Laser initiated ordnance systems
US5206455A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 1991 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF42C21/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to ordnance ignition systems and methods having significantly improved safety and reliability characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, laser energy is used to fire both deflagrating initiators and deflagration-to-detonation devices via fiber optic cable assemblies (FOCA). Relative to known explosive transfer assemblies, FOCAs are lighter, more reliable, less costly, and can be easily and thoroughly tested nondestructively. Although the laser initiated devices (LID) contain moderately sensitive pyrotechnics, their electrical isolation renders them immune from inadvertent initiation by electromagnetic and abnormal optical environments.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.