Abstract: A unitary header/base/shorting bar holder for a micro gas generator; and a micro gas generator containing it.

Abstract: A gas generator for actuating a vehicle occupant restraint device, including a first hollow body with a bottom and sides, gas generants filled densely in the first hollow body, an electric ignitor formed by housing igniting agents in a second hollow body with a bottom and sides, and closing the second hollow body with a plug, and a holder positioning the second hollow body in a center of the first hollow body and fixing the first hollow body while holding the plug of the electric ignitor. Particularly, a ratio of an empty space to a full volume of a space partitioned by an inner surface of the first hollow body, an outer surface of the second hollow body, and the holder is less than 20% by volume.

Abstract: A high-precision pyrotechnic initiator is well adapted for rapid, precise ignition of solid and liquid energetics. A rigid housing, for example formed of an SiC-treated semiconductor substrate material, contains a pyrotechnic. When ignited, the reaction, or explosion, of the pyrotechnic is confined to the housing. The release of energy creates a hot particulate in which the formation of solid byproducts is mitigated or eliminated. The flame is directed through an outlet. In one embodiment, a microcapillary tube may be placed in communication with the outlet, the tube including a primary front vent and secondary side vents, which serve to increase system efficiency and reliability. A dual bridge wire may be provided for improving system reliability. The resulting assembly thereby performs the combined functions of both an igniter and a flash tube and a complete ignition train is provided in a manner that overcomes the limitations of the conventional configurations.

Abstract: The invention provides an initiator assembly that can be easily manufactured without increasing cost, and can be easily and securely connected to a connector when it is used. The initiator assembly includes a priming for being used in a motor vehicle, an initiator used for igniting the priming and having at least one conductive pin and a metal collar for fixing the initiator assembly on an inflator that are integrally formed by an insulating material injection-molded therebetween. The insulating material is a resin made of a plastic material that surrounds a metal eyelet of the initiator.

Abstract: A flare containment case is taught wherein the case has a end cap which is crimped into the sealed position with variously spaced crimps or indentations which may be machined in such a way as to increase and control the end cap release pressure.

Abstract: A method of axially spinning an initiator subassembly after the loading of a pyrotechnic charge therein, in order to distribute the charge.

Abstract: A propellant charge ignition device having one or more ignition means and incorporating one or more diffuser tube(s) extending through a part of the propellant charge. The structure permits a flame generated by the ignition means to be guided up to a propellant charge receiver zone. There is also disclosed a propellant charge incorporating one or more block(s) of agglomerated propellant powder, the block having at least one closed-ended ignition channel for receiving a diffuser tube of the propellant charge ignition device.

Abstract: A high-precision pyrotechnic initiator is well adapted for rapid, precise ignition of solid and liquid energetics. A rigid housing, for example formed of stainless steel, contains a pyrotechnic. When ignited, the reaction, or explosion, of the pyrotechnic is confined to the housing. The release of energy creates a hot particulate in which the formation of solid byproducts is mitigated or eliminated. The flame is directed through an outlet. In one embodiment, a microcapillary tube may be placed in communication with the outlet, the tube including a primary front vent and secondary side vents, which serve to increase system efficiency and reliability. A dual bridge wire may be provided for improving system reliability. The resulting assembly thereby performs the combined functions of both an igniter and a flash tube and a complete ignition train is provided in a manner that overcomes the limitations of the conventional configurations.

Abstract: According to the invention, in order to be able to design a gas generator, in particular, for belt tighteners, with a slim housing (1), the electrical coupling is brought about via connection wires (4), pins or cables (4a) which are introduced into the housing (1) via a stopper (5) and are sealed by the latter. The stopper (5) is surrounded sealingly by the housing (1) itself or a holder element (6) sealingly connected to the housing.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic igniter arrangement, especially for occupant protection devices in motor vehicles, includes a single common carrier substrate, an electronic assembly arranged on the carrier substrate in an electronic zone, an electrically ignitable ignition bridge arranged on the carrier substrate in a pyrotechnic zone, and a pyrotechnic charge in the pyrotechnic zone. A mechanical decoupling or parting feature, such as a frangible link or an elastically bendable neck, is provided in the carrier substrate between the pyrotechnic zone and the electronic zone, so that forces arising during ignition of the pyrotechnic charge are not transmitted through the carrier substrate into the electronic zone. The decoupling feature breaks or elastically yields when a load exceeding a prescribed threshold is applied thereto. The electronic assembly is protected from damage due to excessive loads, and remains functional even after ignition of the pyrotechnic charge.

