Abstract: A networked electronic ordnance system is provided. The system includes a first plurality of pyrotechnic devices connected to a first network bus. The system further includes a first bus controller connected to the first network bus. The system further includes a second plurality of pyrotechnic devices connected to a second network bus. The system further includes a second bus controller connected to the second network bus. The system further includes a bus interface circuit connected to the first bus controller by a first electrical connection and connected to the second bus controller by a second electrical connection.

Abstract: A detonator which is responsive to a shock tube event which is validated if a link is fused at a predetermined time interval after a light signal produced by the event is detected and if, at the end of a subsequent time interval, the link is still fused and the light signal is absent.

Abstract: A detonator which is used with a shock tube or a fibre optic cable and wherein an incident light signal is passed through a first impedance for communication purposes and a light signal associated with initiation of the detonator is passed through a second impedance which is less in value than the first impedance.

Abstract: A detonator to activate energetic materials in downhole well environments that can be transported and operated safely. The detonator comprises a switch coupled to a power source and the energetic materials. The power source may or may not be a part of the detonator. The switch creates a default closed switch between the power source and the energetic material. The switch can communicate with an actuator in response to engaging a gun assembly. The switch can create an open switch in response to communicating with the actuator. The switch forms a short circuit when configured to the default closed switch and forms an open circuit when configured to the open switch. The energetic material is activated in response to the mechanical switch forming an open switch and power is provided by the power source.

Abstract: A detonator which is initiated by a shock tube event which is validated if a processor determines that a fusible link was not fused by a shock tube event at a predetermined time interval before light generated by the shock tube event is detected.

Abstract: A sequencer for use with a countermeasure defense system includes an input signal indicative of firing an expendable, a circuit card that receives the input signal indicative of firing the expendable and an output analog signal from the circuit card that fires the expendable. The parameters of the output analog signal correspond to parameters of a digital waveform.

Abstract: An electronic fuze for a projectile, the electronic fuze including at least one electronic board arranged in a housing of the body of the projectile, the electronic board being encapsulated in a block of protective material. The electronic board is secured to at least one support rod partially encapsulated in the block of protective material. The support rod is inserted through a hole in a wall integral with the body of the projectile, and the support rod is secured to the wall by a fastening device. A first decoupling devices is interposed between the block of protective material and the wall and a second decoupling device is interposed between the fastening device and the wall. The electronic board is located towards a front part of the projectile and the wall is located towards a rear part of the projectile.

Abstract: A method and system for a perforating gun having a box by pin perforating gun system using swaged down gun bodies. The box by pin perforating gun system may include a removable cartridge to hold a detonator with a switch and an insulated charge holder as an electrical feed-through.

Abstract: A wellbore perforating system including a multi-component universal initiator. The universal initiator is a “plug and play” initiator able to accommodate a wide range of perforating gun system.

Abstract: A wireline release tool for downhole intervention, the tool including a housing having an electrical input and an electrical output; a pass-through switch located inside the housing and electrically connected between the electrical input and the electrical output; and a circuit limiter device located inside the housing and electrically connected between the electrical input and the electrical output. The pass-through switch is connected in parallel to the circuit limiter device, between the electrical input and the electrical output.

Abstract: Logging apparatus, methods and electronic detonators are presented for logging data, wherein the logger transmits read request messages to preprogrammed electronic detonators without transmitting any delay programming messaging, receives and stores electronic detonator data from a given one of the preprogrammed electronic detonators, and sends a verify command to cause the detonator to update its status flag to prevent the given electronic detonator from responding to subsequent read request messages.

Abstract: The system and method for accurately determining range-to-go for the command detonation of a projectile. Using dual laser and/or radio frequency detectors on the tail and on the nose of a spinning projectile to determine the range-to-go, time-to-go, or lateral offset from the projectile to the target.

Abstract: Logging apparatus, methods and electronic detonators are presented for logging data, wherein the logger transmits read request messages to preprogrammed electronic detonators without transmitting any delay programming messaging, receives and stores electronic detonator data from a given one of the preprogrammed electronic detonators, and sends a verify command to cause the detonator to update its status flag to prevent the given electronic detonator from responding to subsequent read request messages.

