Abstract: A fuze for a weapon configured as a projectable device is provided to reduce the mechanical amplification of impact and penetration shock to a fuze-mounted accelerometer when a projectable device including the fuze encounters a target. The fuze includes a fuze housing having an outer surface, a flange extending radially from the outer surface of the fuze housing, and an acceleration sensor connected to the flange. The flange may include one or more axial holes to enable attachment of the fuze to a projectable device. A penetrating weapon projectable device and a method for installing a fuze for a projectable device are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic blasting system (1) comprising a control unit (3), a surface harness and electronic detonators (4) connected to the surface harness by a 2-wire lead, the detonators (4) being adapted to provide information to the control unit (3) in response to command signals transmitted by the control unit (3) along the surface harness; wherein the surface harness comprises a primary line (2) with trunk lines (5) connect to it, wherein each trunk line (5) has connected to it individual detonators (4) making up the same row, wherein each trunk line (5) is connected to the primary line (2) by an actuator (6), and wherein each trunk line (5) includes an actuator (7) between adjacent detonators (4).

Abstract: Microcontroller apparatuses and methods of use are disclosed. An explosive projectile system contains a faze and a remote fuze setter. The fuze includes a microcontroller comprising an RC-based clock generator and is configured to sample an accurate timing event sent from a crystal-based or similarly accurate timing device. The microcontroller is then calibrated with the received timing event and results are employed in a manner appropriate for desired implementation. Implementations of the microcontroller may include sampling a detonation delay value, in the form of a time pulse, and calibrating the microcontroller to issue a fire command at delay time after an impact event. Additionally, in a setter calibration application, a microcontroller may receive a carrier signal, calibrate the faze to an accurate time base and then set frequency boundary limits for subsequent data bit transfers.

Abstract: A method for wirelessly transmitting data to a control unit, such as a blasting machine, selected from a plurality of control units from an operating device selected from a plurality of operating devices, and a system intended for the method. The control unit is connected to a plurality of detonators, which are controlled by the control unit via an electrical wire or a fuse. The operating device is associated with the appropriate control unit in a step in which address data and/or encryption data is exchanged between the units. Only one operating device can be associated with a pre-determined control unit at any given moment. The data transmitted in accordance with the method preferably comprises at least a fire command, which instructs the control unit to fire the detonators.

Abstract: A safety and arming apparatus for arming a fuze of a smart weapon comprise a release sensor and a verification maneuver sensor in cooperative electronic communication with each other, such that when the release sensor senses that the weapon has been released and the verification maneuver sensor detects a predetermined verification maneuver of the weapon in flight, the fuze is armed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gas generator for an airbag having an igniter includes the steps of: providing, in the igniter, an integrated circuit including a memory unit for activating the igniter upon receipt of an external signal; attaching the igniter to a gas generator housing of the gas generator; and storing, in the memory unit, information indicative of an identity of the gas generator after said attaching step.

Abstract: A method and system for accurate timing in a low current system useful in fuzing applications generates a first count of oscillations of an oscillator of unknown frequency during a first period of unknown duration. A second count of oscillations of the oscillator is generated during a second period of a known duration. The duration of the first period is calculated based on the first count and the second count. A solid-state, thin-film battery is able to be used by virtue of low-current characteristics of the system, enabling extended shelf life for fuzing systems.

Abstract: A system includes a well tool for deployment in a well, a controller, and a link coupled between the controller and the well tool. The well tool comprises plural control units, each of the plural control units having a microprocessor and an initiator coupled to the microprocessor. Each microprocessor is adapted to communicate bi-directionally with the controller. The controller is adapted to send a plurality of activation commands to respective microprocessors to activate the respective control units. Each activation command containing a unique identifier corresponding to a respective control unit.

Abstract: Dynamic baselining of current modulation-based talkback from a slave device to a master device in a system such as an electronic blasting system, wherein the dynamic baselining enhances communication integrity under conditions of environmental noise and the like. With a data packet of appreciable length, the dynamic baselining is preferably performed repeatedly on the bytes or words within the packet.

Abstract: A detonator which, once armed, is automatically disarmed after a predetermined time period in the absence of at least one defined signal during such time period.

Abstract: A safety and arming apparatus for arming a fuze of a smart weapon comprise a release sensor and a verification maneuver sensor in cooperative electronic communication with each other, such that when the release sensor senses that the weapon has been released and the verification maneuver sensor detects a predetermined verification maneuver of the weapon in flight, the fuze is armed.

