Abstract: A method of initiating explosive charges ignites an explosive charge by the heat and/or explosion of a laser due to self-destruction or overheating of the laser source, and not by the radiation emitted from the laser. The laser source is assembled and/or embedded within the explosive charge. The laser source melts down or explodes and thereby initiates the explosive. With the disclosed method, it is possible to use even very small laser sources of the mini or micro type for triggering explosive charges rather than conventional approaches using powerful laser sources for the same purpose.

Abstract: A solid explosive munition casing for an explosive charge, the inner surface of the casing including a material that is highly reflective in the optical and infrared spectrum. Through this reflectivity, electromagnetic radiation generated by the detonation process is redirected back into the interior of the munition to increase its explosive output.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical detonator comprising a secondary explosive disposed in a cavity, an optical fiber having one end connected to a source of laser radiation, and a focusing optical interface situated between the other end of the optical fiber and the secondary explosive and adapted to transmit the laser radiation to the secondary explosive. According to the invention, a layer of an ignition powder is disposed in the cavity between the secondary explosive and the focusing optical interface.

Abstract: A device for firing energetic materials (14) such as pyrotechnics or explosives, including a firing composition (12) for the energetic materials (14) and an UV-radiation source (16) for irradiating the firing composition (12), wherein the UV-radiation source (6) possesses a piezo-luminescence element (18) in order to provide a current-less and electromagnetically interference-secure firing device.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic compositions such as used in initiator devices and corresponding initiator devices having a low firing energy are provided. The pyrotechnic composition includes a mixture containing a fuel component which includes a quantity of at least one Iron Blue Pigment and an oxidizer component which includes at least one oxidizer effective, upon reaction initiation with at least a portion of the quantity of the at least one Iron Blue Pigment, to produce gaseous reaction products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method, based on laser technology, of initiating explosive charges (6, 10, 17, 30), and a device which is intended for initiating explosives and in accordance with said method functions according to entirely new principles. The basic idea underlying the invention is to ignite the explosive charge concerned not as previously proposed by means of the radiation emitted from a laser but by way of self-destruction or overheating of a laser source (2, 11, 18, 25, 33) assembled together with the explosive charge (6, 10, 17, 30). In this regard, the aim is to cause the laser source to melt down or explode and, in connection with this, to initiate the explosive. With the present invention, it has suddenly become possible to use even very small laser sources of the mini or micro type for triggering explosive charges where it was previously necessary to use very powerful laser sources for the same purpose.

Abstract: An improved pressure vessel comprises a tubular casing having an internal cavity and a first and second opening at each end. The internal cavity is divided into a first and second cylindrical plug region extending inward from the first and second opening and a hollow interior region. An optical component in the hollow interior has at least a plurality of optical fiber pigtails extending therefrom. A first and second cylindrical plug is force fit into the plug regions. At least one plug has a through-hole for receiving optical fiber pigtails. At least one plug has a ceramic adhesive plug formed by inserting adhesive into the through-hole and preferably filing the void space therein. The adhesive encapsulates the optical fibers passing through the through-hole. The plug has a channel machined into its outer circumference to receive an O-ring. A cap covers over and beyond the outer surface of the plug.

Abstract: A method and device for forming artificial openings in a biological membrane with a pyrotechnic charge that is exploded in a controlled manner in proximity of the biological membrane to form the artificial opening(s) therein. The method and device are useful in connection with transdermal delivery and monitoring applications.

Abstract: An ordnance control and initiation system is provided. The system includes a plurality of ordnance devices which may be segregated into a plurality of sets. Each set of the ordnance devices has at least one ordnance device and further includes an ordnance device interface, which preferably includes an optical-to-electrical converter. A controller issues state commands to a master ignition control module operatively coupled to the controller, which retransmits the state commands to a plurality of slave ignition control modules. Each of the slave ignition control modules associated with one of the sets of the ordnance devices and preferably is optically coupled to each of the ordnance devices within that set. The slave ignition control modules re-transmit the state commands optically to the ordnance devices of the associated the ordnance device set of that slave ignition control module.

Abstract: A device for firing energetic materials (14) such as pyrotechnics or explosives, including a firing composition (12) for the energetic materials (14) and an UV-radiation source (16) for irradiating the firing composition (12), wherein the UV-radiation source (16) possesses a piezo-luminescence element (18) in order to provide a current-less and electromagnetically interference-secure firing device.

