General Dynamics Corp., Pomona Division

General Dynamics Corporation

Spencer J Speer

A gimbal-less infrared (IR) target sensor for mounting in an IR transmissive nose cone of a guided missile comprises a fixed, concave, primary mirror mounted coaxially in the base of the nose cone; a fixed, convex, secondary mirror mounted at the focus of the primary mirror; and a plurality of IR sensing units having IR transmissive elements located around the periphery of the primary mirror. A shaped-charge is located aft of the primary mirror. The IR-transmissive elements incorporate IR-conductive fiber optics to transmit the IR signal to detectors aft of the shaped-charge for detection, processing, and missile guidance.

Infrared target sensor and system

A pivotal pistol grip firing mechanism mountable upon an operator-portable rocket launcher for use in aiming and electrically arming and firing a rocket loaded within the launcher is disclosed. A mounting bracket attached to the exterior of the launcher supports a pistol grip pivotally, between a carrying position and a firing position. The pistol grip houses a percussion activated thermal battery together with a firing pin assembly for activating the battery to supply power to fire the rocket. Energy to activate the thermal battery is not available until a firing pin spring is compressed by positioning the pistol grip in the firing position. A trigger and safety lever assembly in the pistol grip control the release of the firing pin. A manual safety switch in the pistol grip circuitry prevents transmission of the battery output unless closed by the operator prior to firing.

Pivotal pistol grip firing mechanism

Constituent pyrotechnic materials are dispensed by prescribed weight or volume into a single container containing an excess volume of an inert liquid, such as Freon T.E., having the property of preventing ionization of the materials. The pyrotechnic materials in inert fluid medium are then stirred so as to obtain an homogeneous slurry mixture. The slurry is allowed to settle and the inert fluid is decanted off for future reuse. The remaining slurry is dispensed into individual containers under pressure. The slurry is vacuum dried at a safe temperature to minimize the accidental ignition hazard while removing the remaining inert liquid, thus forming individual casts of pyrotechnic material. The casts are permitted to reach ambient temperature and pressure at predetermined rates so as to prevent cracking of the pyrotechnic charges.

Method and apparatus for mixing, casting and dispensing

A preformed cup for receiving and retaining pyrotechnic materials including provision for hermetic sealing against entry of disabling matter and moisture, to be inserted, after sealing, into a conventional casing in such manner as to maintain close proximity with ignition devices as provided in standard pyrotechnic systems. Close proximity of the contained pyrotechnic materials to an associated igniter is permissible with safety, regardless of the volume of material loaded or the 'G' loads encountered. The device permits loading of hazardous pyrotechnic materials on an off-line basis, independently of final assembly of devices used as practice rounds in anti-armor missiles and the like.

Packaging kit for pyrotechnic materials loading

A man portable shoulder fired rocket weapon system including a two section tubular launcher, sections of which are hingedly foldable one over the other to reduce the launcher length for storage and transport, and permitting the launcher to be holster carried in the manner of a sidearm. A lock and seal coupling connects the unfolded launcher tube sections to extend the launcher for firing and also serves as a safety element in the firing circuit. Two tubular blast shields are mounted concentrically upon the launch tube sections and are extendable therefrom to further lengthen the launcher and provide protection for the user against rocket motor exhaust. A compatible rocket round is carried in the folded launcher as a ready round. A waist worn holster and reload pack complete the weapon system elements.

Man-portable foldable launcher rocket weapon system

A molded, disposable mixing device is disclosed for mixing and dispensing a two-part fluid compound. The device may consist of two mirror-image portions or structures, each being of semi-cylindrical shape and providing a tortuous path for shearing, folding, mixing and blending together the two fluids. Each of the two structures is provided with a male attachment lug, and a female detent for securing them together. Also, each structure has a semicircular, externally molded ridge for connecting it, for example, to a nozzle. The tortuous path may consist of two periodically intersecting paths, or else of a generally open passage provided with mixing blades or baffles disposed at regular or irregular intervals. The mixing may also be effected by a spirally folded mesh or spherical objects disposed in a single tubular structure.

Mixing device for simultaneously dispensing two-part liquid compounds

A molded, disposable fluid container is disclosed for containing one, or preferably two, fluids ready for shipping. For a single fluid, the container may be tube-shaped having one or two open ends of smaller diameter. They may be closed by disposable, molded caps which may be screwed over external screw threads, or snapped on and off from molded, external ridges. One of the caps may be of large diameter to correspond to the diameter of the tube, and may in turn, have a small diameter open cylinder which may be closed by a disposable, molded cap. Preferably, dual container kits are used for shipping two fluids. Both containers have a matching, small open end providing with matching ridges or screw threads. This permits metering of the two fluids in a desired ratio through blow-down by appropriate fluid pressures.

Fluid packaging kit for pressurized dispensing

An apparatus for storing and dispensing a plurality of disparate, reactible fluid materials in a relatively viscous state in separate storage locations including means for dispensing the fluid through separate, easily removable needles. A plurality of closely adjacent cylinders have distinct and separate interiors with nozzles formed at one end. Separate removable needles have sealed locking arrangements for attachment to the nozzles. Different designs and structures of the needles are given so that the fluids can be mixed together, joined together or kept separate until injected through needle point openings. Structure is provided for disproportionately mixing the separately contained materials according to the desired mix. Preferably, the dispensing cylinders are formed of transparent material having graduated measuring marks on the liquid-containing portions. The entire apparatus may be constructed of inexpensive materials, such as plastic, the apparatus being intended for disposal after the fluid liquids prepackaged therein have been dispensed.

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Ontario, CA, United States of America

Spencer J Speer