U.S. patent number 3,791,302 [Application Number 05/305,374] was granted by the patent office on 1974-02-12 for method and apparatus for indirect electrical ignition of combustible powders.
Invention is credited to Ian C. McLeod.
United States Patent |
3,791,302 |
McLeod |
February 12, 1974 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INDIRECT ELECTRICAL IGNITION OF
COMBUSTIBLE POWDERS
Abstract
A method and apparatus for the ignition of combustible powders
using transparently shielded sources of high intensity light pulses
is described. Preferably, low actuating voltage, one shot or
consumable photoflash lamps are used to generate a light pulse
which is absorbed by the combustible powders and produces ignition.
Particularly described is a flashbulb connected to a flashing
circuit and a secondary circuit in the flashing circuit for
intermittently or continuously conductively monitoring the firing
status of the bulb prior to flashing. Particularly preferred
combustible powders are nitrocellulose and/or black powders which
because of their black color are particularly light absorptive. A
photoflash igniter device for practicing the method is particularly
described. The igniter and method are particularly useful for
generating gas pressure waves which can be used for mass movement
and/or forming.
Inventors: |
McLeod; Ian C. (Okemos,
MI) |
Family
ID: |
23180528 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/305,374 |
Filed: |
November 10, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
102/201;
60/39.828; 280/736; 361/248; 431/362; 280/741 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23Q
13/00 (20130101); F21K 5/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F21K
5/08 (20060101); F21K 5/00 (20060101); F23Q
13/00 (20060101); F42c 019/08 (); F23q 007/00 ();
F21k 005/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;102/7.2A,7.2R,24HC
;317/80 ;60/39.82N,256 ;431/92-95,97,98 ;42/84 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Feinberg; Samuel
Assistant Examiner: Jordan; C. T.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Miller, Morriss, Pappas &
McLeod
Claims
I claim:
1. The method of igniting combustible powders which comprises:
a. providing a finely divided light absorptive explodable
combustible powder in spaced, transparently shielded separation
from an electrically conductive means for generating a high
intensity visible spectrum flash light pulse upon achieving a
threshold voltage which has a duration of less than about one
second;
b. providing means for holding the powder in position adjacent to
the shield so as to be light absorptive; and
c. providing a voltage above the threshold, thereby exposing the
combustible powder to the high intensity pulse so that the powder
is ignited.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the powder comprises black
powder.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein a nitrocellulose powder is mixed
with the black powder.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the powder is provided in contact
with the outside surface of a conventional photoflash bulb as the
conductive means for generating the light pulse.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the conductive means for
generating the light pulse is a flash bulb and wherein the powder
is sealed in contact with the outside of the surface of the bulb by
a sealling means.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein a light absorbing sealing means
for the powder is used.
7. The method of claim 5 wherein the powder is a mixture of black
and nitrocellulose powders.
8. The article of manufacture useful as an igniter which
comprises:
a. an electrically conductive transparently shielded means for
generating a high intensity visible spectrum flash light pulse of
less than one second duration upon achieving a threshold
voltage;
b. a fully divided light absorptive explodable combustible powder
adjacent the surface of the shield opposite the means for
generating the light pulse so as to be light ignitable; and
c. means for holding the power in position adjacent to the shield
so as to be light absorptive.
9. The article of claim 8 wherein the combustible powder is a
mixture of black and nitrocellulose gun powders.
10. The article of claim 8 wherein the means for holding the powder
is a covering over the powder and shield so that the powder is held
in contact with the outside surface of the shield.
11. The article of claim 10 wherein the powder is exploded by the
light and wherein the cover is elastic and is projectable outward
from the shield upon detonation of the powder.
12. The article of claim 8 wherein the powder is explodable by the
light pulse and wherein a solid mass is associated with the powder
such that it is movable by the explosion.
13. The article of claim 8 wherein the light pulse means includes
reactive chemicals requiring a low threshold voltage for generation
of the light pulse.
14. The article of claim 8 wherein the light pulse means is a
photoflash bulb having a threshold voltage of less than about five
volts.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an igniter for combustible
powders. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of
transparently shielded high intensity light pulses preferably those
generated by chemical reactions initiated at low voltage to ignite
combustible powders.
