Enhanced countermeasure delivery system with increased payload capacity

Abstract

Various countermeasure dispensing systems (i.e., CMDSs) and methods of use are described herein. The CMDS may include a dispenser assembly operably engaged with the platform, where at least one electrical connection provides electrical communication between the dispenser assembly and the sequencer. The CMDS may also include a magazine assembly operably engaged with the dispenser assembly, the magazine assembly comprising a magazine configured to hold at least two countermeasure consumables. The CMDS may also include a breech plate assembly operably engaged with the magazine assembly and adapted to dispense the at least two countermeasure consumables. The CMDS may also include at least one magazine identification switch (MIS) operably engaged with the magazine assembly and the breech plate assembly. The CMDS may also include at least one MIS configured to enable the sequencer and the breech plate assembly to selectively dispense at least one countermeasure consumable from the at least two countermeasure consumables.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for increasing payload capacity in countermeasure dispensing systems (CMDS). [Background technology]

[0002] In current military technology, military platforms, such as military aircraft, include at least one CMDS. The CMDS dispenses consumables (i.e., chaff material or flares) from the platform to counter detected incoming threats, such as missiles, and redirect such threats away from the platform. In conventional CMDSs, such as the AN / ALE-47 CMDS used on aircraft, the CMDS generally includes a cockpit control unit (CCU) that provides an interface with the military platform's operator, a sequencer unit that controls countermeasure dispensers, and a programmer that may provide additional features and characteristics to the CMDS. Each countermeasure dispenser in a CMDS is electrically connected to a sequencer unit for dispensing the consumables. However, conventional countermeasure dispensers in a CMDS are limited to carrying consumables with, for example, thirty (30) firing lines for a corresponding sequencer to dispense the thirty (30) consumables. Such limitations on consumables and firing lines in a CMDS can cause problems during military operations when many consumables must be dispensed from the CMDS in critical situations. Countermeasure dispensers and sequencers in a CMDS also limit the ability to expand the amount of consumables that can be provided on a military platform without removing and replacing existing countermeasure dispenser and sequencer units. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a countermeasure distribution system. The countermeasure distribution system may include a dispenser assembly configured to operably engage with the platform. The countermeasure distribution system may also include at least one electrical connection adapted to provide electrical communication between the dispenser assembly and the sequencer. The countermeasure distribution system may also include a magazine assembly operably engaged with the dispenser assembly, the magazine assembly comprising a magazine configured to hold at least two countermeasure consumables. The countermeasure distribution system may also include a breech plate assembly operably engaged with the magazine assembly and adapted to distribute the at least two countermeasure consumables. The countermeasure distribution system may also include at least one magazine identification switch (MIS) operably engaged with the magazine assembly and the breech plate assembly, the at least one MIS configured to enable the sequencer and the breech plate assembly to selectively distribute at least one countermeasure consumable from the at least two countermeasure consumables.

[0004] This or another exemplary embodiment may further include a faceplate of the breechplate assembly operably engaged with the magazine, a set of firing pin mechanisms of the breechplate assembly operably engaged with the faceplate, a controller assembly operably engaged with the faceplate and the set of firing pin mechanisms, and at least one set of magazine identification buttons (MIBs) of the breechplate assembly in electrical communication with the at least one MIS to enable the sequencer and the breechplate assembly to selectively dispense at least one countermeasure consumable from the at least two countermeasure consumables. This or another exemplary embodiment may further include the faceplate, the set of firing pin mechanisms, the controller assembly, the at least one set of MIBs, and the magazine being collectively positioned inside a chamber of a legacy countermeasure dispersal system. This or another illustrative embodiment may further include a rear wall of the magazine, a front wall of the magazine longitudinally opposite the rear wall, and a side chamber defined in the magazine extending from the rear wall of the magazine toward the front wall of the magazine, the side chamber configured to house the controller assembly, at least one MIS, and at least one set of MIBs. This or another illustrative embodiment may further include the at least one MIS comprising a knob operably engaged with the magazine, a shaft operably engaged with the knob, and an engagement plate operably engaged with the knob via the shaft, the engagement plate having a set of engagement portions configured to engage with the at least one set of MIBs, each engagement portion of the set of engagement portions configured to actuate the at least one set of MIBs in a preconfigured arrangement to enable the sequencer and breach plate assembly to selectively dispense at least one countermeasure consumable from the at least two countermeasure consumables.This or another illustrative embodiment may further include a set of standoffs provided in the dispenser, a set of mounting mounts defined in the magazine and aligned with the set of standoffs, and a set of through-holes defined in the faceplate and aligned with the set of standoffs and the set of mounting mounts. This or another illustrative embodiment may further include a controller assembly positioned outside the chamber and remote from the magazine. This or another illustrative embodiment may further include a controller assembly positioned inside the chamber and between the magazine and the dispenser. This or another illustrative embodiment may further include each of the faceplate and the dispenser being separate and independent from each other. This or another illustrative embodiment may further include each of the faceplate and the dispenser forming a single monolithic member. This or another illustrative embodiment may further include a retainer plate of the breech plate assembly operably engaged with and positioned intermediate the magazine and the faceplate, the retainer plate retaining a set of countermeasure consumables inside the magazine and configured to engage with the at least one MIS. This or another illustrative embodiment may further include the retainer plate having at least one recessed portion formed in one of an upper edge of the retainer plate and a lower edge of the retainer plate, a first indentation formed in one of the inner upper and lower edges of the at least one recessed portion for securing the at least one MIS in a first position, and a second indentation formed in one of the inner upper and lower edges of the at least one recessed portion for securing the at least one MIS in a second position different from the first position.This or another illustrative embodiment may further include the at least one MIS activating a first MIB of the at least one set of MIBs when the at least one MIS is fixed in a first position, and the at least one MIS preventing activation of the first MIB of the at least one set of MIBs when the at least one MIS is fixed in a second position.

[0005] In another aspect, an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a method that may include providing a magazine assembly, loading at least two countermeasure consumables into a magazine of the magazine assembly, toggling at least one magazine identification switch (MIS) to a desired position, actuating at least one set of magazine identification buttons (MIBs) to a desired configuration via the at least one MIS, operably engaging the magazine assembly with a dispenser assembly on a platform, causing a sequencer to select at least one countermeasure consumable from the at least two countermeasure consumables based on the desired configuration of the at least one MIB, and dispensing the at least one countermeasure consumable selected from the at least two countermeasure consumables from the magazine.

[0006] This or another illustrative embodiment may further include the step of operably engaging the magazine assembly with the dispenser assembly further comprising engaging a breech plate assembly of the magazine assembly with a dispenser of the dispenser assembly, and engaging the magazine with the breech plate assembly and the dispenser, wherein the breech plate assembly is positioned between the magazine and the dispenser. This or another illustrative embodiment may further include the step of operably engaging the magazine assembly with the dispenser assembly further comprising engaging the magazine with the breech plate assembly and the dispenser. This or another illustrative embodiment may further include the step of positioning a controller assembly outside of a chamber defined by the dispenser of the dispenser assembly and remote from the magazine, or inside of the chamber defined by the dispenser, wherein the controller assembly is positioned between the dispenser and the magazine when the controller assembly is positioned inside the chamber.

[0007] In yet another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a countermeasure distribution system. The countermeasure distribution system may include a dispenser assembly configured to operably engage with the platform. The countermeasure distribution system may also include at least one electrical connection adapted to provide electrical communication between the dispenser assembly and the sequencer. The countermeasure distribution system may also include a magazine assembly operably engaged with the dispenser assembly, the magazine assembly comprising a magazine configured to hold at least two countermeasure consumables. The countermeasure distribution system may also include a breech plate assembly operably engaged with the magazine assembly and adapted to distribute the at least two countermeasure consumables. The countermeasure distribution system may also include at least one magazine identification switch (MIS) operably engaged with the magazine assembly and the breech plate assembly. The at least one MIS is configured to enable the sequencer and the breech plate assembly to selectively distribute at least one countermeasure consumable from the at least two countermeasure consumables. The dispenser assembly and the breach plate assembly may be integrally formed together or may be separate from one another.

[0008] This or another exemplary embodiment may further include a faceplate of the breechplate assembly operably engaged with the magazine, a set of firing pin mechanisms of the breechplate assembly operably engaged with the faceplate, a controller assembly in electrical communication with the faceplate and the set of firing pin mechanisms, and at least one set of magazine identification buttons (MIBs) of the breechplate assembly operably engaged with the at least one MIS to enable the sequencer and the breechplate assembly to selectively dispense at least one countermeasure consumable from the at least two countermeasure consumables. This or another exemplary embodiment may further include the faceplate, the set of firing pin mechanisms, the at least one set of MIBs, and the magazine being positioned inside a chamber of a legacy countermeasure dispersal system.

[0009]

[0009] Sample embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the following description, shown in the drawings, and particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aircraft having a CMDS that is used after detecting an incoming enemy threat. [Figure 2]

[0011] FIG. 2 is an isometric front, top, first side view of a CMDS according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3A]

[0012] 3A is an exploded view of the breech plate assembly and magazine assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. 2, disassembled away from the dispenser assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 3B]

[0013] FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the breech plate assembly and magazine assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. [Figure 4]

[0014] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a dispenser of the dispenser assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. [Figure 5]

[0015] 5 is an isometric view of the front, top, first side of the magazine of the magazine assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 6]

[0016] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a set of magazine identification switches (or MIS) of the CMDS shown in FIG. [Figure 7]

[0017] FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the magazine shown in FIG. [Figure 8]

[0018] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the front, top, second side of an MIS from the set of MISs shown in FIG. [Figure 8A]

[0019] FIG. 8A is an exploded view of the MIS shown in FIG. [Figure 9A]

[0020] 9A is a front, top, first side isometric view of the breach plate assembly and controller assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 9B]

[0021] 9B is a rear, top, first side isometric view of the breach plate assembly and controller assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 10]

[0022] FIG. 10 is an operational diagram of the CMDS in which a set of magazine identification buttons (MIBs) are activated by a set of MISs prior to loading into the dispensers of the dispenser assembly. [Figure 11A]

[0023] FIG. 11A is another operational view of the CMDS, in which the breach plate assembly and controller assembly are loaded into the dispenser of the dispenser assembly. [Figure 11B]

[0024] FIG. 11B is another operational diagram of the CMDS, in which a set of magazine assemblies and MISs are loaded into the dispensers of the dispenser assembly. [Figure 12]

[0025] FIG. 12 is an isometric front, top, first side view of another CMDS according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13]

[0026] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the breech plate assembly and magazine assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. [Figure 14]

[0027] 14 is an isometric view of the rear, top, first side of the magazine of the magazine assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 15A]

[0028] FIG. 15A is a partial front, top, first side isometric view of the retaining plate of the magazine assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. 12, with two MISs of the set of MISs of the CMDS positioned in a first position relative to the retaining plate. [Figure 15B]

[0029] FIG. 15B is a partial rear, top, first side isometric view of the retaining plate of the magazine assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. 12, with two MISs of the set of MISs of the CMDS positioned in a second position relative to the retaining plate. [Figure 15C]

[0030] FIG. 15C is an isometric view of a partial rear, bottom, first side of the retaining plate of the magazine assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. 12, with another two MISs of the set of MISs of the CMDS provided in a first position relative to the retaining plate. [Figure 16A]

[0031] FIG. 16A is a front, top, first side isometric perspective view of the breech plate assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. 12 with a set of MIBs operatively engaged with the breech plate assembly. [Figure 16B]

[0032] 16B is a partial rear, top, first side isometric perspective view of the breech plate assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. 12 with a set of MIBs operatively engaged with the breech plate assembly. [Figure 17A]

[0033] FIG. 17A is an operational diagram of the first signal output from the sequencer to the controller assembly of the CMDS. [Figure 17B]

[0034] FIG. 17B is an operational diagram similar to FIG. 17A, but with a second signal output from the controller assembly to a set of terminal blocks on the breech plate assembly. [Figure 17C]

[0035] FIG. 17C is an operational diagram similar to FIG. 17B, but with a second signal directed from the set of terminal blocks to a selected group of firing pin mechanisms from the set of firing pin mechanisms. [Figure 18]

[0036] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the top, front, right side of an alternative CMDS to the CMDS illustrated in FIGS. 12-17C. [Figure 19]

[0037] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the magazine assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. [Figure 20]

[0038] FIG. 20 is a front, top, second side isometric perspective view of the dispenser assembly and breech plate assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. 19, where the dispensers of the dispenser assembly and the faceplate of the breech plate assembly form a single monolithic member. [Figure 21]

[0039] FIG. 21 is an isometric front, top, first side view of another CMDS according to the present disclosure. [Figure 22]

[0040] FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the magazine assembly and breech plate assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. [Figure 23]

[0041] FIG. 23 is a front, top, second side isometric perspective view of the dispenser assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. 19, with the controller assembly of the CMDS disposed inside the dispenser of the dispenser assembly. [Figure 24]

[0042] FIG. 24 is a top, front, first side isometric view of an alternative CMDS to the CMDS shown in FIGS. 21-23. [Figure 25]

[0043] FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the magazine assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. [Figure 26]

[0044] FIG. 26 is a front, top, second side isometric perspective view of the dispenser assembly and breech plate assembly of the CMDS shown in FIG. 24, where the dispensers of the dispenser assembly and the faceplate of the breech plate assembly form a single monolithic member. [Figure 27]

[0045] FIG. 27 is a flowchart of an illustrative method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011]

[0046] Like numbers refer to like parts throughout the drawings.

[0012]

[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates a platform 1, such as a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft, including a body 2, which may be manned or unmanned. As used herein, aircraft refers to fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft as well as UAVs and satellites. The body 2 has a forward end 2A and a rear end 2B longitudinally opposite the forward end 2A. It should be understood that the directions "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "right," and "left" are used solely as directional references for the body 2 and its associated components and / or parts described herein and illustrated in FIG. 1 .

[0013]

[0048] Platform 1, in this example, is an aircraft and includes sidewalls 3 extending longitudinally between a forward end 2A of body 2 and an aft end 2B of body 2. Sidewalls 3 define an opening 4 disposed between forward end 2A and aft end 2B of body 2, providing access to a chamber 5. The opening 4 and chamber 5 defined by sidewalls 3 are sized and configured to receive a countermeasure dispersal system 6 (“CMDS”). CMDS 6 operably engages sidewalls 3 of body 2 to mechanically secure CMDS 6 to aircraft 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , CMDS 6 is aligned with sidewalls 3 of body 2, such that CMDS 6 is even aligned with the mold lines of aircraft 1 for aerodynamic purposes. When CMDS 6 is installed, CMDS 6 is electrically connected to a legacy wiring harness (not illustrated) provided in aircraft 1 to provide power and communications to some or all of the electrical components in CMDS 6, which will be described in more detail below.

[0014]

[0049] Prior to a military operation or airborne mission of the aircraft 1, the CMDS is preloaded with a plurality of consumables 7. Each consumable of the plurality of consumables 7 is loaded with flares and / or chaff material 8 for countermeasure purposes. Additionally, each consumable of the plurality of consumables 7 includes an impulse cartridge (not illustrated) for detonating the consumable and dispersing the consumable from the aircraft 1. During a military operation, the flares and / or chaff material 8 provide a distraction for incoming enemy threats 9 launched by an enemy "E," where the incoming enemy threats 9 are distracted by the flares and / or chaff material 8 while simultaneously allowing the aircraft 1 to remain unharmed. During a military operation or airborne mission, the aircraft 1 may receive a warning from an onboard electronic warfare (EW) system regarding the approach of the incoming enemy threats 9 to the aircraft 1. Once a decision is made by the onboard EW system and / or the operator, the CMDS 6 dispenses a calculated amount of consumables from a plurality of consumables 7 disposed underneath, behind, or to the sides of the aircraft 1. Additionally, the CMDS 6 may also be provided along any suitable location on the aircraft 1 other than the sidewalls 3 of the body 2. In one illustrative embodiment, the CMDS may be provided in a wing of the aircraft. In another illustrative embodiment, the CMDS may be provided in a pod disposed on the fuselage or on the aircraft.