Abstract: A wireless firearm system is disclosed. The wireless firearm system includes a device computer processor operable to execute a set of computer-readable instructions. Attached to the device computer process is a device memory operable to store the set of computer-readable instructions. The device memory is operable to receive a first set of firearm values from a first firearm transmitter, receive a firing sequence command, and determine a second set of firearm values based at least in part on the firing sequence command. The device memory can determine the first set of firearm values is less than the second set of firearm values and communicate the firing sequence command to a firearm memory.

Abstract: A detonator for use in a detonating system, which detonator includes discriminating and validating arrangements which sense and validate at least one characteristic of at least one parameter produced by at least one of a light, acoustic, vibratory, magnetic or electrical signal event, and an electronic timer which executes a timing interval in response thereto.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an electronic ignition circuit (“EIC”) for controlling at least one detonator. The EIC may include a protection circuit, an input circuit coupled to the protection circuit, a logic circuit electrically coupled to the input circuit, and an ignition circuit electrically coupled to the logic circuit. The protection circuit may include at least one of a fuse, a circuit breaker and an automatic switch. The logic circuit may include an answer back circuit, and a switching circuit adapted to switch to the next detonator or igniter. The ignition circuit may include a capacitor charging circuit, a capacitor discharge circuit to discharge a firing capacitor through a fuse head, and a shot detection circuit adapted to measure a voltage across the firing capacitor before discharging through the fuse head and to measure a voltage after discharging through the fuse head.

Abstract: A dynamic human machine interface system includes a mission commander application (MCA) unit including a control processor, the MCA active on one vehicle of a plurality of mission member vehicles, the MCA unit in communication with a data store, the control processor accessing executable instructions that cause the control processor to direct operations of components of the MCA unit, an alternate scenario evaluation unit accessing at least one of mission parameter records and flight member data records in the data store to recalculate mission parameters, a dynamic video interface unit to render the recalculated mission parameters on a mission control dashboard (MCD), the MCD presented to the mission commander on a display unit of the one vehicle, the MCD including a plurality of display pane areas selectable by a user interaction with an interactive interface, and each display area configurable by the user interaction to change content of the display pane.

Abstract: A military standard-1760 (MIL-STD-1760) interface bridge for storing mission planning data can include a housing, a translator device, a ground support equipment (GSE) connector, and non-volatile memory. The housing can include a MIL-STD-1760 connector on a first end and a weapon side connector on a second end. The translator device can translate a MIL-STD-1553 remote terminal (RT) protocol to a weapon side signaling protocol and translate the weapon side signaling protocol to the MIL-STD-1553 RT protocol. The GSE connector can be coupled to the housing and translator device for downloading mission planning data for a weapon. The non-volatile memory can be configured to store the mission planning data.

Abstract: A flat cable that includes a plurality of cores each including one insulated wire and/or a plurality of insulated wires that are twisted together, the cores being lined up in a cable width direction, which is orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the insulated wires; a sheath that collectively covers the plurality of cores; and a space that is surrounded by an outer surface of one of the plurality of cores, an outer surface of another one of the plurality of cores that is adjacent to the one of the plurality of cores, and an inner surface of the sheath.

Abstract: Collating text strings having Unicode encoding includes receiving two text strings S=s1s2 . . . s and T=t1t2 . . . tm. When the two text strings are not identical, there is a smallest positive integer p for which the two text strings differ. The process looks up the characters sp and tp in a predefined lookup table. If either of these characters is missing from the lookup table, the collation of the text strings is determined using the standard Unicode comparison of the text strings spsp+1 . . . sn and tptp+1 . . . tm. Otherwise, the lookup table assigns weights vp and wp for the characters sp and tp. When vp?wp, these weights define the collation order of the strings S and T. When vp=wp, the collation of S and T is determined recursively using the suffix strings sp+1 . . . sn and tp+1 . . . tm.

Abstract: A detonator system wherein a detonator is connected via a down-hole harness to a bus extending from a blast controller and wherein a component is connected in series with the down-hole harness to limit leakage current in the harness to a level which can be accommodated by the blast controller.

Abstract: A booster component which includes a booster housing for a booster explosive material and a printed electronic circuit which is associated with the housing and which includes a module for harvesting energy emitted by an energy source, a storage device for storing energy harvested by the module, an igniter and a circuit, powered at least by energy drawn from the storage device and responsive to a control signal for firing the igniter.