Abstract: An optical igniter includes a pyrotechnic substance and an optical fiber, one end of which is connected to a source of laser radiation and the other end of which is inserted in a connector. A removable mechanical connection is provided between the optical fiber connector and the pyrotechnic substance. A glass rod between the optical fiber connector and the pyrotechnic substance has its axis aligned with the axis of the optical fiber and is made of graded index glass in one part or two coaxial parts. It is in contact with the pyrotechnic substance and with the end of the optical fiber. Laser radiation from the end of the optical fiber passes through the glass rod and is focused onto the face of the glass rod in contact with the pyrotechnic substance.

Abstract: Methods and systems for laser diode ignition of field cannons and weaponry. A series of one or more laser diodes or laser diode array, bars or stripes that are configured to optically pump a collimator which may be formed of materials to provide a lasing medium. The energy output of these devices can be combined when configured as an array or a series of redundant laser diodes assemblies to provide safe and reliable ignition systems. The collimator may direct the output from these laser diode assemblies as multiple collimated ignition beams. The laser diode assemblies may optically end pump and/or side pump the collimator or collimating rod to deliver a more directed energy output to artillery propellant. Additionally, the duration of the pulses may be controlled and extended as necessary to help ensure proper ignition of the propellant.

Abstract: In ignition elements where the energy required to ignite the charge is produced using a laser source, the laser light is injected by means of an optical fiber or a laser optics system enabling the laser light to be focused onto the charge at the required intensity for ignition. Transmission losses and injection losses occur while the laser light is transmitted by means of optical devices or optical fibers. Known ignition devices are also complicated in terms of construction. According to the invention, the laser light source is a laser diode (3) and the explosive (4) that is to be ignited is arranged directly on the part (12) of the housing (8) of the laser diode (3) that allows the laser light (13) to pass through it.

Abstract: A safety system for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of safety devices each adapted to be activated in the event that an accident should occur. Each safety device includes at least one element selected from the group comprising an electric activator for activating the safety device and a sensor to sense a parameter related to the safety device. The system includes a first conductive arrangement comprising at least one first conductor and a first group of a plurality of switches, with each switch of the first group being connected to one of the first conductors. The system includes a second conductive arrangement comprising at least one second conductor, and a second group of a plurality of switches, with each switch of the second group being connected to one of the second conductors. The elements are connected in a circuit so that each element is connected between one switch of the first group of switches and one switch of the second group of switches.

Abstract: An explosive detonator capable of initiating fuze explosive trains remotely by radiant energy from a flash of light impinging upon the surface of explosive.

Abstract: A configuration for triggering a restraining device has firing elements that are optically fired by an associated triggering device. In addition, an optical check signal can be transmitted to the firing element by the triggering device. An evaluation circuit evaluates light signals that have been transmitted to the triggering device. As a function of an evaluated, received light signal, a disable signal, by which emission of a firing signal is prevented, is generated by the evaluation circuit.

Abstract: A device for triggering an airbag device that is accommodated in a steering wheel is described. The device has a firing cap for an airbag device that is accommodated in a steering wheel and is fired by a light pulse that is supplied via an optical waveguide. A coupling device, which decouples the optical waveguide from the rotation of the steering wheel but ensures that the light pulse is transmitted into the firing cap from the optical waveguide and also ensures that the airbag is inflated by a gas generator, is provided between the optical waveguide and the airbag.

Abstract: A laser activated grenade is provided which includes a controllable laser source activated at specific times to generate radiation pulses. An energetic material within the grenade is ignited upon delivery of the generated radiation pulses. A propellant charge material triggers a propellant explosive train when the energetic material ignites. The grenade further includes load materials which are selectively activated once the propellant explosive train has been launched. The laser source may be located remotely from the grenade in order that the generated radiation pulses travel to the grenade through a fiber optic cable. Alternatively, the laser source may be embedded in the grenade and activated by a microwave/RF coded signal received from a remote signal transmitter.

Abstract: A method for exploding a high explosive material confined in a casing which includes the steps of generating a laser beam; directing the laser beam toward a location on a surface of the casing; and irradiating the surface location with the laser beam a sufficient length of time to explode the high explosive material.

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.

Abstract: A firearm using a laser in place of a firing pin mechanism. Special cartridges have a lasing chip, which lases to ignite the propellant when a beam from the laser impinges on the lasing chip through a port in the breechblock. An electronic control system prevents the unauthorized use of the firearm by preventing connection of the laser power supply to the laser unless the user of the firearm is in close proximity and is authorized by an ID card.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for avoiding uneven ignition when initiating artillery propellant powder charges (1) which comprise a plurality of partial charges of the so-called modular type and which are initiated by means of laser initiation systems or conventional ignition cartridges. The invention also includes artillery propellant powder charge modules designed in accordance with this method. The invention is also based on the fact that each such charge module or modular charge has on the one hand been provided with an initiating charge (18, 19) at each end of the central ignition channel (11), where this initiating charge can consist for example of black powder, and, on the other hand, the middle part of the same ignition channel has been provided with a specially designed firing unit (14) consisting of a number of ring elements between which narrow ignition gaps (17) are maintained.