[0015]

[0050] It should be understood that the CMDS 6 is locally powered and controlled by an on-board system. The system may include suitable devices and apparatus operably engaged with each other to locally control and power the CMDS (such as the CMDS 6) described and illustrated herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the CMDS described and illustrated herein may be locally powered and controlled by a legacy on-board system that retains most of the legacy devices and apparatus operably engaged with and communicating with each other. Examples of legacy devices and apparatus that may be provided in this system include, but are not limited to, cockpit interfaces, discrete components, serial buses, programmers, and data links. In another instance, the CMDS described and illustrated herein may be locally powered and controlled by a new on-board system having new devices and apparatus operably engaged with each other.

[0016]

[0051] Moreover, it will be understood that the on-board system may also retain and use legacy components of currently available legacy CMDSs. In one case, the CMDS described and illustrated herein may maintain a legacy dispenser along with a legacy wiring harness that operably engages the CMDS with a legacy on-board system. In another case, the CMDS described and illustrated herein may maintain only a legacy wiring harness that operably engages the CMDS with a legacy on-board system. Furthermore, it will be understood that the CMDS described and illustrated herein may also use new components that are neither legacy to the aircraft nor legacy on-board systems provided on the aircraft. Such use of legacy and / or new components in the CMDS is described in further detail below.

[0017]

[0052] 2-11B, a CMDS 10 according to one embodiment is illustrated with its associated assemblies, components, and / or parts, which are described in more detail below. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the CMDS 10 includes a top or first end 10A, a bottom or second end 10B vertically opposite the top end 10A, and a vertical axis defined therebetween. The CMDS 10 also includes a first side 10C positioned between the top and bottom ends 10A and 10B, and a second side 10D positioned between the top and bottom ends 10A and 10B and transversely opposite the first side 10C, and a transverse axis defined therebetween. CMDS 10 also includes an aft end 10E positioned between top end 10A and bottom end 10B, a forward end 10F positioned between top end 10A and bottom end 10B and longitudinally opposite aft end 10E, and a longitudinal axis defined therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, each of top end 10A, bottom end 10B, first side end 10C, second side end 10D, aft end 10E, and forward end 10F may be disposed within chamber 5 defined in sidewall 3. Forward end 10F also faces outward from aircraft 1 and is aligned with opening 4 to enable release of multiple consumables 7.

[0018]

[0053] As best seen in FIG. 3A , the CMDS 10 includes a dispenser 22 that operably engages with the aircraft 1 inside a chamber 5 defined in the sidewall 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser 22 is a legacy AN / ALE-47 dispenser used in standard AN / ALE-47 CMDSs. The dispenser 22 includes a top wall 22A, a bottom wall 22B vertically opposite the top wall 22A, and a vertical axis defined therebetween. The dispenser 22 also includes a pair of side walls (first side wall 22C and second side wall 22D) that are transversely opposite each other and define a transverse axis therebetween. The dispenser 22 also includes a rear wall 22E longitudinally aft of the top wall 22A, bottom wall 22B, first side wall 22C, and second side wall 22D, and a flange 22F longitudinally opposite the rear wall 22E. 3A , the flange 22F is operably engaged with each of the top wall 22A, the bottom wall 22B, the first side wall 22C, and the second side wall 22D and extends away from the top wall 22A, the bottom wall 22B, the first side wall 22C, and the second side wall 22D. The flange 22F also defines a plurality of apertures 22G extending completely through the flange 22F. Although not illustrated herein, the plurality of apertures 22G enable a connector (not illustrated) to operably engage the dispenser 22 with the aircraft 1 to maintain the CMDS 10 on the aircraft 1; such engagement of the dispenser 22 with the aircraft 1 may be conventional means currently used in the art. In other illustrative embodiments, the previously described connector may be any suitable component configured to operably engage the dispenser with the aircraft to maintain the CMDS on the aircraft (e.g., fasteners, other similar components, etc.).

[0019]

[0054] 3A, dispenser 22 also defines an opening 22H that provides access into chamber 221. Specifically, top wall 22A, bottom wall 22B, first side wall 22C, second side wall 22D, and rear wall 22E collectively define opening 22H and chamber 221. Such uses and purposes of opening 22H and chamber 221 are described in more detail below.

[0020]

[0055] 4, dispenser 22 also includes a set of standoffs 22J and a set of alignment pins 22K. In the illustrated embodiment, each standoff of set of standoffs 22J is operably engaged with rear wall 22E of dispenser 22 inside chamber 22I. Similarly, each alignment pin of set of alignment pins 22K is also operably engaged with rear wall 22E of dispenser 22 inside chamber 22I. The use and purpose of set of standoffs 22J and set of alignment pins 22K will be explained in more detail below.

[0021]

[0056] Referring to FIG. 3A, the dispenser assembly 20 also includes legacy A-Kit wiring 24 operably engaged with the dispenser 22. The A-Kit wiring 24 is configured to provide an electrical connection between the dispenser 22 and a sequencer disposed on the platform 1 to enable logic communication between the dispenser 22 and the sequencer for dispensing and / or releasing consumables from the CMDS 10. The A-Kit wiring harness 24A includes a wiring harness 24A electrically connected to a socket 24B and a plug 24C. As illustrated, the socket 24B is engaged with the rear wall 22E of the dispenser 22 and housed inside the chamber 22I. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 4, the socket 24B is configured to electrically connect to the controller assembly to provide communication between the controller assembly of the CMDS 10 and the sequencer of the platform 1. The plug 24C is positioned remotely from the dispenser 22 without engaging the dispenser 22. The plug 24C is configured to electrically connect with a socket (not shown) provided on the platform 1 to electrically contact a sequencer provided on the platform 1.

[0022]

[0057] 3B, the CMDS 10 also includes a breechplate assembly 30 that operably engages the dispenser assembly 20 and, in particular, the dispenser 22 of the dispenser assembly 20. When assembled, the entire breechplate assembly 30 is housed inside the dispenser 22 and provides 48 lines of firing compared to the 30 legacy lines of firing provided in legacy CMDSs. The components and parts of the breechplate assembly 30 are described in more detail below.

[0023]

[0058] 9A, the breach plate assembly 30 includes a faceplate 32 that operably engages the dispenser 22 inside the chamber 22I. The faceplate 32 includes a front or first surface 32A, a rear or second surface 32B opposite the front surface 32A and facing away from the front surface 32A, and a circumferential wall 32C intermediate the front surface 32A and the second surface 32B. The faceplate 32 also defines a first set of through-holes 32D that extend completely through the faceplate 32 from the front surface 32A to the rear surface 32B, wherein the front surface 32A and the rear surface 32B are in fluid communication with each other; such use and purpose of the first set of through-holes 32D will be explained in more detail below. Similarly, faceplate 32 also defines a second set of through-holes 32E that extend completely through faceplate 32 from front surface 32A to rear surface 32B, whereby front surface 32A and rear surface 32B are in fluid communication with one another, the use and purpose of second set of through-holes 32E being explained in more detail below. It should be understood that first set of through-holes 32D and second set of through-holes 32E are separate from one another and spaced apart from one another on faceplate 32.

[0024]

[0059] 3B and 9A, faceplate 32 also includes a set of magazine pins 32F operatively engaged with faceplate 32. Each magazine pin in set 32F extends away from front surface 32A and away from faceplate 32. As explained in more detail below, set 32F of magazine pins allows the magazine of CMDS 10 to be centrally aligned with faceplate 32 when CMDS 10 is assembled. Thus, set 32F of magazine pins provides alignment assistance when assembling CMDS 10 into platform 1.

[0025]

[0060] 9B, faceplate 32 also defines a third set of through holes 32G. Each through hole in third set of through holes 32G extends completely through faceplate 32 between front surface 32A and rear surface 32B, where front surface 32A and rear surface 32B are in fluid communication with each other at each through hole in third set of through holes 32G. Each through hole in third set of through holes 32G is also configured to allow a standoff in set of standoffs 22J to pass through faceplate 32 when assembled.

[0026]

[0061] Referring to FIG. 9 , the breach plate assembly 30 also includes a set of firing pin mechanisms 34 that operably engage with the faceplate 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the set of firing pin mechanisms 34 are configured to operably engage with a set of countermeasure consumables (e.g., countermeasure consumables 7) when loaded into the CMDS 10, which will be described in more detail below. The set of firing pin mechanisms 34 may be any suitable firing pin mechanism 34 capable of activating an impulse cartridge to dispense countermeasure material from a countermeasure consumable known in the art. In one illustrative embodiment, a set of firing pin mechanisms that may be used includes the firing pin mechanisms described and illustrated in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 345,551. Although not illustrated herein, the faceplate 32 may be configured to accommodate any suitable electrical connections and / or electrical wiring that operably engage each firing pin mechanism of the set of firing pin mechanisms. In one illustrative embodiment, the faceplate 32 described and illustrated herein may define a cavity and / or recess in the rear surface 32B of the faceplate 32 to house and / or accommodate any suitable electrical connections and / or electrical wiring that operably engage each firing pin mechanism of the set of firing pin mechanisms.

[0027]

[0062] Referring to FIG. 9B , the breechplate assembly 30 includes a rear cover plate 36 operably engaged with the faceplate 32 via a connector 38. In other illustrative embodiments, the previously described connector 38 may be any suitable component configured to operably engage the rear cover plate with the faceplate of the breechplate assembly (e.g., fasteners and other similar components, etc.). The rear cover plate 36 is configured to cover and protect the rear surface 32B of the faceplate 32, along with any electrical connections and / or wires that electrically connect to the set of firing pin mechanisms 34. As best seen in FIG. 9B , the rear cover plate 36 defines a first set 36A of through-holes extending entirely through the rear cover plate 36. When the breechplate assembly 30 is assembled, the first set 36A of through-holes in the rear cover plate 36 aligns with the second set 32E of through-holes in the faceplate 32. The rear cover plate 36 also defines a second set of through holes 36B that extend entirely through the rear cover plate 36. When the breech plate assembly 30 is assembled, the connector 38 passes through the second set of through holes 36B and threadably engages the face plate 32 to operably engage the rear cover plate 36 at the rear surface 32B of the face plate 32.

[0028]

[0063] 9A, CMDS 10 also includes a controller assembly or embedded fire select multiplexer (EFSM) assembly 40 that is operably engaged with breach plate assembly 30. More specifically, controller assembly 40 operably engages faceplate 32 at front surface 32A of faceplate 32 and electrically connects with each firing pin mechanism in set 34 of firing pin mechanisms. Such components and parts that make up controller assembly 40 are described in more detail below.

[0029]

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, controller assembly 40 includes a circuit card 42 or circuit board protected by a cover 43 operably engaged with faceplate 32. Circuit card 42 operably engages faceplate 32 at a front surface 32A of faceplate 32 and electrically connects with each firing pin mechanism of set of firing pin mechanisms 34. The combination of firing pin mechanisms 34 with the circuitry on circuit card 42 of controller assembly 40 expands the number of countermeasure consumables from 30 in legacy CMDS (e.g., the AN / ALE-47 system) to 48 countermeasure consumables while using legacy hardware and components (i.e., the legacy on-board countermeasure system provided on dispenser assembly 20 and platform 1). In one example, circuit card 42 may be the circuit card described and illustrated in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 345,551 for expanding the number of countermeasure consumables from 30 countermeasure consumables in a legacy CMDS (e.g., an AN / ALE-47 system) to 48 countermeasure consumables while using legacy hardware and components. In this example, controller assembly 40 may include substantially similar electrical components and devices required to expand the number of countermeasure consumables from 30 countermeasure consumables in a legacy CMDS (e.g., an AN / ALE-47 system) to at least 48 countermeasure consumables while using legacy hardware and components. In another example, any suitable controller assembly and / or EFSM may be used herein to expand the number of countermeasure consumables from 30 countermeasure consumables in a legacy CMDS (e.g., an AN / ALE-47 system) to 48 countermeasure consumables while using legacy hardware and components.

[0030]

[0065] During operation, any number of firing pin mechanisms 34 may be activated by controller assembly 40 to dispense any number of countermeasure consumables loaded into CMDS 10. In one example, at least one group of firing pin mechanisms from fewer than the total number of firing pin mechanisms 34 (e.g., between 1 firing pin mechanism and 47 firing pin mechanisms) may be activated by controller assembly 40 to dispense at least one group of countermeasure consumables less than the total number of countermeasure consumables (e.g., between 1 countermeasure consumable and 47 countermeasure consumables). In another example, at least one group of firing pin mechanisms from fewer than the total number of firing pin mechanisms 34 (e.g., between 1 and 47 firing pin mechanisms) may be activated by controller assembly 40 to dispense at least one group of countermeasure consumables less than the total number of countermeasure consumables (e.g., between 1 and 47 countermeasure consumables), and at least another group of firing pin mechanisms from fewer than the total number of firing pin mechanisms 34 (e.g., between 1 and 47 firing pin mechanisms) may be activated by controller assembly 40 to dispense at least another group of countermeasure consumables less than the total number of countermeasure consumables (e.g., between 1 and 47 countermeasure consumables). In this example, the at least one group of firing pin mechanisms and the at least another group of firing pin mechanisms may include an equal number of firing pin mechanisms in each group. In this example, at least one group of firing pin mechanisms and at least another group of firing pin mechanisms may include a different number of firing pin mechanisms in each group.

[0031]

[0066] 9A , the controller assembly 40 may also include at least one set of magazine identification buttons (hereinafter “MIBs”), generally designated 44, operably engaged with the circuit card 42. The at least one set of MIBs 44 may also be operably engaged with a sequencer provided on the platform 1 for communicating with the sequencer during military operations, which will be described in more detail below. As illustrated, the controller assembly 40 includes a single set of MIBs 44 having a first MIB 44A, a second MIB 44B, a third MIB 44C, and a fourth MIB 44D operably engaged with the circuit card 42 and the sequencer provided on the platform 1. As illustrated, the first MIB 44A and the second MIB 44B are grouped together and positioned adjacent to each other on the circuit card 42 and the cover 43. Similarly, the third MIB 44C and the fourth MIB 44D are also grouped together and positioned adjacent to each other on the circuit card 42 and the cover 43. In the illustrated embodiment, the first MIB 44A and the second MIB 44B are positioned vertically above the third MIB 44C and the fourth MIB 44D. During operation, each of the first MIB 44A, the second MIB 44B, the third MIB 44C, and the fourth MIB 44D can be operated separately and independently of one another by components provided in the CMDS 10, which will be described in more detail below.

[0032]

[0067] Controller assembly 40 also includes a connection socket 46 (see FIG. 9B) that operatively engages circuit card 42 and MIB set 44 with dispenser assembly 20. Specifically, connection socket 46 is configured to electrically connect with socket 24B of A-Kit wiring 24 to provide communication between the sequencer of platform 1 and circuit card 42 during operation. It is understood that connection socket 46 is configured to match the legacy configuration of socket 24B to enable controller assembly 40 to communicate with legacy sequencers during military operations.

[0033]

[0068] 3B, CMDS 10 also includes a magazine assembly 50 that operably engages dispenser assembly 20, breech plate assembly 30, and controller assembly 40. More specifically, magazine assembly 50 is configured to attach to breech plate assembly 30 and to house controller assembly 40, which will be described in more detail below. When assembled, breech plate assembly 30, controller assembly 40, and magazine assembly 50 are operably engaged with dispenser 22 and housed inside chamber 22I defined by dispenser 22. Such components and parts that make up magazine assembly 50 will be described in more detail below.

[0034]

[0069] 5, magazine assembly 50 includes magazine 52. Magazine 52 includes a top wall 52A, a bottom wall 52B vertically opposite top wall 52A, and a vertical axis defined therebetween. Magazine 52 also includes a first side wall 52C positioned between top wall 52A and bottom wall 52B, and a second side wall 52D positioned between top wall 52A and bottom wall 52B and transversely opposite first side wall 52C, and a transverse axis defined therebetween. The magazine 52 also includes a rear wall 52E located longitudinally rearward of the top wall 52A, the bottom wall 52B, the first side wall 52C, and the second side wall 52D, a front wall 52F located longitudinally forward of the top wall 52A, the bottom wall 52B, the first side wall 52C, and the second side wall 52D and longitudinally opposite the rear wall 52E, and a longitudinal axis defined therebetween.

[0035]

[0070] Still referring to FIG. 5 , the magazine 52 defines a set of passageways 52G extending longitudinally between a rear wall 52E and a front wall 52F. As such, the rear wall 52E of the magazine 52 and the front wall 52F of the magazine 52 are in fluid communication with each other at each passageway of the set of passageways 52G. In the illustrated embodiment, the magazine 52 defines 48 passageways 52G for loading and storing 48 countermeasure consumables for the CMDS 10. As explained above, the breach plate assembly 30 and the controller assembly 40 enable the CMDS 10 to store and dispense 48 countermeasure consumables compared to the 30 currently permitted in conventional AN / ALE-47 CMDSs. The set of passageways 52G are accessible through a rear set of apertures 52H (see FIG. 7 ) defined in the rear wall 52E of the magazine 52 and a front set of apertures 52I defined in the front wall 52F of the magazine 52. Such a structural configuration of magazine 52 allows an operator to load each countermeasure consumable into set of passages 52G at rear set of apertures 52H, while forward set of apertures 52I allows each countermeasure consumable to dispense countermeasure material (e.g., flare material, chaff material, and other countermeasure material, etc.) from magazine 52.

[0036]

[0071] 7, the magazine 52 also defines a side chamber 52J. The side chamber 52J extends longitudinally within the magazine 52 from the rear wall 52E toward the front wall 52F. As best shown in FIG. 7, the side chamber 52J is collectively defined by a first side wall 52C, a first inner wall 52K1 transversely opposite the first side wall 52C, a second inner wall 52K2 disposed between and vertically above the first side wall 52C and the first inner wall 52K1, a third inner wall 52K3 disposed between and vertically below the first side wall 52C and the first inner wall 52K1, and a fourth inner wall 52K4 longitudinally forward of the first inner wall 52K1, the second inner wall 52K2, and the third inner wall 52K3. The side chamber 52J is also accessible at a rear opening 52L collectively defined in a rear wall 52E of the magazine 52 by a first side wall 52C, a first inner wall 52K1, a second inner wall 52K2, and a third inner wall 52K3. In the illustrated embodiment, the side chamber 52J is separate from and spaced apart from the set of passages 52G defined in the magazine 52.

[0037]

[0072] Referring to FIG. 6 , the magazine 52 also defines a first side opening 52M1 in the first side wall 52C. The first side opening 52M1 extends completely through the first side wall 52C to provide fluid communication between the environment outside the magazine 52 and the side chamber 52J. Similarly, the magazine 52 also defines a second side opening 52M2 in the first side wall 52C defined vertically below the first side opening 52M1. The second side opening 52M2 also extends completely through the first side wall 52C to provide fluid communication between the environment outside the magazine 52 and the side chamber 52J. The uses and purposes of the first side opening 52M1 and the second side opening 52M2 are described in more detail below.

[0038]

[0073] 7, the magazine 52 may include a first set of mounting mounts 52N extending longitudinally between a rear wall 52E and a front wall 52F. Each mounting mount of the first set of mounting mounts 52N is positioned between a set of passages 52G to align with a set of standoffs 22J provided in the legacy dispenser 22. The magazine 52 may also include a second set of mounting mounts 52P operably engaged with the magazine 52 inside the side chamber 52J. More specifically, the second set of mounting mounts 52P may be operably engaged with at least one of the first side wall 52C, the first inner wall 52K1, the second inner wall 52K2, and the third inner wall 52K3 inside the side chamber 52J. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one mounting mount of the second set of mounting mounts 52P is operably engaged with the first interior wall 52K1 and the second interior wall 52K2, and at least another mounting mount of the second set of mounting mounts 52P is operably engaged with the first interior wall 52K1 and the third interior wall 52K3. Such uses and purposes of the first set of mounting mounts 52N and the second set of mounting mounts 52NP are described in more detail below.

[0039]

[0074] 6 , the magazine 52 also includes at least one set 52R of markings positioned circumferentially around at least one of the first side opening 52M1 and the second side opening 52M2. In the illustrated embodiment, the magazine 52 includes a first marking 52R1 positioned circumferentially around the first side opening 52M1 and a second marking 52R2 positioned circumferentially around the first side opening 52M1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first marking 52R1 includes four markings positioned radially around the first side opening 52M1 and equally spaced from one another. Similarly, the second marking 52R2 also includes four markings positioned radially around the second side opening 52M2 and equally spaced from one another. In other illustrative embodiments, any suitable number of markings may be provided in each of the first and second markings. Such uses and purposes of the first indicia 52R1 and second indicia 52R2 are explained in more detail below.

[0040]

[0075] 3B, the magazine assembly 50 may also include a set of connectors 54 that operably engage both the magazine 52 and the breech plate assembly 30 with the dispenser 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the set of connectors 54 operably engage the magazine 52 via a first set of mounting mounts 52N and the breech plate assembly 30 via a second set of through-holes 32E defined in the faceplate 32 with a set of standoffs 22J positioned inside the chamber 22I of the dispenser 22. More specifically, the set of connectors 54 threadably engage both the magazine 52 and the breech plate assembly 30 with legacy mounting points (i.e., the set of standoffs 22J) of a legacy dispenser 22 (e.g., a legacy AN / ALE-47CMDS).

[0041]

[0076] Referring to FIG. 3B, magazine assembly 50 also includes a set of T-handle retraction connectors 56 operably engaged with magazine 52. More specifically, set of T-handle retraction connectors 56 operably engage magazine 52 via a second set of mounting mounts 52P positioned inside side chamber 52J. Set of T-handle retraction connectors 56 provide an operator with a grip or handle mechanism for removing at least magazine 52 from dispenser 22 for maintenance or service operations. In operation, T-handle retraction connectors 56 may be provided in an operating position (see FIG. 3B) in which a portion of each T-handle retraction connector 56 extends from the exterior of magazine 52 and is grasped by an operator to remove at least magazine 52 from dispenser 22 for maintenance or service operations. In this position, T-handle retraction connectors 56 are configured to disconnect breech plate assembly 30 from dispenser assembly 20 and controller assembly 40, specifically socket 24B and connecting socket 46. As such, T-handle retraction connector 56 is configured to overcome the resistance of socket 24B and connecting socket 46 to withdraw breach plate assembly 30 from dispenser assembly 20 and controller assembly 40. T-handle retraction connector 56 may also be provided in a retracted position when T-handle retraction connector 56 is retracted inside magazine 52 when the operator does not need to remove magazine 52 from dispenser 22 or when the magazine is not in use (see FIG. 3A).

[0042]

[0077] 3B, the magazine assembly 50 may also include a retainer plate 58 that operably engages the rear wall 52E of the magazine 52. The retainer plate 58 includes a front surface 58A that faces the rear wall 52E of the magazine 52 and a rear surface 58B that faces the front surface 32A of the faceplate 32 and faces in a direction opposite the front surface 58A. The retainer plate 58 also defines a first set of holes 58C that extend completely through the retainer plate 58 from the front surface 58A to the rear surface 58B. When the CMDS 10 is assembled, the first set of holes 58C defined in the retainer plate 58 are coaxial with the first set of through holes 32D of the faceplate 32 to allow the set of firing pin mechanisms 34 to operably engage with the countermeasure consumable impulse cartridges loaded in the magazine 52. The retainer plate 58 also defines a second set of holes 58D extending completely through the retainer plate 58 from the front face 58A to the rear face 58B, where the second set of holes 58D is separate from and spaced apart from the first set of holes 58C. The second set of holes 58D allows the connector 54 to pass through the second set of holes 58D to operatively engage the magazine assembly 50 and the breech plate assembly 30 with the dispenser 22. The retainer plate 58 also defines a notch 58E sized and configured to allow the circuit card 42 and cover 43 of the controller assembly 40 to pass through the retainer plate 58 and be received inside the side chamber 52J when assembled, as will be described in more detail below.

[0043]

[0078] 8 and 8A, the CMDS 10 also includes at least one magazine identification switch (MIS) 60 that operably engages with the magazine 52 (see FIGS. 3B, 6, and 10). In particular, the CMDS 10 includes a first MIS 60A that operably engages with the first side wall 52C of the magazine 52 through a first side opening 52M1. The CMDS 10 also includes a second MIS 60B that operably engages with the first side wall 52C of the magazine 52 through a second side opening 52M2. The first MIS 60A and the second MIS 60B are substantially similar to each other and operably engage with the magazine 52 in the same orientation. Because the first MIS 60A and the second MIS 60B are substantially similar, the following description will relate to the first MIS 60A. However, it should be understood that the description of the first MIS 60A applies substantially similarly to the second MIS 60B.

[0044]

[0079] 8 and 8A, the first MIS 60A includes a knob 61, where the knob 61 includes a head 62 operably engaged with a shaft 64. The shaft 64 is also operably engaged with an engagement plate 66. The head 62 includes a grip 62A collectively defined by a pair of recesses 62B1, 62B2 extending downwardly into the head 62 toward the shaft 64. The head 62 also includes an indicator 62C defined on the head 62 positioned between the first recess 62B1 and the second recess 62B2. In the illustrated embodiment, the indicator 62C is represented as an arrow to indicate the position of the first MIS 60A relative to the first mark 52R1 when actuating one or both of the first MIB 44A and the second MIB 44B, which will be described in more detail below.

[0045]

[0080] 8 and 8A, the shaft 64 operably engages the head 62 and the engagement plate 66 with one another. As illustrated, the shaft 64 includes a stamped portion 64A extending from the head 62, a coupling portion 64B extending from the stamped portion 64A, and an attachment portion 64C extending from the coupling portion 64B. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement plate 66 is operably engaged with the shaft 64 via the coupling portion 64B; such engagement between the shaft 64 and the engagement plate 66 is described in more detail below. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the attachment portion 64C also operably engages with a first inner wall 52K1 inside the side chamber 52J of the magazine 52, while the head 62 is operably engaged with a first side wall 52C of the magazine 52.

[0046]

[0081] 8 and 8A, engagement plate 66 defines a first surface 66A, a second surface 66B facing opposite first surface 66A, and a coupling opening 66C extending completely through engagement plate 66 from first surface 66A to second surface 66B. In the illustrated embodiment, coupling opening 66C is square, which is complementary to square coupling portion 64D of shaft 64. As such, engagement plate 66 is configured to mate with shaft 64 via this complementary structural configuration between coupling portion 64D and coupling opening 66C.

[0047]

[0082] 8A , the engagement plate 66 may also include at least one engagement portion 66D extending from the engagement plate 66 and positioned between the first surface 66A and the second surface 66B. The at least one engagement portion 66D may be configured to actuate at least one of the first MIB 44A and the second MIB 44B during operation, or may be configured to not actuate either the first MIB 44A or the second MIB 44B. In one case, the engagement plate 66 includes a first engagement portion 66D1 having a first structural configuration such that the first engagement portion 66D1 does not actuate either the first MIB 44A or the second MIB 44B. In another case, the engagement plate 66 includes a second engagement portion 66D2 having a second structural configuration different from the first engagement portion 66D1, where the second engagement portion 66D2 does not activate the first MIB 44A while activating the second MIB 44B. In another case, the engagement plate 66 includes a third engagement portion 66D3 having a third structural configuration different from the first engagement portion 66D1 and the second engagement portion 66D2, where the third engagement portion 66D3 activates the first MIB 44A while not activating the second MIB 44B. In another case, the engagement plate 66 includes a fourth engagement portion 66D4 having a fourth structural configuration different from the first engagement portion 66D1, the second engagement portion 66D2, and the third engagement portion 66D3, and the fourth engagement portion 66D4 activates both the first MIB44A and the second MIB44B.

[0048]

[0083] When assembled, the knobs 62 of the first MIS 60A and the second MIS 60B are positioned inside the first side opening 52M1 and the second side opening 52M2, where the knobs 62 are flush with and / or at the same height as the first side wall 52C. The shafts 64 and engagement plates 66 of the first MIS 60A and the second MIS 60B are also housed inside the side chamber 52J. Additionally, the second ends 64B of the shafts 64 of the first MIS 60A and the second MIS 60B are mounted to the first inner wall 52K1 inside the side chamber 52J. When assembled, the knobs 62 of the first MIS 60A and the second MIS 60B are rotatable within the first side opening 52M1 and the second side opening 52M2, while the second ends 64B of the shafts 64 of the first MIS 60A and the second MIS 60B are rotatably fixed to the first inner wall 52K1. As described in more detail below, the first MIS 60A and the second MIS 60B can actuate the set 44 of MIBs of the controller assembly 40 depending on the orientation of the first MIS 60A and the second MIS 60B desired by the operator of the CMDS 10.

[0049]

[0084] The first MIS 60A and second MIS 60B provided in CMDS 10 are believed to be advantageous because at least the first MIS 60A and second MIS 60B allow an operator to set desired spraying parameters for CMDS 10 based on interactions between set of MIBs 44 and the first MIS 60A and second MIS 60B. To that end, a sequencer operatively engaged with circuit card 42 and / or set of MIBs 44 may store instructions or software code in at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium when any one of first MIB 44A, second MIB 44B, third MIB 44C, and fourth MIB 44D is activated by one or both of first MIS 60A and second MIS 60B. With such instructions, the controller assembly 40 and a sequencer provided on the platform 1 may output sets of commands and / or signals to each other to disperse specific and / or desired groups of countermeasure consumables loaded in the magazine 52 when the first MIS 60A and the second MIS 60B are toggled in specific orientations to activate and engage the sets of MIBs 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the first MIS 60A and the second MIS 60B may provide up to 16 different combinations of activation and engagement of the sets of MIBs 44 to disperse specific and / or desired groups of countermeasure consumables loaded in the magazine 52. In other illustrative embodiments, the first MIS 60A and the second MIS 60B may provide any suitable number of combinations of activation of the sets of MIBs to disperse desired groups of countermeasure consumables via the controller assembly and a sequencer provided on the platform.

[0050]

[0085] Prior to loading the magazine assembly 50 into the dispenser 22, an operator may toggle and / or rotate an MIS (e.g., the first MIS 60A or the second MIS 60B) to a desired orientation to prevent actuation of the first and second MIBs via the engagement plate of the MIS. In one instance, the operator may toggle and / or rotate the first MIS 60A to a desired orientation to prevent actuation of the first MIB 44A and the second MIB 44B via the engagement plate 66 of the first MIS 60A. In this example, the operator toggles the first MIS 60A to a first position by aligning the indicator 62C with the first marking of the first indicia 52R1, in which the first engagement side 66D1 of the engagement plate 66 of the first MIS 60A will be selected. In this case, the first engagement side 66D1 is selected so that the first engagement side 66D1 does not engage with the first MIB 44A and the second MIB 44B, and is therefore configured to prevent actuation of the first MIB 44A and the second MIB 44B. Such prevention of actuation of the first and second MIBs 44A, 44B by the first MIS 60A applies in substantially the same way as prevention of actuation of the third and fourth MIBs 44C, 44D by the second MIS 60B.

