Abstract: An electronic ignition circuit may include a logic circuit and an ignition circuit electrically coupled to the logic circuit. The logic circuit may include a microcontroller and a switching circuit configured to switch from a first detonator or igniter to a second detonator or igniter in response to a signal from the microcontroller. The ignition circuit may include a capacitor discharging circuit configured to discharge a firing capacitor through a fuse head. The capacitor discharging circuit may include an ignition switch configured to remain actively closed after the firing capacitor is discharged through the fuse head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for firing a detonator in a perforating gun string into a wellbore to a predetermined location using solid state electronics comprising: raising the voltage on the wireline to signal a solid state dual firing circuit within the perforating gun string to energize a detonator, energize the detonator, opening the detonator, firing a first perforating gun, and lowering the voltage of the wireline.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic projectile, an electronic controller for a pyrotechnic projectile, and a method of controlling a pyrotechnic projectile are provided. The pyrotechnic projectile comprises: a burst charge, configured to provide an a visual and/or audible effect upon activation thereof; an electronic match configured to activate the burst charge; and an electronic controller, coupled to the electronic match. The electronic controller is configured to determine an altitude of the pyrotechnic projectile and cause the electronic match to activate the burst charge at least in part according to the altitude of the pyrotechnic projectile.

Abstract: An electronic delay detonator logging control device and a method therefor are disclosed. The state and the connection of a plurality of electronic delay detonators connected in parallel and a trunk line are inspected before blasting so as to check for an incomplete connection and prevent a partial misfire. A log counter is assigned to the plurality of electronic delay detonators such that the plurality of electronic delay detonators can be blasted in desired blasting patterns or in sequence. In the event of a failure, a logging recovery mode is operated so as to recover connection information of the plurality of electronic delay detonators.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing resonant wireless charging in a portable communications device utilize antenna arms formed from openings in a metal unibody construction. Two of the antenna arms are driven by WiFi, GPS, and cellular drives respectively, while a wireless charging antenna sharing the same mechanical connections provides a differential drive across the antenna ends, forming a primary wireless charging coil. In an embodiment, a smaller multi-turn coil is connected to the primary wireless charging coil, and may overlay a device speaker and may also be shielded by a ferrite material. This structure or a dedicated similar structure on the device is then used for resonance-based wireless charging of the device.

Abstract: A floatation member for ballistic carrier vest includes a first outer layer and an intermediate layer overlying the first outer layer. A peripheral edge of the intermediate layer is secured to a peripheral edge of the first outer layer to define a first cavity therebetween. A panel selected from a non-ballistic panel and a ballistic panel is received within the first cavity. A second outer layer overlies the intermediate layer and a peripheral edge of the second outer layer secured to the peripheral edge of the intermediate layer to define a second cavity therebetween. A valve configured to deliver an inflation gas into the second cavity. In a further aspect, a ballistic safety article for providing ballistic protection for a person is provided.

Abstract: Detonators are described herein. In a general embodiment, the detonator includes a nonlinear transmission line that has a variable capacitance. Capacitance of the nonlinear transmission line is a function of voltage on the nonlinear transmission line. The nonlinear transmission line receives a voltage pulse from a voltage source and compresses the voltage pulse to generate a trigger signal. Compressing the voltage pulse includes increasing amplitude of the voltage pulse and decreasing length of the voltage pulse in time. An igniter receives the trigger signal and detonates an explosive responsive to receipt of the trigger signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas release device that is adapted to be secured to an inflatable article. The device includes an container, which can be a commercially available gas bottle, a salinity sensor, and an end cap. The salinity sensor operates an electrically fireable primer that serves to release an inflation gas from the container and inflate the article. The end cap includes a cylindrical through hole that accepts a rotatable D-ring. The D-ring is dimensioned to fit over the valve of the inflatable article. The D-ring includes a series of peripheral apertures that can be selectively aligned with a slot to create a fluid passage between the container and valve. The D-ring allows the device to be rotated between different angular positions while maintaining a pneumatic coupling between to the inflatable article and the container.