Abstract: A first stage of a shock-detonation transition type two-stage optical detonator contains a pyrotechnic substance and an optical fiber, one end of which is connected to a source of laser radiation. The first stage pyrotechnic substance is separated from a pyrotechnic substance of the second stage by a metal plate, one face of which is in contact with the first stage pyrotechnic substance and whose other face is adjacent a cavity which separates it from the second stage pyrotechnic substance and whose edge portion bears against the end of a confinement member confining the second stage pyrotechnic substance.

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.

Abstract: A thin-film optical initiator having an inert, transparent substrate, a reactive thin film, which can be either an explosive or a pyrotechnic, and a reflective thin film. The resultant thin-film optical initiator system also comprises a fiber-optic cable connected to a low-energy laser source, an output charge, and an initiator housing. The reactive thin film, which may contain very thin embedded layers or be a co-deposit of a light-absorbing material such as carbon, absorbs the incident laser light, is volumetrically heated, and explodes against the output charge, imparting about 5 to 20 times more energy than in the incident laser pulse.

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 window assembly for transmitting light into and from a vessel containing a high pressure, high temperature, highly reactive environment includes a truncated conical window which is substantially transparent to radiation, a truncated conical metal seal which circumferentially engages the window, and a case to which the window and the seal are secured. To facilitate automatic cleaning of the window, the surface of the window which is exposed to the high-pressure environment is seated substantially flush with the high-pressure surface of the case. By initially seating the window assembly by means of mechanical pressing, then subjecting the window assembly to a series of successively higher transient combustion pressures, a window assembly can be fabricated which can withstand prolonged service in a harsh environment such as that encountered in a large caliber artillery cannon or equivalent scientific and industrial applications.

Abstract: An installation formed of several independent groups is proposed to demolish structures such as buildings, bridges, materials, etc., in particular eliminating any risk of accidental firing. Each group comprises a control unit (10) with several outputs (18) including at least one laser source (16), pyrotechnic initiators (12) with optical control, and optical fibers (14) connecting the outputs (18) of the control unit (10) to the initiators (12). Laser sources (16) may be either laser diodes, or sources with a pumped solid rod operating in relaxed mode.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) and an inflator (14, 114). The inflator (14, 114) has a source of inflation fluid (48, 148) in a chamber (46) of the inflator (14, 114) for inflating the protection device (12). The inflator (14, 114) includes a passage (68) through which inflation fluid flows from the chamber (46) into the protection device (12). The inflator (14, 114) also has a burst disk (44) which blocks the passage (68). An actuatable source (90) of laser light, when actuated, emits laser light which impinges on the burst disk (44) to cause the burst disk to rupture and release the inflation fluid from the chamber (46).

Abstract: A hermetically sealed laser actuator/detonator includes a housing with an orifice for receiving a laser beam and a chamber having a first lens, a compression sealing material at least partially about the first lens, and an energetic material optically coupled to the first lens.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved apparatus for performing safe and reliable built-in testing (BIT) of a laser initiated ordnance device. The system transmits light energy from a laser through optical fibers to achieve initiation of pyrotechnic or explosive charges and other ordnance. In the preferred embodiment, a separate BIT return fiber is included in the system in addition to the energy transmission fiber. The invention also incorporates a "telescope" comprising a pair of gradient-index (GRIN) rod lenses in series to first collimate and then reconcentrate light emitted by the energy transmitting fiber, while reflecting part of the light to an image at the face of the BIT fiber. Alternatively, an arrangement using a pair of aspheric silica lenses can be substituted for the GRIN lenses. The fraction of the light reflected to the BIT fiber can be controlled by specifying the reflectance at one of the lens end surfaces.

Abstract: Two or more laser light pulses with certain differing temporal lengths and peak pulse powers can be employed sequentially to regulate the rate and duration of laser energy delivery to fuel mixtures, thereby improving fuel ignition performance over a wide range of fuel parameters such as fuel/oxidizer ratios, fuel droplet size, number density and velocity within a fuel aerosol, and initial fuel temperatures.

Abstract: An air bag inflator (22) includes a source (40) of inflation fluid for inflating the air bag (20), and includes an initiator (30) which, when actuated, initiates a flow of the inflation fluid from the source (40) to the air bag (20) to inflate the air bag (20). The initiator (30) includes pyrotechnic material (100) and a laser diode (106). The laser diode (106) emits laser light which ignites the pyrotechnic material (100) when the initiator (30) is actuated.

