US2396064A

US2396064A - Ignition or firing mechanism

Info

Publication number: US2396064A
Application number: US513797A
Authority: US
Inventors: Joseph W Van Karner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1943-12-10
Filing date: 1943-12-10
Publication date: 1946-03-05
Anticipated expiration: 1963-03-05

Description

March 5, 1946- J. w. VAN KARNER 2,395,064

IGNITION OR FIRING MECHANISM FiledDec. 10, 1943 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Try 7. P

0000 GOGOOOOOOOOO OQ- J JOSEPH w VAN KARNER March 1946- J. w. VAN KARNER IGNITION 0R FIRING MECHANISM Filed Dec. 10, 1943 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 w n 1% 2. 5 4 Wm 3 2 3 N N w I: H A M WM mnl Patented Mar. 5, 1946 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,39 ,064 IGNITION on name MECHANISM Joseph W. Van Khmer, New York, N. Y. ADDlicationDecember 10, 1943, Serial No. 513,797 7 (Cl. 102-65) This invention relates to ignition or firing I mechanisms for smoke signals, gas bombs, hand grenades, sea. or snow markers, and similar devices where quick ignition and safety are prime factors.

More specifically, the present invention comprises a support for the ignition or firing mechanism which is secured to a wall of a smoke bomb, or other device, and which carries cooperating portions of the firing mechanism, one of the cooperating portions being secured to the supporting mechanism within the bomb or the like, and the other cooperating part being secured into the outer portion of the support and accessible from the exterior of the bomb. The respective portions of the firing mechanism carry cooperating friction igniting means, which may be set into operation by a quick relative movement of the two parts. A fuse preferably is secured to the inner member to be ignited by the friction ignition means and to transmit the fire, after a suitable delay, to the charge of the bomb or other device to which the ignition means is applied. Care is taken to ensure a watertight connection between the support for the firing mechanism and the wall of the device to which it is secured, and also between the support and the cooperating firing members, so that water or moisture from the outside cannot enter and damage the device, even if it should be dropped into water. To further ensure that water will not enter the device, a water-tight cap or the like may be screwed onto it about the ignition or firing mechanism.

The invention will be further described in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which the ignition means is applied to a smoke bomb intended to function as a distress signal. However, it is to be understood that such further description is by way of exemplification, and the invention is not limited thereby.

In the drawings: I

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a distress signal or smoke bomb embodying an ignition or firing mechanism constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of that portion oi Fig. 1 including the ignition or firing mechanism, and

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the ignition or firing mechanism, showing the cooperating parts being separated. as during the act of setting the device into operation.

Referring to the drawings, 1 designates the container of a smoke distress signal having a charge of suitable smoke-producing material 1 in the bottom thereof. A continuous layer 3 of kraftboard, chip-board or other relatively non-inflammable, heat-insulating, moisture-absorbent material may be placed between the side walls and the bottom of the container and the smoke-producing charge 2 to maintain the latter dry under all atmospheric conditions.

. The charge of smoke-producing material may have a tube 4 of perforated metal or the like inserted in the center thereof to facilitate the circulation of air within and the better burning of the smoke-producing material.

The charge of smoke-producing material may be maintained in place in the bottom of the container in any desired manner, and to that end a cover 5 of nitrocellulose or other readily in flammable material and a perforated supporting plate 6 of metal or the like extend entirely across the top of the smoke-producing charge and the upper edge of the layer of insulating and absorbent material 3. A ferrule or tube 1 of material similar to the material of the layer 3 extends between the outer edge of the partition plate 6 and the top of the container, and firmly maintains the charge of smoke-producing material in proper place within the container, regardless of the angular position which the c0ntainer may assume.

The top of the container shown in the drawings has an upward extension 8, the top of which is depressed and supports at one side thereof ignition means which form the subject matter of this application. At the other side the top ,of the extension is provided with an opening 9 through which smoke may be discharged after the signal has been set into operation. A paster l0 normally closes the opening 9 and is removed by rupturing under internal gas pressure, or by being ignited by a quick-flash fuse ll after the charge 2 has been ignited by the ignition means presently to be described.

The ignition means for the charge of smokeproducing material, comprises a support l2 positioned in a well [3 at one side of the depressed portion of the top of the extension 8. The support comprises an annular portion 14, which extends through the bottom of the Well i3, and an outwardly extending flange i5 which overlies and rests upon the bottom of the well on the outside. A nut l6 threaded onto the annular portion I l and against the bottom of the'well i3, firmly clamps the support in place and forms a water-tight connection between the bottom of the well l3 and the support l2. The interior of ing member is tightly screwed in place, water cannot enter the container through the support l2.