Abstract: An electronic detonator control chip (100) includes a communication interface circuit (101), a rectification bridge circuit (102), a charging circuit (103), a charging control circuit (110), a power management circuit (104), a firing control circuit (105), a logic control circuit (106), a non-volatile memory (107), a reset circuit (111), a safe discharging circuit (108), and a clock circuit (202). Wherein, the communication interface circuit (101) includes a data modulation module (210) and a data demodulation module (211) including two data demodulation circuits (212). The logic control circuit (106) further includes a programmable delay module (281), an input/out interface (282), a serial communication interface (283), a prescaler (284), a CPU (285), and so on.

Abstract: A detonator assembly is provided for use in oilfield operations to detonate an explosive downhole including a capacitor discharge unit and initiator electrically connected together to form a single unit. Further, provided is a method of fabricating an integrated detonator. Additionally, a method of use for an integrated detonating unit is provided.

Abstract: A detonator assembly includes a capacitor, an initiator, a transformer and an addressable chip. The initiator is electrically connected to the capacitor, the transformer is mechanically and electrically connected to the capacitor and the addressable chip is mechanically and electrically connected to the transformer. The initiator may be bonded or fused to the capacitor, and the transformer may be bonded or fused to the capacitor. The capacitor, initiator, transformer and addressable chip form a unified integrated detonating unit.

Abstract: A MEMS fuze having a moveable slider with a microdetonator at an end for positioning adjacent an initiator. A setback activated lock and a spin activated lock prevent movement of the slider until respective axial and centrifugal acceleration levels have been achieved. Once these acceleration levels are achieved, the slider is moved by a V-beam shaped actuator arrangement to position the microdetonator relative to a secondary lead to start an explosive train in a munitions round.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor bridge device wherein a reaction time for generating sparks is short and a spark generating amount is large. This semiconductor bridge device comprises a substrate, a pair of land portions, a bridge portion electrically connecting between the pair of the land portions, and an electrode pad arranged on each upper surface in the pair of the land portions and emitting sparks at the bridge portion through an electric current passed between the electrode pads, in which the pair of the land portions and the bridge portion consist of a laminate formed by alternately laminating a metal layer and a metal oxide layer plural times, and an outermost layer in the laminate is a metal layer, and a metal oxide having a decomposition temperature of higher than 1500° C. is used in the metal oxide layer.

Abstract: A slave device for use in a system such as an electronic blasting system wherein a command is issued by a master device to all slave devices connected to the system, causing all slave devices that have not been identified to the master device to respond with identifying information and optionally other information.

Abstract: A MEMS apparatus having a substrate layer, a device layer and an intermediate oxide layer joining them. A slider is formed in the device layer and includes an enlarged end portion. A walled chamber having a hollow interior in which is positioned a microdetonator is formed in the substrate layer beneath the enlarged end portion and is secured to it by the oxide layer. A drive is operable to move the slider, and with it, the walled chamber, from an initial position to a final position. When in the final position an initiator is operable to initiate the microdetonator.

Abstract: An ignition circuit for squib for igniting a squib which has a heat producing portion that includes an electrically conductive portion and a fuel portion, and transmits a heat produced by supplying electrical current to the electrically conductive portion to the fuel portion, the circuit having an electrical current boosting device which steeply boosts electrical current supplied to the electrically conductive portion. The ignition circuit achieves electrical operation with greater reliability and less cost.

Abstract: A blasting system includes a wireless link between a blast controller and a plurality of electronic detonators. Each detonator includes a respective electronic initiator and an explosive charge. Charge storage devices of the initiators are chargeable by a carrier of a first signal having a first frequency (f1) in the order of 400 MHz-500 MHz and which is broadcasted by the blast controller. Each initiator further includes logic circuitry driven by a clock signal which is derived from the first signal and having a clock frequency of about 4 kHz, which is substantially less than the first frequency.