Abstract: In the fabrication of igniters, actuators, detonators, and other pyrotechnic devices to be activated by a laser beam, an integral optical glass window is formed by placing a preform in the structural member of the device and then melting the glass and sealing it in place by heating at a temperature between the ceramming temperature of the glass and the melting point of the metal, followed by rapid furnace cooling to avoid devitrification. No other sealing material is needed to achieve hermeticity. A preferred embodiment of this type of device is fabricated by allowing the molten glass to flow further and form a plano-convex lens integral with and at the bottom of the window. The lens functions to decrease the beam divergence caused by refraction of the laser light passing through the window when the device is fired by means of a laser beam.

Abstract: An intelligent projectile that can be detonated at a predetermined range via a wide angle infrared laser. The projectile is fitted with a detector that is sensitive to the frequency of a wide angle laser beam that is attached to the weapon. Using the range obtained by the range finder, the wide angle laser beam is fired when the projectile is in proper position relative to the target. To prevent the projectile from exploding prior to its being fired, a series of batteries is held in a track via compressions springs. The springs must be compressed via centrifugal force due to the projectile spinning as a resulting of rifling in the weapon. Once, sufficient centrifugal force is reached, the batteries will slide into a "contact" position so that the projectile can be detonated. The apparatus fits within standard 40 mm shell casings and can be fired by conventional grenade launching weapons.

Abstract: A safety system and technique for multi-aperture optical systems such as TOW missile system that protects against the inadvertent activation of system function and warning the user that the system function is not ready for activation. The electrical trigger for the TOW missile system sends a signal to the firing circuits to launch a TOW missile. A micro-switch is mounted on the barrel of the near infrared (IR) tracker optical system fore optics, activated by the presence of a lens cap. A light group including a green and red light is included in the visible optical system of the TOW missile system. If the lens cap is off, then a green light is visible and firing circuits may be activated by a trigger. If the lens cap was inadvertently left on near IR tracking fore optics then a red light is visible and no voltage flows to the firing circuit when the trigger is depressed.

Abstract: A wire-less dart adapted to be projected by a gun and capable of applying an electrical pulse of sufficient energy to stun a target. The dart includes a photovoltaic cell responsive to a coherent electromagnetic energy source, such as a laser, for converting the beam energy to an electrical pulse. The dart also includes a pair of barbs extending from its distal end which penetrate the target's skin to a non-injurious depth. These barbs serve as electrodes and deliver the electrical pulse to the target. The projector, such as a gun, includes a pulsed laser light source which is aimed at the same location as the projector. Accordingly, the laser source focuses the pulsed laser energy source upon the dart PV cell. The projector includes a propellant sufficient to launch the dart, but with only enough kinetic energy such that the dart barbs penetrate the assailant's skin. The device has a long operating range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a restraint system for vehicle occupants with a gas cushion and a gas generator that fills the gas cushion and equipped with a solid-matter propellent charge as well as an electrically activated ignition device designed as a laser and provided in order to ignite the solid-matter propellent charge. To increase the functional reliability, the laser which is designed as a semiconductor laser is situated in an ignition chamber of the generator whose beam is aimed or guided directly onto the gas-generating solid-matter propellent charge at the time of ignition.

Abstract: A firearm cartridge with a pre-pressurizing charge and a main propellant charge. The pre-pressurizing charge is located adjacent the rear end of the projectile. The pre-pressurizing charge can burn and exert pressure on the main propellant charge without igniting the main propellant charge.

Abstract: A detonation system 10 particularly suitable for use in subterranean environments, for example in oil exploration and production, uses a detonating device 2 containing explosive material 3. The explosive material 3 is detonated by a pulse of laser light of a pre-determined frequency and power. The laser pulse is sent down a fiber optic line 5 from a laser 6 through an optical splitter 4 which is designed to reflect all frequencies apart from the above mentioned pre-determined frequency. To test the integrity of the fiber optic line a test signal from a second laser 11 is sent down the optical fiber line. The test signal has a different frequency and much lower power and is therefore reflected back along the fiber optic line by the optical splitter where it can be detected. This test signal allows testing while considerably reducing the chances of accidental damage.

Abstract: A device is provided for ignition of a pyrotechnic or hybrid inflator for use in motor vehicles by the input of energy provided by a laser source. The laser energy is conducted through an optical fibre and an optical window in the inflator housing where the ignition of a propellant initiator is triggered. This apparatus eliminates the potential for ignition of the inflator by radio frequency energy or static electricity acting on the electrical squib which is standardly used to ignite an inflator. This design further simplifies the igniter assembly for use in an inflator.