Abstract: A monitoring device and system are provided for monitoring normal sequence of an initiation. The device includes at least one sensor in a region of an explosive charge and/or in a region of at least one ignition device for the explosive charge of the munitions system, and also a control device for evaluating output signals of the sensor with the control device connected to at least one ignition device in a controlling manner on a basis of the evaluation. At least one sensor is arranged at an output of a first ignition device for subdetonative initiation of the explosive charge. The control device is connected to a further ignition device and enables or inhibits it on a basis of a signal supplied by the sensor and assessed in the control device, and at least one sensor is designed for sensing pressure, temperature, light, electrical current or changing of mechanical states.

Abstract: Collating text strings having Unicode encoding includes receiving two text strings S=s1s2 . . . sn and T=t1t2 . . . tm. When the two text strings are not identical, there is a smallest positive integer p for which the two text strings differ. The process looks up the characters sp and tp in a predefined lookup table. If either of these characters is missing from the lookup table, the collation of the text strings is determined using the standard Unicode comparison of the text strings spsp+1 . . . sn and tptp+1 . . . tm. Otherwise, the lookup table assigns weights vp and wp for the characters sp and tp. When vp?wp, these weights define the collation order of the strings S and T. When vp=wp, the collation of S and T is determined recursively using the suffix strings sp+1 . . . sn and tp+1 . . . tm.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for initiating sealed sensor units in the field. A packaged sensor unit may include a sensor module, an activation mechanism and an internal battery, all situated in a sealed enclosure. In some cases, the sealed enclosure may be devoid of any externally accessible switches. A pre-defined triggering stimulus may be applied to the packaged sensor unit, and the pre-defined triggering stimulus may be detected via the activation mechanism. In response to the activation mechanism detecting the pre-defined triggering stimulus, the internal battery may be connected to the sensor module. Prior to detecting the pre-defined triggering stimulus, both the sensor module and the activation mechanism may draw no power from the internal battery of the packaged sensor unit. In some cases, the activation mechanism, once activated, irreversibly couples the power supply to the sensor module.

Abstract: An energy transfer device (10) is provided that is capable of transferring the energy output from one pyrotechnic device (52) to another device (78) for initiating firing thereof. Device (10) comprises a device housing (12) in which a deformable device insert (14) is received. Device insert (14) comprises a central passageway (34) for transmitting the output from a pyrotechnic device (52), including energy, gasses, and/or solids, to another pyrotechnic device (78). The passageway (34) conducts the pyrotechnic device output to a precise location on the second pyrotechnic device (78) where firing is most effectively initiated. The energy transfer device (10) may be employed as a part of a tool (44) used in well completion operations.

Abstract: Logging apparatus, methods and systems are presented for logging data from electronic detonators one at a time, in which a logger is placed into an automatic logging mode and begins transmitting read request messages in repetitive fashion until a response is received from a single connected electronic detonator, whereupon the logger obtains serial ID number and potentially other data such as a delay from the electronic detonator, after which the logger automatically proceeds without further user button presses to again initiate read request messages, by which a user can sequentially connect and disconnect a number of electronic detonators one at a time for quick expeditious logging. Also presented are automatic electronic detonator programming apparatus and processes in which a logger is placed into an automatic programming mode and the user connects electronic detonators one at a time for automatic or semi-automatic programming of delay times from internal memory.

Abstract: The present invention discloses embodiments of an apparatus, system and related method for diagnosing initiators in air bag systems. An embodiment of the system comprises a diagnostic circuit electrically connected between acceleration switches and one or more squib, that is user-activated via a momentary switch, and with user-feedback, wherein a user can diagnose the health of the one or more squib with no power drain while inactive. An embodiment of a method related to the system comprises activating a momentary switch, completing a circuit whereby a diagnostic circuit may function, indicating to the user that the diagnostic circuit is functioning, regulating the current into the diagnostic circuit so that the squib does not fire, boosting the signal to a window comparator, detecting the desired voltage by the window comparator, giving feedback to the user that the voltage is good, too high, or too low.

Abstract: A signal is injected into a wired series of detonators to obtain a reflected signal which represents a validated status of the system. The reflected signal is compared to a second reflected signal, generated in a similar way, some time later; to detect factors which affect the validated status of the system.

