Quantic Industries, Inc.

Hughes Aircraft Company

Robert R Durrell

Jeffrey M Moser

Theodore J Netoff

Kenneth E Willis

Simon M Kokoshvili

Michael S Williams

Charles J Moore, Jr

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.

Laser initiated ordnance systems

An anti-theft system and method for automobiles cuts off the fuel supply from the gas tank by not opening a cutoff valve if a car has been improperly started. Auxiliary units associated with the ignition and the gas tank require that a certain timing sequence be gone through in starting; if the key is accidently left in the ignition for an extended period of time, the fuel will be shut off, or if the car is hot wired, the fuel will be shut off. In either case, an operator's personal code must be re-entered.

Anti-theft vehicle system and method

A modular electronic safe arm device (MESAD) (10) for arming and igniting an explosive is universal in application and employs a standard circuit architecture which uses application specific logic modules (12) and (14), a standard voltage control module (16), and standard high energy firing modules (18) and (20). In the preferred embodiment, the logic modules (12) and (14) are state machines using clocked sequential logic and having read-only-memories. The logic modules (12) and (14) generate dynamic arming signals at outputs (54) and (76) which cause the voltage control module (16) in conjunction with transformer (102), to convert a low voltage input (98) to a high voltage output (100). The high voltage output (100) is used to charge firing capacitors (112) and (138) in standard high energy firing modules (18) and (20). Logic module (14) generates two trigger signals at outputs (76) and (78) for activating the trigger modules (126) and (148). Charging and triggering of the high energy firing modules (18) and (20) causes explosive foil initiators (108) and (134) to ignite the explosive. Application specific interface units (40) and (86) allow the MESAD (10) to be used in many different applications.

Modular, electronic safe-arm device

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Moss Beach, CA, United States of America

Robert R Durrell