US20100083859A1 - Precision pyrotechnic display system and method having increased safety and timing accuracy - Google Patents
Precision pyrotechnic display system and method having increased safety and timing accuracy Download PDFInfo
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- US20100083859A1 US20100083859A1 US12/386,351 US38635109A US2010083859A1 US 20100083859 A1 US20100083859 A1 US 20100083859A1 US 38635109 A US38635109 A US 38635109A US 2010083859 A1 US2010083859 A1 US 2010083859A1
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- pyrotechnic
- igniter
- charge
- electrically operated
- pyrotechnic projectile
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
- F42B4/00—Fireworks, i.e. pyrotechnic devices for amusement, display, illumination or signal purposes
- F42B4/24—Fireworks, i.e. pyrotechnic devices for amusement, display, illumination or signal purposes characterised by having plural successively-ignited charges
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
- F41A19/00—Firing or trigger mechanisms; Cocking mechanisms
- F41A19/58—Electric firing mechanisms
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
- F41A19/00—Firing or trigger mechanisms; Cocking mechanisms
- F41A19/58—Electric firing mechanisms
- F41A19/64—Electric firing mechanisms for automatic or burst-firing mode
- F41A19/65—Electric firing mechanisms for automatic or burst-firing mode for giving ripple fire, i.e. using electric sequencer switches for timed multiple-charge launching, e.g. for rocket launchers
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
- F41A19/00—Firing or trigger mechanisms; Cocking mechanisms
- F41A19/58—Electric firing mechanisms
- F41A19/68—Electric firing mechanisms for multibarrel guns or multibarrel rocket launchers or multicanisters
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41F—APPARATUS FOR LAUNCHING PROJECTILES OR MISSILES FROM BARRELS, e.g. CANNONS; LAUNCHERS FOR ROCKETS OR TORPEDOES; HARPOON GUNS
- F41F1/00—Launching apparatus for projecting projectiles or missiles from barrels, e.g. cannons; Harpoon guns
- F41F1/06—Mortars
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
- F42B30/00—Projectiles or missiles, not otherwise provided for, characterised by the ammunition class or type, e.g. by the launching apparatus or weapon used
- F42B30/08—Ordnance projectiles or missiles, e.g. shells
- F42B30/10—Mortar projectiles
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
- F42B4/00—Fireworks, i.e. pyrotechnic devices for amusement, display, illumination or signal purposes
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
- F42B4/00—Fireworks, i.e. pyrotechnic devices for amusement, display, illumination or signal purposes
- F42B4/02—Fireworks, i.e. pyrotechnic devices for amusement, display, illumination or signal purposes in cartridge form, i.e. shell, propellant and primer
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42C—AMMUNITION FUZES; ARMING OR SAFETY MEANS THEREFOR
- F42C11/00—Electric fuzes
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42C—AMMUNITION FUZES; ARMING OR SAFETY MEANS THEREFOR
- F42C11/00—Electric fuzes
- F42C11/008—Power generation in electric fuzes
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42C—AMMUNITION FUZES; ARMING OR SAFETY MEANS THEREFOR
- F42C15/00—Arming-means in fuzes; Safety means for preventing premature detonation of fuzes or charges
- F42C15/40—Arming-means in fuzes; Safety means for preventing premature detonation of fuzes or charges wherein the safety or arming action is effected electrically
- F42C15/42—Arming-means in fuzes; Safety means for preventing premature detonation of fuzes or charges wherein the safety or arming action is effected electrically from a remote location, e.g. for controlled mines or mine fields
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42C—AMMUNITION FUZES; ARMING OR SAFETY MEANS THEREFOR
- F42C19/00—Details of fuzes
- F42C19/08—Primers; Detonators
- F42C19/0815—Intermediate ignition capsules, i.e. self-contained primary pyrotechnic module transmitting the initial firing signal to the secondary explosive, e.g. using electric, radio frequency, optical or percussion signals to the secondary explosive
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42D—BLASTING
- F42D1/00—Blasting methods or apparatus, e.g. loading or tamping
- F42D1/04—Arrangements for ignition
- F42D1/045—Arrangements for electric ignition
- F42D1/05—Electric circuits for blasting
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42D—BLASTING
- F42D1/00—Blasting methods or apparatus, e.g. loading or tamping
- F42D1/04—Arrangements for ignition
- F42D1/045—Arrangements for electric ignition
- F42D1/05—Electric circuits for blasting
- F42D1/055—Electric circuits for blasting specially adapted for firing multiple charges with a time delay
Definitions
- This invention relates to the control of the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic display. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of electronic components for the purpose of improving the accuracy of the timing of both the launch and the burst of the pyrotechnic projectiles. The invention further relates to the use of electronic components for the purpose of increasing the safety of both the pyrotechnic operator and the viewing audience.
- the professional fireworks industry has employed black powder-based pyrotechnic ignition systems for many years. These systems typically use a black powder fuse—cotton string or cord impregnated with black powder—to ignite a “lift” charge, which propels the projectile high into the air. The ignition of the lift charge also ignites a second black powder fuse, which provides a time delay to allow the projectile to reach a desired height above the ground. After the time delay of the fuse, the “break” charge is ignited, causing the particular visual or auditory effect of the pyrotechnic projectile.
- black powder fuse cotton string or cord impregnated with black powder
- black powder-based ignition systems are relatively easy to use, the fundamental limitations of the black powder fuse prevent the industry from achieving the timing accuracy and repeatability necessary for precisely choreographed pyrotechnic displays. This is because the burn rate—and hence the delay time—for a black powder fuse can vary considerably depending on the fabrication of the fuse, the particular materials used in the construction of the fuse, and on other parameters such as the temperature of the fuse at the time of ignition.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,627,338 by Poor et al. teaches that the typical accuracy of the time delay of a black powder fuse is on the order of +/ ⁇ 16%.
- the variability of the fuse's time delay must be held to better than 10 milliseconds, and preferably to about 1 millisecond.
- a variability of 1 millisecond represents an additional factor of 100, or +/ ⁇ 0.01% accuracy for a 5-second fuse. Achieving such accuracy is impossible with black powder fuses.
- the inherent limitations of the black powder fuse also provide a source of potential failures that present real risk to both the display operators and the proximate audience.
- Pyrotechnic shells can be manufactured with the lift and break charges protected relatively well from external sources of accidental ignition by the use of protective layers around the charges.
- the use of a black powder fuse for the lift charge necessitates the exposure of the black powder to the external environment of the shell. Consequently the shell becomes much more sensitive to false ignition by burning materials from nearby pyrotechnic shells, resulting in unintentional “crossfire”.
- a hangfire occurs, in which the shell explodes as it returns to the ground, often near the display operator or in the audience. Even more dangerous, if a hangfire explodes after the shell hits the ground, both the explosion and the falling shell itself present significant risks to the operator and audience.
- a fuse fails to ignite the lift charge, but the fuse continues to burn and ignites the break charge while the shell is still on the ground, a “mortar burst” can occur, and the ignition products of the break can potentially ignite the break charges of all the adjacent shells of the display. A break charge being ignited on the ground can result in serious injury to the operating personnel as well as the destruction of the entire display.
- a number of problems or faults can occur during the setup of a choreographed pyrotechnic display. The pyrotechnic operator cannot easily detect many of these problems. If e-matches are used to replace the black powder fuses, new problems unique to e-matches are possible. For example, if e-matches are used to ignite the black powder lift charges, the electrical connections to the e-matches may be faulty.
- a common practice by the industry is to connect multiple e-matches to the same ignition source to allow multiple shells to be fired at the same time. Such multiple connections are done either in parallel or in series.
- e-matches are used to ignite both the lift and break charges, additional problems may develop. For example, either or both of the e-matches may have broken wires. Furthermore, since an energy source is required to fire both e-matches (and the source for the break match must travel with the projectile), the possibility exists that either energy source may be insufficient to ignite its corresponding e-match. If, for example, the lift energy source is sufficient to ignite the lift charge, but the break energy source is not sufficient to ignite the break charge, a dangerous hangfire can result, with significant risk to the pyrotechnic operator and the audience.
- the present invention satisfies these requirements and additionally provides further related advantages.
- the present invention describes a method and system for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic display. More particularly, the present invention describes a method and system for increasing the safety and improving the accuracy of ignition timing for pyrotechnic displays.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a system capable of achieving ignition timing accuracy to better than 1 millisecond for pyrotechnic displays.
- a further object of the present invention is to achieve such accuracy in ignition timing for pyrotechnic displays that use conventional black powder for the lift charge.
- An additional object of the present invention is to achieve such accuracy in ignition timing for pyrotechnic displays that use means other than black powder, such as pneumatic power, for launching the pyrotechnic projectile.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide the capability to use standard pyrotechnic projectiles with black powder fuses for some, but not all, of the pyrotechnic display.
- pyrotechnic operators can mix pyrotechnic shells utilizing the present invention with more conventional pyrotechnic shells in order to achieve the most cost-effective pyrotechnic display possible.
- a further object of the present invention is to increase the safety of the pyrotechnic display for both the pyrotechnic operator and the viewing audience.
- a further object of the present invention is to reduce the potential of misfires and crossfires (i.e., the ignition of a projectile by the ignition products of nearby shells) by eliminating the traditional black powder fuse.
- a further object of the present invention is to reduce the potential of hangfires (i.e., shells that explode after returning to the ground).
- a further object of the present invention is to provide the capability of reporting to the pyrotechnic operator the existence of faults within the system and to indicate which shells will not have their lift charge ignited because of the presence of these faults.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide the capability to use multiple shells on the same ignition output and to provide the capability of reporting to the pyrotechnic operator the existence of faults in any of the individual shells.
