Brendan M Walsh

US Patent:

6408759, Jun 25, 2002

Filed:

Feb 29, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/402868

Inventors:

David W. Ewick - North Granby CT
Brendan M. Walsh - Simsbury CT

Assignee:

The Ensign-Bickford Company - Simsbury CT

International Classification:

F42B 310

US Classification:

1022025, 1022755

Abstract:

An initiator ( ) assembled from a housing ( ), an output charge ( ) and an initiation means ( ) includes a pulverulent ignition charge ( ) disposed in direct initiation relation to the initiation means, and an output charge ( ) that may contain a pulverulent deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) charge ( ) and an explosive base charge ( ). The ignition charge ( ) has an average particle size of less than 10 microns, or even less than 5 microns, e. g. , 1 to 2 microns. The initiation means may include a semiconductor bridge ( ) and the ignition charge ( ) may be compacted with a force of less than about 5880 psi, e. g. , with a force of 1000 psi. In another embodiment, an initiator ( ) includes a low-energy electrical initiator ( ), a loosely packed BNCP ignition charge ( ) and a pyrotechnical output charge ( ).

US Patent:

7921776, Apr 12, 2011

Filed:

Jun 1, 2004

Appl. No.:

11/569365

Inventors:

Brendan M. Walsh - Simsbury CT, US
P. Cary Franklin - Madisonville KY, US

Assignee:

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company - Simsbury CT

International Classification:

C06C 5/04

US Classification:

1022758, 1022025, 1022755

Abstract:

This invention relates to a detonating cord () having a core () of reactive material and a composite jacket around the core, and the method of its manufacture. The composite jacket includes an interior jacket () in contact with the core and a sacrificial jacket () disposed over the interior jacket. The sacrificial jacket prevents the cord from being cut off by the detonation of another detonating cord of like core load disposed adjacent thereto. The sacrificial jacket is separable from the interior jacket beneath it under the force of the adjacent detonating cord, thus absorbing energy and allowing the first detonating cord to remain intact. The detonating cord may have a core load of not more than 3. 2 grams/meter (15 grains/ft) or, optionally, less than 1. 25 g/m (6 grains/ft).

US Patent:

58892281, Mar 30, 1999

Filed:

Apr 9, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/831664

Inventors:

David W. Ewick - North Granby CT
Brendan M. Walsh - Simsbury CT

Assignee:

The Ensign-Bickford Company - Simsbury CT

International Classification:

C06C 500
F42B 310

US Classification:

1022755

Abstract:

A detonator (100) assembled from a housing (112), an output charge (144) and an initiation means (110, 120, 58, 54) includes a pulverulent ignition charge (46a) disposed in direct initiation relation to the initiation means, and an output charge (144) that may contain a pulverulent deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) charge (144a) and a base charge (144b). The ignition charge (46a) has an average particle size of less than 10 microns, or even less than 5 microns, e. g. , 1 to 2 microns. The initiation means may include a semiconductor bridge (18) and the ignition charge (46a) may be compacted with a force of less than about 5880 psi, e. g. , with a force of 1000 psi.

US Patent:

60793325, Jun 27, 2000

Filed:

Nov 1, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/742296

Inventors:

Paul N. Marshall - Avon CT
Thomas C. Tseka - West Suffield CT
Brendan M. Walsh - Simsbury CT
James E. Fritz - Ellington CT

Assignee:

The Ensign-Bickford Company - Simsbury CT

International Classification:

F42C 1908
F42C 1912

US Classification:

1022025

Abstract:

A shock-resistant electronic circuit assembly (10) is provided in which an electronic circuit is encased in an encapsulation (14) that engages a surrounding enclosure (18, 22) in shock-dispersing contact therewith. The encapsulation may have a plurality of edges (16, 16a, 16b), fins (24) or bosses (70) that bear against the enclosure. The encapsulation may include a shock-absorbing material (14f) disposed against the enclosure to protect the circuit against vibrations and a structural support material (14e) to protect the circuit against stress. The circuit assembly (10) may contain a capacitor (34) for storing an electrical signal and timing circuitry for releasing the stored energy after a predetermined delay. The circuit assembly (10) may be part of a transducer-circuit assembly (55) that includes a transducer module (58) for converting shock wave energy into electrical energy for the electronic circuit, and the released energy may be converted into a detonation initiation signal. Assembly (55) may be part of a detonator (100) that receives a non-electric initiation signal and detonates following the delay determined by the electronic circuit.

US Patent:

63116219, Nov 6, 2001

Filed:

Dec 6, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/455548

Inventors:

Paul N. Marshall - Avon CT
Thomas C. Tseka - West Suffield CT
Brendan M. Walsh - Simsbury CT
James E. Fritz - Ellington CT

Assignee:

The Ensign-Bickford Company - Simsbury CT

International Classification:

F42C 1908
F42C 1912

US Classification:

1022025

Abstract:

A shock-resistant electronic circuit assembly (10) is provided in which an electronic circuit is encased in an encapsulation (14) that engages a surrounding enclosure (18) in shock-dispersing contact therewith. The encapsulation may have a plurality of edges (16, 16a, 16b), fins (24) or bosses (70) that bear against the enclosure. The encapsulation may include a shock-absorbing material (14f) disposed against the enclosure to protect the circuit against vibrations and a structural support material such as a casing (14e) to protect the circuit against stress. The circuit assembly (10) may be part of a sheathed initiator assembly (55) that includes a transfer member (58) for converting shock wave energy into electrical energy for the electronic circuit, and the released energy may be converted into a detonation initiation signal. Assembly (55) may be part of a detonator (100) that receives a non-electric initiation signal and detonates following the delay determined by the electronic circuit. The detonator housing (112) or an optional sleeve (22) provides an enclosure for the assembly (55).

US Patent:

59293683, Jul 27, 1999

Filed:

Dec 9, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/762262

Inventors:

David W. Ewick - North Granby CT
Paul N. Marshall - Avon CT
Kenneth A. Rode - Granby CT
Thomas C. Tseka - West Suffield CT
Brendan M. Walsh - Simsbury CT

Assignee:

The Ensign-Bickford Company - Simsbury CT

International Classification:

H03K 17687
H03K 17567
F42D 1055

US Classification:

102215

Abstract:

An electronic delay circuit (10) for use in a detonator (100) has a switching circuit (20) and a timer circuit (22). Switching circuit (20) controls the flow of a stored charge of electrical energy from a storage capacitor (12) to a bridge initiation element such as a semiconductor bridge (18) or a tungsten bridge. The timing of the release of this energy is controlled by timer circuit (22). Switching circuit (20) is an integrated, dielectrically isolated, bipolar CMOS (DI BiCMOS) circuit, whereas timer circuit (22) is a conventional CMOS circuit. The use of a DI BiCMOS switching circuit allows for greater efficiency of energy transfer from the storage capacitor (12) to the semiconductor bridge (18) than has previously been attained.