A friction primer 23 in the form of a coil of brass wire, has its upper end extending through a small opening 24 in the closure bushing l3 and attached to the lower end of a short length of flexible cord 25, which has its other end extending through a small opening 26 in a brass bushing 21 threaded into a recess in the center of the primer-carrying member IS. The cord is retained in the bushing 21 by knotting it, the knot being too large to pass through the opening 26 through which the cord extends.

The outer periphery of the annular portion ll of the support I2 is provided with a groove 28 ad- ,iacent its'lower edge. A fuse-holder-supporting member 29 of relatively rigid wire has an upper ring 30 thereof positioned in the groove 28. A lower ring portion 3| of the fuse-holder-supporting member 29 embraces a tubular fuse-holder 32 into the lower end of which a delayed-action fuse 33 is secured. Thus, the fuse-holder-supporting member 29 supports the fuse 33 from the support and maintains it in a proper position with respect to the friction primer coil 23 and support I2.

The friction primer coil 23 is of such diameter as to bear frictionally against the inside of the fuse-holder 32, the upper portion of which is coated with a suitable ignitable phosphorus composition 34, so that when the primer coil 23 is withdrawn, the friction thereof against the phosphorus coating on the inside of the fuse-holder will ignite the phosphorus coating which, in turn, will ignite the upper end of the delayed-action fuse 33. To ensure continuous contact of the friction primer coil with the phosphorus-coated, inner portion of the fuse holder 32 the upper end of the latter is pinched together.

The delayed-action fuse 33 protrudes from the lower end of the fuse-holder a suitable distance, and is connected by a fuse-junction cover 35 to a safety fuse 36, the lower end of the safety fuse 36 extends through the perforated partition plate 6 and the inflammable cover 5, and is embedded in or lapped upon the charge of the smoke-producing material 2.

' The upper end of the delayed-action fuse 33 is enclosed by a ferrule 3| which has prongs 3| struck from the side thereof which bite into the inner side wall of the fuse-holder 32, and prevent withdrawal of the fuse from the fuse-holder 32. The upper end of the ferrule is bent over the end of the fuse, as shown in Fig. 3, to facilitate its insertion into the fuse-holder.

The delayed-action fuse 33 and the fuses II and 35 preferably are standard types of fuses which have been approved by the United States Army or Navy, or other suitable Government 1 agency.

flange 22. The ring 31 normally lies in the depression in the top of the extension 8, as shown in Fig. 1, and is covered by a closure cap 33 threaded onto the extension.

Suitable gaskets

38 and 40, of corkor material similar to the material of gasket 2|, are interposed between the top of the extension 8 and the closure cap 38, and between the bottom of a flange ll of the closure cap and the top of the container toform water-tight seal.

When it is desired to use the smoke signal or other device embodying the ignition means, the closure cap 38 is unscrewed to give access to the pull-ring 31 of the primer-carrying member I3. The primer-carrying member is then unscrewed from the support l2, after which the ring 38 is given a quick pull which causes the primer coil 23 to move frictionally in contact with the coated or ignitable phosphorus composition 34 on the inside of the fuse-holder 32, with the result that the phosphorus composition is ignited and, in turn, ignites the delayed-action fuse 33. The delayed action fuse, after a predetermined period, depending upon the length and nature thereof, sets the device into operation, either by igniting a smoke-producing charge or the like, or by the setting off of an explosive charge, if the device is a grenade, explosive bomb, or the like.

From the foregoing description it will be understood that the present invention provides ignition or firing means for a signal, bomb, or the like,

which embodies allof the desired characteristics of quick ignition, after a predetermined period, safety and maintenance of the device to which it is applied in operable condition regardless of climatic conditions, and even if the device should be dropped into water. Also, the ignition means is one which readily may be set into operation without any special tools or equipment, and by persons who previously have had no experience with such devices.

What I claim is:

1. An ignition or firing mechanism comprising a support, a fuse-holder-supporting member secured to said support, a tubular fuse-holder carried' by said fuse-holder-supporting member in fixed relation to said support, a delayed-action fuse secured within one end of said fuse-holder. the other end of said fuse-holder having a coating of frictioii-ignitable material on the inside thereof, a primer-coil-carrying member threaded into the support, means between the primercoil-carrying member and the support for making a water-tight seal between the two, a friction primer coil carried by the primer-coil-carrying member, said friction primer coil extending into the end of the fuse-holder having the coating of friction-ignitable material and being of such diameter as to fractionally engage the coated inner surface of the fuse-holder, and means by which the primer coil may be withdrawn from the fuseholder to cause ignition of the friction-ignitable material, after the primer-coil-carrying member has been unscrewed from the support.

