초록 ▼

A pyrotechnic ignition method in which a semiconductor laser bar or bars containing a number of independent laser array sources deliver optical power in a specified sequence through optical fibers to a set of pyrotechnic elements in order to initiate a sequence of pyrotechnic events, such as a firew

A pyrotechnic ignition method in which a semiconductor laser bar or bars containing a number of independent laser array sources deliver optical power in a specified sequence through optical fibers to a set of pyrotechnic elements in order to initiate a sequence of pyrotechnic events, such as a fireworks display, building demolition, emergency ejection sequence, satellite launch, etc. A command signal is transmitted and received, typically by a remote station from the user. The signal is decoded to generate a set of electrical signals representing addresses of individual laser arrays on the laser bar. The laser arrays are activated in the desired sequence in response to the set of electrical signals and emit laser light. This light is transmitted along optical fibers coupled to the individual laser arrays and terminating in pyrotechnic elements. The pyrotechnic elements are ignited in response to optical power received from the optical fibers, typically by direct heating of a detonator. The detonator may also be ignited photochemically or by electric current produced by a photoelectric sensor in response to sensing of the laser light.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of initiating a sequence of pyrotechnic events comprising, receiving a command signal, said command signal representing a desired sequence of pyrotechnic events, generating and transmitting to at least one laser bar a set of electrical signals from said command signal, said electrical signa

A method of initiating a sequence of pyrotechnic events comprising, receiving a command signal, said command signal representing a desired sequence of pyrotechnic events, generating and transmitting to at least one laser bar a set of electrical signals from said command signal, said electrical signals representing addresses of individual laser sources of said laser bar, said individual laser sources being activated in a desired sequence upon receiving said set of electrical signals, activated laser sources emitting laser light, transmitting said laser light along optical fibers coupled to said individual laser sources, said optical fibers terminating in a plurality of pyrotechnic elements, and igniting said pyrotechnic elements in said desired sequence, said laser light having sufficient optical power to cause said ignition of a pyrotechnic element when the corresponding laser source is active.