Abstract: Various embodiments described herein use a plurality of capacitor sets (e.g., capacitor banks) in a power backup architecture for an electronic system (e.g., memory sub-system), where each capacitor set can be individually checked against a health condition (e.g., in parallel) to determine their respective health during power-up of an electronic system or during normal operation of the electronic system. In response to determining that at least one capacitor set has failed the health condition (or a certain number of capacitor sets have failed the health condition), the electronic system can perform certain operations prior to primary power loss to the electronic system (e.g., memory sub-system preemptively performs a data backup process to data integrity) and can adjust the operational mode of the electronic system (e.g., memory sub-system switches from read-write mode to read-only mode).

Abstract: An inertia igniter including a mechanical delay mechanism having two or more members which are movable under different acceleration conditions to sequentially move a movable member upon sequential movement of the two or more members and an ignition member actuatable by the movable member such that movement of the movable member by the two or more members ignites the ignition member. The movable member can be movable by one of translation and rotation. The inertia igniter can further comprise an impact mass releasably movable in the housing, wherein the impact mass is released and movable by movement of the movable member to impact the ignition member. The inertia igniter can also further comprise a stop member for preventing movement of the impact mass until the movable member has moved a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A detonator system which includes an array of a plurality of discrete time delay relays (16) connected in series to one another, and a plurality of detonators (28) which are respectively connected to the array at spaced intervals (22).

Abstract: An electromagnetic launch system including an electrothermal launcher, an inductive power supply (IPS), including a DC source (Vb) and a storage inductor (L), and an opening switch (OS), wherein at least a portion of at least one of the IPS and the OS is integrated in a projectile.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an electronic Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) circuit which is desirably used with fused explosive weapons, such as projectiles having a nominal mission time. After expiration of the mission time, if the explosive has not detonated, the inventive circuit controls the energy supplied to the fuse detonation circuit to a level that is less than a threshold level required by the fuse for detonation, thereby preventing subsequent detonation of the explosive.

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.

Abstract: An electronic safe and arm apparatus disposed in a projectile having a spin axis and a spin rate includes a battery; a power supply board connected to the battery, the power supply board including a mechanical G-switch that closes permanently at a predetermined acceleration, and a time-delay circuit connected to the G-switch; a firing board connected to the power supply board, the firing board including: an accelerometer that is oriented perpendicular to and disposed a fixed distance from the spin axis, an output of the accelerometer varying according to the fixed distance from the spin axis and the spin rate of the projectile; a comparator connected to the output of the accelerometer wherein the comparator compares the output of the accelerometer to a threshold voltage and an output of the comparator is low when the output of the accelerometer is less than the threshold voltage and the output of the comparator is high when the output of the accelerometer exceeds the threshold voltage; a rectifier connected t

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.

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.

Abstract: Actuating circuitry which may be used with a contact exploder, useful on a orpedo, for example, which is sensitive not only to direct hits but also to abrasive damage or sea water exposure caused by grazing contact, but insensitive to changes in its velocity or momentum or unwanted environmental background, such as shock, vibration and electromagnetic field variation. The exploder includes a normally insulated and shielded wire which traverses that part of the surface of the missile which is most likely to make contact with a target. The wire is so connected into associated actuating circuitry that it will cause explosion if: (1) even grazing contact with a target causes removal of even a small amount of the insulation and shielding of the wire, which causes grounding of the circuitry at the wire; or (2) even grazing contact opens or breaks the wire at any point.

Abstract: A gating circuit for a missile guidance system having a capacitor for supplying the output signal together with a plurality of silicon controlled rectifiers for applying or removing a supply voltage to the capacitor.

Abstract: An electronic delay igniter including a firing capacitor (102) for storing energy required for firing by applying a voltage from an external power supply, an electronic timer unit (206) provided with a solid state oscillator driven by the energy stored in the firing capacitor (102) to output an output signal after a predetermined delay time, a switching unit (104) for receiving the output signal to transmit the firing energy to an ignition unit (107), and the ignition unit (107) having a ignition charge which ignites on receiving the firing energy, a voltage from the external power supply has a voltage application region where the electronic timer (206) is operated to operate the switching unit (104), but the ignition charge does not ignite even when the energy from the firing capacitor (102) is received.

