Patents by Inventor Bruce R. Kuester

Bruce R. Kuester 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).

  • MEMS emergetic actuator with integrated safety and arming system for a slapper/EFI detonator
    Patent number: 6173650
    Abstract: An EFI (exploding foil initiator) or slapper detonator, including a explodable foil (or bridge), a flyer plate and a barrel plate having a movable barrier to close a barrel in a safety mode and for opening the barrel in an arming mode, wherein the movable barrier slides from a closed (safety) position to an open (armed) position under the control of a MEMS (microelectromechanical system) energetic actuator. The slidable barrier is maintained in the closed position by one or more locking devices of the MEMS energetic actuator until predetermined stimuli are detected to cause the locking device(s) to release the slidable barrier, thereby arming the EFI or slapper detonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Donald R. Garvick, Lawrence C. Fan, Bruce R. Kuester, Gregory R. Birk