Ignition Or Detonation Circuit Patents (Class 102/206)
  • Patent number: 6789483
    Abstract: An electronic blasting system in which the electronic detonator, when attached to a blasting machine or logger, automatically senses and determines whether it is attached to a blasting machine or a logger, preferably by utilizing a different operating voltage for the blasting machine versus that of the logger, with the detonator being capable of distinguishing the respective operating voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Special Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Jennings, III, Alex A. Kouznetsov
  • Patent number: 6779605
    Abstract: A safety system controls the activation of one or more downhole tools by providing selective transmission of an activation signal or an energy stream. In a preferred embodiment, transmission of the activation signal or the energy stream is allowed after the tool has passed below a known pre-determined depth. A preferred safety system includes a first device in fixed relationship with the downhole tool and a second device fixed at the stationary location. The first device permits, after reaching the pre-determined depth, either (a) an initiation signal to reach an initiation device associated with a downhole tool upon or (b) the energy stream to reach a downhole tool. The second device positively engages the first device to provide an indication that the specified depth has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Owen Oil Tools LP
    Inventor: Cameron Jackson
  • Patent number: 6758135
    Abstract: A paper or board web (W) is calendered in at least one calendering nip (N1-N8), and the web (W) is moisturized before calendering. The web (W) is moisturized by means of liquid moisturization (20; 21) very close before at least one calendering nip (N1, N5). A calender for calendering a paper or board web has at least one liquid moisturizing calendering nip (N1-N8) and at least one device (20; 21) for moisturizing the web (W) is placed very close before at least one calendering nip (N1; N5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Pekka Linnonmaa, Antti Heikkinen, Markku Kyytsönen, Ville Vuorijärvi, Pekka Moisio
  • Patent number: 6752083
    Abstract: A detonator assembly for use with explosive devices includes a support structure, an exploding foil initiator mounted on the support structure, and a barrel attached to the support structure and adjacent the exploding foil initiator. The support structure may include a flex cable. An explosive is placed in the proximity of the exploding foil initiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nolan C. Lerche, James E. Brooks, Kenneth E. Rozek
  • Patent number: 6748869
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of electrical firing mechanisms and particularly to a device for firing a primer of the type having, in particular, an electrical power supply for a circuit including a detector, a switch and an igniting device for igniting the primer, such as an electrical resistor or a striker and a device able to move the striker. The detector and switch may include a network of contacts able to open or close the circuit under the influence of a contact or a force and to close or open the circuit when the contact or the force has disappeared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignees: Delegation Generale pour l'Armement Batiment la Rotonde, Jason Engineering S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Boyer, André Gilson
  • Patent number: 6729240
    Abstract: An ignition isolating interrupt control circuit (52) includes a main transition circuit (90) isolating a first activation circuit (84) from an ignition circuit (114). The main transition circuit (90) includes a source terminal (93) that is electrically coupled to and receives a first source power from the first activation circuit (84). An input terminal (106) is electrically coupled to a second activation circuit (88) and receives an activation signal. An output terminal (138) is electrically coupled to the ignition circuit (114) and receives and supplies the first source power to the ignition circuit (114) in response to the activation signal. A power source monitor cutoff circuit (112) including a comparator is electrically coupled to the first activation circuit (84) and to the ignition circuit (114) and disables the ignition circuit (114) when a source voltage level is less than a predetermined voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gregory H. Smith, David M. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20040065222
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ignition device (7) for a safety system, particularly an airbag, a belt tightener or similar in vehicles. According to the invention, means of ignition are arranged in a housing and can be activated by input signals which are fed via supply lines (3,4). At least one electronic component (10) is connected to the supply lines (3,4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Martin Schmid, Manfred Mahr
  • Patent number: 6707417
