796results about "Electric fuzes" patented technology

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. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

PCT No. PCT / GB96 / 02987 Sec. 371 Date Dec. 10, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Dec. 10, 1998 PCT Filed Dec. 4, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO97 / 21067 PCT Pub. Date Jun. 12, 1997An 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.

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. As a result, the individual effectors possess decision-making ability and, for purposes of this invention, may be referred to as "intelligent" effectors. To participate in the decision-making process, effectors of this invention may be equipped with sensors or other diagnostic circuitry whose condition is checked for satisfactory output before functioning is permitted to occur.

An ordnance firing system is disclosed that includes a reusable electronics module and an ordnance module, each enclosed in a separate, sealed housing. The electronics module housing encloses firing electronics for electrically triggering initiation of a detonator in the ordnance module. The electronics module detachably connects to the ordnance modules via a connector which extends away from the electronics module housing. The housing of the ordnance module is constructed to be blast-resistant to prevent detonation of the detonator from rendering the electronics module inoperable.

Disclosed herein are boosters that include components sufficient for wireless communications with an associated blasting machine. In selected aspects, there are disclosed wireless electronic boosters that are self-contained and robust. Such boosters are especially suited for underground mining operations, optionally employing automated placement of boosters at a blast site.

A munitions energy system combines various sources of energy generation with energy storage to provide power to a munition through various stages of the munition's operation. The system uses energy harvesting technologies which convert energy captured from the environment of the munition to electrical power which can be used to meet the munition's power needs. Energy can be harvested from the mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic environment of the munition. The harvested energy can be stored by the system for later use. The system can also receive energy from conventional sources such as batteries and manage the energy from all sources to meet the power requirements of the munition.

An device for use in an electro-pyrotechnic initiator comprises a header, a foil resistive strip, a substrate, and a current source. The substrate is mounted on the header. The foil resistive strip is mounted on the substrate. The energy source is connected to the resistive strip. When current flows through the resistive strip, the resistive strip generates enough heat to spark autoignition of a pyrotechnic material. The pyrotechnic material is in direct contact with the resistive strip. For an energy input of up to 115 microjoules, the resistive strip can cause autoignition in less than 25 microseconds. In a second embodiment, an electro-pyrotechnic initiator for use in a "smart" airbag system comprises a header, a foil resistive strip, a substrate, a current source connected to the resistive strip, and a control circuit. The control circuit is designed such that it will cause current to flow through the resistive strip when the circuit receives an appropriate signal. A ceramic capacitor can be used as an energy source for the resistive strip.

Fire, arm, and disarm signals are typically transmitted to electronic detonators via signal transmission lines. Traditionally, such signal transmission lines include wires wherein one end of each wire is soldered directly to printed circuit boards and / or other signal processing components retained within the shell of a detonator. Other ‘modular’ blasting apparatuses of the prior art provide means to connect signal transmission lines to detonators in the field. Signal transmission line / detonator contacts are susceptible to disruption, particularly when the signal transmission lines are subject to inadvertent tugging or tensile forces at the blast site. The present application discloses an electrical connector that enables secure connection between a signal transmission line and any detonator adapted to receive and optionally process electrical signals from the signal transmission line. Specifically, the electrical connector can be affixed to the signal input end of a detonator, and includes at least one bridge element to provide electrical contact between a signal transmission line, and internal electrical component(s) of the detonator.

A method for generating power in a device is provided. The method includes: generating power from an inherent characteristic of the device; and supplying the generated power to at least one power consuming element associated with the device. Preferably, the inherent characteristic of the device is an acceleration of the device and the generating includes providing a mass which is movable upon the acceleration of the device and converting a potential energy of the mass into an electrical power. Alternatively, the inherent characteristic of the device is a heat generation on at least a portion of the device and the generating includes converting a heat from the heat generation into an electrical power. In another alternative, the inherent characteristic of the device is a spinning of the device and the generating includes converting the spinning of the device into an electrical power.

A method is provided for detecting a target impact of a munition. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; and determining whether the output of power from the power supply has dropped below a predetermined threshold.

Disclosed herein are methods for communicating wireless signals between components of a blasting apparatus, with the intention of conducting a blasting event. In preferred embodiments, the methods are particularly suited to through -rock transmission of wireless command signals, and optionally wireless calibration or synchronization signals, thereby to achieve timed actuation of explosive charges positioned below ground under the control of one or more blasting machines located at or above a surface of the ground, with a high degree of accuracy. Further disclosed are blasting apparatuses and components thereof suitable for use, for example, in conducting the methods of the invention.

A detonator system is provided for use with explosives that utilizes two subsystems. A first subsystem functions as a non-explosives based detonator, which does not contain any explosives. The second subsystem is an initiating subsystem, which includes an initiating pellet. To set off an explosive event, the non-energetics based detonator is coupled to the initiating subsystem and the non-energetics based detonator is commanded to provide a suitable signal to the initiating subsystem that is sufficient to function the initiating pellet. Further, the initiating subsystem can be integrated directly into an associated explosive such as a booster that has been configured to receive the initiator subsystem without changing the hazard class of the booster.

An apparatus (10) for providing fluid under pressure for actuating a vehicle occupant protection device comprises an electrically actuatable initiator (80) having terminal pins (100). A hermetically sealed metal propellant container (130) contains a propellant (82) ignitable by the initiator (80) to produce fluid under pressure. The propellant container (130) is secured to the initiator (80) by crimping. The apparatus (10) also comprises a member (86) electrically insulating between the metal propellant container (130) and the terminal pins (100) of the initiator (80) to isolate the initiator electrically from the propellant container.

The invention provides an initiator assembly that can be easily manufactured without increasing cost, and can be easily and securely connected to a connector when it is used. The initiator assembly includes a priming for being used in a motor vehicle, an initiator used for igniting the priming and having at least one conductive pin and a metal collar for fixing the initiator assembly on an inflator that are integrally formed by an insulating material injection-molded therebetween. The insulating material is a resin made of a plastic material that surrounds a metal eyelet of the initiator.

A wireless or partially wireless detonator assembly (10) and corresponding blasting apparatus, that may be “powered Up” by a remote source of power (13) that is entirely distinct from the energy used for general command signal communications (16). In one embodiment, the detonator assembly (10) may include an active power source (25) with sufficient power for communications, but insufficient power to cause intentional or inadvertent actuation of the detonator (10).

An assembly including a support housing and an actuator device. The actuator device includes an extendable initiator cup including at least one non-random fold and at least in part defining a storage chamber containing a reactive charge reactable to produce reaction products. The extendable initiator cup longitudinally extends from a first length to a second, greater length upon reaction initiation of the reactive charge. The extendable initiator cup is at least partially disposed within a longitudinally extending bore of the support housing. The support housing is effective to limit lateral expansion of the extendable initiator cup upon reaction initiation of the reactive charge. The assembly can include an electrical conductive member or an electrical switch. The extendable initiator cup can extend to sever the electrical conductive member or disengage the electrical switch, thereby interrupting the conduction of electricity through an electrical system. Alternatively, the extendable initiator cup can extend to engage the electrical switch thereby allowing the conduction of electricity through an electrical system.

A vibration-to-electric energy generator using a resonant variable capacitor (RVC) which converts vibration energy to electric energy in an environment where any kind of vibration may occur, the generator can generate electricity optimally and adaptive to change in frequency, amplitude, and phase of vibration energy. The generator includes RVC, initial charge assurance circuit, start and halt circuit, reference clock generator, pulse generation circuit, charge transportation circuit, and output control circuit. The initial charge assurance circuit and start and halt circuit control and save the conditions of electricity generating operation. The reference clock generator and pulse generation circuit generate reference signal and timing control signals in sync with vibration energy applied to the generator. By timing control signals, the charge transportation circuit charges and discharges the RVC, thus generating electric energy. The output control circuit stabilizes generated electric power.

The invention belongs to blasting supply producing technology field, which relates to a modification to electron detonator controller. It includes disturbance resisting circuit, voltage adjusting circuit, communication interface, energy storing capacitance, electron switch, firing device, control unit, clock circuit. Its character lies in: it has a decoding circuit working under control of the control unit; the electron ID code of the detonator is stored in the electron ID 251 of the decoding circuit. The invention makes the production, use, and management convenient, restrains the illogically use and illegal use of detonator, thus it solves the safety problem of detonator loss.

Connection cables for separable firing unit assemblies comprise a first mating connector at a first end and a second mating connector at a second, opposing end. A stripline cable electrically connects the first mating connector to the second mating connector. Separable firing unit assemblies comprise an initiation device. An electronics assembly is configured to transmit a firing pulse to the initiation device. One of a first mating connector and a second mating connector is coupled to the initiation device and the other of the first mating connector and the second mating connector is coupled to the electronics assembly. A second housing of the second mating connector is configured to receive a portion of a first housing of the first mating connector therein.

A detonator with a base portion including a header wall terminating in a support surface; an initiator on the support surface; an explosive charge spaced from the initiator; and a cap having an interior top surface and an enclosure wall extending downward from the interior top surface and surrounding the initiator and the explosive charge. The wall terminates in a rim secured at a location along the header wall corresponding to the thickness of the initiator, the spacing between the initiator and the explosive charge, and the thickness of the explosive charge thereby ensuring that the explosive charge is in communication with the interior top surface of the cap.