2. An ignition or firing mechanism comprising a support having a threaded recess therein, a fuse-holder-supporting member secured to said support, a tubular fuse-holder carried by said fuse-holder-supporting member in fixed relation the recess of the sup rt, a friction-primer-coil member carried by the primer-coil-carrying member and having a friction primer coil extending into the end of the fuse-holder having the coating of friction-ignitable material and being of such diameter as to frictionally engage the coated inner surface of the fuse holder, the friction-primer-coil member having a part thereof extending into the recess in the support, and a cord connecting said part of the friction-primercoil member to the primer-coil-carrying member and normally lying within the recess.

3. An ignition or firing mechanism comprising a support having a threaded recess therein, a fuse-holder-supporting member secured to said support, a tubular fuse-holder carried by said fuse-holder-supporting member in fixed relation to said support, a delayed-action fuse secured within one end of said fuse-holder, the other end of the fuse-holder having a coating of friction-ignitable material on the inside thereof, a friction-primer-coil-carrying member screwed into the recess of the support, a friction-primercoil member carried by the primer-coil-carrying member and having a friction primer coil extending into the end of the fuse-holder having the coating of friction-ignitable material and being of such diameter as to frictionally engage the coated inner surface of the fuse-holder, the friction-primer-coii member having a part thereof extending into the recess in the support, and a cord having one end connected to said part of the friction-primer-coil member and havin its other end extending into the primer-coilcarrying member through an opening therein and knotted to prevent withdrawal, to remainder of said cord normally in within the recess in the support.

4. An ignition or firing mechanism comprising a support, a fuse-holder-supporting member secured to said support, a tubular fuse-holder carried by said fuse-holder-supporting member in fixed relation to said support, a delayedaction fuse secured within one end of said fuse holder, the other end of said fuse-holder having a coating of friction-ignita:ble material on the inside thereof, a primer-coil-carrying member threaded into the support, means between the primer-coil-carryins member and the support for making a water-tight seal between the two, a friction primer coil carried by the primercoil-carrying member, said friction primer coil extending into the end of the fuse-holder having the coating of friction-ignitable material and being of such diameter as to frictionally n age the coated inner surface of the fuseholder, and a pull ring secured to the primercoil-carrying member for withdrawing the primer coil from the fuse-holder to cause ignition of the friction-ignitable material, after the primercoil-carrying member has been unscrewed from I the support.

5. An ignition or firing mechanism comprising a support, a fuse-holder-supportlng member secured to said support, a tubular fuse-holder carried by said fuse-holder-supporting member carrying member having a flange overlying the support, sealing means between the flange of the primer-coil-carrying member and the support for making a water-tight seal between the two, a friction primer coil carried by the primercoil-carrying member, said friction primer coil extending into the end of the fuse holder having the coating of friction-ignitable material and being of such diameter as to frictionally engage the coated inner surface of the fuseholder, and means by which the primer-coil may be withdrawn from the fuse-holder to cause ignition of the friction-ignitable material, after the primer-coil-carrying member has been unscrewed from the support.

6. In a device comprising a container having therein a charge to be ignited, an ignition or firing mechanism comprising a support, a fuseholder-supporting member secured to said support, a tubular fuse-holder carried by said fuseholder-supporting member in fixed relation to said support, a delayed-action fuse having one end thereof secured within one end of the fuseholder, a quick-acting safety fuse having one end thereof secured to the other end of the delayedaction fuse and having a part extending into contact with the charge of ignitable material, the other end of the fuse-holder having a coating of friction-ignitable material on the inside thereof, a primer-coil-carrying member threaded into the support, said prime-coil-carrying member having a flange overlying the support, sealing means between the flange of the primer-coil-carryins member and the support for making a water-tight seal between the two, a friction primer coil carried by the primer-coil-carrying member, said friction primer coil extending into the end of the fuse-holder having a coating of frictionignitable material and being of such diameter as to frictionally engage the coated inner surface of the fuse-holder, means by which the primercoil-carrying member may be withdrawn from the fuse-holder to cause ignition of the frictionignitable material after the primer-coil-carrying member has been unscrewed from the support, and a closure cap extending over the support and primer-coil-c'arrying member and secured to the container with a water-tight connection.

7. An ignition or firing mechanism comprising a support having a threaded opening therein, a fuse-holder-supporting member secured to said support, a fuse holder carried by said fuse-holdersupporting member in fixed relation to said support, a fuse secured within one end of said fuse holder, the other end of the fuse holder having a coating of friction-ignitable material on the inside thereof, a primer-coil-carrying member screwed into the opening of the support, a friction primer coil carried by the primer-coil-carrying member and extending into the end of the fuse holder having the coating of friction-ignitable material, said friction primer coil being of such diameter as to frictionally engage the coated surface of the fuse holder, and a cord connecting the friction primer coil to the primercoil-carrying member, whereby when the primercoil-carrying member is unscrewed from the top and pulled away therefrom the friction primer coil will move in frictional engagement with said coating of friction-ignitable material to isni the same.

JOSEPH W. VANKARNER.