Patents by Inventor Bradley M. Biggs

Bradley M. Biggs has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10197611
    Abstract: Systems and methods for testing an Arm and Fire Device (AFD). The system includes an AFD arm controller and a first power supply coupled to the AFD controller to provide arming power to the AFD controller. The system further includes a monitoring module coupled to the AFD controller through a plurality of means of isolation and communication. The monitoring module may include one or more monitor circuits for the AFD to test at least one circuit in the AFD, at least one circuit external to the AFD, or combination. The system further includes at least one output for the AFD to provide data from the monitoring module. The system may further include a first switch to control the monitoring module is powered and a second switch to control power to the AFD arm module. The system can include an input for applying data to the AFD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Bradley M. Biggs
  • Patent number: 9851187
    Abstract: A shock mitigation assembly for a penetrating explosive weapon having a first explosive charge and a second explosive charge includes an electronic circuit card having an electronic circuit formed therein, a weight attached to the circuit card to form a circuit card subassembly, a housing enclosing the subassembly, and a hyperelastic material between the housing and the subassembly for internal shock mitigation. The hyperelastic material has a modulus of elasticity that remains elastic characteristics with shock, temperature, or a combination of shock and temperature. The housing may include a casing and a cover with corresponding features that mate with one another and prevent separation of the cover from the casing. The casing also may have an external spiral flange that overlaps an internal spiral flange of a support for the casing, with a hyperelastic material between the casing and support for external shock mitigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Bradley M. Biggs, Tim B. Bonbrake, Jesse T. Waddell
  • Publication number: 20170336460
    Abstract: Systems and methods for testing an Arm and Fire Device (AFD). The system includes an AFD arm controller and a first power supply coupled to the AFD controller to provide arming power to the AFD controller. The system further includes a monitoring module coupled to the AFD controller through a plurality of means of isolation and communication. The monitoring module may include one or more monitor circuits for the AFD to test at least one circuit in the AFD, at least one circuit external to the AFD, or combination. The system further includes at least one output for the AFD to provide data from the monitoring module. The system may further include a first switch to control the monitoring module is powered and a second switch to control power to the AFD arm module. The system can include an input for applying data to the AFD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Bradley M. Biggs
  • Publication number: 20160265888
    Abstract: A shock mitigation assembly for a penetrating explosive weapon having a first explosive charge and a second explosive charge includes an electronic circuit card having an electronic circuit formed therein, a weight attached to the circuit card to form a circuit card subassembly, a housing enclosing the subassembly, and a hyperelastic material between the housing and the subassembly for internal shock mitigation. The hyperelastic material has a modulus of elasticity that remains elastic characteristics with shock, temperature, or a combination of shock and temperature. The housing may include a casing and a cover with corresponding features that mate with one another and prevent separation of the cover from the casing. The casing also may have an external spiral flange that overlaps an internal spiral flange of a support for the casing, with a hyperelastic material between the casing and support for external shock mitigation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Bradley M. Biggs, Tim B. Bonbrake, Jesse T. Waddell
  • Patent number: 8925462
    Abstract: A system includes a first arm switch, a voltage multiplier device connected in series with the first arm switch, and a first intermediate voltage detector portion communicatively connected to the sequence of events logic portion, the first intermediate voltage detector portion operative to determine whether a first voltage signal is greater than a first threshold voltage value and responsive to determining that the first voltage signal is greater than the first threshold voltage value affect an actuation of the first arm switch and output a first arm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Bradley M. Biggs, Tim Bonbrake, Nicole Quackenbush
  • Publication number: 20140000470
    Abstract: A system includes a first arm switch, a voltage multiplier device connected in series with the first arm switch, and a first intermediate voltage detector portion communicatively connected to the sequence of events logic portion, the first intermediate voltage detector portion operative to determine whether a first voltage signal is greater than a first threshold voltage value and responsive to determining that the first voltage signal is greater than the first threshold voltage value affect an actuation of the first arm switch and output a first arm signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Bradley M. Biggs, Tim Bonbrake, Nicole Quackenbush
  • Patent number: 7814834
    Abstract: A fuze mounting assembly for a penetrating weapon configured as a projectable device, the fuze mounting assembly having fasteners, a fuze well and a fuze. The fuze includes an integral bolt flange for securing to the fuze well with the fasteners, wherein an amplification of acceleration of less than 3.0 is satisfied when the penetrating weapon is subjected to impact and penetration shock. Additionally, a projectable device having the fuze is provided. Also, a fuze mounting and a method for mounting a fuze are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley N. Schwantes, Bradley M. Biggs, Michael A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7802518
    Abstract: A fuze mounting assembly for a penetrating, the fuze mounting assembly includes a fuze well and a fuze. The fuze includes an integral flange for securing to the fuze well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley N. Schwantes, Bradley M. Biggs, Michael A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090211481
    Abstract: A fuze mounting assembly for a penetrating weapon configured as a projectable device, the fuze mounting assembly having fasteners, a fuze well and a fuze. The fuze includes an integral bolt flange for securing to the fuze well with the fasteners, wherein an amplification of acceleration of less than 3.0 is satisfied when the penetrating weapon is subjected to impact and penetration shock. Additionally, a projectable device having the fuze is provided. Also, a fuze mounting and a method for mounting a fuze are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Stanley N. Schwantes, Bradley M. Biggs, Michael A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090211433
    Abstract: A fuze mounting assembly for a penetrating weapon configured as a projectable device, the fuze mounting assembly having fasteners, a fuze well and a fuze. The fuze includes an integral bolt flange for securing to the fuze well with the fasteners, wherein an amplification of acceleration of less than 3.0 is satisfied when the penetrating weapon is subjected to impact and penetration shock. Additionally, a projectable device having the fuze is provided. Also, a fuze mounting and a method for mounting a fuze are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Stanley N. Schwantes, Bradley M. Biggs, Michael A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7552682
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Alliant TechSystems Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley N. Schwantes, Bradley M. Biggs, Michael A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7549374
    Abstract: A fuze mounting assembly for a penetrating weapon configured as a projectable device, the fuze mounting assembly having fasteners, a fuze well and a fuze. The fuze includes an integral bolt flange for securing to the fuze well with the fasteners, wherein an amplification of acceleration of less than 3.0 is satisfied when the penetrating weapon is subjected to impact and penetration shock. Additionally, a projectable device having the fuze is provided. Also, a fuze mounting and a method for mounting a fuze are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley N. Schwantes, Bradley M. Biggs, Michael A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080148984
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Stanley N. Schwantes, Bradley M. Biggs, Michael A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080148985
    Abstract: A fuze mounting assembly for a penetrating weapon configured as a projectable device, the assembly having fasteners, a fuze well and a fuze. The fuze includes an integral bolt flange for securing to the fuze well with the fasteners, wherein an amplification of acceleration of less than 3.0 is satisfied when the penetrating weapon is subjected to impact and penetration shock. Additionally, a projectable device having the fuze is provided. Also, a fuze mounting and a method for mounting a fuze are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Stanley N. Schwantes, Bradley M. Biggs, Michael A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7314004
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley M. Biggs, William A. Friedrich
  • Patent number: 7197982
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley M. Biggs
  • Patent number: 5573428
    Abstract: A low profile hermetic electrical connector includes a conductive layer with opposite first and second conductive layer surfaces. An inner electrical isolation layer is coupled between the first conductive layer surface and a first contact and an outer electrical isolation layer is coupled between the second conductive layer surface and a second contact. A contact interconnector electrically couples the first contact and the second contact through the inner electrical isolation layer, the conductive layer, and the outer electrical isolation layer without electrically contacting the conductive layer, creating a serpentine, low flow path for vapor through the adhesive layers. In a hermetic electrical cable end connector, the first contact is electrically coupled to a first conductor through a first interconnector and a second contact is electrically coupled to a second conductor through a second interconnector. Two additional electrical isolation layers are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley M. Biggs, Christopher F. Norton, Louis P. Farace
  • Patent number: 5454321
    Abstract: An electronic safe and arming device includes an enclosure (11) which has a circuit (16) for enabling a detonator (26). The circuit (16) has a sealed tube switch (17) which is pressurized with a gas mixture. The enclosure (11) is pressurized with substantially the same gas mixture (19) and pressure as in the tube switch (17). Safe and arm electronics control (20) triggering the tube switch (17) to set off a detonator (26) which in turn sets off an explosive charge. As a result the present safe and arming device is single fault tolerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventors: Bradley M. Biggs, Steve M. Curtis, Robert H. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4633779
    Abstract: An oscillator supplies clock pulses to a counter which also has a preselected time applied thereto and arming means are initiated when the count reaches the preselected time. Checking means are utilized throughout the circuitry to provide failsafe checking of each critical circuit with the arming circuit being deactivated if an error is detected. The entire circuit is incorporated in a single IC for energy and space conservation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley M. Biggs, Jimmy L. Brown, Thomas M. Kerns