Ammunition and explosives – Igniting devices and systems – Arming devices
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-20
2001-01-09
Carone, Michael J. (Department: 3643)
Ammunition and explosives
Igniting devices and systems
Arming devices
C102S254000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06170397
ABSTRACT:
ORIGIN OF THE INVENTION
The invention described herein was made in the performance of official duties by an employee of the Department of the Navy and may be manufactured, used, licensed by or for the Government for any governmental purpose without payment of any royalties thereon.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to mechanisms used to complete/interrupt a transmission line capable of transmitting electricity or an explosive reaction, and more particularly to a simple mechanical device that only completes such a transmission line during a prescribed window of time and assures that the transmission line is interrupted at all other times.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In many explosive devices, detonation must occur at a particular time in a prescribed sequence of events. Should some malfunction occur during the prescribed sequence of events, it may be desirable to prevent detonation from every occurring thereby permanently “safing” the malfunctioned device. For example, underwater explosive devices are often placed in a shallow-water environment to clear a military landing zone. Typically, not all devices explode at time of detonation. To prevent later inadvertent detonation, unexploded devices are preferably removed from the zone. It is desirable to have confidence that any unexploded devices can be safely retrieved/removed from the area without harm to personnel. Accordingly, many fuze systems incorporate complex electronic or electromechanical components for completing a detonation train only at the appropriate time in a prescribed sequence of events. However, the complex or electric nature of such components are often the source of malfunction in harsh water environments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device that can be used to complete a detonation train at a prescribed time.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that completes a detonation train at a prescribed time and subsequently interrupts the detonation train such that detonation can only occur at the prescribed time.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a simple mechanical device that can be used to complete a detonation train.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more obvious hereinafter in the specification and drawings.
In accordance with the present invention, a control mechanism has a first cam configured for spring-loaded rotation in a direction of rotation. The first cam is positioned between two leads which can conduct an energetic transmission therealong when coupled to one another. A lead coupler made of a material capable of conducting the energetic transmission is coupled to the first cam. The lead coupler is sized and shaped such that the two leads are coupled to one another by the lead coupler when the first cam achieves a prescribed position. A second cam configured for rotation is disposed adjacent to the first cam for, in sequential fashion, i) firstly maintaining the first cam in a first position different than the prescribed position prior to rotation of the second cam, ii) secondly permitting the spring-loaded rotation of the first cam from the first position to the prescribed position after rotation of the second cam commences, iii) thirdly inhibiting the spring-loaded rotation of the first cam from the prescribed position for a prescribed period of time during continued rotation of the second cam, and iv) fourthly permitting the spring-loaded rotation of the first cam from the prescribed position during continued rotation of the second cam after completion of the prescribed period of time. A cam rotator is coupled to the second cam for rotating same.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3165059 (1965-01-01), Saunders
patent: 3285177 (1966-11-01), Lohmann
patent: 3500747 (1970-03-01), Parker
patent: 3938443 (1976-02-01), Wolski
patent: 4099466 (1978-07-01), Redmond et al.
patent: 4337702 (1982-07-01), Betts
patent: 4478147 (1984-10-01), Hennings et al.
patent: 4691635 (1987-09-01), Winterhalter et al.
patent: 4876960 (1989-10-01), Schillinger et al.
patent: 5016532 (1991-05-01), Edminster
patent: 5594195 (1997-01-01), Lenko et al.
patent: 5693906 (1997-12-01), Van Sloun
patent: 427862 (1938-05-01), None
patent: 89547 (1967-05-01), None
Bechtel, Esq. James B.
Beitey Daniel J.
Bergen, Esq. Peter J. Van
Carone Michael J.
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of
LandOfFree
Energetic transmission line completion/interruption mechanism does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Energetic transmission line completion/interruption mechanism, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Energetic transmission line completion/interruption mechanism will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2495011