Abstract: An electric circuit breaker device includes an igniter, a rod-like projectile, and a conductor portion for forming a part of an electric circuit, and an insulating closed space. The conductor portion includes a first and second connection portions and a cut portion at an intermediate portion, and is disposed with a surface of the cut portion. The rod-like projectile has an end portion facing the cut portion. The insulating closed space has an opening portion facing the conductor portion, a closed end surface opposite to the opening portion in the housing axial direction, and four side surfaces between the opening portion and the closed end surface. A width (W1) of the opening portion of the insulating closed space and a width (L1) of the end portion of the rod-like projectile have a relationship of W1>L1 and W1?L1?0.25 mm.

Abstract: A convertible and addressable switch assembly incudes an interface (I/O) configured to connect to a controller along a telemetry system; and a processor connected to the interface (I/O). The processor is configured to receive a command from the controller, along the telemetry system, to change a first value of a mode status variable to a desired second value, wherein the first value is associated with a first operating mode of the switch assembly and the second value is associated with a second operating mode, which is different from the first operating mode; change the first value to the second value within the switch assembly; and store in a non-volatile memory, at the switch assembly, the second value of the mode status variable.

Abstract: A heating unit comprising an electrically conductive substrate. A solid fuel layer comprising a metal reducing agent, a metal containing oxidizing agent and a binder is coated on a surface of the substrate, the solid fuel layer having a solid fuel surface spaced from the substrate. A first electrode coupled to the substrate. A second electrode coupled to the solid fuel surface. A power supply is configured to be selectively coupled to the first and second electrodes to provide a voltage between the metallic substrate and the solid fuel surface. The voltage acts to propagate an exothermic metal oxidation-reduction reaction without the use of an igniter.

Abstract: An initiator assembly that includes a housing, a base, an exploding foil initiator and an input charge assembly. The housing defines a cavity. The base coupled to the housing and closes the cavity. The exploding foil initiator is mounted to the base and has a barrel that defines an initiation axis. The input charge assembly is received in the cavity and includes a holder and an input charge. The holder has a first axial end and a second axial end that are spaced apart along the initiation axis. The first axial end is closer to an output of the barrel than the second axial end. A charge aperture is formed through the first axial end of the holder and does not extend through the second axial end of the holder. The input charge is formed of an explosive material and is received into the charge aperture.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of active/passive automotive fuse module in accordance with the present disclosure may include an electrically insulating base, a fuse plate including a bus bar portion disposed on a top surface of the base above a projectile cavity formed in the base, the fuse plate further including a fusible portion electrically connected to the bus bar portion and adapted to open when an amount of current flowing through the fuse plate exceeds a current rating of the active/passive automotive fuse module, the active/passive automotive fuse module further including a pyrotechnic interrupter (PI) disposed atop the base and including a projectile positioned above the bus bar portion, the PI configured to drive the projectile through the bus bar portion upon actuation of the PI.

Abstract: Disclosed is tagged ammunition, methods for making it, using it and detecting it to reduce gun violence. When implemented together with a smart phone coupled readers, standalone readers, or at a security center, software is included to allow integration of signals detected by multiple readers in the vicinity to map detectable ammunition detected by readers designed to detect tagged ammunition as a proxy for loaded firearms. This makes possible securing an area of interest, when combined with placing of at least one networkable reader in the vicinity of the area of interest; and connecting the one or more readers to a monitoring center. Such monitoring centers may be associated with schools, shopping malls, streets, public meetings, public events, housing complexes, an area being swept for loaded guns, an area being monitored for gang activity, or even a residence.

Abstract: Exploding foil initiator apparatus, system, and method that improve the current density in the bridge region by modifying the shape and dimensions of the bridge and related components. The exploding foil initiator reduces burn-back by making areas of the bridge thicker except directly under the flyer. The exploding foil initiator boards are built so the flyer is not connected to the rest of the top cover-lay. This avoids losing energy due to the flyer having to tear away from the solid cover-lay.

