Abstract: The Fuze Safety Logic is disclosed that guards against erroneous responses created by accidents or by accidental releases of submunitions of payloads being carried by explosive ordnances. The fuze safety logic provides provisions for conservation of battery internal power, while at the same time ensures the maintenance of proper safety features of the explosive ordnances.

Abstract: An integrated detonation element or firing element including a base member, e.g., a silicon member, and a reaction region associated therewith, is provided. The reaction region includes porous silicon and an oxidizing agent for silicon. An arrangement is provided with which a chemical reaction is initiated between the oxidizing agent and the porous silicon. The detonation or firing element is suitable principally for use in a microreactor; in a microbooster, e.g., for course correction of satellites; as a firing element in a gas generator for a belt tensioner or an airbag, e.g., in motor vehicles; or as a primer for the ignition of explosive charges.

Abstract: A method for firing electronic detonators in an electronic detonator system, said detonators being connected to a control unit via a bus. A firing command or a test firing command is sent from the control unit to the detonators, which start countdown of a delay time stored in each detonator at a synchronising point which is delayed relative to said command. On completion of the countdown, the detonators are caused, in the case of a firing command, to detonate, and in the case of a test firing command, to give a response at the point where they should have detonated if a firing command had been involved. The delayed synchronisation allows checking and control of the detonators after said command has been received. The invention also comprises an analogous method in a system with a plurality of slave control units, to which a plurality of detonators are connected, and a main control unit, the system being controlled at the command of the main control unit.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.

Abstract: Actuator apparatus comprising an actuator including an at least partially hollow housing, a cap element removably mountable on the actuator, and a coil of electrical wire disposed inside the housing, a first portion of the coil being arranged for electrical connection with an electrical connector separate from the actuator and a second portion of the coil being arranged for electrical connection with the cap element, the coil being unwindable outwards from the housing.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiation delay device intended in particular to cooperate with a device for firing a pyrotechnic charge of the fuze type, particularly for a hand grenade, having a delay composition located inside a delay column, the latter having a lower end and an upper end, a percussion primer being able to cooperate with the upper part of the delay column, and a striker piston held firmly under the lower end of the delay column and able to move axially in the direction of the element to be struck under the action of an explosive charge cooperating with the lower end of the delay column. The delay column communicates with the explosive charge through a cavity containing plugging means allowing or preventing movement of the striker piston under the effect of the explosive charge.

Abstract: An electronic detonator system which comprises a control unit, a plurality of electronic detonators and a bus which connects said detonators to the control unit. Each electronic detonator comprises a number of flags which may assume either of two possible values, each flag indicating a substate of the respective detonators. The flags are readable from the control unit by means of digital data packets and the control unit is adapted, by means of these flags, to check the state of the electronic detonator and control the operation of the electronic detonator. When reading said flags, the electronic detonators give responses in the form of analog response pulses on the bus. The detonator system also comprises a portable message receiver which on the basis of said flags obtains messages regarding the connecting status of a detonator.

Abstract: A smart igniter bus system has a repeater connected by a bus to a controller, and one or more smart igniters connected by the bus to the repeater so that the repeater is between the smart igniters and the controller. The repeater receives data transmitted on the bus by the controller and processes the signal sent by the controller with onboard logic. Utilizing the onboard logic, the repeaters are preprogrammed to rebroadcast control signals sent by the controller or to only rebroadcast selected signals, or to generate and transmit new command signals.

Abstract: An electrical igniter cap has a reproducible igniter characteristic by virtue of the fact that, at the firing side, an igniter unit 20 is covered by a sheeting of plastic material 21 which is rupture-resistant but tears quickly, and also at the firing side it bears against a sieve plate 28 with defined hole cross-sections.

Abstract: A frequency addressable ignitor control device utilizes electronic bandpass filters tuned to a unique center frequency and bandwidth for each ignitor. Energy generated by the system's controller comprises one or more narrow pulses whose center frequency corresponds to one or more bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies and sufficient energy for activation. A plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies are connected in parallel in the system. The controller generates electrical pulses of different frequencies transferred to the plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies via a two wire ignitor bus. Bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies whose filter allows sufficient energy to pass to an ignitor bridge element initiates the ignitor's explosive charge.