Abstract: A gas generating initiator includes a generally cylindrical body defining an initiator chamber therein, the body being open at one end and closed at a second end by a base, the body having a longitudinal axis; the base including a generally centrally located first passage therethrough having one end on an interior surface of the base and a second end on an exterior surface of the base, a longitudinal axis of the first passage being substantially coincident with the axis of the body; and a plurality of second passages in the base, the second passages having one end on an interior surface of the base and a second end that intersects the first passage at the second end of the first passage, wherein longitudinal axes of the second passages form angles with the longitudinal axis of the first passage and wherein a diameter of the first passage is greater than diameters of the second passages.

Abstract: The invention relates to trigger units for initiating pyrotechnic elements which usually consist of a switch and control unit, ignition means and an ignition charge body. Said switch and control element is triggered by way of an electric coupling via a line in order to initiate ignition. The line for the electric coupling and the dimensions of the switch and control element which are usually accommodated in an IC housing complicate the design and the automatic assembly of the trigger units. According to the invention, the switch and control element (1) is surrounded by a first shell (2). Said first shell (2) is connected to a second shell (1) which contains the ignition charge body (23). The invention is further characterized in that the ignition means (19) dip into said second shell (21).

Abstract: An igniter arrangement for vehicle occupant protection devices includes a substrate, an electronic assembly on the substrate in an electronic zone, an electrical ignition bridge on the substrate in a pyrotechnic zone, and a pyrotechnic charge adjoining the ignition bridge. A shock absorbing elastic first material covers a first portion of the substrate in the pyrotechnic zone, and forms a shock-absorbing cushion between the charge and the electronic zone. A second material harder than the first encases a second portion of the substrate and the electronic assembly in the electronic zone, protects the electronic assembly, and separates the two zones. The ignition bridge and the electronic assembly are at opposite ends of the elongate substrate. A breakable parting feature separably connects the two substrate portions and breaks due to high forces arising during ignition of the charge, so these forces are not transmitted through the substrate into the electronic zone.

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: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic detonator with an igniter support (4) of plastic, which bears an ignition element (2), and a cylindrical metal housing (1) is fastened to the igniter support (4), into which the ignition element (2) reaches, and a booster charge (6) is arranged in the metal housing (1).

Abstract: Actuator apparatus comprising an actuator including an at least partially hollow housing, a cap element removably mountable on the actuator, and a coil of electrical wire disposed inside the housing, a first portion of the coil being arranged for electrical connection with an electrical connector separate from the actuator and a second portion of the coil being arranged for electrical connection with the cap element, the coil being unwindable outwards from the housing.

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: An igniter element has two contacts (12, 13) which are on the contact side of a support body (11), and which are connected via a resistance element (15). By current feed to the contacts (12, 13), a primer mix (17) is ignited on one active side of the support body (11). The support body (11) is placed in a fixing device (10), whereby the former is fitted with at least one stop spring (18) which catches on a stop shoulder (21) of the holding device. Furthermore, the support body (11) has a recess (22) on the front-side in the region of the stop spring (18), which recess is open in the direction of the active side. After igniting the primer mix (17), pressure builds up on the active side, so that the outer surface (23) of the stop spring (18) is pressed against the inner surface of the fixing device (10).

Abstract: An electrical circuit for electrically dischargeable primers having a conductive body, a first electrical contact area, a bottom plate area, one or more burn out area(s) on the bottom plate area, and a second electrical contact area. The conductive body provides an electrical path between a primer's inside cylindrical wall and an inside surface of the primer's cap or cup. The first electrical contact area makes an electrical contact with the inside surface of the cylindrical wall. The second electrical contact area makes an electrical contact with an inside surface of the primer's cap or cup. The bottom plate area is positioned in a bottom location of an electrically dischargeable primer. At least one, but typically two or more burn out areas are on the bottom plate area. The burn out areas have a reduced cross section area. The total cross section area of the burn out areas must be less than the cross section of any other location on the elongated conductive body.