Abstract: A timing module for use in a detonating system which includes discriminating and validating arrangements which sense and validate at least one characteristic of at least one parameter produced by at least one shock tube event and an electronic timer which executes a timing interval in response thereto.

Abstract: An antenna 3 of an electromagnetic probe used in investigation of geological formations GF surrounding a borehole WBH comprises a conductive base 31 and an antenna element 32. The conductive base 31 comprises an opened non-resonant cavity 33. The antenna element 32 is embedded in the cavity 33 and goes right through the cavity. The antenna element 32 is isolated from the conductive base 31. The antenna element 32 is coupled to at least one electronic module via a first 34A and a second 34B port, respectively. The electronic module operates the antenna so as to define either a substantially pure magnetic dipole, or a substantially pure electric dipole.

Abstract: A large scale automated test system employs one or more relay boxes that contain and support one or more relay boards. Each relay board is operated to selectively communicate an item being designed, for example a cell phone, an automobile, or an aircraft, with two or more electrical components being considered in the design of the item to evaluate the performance of each electrical component in the item being designed.

Abstract: Detonation control modules and detonation control circuits are provided herein. A trigger input signal can cause a detonation control module to trigger a detonator. A detonation control module can include a timing circuit, a light-producing diode such as a laser diode, an optically triggered diode, and a high-voltage capacitor. The trigger input signal can activate the timing circuit. The timing circuit can control activation of the light-producing diode. Activation of the light-producing diode illuminates and activates the optically triggered diode. The optically triggered diode can be coupled between the high-voltage capacitor and the detonator. Activation of the optically triggered diode causes a power pulse to be released from the high-voltage capacitor that triggers the detonator.

Abstract: Multiple mobile cellular network (MCN) communication systems can be networked together to form a network of MCN communication systems (NOM). Each MCN communication system within the NOM can operate as an independent cellular network to provide communications between user equipment within a covered area. When a UE in one MCN of the NOM moves into a different MCN of the NOM, the corresponding MCN communication systems can handover the UE. The UE can also be handed over between MCN communication systems when the MCN communication systems move.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for controlling buried devices by means of a very low frequency (VLF) modulated magnetic field capable of providing through-the-earth (TTE) communications. The system comprises a plurality of VLF transmission loop antennas positioned to cover a desired coverage area and configured to transmit a magneto-inductive signal to a desired operating depth. One or more VLF receivers are configured to receive one or more magneto-inductive signals from the one or more VLF transmission antennas. The VLF receivers are operatively connected to the buried devices, and configured to output a control signal thereto in response to the magneto-inductive signals. The plurality of VLF transmission loop antennas may be square or rectangular antennas positioned in an array to cover the desired coverage area, the VLF transmission loop antennas sized and sufficiently powered to transmit the magneto-inductive signal to the desired operating depth.

Abstract: A system for triggering includes a plurality of electronic detonator assemblies (11), where each electronic detonator assembly (11) is connected to a leading wire (12) linked to a local fire control unit (12). At least one of the local fire control units (13S) includes an electronic synchronization module (14) connected to a leading wire linked to a master local fire control unit (13M), which is one of the local fire control units (13). The system is suitable for use in triggering a plurality of electronic detonator assemblies (11) according to a single blasting pattern.

Abstract: The invention is an energetic unit comprised of: a container comprised of a base, an upper part, and a cover; a substrate located in the base and comprised of a thin, ribbon-like strip of flexible material that provides electrical contact to external firing circuits; a semiconductor bridge (SCB) chip electrically and physically attached to the substrate; and one or more layers of energetic material which, are packed into the upper part of the container between the SCB chip and the cover.

Abstract: A method for assembling a radio frequency (RF) safe switch and detonator system in a non-RF free environment. More particularly, the method is for assembling an RF-safe switch and detonator system for an oil well perforating gun at a well-site that is in a non-RF free environment.

Abstract: Timing circuits including supervisor chip(s), capacitors, and latches. The supervisor chip(s) and capacitors cooperate to generate an electrical signal (window signal) having a high logic state when the window is open. The latches are used to determine whether an event of interest occurred while the window was open using the generated window signal and an electrical signal asserted upon occurrence of the event of interest.

