U.S. patent application number 12/108831 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-29 for flat electric match.
Invention is credited to Michael K. Levenson, Joseph M. Rustick.
Application Number | 20090266259 12/108831 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41213725 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090266259 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rustick; Joseph M. ; et
al. |
October 29, 2009 |
FLAT ELECTRIC MATCH
Abstract
A flat electric match includes a substrate having a surface. A
first electrical lead and a second electrical lead each having an
end, are carried by the substrate on the surface. The ends of the
electrical leads are spaced apart on the surface. A bridge wire is
coupled between the ends of the electrical leads and carried by the
substrate on the surface. A pyrotechnic material is carried by the
substrate on the surface, with at least a portion of the
pyrotechnic material contacting the bridge wire.
Inventors: |
Rustick; Joseph M.;
(Phoenix, AZ) ; Levenson; Michael K.; (Tempe,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERT A. PARSONS
4000 N. CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1220
PHOENIX
AZ
85012
US
|
Family ID: |
41213725 |
Appl. No.: |
12/108831 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
102/202.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 3/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
102/202.5 |
International
Class: |
F42B 3/10 20060101
F42B003/10 |
Claims
1. A flat electric match comprising: a substrate having a surface;
a first electrical lead having an end, the first electrical lead
carried by the substrate on the surface; a second electrical lead
having an end, the second electrical lead carried by the substrate
on the surface with the end of the first electrical lead spaced
from the end of the second electrical lead; a bridge wire coupled
between the first electrical lead and the second electrical lead,
the bridge wire carried by the substrate on the surface; and a
pyrotechnic material carried by the substrate on the surface, at
least a portion of the pyrotechnic material contacting the bridge
wire.
2. A flat electric match as claimed in claim 1 further including a
second bridge wire electrical coupled to and extending between the
first electrical lead and the second electrical lead, spaced from
the bridge wire, and contacting at least a portion of the
pyrotechnic material.
3. A flat electric match as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first
lead and the second lead are insulated wires.
4. A flat electric match as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first
lead and the second lead are formed on the surface of the
substrate.
5. A flat electric match as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
pyrotechnic material is multilayered.
6. A flat electric match as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:
the substrate having a second surface; a third electrical lead
having an end, the third electrical lead carried by the substrate
on the second surface; a fourth electrical lead having an end, the
fourth electrical lead carried by the substrate on the second
surface with the end of the third electrical lead spaced from the
end of the fourth electrical lead; a second bridge wire coupled
between the third electrical lead and the fourth electrical lead,
the second bridge wire carried by the substrate on the second
surface; and a second pyrotechnic material carried by the substrate
on the second surface, at least a portion of the second pyrotechnic
material contacting the second bridge wire.
7. A flat electric match as claimed in claim 6 further including a
third bridge wire electrical coupled to and extending between the
first electrical lead and the second electrical lead, spaced from
the bridge wire, and contacting at least a portion of the
pyrotechnic material, and a fourth bridge wire electrical coupled
to and extending between the third electrical lead and the fourth
electrical lead spaced from the second bridge wire, and contacting
at least a portion of the second pyrotechnic material.
8. A flat electric match as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:
the substrate having a second surface; at least one bridge wire
carried by the substrate on the second surface, the at least one
bridge wire electrically coupled between the first electrical lead
and the second electrical lead; and a second pyrotechnic material
carried by the substrate on the second surface, at least a portion
of the second pyrotechnic material contacting the at least one
bridge wire.
9. A flat electric match comprising: a substrate having a surface;
a first electrical lead having a first end and a second end, the
first electrical lead carried by the substrate on the surface; a
second electrical lead having a first end and a second end, the
second electrical lead carried by the substrate on the surface with
the first end of the first electrical lead spaced from the first
end of the second electrical lead; a bridge wire coupled between
the first electrical lead and the second electrical lead, the
bridge wire carried by the substrate on the surface; a pyrotechnic
material carried by the substrate on the surface, at least a
portion of the pyrotechnic material contacting the bridge wire; and
an electric power source coupled to the second ends of the first
lead and the second lead, supplying an electric current to the
bridge wire on demand.
10. A flat electric match as claimed in claim 9 further including a
second bridge wire electrical coupled to and extending between the
first electrical lead and the second electrical lead, spaced from
the bridge wire, and contacting at least a portion of the
pyrotechnic material.
11. A flat electric match as claimed in claim 9 wherein the first
lead and the second lead are insulated wires.
12. A flat electric match as claimed in claim 9 wherein the first
lead and the second lead are formed on the surface of the
substrate.
