US3793957A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gun launched, digital, variable time fuze
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1972-01-18
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Granted: 1974-02-26
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Expires: 1992-01-18
Abstract
Abstract A variable time fuze for a gun launched projectile comprises a digital electronic counter which is preset by insertion of a coded key into a slot within which are spring loaded contacts. The number which is preset in the counter depends on the pattern of conductive and non-conductive areas inscribed on the key. A clock circuit provides pulses to the counter which initiates a squib-firing network when the preset number is reached. Time delay circuits are provided to prevent accidental firing of the squib, to strobe the preset number into the counter and to allow the counter to stabilize before application of the clock pulses.
Inventors
- 👤 L Stout
- 👤 R Butler
- 👤 J Morris
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 17:54
CPC Classifications
F; F42; F42C; F42C11/00; F42C11/06; F42C11/065; F42C19/00; F42C19/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
A variable time fuze for a projectile comprising: a housing which is part of the projectile; a power supply disposed within said housing; an electronic timer circuit disposed within said housing including: a counter, a first time delay circuit for delaying application of power, a clock, a first AND gate having its input terminals connected to the first time delay circuit and to the clock and its output connected to the counter, means for strobing a preset number into the counter, a squib firing network, and a second AND gate having its input terminals connected to the first time delay circuit and to the counter and its output connected to the squib-firing network; electrical contact means for providing electrical continuity between said power supply and said counter to enable presetting various numbers in said counter; and variable coded key means for setting said contact means in accordance with a predetermined number, whereby the desired time interval may be preset prior to firing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
A variable time fuze for a projectile comprising: a housing which is part of the projectile; a power supply disposed within said housing; an electronic timer circuit disposed within said housing including: a counter, a first time delay circuit for delaying application of power, a clock, a first AND gate having its input terminals connected to the first time delay circuit and to the clock and its output connected to the counter, means for strobing a preset number into the counter, a squib firing network, and a second AND gate having its input terminals connected to the first time delay circuit and to the counter and its output connected to the squib-firing network; electrical contact means for providing electrical continuity between said power supply and said counter to enable presetting various numbers in said counter; and variable coded key means for setting said contact means in accordance with a predetermined number, whereby the desired time interval may be preset prior to firing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The variable time fuze of claim 1 wherein the strobing means comprises: a second time delay circuit connected to the power source; and, one-shot pulse generating means connected to the second time delay circuit and to the counter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The variable time fuze of claim 2 wherein the first and the second time delay circuits include programmable unijunction transistors.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The variable time fuze of claim 3 wherein the counter and the first and second AND gates comprise integrated circuits.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
115 words
A variable time fuze for a projectile comprising: a housing which is part of the projectile; a power supply disposed within said housing; an electronic timer circuit including a binary counter disposed within said housing; electrical contact means for providing electrical continuity between said power supply and said binary counter to enable presetting various numbers in said counter; said counter including a plurality of interconnected binary stages, each stage being connected to one of said electrical contacts, whereby the position of each contact sets its associated binary stage; and variable coded key means for setting said contact means in accordance with a predetermined number, whereby the desired time interval may be preset prior to firing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
115 words
A variable time fuze for a projectile comprising: a housing which is part of the projectile; a power supply disposed within said housing; an electronic timer circuit including a binary counter disposed within said housing; electrical contact means for providing electrical continuity between said power supply and said binary counter to enable presetting various numbers in said counter; said counter including a plurality of interconnected binary stages, each stage being connected to one of said electrical contacts, whereby the position of each contact sets its associated binary stage; and variable coded key means for setting said contact means in accordance with a predetermined number, whereby the desired time interval may be preset prior to firing.
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) | 1977-02-25 | 1977-08-27 | 1978-02-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-25 | 1981-08-27 | 1982-02-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-25 | 1985-08-27 | 1986-02-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |