Signal transfer device

Abstract

The present invention is a signal transmission system ( 10 ) that can receive a non-electric input signal such as a mechanical shock, detonation, or pyrotechnic signal at an input terminus ( 12 ), convert that signal to an electrical signal, and convey the electrical signal to at least one output terminus ( 16 a , 16 b ) at a remote location where the signal is converted to a non-electric output. To convert the non-electric input signal to an electrical signal, the input terminus ( 12 ) comprises a receiving transducer e.g., a piezoelectric, electrochemical, or photovoltaic element. The input terminus ( 12 ) is connected by transfer wiring ( 14 ) (e.g., an electrical wire harness or a flex cable) to the remote location, where it is received by the at least one output terminus ( 16 a , 16 b ) and there converted to a non-electric signal that is used for a desired function. The length of the transfer wiring ( 14 ), and therefore the distance from the input terminus ( 12 ) to the remote location, can be from less than one inch to greater than 100 feet. Optionally, the transfer wiring ( 14 ) can connect the input terminus ( 12 ) to a plurality of output termini ( 16 a , 16 b ). Also optionally, an output terminus may comprise an explosive bridge element (SCB, hot bridge-wire, exploding foil) which can be initiated by the electrical signal, and the bridge element may initiate a brisant output charge (explosive or pyrotechnic). Alternatively, the output terminus may comprise an output transducer, e.g., a piezoelectric transducer, to convert the electrical signal into a physical pulse.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A communication device for receiving and emitting non-electrical signals, comprising: 
 a signal-receiving transducer in an input housing for receiving a non-electrical input signal and converting the non-electric input signal into an electrical signal;    a signal conduit comprising an electrical conductor having an input end and at least one output end, with the input end of the electrical conductor connected to the signal-receiving transducer to receive and conduct the electrical signal; and    an output initiation element in an output housing on at least one output end of the electrical conductor for emitting a non-electric output signal from the electrical signal.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the signal-receiving transducer comprises a piezoelectric element configured to generate an electrical signal in response to a percussive input signal.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2  comprising an input charge in the input housing in signal transfer relation to the signal-receiving transducer.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the electrical conductor comprises a plurality of output ends and comprising an output initiation element in an output housing on each output end.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the signal conduit comprises a metal shield within which the conductor is disposed.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein at least one output initiation element comprises one of a solid state bridge element and a piezoelectric element.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6  wherein at least one output initiation element comprises a voltage-protected SCB.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein at least one output initiation element comprises one of a bridgewire and an exploding foil.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the output housing contains an output charge of reactive material in signal transfer relation to the output initiation element.  
     
     
         10 . A method for initiating at least one non-electric effector in response to a non-electric input signal, the method comprising: 
 delivering a non-electric input signal to a signal-receiving transducer in an input housing whereby to convert the non-electrical input signal into an electrical signal;    conveying the electrical signal along a conduit from the first housing to at least one output initiation element in an output housing; and    emitting an initiation signal from the output initiation element in the output housing to initiate the effector.    
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the non-electric input signal comprises a percussive signal and the signal-receiving transducer comprises a piezoelectric element.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein delivering the non-electric input signal comprises striking the piezoelectric element with a firing pin.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein delivering the non-electric input signal comprises initiating a charge of reactive material that is disposed in signal transfer relation to the piezoelectric element.  
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 10  wherein at least one output initiation element comprises one of a solid state bridge element and a piezoelectric element.  
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the output initiation element comprises a voltage-protected SCB.  
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 10  wherein at least one output initiation element comprises a bridgewire.