Abstract: A switch device having a base, a first electrically conductive pad coupled to the base, a second electrically conductive pad coupled to the base, a first electrically conductive projection and a second electrically conductive projection. The second electrically conductive pad is spaced apart from the first electrically conductive pad by a first predetermined distance. The first electrically conductive projection is coupled to the first electrically conductive pad and extends into the first gap. The second electrically conductive projection is coupled to the second electrically conductive pad and extends into the first gap. The second electrically conductive projection is spaced apart from the first electrically conductive projection by a second predetermined distance. The first and second electrically conductive projections form an electrical interface.

Abstract: An igniter assembly that includes a housing, a secondary explosive input charge, a pyrotechnic output charge and a barrier system that is disposed between the input charge and the pyrotechnic output charge. The barrier system shields the pyrotechnic output charge from energy released by the input charge to prevent the output charge from being cooked-off or initiated unless the input charge is detonated.

Abstract: An initiator that includes a substrate, an exploding foil initiator and a first switch. The exploding foil initiator coupled to the substrate and includes a bridge and a first bridge contact. The first switch has a first contact and a first insulator. The first contact is coupled to the substrate and spaced apart from the first bridge contact by a gap. The first insulator is disposed in the gap. The first switch is operable in an actuated mode in which electrical energy transmitted between the first contact and the first bridge contact is transmitted through the first insulator.

Abstract: A device having an initiator and an integrated planar switch. The initiator has a base, an initiating element that is coupled to the base, a first element pad, which is electrically coupled to a first side of the initiating element, and a second element pad, which is electrically coupled to a second side of the initiating element opposite the first element pad. The integrated planar switch has a source pad and a return pad. The source pad is coupled to the base and is spaced apart from the first element pad by a first gap distance to define a first gap therebetween. The return pad is coupled to the base and is spaced apart from the second element pad by a second gap distance to define a second gap therebetween.

Abstract: An igniter assembly that includes a housing, a secondary explosive input charge, a pyrotechnic output charge and a barrier system that is disposed between the input charge and the pyrotechnic output charge. The barrier system shields the pyrotechnic output charge from energy released by the input charge to prevent the output charge from being cooked-off or initiated unless the input charge is detonated.

Abstract: An igniter assembly with a housing, an initiator, an input charge, a first barrier, a second barrier, and an output charge. The input charge is formed of a secondary explosive and disposed adjacent the initiator. The first barrier cooperates with the housing to form a chamber into which the input charge is received. The second barrier is disposed on a side of the first barrier opposite the input charge and combusts in response to energy released during detonation of the input charge. The output charge is formed of a pyrotechnic material and disposed on a side of the second barrier opposite the first barrier. The output charge can combust in response to energy released during combustion of the second barrier. The housing and the first barrier cooperate to isolate the output charge from heat and pressure generated by the input charge if the input charge is cooked-off.

Abstract: An initiator that includes a substrate, an exploding foil initiator and a first switch. The exploding foil initiator coupled to the substrate and includes a bridge and a first bridge contact. The first switch has a first contact and a first insulator. The first contact is coupled to the substrate and spaced apart from the first bridge contact by a gap. The first insulator is disposed in the gap. The first switch is operable in an actuated mode in which electrical energy transmitted between the first contact and the first bridge contact is transmitted through the first insulator.

Abstract: A method of using electrically initiated primer systems that rely on vaporizing a thin metallic film which is either coated on a non-conductive insulator component or is a malleable thin film or strip secured to the inner surface of a primer cup assembly to ignite an environmentally safe MIC composition.

Abstract: A device and method that employs a detonation event as an energy source for producing a pyrotechnic output. The device includes an initiation charge that is selectively detonated by an exploding foil initiator. Byproducts from the detonation event are attenuated by a barrier that is disposed between the initiation charge and an ignition charge. The barrier participates in a chemical reaction with the detonation byproducts to oxidize and burn. In this regard, the barrier serves as a fuel that is employed to ignite the ignition charge. The device includes a sealed housing in which the initiator, initiation charge and ignition charges are housed. The housing ruptures in response to the heat and pressure generated by the ignited ignition charge to release the pyrotechnic output.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using electrically initiated primer systems that rely on vaporizing a thin metallic film which is either coated on a non-conductive insulator component or is a malleable thin film or strip secured to the inner surface of a primer cup assembly to ignite an environmentally safe MIC composition.

Abstract: A detonator for initiating a detonation event in an explosive charge. The detonator comprises an exploding foil initiator and a switch. The exploding foil initiator includes a detonator bridge with a bridge member and a bridge contact that are electrically coupled to one another. The switch includes a switch contact that is spaced apart from the detonator bridge such that a spark gap of a predetermined width is defined between the bridge contact and the switch contact. A discharge arc, which is formed when a voltage in excess of a predetermined gap breakdown voltage is applied across the spark gap, closes the switch to thereby permit current to flow between the bridge contact and the switch contact.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for Active Network Guidance and Emergency Logic (ANGEL). ANGEL is a computer based program designed to function preferably in the mission computer on a vehicle, preferably an aircraft The program is preferably installed as part of an aircraft's Operational Flight Program (OFP) card(s) in the mission computer. ANGEL new versions and updates can be installed along with OFP updates. A second aspect of the present invention is a method for integrating and interacting with vehicle subsystems and controller subsystems, to prevent mishaps and accidents during a mission. ANGEL can prevent aircrew and aircraft problems by providing cueing or automation of emergency tasking, displaying procedures for aircrew to respond in emergency situations and providing assistance to an incapacitated pilot.