Abstract: A mesh network controller for remote control of devices such as remote firing devices. The controller includes remote firing devices which have a relay capability that allow a controller to communicate with remote firing devices beyond the range of its direct communication. This is accomplished by a signal being relayed from RFDs to RFDs with the signal going in two directions.

Abstract: A timing module for use in a detonating system which includes discriminating and validating arrangements which sense and validate at least one characteristic of at least one parameter produced by at least one shock tube event and an electronic timer which executes a timing interval in response thereto.

Abstract: A detonator assembly (10) which includes a housing (16), an explosive (20) in the housing (16), an initiating element (32) exposed to the explosive (20), a circuit for controlling operation of the initiating element (32), and a communication arrangement which can establish communication between the circuit and an external controller (60) at least at one optical frequency.

Abstract: Inductive or capacitive transmission of energy to a projectile is disclosed. A waveguide can be used to transmit the energy, the electric field being concentrated in the waveguide. The thus used energy transfer system includes at least one waveguide which is arranged or integrated in the region of the muzzle, for example between a muzzle brake and a gun barrel. A transmission coupler for transmission is fed by a signal generator. The projectile comprises at least one sensor which captures the signal and a store in the projectile is charged. Assemblies of the system are used for a V0 measurement as well as to program the projectile.

Abstract: A programmable ammunition which receives a program as well as energy transmission is provided. The ammunition also comprises an energy store, an electronic system and an ignition in addition to at least one sensor for capturing the signal emitted for the program, the signal having a frequency which is transmitted further to the electronic system. The ammunition is also combined with an energy transfer unit in such a manner that an additional signal having a frequency is guided to the energy unit by the same the sensor and/or an additional sensor and is charged. Programming and the energy transmission occurs when the projectile passes through a weapon barrel, a muzzle brake or similar which is operated as a waveguide below the threshold frequency.

Abstract: A timing module for use in a detonating system which includes discriminating and validating arrangements which sense and validate at least one characteristic of at least one parameter produced by at least one shock tube event and an electronic timer which executes a timing interval in response thereto.

Abstract: For use in a blasting system (10), a visible, throw-away, safety lockout device (30) which operates automatically, to interrupt power to the blasting system (10), upon the occurrence of one or more defined fault conditions.

Abstract: The safing system employs a multi-axis accelerometer system and multi-axis gyroscope system and a processor that is programmed to iteratively read acceleration data from the accelerometer system and apply a multi-axis rotation on the acceleration data using gyroscope data iteratively read from the gyroscope system to generate rotationally corrected acceleration data and further programmed to calculate a cumulative distance measure using the rotationally corrected acceleration data. The processor then compares the cumulative distance measure with a predetermined reference measure and to issue a control signal to enable arming of the device when the cumulative distance measure exceeds the reference measure.

Abstract: Detonators are described herein. In a general embodiment, the detonator includes a nonlinear transmission line that has a variable capacitance. Capacitance of the nonlinear transmission line is a function of voltage on the nonlinear transmission line. The nonlinear transmission line receives a voltage pulse from a voltage source and compresses the voltage pulse to generate a trigger signal. Compressing the voltage pulse includes increasing amplitude of the voltage pulse and decreasing length of the voltage pulse in time. An igniter receives the trigger signal and detonates an explosive responsive to receipt of the trigger signal.

Abstract: A perforating system that transfers a detonation wave between adjacent perforating guns by converting shockwave energy to electrical energy. An explosive is provided on an end of a detonating cord that is coupled to shaped charges, so that a detonation wave traveling in the detonation cord will initiate detonation in the shaped charges and then in the high explosive. The explosive is disposed adjacent a pair of members that are energized so that a magnetic field is formed between the members. When the explosive detonates, the resulting shock wave pushes one of the members into the space between the members to compress the magnetic field. Compressing the magnetic field produces an electrical potential usable to initiate a detonation wave in another detonating cord for perpetuating the detonation wave along the perforating system.

Abstract: A method is provided for optically providing at least one of power and data to a projectile from an external optical source. The method including: outputting an optical signal from an external optical source into an interior of the projectile; receiving the optical signal in the interior of projectile and at least one of converting the optical signal to electrical energy and storing data provided in the optical signal. The electrical energy can be provided to the one or more electronic components and/or energy storage medium disposed on the interior of the projectile. The data provided in the optical signal can be provided to a data storage medium disposed on the interior of the projectile.