Abstract: A fuze may include a detonator, a firing capacitor and a control circuit. The firing capacitor may be charged to a nominal operational voltage, wherein when the firing capacitor is discharged across the detonator, an external explosive charge may be detonated. The firing capacitor may also be charged to a sterilization voltage, wherein when the firing capacitor is discharged across the detonator, the detonator may be destroyed without causing detonation of an external explosive charge. When the detonator is destroyed, the sterilized fuze is unable to trigger detonation of an external explosive charge.

Abstract: A system such as an electronic blasting system, and a slave device for use in the system, in which a command is issued by a master device to all slave devices connected to the system, causing all slave devices that have not been identified to the master device to respond with identifying information and optionally other information pertaining to the slave device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and a method for accurately locating a penetrating-type weapon within a shelter for detonation at a desired target site. The method includes detecting a deceleration threshold event indicative of the penetrating weapon impacting and traversing a layer of shelter having certain material or structural characteristics (e.g., a “hard” or a “thick” layer). A delayed detonation program or process is enabled upon detection of the threshold event. For example, a delayed detonation program or process may include layer counting, void counting, or a combination of layer and void counting until the desired number of layers (and/or voids) of a shelter has been detected, at which time the weapon may be detonated. Any deceleration events that occur prior to the deceleration threshold event are ignored to minimize the potential failure of detecting specific types of layers including certain types of “soft” or “thin” layers.

Abstract: A method and a system controlling the operation of a safe and arm device. The embodiments include continually utilizing a rule based computation to generate an output signal to be sent to a controller affecting the operation of the safe and arm (S&A) device towards the safe condition or towards the armed condition.

Abstract: An ordnance system and method for controlling an ordnance system is provided. The system and method utilizes an addressable common, or shared, bus configured to transmit and receive data thereon. The addressable bus has further coupled thereto an ordnance controller including a control process and a telemetry process configured to control the addressable bus. The ordnance system further includes at least one initiator coupled to the addressable bus and responsive to the control process and at least one telemetry sensor coupled to the addressable bus and configured to interact with the telemetry process. The method provides control for the ordnance system by receiving telemetry data from a telemetry sensor over an addressable bus with an ordnance being further controlled by an ordnance controller over the addressable bus.

Abstract: An arming system for a weapon, such as a missile, includes a pair of logic elements that output different types of signals upon the occurrence of different pre-arming events. The different types of signals may be, for instance, signals at different frequencies. The different signals are combined in a mixer. The mixed combined signal may be processed by passing it though elements such as a band pass filter and/or a pulse-width modulator/controller. An arming switch is configured to initiate arming when a predetermined condition in the combined signal is detected, such as the presence of a frequency in the combined signal at the difference between the frequencies of the individual signals from the logic elements. By basing arming on characteristics of a mixed combined signal from two logical elements, there are no credible single-point failure modes in the arming system.

Abstract: A modular fuze assembly is provided for use in multiple types of military ordnance. The fuze comprises a base unit having an initiator for arming the fuze; a timer assembly that includes a programmable clock package; a trigger assembly comprising a line monitoring circuit and a photo-capacitor; and a top cover unit. Each of the individual components are interconnected together to form a single, unitized system. Multiple initiation stages are provided to ensure payload activation.

Abstract: A projectile, having a casing, a projectile base, which closes off the casing at the rear, a receiver coil for receiving electromagnetic signals, an energy source, brought into contact with the receiver coil, and a logic module. The casing is made of a plastic material, at least in the area of the rear.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and a method for accurately locating a penetrating-type weapon within a shelter for detonation at a desired target site. The method includes reliably and accurately detecting thin layers of a shelter by use of a weapon frequency induced by a vibration in a portion of the weapon. The weapon frequency is detected and at least one harmonic frequency of the weapon frequency is analyzed to determine whether a deceleration threshold event has occurred. In one embodiment, the harmonic frequency may be compared to a target frequency which is associated with the deceleration of the weapon during penetration of a layer of media. In another embodiment multiple weapon frequencies may be detected, analyzed, or compared to detect the penetration of a layer of media.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for an air bag system is used in an air bag system having an ECU and a module case connected to the ECU and accommodating a gas generator and an air bag. In the air bag system, two bus lines passing through the ECU are provided to supply currents and the like, and individual gas generators accommodated in the module cases are connected operationally by conductors branched from the bus lines. Each of the igniters incorporated in the gas generator is an electric igniter which is provided with a heat generating portion and a priming coming in contact with the heat generating portion, and the igniter and the bus line are connected to each other through the conductors, and the integrated circuit provided in the igniter is recorded with information to exhibit required functions, and a current for igniting the priming is supplied to the igniters through a capacitor.