The prior art, such as illustrated by U. S. Pat. Nos. 3,642,304 and
3,695,179 shows electrical igniters wherein the electricity
directly causes the ignition of a detonatable powder using an
electrical spark or heated wire. Such devices do not provide a
means for easily and safely continuously monitoring the continuity
of the firing circuit because of the danger of causing a premature
ignition of the powder.
The effect of light in heating solids is shown in Nelson, L.S.,
Intense Rapid Heating With Flash Discharge Lamps Science, Volume
136, No. 3513, (April 1962) and U. S. Pat. No. 3,175,030 and
3,271,220. The discussion therein is directed to reusable rare gas,
such as xenon, type flash lamps, requiring a relatively high
transient high voltage for firing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an
electrical ignition means which provides for continuous conductive
monitoring of the electrical circuit without risk of premature or
unwanted ignition of the combustible powder. These and other
objects will become increasingly apparent to those skilled in the
art by reference to the following description and the drawing.
SUMMARY OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the method of the present invention
particularly illustrating the firing of a flashbulb to ignite a
combustible powder maintained in contact with the bulb by a
covering.
FIG. 2 illustrates a flashbulb with a powder containing ring
attached so that the powder is separated a small distance from the
bulb.
FIG. 3 illustrates powder in two positions on the inside flashbulb
cover and with an outer cover over the bulb.
FIGS. 4 and 4a illustrate a flashbulb disposed on the outside of a
cylindrical glass tube with the powder positioned on the inside of
the tube adjacent the bulb.
FIG. 5 illustrates a flashbulb with a transparent film interposed
between the bulb and the combustible powder.
FIG. 6 illustrates a burnable material positioned above the
powder.
FIG. 7 shows a low voltage battery circuit for continuously
monitoring the conductivity of a flashbulb circuit of FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a type of an igniter system for
air bags where the gas from the ignition of an explosive directly
expands the bag.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an air bag system where the
igniter actuates a frangible valve connected to a high pressure gas
source.
FIG. 9a is a cross sectional view of the frangible valve shown in
FIG. 9.
FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an aperture shield between a
light source and a barrel and projectile system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In particular the present invention relates to the method of
igniting combustible powders which comprises: providing a finely
divided light absorptive combustible powder in spaced,
transparently shielded separation from an electrically conductive
means for generating a high intensity light pulse which has a
duration of less than about one second; and providing a voltage
above the threshold, thereby exposing the combustible powder to the
high intensity pulse so that the powder is ignited. Further, the
present invention relates to the article of manufacture useful as
an igniter which comprises: an electrically conductive
transparently shielded means for generating a high intensity light
pulse of less than one second duration; a finely divided light
absorptive combustible powder adjacent the surface of the shield
opposite the means for generating the light pulse so as to be light
ignitable; and means for holding the powder in position adjacent
the shield so as to be light absorptive prior to generation of the
light pulse. As will be apparent from the following description, it
is the light and not the heat from the generation of the light
pulse which ignites the combustible powder.
The preferred one shot or consumable light flash generating means,
such as flashbulbs, used in the present invention generate light in
the visible and ultravoilet spectrums. The bulbs are usually
constructed with a fine wire magnesium element inside a glass bulb
containing air or oxygen enriched air fitted to a press or screw
metal base. Two terminals inside the bulb are connected to the
magnesium wire, one terminal being connected to the side walls of
the base and the other to a conductive pin at the center of the
base. The terminals are insulated from each other. The bulb is
provided with a plastic covering which prevents the glass bulb from
shattering. The plastic covering can be omitted in situations where
glass high velocity particles from pressure waves are not a problem
or where they are desirable. With the flash cubes, the transparent
plastic covering can be removed and multiple firings (four bulbs at
once can be used.
The bulbs or other light transmissive shielding means can have
magnesium or aluminum powder bonded onto a high resistive conductor
which heats the powder for firing. Other compounds which generate
high intensity light pulses in the visible spectrum upon chemical
reaction and which permit continuous conductive monitoring of the
circuit without firing can be used. Usually the firing voltage for
flashbulbs is less than (5) volts and preferably above (1) volt.
Numerous variations will occur to those skilled in the art. A
reactive gas environment can be used with the magnesium or
aluminum, particularly a highly reactive oxidizing agent (such as
oxygen). This results in a more intense light pulse or flash.
The rare gas flash lamps can be used in the method and apparatus of
the present invention and are well known to those skilled in the
art although they are not preferred because of the much greater
voltage requirement for firing. Such lamps are shown in U. S. Pat.
No. 3,175,030 and have the advantage of being reusable; however,
they would have to be shielded from the combustible powders used in
the method and apparatus of the present invention such as by a
shutter to prevent damage. Small lamps for photographic purposes
operate on 110 volt A.C. sources and are relatively inexpensive by
comparison to general purpose rare gas flash lamps.
The combustible powders are preferably light absorptive or are
coated with light absorptive chemicals. Black powder and
nitrocellulose powders are sufficiently light absorptive without
any coatings. It is contemplated for instance that the magnesium
powders alone or in combination with ammonium nitrate could be
ignited using the method of the present invention. Other powdered
explosives can be ignited in the same manner.
Examples I and II illustrate the use of a black combustible powder
which is very light absorptive of its color.
EXAMPLE I
Referring to FIG. 1 a conventional plastic coated round transparent
photoflash bulb 10 measuring about 3.8 cm long by about 12 cm in
diameter (Sylvania-Focal Plane 26) was used. Inside the bulb 10
were fine magnesium wires 10a connected to two terminals. The
flashbulb 10 was of the socket metal side 11 press base 12 type
firing at 3 volts or more and having an intensity of 20,500 lumen
second upon firing. Black powder 13 (FFF, DuPont) was ground to a
fine flour-like powder. The center portion of the adhesive surface
of a semi-transparent tape 14 about 4 cm long was coated with the
ground black powder 13 and then attached around part of the
circumference of the bulb 10. The bulb 10 was placed in an adaptor
for the side 11 and base 12 and then fitted into a conventional
aluminum case, ceramic light bulb holder with a long heavy duty
two-wire 15 and 16 electrical cord attached. A conventional 110
volt AC to 15 volt DC transformer (not shown) was used to provide a
DC voltage for triggering the flashbulb through the electrical cord
terminals 17 and 18. Continuity of the flashbulb circuit was
determined with a low voltage ohmmeter across terminals 17 and 18.
There was very little resistance. The bulb 10 with the powder 13
attached was then flashed using the 15 volts DC which produced a
detonation or explosive noise from the ignition of the black powder
13. The plastic surface of the bulb 10 was melted from the ignition
of the powder 13 and from the heat from the flashing of the bulb
10; however, the fired bulb 19 was not broken apart, and the tape
14 adhered to the surface of the fired bulb 19.
EXAMPLE II
The procedure of Example 1 was repeated without grinding the FFF
black powder and the powder ignited.
In Example I, the black powder which is more finely divided is
easier to ignite because more light energy is absorbed by
individual particles. As can be seen from Example II much larger
sized particles (FFF) will also ignite.
When the powder was provided in spaced relation from the outside
surface of the bulb, ignition depended upon the particle size of
the powder and the spacing as can be seen from the following
Examples III, IV and V.
EXAMPLE III
Referring to FIG. 2, the procedure of Example I was repeated except
that the powder 21 was separated from a bulb 22 by placing it about
0.6 cm from the outer circumference surface of the bulb 22. This
was accomplished by using a 0.6 cm by 2.5 cm inside diameter ring
23 covered by cardboard 24 on the bottom fixed to the ring 23 with
the ground powder 21 loosely dispersed on the cardboard 24 inside
the ring 23. The ring 23 was taped 25 to the surface of the bulb
22. Upon flashing of the bulb 22 the powder 21 ignited with a
detonation sound. The ring 23 and cardboard 24 separated from the
bulb 22 but the bulb 22 was not broken. The bulb 22 had a
conventional base 26, magnesium wires 27, glass envelope 28 and
plastic protective covering 29.
EXAMPLE IV
The procedure of Example III was repeated with the FFF black powder
21 which did not ignite.
EXAMPLE V
The procedure of Example III was repeated with the ground powder 21
about 2.54 cm from the bulb 22 and it did not ignite.
The clear bulbs transmit the most light, but blue bulbs of much
smaller size work as well for ignition of the combustible powders.
Illustrative is the following Example VI.
