Electronic component deactivation device

Abstract

An electronic component deactivation device including an electric match having a pair of electrical leads with a bridge wire coupled therebetween and a pyrotechnic layer of material contacting the bridge wire. A destructive charge is positioned in overlying relationship to the pyrotechnic layer, adjacent the bridge wire with at least a portion of the destructive charge contacting the bridge wire. The destructive charge and electric match are mounted in a housing with the pair of electrical leads extending externally of the housing for connection to an external circuit. The housing is constructed so as to mount the destructive charge and electric match on a circuit board or the like.

1 . An electronic component deactivation device comprising:
 an electric match including a pair of electrical leads and a bridge wire coupled therebetween; and   a destructive charge positioned adjacent the bridge wire with at least a portion of the destructive charge contacting the bridge wire.   
     
     
         2 . An electronic component deactivation device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the electric match further includes pyrotechnic material positioned between the bridge wire and the destructive charge. 
     
     
         3 . An electronic component deactivation device as claimed in  claim 1  further including a can housing the electric match and the destructive charge with the electric lead wires extending externally of the can. 
     
     
         4 . An electronic component deactivation device as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the can is formed of metal and includes protective material substantially surrounding the destructive charge within the can and directing the destructive charge in a desired direction. 
     
     
         5 . An electronic component deactivation device as claimed in  claim 1  further including a box housing the electric match and the destructive charge with the electric lead wires extending externally of the box. 
     
     
         6 . An electronic component deactivation device as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the box is formed of metal or plastic and includes protective material substantially surrounding the destructive charge within the box and directing the destructive charge in a desired direction. 
     
     
         7 . An electronic component deactivation device comprising:
 an electric match including a pair of electrical leads with a bridge wire coupled therebetween and a pyrotechnic layer of material contacting the bridge wire;   a destructive charge positioned in overlying relationship to the pyrotechnic layer, adjacent the bridge wire with at least a portion of the destructive charge contacting the bridge wire; and   a housing including one of a can and a box, the destructive charge and electric match mounted in the housing with the pair of electrical leads extending externally of the housing for connection to an external circuit, and the housing being constructed so as to mount the destructive charge and electric match on a circuit board.   
     
     
         8 . An electronic component deactivation device as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the housing includes the can and the can is formed of metal and includes protective material substantially surrounding the destructive charge within the can and directing the destructive charge in a desired direction. 
     
     
         9 . An electronic component deactivation device as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the housing includes the box and the box is formed of metal or plastic and includes protective material substantially surrounding the destructive charge within the box and directing the destructive charge in a desired direction. 
     
     
         10 . A method of incorporating an electronic component deactivation device in an electronic device for eliminating unauthorized use, the method comprising the following steps:
 providing an electronic component deactivation device including an electric match having a pair of electrical leads with a bridge wire coupled therebetween and a destructive charge positioned adjacent the bridge wire with at least a portion of the destructive charge contacting the bridge wire, the bridge wire activating the destructive charge when an activation signal is applied to the pair of electrical leads;   providing an electronic device to be protected from unauthorized use, the electronic device including an activation circuit with a specific actuation program and an electronic component critical to the operation of the electronic device;   positioning the electronic component deactivation device in close proximity to the electronic component so as to substantially destroy the electronic component when an activation signal is applied to the pair of electrical leads;   coupling the pair of electrical leads of the electric match to the activation circuit of the electronic device; and   providing an activation signal to the pair of electrical leads when an attempt is made to actuate the electronic device without using the specific actuation program.   
     
     
         11 . A method as claimed in  claim 10  further comprising a step of including the electronic component deactivation device in one of a can or box.