Abstract: An electronic detonator system includes a control unit, a plurality of electronic detonators and a bus which connects the detonators to the control unit. Each electronic detonator includes a number of flags which may assume either of two possible values, each flag indicating a substrate of the respective detonators. The flags are readable from the control unit by means of digital data packets and the control unit is adapted, by means of these flags, to check the state of the electronic detonator and control the operation of the electronic detonator. When reading the flags, the electronic detonators give responses in the form of analog response pulses on the bus. The detonator system also includes a portable message receiver which on the basis of the flags obtains messages regarding the connecting status of a detonator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote digital firing system for firing of a remote mission payload that includes a firing circuit communicatively coupled to and operative to fire the remote mission payload, a firing control panel communicatively linked to said firing circuit, and a digital code plug configured to be integrated in communicative combination with said firing circuit and said firing control panel, wherein said firing circuit is operative, with said digital code plug integrated in communicative combination therewith, to generate and write one-time random session variables to said digital code plug and to simultaneously store said one-time random session variables internally in said firing circuit; wherein said firing control panel is operative, with said digital code plug integrated in communicative combination therewith, to generate and transmit messages having said one-time random session variable embodied therein to said firing circuit; and wherein said firing circuit validates said mes

Abstract: A detonation timing apparatus and method of determining a detonation time is disclosed. The detonation timing apparatus comprises an initiation sensor, at least one impact sensor, and at least one controller. The at least one controller may be configured for sensing an initiation event associated with the initiation sensor and sensing an impact event associated with the at least one impact sensor. The at least one controller is further configured for determining an impact velocity estimate proportional to a temporal difference between the initiation event and the impact event, using the impact velocity estimate to determine the detonation delay, and generating the detonation event at the detonation delay after the impact event. The timing apparatus and method of determining a detonation time may be incorporated in a fuze, which may be incorporated in an explosive projectile.

Abstract: Firing-readiness diagnostics in an electronic pyrotechnic device such as an electronic detonator or an electronic blasting system thereof. The diagnostics may include a check for any incompatible attached devices, a resistance or continuity check of an ignition element, and/or a capacitance check of a firing capacitor.

Abstract: Current modulation-based talkback in a system in which the background noise in the level of current draw is minimized such that the talkback is effected with a desirably high signal-to-noise ratio, such as by the master device holding the system voltage low such that the slave devices will not be performing tasks that would cause the current draw on the system to have an undesirable level of background noise, or, in an electronic blasting system, by preventing all other detonators from performing tasks that would create an undesirable background current draw when a particular detonator is talking back.

Abstract: A projectile includes a body, a payload within the body, a target system within the body for affecting operation of the projectile, and an inductive interface which, as part of the target system, permits transfer of at least one of power and data between the target system and an external setter system. The inductive interface includes a magnetic core comprised of a compound of ferrite material and non-ferrite material and a coil wrapped around the magnetic core.

Abstract: A system, for example an electronic blasting system, in which a command is issued by a master device to all slave devices connected to the system, causing all slave devices that have not been identified to the master device to respond with identifying information and optionally other information pertaining to the slave device.

Abstract: Dynamic baselining of current modulation-based talkback from a slave device to a master device in a system such as an electronic blasting system, wherein the dynamic baselining enhances communication integrity under conditions of environmental noise and the like. With a data packet of appreciable length, the dynamic baselining is preferably performed repeatedly on the bytes or words within the packet.

Abstract: Current modulation-based talkback in a system in which the background noise in the level of current draw is minimized such that the talkback is effected with a desirably high signal-to-noise ratio, such as by the master device holding the system voltage low such that the slave devices will not be performing tasks that would cause the current draw on the system to have an undesirable level of background noise, or, in an electronic blasting system, by preventing all other detonators from performing tasks that would create an undesirable background current draw when a particular detonator is talking back.

Abstract: Errors may occur in a detonating system that consists of several detonating circuits when the connection—the logging-on—of detonators is effected to the buses of a logger which in turn is connected to a blaster. Connecting is effected, particularly in opencast-mining operations, under conditions that may lead to damage, not visible at first, in particular to the insulation of the detonators and also of the detonating lines. Errors may occur in the transmission of data, for example as a result of loss or falsification of the signals to be transmitted or as a result of intrusion of signals from an extraneous detonator. In accordance with the invention it is therefore proposed that a log-on manager is installed which is in bidirectional contact with the loggers, with the blaster and with the log-data communicators of the loggers which signal the data pertaining to the detonators to the logger.

Abstract: A projectile, having a casing, a projectile base, which closes the casing off at the rear, a receiver coil for receiving electromagnetic signals, an energy source which is put into contact with the receiver coil, and a logic module. The casing is made from a plastic material, at least in the area of the rear.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote digital firing system for firing of a remote mission payload that includes a firing circuit communicatively coupled to and operative to fire the remote mission payload, a firing control panel communicatively linked to said firing circuit, and a digital code plug configured to be integrated in communicative combination with said firing circuit and said firing control panel, wherein said firing circuit is operative, with said digital code plug integrated in communicative combination therewith, to generate and write one-time random session variables to said digital code plug and to simultaneously store said one-time random session variables internally in said firing circuit; wherein said firing control panel is operative, with said digital code plug integrated in communicative combination therewith, to generate and transmit messages having said one-time random session variable embodied therein to said firing circuit; and wherein said firing circuit validates said mes

Abstract: Blasting apparatuses and methods control actuation of a plurality of detonators, and involve the use of one or more authorization keys each associated with a blasting machine. The authorization key(s) are transferable from the blasting machine(s) to a central command station, each authorization key storing a data package comprising a randomly generated access code generated by its corresponding blasting machine. Transfer of the one or more authorization keys to a central command station allows the data packages (and associated randomly generated access codes) to be transmitted by the central command station for receipt by the blasting machine(s).

Abstract: An electronic detonator system includes a control unit, a plurality of electronic detonators and a bus which connects the detonators to the control unit. Each electronic detonator includes a number of flags which may assume either of two possible values, each flag indicating a substate of the respective detonators. The flags are readable from the control unit by means of digital data packets and the control unit is adapted, by means of these flags, to check the state of the electronic detonator and control the operation of the electronic detonator. When reading the flags, the electronic detonators give responses in the form of analog response pulses on the bus. The detonator system also includes a portable message receiver which on the basis of the flags obtains messages regarding the connecting status of a detonator.

Abstract: A proximity fuze for use in a tube launched projectile carrying a payload, comprising an oscillator for generating a radio frequency signal which has a varying frequency, a single antenna for transmitting the radio frequency signal and for receiving an echo of the radio frequency signal, a first signal processor for generating a range signal corresponding to the time delay between the transmission of the radio frequency signal and the receipt of the echo signal, second signal processor for comparing the range signal with a reference signal and depending on the result of the comparison generating an activation signal for activating the payload, wherein a directional coupler is used for coupling the radio frequency signal from the oscillator to the antenna and to the signal processor and for coupling the echo signal from the antenna to the signal processor, and wherein the second signal processor comprises a threshold detector, a peak detector and a comparator, the threshold detector being for allowing the comp

Abstract: An electronic blasting system in which the electronic detonator, when attached to a blasting machine or logger, automatically senses and determines whether it is attached to a blasting machine or a logger, preferably by utilizing a different operating voltage for the blasting machine versus that of the logger, with the detonator being capable of distinguishing the respective operating voltages.

Abstract: A device supplies electric energy for projectile detonators without a battery or additional energy generation during flight of the projectile. For operating the projectile detonator in the flight phase, a supply capacitor charged during an inductive programming phase is disposed. The capacitor has a very low leakage current in order to bridge a time in the range of minutes between the programming and the start of the flight phase without significant energy loss. The charging of the supply capacitor takes place through halfwaves, of a programming AC voltage not utilized in the programming and not under load.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for use in establishing a blasting arrangement by loading at least one detonator (14) into each of a plurality of blast holes (30), placing explosive material in each blast hole, connecting to a trunk line (10) a control unit (32) that has a power source (52) incapable of firing the detonators, sequentially connecting the detonators, by means of respective branch lines (12), to the trunk line and leaving each detonator connected to the trunk line. In addition the apparatus includes means (46, 50) for receiving and storing in memory means (34, 44) identity data from each detonator, means (46, 50) for generating a signal to test the integrity of the detonator/trunk line connection and the functionality of the detonator, and means (46, 50) for assigning a predetermined time delay to each detonator to be stored in the memory means. The invention also extends to the control unit (32).

Abstract: A fireset for a low energy exploding foil initiator (LEEFI) comprises a first capacitor for storing a level of electrical energy sufficient to fire the LEEFI, the first capacitor being in electrical communication with the LEEFI, second and third capacitors in electrical communication with the first capacitor for storing lesser levels of energy than is stored by the first capacitor, a diode in electrical communication with the capacitors for limiting charging of the second and third capacitors, and first and second resistors providing isolation among the capacitors. A trigger directs a pulse of electrical energy to a high speed switching transistor adapted to receive the pulse from the trigger and, in response there to, to dump the third capacitor. The third capacitor dumps through a silicone controlled rectifier to short the second capacitor to ground, to decrease the level of energy stored by the second capacitor.

Abstract: The Fuze Safety Logic is disclosed that guards against erroneous responses created by accidents or by accidental releases of submunitions of payloads being carried by explosive ordnances. The fuze safety logic provides provisions for conservation of battery internal power, while at the same time ensures the maintenance of proper safety features of the explosive ordnances.

Abstract: A fuze for a submunition is miniaturized in size by forming the fuze of a micro-electromechanical systems (“MEMS”) velocity sensor (38, 32, 34 and 36), a MEMs shock detector (31), a DC power supply (30) and one of the MEMs arm-fire device (2, FIG. 1) or MEMs safe and arm device (2, FIG. 5). Multiple fuzes may be incorporated in a fuze to ensure detonation of the explosive charge, should one fuze fail. A millimeter-microwave (“MMW”) receiver-decoder may be included to permit remote detonation on command from a remote transmitter (52) and/or a microprocessor (54) may be included to time the detonation to the physical characteristics of the target.

Abstract: A smart igniter bus system has a repeater connected by a bus to a controller, and one or more smart igniters connected by the bus to the repeater so that the repeater is between the smart igniters and the controller. The repeater receives data transmitted on the bus by the controller and processes the signal sent by the controller with onboard logic. Utilizing the onboard logic, the repeaters are preprogrammed to rebroadcast control signals sent by the controller or to only rebroadcast selected signals, or to generate and transmit new command signals.

Abstract: A tool activating system includes a multiple control units coupled to activate devices in a tool string positioned in a well. A processor is capable of communicating with the control units to send commands to the control units as well as to retrieve information (such as unique identifiers and status) of the control units. Selective activation of the control units may be performed based on the retrieved information. Further, defective control units or devices may be bypassed or skipped over.

Abstract: The invention aims to increase the overflight safety of a projectile, comprising a time-fuse which has an acceleration-activated battery. To this end, the safety device actuates a switch, whose position is interrogated during the flight phase and the fuse function is deactivated, if the switch is not in the correct position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an arrangement for charging energy in an energy-storing arrangement such as an ignition capacitor in electronic ignition systems. To reduce the risk of malfunction, direct-current-controlled breakers controlled by environmental conditions, normally occurring on the primary side of a transformer (4) in series with the primary winding (5) have been replaced by a frequency divider (2) controlled by environmental conditions. This frequency divider divides down a signal supplied by a signal generator (1) pulse train with a lower frequency which controls a breaker (7) connected in series with the primary winding (5) of the transformer.

Abstract: A frequency addressable ignitor control device utilizes electronic bandpass filters tuned to a unique center frequency and bandwidth for each ignitor. Energy generated by the system's controller comprises one or more narrow pulses whose center frequency corresponds to one or more bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies and sufficient energy for activation. A plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies are connected in parallel in the system. The controller generates electrical pulses of different frequencies transferred to the plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies via a two wire ignitor bus. Bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies whose filter allows sufficient energy to pass to an ignitor bridge element initiates the ignitor's explosive charge.

Abstract: An ordnance system of the present invention may include or feature any one or more of: a control unit, one or more effectors (detonators, initiators, shaped charges and the like), and a two-, three- or four-wire communication bus between the control unit and the effectors; an addressable system in which all the effectors can be connected to the same communication bus and the control unit can issue coded signals on the bus addressed to a specific effector; inductive coupling between the effectors and the communication bus; and a multi-voltage level communication system in which communication signals are carried at a first voltage and arming signals are provided at a second, higher voltage. Other features may include two-way communication between effectors and the control unit and the de-centralization of firing control so that the control unit does not have exclusive control over whether the effectors function.

Abstract: A smart igniter bus system has a repeater connected by a bus to a controller, and one or more smart igniters connected by the bus to the repeater so that the repeater is between the smart igniters and the controller. The repeater receives data transmitted on the bus by the controller and processes the signal sent by the controller with onboard logic. Utilizing the onboard logic, the repeaters are preprogrammed to rebroadcast control signals sent by the controller or to only rebroadcast selected signals, or to generate and transmit new command signals.