    Abstract: A radar system having a tactical mode and a calibration mode includes a transmitter section for providing high-power amplification of an RF pulsed waveform from an exciter during the tactical mode and the calibration mode. A circulator system has an input port connected to an output of the transmitter section and including first, second and third switchable junctions, and a high-power attenuator. The circulator system provides a transmit tactical mode signal path and a transmit calibration mode signal path of virtually identical electrical path lengths for a transmitter output signal, the tactical path passing through the first, second and third junctions in a first direction to an antenna I/O port, the calibration path passing through the first, second and third junctions in a second direction and through the high-power attenuator to an output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Steven Edward Huettner, Steven Craig Rein, Douglas Richard Baker
  • Patent number: 6675715
    Abstract: A device supplies electric energy for projectile detonators without a battery or additional energy generation during flight of the projectile. For operating the projectile detonator in the flight phase, a supply capacitor charged during an inductive programming phase is disposed. The capacitor has a very low leakage current in order to bridge a time in the range of minutes between the programming and the start of the flight phase without significant energy loss. The charging of the supply capacitor takes place through halfwaves, of a programming AC voltage not utilized in the programming and not under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell AG
    Inventor: Bertram Kölbli
  • Patent number: 6647886
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Roger Darraba, Denis Bourcart, Bernard Demersseman
  • Patent number: 6634298
    Abstract: A fireset for a low energy exploding foil initiator (LEEFI) comprises a first capacitor for storing a level of electrical energy sufficient to fire the LEEFI, the first capacitor being in electrical communication with the LEEFI, second and third capacitors in electrical communication with the first capacitor for storing lesser levels of energy than is stored by the first capacitor, a diode in electrical communication with the capacitors for limiting charging of the second and third capacitors, and first and second resistors providing isolation among the capacitors. A trigger directs a pulse of electrical energy to a high speed switching transistor adapted to receive the pulse from the trigger and, in response there to, to dump the third capacitor. The third capacitor dumps through a silicone controlled rectifier to short the second capacitor to ground, to decrease the level of energy stored by the second capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Jim R. Denney
  • Publication number: 20030192447
    Abstract: A detonator assembly (10) comprising a housing (12) disclosed and claimed. The assembly comprises an main circuit (11) comprising an electrically operable fuse (16) located in the housing. The assembly further comprises at least a first redundancy circuit (13) wherein at least one element of the main circuit is duplicated (18 for 16) also located in the housing. The invention also includes within its scope an initiation system (42) comprising at least one level of redundancy which may be in one or more or all of a blast controller (24), a harness (40) and detonator assemblies 10.1 to 10.n forming part of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Erich Nicol Meyer, Pieter Franciscus Zuidmeer
  • Patent number: 6629498
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Eugene E. Marquis
  • Patent number: 6622628
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Fisher, James W. Griggs, III, James Sowers, Timothy Ilyes
  • Patent number: 6609463
    Abstract: A firing device is described and has an electronic unit which is connected upstream of a firing cap and generates a constant firing voltage. A bypass line is provided for bypassing the electronic unit. A test switching device can be actuated by a test signal and, when a test signal is present, connects a line, which conducts a supply voltage, to the bypass line. In this way, a Brouston test can be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Kevin Hovet, Peter Popp, Christian Zelger
  • Patent number: 6598533
    Abstract: The invention aims to increase the overflight safety of a projectile, comprising a time-fuse which has an acceleration-activated battery. To this end, the safety device actuates a switch, whose position is interrogated during the flight phase and the fuse function is deactivated, if the switch is not in the correct position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell AG
    Inventor: Bertram Kölbli
  • Patent number: 6595137
    Abstract: The present invention provides an arrangement for charging energy in an energy-storing arrangement such as an ignition capacitor in electronic ignition systems. To reduce the risk of malfunction, direct-current-controlled breakers controlled by environmental conditions, normally occurring on the primary side of a transformer (4) in series with the primary winding (5) have been replaced by a frequency divider (2) controlled by environmental conditions. This frequency divider divides down a signal supplied by a signal generator (1) pulse train with a lower frequency which controls a breaker (7) connected in series with the primary winding (5) of the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Saab AB
    Inventor: Peter Karlsson
  • Patent number: 6591754