13. A flat electric match as claimed in claim 9 wherein the
pyrotechnic material is multilayered.
14. A flat electric match as claimed in claim 9 further comprising:
the substrate having a second surface; a third electrical lead
having a first end and a second end, the third electrical lead
carried by the substrate on the second surface; a fourth electrical
lead having a first end and a second end, the fourth electrical
lead carried by the substrate on the second surface with the first
end of the third electrical lead spaced from the first end of the
fourth electrical lead; a second bridge wire coupled between the
third electrical lead and the fourth electrical lead, the second
bridge wire carried by the substrate on the second surface; a
second pyrotechnic material carried by the substrate on the second
surface, at least a portion of the pyrotechnic material contacting
the second bridge wire; and an electric power source coupled to the
second ends of the third lead and the fourth lead, supplying an
electric current to the second bridge wire on demand.
15. A flat electric match as claimed in claim 14 further including
a third bridge wire electrical coupled to and extending between the
first electrical lead and the second electrical lead, spaced from
the bridge wire, and contacting at least a portion of the
pyrotechnic material, and a fourth bridge wire electrical coupled
to and extending between the third electrical lead and the fourth
electrical lead spaced from the second bridge wire, and contacting
at least a portion of the second pyrotechnic material.
16. A flat electric match as claimed in claim 9 further comprising:
the substrate having a second surface; at least one bridge wire
carried by the substrate on the second surface, the at least one
bridge wire electrically coupled between the first electrical lead
and the second electrical lead; and a second pyrotechnic material
carried by the substrate on the second surface, at least a portion
of the second pyrotechnic material contacting the at least one
bridge wire.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to pyrotechnic devices.
[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to electric
matches.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Electric matches are well known in the art of explosives and
pyrotechnic devices. An electric match is most often employed by
insertion into a fuse, detonator, or charge and is the ignition
source. The electric match ignites the detonating charge or the
fuse, which then ignites the main charge or pyrotechnic device.
Ignition of the electric match is accomplished by providing an
electrical charge across two insulated wires coupled at an end by a
resistive bridge wire. The bridge wire is heated by the electrical
current which, in turn, ignites a pyrotechnic coating. The ignition
of the pyrotechnic coating then ignites a fuse, detonating charge,
and the like.
[0004] Electric matches are commonly formed by dipping the end of
the leads with the bridge wire into a slurry of pyrotechnic
material. While an effective and inexpensive device, an electric
match has some problems. The bridge wire is generally soldered to
the ends of the two leads, forming weak points. The leads are
typically supported by an insulating header through which the ends
of the leads extend and which separates and holds the leads in
position relative one another. However, the loose ends between
which the bridge wire is connected can flex and move. During
fabrication or use, this flexing and moving of the ends of the
leads can adversely effect the attachment and electrical coupling
of the bridge wire. If either end of the bridge wire is separated
or otherwise electrically isolated from the associated lead, such
as during the dipping process, the device is rendered
inoperable.
[0005] Another problem associated with electric matches is that the
amount of pyrotechnic material coating the bridge wire is very
limited. The fragility of the bridge wire limits its size and the
amount of pyrotechnic material that can be carried. Due to this
limitation, electric matches are employed to ignite a secondary or
detonating charge, and are not themselves a detonating charge.
[0006] It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the
foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a more
robust and reliable electric match.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
electric match that can carry a larger pyrotechnic charge.
[0009] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
electric match which can support multiple layers of pyrotechnic
material.
[0010] And another object of the present invention is to provide an
electric match that can employ pyrotechnic materials on opposing
sides.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Briefly, to achieve the desired objects and advantages of
the instant invention, provided is a flat electric match. The flat
electric match includes a substrate having a surface, a first
electrical lead having an end, and a second electrical lead having
an end. The first electrical lead and the second electrical lead
are carried by the substrate on the surface. The end of the first
electrical lead is spaced from the end of the second electrical
lead. A bridge wire is coupled between the ends of the first
electrical lead and the second electrical lead. The bridge wire is
carried by the substrate on the surface. A pyrotechnic material is
carried by the substrate on the surface with at least a portion of
the pyrotechnic material contacting the bridge wire.
[0012] In another aspect, a second bridge wire is electrical
coupled to and extends between the first electrical lead and the
second electrical lead, spaced from the bridge wire, and contacting
at least a portion of the pyrotechnic material
[0013] In yet another aspect, an electric power source is coupled
to second ends of the first lead and the second lead, supplying an
electric current to the bridge wire on demand.
