USA as Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Steven E Fowler

George N Hennings

Stephen L Redmond

Richard M Swenson

Patrick A Yates

Joseph E Hibbs

James V McVay

Rex L Smith

Henry F Blazek

D Philip Ankeney

A munition fuze electronic arming and firing controller includes a micropessor and logic network which verify controller operation and provide an enabling signal necessary to arm the fuze. A signal of predetermined duration is twice produced by the microprocessor and is utilized with a clock signal continuously produced in the logic network to cause a counter to count during two separate periods. The resulting counter count is checked by verifying logic which outputs a signal only if the count is a predetermined count after each counting period. If the counter output is twice verified and an energy storage component external to the controller is charged to less than a predetermined minimum the logic network outputs an enabling signal which triggers the microprocessor to produce drive signals utilized to arm the fuze by charging the energy storage device. User selected inputs and firing sensor initiated inputs initiate munition detonation at a predetermined time and under predetermined conditions.

Self-checking arming and firing controller

A solid state detonator is made using a silicon chip with appropriate surnding sections to provide the resistance path necessary to detonate a primary explosive. The chip is set on a metal-to-glass-to-metal header to provide uniformity of current and insulation capabilities. A gold mesh is used as a conductor connected to a chromium-silicon resistor film. This provides a uniform annular heating ring for detonation purposes. The silicon chip may be doped for high conductivity and low resistance. This arrangement provides fast function with moderate power pulses while the thermal design permits high no-fire current levels.

Detonator, solid state type I film bridge

An Integral Store Suspension and Communication Device (ISSCD) that transf power and data to and from a store, senses store separations, and provides mechanical suspension of a store.

Integral store suspension and communication device

An electric detonator is fired by energy stored in the circuit upon arming f the system. A bridgewire grounds the trigger signal until sufficient input is present to blow out the bridgewire. The trigger signal then passes through a time delay circuit which gates a silicon controlled rectifier. This permits a closed circuit loop between the detonator and the stored energy.

Electronic delay detonator

An aircraft-to-weapon fuze communication link that transfers fuzing inforion between the aircraft and weapon via an optical data and power link in the absence of any physical connection. The information is transferred via an infrared light beam in digital format. Power to run the fuze receiver during the data transfer process is supplied from a high power light source.

Growing community of inventors

Ridgecrest, CA, United States of America

Steven E Fowler