    Abstract: A pyrotechnical ignition system with integrated ignition circuit for an occupant restraint system for motor vehicles includes electrical components for triggering or communication functions integrated therein, a capacitor arrangement, having a flat non-conductive external surface is used as a substrate or carrier element on which the other components are directly arranged and carried. A conductor structure linking the components can be formed by insertable metal parts that are arranged in the housing and project into the holding chamber in which the capacitor arrangement and the circuit component are arranged, and make contact with contact zones on the upper side of the circuit or the capacitor arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler AG, TRW Airbag System GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Richard Baur, Guenter Fendt, Hermann Kueblbeck, Horst Laucht, Alfons Woehrl
  • Patent number: 6588342
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Griggs, III, Scott D. Gagnon, Clinton Boyd, J B Canterberry
  • Patent number: 6584907
    Abstract: An ordnance system of the present invention may include or feature any one or more of: a control unit, one or more effectors (detonators, initiators, shaped charges and the like), and a two-, three- or four-wire communication bus between the control unit and the effectors; an addressable system in which all the effectors can be connected to the same communication bus and the control unit can issue coded signals on the bus addressed to a specific effector; inductive coupling between the effectors and the communication bus; and a multi-voltage level communication system in which communication signals are carried at a first voltage and arming signals are provided at a second, higher voltage. Other features may include two-way communication between effectors and the control unit and the de-centralization of firing control so that the control unit does not have exclusive control over whether the effectors function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company
    Inventors: Craig J. Boucher, Paul N. Marshall, David B. Novotney
  • Patent number: 6578486
    Abstract: The firing apparatus for a gas generator of a restraint device in a vehicle has a firing chamber filled with a pyrotechnic material. A semiconductor chip, in which in addition to a firing resistor at least one circuit activating the latter is integrated, is arranged outside the firing chamber in such a way that the thermal energy generated by the firing resistor during a firing operation is transferred to the pyrotechnic material in the firing chamber. To ensure that upon firing, the circuit elements in the firing apparatus remain undestroyed to the greatest possible extent, the semiconductor chip is retained on a circuit board; the circuit board is retained, with the side opposite the semiconductor chip, on a wall of the firing chamber; and an opening is present in the wall of the firing chamber and in the circuit board, so that a passage exists between the firing resistor mounted on the semiconductor chip and the pyrotechnic material in the firing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Mattes, Jochen Seibold, Reiner Schuetz
  • Publication number: 20030101889
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Sune Hallin, Anne-Marie Bokvist, Jan Westberg, Elof Jonsson
  • Patent number: 6571712
    Abstract: There is disclosed an electropyrotechnic igniter which contains two ignition heads each having a body containing a resisitive heating element and a pyrotechnic ignition composition. The two ignition heads also include a means of dialogue and of triggering coded information and a means of storing electrical energy. The igniter also includes external connection means intended to be connected electrically to an electronic control unit. The igniter is intended to be used in motor vehicle safety, particular to constitute the ignition device of a gas generator associated with an airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Livbag S.N.C.
    Inventors: Franck Lebaudy, Christian Perotto
  • Patent number: 6564717
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a circuit arrangement for driving an occupant protection system gas generator whose ignition process can be influenced by a magnetic field; this is based on a switching control principle, with the load coil generating the magnetic field being itself used as a component part of the switching control. For a fast reduction of the magnetic field and thus for accelerating the ignition process, a resistor may by connected into the free-wheeling branch, which is bridged in normal operation. Alternatively, it is possible to effect a return feed of the energy stored in the coil into the self-sufficiency capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Haerle, Johann Florian, Gerhard Roth, Guido Wetzel
  • Patent number: 6564715
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Griggs, III, Scott D. Gagnon, Clinton Boyd, J B Canterberry
  • Patent number: 6526890
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic igniter for adaptation to a specific gas generator or pyromechanism, the igniter including at least one pyrotechnic composition located inside a cartridge composed of a case extended by at least two pins. The cartridge is located in a casing including at least an upper shell joined to a lower shell, the upper shell containing the cartridge and the lower shell having at least two protruding electrodes internally connected an internal circuit and to the pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Vidot, Alain Rouer
  • Patent number: 6490977
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: MagicFire, Inc.
