Abstract: The present invention relates to ordnance ignition systems and methods having significantly improved safety and reliability characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, laser energy is used to fire both deflagrating initiators and deflagration-to-detonation devices via fiber optic cable assemblies (FOCA). Relative to known explosive transfer assemblies, FOCAs are lighter, more reliable, less costly, and can be easily and thoroughly tested nondestructively. Although the laser initiated devices (LID) contain moderately sensitive pyrotechnics, their electrical isolation renders them immune from inadvertent initiation by electromagnetic and abnormal optical environments.

Abstract: An anti-theft system and method for automobiles cuts off the fuel supply from the gas tank by not opening a cutoff valve if a car has been improperly started. Auxiliary units associated with the ignition and the gas tank require that a certain timing sequence be gone through in starting; if the key is accidently left in the ignition for an extended period of time, the fuel will be shut off, or if the car is hot wired, the fuel will be shut off. In either case, an operator's personal code must be re-entered.

Abstract: A modular electronic safe arm device (MESAD) (10) for arming and igniting an explosive is universal in application and employs a standard circuit architecture which uses application specific logic modules (12) and (14), a standard voltage control module (16), and standard high energy firing modules (18) and (20). In the preferred embodiment, the logic modules (12) and (14) are state machines using clocked sequential logic and having read-only-memories. The logic modules (12) and (14) generate dynamic arming signals at outputs (54) and (76) which cause the voltage control module (16) in conjunction with transformer (102), to convert a low voltage input (98) to a high voltage output (100). The high voltage output (100) is used to charge firing capacitors (112) and (138) in standard high energy firing modules (18) and (20). Logic module (14) generates two trigger signals at outputs (76) and (78) for activating the trigger modules (126) and (148).

Abstract: A set back weight is moved by inertial force from a first position to a second position during acceleration of a missile. The set back weight is biased toward its first position to preclude its movement to its second position until the missile undergoes the rate of acceleration which is normally associated with a successful launch of the missile. Upon reaching the second position the weight becomes connected to a piston disposed in a fluid containing reservoir so that when the missile undergoes a reduction in its rate of acceleration and the set back weight moves toward its first position that movement is transmitted to the piston to express fluid from the reservoir. Fluid from the reservoir flows into a working cylinder to move an arming piston therein. Movement of the arming piston is slowed to delay arming of the missile by a flow restricting orifice in the path of fluid flow from the reservoir to the working cylinder.

Abstract: A monolithic multi-point initiator for a warhead wherein a single detonator s connected by multiple interconnected conduits packed monolithically with an initiator compound that delivers detonating waves to a series of multi-point explosive charges or pellets located at or near either end of the warhead.

Abstract: An improved release apparatus, including an actuator device, a release dee and a firing device, releases the firing device in a water environment and not in an air environment when the actuator device is remotely actuated. When in a water environment, a predetermined gas pressure from the actuator device drives forward a pusher piston and valve sleeve arrangement, disposed in a water chamber of the release device, initially to close off lower entry/exit orifices in the water chamber by action of the valve sleeve, and then to compress an entrapped column of water to a predetermined water pressure sufficiently to cause shearing off of an annular lip of a ball lock piston thereby separating the firing device from the release device. When in an air environment, the pressure from a compressed entrapped air column is not sufficient to cause shearing off or folding down of the annular lip of the ball lock piston, and, accordingly, the release apparatus is safed.

Abstract: A method for loading a plastic bonded explosive by the use of ultrasonic rations and moderate pressure.