Abstract: An apparatus for the activation of a remote device having a transmitter to generate and transmit user-set special coded signals. The transmitter has a function selector switch to select modes of operation for the transmitter. Included is also a receiver to receive the user-set special coded signals, and the receiver also has a function selector switch to select modes of operation for the receiver. The function selector switch selects the following modes of operation for the transmitter: (a) a “transmit/fire” mode that enables a fire signal to be transmitted to the receiver; (b) a “wake-up” mode that enables a set-up receiver mode for immediate firing; (c) a program mode for low power transmission of programmed codes; and (d) a “test” and operational mode that enables an operational test of the apparatus with no firing output.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic detonator delay assembly, having an associated detonator, that can be pre-programmed on site with a time delay and installed in a borehole to carryout a blast operation. The assembly is first coupled to a programming unit to program the desired time delay, and then to a blasting unit, by means of a magnetic coupling device in the electronic delay assembly and to a single pass of a conductive wire through the magnetic coupling device. The programmed time delay in the electronic delay assembly can be double checked through a wireless communication link between the electronic delay assembly and the programming unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detonating explosive charges wherein at least one explosive charge is in contact with the outside surface of a wall with a detonation device in communication with each explosive device. The detonation device includes a programmable logic interface to arm and fire the detonation device in response to receipt of a coded signal from a control station in wireless and cableless communication with the programmable logic interface.

Abstract: The controlled electromagnetic induction detonation system for initiation of a detonatable material system [(10)] includes an automated radio charge (ARCH) module connectable to an electric detonator [(24)], a transducer module [(14)] for providing operational power by electromagnetic induction to the ARCH module [(18)], and a remote controller [(12)] for sending instructions to the transducer module [(14)] from a location remote from the detonator [(24)]. Upon completion of an arming sequence, the transducer module [(14)] generates an electromagnetic field which is picked up by a coil in the ARCH module [(18)] and used to power the ARCH module [(18)] and provide a detonation current for the detonator [(24)].

Abstract: An ignition device for triggering a restraining device of a motor vehicle has an ignition device member having a forward end and a rearward end and having an insulated exterior with an exterior surface. An ignitor is arranged at the forward end of the ignition device member. An energy transfer device extends from the rearward end of the ignition device member to the ignitor and is configured to trigger the ignitor when the rearward end is exposed to heat. The energy transfer device is arranged within an interior of the ignition device member and is located in the area of the rearward end in close proximity to the exterior surface of the ignition device member.

Abstract: The controlled electromagnetic induction detonation system for initiation of a detonatable material system includes an automated radio charge (ARCH) module connectable to an electric detonator, a transducer module for providing operational power by electromagnetic induction to the ARCH module, and a remote controller for sending instructions to the transducer module from a location remote from the detonator. Upon completion of an arming sequence, the transducer module generates an electromagnetic field which is picked up by a coil in the ARCH module and used to power the ARCH module and provide a detonation current for the detonator. The transducer module or at least a coil thereof which produces the electromagnetic field is supported on or in a stemming bar which in turn acts as a core of an electromagnet confining the magnetic flux for pick up by the ARCH module.

Abstract: An improved modular igniter package designed for bus communication with a central control module has an internal bridge element that is electrically accessible for factory testing of the bridge element. Temporary electrical interconnects internal to the igniter package electrically couple the bridge element to a pair of external bus communication terminals, enabling direct access to the bridge element by factory test equipment for accurate measurement of electrical parameters such as electrical resistance and thermal capacitance. Following measurement of the electrical parameters, the temporary interconnects are electrically destroyed, isolating the bus communication terminals from the bridge element. The temporary interconnects are preferably in the form of a pair of metal fuse elements, which are electrically destroyed by electrical currents passing through the fuse elements and respective diodes coupling the bridge element to a ground terminal of the igniter package.

