Abstract: An igniter with a charge sleeve is provided with a through hole having a cylindrical wall, a bridge wire extending at least partially within the through hole, and a consolidated ignition powder charge retained within the through hole of the charge sleeve such that the bridge wire is at least partially embedded in the ignition powder charge. The cylindrical wall comprises at least one of i) a protrusion embedded into consolidated ignition powder charge, ii) a dimple filled with the consolidated ignition powder charge, and iii) at least 2 cylindrical wall sections that are eccentric to each other. The at least one of the protrusion, dimple and 2 cylindrical wall sections positively interlock with the consolidated ignition and output powder charge to prevent the charge both from moving in a radial direction in relation to the bridge wire and from rotating in relation to the bride wire.

Abstract: An igniter with a charge sleeve is provided with a through hole having a cylindrical wall, a bridge wire extending at least partially within the through hole, and a consolidated ignition powder charge retained within the through hole of the charge sleeve such that the bridge wire is at least partially embedded in the ignition powder charge. The cylindrical wall comprises at least one of i) a protrusion embedded into consolidated ignition powder charge, ii) a dimple filled with the consolidated ignition powder charge, and iii) at least 2 cylindrical wall sections that are eccentric to each other. The at least one of the protrusion, dimple and 2 cylindrical wall sections positively interlock with the consolidated ignition and output powder charge to prevent the charge both from moving in a radial direction in relation to the bridge wire and from rotating in relation to the bride wire.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic actuator for a power cutting tool is disclosed. The pyrotechnic actuator comprises a housing defining a cavity therein, a piston positioned at least partially within the cavity, and an insert-molded unitary assembly positioned within the cavity. The unitary assembly comprises a piston engagement member and a base. A sealed void is defined intermediate the piston engagement member and the base. The unitary assembly comprises a breakable member extending intermediate the piston engagement member and the base and a pyrotechnic initiator positioned at least partially within the base. The pyrotechnic initiator, upon application of a current pulse thereto, is configured to generate a pressurized gas in the sealed void that exerts a force on the piston engagement member and breaks the breakable member thereby causing the piston engagement member and the piston to move relative to the base and the housing.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic actuator for a power cutting tool is disclosed. The pyrotechnic actuator comprises a housing defining a cavity therein, a piston positioned at least partially within the cavity, and an insert-molded unitary assembly positioned within the cavity. The unitary assembly comprises a piston engagement member and a base. A sealed void is defined intermediate the piston engagement member and the base. The unitary assembly comprises a breakable member extending intermediate the piston engagement member and the base and a pyrotechnic initiator positioned at least partially within the base. The pyrotechnic initiator, upon application of a current pulse thereto, is configured to generate a pressurized gas in the sealed void that exerts a force on the piston engagement member and breaks the breakable member thereby causing the piston engagement member and the piston to move relative to the base and the housing.

Abstract: An igniter is described comprising a defined space filled with at least an ignition charge; a bridge wire that is at least partially in heat transmitting contact with the ignition charge; and a means for locking the ignition charge into place with respect to the bridge wire such that any substantial relative motion between the ignition charge and the bridge wire is prevented. This prevents movement of an ignition charge within an igniter, particularly movement of an ignition charge relative to a bridge wire in order to protect the bridge wire from failure such as detaching or breaking.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator with an integral, unitary, overmolded insulating body that eliminates the need for separate components to form the body, and the method of molding same.

Abstract: A quick-loosening mechanical linking device that includes housing, a release cavity having a predetermined height, a bolt, and an actuator. The bolt is disposed within the housing and includes an attachment means projecting out from the housing, a release zone such as an intended failure zone, and a head with a piston face. Upon actuation of the actuator, the bolt deforms and/or fails at the release zone and the attachment means moves farther out from the housing by a distance equal to the height of the release cavity. The release cavity preferably includes an abutment formed at its bottom, and the actuator is preferably an electric initiator having a pyrotechnic charge.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator having an internal sleeve that facilitates the loading and durable retention of a pyrotechnic charge in place on the header surface within the initiator. The sleeve beneficially retains the charge either in conjunction with the upper interior surface of the charge can, or through the use of a monolithic charge and a narrowed top end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator having an initiator including a relatively low monolithic ignition charge that is separated from an overlying output charge by an intermediary slip plane. The slip plane may simply be a non-integral junction between monolithic ignition and output charges, or it may be a junction between a monolithic ignition charge and a non-monolithic output charge, or it may be a void or barrier between the ignition and output charges.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator having an internal sleeve that facilitates the loading and durable retention of a pyrotechnic charge in place on the header surface within the initiator. The sleeve beneficially retains the charge either in conjunction with the upper interior surface of the charge can, or through the use of a monolithic charge and a narrowed top end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator having an initiator including a relatively low monolithic ignition charge that is separated from an overlying output charge by an intermediary slip plane. The slip plane may simply be a non-integral junction between monolithic ignition and output charges, or it may be a junction between a monolithic ignition charge and a non-monolithic output charge, or it may be a void or barrier between the ignition and output charges.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator having an internal sleeve that facilitates the loading and durable retention of a pyrotechnic charge in place on the header surface within the initiator. The sleeve beneficially retains the charge either in conjunction with the upper interior surface of the charge can, or through the use of a monolithic charge and a narrowed top end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator having a bridgewire configured in an enhanced heat-sinking relationship with the adjacent ignition charge and/or header glass surface without the necessity of a consolidation force.

Abstract: A multi-unit pyrotechnic initiation system includes two or more pyrotechnic initiators molded in place into a base. Each initiator preferably includes a body overmolded around an igniter. The retainers of two or more pyrotechnic initiators may be formed together as part of a unitary substructure.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator having a bridgewire configured in an enhanced heat-sinking relationship with the adjacent ignition charge and/or header glass surface without the necessity of a consolidation force.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator with a bridgewire in contact with a slurry-loaded pyrotechnic charge at a position of relatively low void formation, at an edge of the charge.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator has a molded connector with a hollow interior, where the connector includes at least one locking tab extending from the connector wall toward the centerline of the connector, overhanging the hollow interior of the connector. A mating connector can be inserted past the locking tab for a mounting connection and pulled out past the locking tab for disconnecting the pyrotechnic initiator. The molded connector feature preferably is injection molded around a molding assembly which is used to form at least one locking tab. Cavities corresponding to the location of the locking tabs are provided by the intersection of separate pieces of the molding assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pyrotechnic initiator header having an eyelet overlying a recessed primary glass insulator. The recessed region can be filled with a secondary glass insulator and/or a pyrotechnic ignition charge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pyrotechnic initiator header having a center pin with a circumferential notch retention feature that enhances secure and effective disposition of an ignition pyrotechnic charge droplet to the header in the area of the bridgewire.

Abstract: A multi-unit pyrotechnic initiation system includes two or more pyrotechnic initiators molded in place into a base. Each initiator preferably includes a body overmolded around an igniter. The retainers of two or more pyrotechnic initiators may be formed together as part of a unitary substructure.