Abstract: A system such as an electronic blasting system, and a slave device for use in the system, in which a command is issued by a master device to all slave devices connected to the system, causing all slave devices that have not been identified to the master device to respond with identifying information and optionally other information pertaining to the slave device.

Abstract: A squib that is used by being connected to a bus is formed by assembling an explosive unit and a communication/ignition unit that have been constructed as separate components. The communication/ignition unit is provided with an IC substrate for ignition and communication that is electrically connected to a bus wire. The explosive unit is provided with explosive, an ignition element, and a header that is interposed between the ignition element and the IC substrate, and that electrically connects the two. In this IC integrated type of squib that is used for communication and ignition, it is possible to prevent the explosive and the IC from mutually interfering with the performances of each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for electronically switching a detonation device is configured to arm an energy source upon receiving a first signal and discharge the energy source to the detonation device upon receiving and validating a second signal. An explosive device comprising a detonation device electrically coupled to an electronic switching device is also provided, wherein the switching device comprises a microcontroller configured to validate the first signal and the second signal. The detonation device may comprise a semiconductor bridge device configured to activate the explosive device upon receiving a charge across a first terminal and a second terminal from the switching device. Methods of operation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a device to be activated by electrical energy and a micro-switch that includes conductors and an element between the first and second conductors selected from the group consisting of: a dielectric element capable of being modulated to provide a conductive path in response to receipt of electrical energy; and an element moveable in response to application of an electrical energy. The micro-switch may be formed of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology or microelectronics technology.

Abstract: An electric power supplying apparatus for a rock explosion cartridge is disclosed. The apparatus includes the following elements. A power source generates an electric energy. A plurality of channels consist of capacitors for storing an electric energy from the power source, explosion cartridges for being exploded by the electric energies of the capacitors, and input switches for switching the capacitors. A controller controls the turning-on/off of the input switches of the plurality of the channels, and the plurality of the channels are connected to the controller in parallel. There are further included the following elements. That is, a charging switch switches a connection between the power source and the capacitor. A discharging resistor is connected to the capacitor in parallel, and a discharging switch switches a connection between the capacitor and the discharging resistor, while the controller controls the turning-on/off of the charging and discharging switches.

Abstract: Firing-readiness diagnostics in an electronic pyrotechnic device such as an electronic detonator or an electronic blasting system thereof. The diagnostics may include a check for any incompatible attached devices, a resistance or continuity check of an ignition element, and/or a capacitance check of a firing capacitor.

Abstract: A safety and performance enhancement arrangement for primary explosive detonators. This arrangement involves a circuit containing an energy storage capacitor and preset self-trigger to protect the primary explosive detonator from electrostatic discharge (ESD). The circuit does not discharge into the detonator until a sufficient level of charge is acquired on the capacitor. The circuit parameters are designed so that normal ESD environments cannot charge the protection circuit to a level to achieve discharge. When functioned, the performance of the detonator is also improved because of the close coupling of the stored energy.

Abstract: A system, for example an electronic blasting system, in which a command is issued by a master device to all slave devices connected to the system, causing all slave devices that have not been identified to the master device to respond with identifying information and optionally other information pertaining to the slave device.

Abstract: An electric power supplying apparatus for a rock explosion cartridge is disclosed. The apparatus includes the following elements. A power source generates an electric energy. A plurality of channels consist of capacitors for storing an electric energy from the power source, explosion cartridges for being exploded by the electric energies of the capacitors, and input switches for switching the capacitors. A controller controls the turning-on/off of the input switches of the plurality of the channels, and the plurality of the channels are connected to the controller in parallel. There are further included the following elements. That is, a charging switch switches a connection between the power source and the capacitor. A discharging resistor is connected to the capacitor in parallel, and a discharging switch switches a connection between the capacitor and the discharging resistor, while the controller controls the turning-on/off of the charging and discharging switches.