Abstract: An initiator assembly for use with a propellant-actuated device located in a vehicle is provided. In one embodiment, the initiator assembly includes circuitry and an integral, one-piece insert member that are injection molded with insulating material to an initiator. The insert member suitably engages an initiator adapter for holding the initiator assembly in place relative to the inflator housing both before and after the initiator assembly is ignited. The circuitry is capable of receiving and processing a signal to determine whether to send an ignition signal to ignite the propellant within the inflator.

Abstract: A disarm mechanism to maintain a safe work area for individuals that may be working in such area which allows for the remote disarming of an article of explosive equipment by remotely shifting a switch of an explosive circuit to an off or non-operative position. Said switch is connected in series with a detonator and along with an explosive charge housed within an extinguishant container from which extinguishant would normally be dispelled when the explosive circuit is activated. After switching, a lock-out device is secured to the disarm mechanism such that the switch cannot be shifted to the on or operative position without removal of such lockout. Visual indicia is provided to alert the operator as to the position of the control switch.

Abstract: In a radio remote blasting system, a radio receiver triggers a blocking oscillator which generates a high voltage output. A rectifier rectifies the high voltage output and charges a capacitor, which is coupled to a plasma arc generator to apply the capacitor voltage to the plasma arc generator and generate a high voltage arc in the arc generator. The end of a shock tube is received in a port in the arc generator and the arc produced in the arc generator will ignite explosive material in the shock tube. The resulting explosion will travel from the point of ignition to an explosive device which will then be detonated.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that remotely activates one or more explosive charge by sympathetic detonation (i.e., not requiring explosives to be interconnected by wire). The system includes electronics that control the activation of each explosive charge and which are responsive to an acoustic sensor, a seismic sensor and a hydrophone sensor. In one embodiment an RF transmitter, which prior to detonation of an explosive charge, sends a wake-up signal to another system for a sequentially controlled sympathetic detonation of one or more explosive charges.

Abstract: A shaped bridge slapper having a pair of spaced conductive lands on a substrate; a bridge member between the spaced conductive lands, the bridge member having a curved shape and a cavity herein, and a flyer layer extending over the bridge member.

Abstract: A disarmable firing module with a firing module housing having an opening therein; a detonator holder received in the firing module housing via the opening in the firing module housing, the detonator holder including a cavity therein; a detonator disposed in the cavity of the detonator holder; and a detonator electronics assembly housed within the firing module housing. The detonator holder is removably secured within the housing which allows the detonator to be separated from the detonator electronics assembly to disarm the firing module.

Abstract: The invention provides a select trigger or detonation system featuring an optical source, an optical fiber, one or more optical couplers and one or more light trigger or detonation devices. The an optical source provides an optical signal containing information about triggering or detonating a respective device. The optical fiber has one or more fiber Bragg Gratings for providing one or more fiber Bragg Grating optical trigger or detonation signals, each having a respective optical trigger or detonation wavelength. The one or more optical couplers each respond to the one or more fiber Bragg Grating optical trigger or detonation signals depending on the respective optical trigger or detonation wavelength, for providing a respective coupled fiber Bragg Grating optical trigger or detonation signal.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling an electro-explosive device. The circuit includes a heating element, an input circuit and a load control circuit. The load control circuit is responsive to an electrical input provided by the input circuit for energizing the heating element. The heating element selectively causes ignition of the electro-explosive device when its level of energization reaches a firing level. The load control circuit substantially limits current in the heating element when the electrical input is less than a predetermined threshold for maintaining energization of the heating element at a level less than the firing level to prevent the ignition of the electro-explosive device. In contrast, the load control circuit applies substantially all of the electrical input to the heating element when the electrical input signal is greater than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The electro-pyrotechnic initiation system preferably comprises an electro-pyrotechnic initiator (1) consisting especially of an insulating support (14) over which a flat resistive heating element (3) and two separate conductive metal areas (15, 16) are extended, the said resistive heating element and the said conductive metal areas being electrically connected to a current source (2) by means of two electrodes (9, 10). A conductive filter device (5), connected in parallel with the said resistive heating element (3), is divided into a varistor (6) and into a capacitor (7) which are connected to the electrodes (9, 10). This conductive filter device (5) has an equivalent resistance which varies depending on the measured electric potential difference between the two electrodes (9, 10) and ensures that the initiator (1) is not operated when the latter is subjected to a high-voltage electrostatic discharge.