    Inventors: George Bossarte, Glenn W. Dillon, Paul R. McKinley, Wayne C. Haase, Larry G. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6490976
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Fisher, James W. Griggs, III, James Sowers, Timothy Ilyes
  • Publication number: 20020178956
    Abstract: The firing apparatus for a gas generator of a restraint device in a vehicle has a firing chamber (1) filled with a pyrotechnic material (2). A semiconductor chip (6), in which in addition to a firing resistor (9) at least one circuit activating the latter is integrated, is arranged outside the firing chamber (1) in such a way that the thermal energy generated by the firing resistor (9) during a firing operation is transferred to the pyrotechnic material (2) in the firing chamber (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Bernhard Mattes, Jochen Seibold, Reiner Schuetz
  • Patent number: 6480140
    Abstract: The present invention is to a method and system for providing protection from an EMS-targeted weapon by providing an appropriate spoofed EMS signal to cause an EMS-targeted weapon to determine an apparent object distance sufficiently close to the EMS-based targeting threat to nullify the weapon. In a first embodiment, the EMS-based targeting threat uses reflected EMS emissions, such as RADAR, to target the object the apparent object distance nullifies the weapon by falling within a weapon-safety lockout distance determined by a fire control system of the targeting threat. In another embodiment, the EMS-based targeting threat uses EMS signals from an external source, such as GPS, to target a position of the object and the apparent object distance nullifies the weapon by causing premature detonation at a safe standoff distance from said object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Jonathan B. Rosefsky
  • Patent number: 6470803
    Abstract: Detonator apparatus, such as a blasting machine detonator, is provided with a miniature transformer having multi-turn primary and secondary coils. The transformer feeds a bridge wire detonator element, and has sufficient impedance to permit impedance matching with a carrier that may be as long as 7500 m. The impedance of the detonator is such that the detonator resists firing when subject to stray currents or commonly present power or communications signals. A blasting machine is provided that is specifically designed to provide a signal having a frequency in the range in which the detonator is sensitive. The blasting machine relies upon semi-conductor switching and timing circuits to control the discharge from a pair of capacitors, rather than upon an output transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Prime Perforating Systems Limited
    Inventors: Liqing Liu, Michael Norman Lussier
  • Patent number: 6418853
    Abstract: The electropyrotechnic igniter (1) comprises a body divided into a downstream chamber and an upstream chamber by a discoid metal piece (8), the downstream chamber containing a resistive heating element (11), a pyrotechnic initiating composition (12) and a pyrotechnic ignition composition (7), and the upstream chamber containing a rectangular electronic card (17) extended by three external metal pins (29 to 31), on which electronic card conducting tracks are provided. Two metal connection pins (13, 14) pass through the discoid metal piece (8) and connect the said conducting tracks to the resistive heating element (11). A means of intercommunicating and of triggering a train of specific electric pulses as well as a means of storing electrical energy are connected to the conducting tracks. This igniter is more especially intended to be used in motor-vehicle safety, especially for constituting the device for igniting a gas generator associated with an airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Livbag SNC
    Inventors: Jean-Rene Duguet, Jean-Pierre Vedel
  • Publication number: 20020073868
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a circuit arrangement for driving an occupant protection system gas generator whose ignition process can be influenced by a magnetic field; this is based on a switching control principle, with the load coil generating the magnetic field being itself used as a component part of the switching control. For a fast reduction of the magnetic field and thus for accelerating the ignition process, a resistor may by connected into the free-wheeling branch, which is bridged in normal operation. Alternatively, it is possible to effect a return feed of the energy stored in the coil into the self-sufficiency capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas Haerle, Johann Florian, Gerhard Roth, Guido Wetzel
  • Patent number: 6389975
    Abstract: Disclosed, in a preferred embodiment, is a switching circuit incorporating a Field Effect Transistor (FET), two series dual-tap gas tube surge arrestors, and high-voltage resistors as part of a high voltage switch of a fireset for initiating an exploding foil initiator (EFI). Until energizing the FET via a firing command, an operating voltage of 1000 V is held off by a combination of the surge arrestors and high-voltage resistors. Upon receipt of a firing signal, a 28 V source is used to energize the FET that, in turn, decreases the voltage across the one surge arrestor connected directly to ground and increases the voltage across the other surge arrestor. Upon reaching the breakdown voltage of the ionizable gas within the second surge arrestor, the gas ionizes, becomes electrically conductive, and dumps the second surge arrestor's voltage across the first surge arrestor. This causes the first surge arrestor to also break down. Both surge arrestors are now conducting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Michael D. Haddon, Gabriel H. Soto