Abstract: This invention relates to a circuit and method for generating sequential, multiple impulses for use in firing or initiating more than one output device. The invention permits the firing, or actuation, of multiple devices at different times. The disclosed invention is an improvement on existing designs for multiple output impulse cartridges. This multi-output impulse cartridge has self-contained an electrical circuit and electrical energy storage capacitors which allow a single, short pulse of input current to initiate a first output, time out a second or multiple later outputs, and fire the outputs from the remaining energy stored on the capacitors.

Abstract: A programmable electronic time delay initiator includes a digital time-delay circuit that counts in response to a dual-resonator clock and, at the end of the programmed time delay, gates the pre-stored charge on a capacitor to a semiconductor bridge initiator to fire an explosive. The timer circuit includes a combined crystal/RC oscillator that provides high accuracy oscillations from the crystal or oscillations from the RC components in the event the crystal fails. The timer circuit functions in response to multi-part serial commands delivered on a conventional two-wire path. The timer is initially powered-on to provide power to a capacitor that supplies power to the time-delay and related circuits. An initial ATTENTION pulse initializes the circuitry and starts a watchdog timer that counts a fixed number of clock cycles and resets the logic if a following WRITE, ARM, or FIRE command is not received.

Abstract: An electronic delay circuit for firing an ignition element. The delay circuit includes a capacitor which stores electric energy supplied from an electric blasting machine, an oscillator generating a clock pulse train, a circuit for over-exciting the oscillator, a counter which counts clock pulses of the clock pulse train, and a circuit for maintaining a reset state of the counter for a predetermined time period after the electric energy is supplied. The counter produces a trigger signal when it counts a predetermined number of the clock pulses, and the electric energy stored in the capacitor is discharged to the ignition element. Since the oscillator enters into the steady state in a very short time by the over-excitation, the delay circuit has large resistance to external noise.

Abstract: A grenade launching apparatus launches a number of grenades and has a conller and a launcher. The controller controls the launching and includes a selector which is responsive to operator input for selecting one or more of the grenades to be launched. The controller also includes a display for indicating that a selected grenade has been launched. The launcher is for launching one or more of the grenades and includes a firing circuit which is responsive to the selector. The firing circuit activates the launcher to launch each selected grenade. The launcher also includes a launch detector for detecting that a selected grenade has been launched by the firing circuit. The display of the controller is responsive to the launch detector.

Abstract: An autonomous detonation device comprising an acoustic sensor, a logic circuit, and an output circuit. The invention is capable of discriminating the acoustic signal of an explosion of a primary charge such that it will detonate an explosive shortly thereafter. The invention further incorporates a delay system for safety purposes.

Abstract: A new shape charge includes an integrated circuit semiconductor bridge detonating device responsive to ordinary current for triggering a switch in the detonating device and igniting a pyrotechnic composition on a small integrated circuit semiconductor bridge in the detonation device in response to the current, thereby igniting an explosive material in the shape charge and firing the shape charge. Since the integrated circuit detonating device is utilized, responsive to ordinary current for detonation, prior art detonating cords are not needed. A plurality of shape charges in a perforating gun are fired substantially simultaneously using the new shape charge of the present invention.

Abstract: A new shape charge includes an integrated circuit semiconductor bridge detonating device responsive to ordinary current for triggering a switch in the detonating device and igniting a pyrotechnic composition on a small integrated circuit semiconductor bridge in the detonation device in response to the current, thereby igniting an explosive material in the shape charge and firing the shape charge. Since the integrated circuit detonating device is utilized, responsive to ordinary current for detonation, prior art detonating cords are not needed. A plurality of shape charges in a perforating gun are fired substantially simultaneously using the new shape charge of the present invention.

Abstract: A remote controllable electronic detonator and a method of detonating an explosive charge are disclosed and claimed. The detonator comprises an antenna 16, a RF receiver 15, an energy storage capacitor 17, a switch 18, a delay time circuit 21 and a fuse 19. The method comprises the steps of transmitting to the detonator, by means of transmitter 11, a wave comprising a carrier amplitude modulated by a low frequency modulating signal, receiving the wave and utilizing energy in the wave to charge capacitor 17, enabling switch 18 by increasing the frequency of the modulating signal and communicating, by means of the wave, a fire command signal to the detonator. After a predetermined time delay, switch 18 connects capacitor 17 to fuse 19 thereby to energize the fuse.