Abstract: A process for the in-flight programming of a trigger time for an element of a projectile by a fire control system of a weapon, wherein the muzzle velocity (Vo) of the projectile is measured and the distancing velocity of the projectile at at least one other point during its trajectory after exiting the weapon barrel it measured. Based on these measured values an optimal trigger time is determined for the element so as to minimize the difference between the actual ground impact point and the desired ground impact point for the projectile or for a payload released during the payload's trajectory, and a programming or corrective programming is transmitted to the projectile which takes this optimal trigger time into account.

Abstract: The inventive environment sensor apparatus includes an electrostatic sensor carried by the projectile. The electrostatic sensor has first and second electrical conducting areas separated by a dielectric material to form two plates of a capacitor. The first electrical conducting area is conductively connected to a current-to-voltage converter and the second electrical conducting area is conductively connected to the outside projectile body surface. A time changing electric field surrounding the projectile causes a time changing current to flow within the electrostatic sensor, which is converted to a time changing voltage by the current-to-voltage converter. A threshold detector device is conductively connected to an output of the current-to-voltage converter and provides a voltage signal to the safe and arm mechanism when the time changing voltage signal from the current-to-voltage converter exceeds a predetermined level, to indicate that a change has occurred in the sensed muzzle exit environment.

Abstract: A control method for detonators (1) fitted with an electronic ignition module (15). Each module (15) is associated with specific parameters including at least one identification parameter and one explosion delay time, and includes a firing capacitor and a rudimentary internal clock. The modules (15) are capable of establishing a dialogue with a firing control unit (17) fitted with a reference time basis. The identification parameters are stored in the modules using a programming unit (18); the specific parameters are stored in the firing control unit (17); for each successive module, its internal clock is calibrated using the firing control unit and the associated delay time is sent to the module; the modules are ordered to load the firing capacitors; and a firing order is sent to the modules using the firing control unit, triggering off eventual resetting of the internal clocks as well as a firing sequence.

Abstract: An initiator (10) comprises first and second coaxial terminals (70, 80) engageable by an electrical connector (40) to connect the terminals electrically with vehicle circuitry. Electrical insulation (100) electrically insulates between the first and second terminals (70, 80). The initiator (10) also comprises a spring (150) made of an electrically conductive material. The spring (150) has a first portion (156) electrically connected with the first terminal (70). The spring (150) has a first condition, when the first and second terminals (70, 80) are not connected with the electrical connector (40), in which a second portion (160) of the spring is in electrical contact with the second terminal, thereby shorting the initiator (10). The spring (150) has a third portion (162) which is engageable by the electrical connector (40) upon connection of the electrical connector with the first and second terminals (70, 80).

Abstract: The initiator (1) has a one-piece overmoulding (2) covering three pins (3, 4, 5) which constitute the three electrical connections of the said initiator (1). Two igniter heads (16, 17), each containing a heating resistive element, are fixed into the overmoulding (2) in such a way that, on the one hand, one of the three pins is common to the two heating resistive elements and, on the other hand, each of the other two pins (4 and 5) is connected to just one of the two heating resistive elements.This electro-pyrotechnic initiator makes it possible to measure, in a mode of pyrotechnic non-activation, the resistance of each of the two heating resistive elements by successively passing electric test currents generated by an electronic control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for the initiation of a propellant comprises a combustion chamber such as barrel 6, a charge of propellant 5 in the chamber and means for igniting the propellant of the charge by microwave heating comprising a source of microwave radiation 11, a microwave transparent window 9 in a wall of the said chamber and, means for applying microwaves from the said source into the said chamber via the said window. The apparatus may be used in a gun as shown or in a rocket motor.