[0014] In a further aspect of the present invention, the flat
electric match includes the substrate having a second surface with
a third electrical lead having an end thereon. The third electrical
lead is carried by the substrate on the second surface. A fourth
electrical lead having an end is carried by the substrate on the
second surface with the end of the third electrical lead spaced
from the end of the fourth electrical lead. A second bridge wire is
coupled between the third electrical lead and the fourth electrical
lead. The second bridge wire is carried by the substrate on the
second surface. A second pyrotechnic material is carried by the
substrate on the second surface with at least a portion contacting
the second bridge wire.
[0015] In yet a further aspect of the present invention, the flat
electric match includes the substrate having a second surface. At
least one bridge wire is carried by the substrate on the second
surface with the at least one bridge wire electrically coupled
between the first electrical lead and the second electrical lead. A
second pyrotechnic material is carried by the substrate on the
second surface, with at least a portion of the second pyrotechnic
material contacting the at least one bridge wire.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Specific objects and advantages of the instant invention
will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof
taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a flat electric match according
to the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a sectional end view of the match of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a flat
match according to the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of yet another embodiment of a
flat match according to the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an addition to the
embodiment of FIG. 4, illustrating a circuit and pyrotechnic
material on an opposing surface of a substrate; and
[0022] FIG. 6 is an end view of the flat match of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Turning now to the drawings in which like reference
characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several
views, attention is first directed to FIG. 1 which illustrates a
top plan view of a flat electric match generally designated 10.
Match 10 includes a substrate 12 having a surface 14. It will be
understood that substantially any substrate can be employed for the
present invention and is intended to provide support to the various
remaining elements of match 10. The substrate is insulative or has
insulating portions to which the leads and bridge wire are
attached. A lead 15 and a lead 16 are carried by substrate 12 on
surface 14. Leads 15 and 16 include ends 18 and 19 respectively
coupled to an electrical source such as a battery and the like.
Opposing ends 20 and 22 of leads 15 and 16 are spaced apart on
surface 14 of substrate 12 and electrically coupled by a bridge
wire 25 having an end 27 coupled to end 20 and an end 28 coupled to
end 22. Leads 15 and 16, and bridge wire 25 form an electrical
circuit when completed by an electrical power source such as a
battery or the like, allowing current to flow through bridge wire
25 on demand.
[0024] Leads 15 and 16, in this embodiment, are conductive wires 30
having an insulating layer 32 and extend along surface 14,
providing support along their entire length. Bridge wire 25 is also
supported by surface 14 of substrate 12, thus removing any
potential for flexing or movement of leads 15 and 16 relative
bridge wire 25. It is noted here that while leads 15 and 16 can be
insulated wires carried by substrate 12 on surface 14, the leads
can also be formed on the substrate by depositing, sputtering,
painting, embedding, printing, etc., conductive materials on
surface 14. This is also the case for bridge wire 25. It should
also be noted that leads 15 and 16 need not be positioned in
parallel. It is sufficient that ends 20 and 22 are spaced apart but
in sufficient proximity to be electrically coupled by bridge wire
25.
[0025] A pyrotechnic material 35 can then be applied to bridge wire
25 by dropping, brushing or otherwise covering, or at least
contacting, a portion of bridge wire 25 with a slurry of
pyrotechnic material 35. There are a multitude of different
pyrotechnic materials known in the art, any of which can be used in
the present invention. Due to the large number and well known
nature and fabrication of different pyrotechnic materials and
compositions, a detailed description thereof has been omitted from
the present disclosure. The amount of material 35 added is not
limited by the size or strength of bridge wire 25, as the weight
and volume of the pyrotechnic charge is fully supported by surface
14 of substrate 12. Once a layer of material has dried or hardened,
subsequent layers can be applied if desired to form a pyrotechnic
charge of multiple layers 35a, 35b, and 35c, as illustrated in FIG.
2. In this manner, an actual detonating charge can be provided by
the electric match as opposed to only being used to ignite a
detonating charge. Thus, flat electric match 10 can be used in a
manner similar to conventional electric matches to ignite a fuse or
detonating charge, or in a novel manner as a detonating charge
itself.
[0026] Turning now to FIG. 3, another embodiment of a flat electric
match 40 according to the present invention is illustrated. Match
40 is similar to match 10 as it includes a substrate 42 having a
surface 44. Match 40 also includes a lead 45 and a lead 46 carried
by substrate 42 on surface 44. Leads 45 and 46 include ends 48 and
49, respectively, coupled to an electrical source such as a battery
or the like. Opposing ends 50 and 52 of leads 45 and 46 are spaced
apart on surface 14 of substrate 12 and electrically coupled by a
bridge wire 55 having an end 57 coupled to end 50 and an end 58
coupled to end 52. The difference is the inclusion of additional
bridge wire 60 extending between leads 45 and 46 spaced from bridge
wire 55. Thus, multiple bridge wires, two or more, are provided for
redundancy and possibly for uniform ignition of a large pyrotechnic
charge 62. By employing multiple bridge wires, the failure of one
bridge wire does not render the device inoperable. As with flat
match 10, match 40 can employ insulated wires as leads 45 and 46.
In this case, leads 45 and 46 each include a conductive wire 64
having an insulating layer 65, and which extend along surface
44.
[0027] Turning now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of a flat match,
generally designated 110 is illustrated. Match 110 includes a
substrate 112 having a surface 114. It will be understood that
substantially any substrate can be employed for the present
invention and is intended to provide support to the various
remaining elements of match 110. The substrate is insulative or has
insulating portions to which the leads and bridge wire are
attached. A lead 115 and a lead 116 are carried by substrate 112 on
surface 114. In the present embodiment, leads 115 and 116 are
conductive material printed onto surface 114, although it is
understood that they can be deposited, painted, adhered or the
like, onto surface 114. Leads 115 and 116 include ends 118 and 119,
respectively, which are coupled to a power source for selective
activation of match 110. Leads 115 and 116 are spaced apart on
surface 114 of substrate 112 and electrically coupled by bridge
wires 124 and 125 each having an end 127 coupled to lead 115 and an
end 128 coupled to lead 116. Leads 115 and 116, and bridge wires
124 and 125 form an electrical circuit when completed by an
electrical power source such as a battery or the like, allowing
current to flow through bridge wires 124 and 125 on demand.
[0028] A pyrotechnic material 132 can then be applied to bridge
wires 124 and 125 by dropping, brushing or otherwise covering, or
at least contacting, a portion of bridge wires 124 and 125 with a
slurry of pyrotechnic material 132. The amount of material 132
added is not limited by the size or strength of bridge wires 124
and 125, as the weight and volume of the pyrotechnic charge is
fully supported by surface 114 of substrate 112. Once a layer of
material has dried or hardened, subsequent layers can be applied if
desired to form a pyrotechnic charge of multiple layers.
[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a surface 134 of substrate
112 opposing surface 114 has, in the preferred embodiment
illustrated, added thereon a second electrical circuit. Thus match
110 can be modified to include a lead 135 and a lead 136 carried by
substrate 112 on surface 134. In the present embodiment, leads 135
and 136 are conductive material printed onto surface 134. Leads 135
and 136 include ends 138 and 139, respectively, which are coupled
to a power source for selective activation of match 110. Leads 135
and 136 are spaced apart on surface 134 of substrate 112 and
electrically coupled by bridge wires 144 and 145 each having an end
147 coupled to lead 135 and an end 148 coupled to lead 136. Leads
135 and 136, and bridge wires 144 and 145 form an electrical
circuit when completed by an electrical power source such as a
battery or the like, allowing current to flow through bridge wires
144 and 145 on demand. The power source may be the same as coupled
to leads 115 and 116, or a separate source to permit delayed or
timed ignition of either or both circuits of match 110.
[0030] As another embodiment, the second electrical circuit on
surface 134 can be formed of one or more bridge wires 144 and 145
coupled to leads 115 and 116 of the electrical circuit on surface
114 by interconnecting electrical vias (known in the circuit board
industry) that run through substrate 112. In this manner, bridge
wires 144 and 145 are coupled by vias to leads 115 and 116 to form
an electrical circuit when completed by an electrical power source
such as a battery or the like, allowing current to flow through
bridge wires 144 and 145 on demand.
[0031] A pyrotechnic material 150 can then be applied to bridge
wires 144 and 145 by dropping, brushing or otherwise covering, or
at least contacting, a portion of bridge wires 144 and 145 with a
slurry of pyrotechnic material 150. Materials 150 can be the same
as or different than pyrotechnic material 132 carried on surface
114. In this manner, match 110 can have multiple pyrotechnic
ignitions of different materials at the same or different times, as
well as an increased volume of materials.
[0032] Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein
chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those
skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and
variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are
intended to be included within the scope thereof, which is assessed
only by a fair interpretation of the following claims.
[0033] Having fully described the invention in such clear and
concise terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand
and practice the same, the invention claimed is:
* * * * *