- FIG. 1 shows a mortar with a pyrotechnic shell that contains an igniter module of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a complete pyrotechnic display system illustrating one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 shows the block diagram of an igniter module of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 shows the block diagram of one embodiment of the interface module of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 shows a flow chart for the system logic including the communications between the interface module and the igniter module in one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 shows the detailed schematic of the igniter module for one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 shows details of bi-directional communications, over a single pair of wires, between the igniter and the interface module.
- FIG. 8 shows the detailed schematic of the igniter module for a second embodiment of the present invention.
- the present invention involves a system and method for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks,” display.
- FIG. 1 shows a typical pyrotechnic projectile 1 placed in mortar 2 .
- Projectile 1 utilizes load cord 3 to allow the pyrotechnic operator to easily place the projectile into mortar 2 .
- Embedded inside projectile 1 is igniter 4 which is connected to the lift electric match (e-match) 5 and to the break e-match 6 .
- Wires 7 connect igniter 4 to the pyrotechnic control system.
- Lift e-match 5 is embedded in lift charge 8 , which is typically made of black powder. Lift charge 8 , when ignited, provides the force to propel projectile 1 high into the air.
- Break e-match 6 is embedded in break charge 9 , which is also typically made of black powder.
- Break charge 9 when ignited by break e-match 6 , causes projectile 1 to burst and provide the visual or auditory effect desired.
- Projectile 1 may contain additional pyrotechnic materials, such as stars 10 , which enhance the visual or auditory effect of the projectile.
- FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the control system.
- Control panel 11 is a manual control board which would be used by the pyrotechnic operator.
- Control panel 11 includes a key switch 12 for enabling the firing of the pyrotechnic shells. Use of key 13 allows the operator to remove the key to prevent accidental firing of the shells.
- the front panel of control panel 11 includes indicators 14 , typically incandescent lamps or light emitting diodes (“LED's”), which provide information on the status of the individual channels, or “cues.” The term “cue” has come into popular usage because of the interest in synchronizing the burst of the pyrotechnic projectiles with music.
- FIG. 1 is a manual control board which would be used by the pyrotechnic operator.
- Control panel 11 includes a key switch 12 for enabling the firing of the pyrotechnic shells. Use of key 13 allows the operator to remove the key to prevent accidental firing of the shells.
- the front panel of control panel 11 includes indicators 14 , typically
- Control panel 11 will typically have many more cues, possibly as many as 20 to 40.
- Control panel 11 also includes switches 15 that allow individual cues to be enabled for ignition at a particular time.
- the pyrotechnic operator will select one or more cues for ignition, observe the status of the cues, and then press firing button 16 , which initiates the ignition of the launch of the pyrotechnic shells for the enabled cue(s).
- firing button 16 After the firing of the previously-selected cue(s), the operator will select the next cue and again press the Firing Button 16 in order to initiate the launch of the shell or shells for that cue.
- the operator is able to use control panel 11 and firing button 16 to control the entire pyrotechnic display.
- Interface module 20 contains electronics that receive firing signals from control panel 11 and generates the necessary control voltages to fire the igniters 4 in the pyrotechnic shells ( FIG. 1 ). These control voltages are passed through cable 21 to a distribution panel 22 .
- Interface module 20 includes additional display indicators 23 and 24 which provide information to the pyrotechnic operator of the status of each of the cues. Since interface module 20 is located closer to the pyrotechnic shells than control panel 11 , the display indicators 23 and 24 are used primarily during set up of the pyrotechnic display in order to verify that the system is wired properly.
- Interface module 20 also includes key switch 25 and key 26 to ensure that no power is applied to any igniter 4 while people are loading the shells into the mortars. Interface module 20 is powered by battery 27 through cable 28 .
- Distribution panel 22 includes connectors 29 , which allow the operator to hook up wires 7 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to connect the igniters 4 to the control system.
- Control panel 11 is assumed to be built in accordance with pyrotechnic industry standards for manual control boards. Specifically, any current applied to cable 17 for the purpose of measuring electrical continuity in a lift e-match 5 would be less than 50 milliamperes. Any current applied to cable 17 for the purpose of igniting lift e-match 5 would be greater than 250 milliamperes.
- FIG. 2 also shows an optional computer system 31 that would be used in a second preferred embodiment.
- Computer system 31 includes keyboard 32 and monitor 33 , which is connected to interface module 20 by cable 34 .
- Computer system 31 would be used for automatically sequencing the firing of the projectiles in response to a computer program in coordination with other effects such as music.
- Manual control panel 11 would not be used if computer system 31 were controlling the pyrotechnic display.
- interface module 20 and distribution panel 22 are combined into a single package. This embodiment eliminates the need for cable 21 and provides a more compact assembly.
- FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of igniter 4 , which would be used for all three embodiments discussed above (i.e., a system utilizing manual control panel 11 ; a system utilizing computer system 31 in place of manual control panel 11 ; and a system combining interface module 20 and distribution panel 22 into a single package).
- FIG. 3 also shows lift e-match 5 and break e-match 6 .
- Wires 7 connect igniter 4 to the remainder of the pyrotechnic control system.
- Igniter 4 contains four functional blocks, i.e., transient protector 40 , polarity detector 41 , energy storage element 42 , and control and timing circuitry 43 .
- transient protector 40 is to prevent electrostatic discharges or other transient high-voltage events from passing on to the remainder of igniter 4 and possibly damaging igniter 4 or accidentally firing either lift e-match 5 or break e-match 6 .
- Polarity detector 41 ensures that voltages are of the proper polarity and currents flow to the igniter circuitry regardless of the polarity of wires 7 . Referring back to FIG. 2 , polarity detector 41 allows the operator to connect a pair of wires 7 to the corresponding pair of connectors 29 without regard to polarity. The use of polarity detector 41 thus simplifies the wiring task for the pyrotechnic operator and, more importantly, reduces the possibility of wiring errors.
- the third functional block for igniter 4 is energy storage element 42 , which preferably comprises a capacitor. Recalling that igniter 4 is embedded in pyrotechnic projectile 1 , when the projectile is launched by the ignition of lift charge 8 , wires 7 will be broken. Thus, igniter 4 will be electrically separated from the distribution panel 22 and any source of energy, such as battery 27 . Therefore, in order to ignite the break e-match 6 , a source of energy must travel with projectile 1 .
- energy storage element 42 could be a battery, the use of a capacitor is preferred for several reasons. First, a capacitor can weigh less than a battery. Second, a battery tends to be more expensive than a capacitor. Third, the capacitor is preferred for environmental reasons.
- the use of a capacitor ensures that there is no source of ignition energy for either of the e-matches 5 , 6 unless the pyrotechnic operator has intentionally provided the energy from battery 27 by use of key switch 25 .
- the use of a capacitor for energy storage element 42 thus reduces the possibility of accidental ignition of the projectile 1 and increases the safety of the total system.
- the fourth and final functional block for igniter 4 is the control and timing circuitry 43 , which is a microprocessor-based electronic circuit that is responsible for the ignition of the lift e-match 5 and break e-match 6 .
- the control and timing circuitry 43 includes embedded software, or “firmware”, which receives information from interface module 20 concerning the desired time for ignition and returns information back to interface module 20 regarding the status of igniter 4 .
- the firmware includes both safety and timing features.
- These features preferably include verification of the following: (1) both lift e-match 5 and break e-match 6 are connected properly; (2) no ignition takes place unless both lift e-match 5 and break e-match 6 are verified electrically; (3) no ignition takes place unless sufficient energy is stored in energy storage element 42 to ensure proper ignition; (4) after the lift e-match 5 is ignited, launch is verified by loss of input power from wires 7 ; (5) break e-match 6 is not ignited unless launch has been verified; (6) no ignition of break e-match 6 will occur after a maximum time delay (to prevent hangfires); and (7) the timing of ignition of break e-match 6 occurs within 1 millisecond after the programmed delay following ignition of lift e-match 5 (i.e., the shell bursts within 1 millisecond of its intended time).
- this timing delay can either be (1) pre-programmed into the embedded software, or “firmware”, of the igniter's control and timing circuitry 43 , or (2) programmed into igniter 4 at the time of use by the control system, e.g., by computer system 31 .
- the block diagram of interface module 20 includes six functional blocks.
- Front panel 50 of interface module 20 includes fault indicators 23 and ready indicators 24 that show the status of each of the system cues.
- Fault indicators 23 and ready indicators 24 can be made from incandescent lamps, light emitting diodes (LED's), or other suitable visible devices.
- Front panel 50 also includes key switch 25 and key 26 which can be used by the pyrotechnic operator to enable or disable ignition of the pyrotechnic shells. By putting key switch 25 into the “Safe” position and removing key 26 , the pyrotechnic operator can ensure that no ignition is possible while pyrotechnic projectiles 1 are being installed in mortars 2 .
- the second functional block of interface module 20 is input current detector 51 , whose purpose is to detect if any electrical current is being drawn from cable 17 ( FIG. 2 ) for any cue. Furthermore, input current detector 51 determines if the current is less than 50 milliamps (corresponding to a continuity test) or is greater than 250 milliamps (corresponding to a Fire command).
- the third functional block for interface module 20 is output control switch 52 , whose purpose is to communicate if any igniters 4 are connected to the particular cue. Such communication is bi-directional in nature. Output control switch 52 is further responsible for providing continuity current (less than 50 milliamps) and firing current (greater than 250 milliamps) if standard lift e-matches 5 are directly connected to the cue.
- the fourth functional block for interface module 20 is controller 53 , a microprocessor-based circuit that supervises the entire operation of interface module 20 .
- Controller 53 receives input information from input current detector 51 and generates output signals for output control switch 52 .