Abstract: A method for controlling the output power of the magnetron generator, where the method and apparatus defines an ignition power level that ensures that the magnetron generator provides a minimal level of power that will ignite the plasma and not result in a detrimental impedance mismatch between the magnetron and an applicator of a remote plasma source. When the user of the wafer processing system requests a power level (i.e., a requested power level) that is below this ignition level, the ignition level is used to ignite the plasma and the output power of the magnetron is gradually decreased to the requested power level. The decrease is performed within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: An electronic explosives initiating device which includes a firing element which has a designed no-fire voltage and an operating circuit which operates at any voltage in a range of voltages which straddles the designed no-fire voltage.

Abstract: A blasting system using the global positioning system (GPS) for timing the detonations for a shaped blast. The blasting system includes a master station including a master GPS receiver for determining a GPS-based time and a master transceiver in communication with several charge control stations. Each charge control station includes a charge control transceiver for communicating with the master transceiver, a charge control GPS receiver for tracking the GPS-based time, and a detonator for detonating an explosive charge. In operation, the master transceiver uses the GPS-based time determined at the master station for computing detonation times and transmits these times to the charge control stations. The charge control stations then detonate the respective explosive charges when the GPS-based times determined at the charge control stations match the detonation times.

Abstract: A land mine arming/disarming system is provided in which a satellite or other airborne vehicle may remotely arm and/or disarm land mines via signals transmitted through atmospheric free space. In such a manner, land mines are less of a health hazard when conflict situations are not present.

Abstract: A miniaturized bulkhead with a barrier member having a thickness in the range of less than 0.05 inches thick for separating explosive charges on opposites sides. The miniaturized bulkhead is manufactured from an age hardened nickel-base alloy. First and second cavities are separated by the barrier member integral with the initiator body. The first cavity is filled with an explosive donor charge, and the second cavity is filled with an explosive acceptor charge. The composition of the age hardened nickelbase alloy includes nickel in the range of 50-55 percent by weight.

Abstract: As voltage and frequency dependent multiple payload dispenser system in which a variable voltage or frequency signal source is used to selectively fire squibs based on the pass voltages and pass frequencies of a filter network. The filter network is placed near, or incorporated into, the payload dispenser itself or attached to the magazine, reducing system wiring.

Abstract: A digital remote pyrotactic firing unit for the controlled selection and ignition of a pyrotactic device. An operator manually selects a specific output channel, which generates a Binary Code Decimal signal. The binary code decimal signal is received by a remote ignition circuit unit that is connected to the pyrotactic device and generates an ignition signal from being energized by an enabling firing circuit.

Abstract: An ignition tube for use with electrothermal chemical combustion ignition projectiles in guns, comprising a tube positionable in a combustion chamber for receiving plasma ignition from a plasma chamber. The tube is formed from high density polyethylene or other materials adapted to release plasma upon contact by plasma ignition electrical energy or pulses. The tube is specifically designed to provide an increasing exit area from the proximal end of the tube toward the distal so as to act upon the longitudinally attenuated plasma, thereby substantially decreasing the amplitude of any reflected shock in the plasma stream. The exit area comprises a plurality of radially extending orifices or holes that have a decreased angle of inclination to the longitudinal axis from proximal end to distal end, such that the orifices form a spiral pattern on the circumference of the tube. This pattern provides a uniform action of plasma on the propellant over the entire length of the ignition tube.

Abstract: A fluid actuated detonating device is shown being used to activate explosive devices in a borehole. The detonating device has an explosive detonation charge arranged in a housing wherein a rupture disc in the wall of the housing separates the explosive charge from a fluid environment so that when pressure in the fluid environment is raised to a sufficient level the rupture disc fails and communicates a sudden pressure wave to the explosive to detonate the explosive.

Abstract: A remote control adaptor for the XM-122 detonator system which utilizes a ir of color coded LED's to indicate the open or closed status of the output terminal of a bistable relay.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an environmentally insensitive electric detonator system for demolition, including: an object to be demolished; a main explosive charge in proximity to the object to be demolished; electrically activated detonator apparatus including a relatively insensitive initiating charge in proximity to the main explosive charge; and circuitry having input apparatus to receive an input firing pulse and having output apparatus to provide, through arbitrarily long wires, a high voltage in response thereto across the electrically activated detonator apparatus to cause ignition of the main explosive charge.

