David Wesley Erdmann

US Patent:

7926402, Apr 19, 2011

Filed:

Nov 29, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/564714

Inventors:

Eugene C. Pikus - Ham Lake MN, US
David P. Erdmann - Hopkins MN, US

Assignee:

Alliant Techsystems Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

F42C 17/00

US Classification:

89 65, 89 6, 102276, 102215

Abstract:

Microcontroller apparatuses and methods of use are disclosed. An explosive projectile system contains a faze and a remote fuze setter. The fuze includes a microcontroller comprising an RC-based clock generator and is configured to sample an accurate timing event sent from a crystal-based or similarly accurate timing device. The microcontroller is then calibrated with the received timing event and results are employed in a manner appropriate for desired implementation. Implementations of the microcontroller may include sampling a detonation delay value, in the form of a time pulse, and calibrating the microcontroller to issue a fire command at delay time after an impact event. Additionally, in a setter calibration application, a microcontroller may receive a carrier signal, calibrate the faze to an accurate time base and then set frequency boundary limits for subsequent data bit transfers.

US Patent:

40525953, Oct 4, 1977

Filed:

Jun 18, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/697610

Inventors:

David P. Erdmann - Hopkins MN
Dennis L. Kurschner - Minnetonka MN

Assignee:

Honeywell Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

G08G 1065

US Classification:

235 92TC

Abstract:

A vehicle monitoring system for detecting the passage of vehicles past a predetermined point along a road. Using a pair of magnetic sensors positioned in a spaced relationship, together with appropriate logic circuitry, the apparatus according to the present invention is able to detect the number of and the direction of vehicles traveling along said road. Counting means are also provided to give an indication of the number of vehicles passing in each of the two directions during any selected period of time.

US Patent:

59144599, Jun 22, 1999

Filed:

Aug 1, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/905173

Inventors:

Larry A. Teske - Prior Lake MN
Kevin J. Olson - White Bear Lake MN
David P. Erdmann - Hopkins MN
Michael A. Johson - Chaska MN

Assignee:

Alliant Techsystems Inc. - Hopkins MN

International Classification:

F42C 1540
F42C 100

US Classification:

102262

Abstract:

A discriminating deceleration sensing electrical switch assembly is enclosed within a munitions projectile for providing an electrical circuit path between a pair of electrical contacts upon deceleration of the projectile being greater than a selected deceleration threshold value. The discriminating deceleration electrical switch assembly includes a switch support having a bore hole for holding a spherical mass or ball. A tactile dome switch or snap switch is juxtaposed between an electrical contact assembly, including a pair of electrically conductive surface regions, and the spherical mass. The components are arranged along the munitions firing axis such that, upon sufficient deceleration along the firing axis, a force acting on the spherical mass will cause the dome switch to deform and contact the conductive surface regions to provide switch closure. Electrical wiring leading from the electrically conductive surface regions are intended to be electrically connected to a detonation control circuit so as to initiate detonation of the munitions. The switch may also be configured as an acceleration switch without the spherical mass and, alternatively as a combination acceleration/deceleration switch.

US Patent:

39613208, Jun 1, 1976

Filed:

Sep 3, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/503003

Inventors:

David P. Erdmann - Hopkins MN
Dennis L. Kurschner - Minnetonka MN

Assignee:

Honeywell Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

G08B 1300

US Classification:

340258D

Abstract:

A system for sensing seismic and magnetic disturbances, comprising a segmented transducer, such as a line sensor, and electronic circuitry for processing the signals developed by the segmented transducer. The segmented transducer comprises sets of windings wrapped around a ferromagnetic core. Currents are induced in the transducer windings by magnetic field disturbances caused by external ferrous objects. Electronic signal processing circuitry associated with the transducer extracts information from the induced seismic and magnetic signals and activates an alarm if the information meets predetermined criteria. Important criteria used include whether the seismic signals are impulsive, whether the magnetic or stress disturbances are localized, and whether specific thresholds of magnetic and stress activity are reached.

US Patent:

45804974, Apr 8, 1986

Filed:

Feb 21, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/581850

Inventors:

David P. Erdmann - Hopkins MN
Dennis L. Kurschner - Minnetonka MN
John C. Timmerman - St. Paul MN

Assignee:

Honeywell, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

F42C 1308

US Classification:

102212

Abstract:

In combination: an air core coil; a passive detector connected to said coil for giving a first output in response to change in the ambient magnetic field due to movement of a magnetic body near the coil; an active detector connected to the same coil and operable to create a local magnetic field about the coil and to give a second output in response to changes in the local field due to the movement of the body; apparatus energizing the active detector in response to the output of the passive detector; and apparatus giving a further output in response to simultaneous outputs from both the detectors.

US Patent:

54977045, Mar 12, 1996

Filed:

Dec 30, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/176355

Inventors:

Dennis L. Kurschner - Minnetonka MN
David P. Erdmann - Hopkins MN
Scott D. Crist - Minnetonka MN

Assignee:

Alliant Techsystems Inc. - Hopkins MN

International Classification:

F42C 1104
F42C 914

US Classification:

102264

Abstract:

A multifunctional magnetic fuze is disclosed. The sensor includes an apparatus and method for counting each rotation of a projectile after firing from a weapon. A signal is generated which indicates the rotations of the projectile and a counter counts the turns so that the projectile may detonate at a predetermined nominal number of turns. The turns count may also be used to calculate spin rate and muzzle velocity so that the nominal turns count may be adjusted based on actual velocity. The fuze also may include a timer for counting a time to burst of a projectile. The turns count and/or the times count may be utilized to provide accurate detonation.