- Controller 53 also receives status information from igniters 4 and communicates that status information back to the control panel 11 through input current detector 51 .
- Controller 53 further reads the state of key switch 25 and displays status information on front panel display 50 . Additional details of the communication between interface module 20 and other parts of the pyrotechnic control system are discussed below.
- I/O module 54 If the pyrotechnic display is being controlled by computer system 31 , rather than control panel 11 , communications between controller 53 and computer system 31 are handled by I/O module 54 .
- the final functional block of interface module 20 is power converter 55 , which draws power from battery 27 and provides regulated voltages for the remaining functional blocks of interface module 20 .
- FIG. 5 shows the system logic flow diagram, including interaction between interface module 20 and igniters 4 .
- the use of microprocessors in both interface module 20 and in each igniter 4 allows diagnostics to be performed in multiple locations and further provides for a high level of communication between different microprocessors.
- each microprocessor is capable of performing tests to verify that commands are consistent with operating conditions. For example, the microprocessor in each igniter 4 is able to determine if all conditions necessary for a successful launch and burst of the pyrotechnic projectile are being satisfied and is further able to communicate that information back to interface module 20 .
- interface module 20 Upon power-up, interface module 20 executes a series of self-tests to confirm that all operating parameters, including input and output ports, are functioning properly. If so, interface module then examines its individual output ports to determine if any igniters 4 are connected. If an igniter(s) 4 is found, interface module 20 applies a current-limited voltage to igniter(s) 4 and requests status information. Should interface module 20 not receive a “valid igniter” response on any port for which it previously detected the presence of an igniter 4 , it will disable, and signal a “fault” condition for, that particular port. Should interface module 20 detect multiple igniters 4 on a given port, it will instruct all igniters 4 on that port to generate a random number within a certain range as an identification (ID) number.
- ID identification
- interface module 20 will then poll the port, sequentially stepping through subsets of the designated range, to ascertain the individual ID of each igniter 4 . Should more than one igniter 4 return an ID within any one range subset, interface module 20 will instruct all igniters 4 within that subset to re-generate a new random number ID within the range of that subset. Interface module 20 will then re-evaluate the igniters 4 utilizing a higher resolution. This process will repeat until each igniter 4 is assigned a unique ID number. All further communications between interface module 20 and each igniter 4 utilize this ID to ensure unique igniter communications.
- the operating frequency of igniter 4 is controlled by a resistor and capacitor combination. Since resistors and capacitors are generally not of high accuracy, the resulting frequency will vary from one igniter 4 to another. Since the time delay of igniter 4 is generated by counting cycles of its operating frequency, the time delay will depend directly on the value of the resistor and capacitor. In order to improve the accuracy of the time delay, interface module 20 next sends a timing calibration sequence to each igniter 4 . This sequence includes an accurately controlled pulse, 400 milliseconds in the preferred embodiment, which is measured by each igniter 4 . The igniter 4 counts cycles of its operating frequency during the controlled pulse and reports the number of counts back to interface module 20 .
- interface module 20 allows interface module 20 to indirectly measure the operating frequency of each igniter 4 and to verify that the frequency is within acceptable limits. If the operating frequency of any igniter 4 is outside the acceptable limits, interface module 20 will disable the respective output port and signal a “fault” condition. Assuming that the calibration sequence produces measurements within the acceptable limits, igniter 4 will then use the results of the measurement of the controlled pulse to compensate for the inaccuracy of the operating frequency and to modify the pre-programmed time delay to improve the overall accuracy of the system. Then, as long as the operating frequency of the igniter 4 remains constant, the time delay will be accurate. Experiments have shown that time delays of up to 5 seconds, accurate to better than 1 millisecond, can be obtained even if the operating frequency of the igniter 4 is only accurate to + or ⁇ 20%.
- the operating frequency is determined by a more accurate crystal rather than a resistor and capacitor.
- the calibration process is not necessary in order to produce accurate time delays.
- the calibration process can still be used in order to verify the proper operation of igniter 4 and to verify that the oscillator frequency of igniter 4 is consistent with the crystal.
- the interface module 20 Having completed the evaluation of all igniters 4 connected to the output ports, the interface module 20 then enables all output ports not previously disabled, turns on the respective “Ready” lights 24 on front panel 50 and provides a closed circuit at input current detector 51 that can be detected from control panel 11 as “continuity”. This provides the pyrotechnic operator with remote indication (at control panel 11 ) of the status of all ports of interface module 20 .
- Interface module 20 next enters a program loop whereby it continuously looks for the receipt of a valid “fire” command at input current detector 51 . Upon receipt of a “fire” command, interface module 20 confirms that the respective output port has not been disabled through failure of any previous test and validation sequence.
- interface module 20 issues an “arm” command to all igniters 4 attached to the respective port and waits for confirmation from all igniters 4 attached to that port that they have received a proper “arm” command and have entered the armed state. If any failure occurs in an igniter 4 , interface module 20 will disable the respective port and indicate a “fault” on front panel 50 .
- the interface module 20 next issues a “fire” command.
- each igniter 4 evaluates the “fire” command to ensure that it meets all protocol requirements. If the “fire” command does not meet protocol requirements, the igniter 4 will return a “fault” command and immediately disable itself. If the “fire” command does meet protocol requirements, the igniter 4 will-fire lift e-match 5 and immediately check to see if the data/power cable has been disconnected, an expected result of the shell having lifted and broken the cable. Should the igniter 4 detect that it is still connected to the interface module 20 , it will assume that the lift charge failed to ignite, return a “fault” command to interface module 20 and immediately disable itself.
- the igniter 4 If the igniter 4 does detect a successful disconnect, it will enter its timing sequence until it reaches the programmed delay, upon which it will fire its break e-match 6 match, thereby igniting the pyrotechnic break charge and causing the shell to appear in the sky.
- igniter 4 After the break e-match 6 ignites the break charge, the entire igniter 4 will be destroyed. However, in case the ignition did not occur, igniter 4 will wait a short period of time and then apply high current loads to the igniter's microprocessor output ports in order to discharge energy storage element 42 . In this manner, the source of energy to ignite break e-match 6 will be eliminated and the possibility of a late ignition of the break charge, termed a “hangfire”, will be greatly reduced.
- the interface module 20 monitors the current flow through all ports which have been issued a “fire” command. If it detects any igniters 4 still connected, it will disable that port and signal a “fault” condition on front panel 50 in order to notify the pyrotechnic operator that a particular mortar still holds a live pyrotechnic projectile 1 .
- FIG. 6 shows the detailed circuit schematic for igniter 4 for one embodiment of the present invention.
- Capacitor C 1 provides protection from electrostatic discharges or any other voltage transients that may occur on the input wires at connector J 1 .
- Diode pairs D 1 and D 2 are configured as a full wave rectifier and ensure that the voltage that appears at the cathode of D 2 is always positive. The use of diode pairs D 1 and D 2 allows the pyrotechnic operator to connect the two wires for igniter 4 without regard to polarity.
- Resistor R 1 limits the current into capacitors C 5 and C 6 , which are isolated from each other by dual diode D 3 .
- Capacitor C 5 provides energy storage for the break e-match 6 , which would be connected to igniter 4 at connector J 2 .
- capacitor C 5 is energy storage element 42 previously discussed and shown in FIG. 3 .
- Capacitor C 6 provides energy storage for lift e-match 5 , which is connected to igniter 4 at J 3 .
- the use of capacitor C 6 ensures that sufficient peak current will be available to ignite lift e-match 5 even though resistor R 1 and any additional wire resistance in the input wires would otherwise limit the current available.
- Darlington transistor Q 2 provides an electronic switch to connect break e-match 5 to capacitor C 5 .
- Resistor R 2 connects output pin 8 of microprocessor U 1 to the base of transistor Q 2 .
- resistor R 2 allows microprocessor U 1 to ignite the break e-match 5 by applying a five-volt signal to output pin 8 and turning on transistor Q 2 .
- Resistor R 4 ensures that transistor Q 2 will not be accidentally turned on when the output pin 8 of microprocessor U 1 is initially open-circuited during the power-on initialization of microprocessor U 1 .
- Transistor Q 3 provides an electronic switch to connect lift e-match 5 to capacitor C 6 .
- Resistor R 3 connects the base of transistor Q 3 to output pin 7 of microprocessor U 1 .
- microprocessor U 1 can fire the lift e-match 5 by applying a five-volt signal to pin 7 .
- Resistor R 5 ensures that transistor Q 3 will not be accidentally turned on when output pin 9 of microprocessor U 1 is initially open-circuited during the power-on initialization of microprocessor U 1 .
- Resistors R 7 and R 12 provide a resistor divider to monitor the voltage on the collector of transistor Q 2 . If capacitor C 5 is charged, the voltage at the collector of transistor Q 2 will be approximately 10 volts if break e-match 6 is connected properly. If break e-match 6 is broken or if the wires to break e-match 6 are disconnected, the voltage at the collector of transistor Q 2 will be approximately zero volts.
- resistors R 7 and R 12 allow microprocessor U 1 to determine if the break e-match 6 is operational by monitoring the voltage at input pin 9 .
- resistors R 8 and R 13 allow microprocessor U 1 to determine the status of lift e-match 5 by monitoring the voltage on pin 6 of microprocessor U 1 .
- Voltage regulator U 2 provides a constant five-volt output at pin 3 .
- Capacitor C 4 provides a small amount of energy storage to ensure that when the break e-match 6 is ignited, the sudden load on capacitor C 5 does not disturb the power source for microprocessor U 1 .
- Voltage regulator U 2 is necessary because the operating frequency of the particular type of microprocessor, a PIC16C505, varies as the voltage at pin 1 of microprocessor U 1 changes. Thus, voltage regulator U 2 ensures that the operating frequency remains constant and that the accuracy of the time delay is maintained even if the voltage on capacitor C 5 varies.