Abstract: The firing apparatus for a gas generator of a restraint device in a vehicle has a firing chamber filled with a pyrotechnic material. A semiconductor chip, in which in addition to a firing resistor at least one circuit activating the latter is integrated, is arranged outside the firing chamber in such a way that the thermal energy generated by the firing resistor during a firing operation is transferred to the pyrotechnic material in the firing chamber. To ensure that upon firing, the circuit elements in the firing apparatus remain undestroyed to the greatest possible extent, the semiconductor chip is retained on a circuit board; the circuit board is retained, with the side opposite the semiconductor chip, on a wall of the firing chamber; and an opening is present in the wall of the firing chamber and in the circuit board, so that a passage exists between the firing resistor mounted on the semiconductor chip and the pyrotechnic material in the firing chamber.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electropyrotechnic igniter which contains two ignition heads each having a body containing a resisitive heating element and a pyrotechnic ignition composition. The two ignition heads also include a means of dialogue and of triggering coded information and a means of storing electrical energy. The igniter also includes external connection means intended to be connected electrically to an electronic control unit. The igniter is intended to be used in motor vehicle safety, particular to constitute the ignition device of a gas generator associated with an airbag.

Abstract: An electrical igniter cap has a reproducible igniter characteristic by virtue of the fact that, at the firing side, an igniter unit 20 is covered by a sheeting of plastic material 21 which is rupture-resistant but tears quickly, and also at the firing side it bears against a sieve plate 28 with defined hole cross-sections.

Abstract: An initiator header subassembly for an inflation device, such as “air bag” safety system, includes an electrically conductive grounding tab having an outer perimeter, and a mass of an insulating material secured atop the grounding tab, the mass of an insulating material having a top surface, a bottom surface and a sidewall extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The initiator header subassembly includes two electrically conductive pins extending completely through the grounding tab and the mass of an insulating material. A first one of the electrically conductive pins is electrically interconnected with the grounding tab and a second one of the electrically conductive pins is electrically isolated from the grounding tab. The sidewall of the mass of an insulating material is in substantial alignment with the outer perimeter of the grounding tab.

Abstract: A gas generator according has a polymeric closure and an igniter subassembly comprising an igniter and a polymeric gas generator body. The gas generator body and the polymeric closure define a hermetically sealed combustion chamber for receiving a gas generant. The igniter receives an electrical current and ignites the gas generant. The generated gas can be used in vehicle occupant safety devices including seat belt pretensioners, airbags, compressed gas vessel openers, and other devices requiring a rapid pulse of high-pressure gas.

Abstract: An electro-pyrotechnic initiator suitable for use in igniting a pyrotechnic generator of gas for inflating an air bag, said initiator being connected to an electric cable comprising two conductive wires, said initiator comprising: (i) a thermosensitive charge which is carried by a heating resistive element consisting of a resistive strip and which is initiatable by said heating resistive element, ((ii) an electric circuit connecting said resistive element to said conductive wires, and (iii) means of electromagnetically protecting said electric circuit, said heating resistive element, said electric circuit and said means of electromagnetically protecting being integrated into a circuit of conductive strips which are joined to said conductive wires and which are printed on a support, said support being in the form of a thin parallelepedial card with two opposite flat faces, said conductive strips being printed on the same face of said support to provide a complete circuit comprising said conductive strips, t

Abstract: A pyrotechnic igniter for adaptation to a specific gas generator or pyromechanism, the igniter including at least one pyrotechnic composition located inside a cartridge composed of a case extended by at least two pins. The cartridge is located in a casing including at least an upper shell joined to a lower shell, the upper shell containing the cartridge and the lower shell having at least two protruding electrodes internally connected an internal circuit and to the pins.

Abstract: An electronic module for a detonator, the module comprising an electronic circuit (4, 5, 6) encapsulated in a mass of hardened resin (7) in which there terminates at least one inlet conductor (8) and from which there extend two outlet conductors forming a detonator ignitor line (9), the mass of resin (7) being received in a tubular housing (1) which extends beyond the mass of resin (7) adjacent to the ignitor line (9) to define a cavity (11), the outlet conductors of length greater than the depth of the cavity forming an ignitor line (9) short circuited outside the mass of resin inside the cavity (11), which cavity is provided with a removable end cap (12).