EXAMPLE VI
The procedure of Example I was repeated with smaller blue oblong
flashbulbs measuring about 3.2 bu 7.6 cm in diameter (M-2
Sylvania). As before, the powder was taped with semi-transparent
tape to the surface of the bulb. Upon flashing the powder ignited
with a detonation sound. The bulb was not broken.
In order to demonstrate that other light absorptive combustible
powders could be ignited, the procedure of Examples I and VI were
repeated with nitrocellulose gun powder. Illustrative are the
following Examples VII and VIII.
EXAMPLE VII
The procedure of Example I was repeated with the clear FP-26
flashbulb and with nitrocellulose powder (16 gauge shotgun disc
shaped) taped to the bulb. The powder ignited upon flashing of the
bulb but did not produce a detonation sound.
EXAMPLE VIII
The procedure of Example VII was repeated with the M2 blue
flashbulb and again the nitrocellulose powder ignited without a
detonation sound.
As will be apparent from Examples VII and VIII compared with
Examples I to VI, the black gun powder is ignited more vigorously
than the nitrocellulose powder. Illustrative is the following
Example IX.
EXAMPLE IX
The procedure of Example I was repeated with a mixture of FFF black
and nitrocellulose powders, about equal parts by volume, taped to
the surface of the bulb. It was found that there was a loud
detonation sound.
In order to enhance the absorption of light by the powder, black
elastic vinyl electrical tape was used to completely cover the bulb
with the powder next to the bulb surface. Illustrative is the
following Example X.
EXAMPLE X
Referring to FIG. 3, using the procedure of Example I, equal parts
by volume of black and nitrocellulose powders 30 were taped 31 with
black vinyl elastic tape, which is light absorptive because of its
color, to the top 32 and side 33 surfaces of the bulb 34. The bulb
34 was then wrapped completely with the elastic tape 35. Upon
ignition the powders 30 detonated and it was found that the tape 35
covering was separated from the bulb 34 without tearing and that
the metal base 36 had separated from the bulb 34 but the bulb 34
was otherwise intact because of the elastic nature of the tape
35.
In order to demonstrate the effect of the light alone, without the
heat from the plastic covering due to flashing of the bulb, the
flash of light was directed to the powder through a curved piece of
glass. Illustrative is the following EXAMPLE XI.
EXAMPLE XI
Referring to FIG. 4, the procedure of Example I was repeated except
that the F-P 26 bulb 37 was taped 38 in contact with the outside
surface of a glass jar 39 with the powder 40 adhered with black
tape 41 to the inside of the jar 39 about 10 cm in diameter and
with about 0.3 cm wall thickness. The powder 40 was equal parts by
volume black powder and nitrocellulose. The black powder was ground
to flour. It was found that the powder was ignited without a
detonation sound. Where the bulb 37 was placed on the inside of the
curved jar 39 and the powder 40 on the outside (not shown) the
diffusion of the light pulse by the jar 39 walls prevented
ignition, probably because the reverse curvature of the jar 39
diffused the light away from the powder.
It was thought that some light focusng means around the flashbulb
would make the ignition of the powder more energetic. Illustrative
is the following Example XII.
EXAMPLE XII
As shown in FIG. 4a, the procedure of Example XI was repeated,
except that a ring of polished aluminum 42 was provided around the
bulb 37 and extending outward from the jar 39. Upon flashing of the
bulb 37 the powder 40 inside the jar 39 ignited without a
detonation sound but with an apparently shorter ignition
duration.
Other barrier materials of thinner cross-section allowed more light
to go to the powder. Illustrative is the following Example
XIII.
EXAMPLE XIII
Referring to FIG. 5, the procedure of Example X was repeated except
that a thin clear vinyl film 43 was interposed between the powder
44 and the bulb 45 and all were taped to the surface of the bulb
45. Upon flashing, the ignition of the powder produced a detonation
sound without burning of the clear vinyl film.
The rate of ignition of the combustible powders is illustrated by
the following Example XIV.
EXAMPLE XIV
The almost complete instantaneous ignition of the powders was shown
by placing a white piece of paper 47 above the powder 48 using the
procedure of Example X with the covering 49 on the bulb 50. It was
found that upon detonation the paper 47 was largely unburned. Where
there was not a detonation, as with the nitrocellulose powders
alone, there was evidence of some burning but even in this
instance, the burning was not substantial. The effect of the light
is very fast where all of the powder is exposed to the light under
confined conditions.