- Resistor R 14 and capacitor C 3 are the components that determine the operating frequency of microprocessor U 1 . As previously discussed, the accuracy of the time delay is improved by the timing calibration process.
- microprocessor U 1 The connection of pin 3 of microprocessor U 1 to ground allows microprocessor U 1 to rapidly discharge capacitor C 5 by trying to drive pin 3 to 5 volts.
- the high current at the output port pin 3 will cause the supply current at pin 1 to increase. This in turn will cause a higher load current for the voltage regulator U 2 and will discharge capacitor C 5 .
- Resistors R 1 and R 6 form a resistor divider that allows microprocessor U 1 to sense a successful launch of the pyrotechnic projectile 1 .
- the voltage at pin 11 of microprocessor U 1 will be five volts.
- wires 7 will break.
- the voltage at pin 11 of microprocessor U 1 will drop to zero volts, and can be detected by microprocessor U 1 .
- Transistor Q 1 and resistor R 15 provide a means of communication from igniter 4 to interface module 20 .
- Capacitor C 2 and resistors R 9 and R 10 provide a means of communication from interface module 20 to igniter 4 .
- the operation of this method of bi-directional communication over a single pair of wires, that also supply power, is best understood by looking at FIG. 7 .
- Interface module 20 contains components Dx, Rx and Swx.
- Dx is a diode that provides the source of power (12 volts) for igniter 4 through wire 7 a .
- Wire 7 b provides a ground return path to complete the power connection.
- Switch Swx under control of the microprocessor in interface module 20 , momentarily closes, causing the voltage at the cathode of diode Dx to become 20 volts.
- the quiescent value of the voltage at point B is nominally zero volts.
- switch Swx closes the 8-volt increase in the voltage on wire 7 a is coupled by capacitor C 2 , through resistor R 9 , to point B.
- the voltage at point B will increase by 8 volts whenever switch Swx is closed, and will return to zero when switch Swx is opened.
- Resistor R 9 ensures that any over-voltage at point B, which is connected to an input pin of microprocessor U 1 of FIG.
- Resistor R 9 further ensures that if the voltage at B becomes less than zero, microprocessor U 1 is not adversely affected.
- resistor R 1 in conjunction with capacitor C 5 , reduces the switch current at switch Swx and further reduces any voltage change on capacitor C 5 due to the low-pass filter nature of the circuit.
- pulses in the range of 1 microsecond to 100 milliseconds can be easily sent from interface module 20 to igniter 4 with the particular component values chosen for the circuit. Communication in the reverse direction (from igniter 4 to interface module 20 ) is accomplished with components transistor Q 1 , resistor R 15 and resistor Rx.
- the voltage at point A is normally five volts and transistor Q 1 is off.
- the current in wire 7 a supplies the operating current for igniter 4 , which is a relatively small and constant value.
- Vx the voltage across resistor Rx
- Vx the voltage across resistor Rx
- the microprocessor in interface module 20 can receive information from igniter 4 by using pulses at point A in the range of 1 microsecond to 100 milliseconds. Note that diode D 3 prevents any current in transistor Q 1 from being drawn from capacitor C 5 .
- bi-directional pulsed communication can be accomplished with a pair of wires which are also supplying power.
- the two diode pairs D 1 and D 2 in FIG. 6 which form the full wave rectifier and allow wires 7 a and 7 b to be connected in reverse to igniter 4 .
- Diodes D 1 and D 2 do not adversely affect the bi-directional communication method.
- FIG. 8 shows the detailed schematic of igniter 4 in a second embodiment of the present invention.
- This version of igniter 4 is quite similar to the embodiment of FIG. 6 in a number of ways. The similarities include the input protection, full wave rectifier, energy storage, voltage regulation, and lift e-match 5 and break e-match 6 drivers.
- igniter 4 uses a different firing protocol from interface module 20 .
- This protocol used by the Fire One Computerized Fireworks Shooting System from Pyrotechnics Management, Inc., State College, Pa., provides 12 volts for testing continuity (that is, presence of either an igniter 4 or a lift e-match 5 ) and 24 volts for firing the igniter 4 or lift e-match 5 .
- Resistors R 13 and R 14 form a resistor divider to detect the 24-volt firing signal.
- Resistors R 4 and R 5 form a second resistor divider that detects a successful launch by removal of the input voltage.
- Diode D 9 and resistor R 15 provide clamping to ensure that the input pin that detects power loss (microprocessor U 1 pin 11 ) does not become damaged when the input voltage increases to 24 volts to signal the fire command.
- Q 3 is a crystal that provides increased accuracy over the resistor-capacitor oscillator of the FIG. 6 circuit. Capacitors C 1 and C 2 are required by the internal crystal oscillator of microprocessor U 1 . Resistors R 2 and R 3 provide a resistor divider that is used to measure the voltage on capacitor C 4 , the energy storage element 42 .
- microprocessor U 1 Upon receipt of a fire command, microprocessor U 1 checks that the voltage on capacitor C 4 is sufficient to provide enough energy to ignite break e-match 6 before igniting lift e-match 5 .
- the schematic of FIG. 8 thus represents an igniter 4 that provides increased safety and timing accuracy but does not use extensive communication capability. Thus FIG. 8 describes an igniter that appears more like a conventional electric match but with increased safety and timing accuracy
Abstract
A system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.
Description
- This patent application:
- (1) is a continuation-in-part of pending prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/958,721, filed Oct. 5, 2004 by George Bossarte et al. for PRECISION PYROTECHNIC DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING INCREASED SAFETY AND TIMING ACCURACY (Attorney's Docket No. MAG-4 DIV CON), which is in turn a continuation of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/313,879, filed Dec. 6, 2002 by George Bossarte et al. for PRECISION PYROTECHNIC DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING INCREASED SAFETY AND TIMING ACCURACY (Attorney's Docket No. MAG-4 DIV), which is in turn a divisional of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/281,203, filed Mar. 30, 1999 by George Bossarte et al. for PRECISION PYROTECHNIC DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING INCREASED SAFETY AND TIMING ACCURACY (Attorney's Docket No. MAG-4), which in turn claims the benefit of (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/079,853, filed Mar. 30, 1998 by Paul McKinley for ELECTRONIC PYROTECHNIC IGNITER OFFERING PRECISE TIMING AND INCREASED SAFETY (Attorney's Docket No. MAG-1 PROV), and (ii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/095,805, filed Aug. 7, 1998 by Paul R. McKinley et al. for PRECISION PYROTECHNIC DISPLAY SYSTEM HAVING INCREASED SAFETY AND TIMING ACCURACY (Attorney's Docket No. MAG-2 PROV); and
- (2) claims the benefit of pending prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/616,159, filed on Oct. 5, 2004 by Craig Boucher et al. for ELECTRONIC PYROTECHNIC IGNITERS (Attorney's Docket No. MAG-5A PROV).
- The six (6) above-identified patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention relates to the control of the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic display. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of electronic components for the purpose of improving the accuracy of the timing of both the launch and the burst of the pyrotechnic projectiles. The invention further relates to the use of electronic components for the purpose of increasing the safety of both the pyrotechnic operator and the viewing audience.
- The professional fireworks industry has employed black powder-based pyrotechnic ignition systems for many years. These systems typically use a black powder fuse—cotton string or cord impregnated with black powder—to ignite a “lift” charge, which propels the projectile high into the air. The ignition of the lift charge also ignites a second black powder fuse, which provides a time delay to allow the projectile to reach a desired height above the ground. After the time delay of the fuse, the “break” charge is ignited, causing the particular visual or auditory effect of the pyrotechnic projectile.
- Although black powder-based ignition systems are relatively easy to use, the fundamental limitations of the black powder fuse prevent the industry from achieving the timing accuracy and repeatability necessary for precisely choreographed pyrotechnic displays. This is because the burn rate—and hence the delay time—for a black powder fuse can vary considerably depending on the fabrication of the fuse, the particular materials used in the construction of the fuse, and on other parameters such as the temperature of the fuse at the time of ignition. U.S. Pat. No. 5,627,338 by Poor et al. teaches that the typical accuracy of the time delay of a black powder fuse is on the order of +/−16%. Controlling the delay time for a black powder fuse to better than +/−1% is extremely difficult; and even if this accuracy could be reliably achieved, it would still contribute to a total variability of 100 milliseconds for a 5-second fuse. That is, a +/−1% variation would cause a 5-second fuse to vary by +/−0.05 seconds, or a total variability of 100 milliseconds. Tests with pyrotechnic audiences have shown that most people can detect timing differences as small as 20 milliseconds, and half the people can detect timing differences as small as 10 milliseconds. Thus, in order to achieve precisely choreographed displays for certain types of pyrotechnic shells, particularly shells with a short burst time, the variability of the fuse's time delay must be held to better than 10 milliseconds, and preferably to about 1 millisecond. A variability of 1 millisecond represents an additional factor of 100, or +/−0.01% accuracy for a 5-second fuse. Achieving such accuracy is impossible with black powder fuses.