Abstract: An energy store has a plurality of electrical energy storage cells, which are connected electrically in series or parallel and are combined to form an energy storage module. Cooling plates are arranged between the energy storage cells and into which coolant or refrigerant can be introduced. A plurality of emergency switching devices are provided, each of which is associated with an energy storage cell and one or two cooling plates. The emergency switching devices allow the coolant or refrigerant to flow into the associated cooling plates only if a temperature of the associated energy storage cell exceeds a defined limit temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for firing an electronic detonator including a power storage unit including receiving, via the electronic detonator, a firing order. The following steps are implemented as long as the delay time associated with the electronic detonator has not elapsed since the reception of the firing order: measuring power stored in the power storage unit, and firing the electronic detonator when the measured stored power is less than or equal to a predetermined power.

Abstract: A heating unit comprising an electrically conductive substrate. A solid fuel layer comprising a metal reducing agent, a metal containing oxidizing agent and a binder is coated on a surface of the substrate, the solid fuel layer having a solid fuel surface spaced from the substrate. A first electrode coupled to the substrate. A second electrode coupled to the solid fuel surface. A power supply is configured to be selectively coupled to the first and second electrodes to provide a voltage between the metallic substrate and the solid fuel surface. The voltage acts to propagate an exothermic metal oxidation-reduction reaction without the use of an igniter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming and/or enhancing fractures in a subterranean formation using electrically controlled propellant materials are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise: introducing a treatment fluid comprising an electrically controlled propellant and a plurality of electrically conductive particles in at least one primary fracture in a portion of a subterranean formation; placing the plurality of electrically conductive particles in at least the primary fracture; placing the electrically controlled propellant in one or more areas of the subterranean formation proximate to the primary fracture; and applying an electrical current to at least a portion of the electrically controlled propellant to ignite the portion of the electrically controlled propellant in the one or more areas of the subterranean formation proximate to the primary fracture to form one or more secondary or tertiary fractures in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: To provide an electric circuit breaker device that can be downsized while maintaining strength. An igniter 20, a bar-shaped projectile 40, a conductor piece 50, and an insulating space 61 are provided inside a resin housing 10. A cylinder 30 is disposed between the bar-shaped projectile 40 and an inner wall surface of the housing 10, and further, a reinforcing frame 70 is disposed in the housing 10 on the outer side. A discharge path for combustion products generated by actuation of the igniter 20 is provided between the insulating space 61 and a second end 12 of the housing.

Abstract: A method for recognizing a usability of a control device of a safety device in a vehicle includes: applying a voltage to the control device; acquiring a voltage curve or a current curve at the control device; and recognizing a usability of the control device as a function of the acquired voltage curve or of the acquired current curve. In particular, the correct polarity of an inductive actuator having a freewheeling diode is recognized, because in the case of incorrect polarity the inductive actuator is bridged by the freewheeling diode.

Abstract: A drive circuit, including a first switch located on a low side of the drive circuit, a second switch located on a high side of the drive circuit and connected in series with the first switch, the first switch and the second switch forming an output circuit, each of the first and second switches having a high-potential end, a low-potential end and a gate terminal, a control unit that controls switching operations of the first switch and the second switch, and a capacitive element having two ends thereof respectively connected to the gate terminal of the second switch and the low potential end of the first switch.

Abstract: In an aspect of the invention there is provided an integrated circuit initiator device that comprises a circuit substrate provided with an electrical insulating layer; an electrical conducting bridge circuit deposited on the insulating layer; said bridge circuit patterned as contact areas and a bridge structure connecting the contact areas, said bridge structure arranged for forming a plasma when the bridge structure is fused by a initiator circuit that contacts the contact areas; and a polymer layer that is spin-coated on the bridge structure, for forming a flyer that is propelled away from the substrate.

Abstract: An ammunition cartridge for a gun is optically initiated by a mechanism wholly within the cartridge case itself. The case has as optical primer initiation means producing light fluence to ignite a primer, which ignited primer may in turn ignite into a flashtube, and which ignited flashtube may in turn ignite a bed of propellant in said cartridge. The optical primer initiation means may be an LED, a laser diode, a VCSEL, or some other light emitting device in general. The cartridge optically initiated primer package is so sized and made electrically and mechanically seamlessly physically compatible with current ammunition cartridges such that these new cartridges are completely interchangeable.