Abstract: A laser initiated ordnance controller apparatus which provides a safe and m scheme with no moving parts. The safe & arm apparatus provides isolation of firing energy to explosive devices using a combination of polarization isolation and control through acousto-optical deviation of laser energy pulses. The apparatus provides constant monitoring of the systems status and performs 100% built-in-test at any time prior to ordnance ignition without the risk of premature ignition or detonation. The apparatus has a computer controller, a solid state laser, an acousto-optic deflector and RF drive circuitry, built-in-test optics and electronics, and system monitoring capabilities. The optical system is completed from the laser beam power source to the pyrotechnic ordnance through fiber optic cabling, optical splitters and optical connectors.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for use in a wellbore are provided to prevent an igniter from igniting a pyrotechnic device within a downhole well tool until after the downhole well tool is positioned downhole within the wellbore. A blocking member is movable between two positions for selectively obstructing an ignition pathway between the igniter and pyrotechnic device. An actuator is provided which, when heated to an activation temperature by downhole well temperatures, moves the blocking member from a position obstructing the ignition pathway to a position for allowing the igniter to ignite the pyrotechnic device.

Abstract: The present invention is included in an operating assembly for lowering into a wellbore on a wireline, tubular conveyance, or the like, or for use in a horizontal application, for initiating or setting off pyrotechnic, explosive, or propellant elements of that operating assembly, and comprises a firing head and an initiation assembly that are arranged for lowering into the wellbore, from a well head. The firing head provides for the extension of a striker plunger therefrom that travels into the initiating assembly to both arm it and to impact a piezoelectric device therein whose deformation generates an electrical current which fires an array of flashbulbs that excite a laser rod.

Abstract: The detonating device for a secondary explosive charge includes energy reservoir means and exploding foil igniter means coupled to the energy reservoir means by an optical commutator functioning in photo-conduction mode. The device may be extended to any number of separate detonation channels, and each detonation channel may be supplied with optical pulse beams generated by a single laser source or by separate, dedicated laser sources. The optical pulse beams are guided via optical fibers that may vary in length in accordance with preprogrammed detonation timing sequences. The invention finds particular application in the field of high safety detonation systems.

Abstract: An light-energy initiated firing system for a firearm in which optical light-conducting fibers extend from a source of high frequency energy to adjacent a cartridge so that energy passes through the fibers will pass into the cartridge and initiate a propellant therein. The firearm cartridge may include a ignition composition (e.g., a primer) position forward of at least part of the propellant and be constructed so that high frequency (e.g., laser) energy will pass into the cartridge and initiate the forward-positioned propellant. The system includes safety systems for interrupting the energy path to prevent primer initiation when the action of the firearm is not in battery or when such initiation otherwise is undesired.

Abstract: A laser driven flyer plate utilizing an optical fiber connected to a laser. The end of the optical fiber has a layer of carbon and a metal layer deposited onto it. The carbon layer provides the laser induced plasma which is superior to the plasma produced from most metals. The carbon layer plasma is capable of providing a flatter flyer plate, converting more of the laser energy to driving plasma, promoting a higher flyer plate acceleration, and providing a more uniform pulse behind the plate. In another embodiment, the laser is in optical communication with a substrate onto which a layer of carbon and a layer of metal have been deposited.

Abstract: An optically set fuze system for a projectile for a cannon, or the like. optically set fuze system includes a projectile, a laser beam processing interior circuit and an exterior laser means, which transmits to the laser beam processing interior circuit a composite laser beam for supplying power and for setting timing in the fuze system.

Abstract: This invention involves a hard target penetrating warhead designed to penetrate several layers of a target. A standard warhead casing is divided into several compartments with each compartment separated by a shock-absorbing shield. Explosive fill in contained within each compartment. The shock-absorbing shield inhibits the dynamic shock produced by detonating a compartment, thus preventing sympathetic detonation of adjoining compartments. Each compartment also contains a delay element, which permits each compartment to be ignited at the desired time. This allows the warhead to destroy a layer of a target then proceed to the next layer or layers, eliminating the need for several missiles to destroy the entire target.

Abstract: A detonator for high explosives initiated by mechanical impact includes a cylindrical barrel, a layer of flyer material mechanically covering the barrel at one end, and a semiconductor bridge ignitor including a pair of electrically conductive pads connected by a semiconductor bridge. The bridge is in operational contact with the layer, whereby ignition of said bridge forces a portion of the layer through the barrel to detonate the explosive. Input means are provided for igniting the semiconductor bridge ignitor.