- In addition, the inherent limitations of the black powder fuse also provide a source of potential failures that present real risk to both the display operators and the proximate audience. Pyrotechnic shells can be manufactured with the lift and break charges protected relatively well from external sources of accidental ignition by the use of protective layers around the charges. However, the use of a black powder fuse for the lift charge necessitates the exposure of the black powder to the external environment of the shell. Consequently the shell becomes much more sensitive to false ignition by burning materials from nearby pyrotechnic shells, resulting in unintentional “crossfire”. If the lift charge of a shell is ignited but the time delay fuse to the break charge burns too slowly, a “hangfire” occurs, in which the shell explodes as it returns to the ground, often near the display operator or in the audience. Even more dangerous, if a hangfire explodes after the shell hits the ground, both the explosion and the falling shell itself present significant risks to the operator and audience. If a fuse fails to ignite the lift charge, but the fuse continues to burn and ignites the break charge while the shell is still on the ground, a “mortar burst” can occur, and the ignition products of the break can potentially ignite the break charges of all the adjacent shells of the display. A break charge being ignited on the ground can result in serious injury to the operating personnel as well as the destruction of the entire display.
- A number of alternatives have been proposed to eliminate black powder fuses or to improve their reliability. The most notable of these involves the use of electrically operated ignition devices, commonly called “electric matches” or “e-matches”. The construction and ignition of various forms of e-matches are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,544,585 by Duguet, 5,123,355 by Hans et al., 4,409,898 by Blix et al., 4,354,432 by Cannavo' et al., 4,335,653 by Bratt et al., 4,267,567 by Nygaard et al., and 4,144,814 by Haas et al.
- The use of an e-match to replace the black powder fuse for igniting a lift charge has the advantage that the exposed electrical wires are not susceptible to false ignition by sparks or other ignition by-products. Such use of the e-match reduces the likelihood of crossfires, but does nothing to improve the timing of the break since a black powder delay fuse would still be required to ignite the break charge. On the other hand, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,627,338 by Poor et al., 5,623,117 by Lewis, 5,499,579 by Lewis, 5,335,598 by Lewis et al., 4,363,272 by Simmons, 4,239,005 by Simmons, and 4,068,592 by Beuchat describe methods to delay the firing action of an e-match based on electrical or pyrotechnic delays, but none of these methods are suitable to achieving the high accuracy required for choreographed displays. A method of using an e-match is described by Poor et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,627,338, but even this technique is limited to about 25 milliseconds variability, which is still a factor of 25 worse than the desired 1 millisecond variability previously discussed.
- A number of problems or faults can occur during the setup of a choreographed pyrotechnic display. The pyrotechnic operator cannot easily detect many of these problems. If e-matches are used to replace the black powder fuses, new problems unique to e-matches are possible. For example, if e-matches are used to ignite the black powder lift charges, the electrical connections to the e-matches may be faulty. A common practice by the industry is to connect multiple e-matches to the same ignition source to allow multiple shells to be fired at the same time. Such multiple connections are done either in parallel or in series.
- If multiple e-matches are wired in parallel to a single electrical ignition source, the possibility exists that some e-matches will not be connected properly. On the other hand, if multiple e-matches are wired in series, the possibility exists that the electrical ignition source will be insufficient to ignite all of the e-matches.
- If e-matches are used to ignite both the lift and break charges, additional problems may develop. For example, either or both of the e-matches may have broken wires. Furthermore, since an energy source is required to fire both e-matches (and the source for the break match must travel with the projectile), the possibility exists that either energy source may be insufficient to ignite its corresponding e-match. If, for example, the lift energy source is sufficient to ignite the lift charge, but the break energy source is not sufficient to ignite the break charge, a dangerous hangfire can result, with significant risk to the pyrotechnic operator and the audience.
- Accordingly, a definite need exists for a method and system for launching and detonating pyrotechnic displays, which is capable of accuracy on the order of 1 millisecond, particularly for conventional shells that use black powder for the lift charge. A need also exists for increasing the safety for both the pyrotechnic operator and the viewing audience for conventional black powder shells. A need also exists for increasing the safety for pyrotechnic shells that use e-matches to ignite the charges. The present invention satisfies these requirements and additionally provides further related advantages.
- In a broad sense, the present invention describes a method and system for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic display. More particularly, the present invention describes a method and system for increasing the safety and improving the accuracy of ignition timing for pyrotechnic displays.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a system capable of achieving ignition timing accuracy to better than 1 millisecond for pyrotechnic displays. A further object of the present invention is to achieve such accuracy in ignition timing for pyrotechnic displays that use conventional black powder for the lift charge. An additional object of the present invention is to achieve such accuracy in ignition timing for pyrotechnic displays that use means other than black powder, such as pneumatic power, for launching the pyrotechnic projectile.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide the capability to use standard pyrotechnic projectiles with black powder fuses for some, but not all, of the pyrotechnic display. Thus pyrotechnic operators can mix pyrotechnic shells utilizing the present invention with more conventional pyrotechnic shells in order to achieve the most cost-effective pyrotechnic display possible.
- A further object of the present invention is to increase the safety of the pyrotechnic display for both the pyrotechnic operator and the viewing audience. A further object of the present invention is to reduce the potential of misfires and crossfires (i.e., the ignition of a projectile by the ignition products of nearby shells) by eliminating the traditional black powder fuse. A further object of the present invention is to reduce the potential of hangfires (i.e., shells that explode after returning to the ground).
- A further object of the present invention is to provide the capability of reporting to the pyrotechnic operator the existence of faults within the system and to indicate which shells will not have their lift charge ignited because of the presence of these faults.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide the capability to use multiple shells on the same ignition output and to provide the capability of reporting to the pyrotechnic operator the existence of faults in any of the individual shells.
- While the present invention is presently intended primarily for use in improved pyrotechnic displays, the invention's advantages of increased safety and timing accuracy may be applied to other fields as well, such as construction and explosive demolition.
-
FIG. 1 shows a mortar with a pyrotechnic shell that contains an igniter module of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a complete pyrotechnic display system illustrating one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 shows the block diagram of an igniter module of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 shows the block diagram of one embodiment of the interface module of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 shows a flow chart for the system logic including the communications between the interface module and the igniter module in one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 shows the detailed schematic of the igniter module for one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 shows details of bi-directional communications, over a single pair of wires, between the igniter and the interface module. -
FIG. 8 shows the detailed schematic of the igniter module for a second embodiment of the present invention. - The present invention involves a system and method for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks,” display.
-
FIG. 1 shows a typical pyrotechnic projectile 1 placed inmortar 2.Projectile 1 utilizesload cord 3 to allow the pyrotechnic operator to easily place the projectile intomortar 2. Embedded insideprojectile 1 isigniter 4 which is connected to the lift electric match (e-match) 5 and to thebreak e-match 6.Wires 7connect igniter 4 to the pyrotechnic control system. Lift e-match 5 is embedded inlift charge 8, which is typically made of black powder. Liftcharge 8, when ignited, provides the force to propel projectile 1 high into the air.Break e-match 6 is embedded inbreak charge 9, which is also typically made of black powder.Break charge 9, when ignited bybreak e-match 6, causes projectile 1 to burst and provide the visual or auditory effect desired.Projectile 1 may contain additional pyrotechnic materials, such asstars 10, which enhance the visual or auditory effect of the projectile. -
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the control system.Control panel 11 is a manual control board which would be used by the pyrotechnic operator.Control panel 11 includes akey switch 12 for enabling the firing of the pyrotechnic shells. Use of key 13 allows the operator to remove the key to prevent accidental firing of the shells. The front panel ofcontrol panel 11 includesindicators 14, typically incandescent lamps or light emitting diodes (“LED's”), which provide information on the status of the individual channels, or “cues.” The term “cue” has come into popular usage because of the interest in synchronizing the burst of the pyrotechnic projectiles with music. AlthoughFIG. 2 shows five cues on the front panel, in practice thecontrol panel 11 will typically have many more cues, possibly as many as 20 to 40.Control panel 11 also includesswitches 15 that allow individual cues to be enabled for ignition at a particular time. The pyrotechnic operator will select one or more cues for ignition, observe the status of the cues, and then pressfiring button 16, which initiates the ignition of the launch of the pyrotechnic shells for the enabled cue(s). After the firing of the previously-selected cue(s), the operator will select the next cue and again press theFiring Button 16 in order to initiate the launch of the shell or shells for that cue. By sequencing through the cues, the operator is able to usecontrol panel 11 andfiring button 16 to control the entire pyrotechnic display. - In
FIG. 2 ,cable 17 connectscontrol panel 11 tointerface module 20.Interface module 20 contains electronics that receive firing signals fromcontrol panel 11 and generates the necessary control voltages to fire theigniters 4 in the pyrotechnic shells (FIG. 1 ). These control voltages are passed throughcable 21 to adistribution panel 22.Interface module 20 includesadditional display indicators interface module 20 is located closer to the pyrotechnic shells thancontrol panel 11, thedisplay indicators Interface module 20 also includeskey switch 25 and key 26 to ensure that no power is applied to anyigniter 4 while people are loading the shells into the mortars.Interface module 20 is powered bybattery 27 throughcable 28. -
Distribution panel 22 includesconnectors 29, which allow the operator to hook up wires 7 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to connect theigniters 4 to the control system. -
