Abstract: An input electrical pulse as from an input mechanism is rectified and converted to a direct voltage, which may be regulated in magnitude. The regulated direct voltage may be introduced to a timing circuit which produces a signal after an adjustable and pre-selected delay. This signal causes a circuit to produce a triggering signal. The circuit is biased by a capacitor charged by the direct voltage so that it produces the triggering signal only after the timing circuit has provided the pre-selected delay. The triggering signal closes a switch (e.g. makes a transistor conductive) which provides a low impedance to a firing device such as a squib. The direct voltage then activates the firing device and the firing device actuates an output mechanism. The input mechanism may be coupled to a housing at one position in the housing. When actuated, the input mechanism introduces the input pulse to the circuitry described above, such circuitry being disposed in the housing.

Abstract: Each of first and second switches, preferably ganged, have first and second operative relationships. In the first operative relationship, the first switch is connected across a firing device to prevent the firing device from being energized. In the first operative relationship, the second switch is connected across an energy storage device (e.g. capacitor) to prevent the capacitor from being charged. In the second operative relationship of the second switch, the capacitor is charged by an energy supply device (e.g. battery). In the second operative relationship of the first and second switches, the capacitor is connected in a circuit with the first device and a third switch (e.g. transistor). The transistor is normally nonconductive to prevent the capacitor from discharging through the firing device with the first and second switches in the second operative relationships.