[0051]

[0086] In other cases, the operator may toggle and / or rotate the first MIS 60A to another desired orientation to activate one or both of the first MIB 44A and the second MIB 44B via the engagement plate 66 of the first MIS 60A (see FIG. 10 ). In one example, the operator may toggle the first MIS 60A from the first position to the second position by aligning the indicator 62C with the second marking of the first indicia 52R1, in which case the second engagement side 66D2 of the engagement plate 66 of the first MIS 60A will be selected. In this case, because the second engagement side 66D2 is selected, the second engagement side 66D2 is configured to engage with the second MIB 44B and thus to activate only the second MIB 44B. In another example, an operator may toggle the first MIS 60A to a third position by aligning the indicator 62C with the third marking of the first indicia 52R1, in which case the third engagement side 66D3 of the engagement plate 66 of the first MIS 60A will be selected. In this case, because the third engagement side 66D3 is selected, the third engagement side 66D3 is configured to engage with the first MIB 44A and thus to activate only the first MIB 44A; this toggle action is illustrated in FIG. 10, which shows the second MIS 60B activating the third MIB 44C. In another example, an operator may toggle the first MIS 60A to a fourth position by aligning the indicator 62C with the fourth marking of the first indicia 52R1, in which case the fourth engagement side 66D4 of the engagement plate 66 of the first MIS 60A will be selected. In this case, because the fourth engagement side 66D4 is selected, the fourth engagement side 66D4 is configured to engage with both the first MIB 44A and the second MIB 44B, and therefore to actuate both the first MIB 44A and the second MIB 44B. Such actuation of one or both of the first and second MIBs 44A, 44B by the first MIS 60A applies in substantially the same manner as actuation of one or both of the third and fourth MIBs 44C, 44D by the second MIS 60B.

[0052]

[0087] Now that the assembly and components of the CMDS 10 have been described, the method of loading and using the CMDS 10 will be described in more detail below.

[0053]

[0088] As illustrated in FIG. 11A , an operator of CMDS 10 may begin loading breach plate assembly 30, controller assembly 40, and magazine assembly 50 into chamber 221 of dispenser 22. First, the operator may load breach plate assembly 30 and controller assembly 40 into chamber 221 of dispenser 22. Once inside chamber 221, the operator may operably engage connection socket 46 of controller assembly 40 with socket 24B of dispenser 22. Such connection between dispenser 22 and controller assembly 40 allows controller assembly 40 to communicate with a sequencer provided on platform 1 via A-Kit wiring 24. Although not illustrated herein, the operator may then operably engage breach plate assembly 30 with dispenser 22 inside chamber 221 to maintain breach plate assembly 30 inside dispenser 22.

[0054]

[0089] Prior to loading magazine assembly 50 into dispenser 22 of dispenser assembly 20, magazine 52 is loaded with countermeasure consumables set 70 via passageway set 52G. An operator of CMDS 10 then loads each countermeasure consumable of countermeasure consumables set 70 into rear aperture set 52H until each countermeasure consumable of countermeasure consumables set 70 is fully contained within a respective passageway of passageway set 52G. Once countermeasure consumables set 70 is loaded, retainer plate 58 may be operatively engaged with rear wall 52E of magazine 52 to prevent countermeasure consumables set 70 from falling out of magazine 52 during the loading phase.

[0055]

[0090] Once magazine 52 is loaded, an operator may toggle each of first MIS 60A and second MIS 60B to a desired orientation to activate set of MIBs 44. Such activation of a desired MIB in set of MIBs 44 enables controller assembly 40 and platform 1 sequencer, via circuitry provided in circuit card 42, to dispense a particular and / or desired group of countermeasure consumables from set of countermeasure consumables 70. In one instance, an operator may toggle and / or rotate first MIS 60A via knob 61 of first MIS 60A to a certain orientation to prevent and / or enable activation of one or both of first MIB 44A and second MIB 44B. In another example, the operator may also toggle and / or rotate the second MIS 60B in a certain direction via the knob 61 of the second MIS 60B to prevent and / or enable the activation of one or both of the third MIB 44C and the fourth MIB 44D. During this toggling action, the operator, aided by the indicator 62C and the first marking 52R1 of the first MIS 60A, may properly set the first MIS 60A in a desired direction to prevent and / or enable the activation of the first MIB 44A and the second MIB 44B. Similarly, the operator, aided by the indicator 62C and the second marking 52R2 of the second MIS 60B, may properly set the second MIS 60B in a desired direction to prevent and / or enable the activation of the third MIB 44C and the fourth MIB 44D. Once the operator toggles and sets the first MIS 60A and second MIS 60B to the desired orientation, the controller assembly 40 and sequencer 80 will be enabled to dispense a particular group of countermeasure consumables from the set 70 of countermeasure consumables.

[0056]

[0091] Once the first MIS 60A and second MIS 60B have been set by the operator, the operator may install the magazine assembly 50 into the dispenser 22. Once the magazine assembly 50 is installed into the chamber 22I of the dispenser 22, the controller assembly 40 is placed into the side chamber 52J defined by the magazine 52, where the set of MIBs 44 may or may not be actuated by the first MIS 60A and second MIS 60B. The operator may continue to insert the magazine assembly 50 into the dispenser 22 until the rear surface 58B of the retaining plate 58 of the magazine assembly 50 directly contacts the front surface 32A of the faceplate 32. Once the faceplate 32 and the retaining plate 58 are in direct contact with each other, the operator may operably engage both the breach plate assembly 30, the controller assembly 40, and the magazine assembly 50 with the dispenser 22 via the connectors 54. Here, connector 54 threadably engages a set of standoffs 22J positioned inside chamber 22I with dispenser 22. Once connector 54 is operably engaged with set of standoffs 22J, breech plate assembly 30 and magazine assembly 50 are operably engaged with dispenser 22, whereupon CMDS 10 is ready for military operation.

[0057]

[0092] Once a military operation is completed, an operator may remove the magazine assembly 50 from the dispenser 22, leaving the breech plate assembly 30 and the controller assembly 40 inside the dispenser 22. In this situation, the operator would unthread the connector 54 from the set of standoffs 22J until the magazine assembly 50 disengages from the dispenser 22. The magazine assembly 50 may then be removed from the dispenser 22 while the breech plate assembly 30 and the controller assembly 40 remain inside the dispenser 22. The magazine assembly 50 may be removed for a variety of reasons, including reloading the magazine 52 with additional countermeasure consumables for another military operation, servicing parts and / or components of the magazine assembly 50, and various other reasons. In this situation, the original magazine assembly 50 or a new magazine assembly 50 may be reloaded into the dispenser 22 and operably engaged with the dispenser via the connector 54.

[0058]

[0093] In another illustrative embodiment, an operator of CMDS 10 may also collectively load breach plate assembly 30, controller assembly 40, and magazine assembly 50 into chamber 221 of dispenser 22 as a single unit, as shown in FIG. 3A. Magazine 52 is first loaded with countermeasure consumables set 70 by an operator inserting each countermeasure consumable of set 70 into set 52G of passages in rear set 52H of apertures. Once magazine 52 is loaded, an operator may operably engage retention plate 58 with magazine 52 to retain countermeasure consumables set 70 inside magazine 52.

[0059]

[0094] In this illustrative embodiment, the operator can also toggle one or both of the first MIS 60A and the second MIS 60B to a desired orientation to activate at least one or none of the first MIB 44A, the second MIB 44B, the third MIB 44C, and the fourth MIB 44D, and such toggling of one or both of the first MIS 60A and the second MIS 60B to a desired orientation to activate at least one or none of the first MIB 44A, the second MIB 44B, the third MIB 44C, and the fourth MIB 44D has been previously described. Once the operator has toggled one or both of the first MIS 60A and the second MIS 60B to the desired orientation, the operator may operably engage the remaining parts and components of the breech plate assembly 30 (i.e., the faceplate 32, the firing pin mechanism 34, the rear cover plate 36) and the controller assembly 40 with the magazine 52. Once engaged, one or both of the first MIS 60A and the second MIS 60B may activate at least one, or none, of the first MIB 44A, the second MIB 44B, the third MIB 44C, and the fourth MIB 44D. At this point, the operator may then collectively load the breech plate assembly 30, the controller assembly 40, and the magazine assembly 50 into the chamber 221 of the dispenser 22 as a single unit as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0060]

[0095] To reload a new set of countermeasure consumables 70 into magazine 52, an operator collectively removes breach plate assembly 30, controller assembly 40, and magazine assembly 50 as a single unit from chamber 22I of dispenser 22. In one instance, an operator performs the reverse operational steps to operatively disengage breach plate assembly 30 and controller assembly 40 from magazine assembly 50 and load a new set of countermeasure consumables 70 into magazine 52. In another instance, an operator may load a new breach plate assembly 30, a new controller assembly 40, and a new magazine assembly 50 loaded with a new set of countermeasure consumables 70 into a dispenser 22 that was previously assembled based on the assembly steps described above.

[0061]

[0096] 12-17C illustrate another CMDS 100 that is substantially similar to CMDS 10 and that can be operatively engaged with platform 1. CMDS 100 is similar to CMDS 10 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 2-11B, except as detailed below.

[0062]

[0097] Referring to FIG. 12 , the CMDS 100 includes a dispenser assembly 120 operably engaged with the platform 1. The dispenser assembly 120 includes a dispenser 122 similar to the dispenser 22 described above, except as described in more detail below. The dispenser 122 includes a top wall 122A, a bottom wall 122B vertically opposite the top wall 122A, and a vertical axis defined therebetween. The dispenser 122 also includes a pair of side walls (first side wall 122C and second side wall 122D) transversely opposite each other and defining a transverse axis therebetween. The dispenser 122 also includes a rear wall 122E longitudinally rearward of the top wall 122A, bottom wall 122B, first side wall 122C, and second side wall 122D, and a flange 122F longitudinally opposite the rear wall 122E. 12 , the flange 122F is also operably engaged with each of the top wall 122A, the bottom wall 122B, the first side wall 122C, and the second side wall 122D and extends away from the top wall 122A, the bottom wall 122B, the first side wall 122C, and the second side wall 122D. The flange 122F also defines a set of forward apertures 122G that extend completely through the flange 122F. Although not illustrated herein, the plurality of apertures 122G allow a connector (not illustrated) to operably engage the dispenser 122 with the aircraft 1 to maintain the CMDS 100 on the aircraft 1.

[0063]

[0098] The dispenser 122 may also define a front opening 122H for accessing the passageway 122I, where the passageway 122I extends completely through the dispenser 122 between the rear wall 122E and the flange 122F. More specifically, the top wall 122A, the bottom wall 122B, the first side wall 122C, the second side wall 122D, and the rear wall 122E each collectively define the passageway 122I. As best seen in FIG. 12 , the passageway 122I is accessible through the front opening 122H collectively defined by the top wall 122A, the bottom wall 122B, the first side wall 122C, the second side wall 122D, and the rear wall 122E, adjacent the flange 122F. As best seen in FIG. 17A, the passageway 122I is also accessible through a rear opening 122J defined in a rear wall 122E of the dispenser 122.

[0064]

[0099] The dispenser 122 may also define at least one set of rear apertures 122K in a rear wall 122E of the dispenser 122. As best seen in FIG. 17A , the dispenser 122 may define a first set of rear apertures 122K1 that extend completely through the rear wall 122E, where the first set of rear apertures 122K1 are positioned proximate the top wall 122A and the bottom wall 122B of the dispenser 122, the use and purpose of such first set of rear apertures 122K1 being explained in more detail below. As best seen in FIG. 17A, the dispenser 122 may also define a second set of rear apertures 122K2 that extend completely through the rear wall 122E, wherein the second set of rear apertures 122K2 are positioned adjacent to the top wall 122A, the bottom wall 122B, the first side wall 122C, and the second side wall 122D of the dispenser 122, the use and purpose of such second set of rear apertures 122K2 being described in more detail below. As best seen in FIG. 17A, the dispenser 122 may also define a third set of rear apertures 122K3 that extend completely through the rear wall 122E, wherein the third set of rear apertures 122K3 are positioned adjacent to the top wall 122A and bottom wall 122B of the dispenser 122, the use and purpose of such third set of rear apertures 122K3 being described in more detail below.

[0065]

[0100] 12, the dispenser assembly 120 also includes a legacy A-Kit wiring harness 124 that is substantially similar to the A-Kit wiring 24 described above. As such, the A-Kit wiring harness 124 operably engages with the platform's sequencer to electrically connect the CMDS 100 with the sequencer. Such communication between the CMDS 100 and the sequencer provided on the platform 1 is described in more detail below.

[0066]

[0101] Although not illustrated herein, dispenser assembly 120 may also include a rear cover plate (not illustrated) operably engaged with rear wall 122E of dispenser 122. The rear cover plate is configured to cover rear opening 122J of dispenser 122 and prevent access into passageway 122I at rear opening 122J. The rear cover plate has been removed from the drawings for illustrative and operational purposes, which will be described in more detail below.

[0067]

[0102] Dispenser assembly 120 may also include at least one retention plate 128 that operably engages one or both of dispenser 122 and the rear cover plate. Dispenser assembly 120 includes two retention plates 128 configured to hold and secure A-Kit wiring harness 124 to dispenser 122 at rear wall 122E. The two retention plates 128 may also be secured to connectors 129 that threadably engage with a set of terminal blocks provided in CMDS 100, which will be described in more detail below.

[0068]

[0103] Like CMDS 10, CMDS 100 also includes a breechplate assembly 130 configured similarly to breechplate assembly 30, except for the following details. Breechplate assembly 130 includes a faceplate 132 that operably engages dispenser 122 inside passageway 112I. Faceplate 132 includes a front or first surface 132A, a rear or second surface 132B opposite front surface 132A and facing in the opposite direction from front surface 132A, and a circumferential wall 132C connecting front surface 132A and rear surface 132B.

[0069]

[0104] 16A , faceplate 132 also defines at least one set of mounting holes 132D that extend completely through faceplate 132 from front surface 132A to rear surface 132B, whereby front surface 132A and rear surface 132B are in fluid communication with one another. As best seen in FIG. 16A , faceplate 132 defines a first set of mounting holes 132D1 that extend completely through faceplate 132 from front surface 132A to rear surface 132B, whereby front surface 132A and rear surface 132B are in fluid communication with one another. First set of mounting holes 132D1 aligns with first set of rear apertures 122K1 defined in dispenser 122 when CMDS 100 is assembled. The faceplate 132 also defines a second set of mounting holes 132D2 that extend completely through the faceplate 132 from the front surface 132A to the rear surface 132B, whereby the front surface 132A and the rear surface 132B are in fluid communication with one another. The second set of mounting holes 132D2 align with the second set of rear apertures 122K2 defined in the dispenser 122 when the CMDS 100 is assembled. The faceplate 132 also defines a third set of mounting holes 132D3 that extend completely through the faceplate 132 from the front surface 132A to the rear surface 132B, whereby the front surface 132A and the rear surface 132B are in fluid communication with one another. The third set of mounting holes 132D3 align with the third set of rear apertures 122K3 defined in the dispenser 122 when the CMDS 100 is assembled. Each of the first set of mounting holes 132D1, the second set of mounting holes 132D2, and the third set of mounting holes 132D3 are separate from one another and spaced apart from one another on the faceplate 132. Although not illustrated herein, fasteners (not illustrated) may be used to operably engage the faceplate 132 via the first set of mounting holes 132D and the dispenser 122 via the second set of rear apertures 122K2.

