Abstract: This invention discloses a method of fabricating an electroexplosive device which utilizes a semiconductor bridge as an ignition element. The semiconductor bridge is electrically connected to a metal header by a small, low resistance contact to the extension of bridge material and through an insulating silicon substrate to an eutectic bond created by gold plating on the metal header and the silicon. The second electrode of the bridge circuit is connected via wire bonds to one or two conducting pins which penetrate the metal header and are insulated by surrounding glass. A redundant connection via two conducting pins insulated from the header to one electrode of the semiconductor bridge allows a post assembly test of the integrity of the wire bonds, thereby increasing reliability of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical initiator which can be used with an automobile air bag or seat belt pretensioner. The initiator comprises a header, a cup, conducting pins, epoxy pin seals, a bridgewire, a primer, and an output charge. The header and the cup are composed of an insulating dielectric material capable of being ultrasonically welded together. The header secures the pins. Each pin is electrically conductive and each is formed with a buttress knurl to form a seal when each pin is inserted into the header. Additionally, the pins are further sealed to the header by an epoxy sealant. The bridgewire connects the pins together on one side of the header. An electrical signal through the bridgewire generates heat igniting the primer. Primer reacts with the output charge that in turn ignites a solid gas generant that produces gas that fills air bags or activates the gas generator that drives seat belt pretensioners. The primer contacts the bridgewire. The output charge contacts the primer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical initiator which can be used with an automobile air bag or seat belt pretensioner. The initiator comprises a header, a cup, conducting pins, epoxy pin seals, a bridgewire, a primer, and an output charge. The header and the cup are composed of an insulating dielectric material capable of being ultrasonically welded together. The header secures the pins. Each pin is electrically conductive and each is formed with a buttress knurl to form a seal when each pin is inserted into the header. Additionally, the pins are further sealed to the header by an epoxy sealant. The bridgewire connects the pins together on one side of the header. An electrical signal through the bridgewire generates heat igniting the primer. Primer reacts with the output charge that in turn ignites a solid gas generant that produces gas that fills air bags or activates the gas generator that drives seat belt pretensioners. The primer contacts the bridgewire. The output charge contacts the primer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical initiator which can be used with an automobile air bag or seat belt pretensioner. The initiator comprises a header, a cup, conducting pins, epoxy pin seals, a bridgewire, a primer, and an output charge. The header and the cup are composed of an insulating dielectric material capable of being ultrasonically welded together. The header secures the pins. Each pin is electrically conductive and each is formed with a buttress knurl to form a seal when each pin is inserted into the header. Additionally, the pins are further sealed to the header by an epoxy sealant. The bridgewire connects the pins together on one side of the header. An electrical signal through the bridgewire generates heat igniting the primer. Primer reacts with the output charge that in turn ignites a solid gas generant that produces gas that fills air bags or activates the gas generator that drives seat belt pretensioners. The primer contacts the bridgewire. The output charge contacts the primer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical initiator which can be used with an automobile air bag or seat belt pretensioner. The initiator comprises a header, a cup, conducting pins, epoxy pin seals, a bridgewire, a primer, and an output charge. In some embodiments, the initiator also includes a director can. The header and the cup are composed of an insulating dielectric material capable of being ultrasonically welded together. The header secures the pins. Each pin is electrically conductive and each is formed with a buttress knurl to form a seal when each pin is inserted into the header. Additionally, the pins are further sealed to the header by an epoxy sealant and the interference fit of the pin to the header. The bridgewire connects the pins together on one side of the header. An electrical signal through the bridgewire generates heat igniting the primer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical initiator which can be used with an automobile air bag or seat belt pretensioner. The initiator comprises a header, a cup, conducting pins, epoxy pin seals, a bridgewire, a primer, and an output charge. The header and the cup are composed of an insulating dielectric material capable of being ultrasonically welded together. The header secures the pins. Each pin is electrically conductive and each is formed with a buttress knurl to form a seal when each pin is inserted into the header. Additionally, the pins are further sealed to the header by an epoxy sealant. The bridgewire connects the pins together on one side of the header. An electrical signal through the bridgewire generates heat igniting the primer. Primer reacts with the output charge that in turn ignites a solid gas generant that produces gas that fills air bags or activates the gas generator that drives seat belt pretensioners. The primer contacts the bridgewire. The output charge contacts the primer.

Abstract: A threshold detector for use with a video signal including a first level representative of a white surface, a second level representative of a true black mark on the white surface, and a third level intermediate the first and second levels representative of a false black mark, the threshold detector comprising a DC restoring circuit for clamping the video signal such that the first level is clamped to a base level, a peak detector circuit responsive to the restored signal and operative to provide a peak detected signal having a magnitude that corresponds generally to the peaks of the restored second level, a voltage divider circuit for reducing the magnitude of the peak detected signal by a predetermined amount, a comparator responsive to the restored signal and the reduced peak detected signal and operative to produce a first bistate signal having a high level when the restored signal exceeds the reduced peak detected signal, a pulse generator for generating a sequence of pulses, one of which occurs when the

Abstract: Symbols from printed labels are imaged onto a photoresponsive matrix. The matrix is scanned, column by column, to provide a digital data stream characteristic of the symbol with a bit corresponding to each matrix element. Each matrix element is examined by a decision-making device to determine what the state of the subject element should be based on the actual states of a group of examination elements adjacent to the subject element. The makeup of the examination group and the specific algorithm of the hardware (or software) will vary with each type of application. The examination group for a character stroke widener (FIGS. 2 and 3) is formed by seven matrix elements: the subject element, plus the three immediately previously scanned elements in the same column as the subject element, plus the three elements in the same row as the subject element in the three immediately previously scanned columns.