ORDNANCE FIRING SYSTEM - ENSIGN BICKFORD AEROSPACE & DE

Title:

ORDNANCE FIRING SYSTEM

Document Type and Number:

WIPO Patent Application WO2001071272

Kind Code:

A3

Abstract:

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; and 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 effects possess decision-making ability and, for purposes of the invention, may be referred to as "intelligent" effectors. To participate in the decision-making process, effects 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.

Inventors:

BOUCHER CRAIG J
MARSHALL PAUL N
NOVOTNEY DAVID B

Application Number:

PCT/US2001/008535

Publication Date:

August 21, 2003

Filing Date:

March 16, 2001

Export Citation:

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Assignee:

ENSIGN BICKFORD AEROSPACE & DE (US)

International Classes:

F41H5/007; F42B3/10; F42C15/40; F42D1/05; B60R21/26; (IPC1-7): F42C19/12; F42B3/10

Domestic Patent References:

WO1997021067A1

1997-06-12

Other References: