Abstract: An actuator, a release device, and a method of actuating a release device are provided. The actuator comprises a housing defining a first path; an actuating element disposed within the first path, the actuating element being made from a shape memory alloy having a transition temperature, the actuating element being configured to couple with a power source, at least portion of the actuating element being further configured to not change shape when the power source applies a first current for a predetermined amount of time and moves at least a portion of the actuating element from the first position to a second position when the power source applies a second current; and a heat transfer material disposed in the first path between the actuating element and the housing.

Abstract: Separation device assemblies are provided. The assemblies include a plurality of first segment elements, each first segment element having an attachment portion and a frangible portion, the attachment portion of the first segment elements is arranged to fixedly connect to a first structural component and at least one second segment element having an attachment portion and a securing portion, wherein the attachment portion of the at least one second segment element is arranged to fixedly connect to a second structural component. At least two of the plurality of first segment elements are attached to the at least one second segment element adjacent to each other and a first segment joint is formed between adjacent first segment elements. An expansion device cavity is formed between the attached first and second segment elements.

Abstract: Separation device assemblies include a first plate defining respective contact surfaces and engagement surfaces and a second plate defining a respective contact surfaces and engagement surfaces. A fracture groove is located on separation walls of the first and second plates. A first end member, a second end member, and the separation wall of the first plate define a first plate expansion device channel and the second plate defines a similar second plate expansion device channel. When assembled, the first plate and the second plate form an expansion device cavity and the first and second plates form a frangible joint. The respective engagement surfaces are configured to engage with receiving channels of attachable mounting devices.

Abstract: A composition including copper(I) 5-nitrotetrazolate, wherein the composition has a carbon content of less than 7 weight percent, based on a total weight of the copper(I) 5-nitrotetrazolate.

Abstract: A system that is mountable to an unmanned vehicle and a method of operation is provided. The system includes an attachment plate configured to couple to the unmanned vehicle, the attachment plate having a first feature. A control module is configured to removably couple to the attachment plate, the control module having one or more processors and a power source, the control module having a pin arranged to move from a first position to a second position when the control module is coupled to the attachment plate, the one or more processors being energized when the pin is moved from the first position to the second position. A payload having an energetic element is provided, the payload being coupled to the control module.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method of forming an initiator. The method includes placing an energetic powder in a container. A solvent is added to the container and the solvent and energetic powder are mixed to form a slurry mixture. The slurry mixture is filtered. The filtered slurry mixture is placed in a transfer tube. The slurry mixture is applied to a bridge wire. The slurry mixture applied to the bridge wire is then dried.

Abstract: A shock tube package system and a method of deploying a shock tube package system is provided. The system includes a coreless bundle of shock tubing. The system further includes an outer covering disposed about the periphery of the bundle of shock tubing. The outer covering being made from a flexible or ela In an embodiment, the outer covering is made from a flexible or elastic material such as a textile.

Abstract: A shock tube package system and a method of deploying a shock tube package system is provided. The system includes a coreless bundle of shock tubing. The system further includes an outer covering disposed about the periphery of the bundle of shock tubing. In an embodiment, the outer covering is made from a flexible or elastic material such as a textile.

Abstract: A composition including copper(I) 5-nitrotetrazolate, wherein the composition has a carbon content of less than 7 weight percent, based on a total weight of the copper(I) 5-nitrotetrazolate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method for preparing and applying a slurry mixture to a bridge wire initiator which involves a slurry mixture that is relatively safer for a user to handle and in which the method is relatively less complex and shorter in duration for a user to prepare and apply the slurry mixture to the bridge wire initiator.

Abstract: A coreless-coil shock tube package system includes a “coreless” bundle of shock tubing, meaning that the tubing is not wrapped around a spool. The bundle may be a generally cylindrical coil of shock tubing. Optionally, two washer-like end plates abut the ends of the tubing coil for axial support. A self-adhesive tape covering partially covers the coil and end plates. A detonator is attached to one end of the tubing and lies tucked into the coil, through an end plate, for storage and transport. An igniter is attached to the tubing's other end. In use, the detonator is removed from the coil and attached to an explosive device. Then, the package is pulled away from the detonator and explosive, thereby uncoiling the tubing through the end plate for deployment. The igniter is actuated for igniting the shock tubing and activating the detonator and explosive.

Abstract: A casing segmentation device and system, and a method for selectively providing a fluid flow passage through a casing segmentation device disposed within a well casing segment is provided. The casing segmentation device includes a body and a fracture mechanism. The body has a forward end, an aft end, a plug seat, and an internal passage. The plug seat is configured to receive a mating plug. The internal passage extends between the forward end and the aft end and through the plug seat. The fracture mechanism includes an amount of energetic material and a trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism is configured to selectively cause a detonation of the amount of energetic material.

Abstract: Networked initiation systems for hold-down and release mechanisms (HDRMs) are described. The systems include a control unit, a plurality of firing control units operably connected to and in communication with the control unit, wherein each firing control unit has at least one HDRM operably connected thereto, and wherein each firing control unit is individually addressable by the control unit over an interface bus to enable selective operation of the HDRMs operably connected to the firing control units.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure involves a networked initiation system having one or more non-energetic hold-down and release mechanisms (“HDRMs”), a control unit and an interface bus connected between all of the HDRMs and the control unit. Other aspects of the present disclosure involve networked initiation systems having one or more of each of non-energetic HDRMs, energetic HDRMs and other (generic) energetic devices. The systems also include a control unit and an interface bus connected between all of the HDRMs and/or energetic devices and the control unit. The system may be used on a spacecraft for holding various elements in place on the spacecraft during launch, and then activating the HDRMs and/or energetic devices at selected points in time after launch to release the elements for movement, e.g., into orbit or beyond.

Abstract: A system and method for neutralizing a biological organism is provided. The system includes a first element is made from paraformaldehyde. A second element is configured to generate heat and decompose the paraformaldehyde into formaldehyde gas. In one embodiment, the second element is configured to have an exothermic and self-sustaining alloying reaction in response to being thermally energized by an initiator.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention involves a hold-down and release mechanism (“HDRM”) that includes a hold-then-release mechanism configured to hold an element until the hold-then-release mechanism is commanded to release the element; and an integral sensor configured to sense an amount of a parameter of interest associated with the HDRM and to communicate the sensed amount of the parameter of interest to a receiving device. The parameter of interest comprises one of tensile preload, temperature, vibration, shock, and time from application of an HDRM firing current to HDRM release of the element.

Abstract: A system for neutralizing a biological organism is provided. The system includes a first element is made from paraformaldehyde. A second element is configured to generate heat and decompose the paraformaldehyde into formaldehyde gas. In one embodiment, the second element is configured to have an exothermic and self-sustaining alloying reaction in response to being thermally energized by an initiator.

Abstract: A remote detonator system is provided. The remote detonator system includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver includes a transducer configured to receive an ultrasonic acoustic signal. The transducer is electrically coupled to a first controller, the first controller having a processor responsive to executable computer instructions for detonating a charge in response to the transducer receiving the ultrasonic acoustic signal. A transmitter is provided having a transmitter configured to selectively emit the ultrasonic acoustic signal in response to an actuation by an operator.

Abstract: The restraining strap has a rectangular cross section with a broad side against cylindrical sections holding a release member. The moment of inertia for a rectangular cross section strap is represented by the formula I=BH3/12. The lower moment of inertia reduces the load on the fusible link. With no limit to the number of wraps around the cylindrical sections, higher preloads can be accommodated by increasing the number of wraps of the restraining strap without affecting the moment of inertia or the amount of force borne by the fusible link. The actuator has a catch extending between the restrainer and actuator. The catch ends engage the restrainer and actuator and, upon release from the actuator, the catch rotates to allow the restrainer to unwind from about the cylindrical sections.

Abstract: A remote detonator system is provided. The remote detonator system includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver includes a transducer configured to receive an ultrasonic acoustic signal. The transducer is electrically coupled to a first controller, the first controller having a processor responsive to executable computer instructions for detonating a charge in response to the transducer receiving the ultrasonic acoustic signal. A transmitter is provided having a transmitter configured to selectively emit the ultrasonic acoustic signal in response to an actuation by an operator.