Abstract: A protection device comprises a first planar substrate, a second planar substrate, a heater and a fusible element. The first planar substrate comprises a first surface, and the second planar substrate comprises a second surface facing the first surface. The heater comprises a first heating element and a second heating element in parallel connection, and the first heating element is disposed on the first surface. The fusible element is disposed on the first surface and adjacent to the first and second heating elements, thereby the fusible element is melted by absorbing the heat generated by the first heating element and/or second heating element. The second heating element has a resistance at least twice that of the first heating element.

Abstract: Provided is an ignition safety device for a rocket motor. The device includes an ignition circuit part including a main body and a control unit configured to generate an initiation signal on the basis of a specific signal, and an initiation part mounted at one end of the ignition circuit part and including at least one high voltage initiator electrically connected to the ignition circuit part. The initiation part includes a housing having at least one reception space for receiving the at least one high voltage initiator, and the housing and the main body are coupled by welding.

Abstract: A control unit for a restraint system in a vehicle, including an evaluation and control unit and at least one external ignition circuit interface to which a squib for activating the restraint system is connected via a go-line and a return line, the evaluation and control unit cyclically ascertaining, by measuring, an instantaneous ohmic loop resistance of the corresponding ignition circuit and comparing this with at least one stored threshold value. The evaluation and control unit determines an instantaneous temperature in the vehicle interior, close to the time for the measured value detection for ascertaining the ignition circuit loop resistance, the evaluation and control unit carrying out a temperature compensation of the ascertained ignition circuit loop resistance for the go-line and return line of the connected ignition circuit based on the instantaneous temperature in the vehicle interior, the go-line and return line being situated outside the control unit.

Abstract: An initiator assembly that includes a header body, a frame member, a plurality of terminals, an initiator chip, a plurality of contacts, and a support member. The frame member is coupled to the header body and defines an interior aperture. The terminals are received through the header body and the frame member. The initiator chip is received in the frame member and has a plurality of lands, a conductive bridge and a flyer that is disposed over the conductive bridge. Each of the contacts is soldered to an associated one of the terminals and an associated one of the lands. The support member is formed of plastic and encapsulates the frame member, the plurality of contacts, and a portion of the initiator chip. The support member forms a barrel aperture over the flyer. The input charge is formed of a secondary explosive and is disposed in-line with the barrel aperture.

Abstract: A self-destructing device includes a stressed substrate with a heater thermally coupled to the stressed substrate. The device includes a power source and trigger circuitry comprising a sensor and a switch. The sensor generates a trigger signal when exposed to a trigger stimulus. The switch couples the power source to the heater in response to the trigger signal When energized by the power source, the heater generates heat sufficient to initiate self-destruction of the stressed substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing electric trigger elements for pyrotechnic articles such as fuses or igniters, wherein, in a first stage, a) a lacquer is applied by photolithography to an electrically non-conductive substrate, b) a conductive material having a specific resistance of 0.1 ?*mm to 5.0 ?*mm is applied to the lacquer and substrate by means of a PVD process in a layer thickness of 0.02 ?m to 8.0 ?m, and c) the lacquer is removed from the substrate, and possibly, in a second stage, d) a photolithographic process is again carried out in which a precisely defined region of the resistor strip is covered with photoresist, e) the entire substrate surface is covered with a layer of a metal having a specific resistance of 0.01 ?*mm to 0.1 ?*mm in a thickness of 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid inflator (10) includes at least one combustion chamber (15) in which propellant charge is arranged and which has a discharge end (20), the propellant charge being formed of at least one propellant element (26), at least one igniting unit (12) by which the propellant charge can be ignited. The hybrid inflator (10) also includes at least one bursting element (14, 14?, 14?) which in the inactivated state of the hybrid inflator (10) delimits the combustion chamber (15) against a gas supply chamber (16) at the discharge end (20). The bursting element (14, 14?, 14?) and a restraint element (18, 18?, 18?) maintain the propellant charge in its position and/or the bursting element (14, 14?, 14?) and the propellant charge delimit a shock gas volume (SGV), wherein in the activated state of the hybrid inflator (10) the shock gas volume (SGV) acts on the bursting element (14, 14?, 14?) like a gas pressure spring.