Abstract: A circuit for operating a load in response to predetermined external conductivity conditions comprising a pair of sensing electrodes, a source of electrical energy connected to one of the electrodes, a load connected to the other of the electrodes, a controlled switch connected to the load, a first energy storage branch having a timing chracteristic and connected between the source and the other electrode, a second energy storage branch having a timing characteristic and connected across the combination of the load and a controlled switch, and a control operatively connected to the first and second branches and connected in controlling relation to the controlled switch so that when the electrodes are exposed to a first medium having a predetermined electrical conductivity energy builds up on first and second branches and the controlled switch is open and then a predetermined time after the electrodes are exposed to a second medium having a different electrical conductivity the controlled switch is closed and

Abstract: A delay circuit for use in an electric blasting system including a capacitor for storing electric energy supplied from an electric blaster, an actuation circuit for detecting the stop of voltage supply from the blaster to generate an actuation signal, a circuit for generating clock pulses, a circuit for counting a predetermined number of clock pulses in response to the actuation signal to generate an igniting signal, and a switching circuit for responding to the igniting signal to discharge the electric energy stored in the capacitor through an igniting resistor, the actuation circuit having a zener diode with a threshold voltage. When the voltage supply from the blaster is stopped and the voltage across the zener diode becomes lower than the threshold voltage, the zener diode is cut-off to generate the actuation signal.

Abstract: A controlled rectifier firing circuit for the warhead of a missile located n a rocket powered test sled traveling along a track in a target vulnerability test range. The firing circuit includes a silicon controlled rectifier which when rendered conductive discharges a capacitor to fire a warhead detonator. A relatively high voltage DC source is coupled to the capacitor prior to sled travel toward the target. A second capacitor is also charged from the high voltage source and discharges through a resistance when an impact type actuator switch is closed at the time of detonation. The voltage developed across the resistor is coupled to the gate electrode of the silicon controlled rectifier which renders it conductive, causing the first capacitor to discharge through the detonator to fire the warhead.

Abstract: A non electrically conductive substrate includes both an SCB and a semiconductor switch, the switch being electrically connected to cause the SCB to fire when the switch is triggered.

Abstract: A circuit for operating a load device comprising an operating circuit including an energy storage device for providing electrical energy for operating the device and a voltage responsive switch having a control terminal and connected between a voltage source and energy storage device of the operating circuit to provide energy to the storage device and opening when the stored energy causes the voltage on both sides of the switch to be essentially the same thereby disconnecting the source from the operating circuit so that any short circuit in the load does not affect the source or the remainder of the circuit associated therewith.

Abstract: An electronic delay detonator actuated after the lapse of a predetermined delay time from the application of an input power source, comprises a capacitor for storing the electrical energy supplied from the input power source, a diode bridge for preventing the stored electrical energy from being released reversely toward the input power source, a CR oscillator, a counter for generating a signal upon having counted a pulse signal produced from the CR oscillator by a predetermined number, and a thyristor driven by the signal for supplying the electrical energy stored in the capacitor to an ignition device in the detonator, the delay time being accurately determined by counting the pulses generated from the CR oscillator.

Abstract: A bomb having an electrical fuze is provided. A charging device is located ithin the bomb, and a wind driven energizing means is located within the charging device. Means are also provided for causing the energizing means to pop-up out of the charging device so as to expose the energizing means to the wind. A signal is produced when the energizing means pops-up out of the charging device. Power generated by the energizing means is supplied to the fuze only if the energizing means is activated by the wind within a preset time of the signal occuring.

Abstract: A hand held, shoulder mounted gun with time delay circuitry means to safely ignite a powdered pyrotechnic material.

Abstract: A timing circuit is described which includes a storage capacitor, a switch, and a load to be energized in a closed loop. A programmable timer, energized by the storage capacitor controls the switch. An external potential is applied to charge the capacitor and hold the timer in a reset mode. Upon removal of the external potential the timer is enabled and closes the switch a predetermined time thereafter.

Abstract: An electronic delay blasting circuit (100) receives an input signal through input lines (102, 104). The input signal is passed through a rectifier (106) to produce a DC signal for storing charge on capacitors (140, 152). The capacitor (152) serves as a power supply for a digital counting circuit. The capacitor (140) serves to store electrical energy for firing an electric match ignition element (174). A plurality of switches (200, 202, 244, 246, 248, 250 and 252) are set to a reference count to determine the delay period of the circuit (100). When the input signal is terminated, counter circuits (196, 198) are initiated to count the clock output of an oscillator (208). When the sequential count from the counters (196, 198) equals the stored reference count, an SCR (176) is triggered to apply the stored electrical charge from capacitor (140) to the electric match ignition element (174).