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.

Abstract: An electronic delay circuit (10) useful for the delayed initiation of detonators illustrates several novel features that may be combined, including a novel oscillator (34), a programmable timer circuit (32) and a run control circuit (46). The oscillator (34) generates a clock signal determined by the rate of discharge of a capacitor (34a) relative to a reference voltage REF. A second capacitor (34b) is charged to a voltage that exceeds REF, and when the first capacitor (34a) falls below REF, an internal signal is generated and the capacitors are switched, so that the first capacitor gets charged while the second is discharged. A latch (34f) produces clock pulses in response to the internal signals. The programmable timer circuit (32) includes a ripple counter (38) and a program bank (40) that loads a count in the counter upon initialization.

Abstract: A firing circuit that is used for a lightweight launcher for propelling rets is disclosed. The firing circuit generates a pulse for firing the rocket launcher and comprises first and second capacitor banks. The first capacitor bank acts as low impedance energy source, in which power is developed to supply sufficient energy to initiate the rocket motor squib which, in turn, ignites the rocket motor of the rocket. The second capacitor bank acts as a high voltage, low impedance source whose energy is used to charge a capacitor internal to the rocket. The capacitor internal to the rocket, is part of the rocket warhead fuse. The capacitor internal to the fuse is used to initiate the detonator of the rocket warhead when the rocket terminates flight at target.

Abstract: A sequential blasting system for use in particular in mining comprises a plurality of detonator stages S1, S2, . . . , each of which contains a series circuit consisting of a thyristor T and a detonator means ZE, said series circuit being interposed between two supply leads A, O; B, 0. The signal voltage for the thyristor T in each stage is derived solely from the switching state of the thyristor T of the preceding stage. This causes activation to be transferred from stage to stage independently of the detonator means ZE, in particular irrespectively of whether or not a detonator has been attached and whether or not this detonator becomes highly resistive or not as it should upon being activated. This eliminates the errors that have occurred in known circuits. Upon firing the blasting system, such errors can cause the detonation to occur not only at the first detonator stage, but simultaneously at a location where a detonator is missing as well.

Abstract: An ignition system for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of igniters, an energy storage capacitance, a charging circuit for charging the capacitance, a plurality of gated switches, with at least one switch connected between each igniter and the capacitance, and control means for discharging respective amounts of energy from the capacitance to each respective igniter at respective spark rates.

Abstract: Each of first and second switches, preferably ganged, have first and second operative relationships. In the first operative relationship, the first switch is connected across a firing device to prevent the firing device from being energized. In the first operative relationship, the second switch is connected across an energy storage device (e.g. capacitor) to prevent the capacitor from being charged. In the second operative relationship of the second switch, the capacitor is charged by an energy supply device (e.g. battery). In the second operative relationship of the first and second switches, the capacitor is connected in a circuit with the first device and a third switch (e.g. transistor). The transistor is normally nonconductive to prevent the capacitor from discharging through the firing device with the first and second switches in the second operative relationships.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter provides a dc voltage to a fuze setting circuit which is proportional to the desired delay to be set. A digital controller operates the digital-to-analog converter responsive to the desired firing conditions for the fuze delay circuit. A current driver associated with the digital-to-analog converter converts the applied dc voltage to a constant current source, to charge a timing capacitor of the fuze delay circuit for an initial time interval. At two discrete points during this initial charging interval, the voltage across the timing capacitor is sampled and stored. The sampled voltages are applied to a computation circuit to correct for the variations in capacitance which are represented by this difference.

Abstract: An integrated safety discharge module for providing a high voltage high current pulse to a load includes a capacitor and a bleed resistor, The capacitor is connected to the bleed resistor by such means as to form a structure which ensures that failure of either the capacitor or the bleed resistor will preclude charging of the capacitor and/or the delivery of energy to the load, The unit may also include a circuit for providing visual indication of a threshold charge on the capacitor.

