output from a pyrotechnic device (52), including energy, gasses, and / or solids, to another pyrotechnic device (78). The passageway (34) conducts the pyrotechnic device output to a precise location on the second pyrotechnic device (78) where firing is most effectively initiated. The energy transfer device (10) may be employed as a part of a tool (44) used in well completion operations.

The present invention relates to an igniter mechanism for a toy hand grenade which comprises a pull string ignition assembly, a housing that encases the pull string ignition assembly and a stopper that is located in the housing. The igniter mechanism may meet the requirements of safety, reliability and low production cost.

A multi-stage inertial switch including: a housing having a first electrical contact; two or more members disposed in the housing, at least one end of each of the two or more members being sequentially movable upon a different level of acceleration of the housing; and a movable member movable within the housing by the sequential movement of the two or more members, the movable member having a second electrical contact capable of engagement with the first electrical contact to one of open or close an electrical circuit between the first and second electrical contacts upon an occurrence of a predetermined magnitude and / or duration acceleration event.

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.

An electrical delay detonator for use in blasting initiation systems energized by a non-electric impulse signal transmitted through a non-electrical conduit, such as a shock tube, with one end inserted inside a detonator housing having redundant sensors for detecting the presence of a non-electric impulse signal and a computerized control circuit for actuating the firing circuit. An elevated voltage is generated, stored in a capacitor assembly, and discharged when fired to an electrically operable igniter. The igniter, when activated, detonates an explosive mass. A battery is also contained within the detonator housing for powering the control circuit and one sensor, in low consumption mode, for several days. Upon detecting the presence of a signal the rest of the circuits are powered up. Periodic time windows generated by the control assembly provide corresponding enabled time periods for the sensors to become operational.

The invention discloses a fuze powder ring device for an artificial hail preventing and precipitation increasing projectile. The fuze powder ring device comprises an ignition assembly, a time powder ring and a carrier, wherein the time powder ring is fixedly arranged on the carrier through a positioning pin; and the ignition assembly is fixed to the time powder ring through a positioning pin, a side firing pin in the ignition assembly hits igniting powder, and the igniting powder burns and ignites minimum-smoke powder 602 in the time powder ring so as to control the launching of the hail preventing and precipitation increasing projectile. The fuze powder ring device has the advantages that the redundant ignition mechanism is compact in structure and is distributed in a centralized manner, so that the influence that centrifugal force scatters igniting flames is reduced, and the igniting and fire spreading capability of the ignition mechanism is strong; the time powder ring system is high in reliability and large in flame output power and is a premise guarantee for helping the artificial hail preventing and precipitation increasing projectile 13 realize the index of a smaller than 0.3% dud rate; and the assembly and powder pressing technologies of the time powder ring system are simple to operate and high in technical safety, play an original demonstration role in realizing a complete safety type fuze for a small-hole artificial hail preventing and precipitation increasing projectile, and can effectively promote the fuze development and technical progress of the artificial precipitation projectile.

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.

An inertia igniter including a mechanical delay mechanism having two or more members which are movable under different acceleration conditions to sequentially move a movable member upon sequential movement of the two or more members and an ignition member actuatable by the movable member such that movement of the movable member by the two or more members ignites the ignition member. The movable member can be movable by one of translation and rotation. The inertia igniter can further comprise an impact mass releasably movable in the housing, wherein the impact mass is released and movable by movement of the movable member to impact the ignition member. The inertia igniter can also further comprise a stop member for preventing movement of the impact mass until the movable member has moved a predetermined distance.

A pyrotechnic igniter arrangement, especially for occupant protection devices in motor vehicles, includes a single common carrier substrate, an electronic assembly arranged on the carrier substrate in an electronic zone, an electrically ignitable ignition bridge arranged on the carrier substrate in a pyrotechnic zone, and a pyrotechnic charge in the pyrotechnic zone. A mechanical decoupling or parting feature, such as a frangible link or an elastically bendable neck, is provided in the carrier substrate between the pyrotechnic zone and the electronic zone, so that forces arising during ignition of the pyrotechnic charge are not transmitted through the carrier substrate into the electronic zone. The decoupling feature breaks or elastically yields when a load exceeding a prescribed threshold is applied thereto. The electronic assembly is protected from damage due to excessive loads, and remains functional even after ignition of the pyrotechnic charge.

The invention relates to a steel-plastic combined fuse of an artificial precipitation projectile, which comprises a fuse body, a side ignition mechanism, a time delay self-destruction mechanism and an auxiliary detonator. The side ignition mechanism and the time delay self-destruction mechanism are installed on the upper part of the inner bore of the fuse body, the auxiliary detonator is installed at the lower part of the inner bore of the fuse body; the fuse body is combined by the fuse steel body at the lower part and the cast plastics at the upper part; the side ignition mechanism comprises an ignition base, the position beyond the center of the ignition base is provided with a groove; the time delay self-destruction mechanism comprises a middle priming tube, in which 611 pieces of miniature smoke gunpowder are equipped, the pressing quality of which is 53-58mg. The invention solves the problems of large quantity of residual fractions after the full explosion of artificial precipitation projectiles, the incomplete explosion, misfire, and the like existing in the artificial precipitation projectiles.

A grenade simulator comprises a housing with an integral internal track. A carriage is mounted on the track for linear movement. A travel limit is provided at one end of the track to limit movement of the carriage on the track. A gas source is installed on the carriage. A drive spring installed between the carriage and the housing for urging the carriage against the travel limit. A multi-link trigger is installed on the housing for holding the carriage away from the travel limit until the multi-link trigger is released. A bayonet opens the gas source upon the carriage reaching the travel limit. A release delay is integral with the multi-link trigger.

A device provides for time-controlled self-destruction of a projectile by a batteryless, electronic self-destruct device. Several capacitors charged by a piezo element or a surge generator during firing are used in the flight phase for operational purposes. At least two of the capacitors are connected to the input of a comparator, so that the influence of a constantly modifiable operational voltage and the influence of a discharge of modifiable voltage levels by the piezo element or surge generator does not affect the time function.

A stun grenade includes a fuze assembly secured to a housing adjacent gas outlet ports. The fuze assembly includes a fuze body having contact surfaces located in the flow path of the gas from the outlet ports so that gas flowing from the outlet ports impinges on the contact surfaces. The contact surfaces of the fuze body extend at an angle of no more than about 50 degrees to the first direction.

A non-lethal projectile used to immobilize, impair, disorient, or distract a live target. The non-lethal projectile can also be used as a signaling device. In one embodiment, a non-lethal payload carrying projectile that is detonated at a set distance determined and set by the operator. The distance is electronically controlled and can be set in the field seconds before the projectile is fired.