[0070]

[0105] Referring to FIG. 16B, the faceplate 132 also has a set of upright walls 132E that operably engage with the rear surface 132B and extend upwardly away from the rear surface 132B. As illustrated, the set of upright walls 132E define a set of cavities 132F, where each cavity in the set of cavities 132F is rectangular. As best seen in FIG. 16B, a pair of cross members 132G is positioned inside each cavity of the set of cavities 132F, where each pair of cross members 132G engages with an associated upright wall of the set of upright walls 132E that defines a respective cavity of the set of cavities 132F. The pair of cross members 132G also operably engage with the rear surface 132B and extend upwardly away from the rear surface 132B. As illustrated, the set of upright walls 132E define a set of cavities 132F, where each cavity in the set of cavities 132F is rectangular. As best seen in FIG. 16B, a pair of cross members 132G engages with an associated upright wall of the set of upright walls 132E that defines a respective cavity in the set of cavities 132F. The faceplate 132 also defines a set of through-holes 132H that extend completely through the faceplate 132 from the front surface 132A to the rear surface 132B, whereby the front surface 132A and the rear surface 132B are in fluid communication with each other via the set of through-holes 132H (see FIG. 16A ). In one example, at least four through-holes in the set of through-holes 132H are defined inside each cavity of the set of cavities 132F. The uses and purposes of the set of upstanding walls 132E, the set of cavities 132F, the pair of cross members 132G positioned inside each cavity of the set of cavities 132F, and the set of through-holes 132H are described in more detail below.

[0071]

[0106] 16A-16B, the breech plate assembly 130 also includes a set of firing pin mechanisms 134 operably engaged with the faceplate 132, which are substantially similar to the firing pin mechanisms 34 of the breech plate assembly 30 described above. The set of firing pin mechanisms 134 are configured to operably engage a set of countermeasure consumables when loaded into the CMDS 10, which are described in more detail below. The set of firing pin mechanisms 134 may be any suitable firing pin mechanism 134 capable of activating countermeasure consumables known in the art. In one illustrative embodiment, a set of firing pin mechanisms that may be used includes the firing pin mechanisms described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 345,551. In the illustrated embodiment, each firing pin mechanism of the set of firing pin mechanisms 134 is operably engaged with the faceplate 132 via a set of through-holes 132H positioned inside a set of cavities 132F.

[0072]

[0107] 12 and 16B-17C, CMDS 100 also includes a controller assembly or embedded fire selection multiplexer (EFSM) 140 that operably engages dispenser assembly 120 and breach plate assembly 130, substantially similar to controller assembly 40 present in CMDS 10, except as further described below. Such components and parts that make up controller assembly 40 are described in more detail below.

[0073]

[0108] In the illustrated embodiment, controller assembly 140 includes a circuit card or circuit board 142 protected by a cover 143 operably engaged with first sidewall 122C of dispenser 122 outside of passageway 112I. Circuit card 142 also electrically connects with each firing pin mechanism of set 134 of firing pin mechanisms; such electrical connections between the circuit card and set 134 are described in more detail below. In this embodiment, however, controller assembly 140 operably engages with first sidewall 122C of dispenser 122 outside of passageway 122I and electrically connects with each firing pin mechanism of set 134 of firing pin mechanisms.

[0074]

[0109] Similar to the combination of firing pin mechanism 34 with the circuitry of circuit card 42 of controller assembly 40 described above, the combination of firing pin mechanism 134 with the circuitry of circuit card 142 of controller assembly 140 also expands the number of countermeasure consumables from 30 countermeasure consumables in a legacy CMDS (e.g., an AN / ALE-47 system) to 48 countermeasure consumables while using legacy hardware and components (i.e., A-Kit wiring harness 124 of dispenser assembly 120 and the legacy on-board countermeasure system provided on platform 1). In one example, circuit card 142 may be substantially similar to the circuit card described and illustrated in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 345,551 for expanding the number of countermeasure consumables from 30 countermeasure consumables in a legacy CMDS (e.g., an AN / ALE-47 system) to 48 countermeasure consumables while using legacy hardware and components. In this example, controller assembly 140 may include substantially similar electrical components and devices required to expand the number of countermeasure consumables from 30 countermeasure consumables in a legacy CMDS (e.g., an AN / ALE-47 system) to at least 48 countermeasure consumables while using legacy hardware and components. In another example, any suitable controller assembly and / or EFSM may be used herein to expand the number of countermeasure consumables from 30 countermeasure consumables in a legacy CMDS (e.g., an AN / ALE-47 system) to at least 48 countermeasure consumables while using legacy hardware and components.

[0075]

[0110] 16A-16B, controller assembly 140 may also include at least one set of magazine identification buttons (hereinafter "MIBs"), generally referred to as 144, that are operably engaged with circuit card 142. At least one set of MIBs 144 may also be operably engaged with a sequencer provided on platform 1 for communicating with the sequencer during operation. As illustrated, controller assembly 40 includes a single set of MIBs 144 having a first MIB 144A, a second MIB 144B, a third MIB 144C, and a fourth MIB 144D that are operably engaged with circuit card 142 and the sequencer provided on platform 1. As illustrated, the first MIB 144A and the second MIB 144B are grouped together and operably engaged with the rear wall 122E of the dispenser 122 through two rear apertures of the first set of rear apertures 122K1 defined adjacent to the top wall 122A. Similarly, the third MIB 44C and the fourth MIB 44D are also grouped together and operably engaged with the rear wall 122E of the dispenser 122 through another two rear apertures of the first set of rear apertures 122K1 defined adjacent to the bottom wall 122B. In the illustrated embodiment, the first MIB 144A and the second MIB 144B are positioned vertically above the third MIB 144C and the fourth MIB 144D. During operation, each of the first MIB 144A, the second MIB 144B, the third MIB 144C, and the fourth MIB 144D can be operated separately and independently of one another by components provided in the CMDS 100, which will be described in more detail below.

[0076]

[0111] 17A, the set of MIBs 144 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 142 of the controller assembly 140 along with the sequencer 180 for operational purposes, which are described in more detail below. As illustrated, a first set of wires W1 may operably engage a first MIB 144A with the circuit board 142, a second set of wires W2 may operably engage a second MIB 144B with the circuit board 142, a third set of wires W3 may operably engage a third MIB 144C with the circuit board 142, and a fourth set of wires W4 may operably engage a fourth MIB 144D with the circuit board 142. As described in more detail below, each of first MIB 144A, second MIB 144B, third MIB 144C, and fourth MIB 144D may also output a signal to circuit board 142 when any one of first MIB 144A, second MIB 144B, third MIB 144C, and fourth MIB 144D is actuated during a loading operation. Additionally, each of first MIB 144A, second MIB 144B, third MIB 144C, and fourth MIB 144D may also output a signal to sequencer 180, via controller assembly 140, during operation to enable sequencer 180 to read the position of each of MIBs 144A, 144B, 144C, and 144D and identify the loadout of magazine 152.

[0077]

[0112] 17A-17B, the controller assembly 140 also includes a first set of electrical connections 145 that operably connect the circuit card 142 with the set of terminal blocks 146. In the illustrated embodiment, a first electrical connection 145A of the first set of electrical connections 145 electrically connects with a first pair of terminal blocks 146A of the set of terminal blocks 146. A second electrical connection 145B of the first set of electrical connections 145 also electrically connects with a second pair of terminal blocks 146B of the set of terminal blocks 146. A third electrical connection 145C of the first set of electrical connections 145 also electrically connects with a third pair of terminal blocks 146C of the set of terminal blocks 146. As will be described in more detail below, the electrical connections between the first set of electrical connections 145 and the set of terminal blocks 146 enable the circuit card 142 to send and / or output commands to specific firing pin mechanisms of the set of firing pin mechanisms 134 during military operations, as will be described in more detail below.

[0078]

[0113] 17A , the set of terminal blocks 146 is configured to threadably engage the connectors 129 to operably engage the retention plate 128 and the A-Kit wiring 124 with the set of terminal blocks 146. As illustrated, the first retention plate 128 can be operably engaged with one terminal block from each of the first pair of terminal blocks 146A, the second pair of terminal blocks 146B, and the third pair of terminal blocks 146C via the connectors 129. Similarly, the second retention plate 128 can be operably engaged with the other terminal block from each of the first pair of terminal blocks 146A, the second pair of terminal blocks 146B, and the third pair of terminal blocks 146C via the connectors 129.

[0079]

[0114] 16B and 17C, the controller assembly 140 also includes a second set of electrical connections 147 that operably connects at least one terminal block of the set of terminal blocks 146 to a selected number of firing pin mechanisms from the set of firing pin mechanisms 134. As best seen in FIG. 17C, an inner group A of electrical connections 147A of the second set of electrical connections 147 operably connects a first terminal block 146A1 of the first pair of terminal blocks 146A with a first group of firing pin mechanisms from the set of firing pin mechanisms 134. Similarly, an outer group 147B of electrical connections of the second set of electrical connections 147 operably connects a first terminal block 146A1 of the first pair of terminal blocks 146A with a second group of firing pin mechanisms from the set of firing pin mechanisms 134. Similarly, the ground group 147C of electrical connections of the second set of electrical connections 147 operably connects the first terminal block 146A1 of the first pair of terminal blocks 146A with the third group of firing pin mechanisms from the set of firing pin mechanisms 134. Such electrical connections between the second set of electrical connections 147 and the first terminal block 146A1 enable the circuit card 142 to output commands and / or signals to those firing pin mechanisms 134 for dispersing countermeasure material from selected countermeasure consumables. These electrical connections are also provided with the second terminal block 146A2 of the first pair of terminal blocks 146A, along with the second and third pair of terminal blocks 146B and 146C, to enable the circuit card 142 to output commands and / or signals to those firing pin mechanisms 134 for dispersing countermeasure material from selected countermeasure consumables.

[0080]

[0115] 17A-17C, the breech plate assembly 130 and the controller assembly 140 may be operably engaged with the dispenser 122 of the dispenser assembly 120. According to this structural configuration, the breech plate assembly 130 and the controller 140 remain operably engaged with and / or secured to the dispenser 122 during loading and reloading operations of the CMDS 100, which will be described in more detail below. In certain instances, the breech plate assembly 130 and the controller assembly 140 may be removed from the dispenser 122 by an operator only when parts or components of the breech plate assembly 130 and / or the controller assembly 140 need to be repaired or replaced. As such, the breech plate assembly 130 and the controller assembly 140 are semi-permanently engaged with the dispenser 122 only to allow an operator to remove the magazine assembly of the CMDS 100 during reloading operations, which will be described in more detail below.

[0081]

[0116] 13-15C, CMDS 100 also includes a magazine assembly 150 that operably engages dispenser assembly 120 and breech plate assembly 130. When assembled, magazine assembly 150 is operably engaged with dispenser 122 and breech plate assembly 130 and is received within passageway 122I between front opening 122H and rear opening 122J. Such components and parts that make up magazine assembly 50 are described in more detail below.

[0082]

[0117] 13, magazine assembly 150 includes magazine 152. Magazine 152 includes a top wall 152A, a bottom wall 152B vertically opposite top wall 152A, and a vertical axis defined therebetween. Magazine 152 also includes a first side wall 152C positioned between top wall 152A and bottom wall 152B, and a second side wall 152D positioned between top wall 152A and bottom wall 152B and transversely opposite first side wall 152C, and a transverse axis defined therebetween. The magazine 152 also includes a rear wall 152E located longitudinally rearward of the top wall 152A, bottom wall 152B, first side wall 152C, and second side wall 152D, a front wall 152F located longitudinally forward of the top wall 152A, bottom wall 152B, first side wall 152C, and second side wall 152D and longitudinally opposite the rear wall 152E, and a longitudinal axis defined therebetween.

[0083]

[0118] 13 , the magazine 152 defines a set of passages 152G extending longitudinally between a rear wall 152E and a front wall 152F. As such, the rear wall 152E of the magazine 152 and the front wall 152F of the magazine 152 are in fluid communication with each other at each passage of the set of passages 152G. In the illustrated embodiment, the magazine 152 defines 48 passages 152G for loading and storing 48 countermeasure consumables for the CMDS 100. As explained above, the breach plate assembly 130 and the controller assembly 140 enable the CMDS 100 to store and deploy 48 countermeasure consumables compared to the 30 countermeasure consumables currently allowed in conventional AN / ALE-47 CMDSs. The set of passages 152G is accessible through a rear set of apertures 152H (see FIG. 14) defined in a rear wall 152E of the magazine 152 and a front set of apertures 152I defined in a front wall 152F of the magazine 152. During operation, an operator is enabled to load countermeasure consumables into the set of passages 152G at the rear set of apertures 152H, while the front set of apertures 152I enables the countermeasure consumables to dispense countermeasure material (e.g., flare material, chaff material, and other countermeasure material) from the magazine 152.

[0084]

[0119] Referring to FIG. 13, the magazine 152 may define a first set of mounting mounts 152J extending longitudinally between the rear wall 152E and the front wall 152F. Each mounting mount of the set of mounting mounts 152J is positioned outboard of the set of passages 152G to align with a third set of rear apertures 122K3 of the dispenser 122 for engagement purposes, which will be described in more detail below. The magazine 152 may also define a set of rear alignment holes 152K extending forward from the rear wall 152E toward the front wall 152F (see FIG. 14). The set of rear alignment holes 152K allow a connector (not illustrated) of the breech plate assembly 130 to receive into the set of rear alignment holes 152K to centrally align the magazine 152 with the faceplate 132 of the breech plate assembly 130. As such, alignment pin 135 operably engages magazine 152 inside a set of rear alignment holes 152K.

[0085]

[0120] 14, the magazine 152 may also define at least one recess 152M extending longitudinally into the magazine 152 from the rear wall 152E toward the front wall 152F. In the illustrated embodiment, the magazine 152 may define a first recess 152M1 extending longitudinally into the magazine 152 from the rear wall 152E toward the front wall 152F. The first recess 152M1 is also defined in the top wall 152A vertically above the set of passages 152G. The magazine 152 may also define a second recess 152M2 extending longitudinally into the magazine 152 from the rear wall 152E toward the front wall 152F. The second recess 152M2 is also defined in the bottom wall 152B vertically below the set of passages 152G and vertically below the first recess 152M1. Such uses and purposes of the first recessed portion 152M1 and the second recessed portion 152M2 will be explained in more detail below.

[0086]

[0121] 13 , the magazine assembly 150 may also include a set of connectors 154 that operably engage the magazine 152 with the dispenser 122 and the faceplate 132 of the breechplate assembly 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the set of connectors 154 operably engage the magazine 152 via the set of mounting mounts 152J and the breechplate assembly 130 via the third set of mounting openings 132D3 defined in the faceplate 132 with the third set of rear apertures 122K3 defined in the dispenser 122. As such, the set of connectors 154 operably engage the magazine 152 with the dispenser 122 via the third set of rear apertures 122K3 to releasably secure the magazine assembly 150 to the breechplate assembly 130 and the dispenser 122 inside the passageway 122I.

[0087]

[0122] 13 and 15A-15C, the magazine assembly 150 may also include a retainer plate 158 that operably engages the rear wall 152E of the magazine 152. The retainer plate 158 includes a front surface 158A that faces the rear wall 152E of the magazine 152 and a rear surface 158B that faces toward the rear opening 122J of the dispenser 122 and faces in a direction opposite the front surface 158A. The retainer plate 158 defines a set of firing pin mechanism holes 158C that extend completely through the retainer plate 158 from the front surface 158A to the rear surface 158B. When the CMDS 100 is assembled, the set of firing pin mechanism holes 158C defined in the retainer plate 158 are coaxial with the set of through holes 132H in the faceplate 132 to allow the set of firing pin mechanisms 134 to operably engage with the detonators of the countermeasure consumables loaded in the magazine 152.

