Ammunition and explosives – Igniting devices and systems – Laser or light initiated
Patent
1994-06-09
1995-04-11
Jordan, Charles T.
Ammunition and explosives
Igniting devices and systems
Laser or light initiated
367140, F42C 1540
Patent
active
054048206
ABSTRACT:
A laser initiated ordnance controller apparatus which provides a safe and m scheme with no moving parts. The safe & arm apparatus provides isolation of firing energy to explosive devices using a combination of polarization isolation and control through acousto-optical deviation of laser energy pulses. The apparatus provides constant monitoring of the systems status and performs 100% built-in-test at any time prior to ordnance ignition without the risk of premature ignition or detonation. The apparatus has a computer controller, a solid state laser, an acousto-optic deflector and RF drive circuitry, built-in-test optics and electronics, and system monitoring capabilities. The optical system is completed from the laser beam power source to the pyrotechnic ordnance through fiber optic cabling, optical splitters and optical connectors. During operation of the apparatus, a command is provided by the computer controller and, simultaneous with laser flashlamp fire, the safe & arm device is opened for approximately 200 microseconds which allows the laser pulse to transmit through the device. The arm signal also energizes the laser power supply and activates the acousto-optical deflector. When the correct fire format command is received, the acousto-optic deflector moves to the selected event channel, and the channel is verified to ensure the system is pointing to the correct position. Laser energy is transmitted through the fiber where an ignitor or detonator designed to be sensitive to optical pulses is fired at the end of the fiber channel. Simultaneous event channels may also be utilized by optically splitting a single event channel. The built-in-test may be performed anytime prior to ordnance ignition.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3812783 (1974-05-01), Yang et al.
patent: 4099161 (1978-07-01), Wolski
patent: 4391195 (1983-07-01), Shann
patent: 4635552 (1987-01-01), Battle
patent: 4899659 (1990-02-01), Hardt
patent: 4917014 (1990-04-01), Loughry et al.
patent: 5138946 (1992-08-01), Soltz et al.
patent: 5204490 (1993-04-01), Soltz et al.
patent: 5206455 (1993-04-01), Williams et al.
patent: 5353262 (1994-10-01), Yakymyshyn et al.
Chafin James H.
Jordan Charles T.
Moser William R.
Ortiz Luis M.
The United States of America as represented by the Department of
LandOfFree
No moving parts safe & arm apparatus and method with monitoring does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with No moving parts safe & arm apparatus and method with monitoring , we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and No moving parts safe & arm apparatus and method with monitoring will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1531937