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator adapted for insertion into a sealed gas unit includes an igniter over which a nonconductive body is molded. The nonconductive body resists the pressure inside a sealed gas unit and protects the igniter from that pressure. The body provides substantially all of the structural support for the igniter. The body is molded onto a retainer, onto which a cup is attached to form a pressure seal and a hermetic seal against the gases within the sealed gas unit. Because the body carries substantially all of the structural loads exerted by the gas within the sealed gas unit, the cup can be made substantially thinner than previously possible.

Abstract: The slapper type initiator comprises essentially: a connector unit (2) having two connection pins (3, 4), a first dielectric foil (5) with two drilled holes (6, 7), with a fuse (8) formed on the rear face of this first dielectric foil, a second dielectric foil (9) on the front face of which there are formed two metal pads (10, 11) facing said holes, a perforated plate (12) and a body (13) containing a pyrotechnic charge 14. The assembly is hermetically sealed. The first foil introduces a galvanic discontinuity that ensures a well-defined firing voltage, with a value high enough to prevent induced parasitic currents.

Abstract: An ignition device for triggering a restraining device of a motor vehicle has a MID support having a forward end and a rearward end. Electronic components are mounted on the MID support. An ignitor is arranged at the forward end of the MID support. The MID support has at least one unitary connector pin having at least one metallized area configured to contact the electronic components.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for providing fluid under pressure for actuating a vehicle occupant protection device comprises an electrically actuatable initiator (80) having terminal pins (100). A hermetically sealed metal propellant container (130) contains a propellant (82) ignitable by the initiator (80) to produce fluid under pressure. The propellant container (130) is secured to the initiator (80) by crimping. The apparatus (10) also comprises a member (86) electrically insulating between the metal propellant container (130) and the terminal pins (100) of the initiator (80) to isolate the initiator electrically from the propellant container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnical gas generator comprising a generator outer housing in which a pyrotechnical propellant charge and an igniter are accommodated. The igniter has its own self-contained igniter housing which contains a pyrotechnical material and is fastened to the generator outer housing. The igniter housing has a base part and a cap-shaped receiving part fastened thereto. The receiving part has a radial flange with an outer edge, the outer edge projecting radially with respect to the base part and being welded to the generator outer housing. The flange is welded to the base part.

Abstract: An igniter unit for an inflator unit comprises a base in which electric contact pins are arranged and a plug for plugging into the base to contact the contact pins. The plug is provided with at least one key and the base is provided with at least one guide groove for the key.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electropyrotechnic initiators comprising a thick-film multifoil circuit. The electrical circuit is photoetched on an insulating support (16). It consists of a resistive first foil having a central part (17) of constant width. This first foil is covered, except on the central part (17), by two conducting areas (28, 29) made of copper. The circuit (18) has an outline consisting of curved lines whose radius is greater than 7×10−4 m and whose shortest distance from the edge of the support (16) is at least 35×10−5 m. Such an initiator has an enhanced electrostatic discharge resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to an initiator for a pyrotechnic gas generator intended for motor vehicle safety. The initiator (2) is built from a circuit support (10) on which conductive strips are printed which include electromagnetic protection and the ends of which are joined together by a resistive element covered with a thermosensitive charge (6). The conductive strips are connected to an electric cable (3). The support (10) is coated in a cylindrical overmoulded insulation (4, 5). A fragmentable cylindrical cap (8) containing an igniter composition (9) forms, together with the initiator (2), an igniter (1) for pyrotechnic generators intended for motor vehicle safety.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for accurately delivering a ballistically stable, monolothic projectile at repeatable velocities to a specified target using an explosive event without causing deformation or fragmentation of the projectile. In its most preferred embodiment, the invention will deliver a projectile using an explosive event without substantial deformation or altering of the geometric shape of the projectile. This invention was specifically developed as a preferred device to render safe the firing train of the fuze mechanism of unexploded ordnance (UXO) to dispose of the UXO more safely.

