US3851522A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Deceleration measuring apparatus
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1973-01-31
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Granted: 1974-12-03
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Expires: 1993-01-31
Abstract
Abstract Deceleration measuring apparatus is disclosed as comprising first and second deceleration measuring devices for providing outputs in response to measured first and second levels of deceleration, respectively. In an illustrative embodiment of this invention, the deceleration measuring devices may take the form of cantilever beams, each having a first end fixably secured and a second end suspended to be deflected under the influence of deceleration forces. Further, each deceleration measuring device includes a closing contact against which the second end of the cantilever beam closes when a predetermined deceleration level is sensed. The first deceleration measuring device has a cantilever beam of a first, relatively long length and closes in response to a relatively low, first level of deceleration. The second deceleration device includes a cantilever beam of a second, relatively short length which closes in response to a relatively high, second level of deceleration. Significantly, the time difference between the closing and therefore the output of the first and second deceleration measuring devices is indicative of the slope or the change of the deceleration to which these devices are subjected. In one illustrative embodiment, the first and second deceleration measuring devices are mounted within a projectile and its deceleration is determined by measuring the time interval between the outputs of the first and second deceleration measuring devices. In turn, the indicated deceleration is used to provide a measure of the density of the material struck by the projectile and to control the time of detonation of the explosives carried by the projectile.
Inventors
- 👤 C Peterson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 15:46
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01P; G01P15/00; F; F42; F42C; F42C11/00; F42C11/06; G01P15/02; G01P15/08; G01P15/135
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
Apparatus to be carried by a moving vehicle for providing an indication of the density of a target impacted by the vehicle by measuring the change of the deceleration forces applied to said apparatus upon impact of the vehicle with the target, said apparatus comprising: a. first and second means for generating first and second outputs upon the occurrences of deceleration forces of first and second levels, respectively, said first level being less than said second level; and b. means responsive to said first and second output signals for measuring the time interval therebetween whereby the rate of change of the deceleration forces imposed on the vehicle is determined to provide an indication of the density of the impacted target.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
Apparatus to be carried by a moving vehicle for providing an indication of the density of a target impacted by the vehicle by measuring the change of the deceleration forces applied to said apparatus upon impact of the vehicle with the target, said apparatus comprising: a. first and second means for generating first and second outputs upon the occurrences of deceleration forces of first and second levels, respectively, said first level being less than said second level; and b. means responsive to said first and second output signals for measuring the time interval therebetween whereby the rate of change of the deceleration forces imposed on the vehicle is determined to provide an indication of the density of the impacted target.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
72 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said interval measuring means provides a first signal in response to the measurement of an interval between said first and second outputs of less than a predetermined value to indicate a more dense impacted target and a second signal in response to the measurement of an interval between said first and second outputs greater than said predetermined value to indicate a less dense impacted target.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
82 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said interval measuring means includes oscillator means for providing a train of clock pulses, counting means for counting said clock pulses, and switching means responsive to the presence of said first output and to the absence of said second output to apply said counting pulses to said counting means to initiate its counting operation and responsive to the presence of said second output to terminate the application of said clock pulses to said counting means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
92 words
Deceleration measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said counting means is responsive to a predetermined count of said clock pulses selected to indicate a predetermined density of the impacted target to provide a counter output signal indicative that the density of the impacted target is not greater than said predetermined density, and second switch means responsive to the absence of said counter output signal and to the presence of said second output to provide a signal indicative that the density of the impacted target is greater than said predetermined density.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
160 words
Deceleration measuring apparatus to be carried by a moving vehicle for providing an indication of the change of the deceleration forces applied thereto upon impact of the vehicle with a target, said deceleration measuring apparatus comprising: a. first and second means for generating first and second outputs in response to the occurrences of deceleration forces of first and second levels, respectively, said first level being less than said second level, said first deceleration responsive means including a first beam of a first length selected to be deflected in response to deceleration forces of said first level a predetermined distance, said second deceleration responsive means including a second beam of a second length selected to be deflected in response to deceleration forces of said second level said predetermined distance; and b. means responsive to said first and second output signals for measuring the time interval therebetween whereby the rate of change of the deceleration forces imposed upon the vehicle is determined.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
160 words
Deceleration measuring apparatus to be carried by a moving vehicle for providing an indication of the change of the deceleration forces applied thereto upon impact of the vehicle with a target, said deceleration measuring apparatus comprising: a. first and second means for generating first and second outputs in response to the occurrences of deceleration forces of first and second levels, respectively, said first level being less than said second level, said first deceleration responsive means including a first beam of a first length selected to be deflected in response to deceleration forces of said first level a predetermined distance, said second deceleration responsive means including a second beam of a second length selected to be deflected in response to deceleration forces of said second level said predetermined distance; and b. means responsive to said first and second output signals for measuring the time interval therebetween whereby the rate of change of the deceleration forces imposed upon the vehicle is determined.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
Deceleration measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first and second beams each include a first end fixedly supported and a second end freely suspended to be deflected under deceleration forces.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
Deceleration measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first and second beams each include first and second ends fixedly supported and a central portion to be deflected in response to deceleration forces.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
Deceleration measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first and second deceleration responsive means each includes a contact electrode against Which said first and second beams are deflected to complete a circuit in response to the deceleration forces.
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) | 1977-12-02 | 1978-06-03 | 1978-12-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-02 | 1982-06-03 | 1982-12-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-02 | 1986-06-03 | 1986-12-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |