초록

Apparatus for igniting a charge of propellant/explosive material comprising source of laser light coupled by an optical fiber to ends of a plurality of optical fibers within the charge having their other ends coupled to a primer charge in an ignitor tube that is proximate an ignitor charge.

대표청구항 ▼

1. Apparatus for detonating an explosive charge bed comprising: a plurality of ignitors in said explosive charge bed, said ignitors being responsive to coherent light for ignition; an optical fiber patch cord; an alignment bushing having means for optical coupling to said optical fiber patch co

1. Apparatus for detonating an explosive charge bed comprising: a plurality of ignitors in said explosive charge bed, said ignitors being responsive to coherent light for ignition; an optical fiber patch cord; an alignment bushing having means for optical coupling to said optical fiber patch cord; a plurality of ignitor fibers optically coupled between said alignment bushing and said ignitors; means for providing a pulse of coherent light; and means of or optically coupling one end of said patch cord to said means for providing a pulse of coherent light, the other end of said patch cord being coupled to said alignment bushing. 2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for providing a pulse of coherent light includes a laser energy source. 3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 comprising a cartridge having a shell containing said explosive charge bed wherein said alignment bushing comprises an optical pressure feedthrough coupling mounted in a base of said shell. 4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein each ignitor includes a tube made of metal. 5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein each ignitor includes a tube made of plastic. 6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein each ignitor includes a tube made of combustible material. 7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein each ignitor includes a primer of black powder positioned so as to receive light from its respective optical fiber. 8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein each ignitor includes ignitor material made of benite. 9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein each ignitor includes ignitor material made of oxite.