Abstract: An initiator assembly for use with a propellant-actuated device located in a vehicle is provided. In one embodiment, the initiator assembly includes circuitry and an integral, one-piece insert member that are injection molded with insulating material to an initiator. The insert member suitably engages an initiator adapter for holding the initiator assembly in place relative to the inflator housing both before and after the initiator assembly is ignited. The circuitry is capable of receiving and processing a signal to determine whether to send an ignition signal to ignite the propellant within the inflator.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic means for vehicle occupant protection systems includes a container for an ignitor, propellant and/or compressed gas. To facilitate the production of gas tight pyrotechnic means having long term stability the container includes a container body and at least one container lid with an ultrasonic welded joint between said container body and said container lid.

Abstract: A shock-resistant electronic circuit assembly (10) is provided in which an electronic circuit is encased in an encapsulation (14) that engages a surrounding enclosure (18) in shock-dispersing contact therewith. The encapsulation may have a plurality of edges (16, 16a, 16b), fins (24) or bosses (70) that bear against the enclosure. The encapsulation may include a shock-absorbing material (14f) disposed against the enclosure to protect the circuit against vibrations and a structural support material such as a casing (14e) to protect the circuit against stress. The circuit assembly (10) may be part of a sheathed initiator assembly (55) that includes a transfer member (58) for converting shock wave energy into electrical energy for the electronic circuit, and the released energy may be converted into a detonation initiation signal. Assembly (55) may be part of a detonator (100) that receives a non-electric initiation signal and detonates following the delay determined by the electronic circuit.

Abstract: An initiator (50) for rupturing a burst disk (36) in an air bag inflator (10) includes a body of ignitable material (112) for, when ignited, generating combustion products. A base (52) supports the body of ignitable material (112), and an electrically energizable member (80) for igniting the ignitable material, on the inflator (10). The initiator (50) also includes a cap (90) sealed to the base (52). The cap (90) encloses the ignitable material (112) and maintains the ignitable material in position on the base (52). At least a first portion (94) of the cap (90) is releasable from the base (52) under the force of the combustion products of the ignitable material (112) to enable movement of at least the first portion of the cap away from the base and into engagement with the burst disk (36) to rupture the burst disk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of pyrotechnic igniters, especially those intended for motor-vehicle safety. The igniters (1) according to the invention have a thin-film resistive bridge (19) connected via two thin metal areas (17 and 18) to two electrodes (9 and 10). An initiating lacquer (20) covers the resistive bridge (19) and a varistor attached to the said areas protects the igniter from electrostatic discharges. The resistive bridge (19) has a volume resistivity of between 0.5×106 and 2×106 &OHgr;.m and the initiating lacquer is made from a primary explosive. The igniters (1) have a no-fire current of greater than 500 mA and an all-fire current of less than 1200 mA.

Abstract: A disarmable firing module with a firing module housing having an opening therein; a detonator holder received in the firing module housing via the opening in the firing module housing, the detonator holder including a cavity therein; a detonator disposed in the cavity of the detonator holder; and a detonator electronics assembly housed within the firing module housing. The detonator holder is removably secured within the housing which allows the detonator to be separated from the detonator electronics assembly to disarm the firing module.

Abstract: A detonator device for tripping a passenger restraint device in a motor vehicle includes a detonator circuit on a holder. Firing pins for receiving a detonator element are an integral component of the holder.

Abstract: An initiator for an inflator of an automotive airbag restraint system includes a housing and a wall dividing the housing into two parts, one for housing a firing element of the initiator, and one for receiving at least one application specific integrated circuit which performs functions of a portion of an electronic control unit. A mounting element is located in the second part of the housing, and at least one application specific integrated circuit is carried by the mounting element. The mounting element and two or more application specific integrated circuits may be provided as a package, in which at least two application specific integrated circuits are mounted in a stacked condition to form an application specific integrated circuit stack. The application specific integrated circuits are configured such that predetermined electrical circuit locations of adjacent ones of the application specific integrated circuits to be interconnected are aligned.

Abstract: A detonator with a base portion including opposing electrical leads; an exploding foil initiator on the base portion, the exploding foil initiator including two conductive lands separated by a bridge portion therebetween; and a connecting barrel of a predetermined thickness on the exploding foil initiator for optimizing the spacing between the exploding foil initiator and an explosive charge and for robustly interconnecting the lands of the exploding foil initiator with the electrical leads of the base portion.