  • Patent number: 6378435
    Abstract: A projectile fuze detects transitions between target layers by an electronic antenna radiating laterally into the target material and coupled to a pullable oscillator whose frequency shifts as the target material changes while the projectile penetrates. A frequency shift threshold detector relates the observed frequency shifts to a stored target profile to detonate the projectile after the desired layer penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: General Dynamics Decision Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Monty W. Bai, Gerald James Moore, Ralph Eugene Foresman
  • Patent number: 6332399
    Abstract: An igniting element, such as is used in a vehicle air bag igniter reduces the power dissipated by the air bag ignition circuit, as well as its space requirement and its costs, by using the ignition switch/switches as the ignition element (7) itself of the ignition circuit. The ignition circuit is integrated in a silicon chip, and has at least one ignition switch constructed as a transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler AG, TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Horst Laucht, Gerhard Mueller, Wolfgang Welser
  • Patent number: 6279479
    Abstract: To fire a firing cap of a vehicle occupant protection system of a motor vehicle, at least two firing capacitors are provided which initially remain connected in parallel at the start of a firing process and are connected in series after expiry of a time interval from the start of the firing process. It is ensured that a firing current which flows across the firing cap is always of a sufficient magnitude and at the same time initial power losses are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan Hermann
  • Patent number: 6253679
    Abstract: A fuze is enabled, armed, and fired while indicating its status to remote command/receiver stations so that interconnected line charges and other ordnance items can be detonated with increased safety and reliability from a safe man-weapon separation distance. The fuze is responsive to remotely transmitted magneto-inductive command signals in the extremely low frequency (ELF) to very low frequency (VLF) range to change its status and to transmit magneto-inductive status signals in the ELF to VLF range confirming its status to at least one of the remote stations. Transmission and reception of magneto-inductive signals in the ELF to VLF range allow for a unique communication method that provides safe and reliable communication suitable to effect fuzing of explosive devices on the beach through seawater, air, earth, buildings, vegetation and sediment or any combination of these conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia, John Sojdehei
  • Patent number: 6230625
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: PerkinElmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry T. Neyer, John T. Adams, T. Andrew Demana, James C. Edwards, Daniel R. Knick, Robert J. Tomasoski
  • Patent number: 6220165
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Mark K. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6196130
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Crist, Kenneth D. Ceola
  • Patent number: 6173651
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Davey Bickford
    Inventors: Claude Pathe, Raphael Trousselle, Philippe Clot, Eric Fivaz
  • Patent number: 6145439
    Abstract: Apparatus mountable in a projectile for utilization with a rotor-type safing and arming mechanism for post-launch self-neutralization of a projectile having a fused warhead and a stab detonator, including a launch-activated battery, an electric detonator positioned sufficiently close to the stab detonator to initiate the stab detonator upon initiation of the electric detonator, and a time delay switch circuit operatively interconnecting the battery and the electric detonator after a predetermined delay time for delivering power sufficient to initiate the electric detonator. The time delay switch circuit includes an R-C delay circuit having a delay capacitor, and an SCR connected in series between the electric power source and the electric detonator, with the SCR gate operatively connected to the delay capacitor. The apparatus also includes a pre-launch shorting circuit electrically connected in parallel with the electric detonator, and a current amplifier interconnected with the SCR and a storage capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: General Dynamics Armament Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard T. Ziemba
  • Patent number: 6142080
    Abstract: Apparatus mountable in a projectile for utilization with a rotor-type safing and arming mechanism for post-launch self-neutralization of a spinning projectile having a fused warhead and a stab detonator, including a launch-activated battery, an electric detonator positioned sufficiently close to the stab detonator to initiate the stab detonator upon initiation of the electric detonator, and a spin decay switch circuit operatively interconnecting a charged storage capacitor and the electric detonator upon substantial cessation of projectile spin, for delivering power sufficient to initiate the electric detonator. The apparatus includes a storage capacitor charging circuit activated by launch-induced forces. The apparatus further includes a pre-launch shorting circuit electrically connected in parallel with the electric detonator and deactivated by launch forces, and a "bleed" circuit connected in parallel with the battery activated by launch-induced forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: General Dynamics Armament Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard T. Ziemba