Control panel 11 is assumed to be built in accordance with pyrotechnic industry standards for manual control boards. Specifically, any current applied tocable 17 for the purpose of measuring electrical continuity in alift e-match 5 would be less than 50 milliamperes. Any current applied tocable 17 for the purpose of ignitinglift e-match 5 would be greater than 250 milliamperes. -
FIG. 2 also shows anoptional computer system 31 that would be used in a second preferred embodiment.Computer system 31 includeskeyboard 32 and monitor 33, which is connected to interfacemodule 20 bycable 34.Computer system 31 would be used for automatically sequencing the firing of the projectiles in response to a computer program in coordination with other effects such as music.Manual control panel 11 would not be used ifcomputer system 31 were controlling the pyrotechnic display. - In a third preferred embodiment (not shown),
interface module 20 anddistribution panel 22 are combined into a single package. This embodiment eliminates the need forcable 21 and provides a more compact assembly. -
FIG. 3 shows a block diagram ofigniter 4, which would be used for all three embodiments discussed above (i.e., a system utilizingmanual control panel 11; a system utilizingcomputer system 31 in place ofmanual control panel 11; and a system combininginterface module 20 anddistribution panel 22 into a single package).FIG. 3 also showslift e-match 5 and break e-match 6.Wires 7connect igniter 4 to the remainder of the pyrotechnic control system.Igniter 4 contains four functional blocks, i.e.,transient protector 40,polarity detector 41,energy storage element 42, and control andtiming circuitry 43. - The purpose of
transient protector 40 is to prevent electrostatic discharges or other transient high-voltage events from passing on to the remainder ofigniter 4 and possiblydamaging igniter 4 or accidentally firing either lift e-match 5 or break e-match 6. -
Polarity detector 41 ensures that voltages are of the proper polarity and currents flow to the igniter circuitry regardless of the polarity ofwires 7. Referring back toFIG. 2 ,polarity detector 41 allows the operator to connect a pair ofwires 7 to the corresponding pair ofconnectors 29 without regard to polarity. The use ofpolarity detector 41 thus simplifies the wiring task for the pyrotechnic operator and, more importantly, reduces the possibility of wiring errors. - The third functional block for
igniter 4 isenergy storage element 42, which preferably comprises a capacitor. Recalling thatigniter 4 is embedded inpyrotechnic projectile 1, when the projectile is launched by the ignition oflift charge 8,wires 7 will be broken. Thus,igniter 4 will be electrically separated from thedistribution panel 22 and any source of energy, such asbattery 27. Therefore, in order to ignite thebreak e-match 6, a source of energy must travel withprojectile 1. Althoughenergy storage element 42 could be a battery, the use of a capacitor is preferred for several reasons. First, a capacitor can weigh less than a battery. Second, a battery tends to be more expensive than a capacitor. Third, the capacitor is preferred for environmental reasons. Fourth, and most important, the use of a capacitor ensures that there is no source of ignition energy for either of thee-matches battery 27 by use ofkey switch 25. The use of a capacitor forenergy storage element 42 thus reduces the possibility of accidental ignition of theprojectile 1 and increases the safety of the total system. - The fourth and final functional block for
igniter 4 is the control andtiming circuitry 43, which is a microprocessor-based electronic circuit that is responsible for the ignition of thelift e-match 5 and break e-match 6. The control andtiming circuitry 43 includes embedded software, or “firmware”, which receives information frominterface module 20 concerning the desired time for ignition and returns information back tointerface module 20 regarding the status ofigniter 4. As is discussed in greater detail below, the firmware includes both safety and timing features. These features preferably include verification of the following: (1) bothlift e-match 5 and break e-match 6 are connected properly; (2) no ignition takes place unless both lift e-match 5 and break e-match 6 are verified electrically; (3) no ignition takes place unless sufficient energy is stored inenergy storage element 42 to ensure proper ignition; (4) after thelift e-match 5 is ignited, launch is verified by loss of input power fromwires 7; (5) breake-match 6 is not ignited unless launch has been verified; (6) no ignition ofbreak e-match 6 will occur after a maximum time delay (to prevent hangfires); and (7) the timing of ignition ofbreak e-match 6 occurs within 1 millisecond after the programmed delay following ignition of lift e-match 5 (i.e., the shell bursts within 1 millisecond of its intended time). - It should be appreciated that, with respect to the timing delay between activation of
lift e-match 5 and break e-match 6, this timing delay can either be (1) pre-programmed into the embedded software, or “firmware”, of the igniter's control andtiming circuitry 43, or (2) programmed intoigniter 4 at the time of use by the control system, e.g., bycomputer system 31. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , the block diagram ofinterface module 20 includes six functional blocks. -
Front panel 50 ofinterface module 20 includesfault indicators 23 andready indicators 24 that show the status of each of the system cues.Fault indicators 23 andready indicators 24 can be made from incandescent lamps, light emitting diodes (LED's), or other suitable visible devices.Front panel 50 also includeskey switch 25 and key 26 which can be used by the pyrotechnic operator to enable or disable ignition of the pyrotechnic shells. By puttingkey switch 25 into the “Safe” position and removingkey 26, the pyrotechnic operator can ensure that no ignition is possible whilepyrotechnic projectiles 1 are being installed inmortars 2. - The second functional block of
interface module 20 is inputcurrent detector 51, whose purpose is to detect if any electrical current is being drawn from cable 17 (FIG. 2 ) for any cue. Furthermore, inputcurrent detector 51 determines if the current is less than 50 milliamps (corresponding to a continuity test) or is greater than 250 milliamps (corresponding to a Fire command). - The third functional block for
interface module 20 isoutput control switch 52, whose purpose is to communicate if anyigniters 4 are connected to the particular cue. Such communication is bi-directional in nature.Output control switch 52 is further responsible for providing continuity current (less than 50 milliamps) and firing current (greater than 250 milliamps) ifstandard lift e-matches 5 are directly connected to the cue. - The fourth functional block for
interface module 20 iscontroller 53, a microprocessor-based circuit that supervises the entire operation ofinterface module 20.Controller 53 receives input information from inputcurrent detector 51 and generates output signals foroutput control switch 52.Controller 53 also receives status information fromigniters 4 and communicates that status information back to thecontrol panel 11 through inputcurrent detector 51.Controller 53 further reads the state ofkey switch 25 and displays status information onfront panel display 50. Additional details of the communication betweeninterface module 20 and other parts of the pyrotechnic control system are discussed below. - If the pyrotechnic display is being controlled by
computer system 31, rather than controlpanel 11, communications betweencontroller 53 andcomputer system 31 are handled by I/O module 54. - The final functional block of
interface module 20 ispower converter 55, which draws power frombattery 27 and provides regulated voltages for the remaining functional blocks ofinterface module 20. -
FIG. 5 shows the system logic flow diagram, including interaction betweeninterface module 20 andigniters 4. The use of microprocessors in bothinterface module 20 and in eachigniter 4 allows diagnostics to be performed in multiple locations and further provides for a high level of communication between different microprocessors. Furthermore, each microprocessor is capable of performing tests to verify that commands are consistent with operating conditions. For example, the microprocessor in eachigniter 4 is able to determine if all conditions necessary for a successful launch and burst of the pyrotechnic projectile are being satisfied and is further able to communicate that information back tointerface module 20. - Upon power-up,
interface module 20 executes a series of self-tests to confirm that all operating parameters, including input and output ports, are functioning properly. If so, interface module then examines its individual output ports to determine if anyigniters 4 are connected. If an igniter(s) 4 is found,interface module 20 applies a current-limited voltage to igniter(s) 4 and requests status information. Shouldinterface module 20 not receive a “valid igniter” response on any port for which it previously detected the presence of anigniter 4, it will disable, and signal a “fault” condition for, that particular port. Shouldinterface module 20 detectmultiple igniters 4 on a given port, it will instruct alligniters 4 on that port to generate a random number within a certain range as an identification (ID) number. It will then poll the port, sequentially stepping through subsets of the designated range, to ascertain the individual ID of eachigniter 4. Should more than oneigniter 4 return an ID within any one range subset,interface module 20 will instruct alligniters 4 within that subset to re-generate a new random number ID within the range of that subset.Interface module 20 will then re-evaluate theigniters 4 utilizing a higher resolution. This process will repeat until eachigniter 4 is assigned a unique ID number. All further communications betweeninterface module 20 and eachigniter 4 utilize this ID to ensure unique igniter communications. - In one embodiment of the present invention, the operating frequency of
igniter 4 is controlled by a resistor and capacitor combination. Since resistors and capacitors are generally not of high accuracy, the resulting frequency will vary from oneigniter 4 to another. Since the time delay ofigniter 4 is generated by counting cycles of its operating frequency, the time delay will depend directly on the value of the resistor and capacitor. In order to improve the accuracy of the time delay,interface module 20 next sends a timing calibration sequence to eachigniter 4. This sequence includes an accurately controlled pulse, 400 milliseconds in the preferred embodiment, which is measured by eachigniter 4. Theigniter 4 counts cycles of its operating frequency during the controlled pulse and reports the number of counts back tointerface module 20. This process allowsinterface module 20 to indirectly measure the operating frequency of eachigniter 4 and to verify that the frequency is within acceptable limits. If the operating frequency of anyigniter 4 is outside the acceptable limits,interface module 20 will disable the respective output port and signal a “fault” condition. Assuming that the calibration sequence produces measurements within the acceptable limits,igniter 4 will then use the results of the measurement of the controlled pulse to compensate for the inaccuracy of the operating frequency and to modify the pre-programmed time delay to improve the overall accuracy of the system. Then, as long as the operating frequency of theigniter 4 remains constant, the time delay will be accurate. Experiments have shown that time delays of up to 5 seconds, accurate to better than 1 millisecond, can be obtained even if the operating frequency of theigniter 4 is only accurate to + or −20%. - In a second embodiment of the
igniter 4, the operating frequency is determined by a more accurate crystal rather than a resistor and capacitor. As a result, the calibration process is not necessary in order to produce accurate time delays. However, the calibration process can still be used in order to verify the proper operation ofigniter 4 and to verify that the oscillator frequency ofigniter 4 is consistent with the crystal. - Having completed the evaluation of all
igniters 4 connected to the output ports, theinterface module 20 then enables all output ports not previously disabled, turns on the respective “Ready” lights 24 onfront panel 50 and provides a closed circuit at inputcurrent detector 51 that can be detected fromcontrol panel 11 as “continuity”. This provides the pyrotechnic operator with remote indication (at control panel 11) of the status of all ports ofinterface module 20. -
