Abstract: A fiber-optically-and-pneumatically-controlled firing set for explosive-bridgewire detonators. The firing set consists of a detonation-controlling module and a battery-operated firing module that are interconnected by fiber-optic signal conductors and a pneumatic conduit. The firing set provides high voltage isolation between the control module and the firing module while employing redundant safety features including fail-safe pneumatic crowbar shunting of the firing module output, frequency-selective fiber-optic signal communication, controlled battery life and explosive material detonation enablement and multiple, fail-safe serial switching to control the energy transfer sequence in the firing module. Both high voltage and low potential uses of the invention are included.

Abstract: A rapid fire electromagnetic launcher system (EML) employs a plurality of capacitor modules which are charged by an equal number of modules of lead acid batteries. The invention comprises the combination of standard automotive lead acid batteries for charging an electrolytic capacitor array which is switched into an Electromagnetic Launcher (EML) by means of silicon controlled rectifiers, and a control circuit for controlling the loading and launching of projectiles at a very rapid rate. The system includes a multishot preinjector and rapid fire controller for operating the system in a safe and reliable manner. The system includes a preaccelerator, magazine and barrel. The combination eliminates the low power density limitation of the batteries, the requirement to repetitively commutate energy out of an inductor, and allows for a modular system than can be expanded to provide higher energy to each projectile in the burst.

Abstract: Commercially available coaxial cables have been used successfully in single shot electromagnetic launcher and other pulsed power applications. The use of a coaxial cable interface between power source and pulsed power load reduces external magnetic fields and also aids in standardizing the interface, enhancing inter-changeability between a variety of power supplies and loads. As pulsed power systems continue to become more energetic and as the importance of repetitive operation increases, the use of commercially available cables becomes impractical because of the large number required for appropriate energy transfer. The cable according to the invention overcomes many problems encountered in the use of conventional cables. It incorporates a large area, flexible conductor in both the current feed and current return path, and matches these conductor cross-sections to provide uniform current paths.

Abstract: The terminations provide a means for connecting coaxial power cables carrying tens to hundreds of kiloamperes of pulsed current to electrical devices without producing arcing or melting during operation; and also provide mechanical support at cable ends where otherwise unsupported ends would be damaged due to magnetic force acting on current carrying members. To avoid contact arcing (1) the contact supplies mechanical support to the cable at the termination, to prevent magnetic forces from moving the conductor in any direction which would loosen the contact; (2) the connector is installed with sufficient force to meet the a given resistance criterion, and the force is maintained during the expected life of the cable and termination; (3) a smooth, well-defined surface is provided at the surface of the connector where it interfaces with the mating system contact.