Abstract: A mechanism for immobilizing an arming shaft to preclude axial movement of he shaft until its release is desired, comprising a base and rotor mounted thereon. The rotor holds hardened metal balls in engagement with a circumferential groove on the shaft to lock the shaft in position. The base, rotor and shaft are held in locked position by an arming wire. Compression springs acting between the base and rotor cause relative rotation thereof, when the arming wire is removed, to an unlocked position where the balls can be forced into apertures in the base and release the shaft for axial movement.

Abstract: A gas actuated valve enabling high-speed actuation silently and rapidly os one or more blocked ports in a floodable container, thereby permitting the flooding of the otherwise closed container by ambient fluid. The valve includes a sleeve mounted for sliding movement about a base, the latter being attached to the interior of the container at each port. An electrically-initiated, gas-generating pyrotechnic bolt is threadedly connected between, and disposed in a cavity defined between the sleeve and the base. The bolt, before actuation, functions as a tensile member to withstand ambient pressure, thereby preventing the valve from opening prematurely. When actuated, the bolt fuses, separates, and releases hot gases into the cavity which expand and bear against the sleeve, causing the sleeve to move away from the port so that the container port opens completely thereby flooding the container.

Abstract: A combination gas generator and pyrotechnic separation device which causes separation of elements safely, quietly, quickly, and without the production of loose parts or release of combustion gases to the ambient environment. A tubular tensile element houses a quantity of pyrotechnic material which, when ignited, burns, fuses or melts a tensile element allowing the separable elements to break apart. High pressure gases generated by the combustion of the pyrotechnic material aids in separating the separable elements.

Abstract: A combination gas generator and pyrotechnic separation device which causes separation of elements safely, quietly, quickly, and without the production of loose parts or release of combustion gases to the ambient environment. A tubular tensile element houses a quantity of pyrotechnic material which, when ignited, burns, fuses or melts a tensile element allowing the separable elements to break apart. High pressure gases generated by the combustion of the pyrotechnic material aids in separating the separable elements.

Abstract: A plurality of gas actuated valves capable of high-speed action, great prure endurance and withstanding shock, vibration and a marine environment. A sliding member, closing the valves inlet ports, may be retained by a frangible flange. Electrically-initiated gas cartridges produce a rapid pressure rise causing the sliding member to be displaced thereby shearing the flange and allowing the sliding member to uncover the inlet ports for ambient fluid entry. A plurality of O-rings minimize functional sensitivity to external pressure and seal the valve against the entry of the ambient fluid.

Abstract: An assembly for explosively shearing material to form openings in contain and to separate attached elements comprises an explosive material positioned within a groove in a backing support adjacent one side of the material to be severed. A shear element located on the other side of the material has its shearing edge axially aligned with the centerline of the groove and explosive material. Upon detonation, the explosive pressure forcibly displaces the material against the shearing edge, severing the material without fragmentation.