Patent ID: 8833261
Filing Date: 2014-09-16
Classification: F42B,F42C

Abstract:
1. A two stage ignition train mechanism for use with parachute suspended illumination flares comprising: a parachute suspended illumination flare; and a rotatable firing mechanism capable of rotating from an initial, unarmed position to a final, firing position for safely igniting a parachute suspended illumination flare comprising a mechanism housing, a primer cup, a spring actuated firing pin, and a spring, said mechanism housing having a pivot end and a moveable end, said pivot end affixed to said ignition train mechanism at a pivot point, said primer cup attached to the movable end of the mechanism housing for containing an ignition primer to create a spark for igniting the flare; said spring actuated firing pin slideably disposed within said housing having a striking tip adjacent said movable end mated with said primer cup and at least one spring stop adjacent said pivot end; said spring having no pre-load for storing and transferring energy to said firing pin, said spring intermediate to said firing pin and said pivot point and in contact with said at least one spring stop of said firing pin such that when said firing pin moves axially towards said pivot pin, said spring is compressed; an ignition canister adjacent to said firing mechanism and aligned therewith when said firing mechanism is in the final, firing position, said canister having an ignition opening, axially aligned with said primer cup when said firing mechanism is in the final, firing position; a shear pin with a pre-determined shear point affixed to said ignition train mechanism and extending through a shear pin fitting affixed to said moveable end of said mechanism housing, said shear pin locking said firing mechanism in the initial, unarmed position; a cam follower passage having a forward edge and a rear edge, said passage disposed on said firing pin capable of receiving a cam follower pin affixed to said ignition train mechanism intermediate said initial position and said final position, said cam follower pin engaged with said passage and adjacent to said forward edge when said firing mechanism is in said initial position, said cam follower passage capable of sliding along the cam follower pin upon rotation of said firing mechanism about said pivot pin thus forcing the firing pin to move axially towards the pivot pin, compressing the spring and cocking the firing pin, said firing pin released for forward axial movement when the cam follower pin exits the cam follower passage; and a lanyard assembly for actuating said firing mechanism upon deployment of a parachute from said flare, a first end of said lanyard assembly connected to said moveable end of said firing mechanism housing opposite said shear pin fitting and a second end of said lanyard assembly connected to a lanyard cable, said lanyard cable connected to a riser of said parachute such that when said parachute is ejected from said flare, tension is transferred to said lanyard cable and force is applied to the mechanism housing thereby breaking the shear pin and initiating actuation of the mechanism from the initial position towards the final position.