Patent · US Expired

Laser actuated thru-bulkhead initiator for detonable explosive material, pyrotechnic material and remotely located pyrotechnic or propellant material

US5179246A · kind A · utility

12Cited by
6References
2Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 10, 1992
Grant dateJan 12, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 10, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF42B3/113
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A laser actuated thru-bulkhead initiator for transmission of detonation within the initiator without destroying the pressure integrity of the initiator and the seal of the pressure vessel in which the initiator is installed comprises a body portion having an aperture extending throughout the length thereof. This aperture provides an optical path from a laser source to a detonable explosive material positioned within the aperture. The body portion provides a housing for retaining in a first section of the aperture, a primary window element, an attenuator for an explosive shock wave, a second window element, and an explosive material within the aperture and the optical path. A second section of the aperture of the body portion which extends from the outer surface of the second window performs the function of receiving the explosive shock wave energy dissipated from an explosive force released by the detonable explosive composition. In use, when laser light of a minimum threshold energy level, capable of achieving detonation of a primary detonable explosive composition, is transmitted through the optical path, the primary detonable explosive composition detonates. The primary window i…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.