Donald S Hunter

US Patent:

56419350, Jun 24, 1997

Filed:

Aug 16, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/515612

Inventors:

Donald W. Hunter - Silver Spring MD
Andrew M. Leshchyshyn - Silver Spring MD

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army - Washington DC

International Classification:

F42C 1100

US Classification:

102206

Abstract:

An electronic switch for triggering firing of munitions, the switch inclug an electrical circuit having a high voltage source, a sealed two electrode gap in communication with the high voltage source, a microgap in series with the sealed gap, an exploding foil initiator in communication with the microgap, and an energy storage capacitor bridging legs of the circuit between the high voltage source and the sealed gap. A trigger circuit is in communication with the high voltage source and a fire pulse generator, and is provided with a lead extending from the trigger circuit to one of said legs of said circuit between said sealed gap and said microgap. The energy storage capacitor is charged by the high voltage source to a voltage V which is substantially across the sealed gap. A pulse from the fire pulse generator activates the trigger circuit to provide a high voltage potential V. sub. t across the sealed gap, such that voltage V+V. sub.

US Patent:

59183080, Jun 29, 1999

Filed:

May 5, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/851389

Inventors:

Donald W. Hunter - Silver Spring MD

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army - Washington DC

International Classification:

F42C 1700

US Classification:

89 65

Abstract:

A method for deriving a safe separation distance of a missile based on time o safe separation distance and adjustments to this time. The method comprises periodically sampling an accelerometer signal at specific time intervals. The acceleration values are compared to a reference table having time adjustment values as a function of acceleration values. These adjustment values can be added to or subtracted from the current time to safe separation distance, or they can be mathematically manipulated in order to calculate the approximate time to safe separation for the specific trajectory of the missile. Based upon the comparison, the time to safe separation distance is periodically adjusted and monitored until its value approaches zero at a safe separation distance. In the case of obtaining unacceptable deviation from the acceleration and time profile, this may be an indication of fault and a basis for termination of arming of the missile.

US Patent:

52459268, Sep 21, 1993

Filed:

Mar 11, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/849547

Inventors:

Donald W. Hunter - Silver Spring MD

Assignee:

United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army - Washington DC

International Classification:

F42C 1524

US Classification:

102215

Abstract:

This disclosure is directed to the use of application specific integrated rcuits in safe and arm devices. The application specific circuits each comprising a buffer means for forming an environmental interface and providing input to a microcontroller, latch means for recording physical evidence, power-up reset means for providing a delayed state change which initializes the microcontroller, static and dynamic AND gate means, command arm data link register means, and a programmable counter means for providing a hard logic derived timing function.

US Patent:

56002939, Feb 4, 1997

Filed:

Jun 14, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/260287

Inventors:

Donald Hunter - Silver Spring MD

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army - Washington DC

International Classification:

H05B 668

US Classification:

336182

Abstract:

An integrated magnetic exploding foil initiator fire set includes a DC-DC converter with a first transformer, a triggering mechanism with a second transformer, and an integrated magnetic structure for the respective transformers. Inductive interference is minimized in the respective transformers by the construction and placement of the transformer windings. The use of planar magnetic core material and flexprint or printed circuit technologies for the windings reduces the cost and weight of the structure and provides a compact construction. Thus, the triggering mechanism provides higher energy and voltage output and eliminate the need for expensive spark-gap switches.

US Patent:

52490955, Sep 28, 1993

Filed:

Aug 27, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/935718

Inventors:

Donald W. Hunter - Silver Spring MD

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army - Washington DC

International Classification:

F42C 1912

US Classification:

361251

Abstract:

A high voltage, laser light initiated, dielectric breakdown switch for use n safe and arm systems for initiating exploding foil initiators. One electrode has an opening which allows light from a laser source to shine on dielectric material and induce breakdown. Conduction occurs between the electrodes and transfers energy from a power supply to the electronic foil initiator.