In order to demonstrate that it was not the heat from the bulb that
was igniting the combustible powder, the light from the flash was
shielded in a manner allowing heat transfer to the powder.
Illustrative is the following Example XV.
EXAMPLE XV
The procedure of Example 1 was repeated except that a single layer
of black vinyl tape was placed on the outside surface of the bulb
so as to form a light barrier to powdered FFF black powder
positioned on the tape with a second tape covering. Upon flashing
of the bulb, the powder did not ignite.
FIG. 7 shows a circuit for continuously monitoring the conductivity
of the circuit of FIG. 1. Thus a battery 51 of low voltage, for
instance, less than the three volts firing voltage is provided in
electrical parallel along with a meter 52 such as a voltmeter. A
switch 53 is provided with a high firing voltage battery 54 which
can be in the form of a conventional inertia actuated sensing
device such as shown in U. S. Pat. No. 3,552,768, 3,618,117 and
3,571,539. Other variations will be obvious to those skilled in the
art.
FIG. 8 illustrates one variation of a direct air bag expansion
system using the gases from the combustion of a powder to fill the
air bag. In particular a flashbulb 60 is electrically connected as
in FIG. 7 at terminals 17 and 18. The base 61 of the bulb 60 is
positioned in a slot holder 62 in a canister or container 63. A
combustible powder 64 is packed around the bulb 60. A diaphragm or
thin film (such as vinyl) 65 is sealed to the inner walls 63a of
the canister 63. The wall 66 of the canister 63 has openings or
orifices 67 for passage of the expanding gas from the ignition of
the powder 64. On the downstream side of the openings 67 is a
flared open ended housing 68 for an air bag 69 (shown in its
collapsed condition). In operation, the bulb 60 flashes, the powder
64 ignites and fills the cavity 70. The diaphragm 65 reaches the
outer wall 66 of the canister 63 and ruptures at the orifices 67
releasing the gas to the bag 69. The above system is similar to
that shown in U. S. Pat. No. 3,695,179. Numerous variations will
occur to those skilled in the art.
FIGS. 9 and 9a illustrate one variation of the indirect air bag
expansion system using the explosion of the powder to open a
valved, high pressure gas tank. The general system as shown in FIG.
9 includes a high pressure gas tank 71 connected by a conduit 72 to
an explosively actuated valve 73. The downstream side of the valve
73 is connected by a conduit 74 to an air bag holder 75 and an air
bag 76 (shown in broken lines in its expanded position). The valve
73 is explosively actuated by an igniter 77 electrically connected
by leads 78 and 79 to a sensor device 80 usually of the inertial
ring or pendulum type. This basic type of air bag system is shown
in U. S. Pat. No. 3,642,304. Referring to FIG. 9a, the base 82 of
the bulb 81 is positioned in a holder 83. A combustible powder 84
is positioned around the bulb 81 in a canister 85 having holes 86
at the end opposite the bulb 81. A larger housing 87 mounts the
igniter assembly into position in valve 73. On the downstream side
of the holes 86 is a chamber 88 adjacent an explosively rupturable
diaphragm 89 with a ring groove 90 for separation by the explosion
of the powder 84. The movement diaphragm 89 opens the valve 73 for
passage of the gas in tank 71 to the air bag 76.
FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a variation wherein a metal
shield 91 is provided between the light source 92 and an ignitable
powder 93 with an opening 94 for light passage. The powder 93 is
fitted into the base of a cartridge 95 with a bullet 96 and the
cartridge 95 is provided in a barrel 97. The shield 91 is rotatable
on an axis. The flashbulb 92 can be of the cube shaped type and can
be of the "X" type with its own battery powder. In this case there
would be four holes 94 in the shield 91. In operation the shield 91
is positioned so that the opening allows passage of light from the
flashbulb 92 and then rotates to close the barrel 97. A trigger
(not shown) actuates the bulb 92 and wheel 91 in the manner of an
aperture of a camera. As will be seen, the system is easily
adaptable to the "caseless" type cartridge 95 wherein bonded
particles of powder form the cartridge 95.
Various light focusing means, such as lenses or shields, can be
used to enhance the effect of the light. Such variations will be
obvious to those skilled in the prior art.
* * * * *