Claims
- 1. A remote control adaptor for use with an electrical firing control signal generating detonator for controlling the actuation of a self-powered device comprising:
- input terminal means for receiving an electrical firing control signal from a detonator;
- output terminal means for connection to a self-powered device to be actuated;
- switch means connected between said input terminal means and said output terminal means and being selectively operable to produce open-circuit and closed-circuit states at said output terminal means;
- said switch means being operable in responsive to an electrical firing control signal applied to said input terminal means to produce a closed-circuit state at said output terminal means to thereby actuate a self-powered device connected thereacross; and
- indicator means connected to said switch means for generating a warning signal indicative of a closed-circuit state at said output terminal means prior to the connection of the self-powered device to the output terminal means as an indication of an unsafe connection condition.
- 2. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein:
- said switch means includes a switch which operates in response to an electrical firing control signal applied to said input terminal means; and
- said indicator means includes an electrical power supply and a current indicator serially connected to said switch to form a closed circuit upon operation of said switch and thereby indicate a safe connection condition.
- 3. The adaptor of claim 2 further including:
- a manually closable switch serially connected with said electrical power supply and said current indicator to prolong the life of the electrical power supply by enabling selective energization of said current indicator.
- 4. The adaptor of claim 3 wherein:
- said current indicator is a light emitting diode.
- 5. The adaptor of claims 1 wherein:
- said switch means is a relay which includes a solenoid coil connected across said input terminal means and operable in response to an application of the electrical firing control signal to said input terminal means, switch contacts connected across said output terminal means and being operable by said solenoid coil, and additional switch contacts serially connected to said indicator means and being operable by said solenoid coil; and
- said indicator means includes a serially connected electrical power supply and current indicator.
- 6. The adaptor of claim 5 wherein:
- said additional switch contacts are a single-pole, double-throw switch operable between two switching states;
- said indicator means is connected to said single-pole, double-throw switch and forms a closed circuit in one of said switching states; and further including
- another indicator means including another current indicator;
- said another current indicator connected to said single-pole, double-throw switch and said electrical power supply to form a closed circuit in another of said switching states to thereby indicate a safe connection condition.
- 7. The adaptor of claim 6 wherein:
- said current indicators are light emitting diodes;
- said electrical power supply is a battery; and
- each of said indicator means includes a limiting resistor serially connected to said current indicator.
- 8. The adaptor of claim 6 wherein:
- said switch means is a bistable impulse relay.
GOVERNMENT INTEREST
The invention described herein may be manufactured, used and licensed by or for the U.S. Government.
US Referenced Citations (6)