IPC분류정보
국가/구분 |
United States(US) Patent
등록
|
국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
|
출원번호 |
US-0099237
(2005-04-05)
|
등록번호 |
US-7278658
(2007-10-09)
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발명자
/ 주소 |
- Boucher,Craig J.
- Marshall,Paul N.
- Novotney,David B.
|
출원인 / 주소 |
- Ensign Bickford Aerospace and Defense Co.
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대리인 / 주소 |
|
인용정보 |
피인용 횟수 :
6 인용 특허 :
72 |
초록
▼
An ordnance system of the present invention may include or feature any one or more of: a control unit, one or more effectors (detonators, initiators, shaped charges and the like), and a two-, three-or four-wire communication bus between the control unit and the effectors; an addressable system in wh
An ordnance system of the present invention may include or feature any one or more of: a control unit, one or more effectors (detonators, initiators, shaped charges and the like), and a two-, three-or four-wire communication bus between the control unit and the effectors; an addressable system in which all the effectors can be connected to the same communication bus and the control unit can issue coded signals on the bus addressed to a specific effector; inductive coupling between the effectors and the communication bus; and a multi-voltage level communication system in which communication signals are carried at a first voltage and arming signals are provided at a second, higher voltage. Other features may include two-way communication between effectors and the control unit and the de-centralization of firing control so that the control unit does not have exclusive control over whether the effectors function. As a result, the individual effectors possess decision-making ability and, for purposes of this invention, may be referred to as "intelligent" effectors. To participate in the decision-making process, effectors of this invention may be equipped with sensors or other diagnostic circuitry whose condition is checked for satisfactory output before functioning is permitted to occur.
대표청구항
▼
What is claimed is: 1. In a land vehicle comprising a plurality of reactive effectors, each reactive effector having an effector containing explosive or pyrotechnic material, the improvement comprising: a plurality of initiators associated with the effectors, each initiator comprising a reactive ma
What is claimed is: 1. In a land vehicle comprising a plurality of reactive effectors, each reactive effector having an effector containing explosive or pyrotechnic material, the improvement comprising: a plurality of initiators associated with the effectors, each initiator comprising a reactive material configured to initiate the associated effector; a firing control system in communication with the initiators; and a sensor on the vehicle for sensing a condition precedent to arming or firing at least one of said initiators; wherein at least one of said initiators comprises initiator control circuitry that is in communication with the sensor and is responsive to the sensor and independently responsive to the firing control system for initiating its associated effector upon receipt of proper signals from bath the firing control system and the sensor; wherein the initiator control circuitry has an input impedance equal to or greater than 1,000 ohms and equal to or less than 10,000 ohms; wherein in response to a firing signal received from the firing control system and from the sensor, the initiator control circuitry evaluates an output of the sensor for indication of a favorable firing condition, thereby enabling the associated initiator to override a signal from the firing control system indicating readiness to fire. 2. The vehicle of claim 1 comprising a common bus through which the initiators are linked to the firing control system. 3. The vehicle of claim 2 wherein the sensor is connected to the bus. 4. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein the sensor is connected to at least one initiator of the plurality of initiators, each initiator connected the sensor being responsive to the sensor. 5. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein at least one initiator is programmed to self-arm or initiate based on a signal received from the sensor. 6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: at least one of the plurality of initiators comprises a pyrotechnic mixture configured to produce a pyrotechnic output to initiate the associated effector. 7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: at least one of the plurality of initiators comprises a rupture disc disposed and configured to be responsive to the reactive material, thereby enabling initiation of the associated effector upon displacement or rupture of the rupture disc. 8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: the reactive material is explosive or pyrotechnic material. 9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: the initiator control circuitry is programmed to delay firing of the associated initiator until the sensor indicates a favorable firing condition. 10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: at least one of said initiators comprises an internal sensor for sensing operational conditions of the associated initiator internal to the associated initiator, thereby enabling postponed firing of the associated initiator in the presence of a firing signal from the firing control system and in the absence of a requisite firing signal from the internal sensor. 11. In a land vehicle comprising a plurality of reactive effectors, the improvement comprising: a plurality of initiators associated with the reactive effectors, each initiator comprising a reactive material configured to initiate the associated effector; a firing control system in communication with the initiators; and a sensor on the vehicle for sensing a condition precedent to arming or firing at least one of said initiators; wherein at least one of said initiators comprises initiator control circuitry that is in communication with the sensor and is responsive to the sensor and to the firing control system for initiating its associated effector upon receipt of proper signals from both the firing control system and the sensor; and wherein the initiator control circuitry has an input impedance equal to or greater than 1,000 ohms and equal to or less than 10,000 ohms. 12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein: the reactive material is explosive or pyrotechnic material. 13. The vehicle of claim 11 wherein: at least one of the plurality of initiators is programmed to self-arm or initiate based on a signal received from the sensor. 14. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein: at least one of the plurality of initiators comprises a displaceable device disposed and configured to be responsive to the reactive material, thereby enabling initiation of the associated effector upon displacement of the displaceable device.
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