Abstract:
The present invention is a signal transmission system (10) that can receive a non-electric input signal such as a mechanical shock, detonation, or pyrotechnic signal at an input terminus (12), convert that signal to an electrical signal, and convey the electrical signal to at least one output terminus (16a, 16b) at a remote location where the signal is converted to a non-electric output. To convert the non-electric input signal to an electrical signal, the input terminus (12) comprises a receiving transducer e.g., a piezoelectric, electrochemical, or photovoltaic element. The input terminus (12) is connected by transfer wiring (14) (e.g., an electrical wire harness or a flex cable) to the remote location, where it is received by the at least one output terminus (16a, 16b) and there converted to a non-electric signal that is used for a desired function. The length of the transfer wiring (14), and therefore the distance from the input terminus (12) to the remote location, can be from less than one inch to greater than 100 feet. Optionally, the transfer wiring (14) can connect the input terminus (12) to a plurality of output termini (16a, 16b). Also optionally, an output terminus may comprise an explosive bridge element (SCB, hot bridge wire, exploding foil) which can be initiated by the electrical signal, and the bridge element may initiate a brisant output charge (explosive or pyrotechnic). Alternatively, the output terminus may comprise an output transducer, e.g., a piezoelectric transducer, to convert the electrical signal into a physical pulse.
Abstract:
A self-powered fuze apparatus (10) for a projectile (1) containing an explosive charge (3) which comprises a first housing (12) containing a mechanical safety device (14) for releasably preventing undesired movement of a detonator cup holder (16) containing a detonator (18) from an unarmed to an armed position wherein the detonator cup (18) is shielded from the charge (1) to be exploded in the unarmed position and the detonator cup (18) communicates with the charge (1) only in the armed position and a second housing (20) adjacent the first housing (12) contains an electronic safety means (22) for sensing target impact and projectile (1) launch and selectively passing a piezoelectrically generated firing current to the detonator cup (18) only upon sensing a predetermined magnitude target impact only within a predetermined time after sensing the launch acceleration and only when the electronic safety means (22) is electrically and mechanically connected to the detonator cup (18) in the armed position.
Abstract:
A method for electrically initiating an inertial igniter for a munition. The method including: providing an electrical energy generating device to generate a voltage over a duration responsive to an acceleration of the munition; providing a first electrical storage device connected to the electrical energy generating device through a voltage divide circuit to receive a portion of the voltage over the duration; providing a second electrical storage device connected to the electrical energy generating device to accumulate the voltage; and providing a circuit powered by a connection to the electrical energy generating device, the circuit determining an all- fire condition based on both a connection to the first electrical storage device that receives the portion of the voltage and the duration of voltage generation and a predetermined accumulated voltage of the second electrical storage device.
Abstract:
The present invention describes an electronic fuze (200) operable to complement a mechanical point impact fuze (101). The electronic fuze (200) includes a voltage generator circuit (210), micro-controller (220), a piezo-electric sensor (262), a firing circuit (280) and a safety lockout circuit (290). When a projectile (50) strikes a target at an optimum angle, the mechanical point impact fuze (101) is activated; when the strike angle is oblique, the mechanical point impact fuze may be ineffective but the piezo-electric sensor (262) is operable to trigger the firing circuit (280). The safety lockout circuit (290) ensures the firing circuit (280) is operative only after a predetermined delay time when an n-channel FET (292) is turned OFF. The micro-controller (220) also generates a TIME-OUT signal, which provides for self-destruction of a projectile that has failed to explode.
Abstract:
A firing member (14) for firing a primer (6) of a basic charge (5) of a shell (1). The firing member (14) comprises an electricity-producing element arranged to generate an electrical impulse by the action of a force directed thereto for firing the primer (6) of the basic charge (5) of the shell (1). In addition, a support piece (4) for supporting a shell (1) into the barrel of a breech-loading weapon, and a method of firing a primer (6) of a basic charge (5) of a shell (1) by means of a firing member (14).
Abstract:
The present invention is a signal transmission system (10) that can receive a non-electric input signal such as a mechanical shock, detonation, or pyrotechnic signal at an input terminus (12), convert that signal to an electrical signal, and convey the electrical signal to at least one output terminus (16a, 16b) at a remote location where the signal is converted to a non-electric output. To convert the non-electric input signal to an electrical signal, the input terminus (12) comprises a receiving transducer e.g., a piezoelectric, electrochemical, or photovoltaic element. The input terminus (12) is connected by transfer wiring (14) (e.g., an electrical wire harness or a flex cable) to the remote location, where it is received by the at least one output terminus (16a, 16b) and there converted to a non-electric signal that is used for a desired function. The length of the transfer wiring (14), and therefore the distance from the input terminus (12) to the remote location, can be from less than one inch to greater than 100 feet. Optionally, the transfer wiring (14) can connect the input terminus (12) to a plurality of output termini (16a, 16b). Also optionally, an output terminus may comprise an explosive bridge element (SCB, hot bridge wire, exploding foil) which can be initiated by the electrical signal, and the bridge element may initiate a brisant output charge (explosive or pyrotechnic). Alternatively, the output terminus may comprise an output transducer, e.g., a piezoelectric transducer, to convert the electrical signal into a physical pulse.
Abstract:
The invention refers to an explosive substance detonator insensitive to any external influence that may only be triggered by a detonating charge intended for that purpose (6) or a pyrotechnic composition influencing a piezoelectric crystal (8).
Abstract:
Method for the validation of a fuse head (1) in an electronic detonator, wherein said detonator comprises: a reference resistor (R13), a fuse head (1), at least one capacitor and switching means, wherein in a first position of the switching means, the reference resistor is connected to the at least one capacitor forming a first RC circuit, and in a second position of the switching means, the fuse head is connected to the at least one capacitor forming a second RC circuit; the method comprising the following steps: measuring at least once a first charge time; activating the switching means to the second position to replace the reference resistor in the RC circuit with the fuse head; measuring at least once a second charge time; and determining the deviation of the second charge time from the first charge time.
Abstract:
A method for enabling safe/arm functionality in weapons. The method including attaching the weapon to an airframe; providing an elastic element (410a) in the weapon; releasing the weapon from the airframe to release a stored energy in the elastic element (410a); converting the stored energy to an electrical energy; and providing the electrical energy to one or more components in the weapon.