US3786758A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rain discriminating fast acting impact switch
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1972-09-27
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Granted: 1974-01-22
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Expires: 1992-09-27
Abstract
Abstract A number of spring-mass switches are located around a circumferential line near the forward end of a missile. The switches are connected in series so that detonator energization occurs only when all switches are closed simultaneously. Due to the random nature of rain, all the switches are statistically restricted from being actuated simultaneously by rain. However, when the missile impacts with a large water body, all switches will close simultaneously to effect a fast acting detonation.
Inventors
- 👤 T Zimmerman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 14:43
CPC Classifications
F; F42; F42C; F42C19/00; F42C19/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
In a missile fuze, a detonator switch assembly which is capable of discriminating between impact with rain and impact with a body of water, the assembly comprising: a plurality of switches located in spaced circumferential relation around the body of a fuze; and means connecting the switches in series to ensure completion of a circuit path through the switches for detonator actuation when the switches are simultaneously closed in response to fuze contact with a water body.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
77 words
In a missile fuze, a detonator switch assembly which is capable of discriminating between impact with rain and impact with a body of water, the assembly comprising: a plurality of switches located in spaced circumferential relation around the body of a fuze; and means connecting the switches in series to ensure completion of a circuit path through the switches for detonator actuation when the switches are simultaneously closed in response to fuze contact with a water body.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The structure of claim 1 wherein each switch comprises contacts, and a conductive member mounted to a switch actuator, conductive member shorting the contacts upon exertion of sufficient pressure against the actuator.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
54 words
A method for energizing a fuze detonator circuit in response to fuze contact with a water body, the method consisting of the following steps: sensing simultaneous pressure impulses at each of a plurality of points on a fuze surface; and responding to said plural sensing by completing an electrical path through the deTonator circuit.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
54 words
A method for energizing a fuze detonator circuit in response to fuze contact with a water body, the method consisting of the following steps: sensing simultaneous pressure impulses at each of a plurality of points on a fuze surface; and responding to said plural sensing by completing an electrical path through the deTonator circuit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The subject matter of claim 3 wherein completing an electrical path through the detonator circuit consists of the step of closing pressure responsive switches connected in series along the electrical path.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-21 | 1977-07-23 | 1978-01-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-21 | 1981-07-23 | 1982-01-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-21 | 1985-07-23 | 1986-01-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |