Patents by Inventor Edward Litcher

Edward Litcher 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).

  • Lockable electro-optical high voltage apparatus and method for slapper detonators
    Patent number: 6439119
    Abstract: A safe/arm apparatus includes a slider barrier having at least one notch formed therein, the slider barrier including an optically diffuse surface and an optically reflective surface; at least one mechanical lock removably disposed in the at least one notch; a linear actuator for moving the slider barrier from a safe position to an armed position; a battery; a laser diode connected to the battery, the laser diode emitting a light beam towards the optically diffuse surface when the slider barrier is in the safe position and towards the optically reflective surface when the slider barrier is in the armed position; a photodiode for receiving light reflected from the optically reflective surface; a transformer connected to the photodiode; and a capacitor connected to the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Paul J. Smith, Edward Litcher
  • Lockable electro-optical high voltage apparatus and method for slapper detonators
    Patent number: 6374739
    Abstract: A safe/arm apparatus includes a slider barrier having at least one notch formed therein, the slider barrier including an optically diffuse surface and an optically reflective surface; at least one mechanical lock removably disposed in the at least one notch; a linear actuator for moving the slider barrier from a safe position to an armed position; a battery; a laser diode connected to the battery, the laser diode emitting a light beam towards the optically diffuse surface when the slider barrier is in the safe position and towards the optically reflective surface when the slider barrier is in the armed position; a photodiode for receiving light reflected from the optically reflective surface; a transformer connected to the photodiode; and a capacitor connected to the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Paul J. Smith, Edward Litcher