A device and method that employs a detonation event as an energy source for producing a pyrotechnic output. The device includes an initiation charge that is selectively detonated by an exploding foil initiator. Byproducts from the detonation event are attenuated by a barrier that is disposed between the initiation charge and an ignition charge. The barrier participates in a chemical reaction with the detonation byproducts to oxidize and burn. In this regard, the barrier serves as a fuel that is employed to ignite the ignition charge. The device includes a sealed housing in which the initiator, initiation charge and ignition charges are housed. The housing ruptures in response to the heat and pressure generated by the ignited ignition charge to release the pyrotechnic output.

Initiator systems for warheads include a first initiation device configured to detonate at least a portion of an explosive material contained in an explosive device and a second initiation device configured to deflagrate at least a portion of an explosive material of a warhead. Scalable output explosive devices include an explosive material at least partially disposed within a housing and an initiator system including a first initiation device configured to detonate at least a portion of the explosive material and a second initiation device configured to deflagrate at least another portion of the explosive material. Methods of igniting warheads include deflagrating a portion of an explosive material disposed within the warhead and detonating at least another portion of the explosive material disposed within the warhead.

The present invention provides an initiator assembly in which the number of constituent parts is reduced, manufacturing facilitation of the constituent parts themselves is enhanced, the initial performance can be maintained even if the initiator assembly is used for a long term, and the conductive pins can reliably be held even if the initiator assembly is exposed to a high temperature. The initiator assembly comprises an electric type initiator and a metal collar for holding the electric type initiator, head portions of the conductive pins of the electric type initiator are electrically insulated from each other but are integral with each other, and the head portions are a disk in shape as a whole.

A shock-resistant electronic circuit assembly (10) is provided in which an electronic circuit is encased in an encapsulation (14) that engages a surrounding enclosure (18) in shock-dispersing contact therewith. The encapsulation may have a plurality of edges (16, 16a, 16b), fins (24) or bosses (70) that bear against the enclosure. The encapsulation may include a shock-absorbing material (14f) disposed against the enclosure to protect the circuit against vibrations and a structural support material such as a casing (14e) to protect the circuit against stress. The circuit assembly (10) may be part of a sheathed initiator assembly (55) that includes a transfer member (58) for converting shock wave energy into electrical energy for the electronic circuit, and the released energy may be converted into a detonation initiation signal. Assembly (55) may be part of a detonator (100) that receives a non-electric initiation signal and detonates following the delay determined by the electronic circuit. The detonator housing (112) or an optional sleeve (22) provides an enclosure for the assembly (55). The circuit encapsulation may include one or more bushings such as O-rings (14g, 14g') disposed about the circuit casing (14e).

An initiator for initiating detonation in a detonation cord of a perforating system, where the initiator comprises a modular electronic igniter that quick connects into a portion of high explosive. The high explosive is disposed in a housing having an end of detonation cord crimped therein. The electronic igniter may be shipped to the field and / or stored separate from the high explosive then the two may be assembled just prior to deploying the perforating gun assembly in a wellbore. Various methods of quick connecting the electronic igniter to the high explosive may be used.

Apparatus for providing electrically initiated and / or controlled combustion of electrically ignitable propellants is provided. In one example, the apparatus includes a volume of electrically ignitable propellant (liquid and / or gas) capable of self sustaining combustion, and electrodes operable to ignite the propellant. The apparatus may further include a power supply and controller in electrical communication with the electrodes for supplying a potential across the electrodes to initiate combustion of the propellant and / or control the rate of combustion of the propellant. Various configurations and geometries of the propellant, electrodes, and apparatus are possible. In one example, the electrodes are supplied a direct current, which causes combustion of the propellant at the positive electrode. In another example, the electrodes are supplied an alternating current, which initiates combustion of the propellant at both electrodes.

A system for multiple subsurface operations which are carried out in a well bore by means of two or more well tools having explosive or gas generating charges which are electronically initiated for accomplishing any number of other downhole well activities. Two or more well service tools are simultaneously run into a well on a single wire-line and are located at predetermined positions. An electronic blast control system having safety parameters, including time, movement, pressure and the like to ensure safe running and independent firing of the tools. The blast control system permits controlled energization of the explosive charges only when all of the programmed parameters have been met and causes sequential or serial electronic firing of the explosive devices independently of one another by positive and negative voltages.

A non-lethal active body which is equipped with a detonation-operated electrical pulse generator, and which is especially deployable as an article of submunition. The pulse generator is a piezo-generator having a detonation-operated inductive current amplifier and a capacitive pulse shaper connected to the output thereof.