Interface module 20 next enters a program loop whereby it continuously looks for the receipt of a valid “fire” command at inputcurrent detector 51. Upon receipt of a “fire” command,interface module 20 confirms that the respective output port has not been disabled through failure of any previous test and validation sequence. - If the output port has not been disabled,
interface module 20 issues an “arm” command to alligniters 4 attached to the respective port and waits for confirmation from alligniters 4 attached to that port that they have received a proper “arm” command and have entered the armed state. If any failure occurs in anigniter 4,interface module 20 will disable the respective port and indicate a “fault” onfront panel 50. - For all armed ports, the
interface module 20 next issues a “fire” command. Upon receipt of a “fire” command, eachigniter 4 evaluates the “fire” command to ensure that it meets all protocol requirements. If the “fire” command does not meet protocol requirements, theigniter 4 will return a “fault” command and immediately disable itself. If the “fire” command does meet protocol requirements, theigniter 4 will-fire lift e-match 5 and immediately check to see if the data/power cable has been disconnected, an expected result of the shell having lifted and broken the cable. Should theigniter 4 detect that it is still connected to theinterface module 20, it will assume that the lift charge failed to ignite, return a “fault” command tointerface module 20 and immediately disable itself. If theigniter 4 does detect a successful disconnect, it will enter its timing sequence until it reaches the programmed delay, upon which it will fire itsbreak e-match 6 match, thereby igniting the pyrotechnic break charge and causing the shell to appear in the sky. - After the
break e-match 6 ignites the break charge, theentire igniter 4 will be destroyed. However, in case the ignition did not occur,igniter 4 will wait a short period of time and then apply high current loads to the igniter's microprocessor output ports in order to dischargeenergy storage element 42. In this manner, the source of energy to ignite break e-match 6 will be eliminated and the possibility of a late ignition of the break charge, termed a “hangfire”, will be greatly reduced. - As an additional safeguard, the
interface module 20 monitors the current flow through all ports which have been issued a “fire” command. If it detects anyigniters 4 still connected, it will disable that port and signal a “fault” condition onfront panel 50 in order to notify the pyrotechnic operator that a particular mortar still holds a live pyrotechnic projectile 1. -
FIG. 6 shows the detailed circuit schematic forigniter 4 for one embodiment of the present invention. Capacitor C1 provides protection from electrostatic discharges or any other voltage transients that may occur on the input wires at connector J1. Diode pairs D1 and D2 are configured as a full wave rectifier and ensure that the voltage that appears at the cathode of D2 is always positive. The use of diode pairs D1 and D2 allows the pyrotechnic operator to connect the two wires forigniter 4 without regard to polarity. Resistor R1 limits the current into capacitors C5 and C6, which are isolated from each other by dual diode D3. When an input voltage of nominally 12 volts appears on the input wires at connector J1, the C5 and C6 capacitors begin to charge up. Capacitor C5 provides energy storage for thebreak e-match 6, which would be connected toigniter 4 at connector J2. Thus capacitor C5 isenergy storage element 42 previously discussed and shown inFIG. 3 . Capacitor C6 provides energy storage forlift e-match 5, which is connected toigniter 4 at J3. The use of capacitor C6 ensures that sufficient peak current will be available to ignitelift e-match 5 even though resistor R1 and any additional wire resistance in the input wires would otherwise limit the current available. Darlington transistor Q2 provides an electronic switch to connect break e-match 5 to capacitor C5. Resistor R2 connectsoutput pin 8 of microprocessor U1 to the base of transistor Q2. Thus resistor R2 allows microprocessor U1 to ignite thebreak e-match 5 by applying a five-volt signal tooutput pin 8 and turning on transistor Q2. Resistor R4 ensures that transistor Q2 will not be accidentally turned on when theoutput pin 8 of microprocessor U1 is initially open-circuited during the power-on initialization of microprocessor U1. Transistor Q3 provides an electronic switch to connectlift e-match 5 to capacitor C6. Resistor R3 connects the base of transistor Q3 tooutput pin 7 of microprocessor U1. Thus microprocessor U1 can fire thelift e-match 5 by applying a five-volt signal to pin 7. Resistor R5 ensures that transistor Q3 will not be accidentally turned on whenoutput pin 9 of microprocessor U1 is initially open-circuited during the power-on initialization of microprocessor U1. Resistors R7 and R12 provide a resistor divider to monitor the voltage on the collector of transistor Q2. If capacitor C5 is charged, the voltage at the collector of transistor Q2 will be approximately 10 volts ifbreak e-match 6 is connected properly. Ifbreak e-match 6 is broken or if the wires to break e-match 6 are disconnected, the voltage at the collector of transistor Q2 will be approximately zero volts. Thus, the use of resistors R7 and R12 allows microprocessor U1 to determine if thebreak e-match 6 is operational by monitoring the voltage atinput pin 9. In a similar manner, resistors R8 and R13 allow microprocessor U1 to determine the status oflift e-match 5 by monitoring the voltage onpin 6 of microprocessor U1. - Voltage regulator U2 provides a constant five-volt output at
pin 3. Capacitor C4 provides a small amount of energy storage to ensure that when thebreak e-match 6 is ignited, the sudden load on capacitor C5 does not disturb the power source for microprocessor U1. Voltage regulator U2 is necessary because the operating frequency of the particular type of microprocessor, a PIC16C505, varies as the voltage atpin 1 of microprocessor U1 changes. Thus, voltage regulator U2 ensures that the operating frequency remains constant and that the accuracy of the time delay is maintained even if the voltage on capacitor C5 varies. Resistor R14 and capacitor C3 are the components that determine the operating frequency of microprocessor U1. As previously discussed, the accuracy of the time delay is improved by the timing calibration process. - The connection of
pin 3 of microprocessor U1 to ground allows microprocessor U1 to rapidly discharge capacitor C5 by trying to drivepin 3 to 5 volts. The high current at theoutput port pin 3 will cause the supply current atpin 1 to increase. This in turn will cause a higher load current for the voltage regulator U2 and will discharge capacitor C5. - Resistors R1 and R6 form a resistor divider that allows microprocessor U1 to sense a successful launch of the
pyrotechnic projectile 1. As long as power is applied toigniter 4 through connector J1, the voltage atpin 11 of microprocessor U1 will be five volts. However, when the lift charge is ignited and the shell is launched,wires 7 will break. At this point, the voltage atpin 11 of microprocessor U1 will drop to zero volts, and can be detected by microprocessor U1. - Transistor Q1 and resistor R15 provide a means of communication from
igniter 4 to interfacemodule 20. Capacitor C2 and resistors R9 and R10 provide a means of communication frominterface module 20 toigniter 4. The operation of this method of bi-directional communication over a single pair of wires, that also supply power, is best understood by looking atFIG. 7 .Interface module 20 contains components Dx, Rx and Swx. Dx is a diode that provides the source of power (12 volts) forigniter 4 throughwire 7 a.Wire 7 b provides a ground return path to complete the power connection. Switch Swx, under control of the microprocessor ininterface module 20, momentarily closes, causing the voltage at the cathode of diode Dx to become 20 volts. The quiescent value of the voltage at point B is nominally zero volts. When switch Swx closes, the 8-volt increase in the voltage onwire 7 a is coupled by capacitor C2, through resistor R9, to point B. Thus, the voltage at point B will increase by 8 volts whenever switch Swx is closed, and will return to zero when switch Swx is opened. Resistor R9 ensures that any over-voltage at point B, which is connected to an input pin of microprocessor U1 ofFIG. 6 , does not adversely affect microprocessor U1 Resistor R9 further ensures that if the voltage at B becomes less than zero, microprocessor U1 is not adversely affected. Note that resistor R1, in conjunction with capacitor C5, reduces the switch current at switch Swx and further reduces any voltage change on capacitor C5 due to the low-pass filter nature of the circuit. Thus, pulses in the range of 1 microsecond to 100 milliseconds can be easily sent frominterface module 20 toigniter 4 with the particular component values chosen for the circuit. Communication in the reverse direction (fromigniter 4 to interface module 20) is accomplished with components transistor Q1, resistor R15 and resistor Rx. The voltage at point A is normally five volts and transistor Q1 is off. At that point, the current inwire 7 a supplies the operating current forigniter 4, which is a relatively small and constant value. As a result, Vx, the voltage across resistor Rx, is also a relatively small and constant value. When the voltage on point A is pulsed to zero volts, additional current flows through transistor Q1, causing the voltage across resistor Rx to increase. This increased current may be smaller than, or even much higher than, the nominal operating current forigniter 4. By monitoring voltage Vx, the microprocessor ininterface module 20 can receive information fromigniter 4 by using pulses at point A in the range of 1 microsecond to 100 milliseconds. Note that diode D3 prevents any current in transistor Q1 from being drawn from capacitor C5. Thus bi-directional pulsed communication can be accomplished with a pair of wires which are also supplying power. Not shown inFIG. 7 are the two diode pairs D1 and D2 inFIG. 6 which form the full wave rectifier and allowwires igniter 4. Diodes D1 and D2 do not adversely affect the bi-directional communication method. -
FIG. 8 shows the detailed schematic ofigniter 4 in a second embodiment of the present invention. This version ofigniter 4 is quite similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 6 in a number of ways. The similarities include the input protection, full wave rectifier, energy storage, voltage regulation, and lift e-match 5 and break e-match 6 drivers. - The schematic of
FIG. 8 differs from that ofFIG. 6 in the following ways. First, there is no provision for bi-directional communication betweenigniter 4 andinterface module 20. Second,igniter 4 uses a different firing protocol frominterface module 20. This protocol, used by the Fire One Computerized Fireworks Shooting System from Pyrotechnics Management, Inc., State College, Pa., provides 12 volts for testing continuity (that is, presence of either anigniter 4 or a lift e-match 5) and 24 volts for firing theigniter 4 or lift e-match 5. Resistors R13 and R14 form a resistor divider to detect the 24-volt firing signal. Resistors R4 and R5 form a second resistor divider that detects a successful launch by removal of the input voltage. Diode D9 and resistor R15 provide clamping to ensure that the input pin that detects power loss (microprocessor U1 pin 11) does not become damaged when the input voltage increases to 24 volts to signal the fire command. Q3 is a crystal that provides increased accuracy over the resistor-capacitor oscillator of theFIG. 6 circuit. Capacitors C1 and C2 are required by the internal crystal oscillator of microprocessor U1. Resistors R2 and R3 provide a resistor divider that is used to measure the voltage on capacitor C4, theenergy storage element 42. Upon receipt of a fire command, microprocessor U1 checks that the voltage on capacitor C4 is sufficient to provide enough energy to ignite break e-match 6 before ignitinglift e-match 5. The schematic ofFIG. 8 thus represents anigniter 4 that provides increased safety and timing accuracy but does not use extensive communication capability. ThusFIG. 8 describes an igniter that appears more like a conventional electric match but with increased safety and timing accuracy.