Abstract: A device and method that employs a detonation event as an energy source for producing a pyrotechnic output. The device includes an initiation charge that is selectively detonated by an exploding foil initiator. Byproducts from the detonation event are attenuated by a barrier that is disposed between the initiation charge and an ignition charge. The barrier participates in a chemical reaction with the detonation byproducts to oxidize and burn. In this regard, the barrier serves as a fuel that is employed to ignite the ignition charge. The device includes a sealed housing in which the initiator, initiation charge and ignition charges are housed. The housing ruptures in response to the heat and pressure generated by the ignited ignition charge to release the pyrotechnic output.

Abstract: A detonator for initiating a detonation event in an explosive charge. The detonator comprises an exploding foil initiator and a switch. The exploding foil initiator includes a detonator bridge with a bridge member and a bridge contact that are electrically coupled to one another. The switch includes a switch contact that is spaced apart from the detonator bridge such that a spark gap of a predetermined width is defined between the bridge contact and the switch contact. A discharge arc, which is formed when a voltage in excess of a predetermined gap breakdown voltage is applied across the spark gap, closes the switch to thereby permit current to flow between the bridge contact and the switch contact.

Abstract: An explosive suitable for low energy initiation is made by coating epsilon structure one to five micron crystals of CL-20 with a polymeric binder where the polymeric binder is one to three percent by weight of the coated crystals and a method of applying such polymeric binders by either a slurry method or an alternate method of using a nonaqueous liquid to suspend CL-20 crystals then adding a lacquer of polymeric binder.

Abstract: A munition fuze electronic arming and firing controller includes a micropessor and logic network which verify controller operation and provide an enabling signal necessary to arm the fuze. A signal of predetermined duration is twice produced by the microprocessor and is utilized with a clock signal continuously produced in the logic network to cause a counter to count during two separate periods. The resulting counter count is checked by verifying logic which outputs a signal only if the count is a predetermined count after each counting period. If the counter output is twice verified and an energy storage component external to the controller is charged to less than a predetermined minimum the logic network outputs an enabling signal which triggers the microprocessor to produce drive signals utilized to arm the fuze by charging the energy storage device. User selected inputs and firing sensor initiated inputs initiate munition detonation at a predetermined time and under predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A test operable electro-mechanical safe and arming mechanism for hardened rget penetrating, and other, ordnance, not relying on stored energy, incorporating two mechanical interlocks and providing an electro-mechanical elapsed time reference and mechanical logic to check external control apparatus operation comprises a body having a reversible motor which drives a rotatable shaft having ends threaded in opposite directions. The shaft penetrates the threaded holes of three members which move axially depending on the direction of shaft rotation. The middle member is an initially misaligned explosive train component configured to engage one threaded shaft end to advance into the aligned or armed position. A ball interlock maintains this component misaligned until ordnance delivery is sensed at which time motor energization occurs in a first direction to cause shaft rotation and to preposition the mechanism for arming.

Abstract: A safety arming device driven by a reversible motor including a detonator sitioned in a casing for initiating explosive logic through the reception of signals from an electric circuit. A driver wheel is rotated by the reversible motor which matingly engages a driven wheel. The driven wheel includes a groove into which a guide pin from the driver wheel moves and the driver wheel rotates through a predetermined angle to align detent slots at a latching position. There is provided an output wheel having gear teeth and explosive output leads, and upon the alignment of the slots in the latching position, the latching mechanism engages the driver/driven wheels, and upon further rotation the wheels are enmeshed to rotate the explosive output lead to an alignment position with the detonator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical mechanical interfacing device for e and arm fuze systems of different stores such that a variable electrical and mechanical connecting capability is provided for different aircraft requirements.

Abstract: A programmable fuze for initiating weapon warhead detonation. The deacceltion of the weapon warhead is measured by an accelerometer. The output of the accelerometer is integrated to obtain velocity and subsequently digitized and stored in a microcomputer or microprocessor. A zero-slope detector indicates to the microcomputer or microprocessor if the forward velocity component is constant for a given time. This indicates whether the weapon warhead has entered a cavity in the target. The microcomputer or microprocessor has an algorithm programmed into it so that it determines whether certain dynamic variables have exceeded threshold values thus initiating a detonating signal to a firing circuit. The dynamic variables are the distance of travel of the weapon warhead into the target, the deceleration level of the weapon warhead in the target, the transverse velocity component of the weapon warhead in the target, and the number of cavities entered.