  • Patent number: 6138571
    Abstract: A fireset for a low energy exploding foil initiator (LEEFI) comprises a ft capacitor for storing a level of electrical energy sufficient to fire the LEEFI, the first capacitor being in electrical communication with the LEEFI, second, third, and fourth capacitors in electrical communication with the first capacitor for storing lesser levels of energy than the first capacitor. A trigger directs a pulse of electrical energy into the fireset. An integrated circuit to which the pulse of electrical energy is directed, is adapted to invert the pulse and to dump the third and fourth capacitors. A first metal oxide semi-conductor fill effect transistor (MOSFET) switch is turned on by the integrated circuit and the dumping of the third and fourth capacitors, the first MOSFET switch being operable to dump the second capacitor. A second MOSFET through, which the second capacitor is dumped, operates to discharge the first capacitor through the second MOSFET, to fire the LEEFI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Jim R. Denney
  • Patent number: 6095258
    Abstract: A perforating gun assembly for perforating wellbores, comprising a shaped charge carrier assembly, a detonating cord for initiation OF shaped charges in the carrier assembly, an initiator attached to the detonating cord for initiating the cord on application of an electrical control signal to the detonator, and a pressure safety switch connected to the initiator. The pressure safety switch electrically connects the initiator to an electrical cable for carrying the control signal, when a preselected pressure is applied to the pressure safety switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Western Atlas International, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Reese, Craig A. Beveridge
  • Patent number: 6085659
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Christo Andre Beukes, Vivian Edward Patz, Stafford Alun Smithies, Ray Frederick Greyvenstein, Rudy Willy Philomena Spiessens
  • Patent number: 6082265
    Abstract: An electronic delay detonator comprises an electronic timer (100) and an electric detonator (200) fired by ignition of an ignition element. The timer includes an energy charging circuit (120) for storing electrical energy supplied from a power supply, a delay circuit (30) for counting a time period by using the electrical energy stored in the energy charging circuit to thereby output a trigger signal, and a switching circuit (140) for supplying the electrical energy stored in the energy charging circuit to the ignition element in response to the trigger signal. To an impact externally applied to the electronic delay detonator, a lower limit of an impact value in an induced detonation range of the electric detonator substantially overlaps with an upper limit of an impact value in a range in which the electronic timer is operable. Thus, no explosive remains misfired even in adverse use environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Midori Sakamoto, Masaaki Nishi, Kazuhiro Kurogi
  • Patent number: 6000338
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical distribution system for energizing a plurality of electric circuits in accordance with a predetermined delay pattern. The system as described comprises a control unit, a plurality of circuit delay arrangements each associated with an electrical circuit individual thereto and each circuit delay arrangement is identifiable by a circuit code individual thereto and includes a pulse counting arrangement. The control unit is arranged to transmit the circuit codes to the circuit delay arrangements and the pulse count individual to each circuit code, and each circuit delay arrangement identified by its circuit code is arranged to store the pulse count individual to that code. On receipt of a start signal from the control unit, transmitted simultaneously to all the circuit delay arrangements, each circuit delay arrangement starts its respective pulse counting arrangement and energizes its respective electrical circuit when the pulse count is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Hatorex AG
    Inventor: Peter Christian Shann
  • Patent number: 5942718
    Abstract: Patent of invention of an electronic delay detonator refers to a detonator meant to initiate explosive charges after an electronically predetermined delay time, transforming thermal energy generated by a heat source (2) into electrical energy through a miniaturized thermoelectronical battery (3), packed inside the detonator shell, placing the referred heating source over the heating face (3-A) of the battery (3) which has its opposing face unheated (3-B), being coupled in the detonator a nonelectrical initiation signal conductor medium (1) for the cap, having in the detonator shell the corresponding stages of a capacitor (4) for storage of electrical energy, an electronic timing circuit (5) which provokes the energization of the electric squib, following the detonation of a primary explosive (7) and a consequent detonation of the secondary explosive (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: IBO Industrias Quimicas LTDA.
    Inventors: Marco Antonio Falquete, Reginaldo Jose Pellin