[0088]

[0123] 13 and 15A-15C, the retainer plate 158 also defines a first set of through-holes 158D1 and a second set of through-holes 158D2 that extend completely through the retainer plate 158 from the front face 158A to the rear face 158B, where the first set of through-holes 158D1 and the second set of through-holes 158D2 are separate and spaced apart from one another. The first set of through-holes 158D1 aligns with the mounting mount 152J of the magazine 152, the third set of mounting openings 132D3 defined in the faceplate 132, and the third set of rear apertures 122K3 defined in the dispenser 122. Such alignment allows the connector 154 to pass through the retainer plate 158 to operatively engage the magazine assembly 150 and the breech plate assembly 130 with the dispenser 122. The second set of through holes 158D2 are configured to align with the rear alignment holes 152K of the magazine 152 and allow the alignment pins 135 to pass through the retaining plate 158 and operatively engage the magazine 152.

[0089]

[0124] 15A and 15B, the retention plate 158 also includes an upper edge 158E positioned between the front surface 158A and the rear surface 158B. Referring to FIG. 15C, the retention plate 158 also includes a lower edge 158F positioned between the front surface 158A and the rear surface 158B and positioned vertically opposite the upper edge 158E. The retention plate 158 also defines a set of slotted portions 158G defined in one or both of the upper edge 158E and the lower edge 158F. As best seen in FIG. 15A, the retention plate 158 defines a first slotted portion 158G1 of the set of slotted portions 158G in the upper edge 158E of the retention plate 158. As best seen in FIG. 15A , the retention plate 158 also defines a second slotted portion 158G2 of the set of slotted portions 158G at an upper edge 158E of the retention plate 158 adjacent to the first slotted portion 158G1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first slotted portion 158G1 and the second slotted portion 158G2 are aligned with one another along the upper edge 158E of the retention plate 158. Similarly, the retention plate 158 defines a third slotted portion 158G3 of the set of slotted portions 158G at a lower edge 158F of the retention plate 158 (see FIG. 15C ). The retention plate 158 also defines a four-slotted portion 158G4 of the set of slotted portions 158G at a lower edge 158F of the retention plate 158 adjacent to the third slotted portion 158G3 (see FIG. 15C ). In the illustrated embodiment, the third slotted portion 158G3 and the fourth slotted portion 158G4 are aligned with one another along the bottom edge 158F of the retaining plate 158. Additionally, the first slotted portion 158G1 may be positioned directly above the fourth slotted portion 158G4, and the second slotted portion 158G2 may be positioned directly above the third slotted portion 158G3.

[0090]

[0125] 15A-15C, the retainer plate 158 may also include switch indicia 158H positioned in each of the first slotted portion 158G1, second slotted portion 158G2, third slotted portion 158G3, and fourth slotted portion 158G4 on the rear surface 158B of the retainer plate 158. The switch indicia 158H, which may be useful during loading operations, specifically label and identify each of the first slotted portion 158G1, second slotted portion 158G2, third slotted portion 158G3, and fourth slotted portion 158G4, and will be described in more detail below. 15A-15C, the retainer plate 158 also includes a position indicia 1581 on each of the first slotted portion 158G1, the second slotted portion 158G2, the third slotted portion 158G3, and the fourth slotted portion 158G4. Each position indicia 1581 indicates a first position marking 158I1 and a second position marking 158I2 for accurately positioning a magazine identification switch on the retainer plate 158, which will be described in more detail below.

[0091]

[0126] 15B, the retainer plate 158 defines at least one opening 158J within each of the first slotted portion 158G1, the second slotted portion 158G2, the third slotted portion 158G3, and the fourth slotted portion 158G4. Each opening 158J positioned within each of the first slotted portion 158G1, the second slotted portion 158G2, the third slotted portion 158G3, and the fourth slotted portion 158G4 is also aligned with a first position marking 158I1 of the position indicia 158I for loading purposes, which will also be described in more detail below. When the CMDS 100 is assembled, the pins of the set of MIBs 144 pass through openings 158J defined in the first slotted portion 158G1, the second slotted portion 158G2, the third slotted portion 158G3, and the fourth slotted portion 158G4 to enable actuation of the first MIB 144A, the second MIB 144B, the third MIB 144C, and / or the fourth MIB 144D by the set of magazine identification switches of the CMDS 100, such actuation of the set of MIBs 144 being described in more detail below.

[0092]

[0127] 15A, the retention plate 158 defines a pair of recesses 158K inside each of the first slotted portion 158G1, the second slotted portion 158G2, the third slotted portion 158G3, and the fourth slotted portion 158G4. Each recess of the pair of recesses 158K also extends rearward into the retention plate 158 from the front face 158A toward the rear face 158B. As best seen in FIG. 15A, the first recess of each pair of recesses 158K is defined around an opening 158J defined in each of the first slotted portion 158G1, the second slotted portion 158G2, the third slotted portion 158G3, and the fourth slotted portion 158G4. Additionally, a second recess of each pair of recesses 158K is defined adjacent to an opening 158J defined in each of the first slotted portion 158G1, the second slotted portion 158G2, the third slotted portion 158G3, and the fourth slotted portion 158G4. Such uses and purposes of these pairs of recesses 158K are explained in more detail below.

[0093]

[0128] 15B, the retainer plate 158 also defines a groove 158L inside each of the first, second, third, and fourth slotted portions 158G1, 158G2, 158G3, and 158G4. The groove 158L is defined vertically above the locking opening inside each of the first, second, third, and fourth slotted portions 158G1, 158G2, 158G3, and 158G4 and extends longitudinally along the entire length of each of the first, second, third, and fourth slotted portions 158G1, 158G2, 158G3, and 158G4. The use and purpose of these grooves 158L will be explained in more detail below.

[0094]

[0129] 15A-15C, the CMDS 100 also includes at least one magazine identification switch (MIS) 160 that operably engages with the retention plate 158 of the magazine assembly. In particular, the CMDS 100 includes a first MIS 160A that operably engages with the retention plate 158 inside the first slotted portion 158G1 and is positioned along the upper edge 158E of the retention plate 158. The CMDS 100 also includes a second MIS 160B that operably engages with the retention plate 158 inside the second slotted portion 158G2 and is positioned along the upper edge 158E of the retention plate 158. The CMDS 100 also includes a third MIS 160C that operably engages with the retention plate 158 inside the third slotted portion 158G3 and is positioned along the lower edge 158F of the retention plate 158. CMDS 100 also includes a fourth MIS 160D that operably engages with retention plate 158 inside fourth slotted portion 158G4 and is positioned along a lower edge 158F of retention plate 158. In the illustrated embodiment, first MIS 160A, second MIS 160B, third MIS 160C, and fourth MIS 160D are substantially similar to one another and operably engage with retention plate 158 in a substantially similar configuration.

[0095]

[0130] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first MIS 160A, the second MIS 160B, the third MIS 160C, and the fourth MIS 160D may define a locking arm. As best seen in FIG. 15A , the first MIS 160A includes a locking arm 160A1 extending therefrom. The locking arm 160A1 is configured to operably engage the first MIS 160A with the retaining plate 158 within either the first recess 158K1 or the second recess 158K2 of a pair of recesses 158K defined within the first slotted portion 158G1. Such engagement between the locking arm 160A1 and the retention plate 158 via the pair of recesses 158K secures and maintains the first MIS 160A in a desired position on the retention plate 158 to actuate or prevent actuation of the first MIB 144A. Similarly, as best seen in FIG. 15A , the second MIS 160B includes a locking arm 160B1 extending therefrom. The locking arm 160B1 is also configured to operably engage the second MIS 160B with the retention plate 158 within either the first recess 158K1 or the second recess 158K2 of the pair of recesses 158K defined within the second slotted portion 158G2. Such engagement between the locking arm 160B1 and the retention plate 158 via the pair of recesses 158K secures and maintains the second MIB 160B in a desired position on the retention plate 158 to actuate or prevent actuation of the second MIB 144B. Such locking arms may be included in the third MIS 160C and the fourth MIS 160D to secure and maintain the third MIS 160C and the fourth MIS 160D in a desired position on the retention plate 158 to actuate or prevent actuation of the third MIB 144C and / or the fourth MIB 144D.

[0096]

[0131] In the illustrated embodiment, the first MIS 160A, the second MIS 160B, the third MIS 160C, and the fourth MIS 160D may each define a rail positioned opposite the locking arm. As best seen in FIG. 15B , the first MIS 160A includes a rail 160A2 extending from the first MIS 160A and positioned opposite the locking arm 160A1. The rail 160A2 is configured to operably engage the first MIS 160A with the retaining plate 158 inside a groove 158L defined inside the first slotted portion 158G1. Such engagement between the rail 160A2 and the retaining plate 158 via the groove 158L allows the first MIS 160A to slide along the retaining plate 158 inside the first slotted portion 158G1 without disengaging the retaining plate 158. Similarly, as best seen in FIG. 15B , the second MIS 160B includes a rail 160B2 extending from the second MIS 160B and positioned opposite the locking arm 160B1. The rail 160B2 is configured to operably engage the second MIS 160B with the retaining plate 158 within a groove 158L defined within the second slotted portion 158G2. Such engagement between the rail 160B2 and the retaining plate 158 via the groove 158L allows the second MIS 160B to slide along the retaining plate 158 within the second slotted portion 158G2 without disengaging the retaining plate 158. Such rails may be included in the third MIS 160C and the fourth MIS 160D to operably engage the third MIS 160C and the fourth MIS 160D with the retaining plate 158 inside the grooves 158L defined inside the third slotted portion 158G3 and the fourth slotted portion 158G4.

[0097]

[0132] During operation, first MIS 160A, second MIS 160B, third MIS 160C, and fourth MIS 160D are slidably engaged with retainer plate 158 inside first slotted portion 158G1, second slotted portion 158G2, third slotted portion 158G3, and fourth slotted portion 158G4. In one case, an operator may slide at least one of first MIS 160A, second MIS 160B, third MIS 160C, and fourth MIS 160D to actuate at least one of first MIB 144A, second MIB 144B, third MIB 144C, and fourth MIB 144D. In another instance, an operator may not slide or move any of the first MIS 160A, second MIS 160B, third MIS 160C, and fourth MIS 160D to activate any of the first MIB 144A, second MIB 144B, third MIB 144C, and fourth MIB 144D. As previously described in CMDS 10, activation of the set of MIBs 144 sends a signal to the circuit card 142 and / or sequencer operatively engaged with the set of MIBs 144, enabling CMDS 100 to deploy a particular countermeasure consumable from the set of countermeasure consumables loaded in magazine 152. Additionally, each of the first MIS 160A, the second MIS 160B, the third MIS 160C, and the fourth MIS 160D can be secured in a desired position inside the set of slotted portions 158G due to the pair of recesses 158K enabling the first MIS 160A, the second MIS 160B, the third MIS 160C, and the fourth MIS 160D to be releasably secured inside one of the recesses of the pair of recesses 158K.

[0098]

[0133] Now that the components and assembly of the CMDS 100 have been described, the operation of loading and using the CMDS 100 on the platform 1 will be described in more detail below.

[0099]

[0134] Prior to loading magazine assembly 150 into dispenser 122 of dispenser assembly 120, magazine 152 is loaded with countermeasure consumables set 170 via set of passages 152G. An operator of CMDS 100 then loads each countermeasure consumable of countermeasure consumables set 170 into rear set of apertures 152H until each countermeasure consumable of countermeasure consumables set 170 is fully contained within a respective passage of set of passages 152G. Once countermeasure consumables set 170 is loaded, retaining plate 158 may be operatively engaged with rear wall 152E of magazine 152 to prevent countermeasure consumables set 170 from falling out of magazine 152 during the loading phase.

[0100]

[0135] Once magazine 152 is loaded, the operator may toggle none, or at least one, of first MIS 160A, second MIS 160B, third MIS 160C, and fourth MIS 160D to a desired position on retaining plate 158 to activate set of MIBs 144. Such activation of a desired MIB in set of MIBs 144 enables controller assembly 140 and sequencer 180 of platform 1 to dispense a particular and / or desired group of countermeasure consumables from set of countermeasure consumables 170 via circuitry provided in circuit card 142. In one instance, an operator may toggle and / or slide first MIS 160A from a first position (aligned with first marking 158I1 of position indicia 158I) to a second position (aligned with second marking 158I2 of position indicia 158I) to enable actuation of first MIB 44A. In another instance, an operator may toggle and / or slide first MIS 160A from a second position (aligned with second marking 158I2 of position indicia 158I) to the first position (aligned with second marking 158I2 of position indicia 158I) to prevent actuation of first MIB 144A. An operator may toggle and / or slide at least one or all of second MIS 160B, third MIS 160C, and fourth MIS 160D to activate at least one or all of second MIB 144B, third MIB 144C, and fourth MIB 144D. Once the operator toggles and sets MIS set 160 to a desired position (see FIGS. 15B-15C), controller assembly 140 and sequencer 180 will be enabled to dispense a particular group of countermeasure consumables from countermeasure consumable set 170. Once MIS set 160 has been set by the operator, the operator may introduce magazine assembly 150 into dispenser 122 with breach plate assembly 130 already operably engaged with dispenser 122.

[0101]

[0136] During a military operation, when sequencer 180 detects an incoming threat toward platform 1, it may output a first signal to controller assembly 140. The first signal is sent from sequencer 180 to controller assembly 140 via A-Kit wiring harness 124 operably engaged with circuit card 142. The first signal output from sequencer 180 to circuit card 142 is indicated by an arrow labeled “A” in FIG. 17A . Upon receiving the first signal, circuit card 142 is configured to output a second signal to a predetermined group of firing pin mechanisms 134 to deploy a predetermined group of countermeasure consumables from set 170 of countermeasure consumables. This second signal is output to set 146 of terminal blocks via first set of electrical connections 145 operably connecting circuit card 142 and set 146 of terminal blocks to each other. A second signal output from circuit card 142 to set of terminal blocks 146 is indicated in FIG. 17B by the arrow labeled "B." When the second signal is received, the second signal is output via second set of electrical connections 147 to set of firing pin mechanisms 134. At this point, set of firing pin mechanisms 134 initiates the dispersal of a predetermined group of countermeasure consumables in set of countermeasure consumables 170.

[0102]

[0137] In other examples, the second signal may be output to a particular pair of terminal blocks in the set of terminal blocks 146 for a particular countermeasure purpose (e.g., conserving countermeasure material, dispersing different types of countermeasure material, dispersing different sizes of countermeasure material, and other countermeasure purposes, etc.) In other examples, any suitable number of signals may be output by sequencer 180 and circuit card 142 to initiate the dispersal of a particular group of countermeasure consumables in the set of countermeasure consumables 170 for a particular countermeasure purpose (e.g., conserving countermeasure material, dispersing different types of countermeasure material, dispersing different sizes of countermeasure material, and other countermeasure purposes, etc.).

[0103]

[0138] 18-20 illustrate another CMDS 100′ operably engaged with platform 1. CMDS 100′ is substantially similar to the CMDS 100 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 12-17C, except as described in more detail below. As described in more detail below, CMDS 100′ includes a dispenser assembly 120′, a breach plate assembly 130′, a controller assembly 140′, a magazine assembly 150′ including a magazine 152′, a connector 154, and a retention plate 158′, a set of magazine identification switches (i.e., MIS) 160′, and a set 170′ of countermeasure consumables loaded into magazine assembly 150′.

[0104]

[0139] Referring to FIG. 20 , dispenser assembly 120′ includes a dispenser 122′ similar to dispenser 122 described above, except as described in detail below. Dispenser 122′ includes a top wall 122A′, a bottom wall 122B′ vertically opposite top wall 122A′, and a vertical axis defined therebetween. Dispenser 122′ also includes a pair of side walls (first side wall 122C′ and second side wall 122D′) transversely opposite each other and defining a transverse axis therebetween. Dispenser 122′ also includes a rear wall 122E′ longitudinally rearward of top wall 122A′, bottom wall 122B′, first side wall 122C′, and second side wall 122D′, and a flange 122F′ longitudinally opposite rear wall 122E′. 20 , flange 122F′ is also operably engaged with each of top wall 122A′, bottom wall 122B′, first side wall 122C′, and second side wall 122D′ and extends away from top wall 122A′, bottom wall 122B′, first side wall 122C′, and second side wall 122D′. Although not illustrated herein, flange 122F′ enables a connector (not illustrated) to operably engage dispenser 122′ with aircraft 1 to maintain CMDS 100′ on aircraft 1.

[0105]

[0140] Like the CMDS 100, the CMDS 100' also includes a breechplate assembly 130' configured similarly to the breechplate assembly 30, except for the following details. In this illustrated embodiment, however, the breechplate assembly 130' includes a faceplate 132' that is integral with the dispenser 122'. Stated differently, the dispenser 122' and the faceplate 132' form a single, monolithic component, with the faceplate 132' defined in the dispenser 122'. More specifically, the faceplate 132' is positioned on the rear wall 122E' of the dispenser 122'. The faceplate 132' is substantially similar to the faceplate 132 previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 12-17C. The faceplate 132' is also configured to operably engage a set of firing pin mechanisms 134', which are substantially similar to the set of firing pin mechanisms 134 previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 12-17C.

[0106]

[0141] Additionally, controller assembly 140' is substantially similar to controller assembly 140, in that circuit card 142' and cover 143' are operably engaged with first sidewall 122C' of dispenser 122' outside of passage 122I' defined by dispenser 122'. Magazine 152' and retention plate 158' are operably engaged with dispenser 122' and faceplate 132' of breech plate assembly 130' via connectors 154' that threadably engage with dispenser 122' and / or faceplate 132'. Considering that magazine assembly 150 is operably engaged with dispenser 122' via connectors 154 that threadably engage with dispenser 122, such a structural configuration of CMDS 100' differs from that of CMDS 100.

[0107]

[0142] 21-23 illustrate another CMDS 200 operably engaged with platform 1. CMDS 200 is substantially similar to CMDS 100 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 12-17C, except as detailed below. As described in more detail below, CMDS 200 includes a dispenser assembly 220, a breach plate assembly 230, a controller assembly 240, a magazine assembly 250, a set of magazine identification switches (i.e., MIS) 260, and a set of countermeasure consumables 270 loaded into magazine assembly 250.

[0108]

[0143] 23, dispenser assembly 220 includes a dispenser 222 similar to dispenser 122 described above, except as described in detail below. Dispenser 222 includes a top wall 222A, a bottom wall 222B vertically opposite top wall 222A, and a vertical axis defined therebetween. Dispenser 222 also includes a pair of side walls (first side wall 222C and second side wall 222D) transversely opposite each other and defining a transverse axis therebetween. Dispenser 222 also includes a rear wall 222E longitudinally rearward of top wall 222A, bottom wall 222B, first side wall 222C, and second side wall 222D, and a flange 222F longitudinally opposite rear wall 222E. 23 , flange 222F is also operably engaged with each of top wall 222A, bottom wall 222B, first side wall 222C, and second side wall 222D and extends away from top wall 222A, bottom wall 222B, first side wall 222C, and second side wall 222D. Although not illustrated herein, flange 222F enables a connector (not illustrated) to operably engage dispenser 222 with aircraft 1 to maintain CMDS 200 on aircraft 1. Dispenser 222 also defines a passageway 2221 substantially similar to passageway 1221 defined in dispenser 122 described above.

[0109]

[0144] 22, the breach plate assembly 230 includes a faceplate 232 that operably engages the dispenser 222 inside the passageway 222I. The faceplate 232 includes a front or first surface 232A, a rear or second surface 232B opposite the front surface 232A and facing in the opposite direction from the front surface 232A, and a circumferential wall 232C intermediate the front surface 232A and the second surface 232B. The faceplate 232 also defines a first notch 232C1 extending in the circumferential wall 232C, a second notch 232C2 extending in the circumferential wall 232C and positioned vertically below the first notch 232C2, and a third notch 232C3 extending in the circumferential wall 232C and positioned vertically below the second notch 232C3. The faceplate 232 may also be operatively engaged with the rear wall 222E of the dispenser 222 via a connector 238 (see FIG. 23).

[0110]

[0145] 23 , the circuit card 242 and cover 243 of the controller assembly 240 are operably engaged with the first sidewall 222C of the dispenser 222 inside the passage 222I defined by the dispenser 222. Any suitable engagement may be used to operably engage the circuit card 242 and cover 243 with the first sidewall 222C inside the dispenser 222. Additionally, the first set of electrical connections 245 of the controller assembly 240 are received by the notches 232C1, 232C2, 232C3, where the first electrical connection 245A is received by the first notch 232C1, the second electrical connection 245B is received by the second notch 232C2, and the third electrical connection 245C is received by the third notch 232C3. A set of electrical connections 245 also operably engage the circuit card 242 with the set of firing pin mechanisms 234 and may be operably engaged with a set of magazine identification buttons (MIBs) 244'.

[0111]

[0146] 22, magazine assembly 250 includes a magazine 252 that is substantially similar to magazine 152, except as described in detail below. Magazine 252 includes a top wall 252A, a bottom wall 252B vertically opposite top wall 252A, and a vertical axis defined therebetween. Magazine 252 also includes a first side wall 252C positioned between top wall 252A and bottom wall 252B, and a second side wall 252D positioned between top wall 252A and bottom wall 252B and transversely opposite first side wall 252C, and a transverse axis defined therebetween. The magazine 252 also includes a rear wall 252E located longitudinally rearward of the top wall 252A, the bottom wall 252B, the first side wall 252C, and the second side wall 252D, a front wall 252F located longitudinally forward of the top wall 252A, the bottom wall 252B, the first side wall 252C, and the second side wall 252D and longitudinally opposite the rear wall 252E, and a longitudinal axis defined therebetween.

[0112]

[0147] 22 , the magazine 252 defines a set of passageways 252G extending longitudinally between a rear wall 252E and a front wall 252F. As such, the rear wall 252E of the magazine 252 and the front wall 252F of the magazine 252 are in fluid communication with each other at each passage of the set of passageways 252G. In the illustrated embodiment, the magazine 252 defines 48 passageways 252G for loading and storing 48 countermeasure consumables 270 for the CMDS 200. As explained above, the breach plate assembly 230 and the controller assembly 240 enable the CMDS 200 to store and deploy 48 countermeasure consumables compared to the 30 countermeasure consumables currently allowed in conventional AN / ALE-47 CMDSs. The set of passages 252G is accessible through a rear set of apertures (not illustrated) defined in a rear wall 252E of the magazine 252 and a front set of apertures 252I defined in a front wall 252F of the magazine 252. During operation, an operator is enabled to load countermeasure consumables into the set of passages 252G at the rear set of apertures (not illustrated), while the front set of apertures 252I enables the countermeasure consumables to dispense countermeasure material (e.g., flare material, chaff material, and other countermeasure material) from the magazine 252.

[0113]

[0148] 22 , the magazine 252 also defines at least one recess 252N extending into the magazine in at least one of the top wall 252A, the bottom wall 252B, the first side wall 252C, and the second side wall 252D. In the illustrated embodiment, the magazine 252 defines the recess 252N extending transversely into the magazine 252 from the first side wall 252C toward the second side wall 252D. With such recess 252N, the magazine 252 is configured to operably engage with the controller assembly 240 inside a portion of the magazine 252. More specifically, the circuit card 242 and the cover 243 of the controller assembly 240 are received inside the recess 252N of the magazine 252. Such positioning of controller assembly 240 inside recess 252N allows controller assembly 240 to be housed inside magazine 252 while simultaneously being operatively engaged with dispenser 222 of dispenser assembly 220. As such, controller assembly 240 is positioned intermediate dispenser 222 and magazine 252 in CMDS 200.

[0114]

[0149] 24-26 illustrate another CMDS 200′ operably engaged with platform 1. CMDS 200′ is substantially similar to the CMDS 200 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 21-23, except as detailed below. As described in more detail below, CMDS 200′ includes a dispenser assembly 220′, a breach plate assembly 230′, a controller assembly 240′, a magazine assembly 250′, a set 260 of magazine identification switches (i.e., MIS), and a set 270′ of countermeasure consumables loaded into magazine assembly 250′.

[0115]

[0150] 26, dispenser assembly 220' includes a dispenser 222' similar to dispenser 222 described above, except as described in detail below. Dispenser 222' includes a top wall 222A', a bottom wall 222B' vertically opposite top wall 222A', and a vertical axis defined therebetween. Dispenser 222' also includes a pair of side walls (first side wall 222C' and second side wall 222D') transversely opposite each other and defining a transverse axis therebetween. Dispenser 222' also includes a rear wall 222E' longitudinally rearward of top wall 222A', bottom wall 222B', first side wall 222C', and second side wall 222D', and a flange 222F' longitudinally opposite rear wall 222E'. Flange 222F' is also operably engaged with each of top wall 222A', bottom wall 222B', first side wall 222C', and second side wall 222D' and extends away from top wall 222A', bottom wall 222B', first side wall 222C', and second side wall 222D'. Although not illustrated herein, flange 222F' enables a connector (not illustrated) to operably engage dispenser 222' with aircraft 1 to maintain CMDS 100' on aircraft 1.

[0116]

[0151] Like CMDS 200, CMDS 200' also includes a breechplate assembly 230' configured similarly to breechplate assemblies 130, 230, except for the following details. In this illustrated embodiment, however, breechplate assembly 230' includes a faceplate 232' that is integral with dispenser 222'. Stated differently, dispenser 222' and faceplate 232' form a single monolithic component, with faceplate 232' defined in dispenser 222'. More specifically, faceplate 232' is positioned on rear wall 222E' of dispenser 222'. Faceplate 232' is substantially similar to faceplate 232 previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 12-17C. Faceplate 232' is also configured to operably engage a set of firing pin mechanisms 234', which are substantially similar to set of firing pin mechanisms 134 described above and illustrated in Figures 12-17C.

[0117]

[0152] 26, the circuit card 242' and cover 243' of the controller assembly 240' are operably engaged with the first sidewall 222C' of the dispenser 222' inside the chamber 222I' defined in the dispenser 222'. Any suitable engagement may be used to operably engage the circuit card 242' and cover 243' with the first sidewall 222C' inside the dispenser 222'. Additionally, a first set of electrical connections 245' of controller assembly 240' are received by notches 232C1', 232C2', 232C3', where first electrical connection 245A' is received by first notch 232C1', second electrical connection 245B' is received by second notch 232C2', and third electrical connection 245C' is received by third notch 232C3'. Set of electrical connections 245' also operably engage circuit card 242' with set of firing pin mechanisms 234' and may operably engage with set of magazine identification buttons (MIBs) 244'.

[0118]

[0153] 25 , the magazine 252′ also defines at least one recess 252N extending therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the magazine 252′ defines a recess 252N′ extending transversely therein from the first side wall 252C′ toward the second side wall 252D′. Using such a recess 252N′, the magazine 252′ is configured to operably engage with the controller assembly 240′ inside a portion of the magazine 252′. More specifically, the circuit card 242′ and cover 243′ of the controller assembly 240′ are received inside the recess 252N′ of the magazine 252′. Such positioning of the controller assembly 240′ inside the recess 252N′ allows the controller assembly 240′ to be received inside the magazine 252′ and simultaneously operably engaged with the dispenser 222′ of the dispenser assembly 220′. As such, circuit card 242' and cover 243' are positioned in CMDS 200 intermediate dispenser 222' and magazine 252'.

[0119]

[0154] Although not illustrated herein, the magazine 252' and the retainer plate 258' are operatively engaged with the dispenser 222' and the faceplate 232' of the breech plate assembly 230' via connectors 254' that threadably engage with the dispenser 222' and / or faceplate 232'. Considering that the magazine assembly 250 and the breech plate assembly 230 are operatively engaged with the dispenser 220 via connectors 254 that threadably engage with the dispenser 220, such a structural configuration of the CMDS 200' differs from that of the CMDS 200.

[0120]

[0155] FIG. 27 illustrates a flowchart of a method 300. A first step 302 of the method 300 may include providing a magazine assembly. Another step 304 of the method 300 may include loading at least two countermeasure consumables into a magazine of the magazine assembly. Another step 306 of the method 300 may include toggling at least one magazine identification switch (MIS) to a desired position. Another step 308 of the method 300 may include actuating at least one set of magazine identification buttons (MIBs) to a desired configuration via the at least one MIS. Another step 310 of the method 300 may include operably engaging the magazine assembly with a dispenser assembly on a platform. Another step 312 of the method 300 may include having a sequencer select at least one countermeasure consumable from the at least two countermeasure consumables based on the desired configuration of the at least one MIB. Another step 314 of the method 300 may include dispersing at least one countermeasure consumable selected from the at least two countermeasure consumables from a magazine.

[0121]

[0156] In other illustrative embodiments, method 300 may include additional and / or optional steps. An optional step may further include the step of operably engaging the magazine assembly with the dispenser assembly further comprising engaging a breech plate assembly of the magazine assembly with a dispenser of the dispenser assembly and engaging the magazine with the breech plate assembly and the dispenser, wherein the breech plate assembly is positioned between the magazine and the dispenser. Another optional step may further include the step of operably engaging the magazine assembly with the dispenser assembly further comprising engaging the magazine with the breech plate assembly and the dispenser. Another optional step may further include positioning a controller assembly outside of a chamber defined by the dispenser of the dispenser assembly and remote from the magazine or inside of the chamber defined by the dispenser, wherein when the controller assembly is positioned inside the chamber, the controller assembly is positioned between the dispenser and the magazine. Another optional step may further include that operably engaging the magazine assembly with the dispenser assembly further comprises engaging the magazine with the breech plate assembly and the dispenser. Another optional step may further include that operably engaging the magazine assembly with the dispenser assembly further comprises the dispenser assembly pre-existing on the platform. Another optional step may further include positioning a controller assembly outside a chamber defined by a dispenser of the dispenser assembly and remote from the magazine. An optional step may further include positioning the controller assembly inside a chamber defined by a dispenser of the dispenser assembly and inside a recess defined in the magazine, wherein the controller assembly is positioned intermediate the dispenser and the magazine.The optional step may further include that the step of operably engaging the magazine assembly with the dispenser assembly further includes the dispenser assembly being separate from the platform.

[0122]

[0157] As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or other similar secondary components and / or systems therein. The present disclosure is therefore intended, and will be understood, to include any necessary operating components thereof. For example, it will be understood that an electrical component includes any suitable necessary wiring, fuses, or the like for its normal operation. Similarly, any provided pneumatic system may include any secondary or peripheral components, such as air hoses, compressors, valves, meters, or the like. It will be further understood that any connections between various components not explicitly described herein may be made through any suitable means, including mechanical fasteners or more permanent attachment means such as welding or the like. Alternatively, where feasible and / or desirable, the various components of the present disclosure may be integrally formed as a single unit.

[0123]

[0158] Various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, examples of which are provided. The actions performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable manner. Thus, while shown as sequential actions in the exemplary embodiments, embodiments may be constructed in which actions are performed in a different order than illustrated, which may include performing some actions simultaneously.

[0124]

[0159] While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will readily envision a wide variety of other means and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining one or more of the results and / or advantages described herein, and each such variation and / or modification is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are intended to be illustrative, and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only, and it should be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

[0125]

[0160] The above-described embodiments may be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, embodiments of the technology disclosed herein may be implemented using hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, the software code or instructions may be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided on a single computer or distributed among multiple computers. Furthermore, the instructions or software code may be stored in at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0126]

[0161] A computer or smartphone utilized to execute software code or instructions via its processor may also have one or more input and output devices. These devices may be used, among other things, to present a user interface. Examples of output devices that may be used to provide a user interface include a printer or display screen for visual presentation of output and a speaker or other sound-generating device for audible presentation of output. Examples of input devices that may be used for a user interface include a keyboard and pointing devices such as a mouse, touchpad, and digitizing tablet. As another example, a computer may receive input information through voice recognition or through other audible formats.

[0127]

[0162] Such computers or smartphones may be interconnected by one or more networks of any suitable form, including local or wide area networks such as enterprise networks, and intelligent networks (INs), or the Internet. Such networks may be based on any suitable technology and operate according to any suitable protocol, and may include wireless networks, wired networks, or fiber optic networks.

[0128]

[0163] The various methods or processes outlined herein may be coded as software / instructions executable on one or more processors using any one of a variety of operating systems or platforms. Additionally, such software may be written using any of a number of suitable programming languages ​​and / or programming or scripting tools and compiled as executable machine code or intermediate code that runs on a framework or virtual machine.

[0129]

[0164] In this regard, various inventive concepts may be embodied as a computer-readable storage medium (or multiple computer-readable storage media) (e.g., computer memory, one or more floppy disks, compact disks, optical disks, magnetic tapes, flash memory, USB flash drives, SD cards, circuitry in a field programmable gate array or other semiconductor device, or other non-transitory or tangible computer storage medium) encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more computers or other processors, perform methods that implement various embodiments of the present disclosure as discussed above. The one or more computer-readable media may be portable, such that the one or more programs stored thereon can be loaded onto one or more different computers or other processors to implement various aspects of the present disclosure as discussed above.

[0130]

[0165] The terms "program" or "software" or "instructions" are used herein in a generic sense to refer to any type of computer code or set of computer-executable instructions that can be used to program a computer or other processor to implement various aspects of the embodiments as discussed above. Additionally, according to one aspect, it should be recognized that one or more computer programs that, when executed, perform the methods of the present disclosure need not reside on a single computer or processor, but may be distributed in a modular manner among several different computers or processors to implement various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0131]

[0166] Computer-executable instructions may be in many forms, such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Typically, the functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments.

[0132]

[0167] Additionally, data structures may be stored in computer-readable media in any suitable form. For ease of illustration, data structures may be shown as having fields that are related through locations in the data structure. Such relationships may similarly be achieved by assigning storage for the fields locations in the computer-readable media that convey the relationship between the fields. However, any suitable mechanism may be used to establish relationships between information in fields of a data structure, including through the use of pointers, tags, or other mechanisms that establish relationships between data elements.

[0133]

[0168] All definitions defined and used herein should be understood to supersede dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0134]

[0169] "Logic," as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations of each for performing a function(s) or action(s) and / or causing a function or action from another logic, method, and / or system. For example, based on a desired application or need, logic may include a software-controlled microprocessor, discrete logic such as a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmed logic device, a memory device containing instructions, an electrical device with memory, or the like. Logic may include one or more gates, combinations of gates, or other circuit components. Logic may also be embodied entirely as software. Where multiple logics are described, it may be possible to incorporate the multiple logics into one physical logic. Similarly, where a single logic is described, it may be possible to distribute the single logic among multiple physical logics.

[0135]

[0170] Furthermore, the logic(s) presented herein for achieving the various methods of this system may be directed to improvements over existing computer- or Internet-centric technologies that may not have previous analog versions. The logic(s) may provide specific functionality directly related to structures that address and solve some of the problems identified herein. The logic(s) may also provide significantly more advantages for solving these problems by providing illustrative inventive concepts as specific logical structures and coordinated functions of methods and systems. Furthermore, the logic(s) may also provide specific computer-implemented rules that improve existing technological processes. The logic(s) provided herein extend beyond simply collecting data, analyzing information, and displaying results. Furthermore, some or all of this disclosure may rely on underlying formulas derived from specific arrangements of equipment or components as described herein. For this reason, portions of this disclosure, such as those relating to specific arrangements of components, are not directed to abstract concepts. Furthermore, this disclosure and the appended claims present teachings that involve more than the performance of well-understood, routine, and conventional activities previously known in the art. In some of the methods or processes of the present disclosure, which may incorporate some aspect of natural phenomena, the steps of the process or method are new and useful additional features.

[0136]

[0171] The articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the specification and claims, should be understood to mean "at least one" unless clearly indicated to the contrary. The phrase "and / or," as used herein in the specification and claims (when present), should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are present conjunctively in some cases and disjunctively in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be construed in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements other than the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause may optionally be present, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and / or B," when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising," can refer in one embodiment to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment to both A and B (optionally including other elements), etc. As used herein in the specification and claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" should be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., including at least one, but also more than one, of several elements or lists of elements, and optionally including additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims, "consisting of," will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of several elements or lists of elements. In general, the term "or," as used herein, should only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., "either one or the other, but not both") when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as "any of," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of.""Consisting essentially of," when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0137]

[0172] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase "at least one," in connection with a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed in the list of elements, or excluding any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related or unrelated to those specifically identified elements, may optionally be present. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B," or, equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") can refer in one embodiment to at least one, optionally including more than one, A with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment to at least one, optionally including more than one, B with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements), etc.

[0138]

[0173] As used herein in the specification and claims, the term "effecting" or a phrase or claim element beginning with the term "effecting" should be understood to mean causing something to happen or bringing about something. For example, causing an event to occur can be caused by the actions of a first party, even though the second party actually performed the event or caused the second party to cause the event. Stated differently, effecting refers to one party providing another party with the tools, objects, or resources to cause the event to occur. Thus, in this example, the claim element "causing an event" means that the first party is providing the second party with the tools or resources needed for the second party to perform the event, but the affirmative single action is the first party's responsibility to provide the tools or resources to cause the event to occur.

[0139]

[0174] When a feature or element is referred to herein as being "on" another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element, or intervening features and / or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly on" another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. When a feature or element is referred to as being "connected," "attached," or "coupled" to another feature or element, it will also be understood that it can be directly connected, attached, or coupled to the other feature or element, or that intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly connected," "directly attached," or "directly coupled" to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or illustrated with respect to one embodiment, features and elements so described or illustrated may apply to other embodiments. It will also be recognized by those skilled in the art that a reference to a structure or feature disposed "adjacent" another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

[0140]

[0175] Spatially relative terms such as "under," "below," "lower," "over," "upper," "above," "behind," "in front of," and similar terms may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, an element described as "under" or "beneath" another element or feature would then be oriented "over" the other element or feature. From this, the illustrative term "under" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be oriented differently (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, terms such as "upwardly," "downwardly," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," "transverse," "longitudinal," and similar terms are used herein for descriptive purposes only, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0141]

[0176] The terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various features / elements, but these features / elements should not be limited by these terms unless the context dictates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature / element from another. Thus, a first feature / element discussed herein may be referred to as a second feature / element, and similarly, a second feature / element discussed herein may be referred to as a first feature / element, without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0142]

[0177] An embodiment is an implementation or example of the present disclosure. Reference herein to "an embodiment," "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "one particular embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," or "other embodiments," or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least some embodiments of the invention, but not necessarily in all embodiments. Various occurrences of "an embodiment," "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "one particular embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," or "other embodiments," or the like, do not necessarily all refer to the same aspects.

[0143]

[0178] When the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may," "might," or "could" be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. When the specification or claims refer to "a" or "an" element, it does not mean that there is only one of that element. When the specification or claims refer to "additional" elements, it does not exclude the presence of more than one of the additional element.

[0144]

[0179] As used herein in the specification and claims, including those used in the examples, unless otherwise expressly stated, all numbers may be read as if preceded by the word "about" or "approximately," even if those terms are not explicitly stated. The phrase "about" or "approximately," when describing a size and / or location, may be used to indicate that the described value and / or location is within a reasonable expected range of values ​​and / or locations. For example, numerical values ​​may have values ​​of + / - 0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), + / - 1% of the stated value (or range of values), + / - 2% of the stated value (or range of values), + / - 5% of the stated value (or range of values), + / - 10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical ranges described herein are intended to include all subranges subsumed therein.

[0145]

[0180] Additionally, methods of carrying out the present disclosure may occur in a sequence different from that described herein. Therefore, unless expressly stated, the sequence of the method should not be read as a limitation. It is recognizable that similar results can be achieved by performing some of the method steps in a different order.

[0146]

[0181] In the claims and the foregoing specification, all transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," and the like, are to be understood to mean open-ended, i.e., including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures.

[0147]

[0182] In the foregoing description, certain terminology has been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. Such terminology is used for purposes of description and is intended to be broadly construed, and no unnecessary limitations should be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art.

[0148]

[0183] Moreover, the description and illustration of various embodiments of the present disclosure are by way of example, and the present disclosure is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Claims

1. 1. A countermeasure delivery system comprising: a dispenser assembly configured to operatively engage the platform; at least one electrical connection adapted to provide electrical communication between the dispenser assembly and a sequencer; a magazine assembly operably engaged with the dispenser assembly, the magazine assembly comprising a magazine configured to hold at least two countermeasure consumables; a breach plate assembly operably engaged with said magazine assembly and adapted to dispense at least two of said countermeasure consumables; at least one magazine identification switch (MIS) operably engaged with said magazine assembly and said breech plate assembly; wherein at least one said MIS is configured to enable said sequencer and said breach plate assembly to selectively dispense at least one countermeasure consumable from at least two said countermeasure consumables.

2. a faceplate of said breechplate assembly operatively engaged with said magazine; a set of firing pin mechanisms of said breechplate assembly operatively engaged with said faceplate; a controller assembly operatively engaged with the faceplate and the set of firing pin mechanisms; at least one set of magazine identification buttons (MIBs) of said breechplate assembly in electrical communication with at least one of said MISs to enable said sequencer and said breechplate assembly to selectively dispense at least one of said countermeasure consumables from at least two of said countermeasure consumables; 10. The countermeasure delivery system of claim 1, further comprising:

3. 3. The countermeasure delivery system of claim 2, wherein the faceplate, the set of firing pin mechanisms, the controller assembly, the at least one set of MIBs, and the magazine are collectively positioned inside a chamber of a legacy countermeasure delivery system.

4. a rear wall of the magazine; a front wall of the magazine longitudinally opposite the rear wall; a side chamber defined in the magazine extending from the rear wall of the magazine toward the front wall of the magazine; 3. The countermeasure distribution system of claim 2, further comprising: a side chamber configured to house the controller assembly, at least one of the MIS, and at least one set of MIBs.

5. At least one of the MISs comprises: a tab operably engaged with the magazine; a shaft operably engaged with said knob; an engagement plate operably engaged with the knob via the shaft, the engagement plate having a set of engagement portions configured to engage with at least one set of the MIBs; 3. The countermeasure delivery system of claim 2, comprising:

6. a set of standoffs disposed in the dispenser assembly; a set of mounting mounts defined in the magazine and aligned with the set of standoffs; a set of through holes defined in the faceplate and aligned with the set of standoffs and the set of mounting mounts; 3. The countermeasure delivery system of claim 2, further comprising:

7. 7. The countermeasure distribution system of claim 6, wherein said controller assembly is positioned external to said chamber and remote from said magazine.

8. 7. The countermeasure distribution system of claim 6, wherein the controller assembly is positioned within the chamber and between the magazine and the dispenser assembly.

9. 7. The countermeasure distribution system of claim 6, wherein each of said faceplate and said dispenser assembly is separate and independent of one another.

10. 7. The countermeasure distribution system of claim 6, wherein said faceplate and said dispenser assembly each form a single monolithic member.

11. a retainer plate of the breech plate assembly operatively engaged with the magazine and the faceplate and positioned intermediate the magazine and the faceplate; 7. The countermeasure distribution system of claim 6, further comprising: a retaining plate configured to retain the set of countermeasure consumables inside the magazine and to engage at least one of the MISs.

12. The holding plate is at least one recessed portion formed in one of an upper edge of the carrier plate and a lower edge of the carrier plate; a first depression formed in one of the upper and lower edges inside the at least one recessed portion for fixing the at least one MIS in a first position; a second recess formed in one of the upper edge and the lower edge inside the at least one recessed portion for fixing the at least one MIS in a second position different from the first position; and 12. The countermeasure distribution system of claim 11, comprising:

13. When the at least one MIS is fixed in the first position, the at least one MIS activates a first MIB of the at least one set of MIBs; 13. The countermeasure distribution system of claim 12, wherein when the at least one MIS is fixed in the second position, the at least one MIS prevents activation of the first MIB of the at least one set of MIBs.

14. 1. A method comprising: providing a magazine assembly; loading at least two countermeasure consumables into a magazine of said magazine assembly; toggling at least one magazine identification switch (MIS) to a desired position; actuating at least one set of magazine identification buttons (MIBs) to a desired configuration via at least one of said MISs; operatively engaging the magazine assembly with a dispenser assembly on a platform; causing a sequencer to select at least one countermeasure consumable from at least two of said countermeasure consumables based on said desired configuration of at least one of said MIBs; dispersing at least one of the countermeasure consumables selected from the at least two of the countermeasure consumables from the magazine; A method comprising:

15. The step of operably engaging the magazine assembly with the dispenser assembly comprises: engaging a breech plate assembly of the magazine assembly with a dispenser of the dispenser assembly; engaging the magazine with the breech plate assembly and the dispenser, wherein the breech plate assembly is positioned between the magazine and the dispenser; The method of claim 14 further comprising:

16. The step of operably engaging the magazine assembly with the dispenser assembly comprises: The method of claim 14 further comprising engaging the magazine with a breech plate assembly and the dispenser.

17. Positioning a controller assembly outside a chamber defined by a dispenser of the dispenser assembly and remote from the magazine, or inside the chamber defined by the dispenser.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: when the controller assembly is positioned inside the chamber, the controller assembly is positioned between the dispenser and the magazine.

18. 1. A countermeasure delivery system comprising: a dispenser assembly configured to operatively engage the platform; at least one electrical connection adapted to provide electrical communication between the dispenser assembly and a sequencer; a magazine assembly operably engaged with the dispenser assembly, the magazine assembly comprising a magazine configured to hold at least two countermeasure consumables; a breach plate assembly operably engaged with said magazine assembly and adapted to dispense at least two of said countermeasure consumables; at least one magazine identification switch (MIS) operably engaged with said magazine assembly and said breech plate assembly; wherein the at least one MIS is configured to enable the sequencer and the breach plate assembly to selectively dispense at least one countermeasure consumable from at least two of the countermeasure consumables; A countermeasure distribution system wherein the dispenser assembly and the breach plate assembly are integrally formed together or are separate from one another.

19. a faceplate of said breechplate assembly operatively engaged with said magazine; a set of firing pin mechanisms of said breechplate assembly operatively engaged with said faceplate; a controller assembly in electrical communication with the faceplate and the set of firing pin mechanisms; at least one set of magazine identification buttons (MIBs) on said breechplate assembly operably engaged with at least one of said MISs to enable said sequencer and said breechplate assembly to selectively dispense at least one of said countermeasure consumables from at least two of said countermeasure consumables; 20. The countermeasure delivery system of claim 18, further comprising:

20. 20. The countermeasure delivery system of claim 19, wherein said faceplate, said set of firing pin mechanisms, said at least one set of MIBs, and said magazine are positioned inside a chamber of a legacy countermeasure delivery system.

Images