Systems and methods for igniting explosives
US7987760B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 9, 2005 |
| Grant date | Aug 2, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF41H11/12
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods are presented herein that provide for ignition of explosive devices through electric and/or electromagnetic discharge. In one embodiment, an electrostatic discharge is directionally propagated through air to conduct electric current to the explosive device. The electric current may ignite the explosive device via heat, via triggering of ignition circuitry, via induced electric current conduction to the explosive material therein and/or via direct electric conduction to the explosive material therein. Alternatively, or in addition to, electromagnetic energy may be directionally propagated to the device through a waveguide. Such electromagnetic energy may be in the microwave region and may heat and/or induce electric current in the explosive device. In either instance, the directionally propagated energy may be time varying. In one embodiment, a system is configured with a vehicle to distally position the directionally propagated energy to the explosive device such that damage caused by the device is inhibited.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.