Abstract: A fuse triggering device for air to air missiles incorporates a readily rvable housing consisting of a threaded member mounted on a standard nut as a base and a hermetically sealed cover. The electronic components are wafered on a silicon substrate disc using a field effect transistor circuit to interrupt a transducer generated pulse as a gate for a silicon controlled rectifier which passes a triggering pulse.

Abstract: An antipersonnel mine is shown, a plurality of such mines being adapted to be loaded into a round of ammunition for dispersal and subsequent detonation at random instants. The timing for detonation of each mine is determined by the discharge of a capacitor, starting when dispersal occurs. The condition of the explosive lead of each mine before loading is indicated by a position indicator in the safing and arming mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic delay blasting cap (10) receives an input signal over leg wires (12, 14). The input signal is passed through a rectifier (16) to produce a D.C. signal on output lines (26, 28). The D.C. signal charges a storage capacitor (32). When the input signal is removed or the wires (12, 14) are opened or shorted, the charge storage capacitor (32) discharges through a resistor (36) to produce a voltage which charges a timing capacitor (38). When the voltage on capacitor (38) reaches the threshold voltage of a zener diode (48) the diode is rendered conductive which in turn activates an SCR (46). A resistive ignition element (44) is connected in series with the SCR (46) and the charge storage capacitor (32) and is ignited when the SCR (46) is turned on. The charge stored in capacitor (32) causes ignition of the ignition element (44).

Abstract: An electronic blasting cap (10) includes a housing (12) which is closed at one end and has adjacent thereto it a base charge (14), a primer charge (16) and an ignition charge (18). The charges (14, 16, 18) are positioned within housing (12) by a metal capsule (20). An electric match assembly (26) is positioned within an insulated spacer (24) within housing (12). An electronic module (32) comprising an electronic delay circuit (90) fixed within a potting compound is positioned within housing (12). A sealing plug (38) closes housing (12) by means of crimps (40, 42). An input signal is received over leg wires (34, 36) for storing an electric charge within circuit 90 which fires the electric match assembly 26 following a preset time delay.

Abstract: A discriminator circuit having utility in proximity fuze firing circuits is apable of distinguishing between spurious and proper signals on the basis of both amplitude and rate of amplitude rise. A firing switch, operated by a slow-charging trigger circuit, and a lock out switch, operated by a fast-charging trigger circuit, are both triggered by the same signal. If the rate of input signal envelope rise is faster than that for a proper firing signal, the lock out switch fires and inhibits triggering of the firing switch. The trigger circuits are biased to permit the firing switch to be triggered before the lock out switch when the input signal rate of rise is slow enough to be followed by the slow-charging trigger circuit. For signal rates of rise which are slower than that associated with a proper signal, a capacitor in the slow-charging trigger circuit becomes charged to block triggering of the firing switch.

Abstract: An electronic ignition circuit for the self-destruction of a projectile fuse, including two condensers chargeable from a single generator, such as a piezoelectric cell. A delay circuit initiates the discharge of the first condenser through an igniter, with the generator raising the voltage of the first condenser to a level necessary for the igniter and that of the second condenser required for operation of the delay circuit.

Abstract: An electronic ignition circuit for the self-destruction of a projectile fuse, including a voltage source and a charging condenser determinative of the time interval until self-destruction. A threshold switch is responsive to a predetermined minimum voltage at the charging condenser for igniting an igniter, and an electronic control circuit is connected between the voltage source and the charging condenser.

Abstract: An electric detonator is fired by energy stored in the circuit upon arming f the system. A bridgewire grounds the trigger signal until sufficient input is present to blow out the bridgewire. The trigger signal then passes through a time delay circuit which gates a silicon controlled rectifier. This permits a closed circuit loop between the detonator and the stored energy.

Abstract: An electronic ignition system for liquid explosive such as liquid propell ammunition. An SCR is used to provide a long life trigger with high reliability. An inductor is used to limit peak current and lengthen the spark.

Abstract: A MOS controlled thyristor is incorporated into detonator ignition circui to reduce the physical size thereof, while also providing for ignition reliability enhancement. Signals to either prevent or trigger conduction of detonator ignition energy through the MOS controlled thyristor are applied to the gate terminal thereof by at least one capacitor in the preferred embodiments. The detonator ignition energy is also delivered from at least one capacitor in those embodiments of the circuitry for use with missile warheads and shunt resistors are connected to dissipate the energy stored in all of the capacitors for safety reasons.