Abstract: First and second ganged switches having first and second operative relationships are normally operative in the first relationship and are actuated by an external mechanism to the second relationship. In the first relationship, the first switch shunts and short circuits a pyrotechnic device and the second switch shunts and short circuits an energy storage member such as a capacitor. In the second operative relationship of the second switch, a battery charges the capacitor and also introduces a starting signal to an electronic timing circuit to institute a timing sequencer by the circuit for a pre-selected period that is selected via a series of inputs to the electronic timer. When the pre-selected time period has been timed out, the timing circuit introduces a signal to a solid state electronic switch which is normally in a non-conductive state to prevent actuation. The signal from the timing circuit causes the electronic switch to provide a low impedance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blasting apparatus for activating a plurality of electrical detonators after predetermined time delays. The blasting apparatus includes a plurality of remote electrical delay devices. Each device is linked to a detonator, and is arranged to be serially programmed with a timing signal, which originates from the central control unit and which determines the time delay. A bidirectional signal harness, having ends which terminate at I/O ports in the control unit, serially links the delay devices to the control unit. In the event of a fault of discontinuity occurring in the harness prior to programming of the delay devices, the discontinuity is detected and the direction of programming along the bidirectional harness is reversed so that those delay devices which, due to the break, cannot be programmed in the initial direction, are programmed with timing signals travelling along the signal line in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A high voltage, laser light initiated, dielectric breakdown switch for use n safe and arm systems for initiating exploding foil initiators. One electrode has an opening which allows light from a laser source to shine on dielectric material and induce breakdown. Conduction occurs between the electrodes and transfers energy from a power supply to the electronic foil initiator.

Abstract: Water-activated pressurized gas release apparatus which has enhanced protection from the effects of EMI radiation which may inadvertently cause firing thereof. The apparatus is enclosed in a pair of electrically conductive casings to form a Faraday cage. An interface between the casings which may afford an EMI radiation pathway to the circuitry is blocked to the passage of EMI radiation by a portion of one of the casings which overlaps the interface as a skirt. An EMI filter is provided in the passage between the battery bore and a cavity containing electrical circuitry to shunt EMI radiation passing therein through a capacitor to ground.

Abstract: An electronic device for triggering safety devices 10 comprises a firing element ZP which is connected in series to a capacitor ZK. The firing element ZP is acted upon by currents from controllable current sources IQ1, IQ2, which, in accordance with an output signal of a sensor S, are triggered by an evaluation circuit AS.

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: Apparatus for sensing the electrical conductivity of fluid wherein when electrodes of the apparatus are exposed to fluid a voltage is developed on a capacitor which voltage has a magnitude determined by the condition of the electrical conductivity of the fluid to which the electrodes are exposed. A portion of the developed voltage is obtained, such as by means of a voltage divider connected across the capacitor, and this voltage portion is compared by means of a voltage comparator to a reference voltage. When the comparison indicates a predetermined relationship, for example equality, between the developed voltage portion and the reference voltage, a signal is produced which can be utilized to operate a load. In particular, the signal can operate a semiconductor controlled rectifier to complete a discharge path from the capacitor to the load. The load can be an electro explosive device included in a release mechanism for uncoupling a parachute canopy from its load upon landing in water.

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 improved, low cost, water activated pressurized gas release device utilized for inflating flotation equipment, such as life jackets, when dumped into the water. The device includes a one piece die cast housing (12) formed of an electrically conductive material. All major components of the device are mounted within the housing with the exception of the container (14) of pressurized gas, a manual actuating device (18), and a battery housing (16). A portion of the housing or container acts as a first contact when immersed in an electrically conductive fluid. A battery (64) is disposed within the battery housing (16) which is in turn received within a battery bore (34) in the housing (12). The battery housing is provided with an exposed sensor plate (76) the inside of which is in electrical contact with the battery anode (74). The plate acts a second contact.

