Abstract: An explosive bolt is made of electrically non-conductive plastic material and is provided with a bore accommodating a low order deflagrating squid having only sufficient explosive energy to shatter a non-metallic bolt insulation surrounds the squib and fills the center bore and seals the squib in the center bore. There is a detonator for detonating the squib. Detonation of the squib is initiated by electrical current from an outside source electrically connected to the squib. A device has a stationary part and a removable part connected by the bolt.

Abstract: A non-explosive pyrotechnic linear release device is comprised of a body within which, at a proximal end, a pyrotechnic, comprised of a compressed gasless ignition powder, is contained behind a support ram which extends forward from the distal end of the body to support the sealed exit end of a pressure container which has been charged with a fluid, preferably air. The compressed pyrotechnic provides a psi pressure against the proximal end of the support ram greater than the psi pressure of the fluid against the sealed exit end of the pressure container. When the pyrotechnic is ignited by signal from an impact detecting element in the automobile during a crash, the pressure provided by the compacted pyrotechnic is dissipated, the support ram is then pushed proximally by the pressure from the pressure container and the exit end of the pressure container becomes unsealed and releases the fluid under pressure to the air bag or bags provided in the automobile.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic device drives a ram to a stop. The ram cuts off the neck of a gas bottle which is received in an area below the ram stop. The ram is disposed over the open neck of the gas bottle and may provide gas channels through the ram or around the ram to selected outlets.

Abstract: A gas bottle, such as that using carbon dioxide gas to inflate a flotation device, is opened by cutting off the neck with an explosively driven ram in a tubular body provided with a transverse aperture receiving the neck of the bottle.

Abstract: An explosive release clamp adapted to be opened suddenly by electrical initiation of an explosive charge, and a safety pressure release system for closed vessels such as chemical reactors, high pressure storage tanks, or the like, wherein one or more such clamps are used to secure a main hatch to a reactor vessel. Upon occurrence of an emergency condition such as over-pressure, all clamps are automatically fired simultaneously to release the hatch. A manual override circuit enables firing the clamps in case the hatch must be released without an emergency signal. A test circuit checks the clamps and their associated cabling for electrical continuity, using a current substantially less than that required to fire the clamps.

Abstract: There is shown an actuating device comprising a piston and cylinder unit having a piston with a metal forming configuration on the side thereof from which a piston rod projects and a recess is provided in the rod adjacent the configuration. The arrangement is such that upon impact by that side of the piston from which the rod projects on an end wall of the cylinder the material of the end wall is deformed into the recess to prevent rebound of the piston. The device is also illustrated in combination with an explosive operated initiating element. The rebound prevention principle is also shown utilized in a technique for joining two workpieces in which a fastener has a metal forming configuration adapted to deform the material of one of the workpieces into which the fastener is driven, the deformed material of the workpiece being moved into a recess adjacent the deforming configuration.