Patents by Inventor James D. Lucas
James D. Lucas 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).
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Patent number: 11927431Abstract: A capacitive discharge unit (CDU) for detonating an explosive in response to a control signal comprises a set of CDU components, including an exploding foil initiator (EFI), a trigger circuit, a firing capacitor, and an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) firing switch. In various embodiments the components are arranged on a board for mechanically and electrically supporting the components in an ordered arrangement along a CDU axis where the CDU having an axial length defined by the ordered arrangement of two or more of the EFI, the firing capacitor, and the IBGT firing switch, wherein the trigger circuit is offset from the CDU axis such that the trigger circuit does not contribute to the axial length.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2019Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems CorporationInventors: James D. Lucas, Eric M. McDonough
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Patent number: 11619476Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for an area-denial munition configured for self-neutralization of an explosive ordnance. In one or more embodiments the munition including a housing including a chassis defining one or more openings such that the housing is an at least partially open structure exposing an interior to an ambient environment. In various embodiments the munition includes a detonation module including a detonation initiator and a deflagration module including a deflagration initiator coupled with a pyrotechnic primer, and munition control circuitry. In various embodiments the munition control circuitry receives instructions to deflagrate the explosive ordnance and instructs the deflagration module to activate the deflagration initiator. In various embodiments, the deflagration initiator causes a deflagration of the explosive ordnance for self-neutralization of the munition resulting in safe destruction of the munition's explosive charge and control electronics.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2021Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems CorporationInventors: James D. Lucas, William E. Warp, Nathan W. Miller, Kenneth Fink, Thomas Lorentz
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Patent number: 10955231Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for an area-denial munition configured for self-neutralization of an explosive ordnance. In one or more embodiments the munition including a housing including a chassis defining one or more openings such that the housing is an at least partially open structure exposing an interior to an ambient environment. In various embodiments the munition includes a detonation module including a detonation initiator and a deflagration module including a deflagration initiator coupled with a pyrotechnic primer, and munition control circuitry. In various embodiments the munition control circuitry receives instructions to deflagrate the explosive ordnance and instructs the deflagration module to activate the deflagration initiator. In various embodiments, the deflagration initiator causes a deflagration of the explosive ordnance for self-neutralization of the munition resulting in safe destruction of the munition's explosive charge and control electronics.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2020Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc.Inventors: James D. Lucas, William E. Warp, Nathan W. Miller, Kenneth Fink, Thomas Lorentz
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Patent number: 10648785Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for an area-denial munition configured for self-neutralization of an explosive ordnance. In one or more embodiments the munition including a housing including a chassis defining one or more openings such that the housing is an at least partially open structure exposing an interior to an ambient environment. In various embodiments the munition includes a detonation module including a detonation initiator and a deflagration module including a deflagration initiator coupled with a pyrotechnic primer, and munition control circuitry. In various embodiments the munition control circuitry receives instructions to deflagrate the explosive ordnance and instructs the deflagration module to activate the deflagration initiator. In various embodiments, the deflagration initiator causes a deflagration of the explosive ordnance for self-neutralization of the munition resulting in safe destruction of the munition's explosive charge and control electronics.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc.Inventors: James D. Lucas, William E. Warp, Nathan W. Miller, Kenneth Fink, Thomas Lorentz
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Patent number: 10480920Abstract: Initiator modules for munitions control systems include a mounting portion for receiving a portion of an initiation device, a detonator device disposed within the initiator module, a connection portion configured to connect the initiator module with a munitions control system, and an electronics assembly configured to electronically couple with a munitions control system and transmit a signal to the detonator device. Munitions systems may include initiator modules received in a socket of a munitions control system. Methods of igniting explosive devices include coupling a shock tube to an explosive device, connecting an initiator module to a munitions control system, mounting a portion of the shock tube to the initiator module, and igniting the shock tube with a detonator device disposed within the initiator module.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, IncInventors: James D. Lucas, Denny L. Kurschner, Thomas E. MacPherson
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Publication number: 20180195846Abstract: Initiator modules for munitions control systems include a mounting portion for receiving a portion of an initiation device, a detonator device disposed within the initiator module, a connection portion configured to connect the initiator module with a munitions control system, and an electronics assembly configured to electronically couple with a munitions control system and transmit a signal to the detonator device. Munitions systems may include initiator modules received in a socket of a munitions control system. Methods of igniting explosive devices include coupling a shock tube to an explosive device, connecting an initiator module to a munitions control system, mounting a portion of the shock tube to the initiator module, and igniting the shock tube with a detonator device disposed within the initiator module.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2017Publication date: July 12, 2018Inventors: James D. Lucas, Denny L. Kurschner, Thomas E. MacPherson
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Patent number: 9618308Abstract: Initiator modules for munitions control systems include a mounting portion for receiving a portion of an initiation device, a detonator device disposed within the initiator module, a connection portion configured to connect the initiator module with a munitions control system, and an electronics assembly configured to electronically couple with a munitions control system and transmit a signal to the detonator device. Munitions systems may include initiator modules received in a socket of a munitions control system. Methods of igniting explosive devices include coupling a shock tube to an explosive device, connecting an initiator module to a munitions control system, mounting a portion of the shock tube to the initiator module, and igniting the shock tube with a detonator device disposed within the initiator module.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Orbital ATK, Inc.Inventors: James D. Lucas, Denny L. Kurschner, Thomas E. MacPherson
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Publication number: 20160097623Abstract: Initiator modules for munitions control systems include a mounting portion for receiving a portion of an initiation device, a detonator device disposed within the initiator module, a connection portion configured to connect the initiator module with a munitions control system, and an electronics assembly configured to electronically couple with a munitions control system and transmit a signal to the detonator device. Munitions systems may include initiator modules received in a socket of a munitions control system. Methods of igniting explosive devices include coupling a shock tube to an explosive device, connecting an initiator module to a munitions control system, mounting a portion of the shock tube to the initiator module, and igniting the shock tube with a detonator device disposed within the initiator module.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2013Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventors: James D. Lucas, Denny L. Kurschner, Thomas E. MacPherson
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Patent number: 8971048Abstract: An electronics package comprising a plurality of mutually parallel, vertically spaced circuit boards of generally circular configuration and electrically connected by a flex circuit comprising a trunk extending circumferentially around the circuit boards and having a branch extending to each circuit board. An electronics package precursor structure and a method of configuring the electronics package from the precursor structure is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: James D. Lucas, Christopher A. McKellips
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Publication number: 20140254109Abstract: An electronics package comprising a plurality of mutually parallel, vertically spaced circuit boards of generally circular configuration and electrically connected by a flex circuit comprising a trunk extending circumferentially around the circuit boards and having a branch extending to each circuit board. An electronics package precursor structure and a method of configuring the electronics package from the precursor structure is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.Inventors: James D. Lucas, Christopher A. McKellips
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Patent number: 8408132Abstract: Initiator modules for munitions control systems include a mounting portion for receiving a portion of an initiation device, a detonator device disposed within the initiator module, a connection portion configured to connect the initiator module with a munitions control system, and an electronics assembly configured to electronically couple with a munitions control system and transmit a signal to the detonator device. Munitions systems may include initiator modules received in a socket of a munitions control system. Methods of igniting explosive devices include coupling a shock tube to an explosive device, connecting an initiator module to a munitions control system, mounting a portion of the shock tube to the initiator module, and igniting the shock tube with a detonator device disposed within the initiator module.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: James D. Lucas, Denny L. Kurschner, Thomas E. MacPherson
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Patent number: 8210083Abstract: An energetic material initiation device having a receiver assembly and an initiator assembly that includes an electronic initiator and a pellet assembly with an energetic material. The receiver assembly is configured to be coupled to a firing circuit. When the firing circuit is to be armed, the initiator assembly can be pressed into a socket in the receiver assembly to electrically couple the receiver assembly and the initiator assembly. A method for mounting an energetic material initiation device to a firing circuit is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2012Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignees: Reynolds Systems, Inc., Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Nance, Christopher A. McKellips, James D. Lucas
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Patent number: 8100043Abstract: An energetic material initiation device having a receiver assembly and an initiator assembly that includes an electronic initiator and a pellet assembly with an energetic material. The receiver assembly is configured to be coupled to a firing circuit. When the firing circuit is to be armed, the initiator assembly can be pressed into a socket in the receiver assembly to electrically couple the receiver assembly and the initiator assembly. A method for mounting an energetic material initiation device to a firing circuit is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignees: Reynolds Systems, Inc., Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: Christopher J Nance, Christopher A McKellips, James D Lucas
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Publication number: 20120000387Abstract: An energetic material initiation device having a receiver assembly and an initiator assembly that includes an electronic initiator and a pellet assembly with an energetic material. The receiver assembly is configured to be coupled to a firing circuit. When the firing circuit is to be armed, the initiator assembly can be pressed into a socket in the receiver assembly to electrically couple the receiver assembly and the initiator assembly. A method for mounting an energetic material initiation device to a firing circuit is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2009Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventors: Christopher J. Nance, Christopher A. McKellips, James D. Lucas
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Publication number: 20110219977Abstract: Initiator modules for munitions control systems include a mounting portion for receiving a portion of an initiation device, a detonator device disposed within the initiator module, a connection portion configured to connect the initiator module with a munitions control system, and an electronics assembly configured to electronically couple with a munitions control system and transmit a signal to the detonator device. Munitions systems may include initiator modules received in a socket of a munitions control system. Methods of igniting explosive devices include coupling a shock tube to an explosive device, connecting an initiator module to a munitions control system, mounting a portion of the shock tube to the initiator module, and igniting the shock tube with a detonator device disposed within the initiator module.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.Inventors: James D. Lucas, Denny L. Kurschner, Thomas E. MacPherson
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Patent number: 7334523Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: James D. Lucas, Dennis L. Kurschner