Abstract: A plurality of electric blasting caps are fired through the ignition system which includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding. The secondary winding of the transformer is connected to the resistive elements of the blasting caps through a blasting circuit which is electromagnetically coupled to the resistive elements of the blasting caps via a small toroid transformer. A D.C. voltage is stored on a storage capacitor which has one end connected to the center point of the primary winding. The other ends of each half of the primary winding are connected through a driver circuit to ground. Each driver circuit is enabled by a flip-flop at predetermined intervals, whereby the storage capacitor will discharge through the appropriate half of the primary, to thereby produce a pulse train at the output of the secondary. The pulse train provides the ignition power for igniting the electric blasting caps.

Abstract: A circuit for operating a load in response to predetermined external conductivity conditions including a pair of sensing electrodes, a source of electrical energy connected to one of the electrodes, a load, an operating circuit connected to the load, to the source and to the other of the sensing electrodes and including a first portion for storing electrical energy for operating the load and a second portion utilizing the stored energy to operate the load, and a control for allowing operation of only the first circuit portion when the sensing electrodes are exposed to a first medium having a predetermined electrical conductivity and then allowing operation of the second portion thereafter and when the sensing electrodes are exposed to a second medium having a different electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A circuit for sensing the electrical conductivity of fluid comprising a pair of electrodes adapted to be exposed to the fluid, a voltage source connected to one of the electrodes, a load connected to the other of the electrodes, a firing circuit branch including a firing capacitor connected to the other electrode, a conductivity sensing circuit branch including a sensing circuit capacitor connected to the other electrode and to the voltage source, and characterized by a switch connected in controlled relation to the sensing circuit branch and in controlling relation to the firing circuit. In response to the electrodes being exposed to fluid having a predetermined condition of electrical conductivity, current flows in the sensing circuit branch which operates the switch to connect the firing circuit in a manner preparing it for firing, i.e. charging the capacitor therein. After a predetermined time, i.e.

Abstract: A safe-arm system for an explosive munition is provided which is in the form of a charge transfer circuit, including a low-voltage capacitor bank which over a relatively long period of time is charged by an associated air turbine. After being charged up, this charge is transferred to a transinductance by a transinductance to convert the low voltage to a high voltage. By the use of a multiplicity of transfer steps, which occur over a very short period of time, the size and weight of the transinductance can be small.

Abstract: A circuit apparatus for operating firewirks ignition is used by connecting with a fireworks ignition circuit with a group of ignition ball terminals lined up as multi-step and multi-file coordinates of which the positive terminals are respectively connected with the common positive line of each file through a diode, and the negative terminals with the common negative line of each step.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge apparatus of the kind having a spark gap device for discharging a capacitor to provide a current impulse for conduction through a load. The capacitor and spark gap device both include flat terminals for connecting them directly to a foil strip transmission line. The capacitor is relatively thin and configured such that electrical current flows through it along a short, substantially uni-directional path. The current path of the apparatus is configured such that it retraces itself in a closely-spaced relationship, whereby the magnetic field created by current flowing through each segment of the path is substantially canceled by the magnetic field of the oppositely-directed current flowing through the corresponding, closely-spaced path segment. This substantially reduces the apparatus' inductance, such that it provides an increased peak electrical current and a faster current rise time.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the electrical conductivity of fluid which can be used to detonate an electro explosive device for operating a release mechanism for uncoupling a parachute canopy from its load upon landing in water. An operating network connected to an ignition capacitor and to a conductivity sensing circuit and connected in controlling relation to a semiconductor switch has a voltage independent portion which controls the time at which the semiconductor switch is closed to define a discharge path to detonate the electro explosive device independent of the rate of voltage rise on the ignition capacitor. The operating network also has a voltage dependent portion which when a voltage of predetermined magnitude is developed on the conductivity sensing circuit in response to fluid not having the predetermined condition of conductivity, the voltage dependent portion closes the semiconductor switch to define the discharge path when the energy level is insufficient to detonate the electro explosive device.