US3961577A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Air driven energy storing fuze safing and arming mechanism
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
•
Filing: 1975-05-12
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Granted: 1976-06-08
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Expires: 1995-05-12
Abstract
Abstract A safing-and-arming mechanism for ordnance fuzes having an air speed sensornd redundant means to prevent premature arming rotor movement. Upon weapon delivery, a spring-loaded snorkel is extended to unlock the first of two rotor locks and to direct a stream of air past a turbine wheel to drive an electric generator and a gear train through a centrifugal clutch. A winding disk is rotated to place a rotor spring in tension, the rotor being held against the spring force by a tumbler controlled by an explosive actuator. Upon an ignition signal from the electronic fuzing package, the tumbler is retracted and the rotor displaced to the armed position to align explosive components of a firing train.
Inventors
- 👤 James K. O'Steen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 18:15
CPC Classifications
F; F42; F42C; F42C15/00; F42C15/18; F42C15/188; F42C15/28; F42C15/295
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
A safing-and-arming mechanism for ordnance fuzes having no stored arming energy comprising: a housing; environmental sensing means slidably positioned within and extendible from said housing; means responsive to air speed to power an electric generator and a driving gear train; a rotor supporting a component of an explosive firing train and operatively coupled to the gear train to be displaceable from an out-of-alignment, safe position to an aligned, armed position; torquing means coupled to the driving gear train to supply a rotary force to said rotor; and rotor immobilizing means to maintain said rotor in the out-of-alignment, safe position, including: a first locking means controlled by the position of said environmental sensing means; a second locking means supported on said rotor and operable only after said first locking means has been unlocked; and retracting means controlling said second locking means and activated by a command signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
A safing-and-arming mechanism for ordnance fuzes having no stored arming energy comprising: a housing; environmental sensing means slidably positioned within and extendible from said housing; means responsive to air speed to power an electric generator and a driving gear train; a rotor supporting a component of an explosive firing train and operatively coupled to the gear train to be displaceable from an out-of-alignment, safe position to an aligned, armed position; torquing means coupled to the driving gear train to supply a rotary force to said rotor; and rotor immobilizing means to maintain said rotor in the out-of-alignment, safe position, including: a first locking means controlled by the position of said environmental sensing means; a second locking means supported on said rotor and operable only after said first locking means has been unlocked; and retracting means controlling said second locking means and activated by a command signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said environmental sensing means comprises a tubular member having: an aperture approximate the end extendible from said housing; an annular exterior flange; and a plurality of holes for air flow.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
The mechanism of claim 2 further comprising: a spring abutting said flange and urging said tubular member from said housing; and a removable cover extending across said housing to restrain said tubular member within said housing against the urging of said spring.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said torquing means comprises: a rotatable disk coupled to the driving gear train; and a spring coupled to said disk and said rotor, said spring being placed in tension by said rotatable disk.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The mechanism of claim 4 further comprising a first clutch means to uncouple said rotatable disk from said gear train after said spring has been placed in tension.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The mechanism of claim 5 further comprising a second clutch positioned between said air speed responsive means and said gear train to transmit rotary motion to said gear train only if the air speed is above a predetermined threshold value.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said first locking means comprises an elongated rod extending into said rotor and being withdrawn from said rotor only when said environmental sensing means extends from said housing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mechanism of claim 7 wherein said second locking means comprises a spring-biased tumbler positioned within a recess in said rotor, said tumbler extending from said rotor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The mechanism of claim 8 wherein said retracting means comprises an explosive actuator coaxially positioned with said tumbler and operable to cause withdrawal of said tumbler within said recess to permit rotary movement of said rotor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
The mechanism of claim 3 wherein said torquing means comprises: a rotatable disk coupled to the driving gear train; and a spring coupled to said disk and said rotor, said spring being placed in tension by said rotatable disk.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The mechanism of claim 10 further comprising a first clutch means to uncouple said rotatable disk from said gear train after said spring has been placed in tension.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
39 words
The mechanism of claim 11 further comprising a second clutch positioned between said air speed responsive means and said gear train to transmit rotary motion to said gear train only if the air speed exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The mechanism of claim 12 wherein said air speed responsive means comprises a turbine wheel rotably coupled to the electric generator and said second clutch.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The mechanism of claim 13 wherein said first locking means comprises an elongated rod operatively associated and movable with said tubular member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
50 words
The mechanism of claim 14 further comprising: an opening in said rotatable disk; an arcuate slot in said rotatable disk, circumferentially spaced from said opening; and an aperture in said rotor, said opening aligning with said aperture to receive said elongated rod when said rotor is in the safe position.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mechanism of claim 15 wherein said second locking means comprises: a slidable tumbler positioned within a recess in said rotor; and a second spring biasing said tumbler out from said rotor.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
47 words
The mechanism of claim 16 wherein said retracting means comprises an explosive actuator positioned within a bore in the base of said housing, coaxial with said tumbler and operable to cause withdrawal of said tumbler within said recess to permit rotation of said rotor by said spring.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mechanism of claim 17 wherein said removable cover comprises a tear cover attached to the open end of said housing, said cover being torn off by deployment of the ordnance.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-06-08 | 1979-12-08 | 1980-06-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-06-08 | 1983-12-08 | 1984-06-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-06-08 | 1987-12-08 | 1988-06-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |