Abstract: The invention relates to providing a reliable means for controlling a laser diode in an initiator for starting a pyrotechnic reaction in an ordnance. The circuit has an array of capacitors to tune the coupling of the input signal to provide for more efficient power transfer from an electrical energy system. The circuit contains a full wave rectifier to provide DC power to operate the circuit. The circuit also contains a two stage current amplifier that is controlled by a differential amplifier. The differential amplifier compares a voltage proportional to the current flowing through the controlled laser diode with a reference voltage. The differential amplifier controls the current amplifier to limit the current that can pass through the laser diode. The circuitry that provides the reference voltage has the ability to drive the reference voltage to zero when the input signal is removed or is too low to drive the circuit properly.

Abstract: An air bag initiator including a main body and squib. The squib includes a charge mounted in a charge holder, a header press fitted onto the charge holder and a cup welded to the header. The squib also includes first and second lead pins and a bridgewire. A cap snap fits onto the main body and holds the squib in place during subsequent assembly operations. Ferrite beads for frequency attenuation and potting material are located in a cavity of the main body. The first lead is mounted off center in a bore passing through the header to allow bridgewires of different lengths to be used with the same header design. The cup includes a depression to maintain a single explosive powder charge under pressure and in contact with the bridgewire. An outer cup can be welded to the housing and an insulating cup can be provided between the cup of the squid and the outer cup to provide enhanced hermetic sealing of the charge and prevent current from passing between the cups.

Abstract: A radio frequency attenuating connector includes a secondary coil connected to a load, an electromagnetic shield enclosing the secondary coil and the load, a primary coil, a coupler for detachably coupling the primary coil and the secondary coil, an integrated circuit including a square wave oscillator producing complementary output signals, and first and second switching devices. The first switching device is responsive to one of the complementary output signals for causing a current to flow in one direction through at least a portion of the primary coil during a first half cycle of oscillation, and the second switching device is responsive to another of the complementary output signals for causing a current to flow in an opposite direction through at least a portion of the primary coil. The integrated circuit has an enable feature and includes additional protection circuitry for enhancing the safety of the radio frequency attenuating connector.

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.