FLUID TIMER FOR ORDNANCE APPLICATIONS.

Abstract : Program goals are to develop a miniaturized pneumatic timer and demonstrate the functional feasibility. Fluid amplifiers are used throughout the timer, thus providing a no-moving-parts device with inherent ruggedness and reliability. The timing function is provided by a binary counter that is driven by an oscillator. Variable time durations are achieved by presetting the counter. This phase of the program is divided into two parts. One part is devoted to the oscillator which provides the basic time reference. The large oscillator (0.04 inch nozzle size) was improved so that an accuracy of = 0.5% was achieved for a 5:1 range of supply pressures. The other part is devoted to miniaturization of the counter circuit. The preliminary design work on the counter was completed. Scaled down circuits (0.010 inch nozzle size) were tested to determine steady state stability and reset characteristics. Results thus far are satisfactory.