Claims (37)
1. An igniter for a pyrotechnic projectile of the sort comprising a lift charge to be ignited by an electrically operated lift charge ignition device, and a break charge to be ignited by an electrically operated break charge ignition device, said igniter comprising:
electronic control means for receiving an electronic fire command from an external control device and, in response thereto, (1) activating said electrically operated lift charge ignition device, and (2) a pre-determined time after receiving said electronic fire command, activating said electrically operated break charge ignition device.
2. An igniter according to 1 wherein said electronic control means further comprise:
means for preventing transient voltages from unintentionally activating said electrically operated lift charge ignition device and said electrically operated break charge ignition device.
3. An igniter according to 1 wherein said electronic control means further comprise:
means for ensuring that the polarity of said electronic control means is matched to the polarity of said external control device.
4. An igniter according to 1 wherein said electronic control means comprise:
a first output connecting said igniter to said electrically operated lift charge ignition device;
a second output connecting said igniter to said electrically operated break charge ignition device;
a power supply for selective connection to said first output and said second output for selectively activating said electrically operated lift charge ignition device and said electrically operated break charge ignition device, respectively; and
a timer for determining when said power supply activates said electrically operated break charge ignition device.
5. An igniter according to 4 wherein said power supply comprises at least one capacitor.
6. An igniter according to 4 wherein said timer comprises a resistor/capacitor combination.
7. An igniter according to 4 wherein said timer comprises a crystal.
8. An igniter according to 4 wherein said timer is accurate to within 0.001 seconds.
9. An igniter according to 1 wherein said electronic control means further comprise:
means for monitoring the status of said electrically operated lift charge ignition device and said electrically operated break charge ignition device.
10. An igniter according to 1 wherein said electronic control means further comprise:
means for sensing a failure to achieve a proper launch of said pyrotechnic projectile and, upon sensing such a failure, preventing activation of said electrically operated break charge ignition device.
11. A pyrotechnic projectile comprising:
a lift charge;
an electrically operated lift charge ignition device for activating said lift charge;
a break charge;
an electrically operated break charge ignition device for activating said break charge; and
an igniter comprising electronic control means for receiving an electronic fire command from an external control device and, in response thereto, (1) activating said electrically operated lift charge ignition device, and (2) a pre-determined time after receiving said electronic fire command, activating said electrically operated break charge ignition device.
12. A pyrotechnic projectile system comprising:
a pyrotechnic projectile and an external control device;
said pyrotechnic projectile comprising:
a lift charge;
an electrically operated lift charge ignition device for activating said lift charge;
a break charge;
an electrically operated break charge ignition device for activating said break charge; and
an igniter comprising electronic control means for receiving an electronic fire command from said external control device and, in response thereto, (1) activating said electrically operated lift charge ignition device, and (2) a pre-determined time after receiving said electronic fire command, activating said electrically operated break charge ignition device.
13. A pyrotechnic projectile system according to 12 wherein said external control device comprises:
means for detecting if said igniter of said pyrotechnic projectile is connected to said external control device.
14. A pyrotechnic projectile system according to 12 wherein said external control device comprises:
means for communicating with said igniter.
15. A pyrotechnic projectile system according to 12 wherein said external control device comprises:
means for detecting a fault in said igniter and, upon detection of the same, deactivating said igniter.
16. A pyrotechnic projectile system according to 12 wherein said external control device comprises:
means for providing a calibration signal to said electronic control means.
17. A pyrotechnic projectile system according to 12 wherein said external control device comprises:
means for detecting a fire command from an external user interface and, upon detection of the same, issuing an electronic fire command to said igniter.
18. A pyrotechnic projectile system according to wherein said external control device comprises:
means for detecting if said pyrotechnic projectile has properly launched in response to receiving said electronic fire command and, if not, for disabling said pyrotechnic projectile.
19. A pyrotechnic projectile system according to 12 wherein said external control device comprises:
an interface module adapted to be connected to a manual control panel.
20. A pyrotechnic projectile system according to 12 wherein said external control device comprises:
an interface module adapted to be connected to a computer.
21. A pyrotechnic projectile system according to 12 wherein:
said system comprises multiple pyrotechnic projectiles, said system comprises a port, and further wherein multiple pyrotechnic projectiles are connected to said port, each of said pyrotechnic projectiles being separately controllable by said system.
22. A pyrotechnic projectile system according to 21 wherein said system is adapted to detect when the number of pyrotechnic projectiles connected to said port exceed a predetermined number.
23. A method for firing a pyrotechnic projectile, said method comprising the steps of:
sending a “fire” command to said pyrotechnic projectile so as to activate a lift charge;
upon receiving confirmation of a successful launch, electrically timing a delay within said pyrotechnic projectile; and
upon expiration of said delay, detonating a burst charge carried by said pyrotechnic projectile.
24. A method according to 23 wherein, upon failure to detect said launch confirmation, deactivating said projectile.
25. A detonator for detonating an explosive charge, said detonator comprising:
electronic control means for receiving an electronic fire command from an external control device and, a pre-determined time after receiving said electronic fire command, detonating said explosive charge.
26. A pyrotechnic projectile system according to 12 further comprising:
a second pyrotechnic projectile comprising:
a lift charge;
an electrically operated lift charge ignition device;
a break charge;
a fuse for activating said break charge, said fuse being activated by said electrically operated lift charge ignition device.
27. A pyrotechnic projectile system according to 12 wherein said external control device comprises:
means for detecting a fault in said igniter and, upon detection of the same, providing notification to the system operator.
28. A pyrotechnic projectile system according to 16 wherein said calibration signal is a time calibration signal.
29. A pyrotechnic projectile system according to 18 wherein said external control device further comprises:
means for notifying the system operator if said pyrotechnic projectile is disabled.
30. A method according to 23 further comprising:
prior to sending said “fire” command to said pyrotechnic projectile, sending a calibration signal to said pyrotechnic projectile and, upon receiving confirmation of proper calibration, sending said “fire” command to said pyrotechnic projectile.
31. A method according to 23 further comprising:
prior to sending said “fire” command to said pyrotechnic projectile, sending an “arm” command to said pyrotechnic projectile and, upon receiving confirmation of the armed status of said pyrotechnic projectile, sending said “fire” command to said pyrotechnic projectile.
32. A pyrotechnic projectile system according to 12 wherein said pre-determined time is pre-programmed into said igniter.
33. A pyrotechnic projectile system according to 12 wherein said external control device comprises:
means for programming said pre-determined time into said igniter.
34. A method according to 23 wherein the magnitude of said delay is pre-programmed into said pyrotechnic projectile.
35. A method according to 23 wherein the magnitude of said delay is programmed into said pyrotechnic projectile at the time of use.
36. A pyrotechnic projectile system according to 26 wherein said system is adapted to detect when the total number of said pyrotechnic projectiles and said second pyrotechnic projectiles connected to said port exceed a predetermined number.
37. A pyrotechnic projectile system comprising:
a plurality of pyrotechnic projectiles and an external control device;
each of said pyrotechnic projectiles comprising:
a lift charge;
an electrically operated lift charge ignition device;
a break charge; and
a fuse for activating said break charge, said fuse being activated by said electrically operated lift charge ignition device;
said external control device comprising a port, with said plurality of pyrotechnic projectiles being connected to said port, and said external control device being adapted to detect when the number of said pyrotechnic projectiles connected to said port exceed a predetermined number.
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US14/011,119 US9400159B2 (en) | 1998-03-30 | 2013-08-27 | Precision pyrotechnic display system and method having increased safety and timing accuracy |
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US14/011,119 Expired - Fee Related US9400159B2 (en) | 1998-03-30 | 2013-08-27 | Precision pyrotechnic display system and method having increased safety and timing accuracy |
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US14/011,119 Expired - Fee Related US9400159B2 (en) | 1998-03-30 | 2013-08-27 | Precision pyrotechnic display system and method having increased safety and timing accuracy |
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US9400159B2 (en) * | 1998-03-30 | 2016-07-26 | Magicfire, Inc. | Precision pyrotechnic display system and method having increased safety and timing accuracy |
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US20170052006A1 (en) * | 2015-08-20 | 2017-02-23 | Robert Graf | Pyrotechnic device for creating an overall effect consisting of individual effects |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20120137915A1 (en) | 2012-06-07 |
US8516963B2 (en) | 2013-08-27 |
US20150260489A1 (en) | 2015-09-17 |
US9400159B2 (en) | 2016-07-26 |
US20060086277A1 (en) | 2006-04-27 |
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