Abstract: In a system for connecting blasting caps to the initiation source, a redundant design structure provides a more reliable method of explosive initiation. This is accomplished by using a complete system from blasting control through the initiation line and connecting blocks to the blasting caps. The connecting structure between the initiation device and the blasting caps comprises explosive tubing so that both the explosive charge and the electric wires in the tube casing will initiate explosion of the blasting caps and destroy the initiation tube and wires.The connecting blocks contain additional features, such as; explosive delay times, lightning and radio frequency energy attenuation circuits.

Abstract: An explosive panel, in which detonation is limited to a predetermined area bout any point in the panel at which detonation is initiated, consisting of an array of identical interconnected explosive tile assemblies, each including an explosive tile, a peripheral explosive path, and a plurality of connecting links crossing the peripheral path at a destructive crossover. The outer end of each link is connected to the outer end of an adjacent tile assembly link, and the inner end of the link is connected to the tile through a delay trail. Each link is connected to the peripheral paths by explosive diodes which propagate an incoming detonation to the peripheral path on both sides of the link. When any tile assembly is detonated internally, it will propagate the detonation to all adjacent tile assemblies through its connecting links.

Abstract: An explosive logic network, including a first explosive path which is crod by second explosive paths such at a detonation propagating along the second path in either direction would cut and open a first end of the first path, and will be propagated at an opposite second end of the first path. The two paths are connected by explosive logic elements such that a detonation propagating from the first end to the second end of the first path will also be propagated in both directions along the second path, and a detonation propagating from the second end to the first end of the first path will cut and open both ends of the second path.

Abstract: A device for simulating weapons firing by igniting various signature cartridges both singularly and in multiple burst sequences. A electronic timing source which provides the necessary control and impulses to perform said ignition. A unique cartridge design which provides safe and reliable performance.

Abstract: The invention provides a blasting accessory (5a, 5b, 5c) and related method which can be used to test whether a shock/signal tube (75a, 75b, 75c) has been fired and/or to distinguish one type of tube (75c) from another. This addresses a problem in the Prior Art, namely that it is difficult for a field operator to distinguish between live and fired tubing or different types of tubing. The accessory (5a, 5b, 5c) comprises an IR source (30a, 30b, 30c) spaced from and facing a Si photodetector (35a, 35b, 35c). An output of the detector (35a, 35b, 35c) is connected via discrimination circuitry. (40a, 40b, 40c) to either status indication means (40a, 40b) or proportional indication means (45c). In use, a shock/signal tube (75a, 75b, 75c) is located between the source (30 a, 30b, 30c) and detector (35a, 35b, 35c).

Abstract: A wireless detonator is disclosed that includes an antenna for receiving microwaves, a detonator provided with a heating element, and a transmission circuit. The heating element in the detonator is heated by the energy of the microwaves. The transmission circuit transmits the microwave energy from the antenna directly to the heating element. The antenna has a relative gain of 0 to 20 dB in the frequency band of the microwaves. The absolute value of the reactance component in the radiation impedance of the antenna is at most 50% of the pure resistance component of that impedance. The absolute value of the reactance component in the impedance of the heating element is at most 50% of the pure resistance component of that impedance. The pure resistance components of the radiation impedance of the antenna and of the impedance of the heating element are in a range of 70 to 130% of the characteristic impedance of the transmission circuit.

Abstract: An actuator for use in conjunction with a detonator for blasting comprises electronic circuitry which on receiving input signals generates an output arm signal to arm a detonator, and then after a predetermined delay an output actuate signal to fire the detonator and an associated explosive charge. The delay is capable of being remotely and precisely set. The actuator is preferably used in conjunction with a control device which has a microcomputer whose memory contains arm and actuate codes and which has both arm and actuate keys. This microcomputer is such that the actuate key must be operated within a predetermined period after operation of the arm key, otherwise an actuate signal is not transmitted to the actuator.