US3562640A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for testing exploding bridgewire ordnance devices for continuity and shorts
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1969-01-15
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Granted: 1971-02-09
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Expires: 1989-01-15
Abstract
Abstract A device wherein a first potential is applied to an exploding bridgewire unit (EBW), including a spark gap, to determine if the EBW unit is shorted. If the EBW unit is shorted a lamp will be lighted and locked on. If the lamp does not light, a switch is depressed which causes a charged capacitor to be connected in series with the EBW unit to check the continuity of the EBW. The charge of the capacitor is of a voltage sufficient to cause the spark gap of the EBW to break down and conduct if the EBW is otherwise continuous. If conduction through the EBW occurs, a lamp connected in series with the capacitor and the EBW will be ionized and locked on. If the EBW does not conduct, the charge of the capacitor will be dissipated in a manner which will cause yet another lamp to be ionized and locked on. Current through the EBW is limited to render the possibility of damage to or explosion of the EBW negligible.
Inventors
- 👤 James B Wright
- 👤 James D Holder
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 06:29
CPC Classifications
F; F42; F42B; F42B35/00; G; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
195 words
A test unit for testing the spark gap of an exploding bridgewire ordnance device for shorts and testing the series connection of the spark gap and bridgewire of an exploding bridgewire ordnance device for continuity comprising: a first and second output terminal; a DC voltage source having first and second output terminals at different potentials; a first and second lamp; a first and second resistor connected in series between said first and second output terminals of said voltage source; a third resistor; first means connecting said third resistor from between said first and second resistors to said first output terminal of said test unit; said second lamp being connected in parallel with said third resistor; a first capacitor and a fourth resistor connected in series between said first and second output terminals of said voltage source; said first lamp being connected in parallel with said fourth resistor; said second output terminals being connected together; said exploding bridgewire ordnance device adapted to be connected between said first and second output terminals of said test unit; and second means connecting said first output terminal of said voltage source to said first output terminal of said test unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
195 words
A test unit for testing the spark gap of an exploding bridgewire ordnance device for shorts and testing the series connection of the spark gap and bridgewire of an exploding bridgewire ordnance device for continuity comprising: a first and second output terminal; a DC voltage source having first and second output terminals at different potentials; a first and second lamp; a first and second resistor connected in series between said first and second output terminals of said voltage source; a third resistor; first means connecting said third resistor from between said first and second resistors to said first output terminal of said test unit; said second lamp being connected in parallel with said third resistor; a first capacitor and a fourth resistor connected in series between said first and second output terminals of said voltage source; said first lamp being connected in parallel with said fourth resistor; said second output terminals being connected together; said exploding bridgewire ordnance device adapted to be connected between said first and second output terminals of said test unit; and second means connecting said first output terminal of said voltage source to said first output terminal of said test unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
142 words
A test unit as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first means connecting includes a multipole switch having a normally oPen pole and a first normally closed pole, and said second connecting means includes a relay having a normally open contact, and wherein said voltage source includes a third output terminal at a different voltage from said first and second output terminals of said voltage source, said first normally open pole of said switch being connected between said third output terminal and one of said relay, the other side of said relay being connected to said second output terminals; said contact of said relay connecting said first output of said voltage source to said first output of said test unit; and said normally closed contact of said switch being connected from between said first and second resistors to said second lamp.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
236 words
A test unit as set forth in claim 2 wherein: said voltage source further includes fourth and fifth output terminals at different potentials from said first, second, and third output terminals of said voltage source and wherein said switch further includes a second and third normally open pole; a first diode having its anode connected to said fourth output terminal of said voltage source and its anode connected to a point between said first and second resistor; said first output of said test unit being connected to said fourth output terminal of said voltage source through said second normally open pole of said switch; a second diode and a fifth resistor connected in series between said first output terminal of said test unit and a point between said second lamp and said normally closed contact of said switch, the cathode of said diode being connected to said normally closed pole; said third normally open contact of said switch being connected from a point between said second lamp and said normally closed pole to a point between said first capacitor and said fourth resistor; a sixth resistor connected between said fifth output terminal and said point between said first capacitor and said fourth resistor; a second and third capacitor; and said second capacitor being connected between said second and fifth output terminals of said voltage source, said third capacitor being connected in parallel with said first lamp.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-02-08 | 1974-08-10 | 1975-02-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-08 | 1978-08-10 | 1979-02-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-08 | 1982-08-10 | 1983-02-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |