Patent ID: 8250983
Filing Date: 2012-08-28
Classification: F42C

Abstract:
1. A forward contact for use in an electromechanical electronics-setting circuit present within a cartridge; said cartridge comprising a case with a head assembly and a load carrying projectile fitted to said case, said projectile having programmable electronics mounted therein at its forward end, said electromechanical electronics-setting circuit designed for transmitting an electrical setting signal originating from an external fire control system through the head assembly to said programmable electronics; said projectile having a base with a conduit penetrating there-through that communicates with the payload-containing interior of the projectile through a high-pressure seat; wherein said forward contact comprises: a) an electrically-conductive container; b) a base; and c) a conductive, spring-loaded high-pressure sealing connector insulated from said case and slidingly seated at least partially within said high-pressure seat to effect a high-pressure seal of said conduit and prevent hot propellant gases arising upon firing of the cartridge from reaching the payload contained in the projectile while maintaining an electrically conductive path into the interior of the projectile that is insulated from said case; with said electromechanical circuit having a path originating from said external firing control system, to an electrode present in said head assembly, to a first conductor, to said forward contact, to a second conductor, to a fuze contact within said projectile, to a third conductor, to said programmable electronics, returning via a surface of said cartridge to ground.