Abstract: A potted electronic device comprises an electronic device at least partially encapsulated by an energetic potting material. The energetic potting material comprises a halogenated urethane binder and a metal fuel dispersed within the halogenated urethane binder. Related energetic potting materials and methods of forming electronic devices at least partially encapsulated with the energetic potting materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The ignition device according to the present disclosure implements in a reliable manner a one-time transient switching process for high voltages (>1.5 kV) and high currents (>3 kA) in combination with a minimal space requirement, maximum environmental durability and at the same time low cost expenditure by integrating the essential components on a flexible printed circuit system.

Abstract: An ammunition cartridge for a gun is optically initiated by a mechanism wholly within the cartridge case itself. The case has as optical primer initiation means producing light fluence to ignite a primer, which ignited primer may in turn ignite into a flashtube, and which ignited flashtube may in turn ignite a bed of propellant in said cartridge. The optical primer initiation means may be an LED, a laser diode, a VCSEL, or some other light emitting device in general. The cartridge optically initiated primer package is so sized and made electrically and mechanically seamlessly physically compatible with current ammunition cartridges such that these new cartridges are completely interchangeable.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a gas generator for a safety device for a vehicle includes: a first terminal and a second terminal for furnishing a triggering voltage for triggering the safety device; a firing device configured to fire in response to a firing current, in order to open a closure element; an electrical coil configured to actuate, in response to a coil current, a closure device for controlling a gas flow through the outlet opening, the coil being connected in series with the firing device between the first terminal and the second terminal; and an electrical component having a voltage-dependent resistance and connected in parallel with the firing device.

Abstract: A chip slapper is presented, having a substrate, a conductive layer disposed above the substrate face, and an intermediate layer disposed between the substrate face and the conductive layer. The conductive layer and intermediate layer form a first land and a second land atop the substrate face, with a bridge formed of the intermediate layer spanning between the first land and the second land. A first adhesion portion is attached to the first land, and a second adhesion portion is attached to the second land, wherein at least a portion of the bridge is not overlaid by the first adhesion portion or the second adhesion portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator, including: a cylindrical housing attached with an ignition device at one end and a diffuser portion, which has a gas discharge port, at the other end; and a combustion chamber charged with a molded article of a gas generating agent in the remaining space inside the cylindrical housing, the combustion chamber provided with a plurality of grooves serving as a gas discharge path, the plurality of the grooves serving as a gas discharge path being formed plurally and continuously in a longitudinal direction of the cylindrical housing and arranged in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical housing, a size of the grooves in the lateral direction being adjusted to be less than a minimum length of the molded article of the gas generating agent, and combustion gas, which is generated by combustion of the molded article of the gas generating agent at a time of actuation, flowing along the grooves serving as a gas discharge path and being discharged from the gas d

Abstract: An energetic material having thin, alternating layers of metal oxide and reducing metal is provided. The energetic material may be provided in the form of a sheet, foil, cylinder, or other convenient structure. A method of making the energetic material resists the formation of oxide on the surface of the reducing metal, allowing the use of multiple thin layers of metal oxide and reducing metal for maximum contact between the reactants, without significant lost volume due to oxide formation. An ignition system for the energetic material includes multiple ignition points, as well as a means for controlling the timing and sequence of activation of the individual ignition points. The combination of the energetic material and ignition system provides a means of charge and blast shaping, ignition timing, pressure curve control and maximization, and safe neutralization of the energetic material.

Abstract: Connection cables for separable firing unit assemblies comprise a first mating connector at a first end and a second mating connector at a second, opposing end. A stripline cable electrically connects the first mating connector to the second mating connector. Separable firing unit assemblies comprise an initiation device. An electronics assembly is configured to transmit a firing pulse to the initiation device. One of a first mating connector and a second mating connector is coupled to the initiation device and the other of the first mating connector and the second mating connector is coupled to the electronics assembly. A second housing of the second mating connector is configured to receive a portion of a first housing of the first mating connector therein.

Abstract: A firearm disabling system is disclosed. The firearm disabling system includes a control circuit configured to detect one or more operational parameters of a firearm associated with an unauthorized use scenario. A foam deployment system is in signal communication with the control circuit. The foam deployment system is configured to disable one or more mechanical functions of the firearm.

Abstract: An ammunition cartridge for a gun is optically initiated by a mechanism wholly within the cartridge case itself. The case has as optical primer initiation means producing light fluence to ignite a primer, which ignited primer may in turn ignite into a flashtube, and which ignited flashtube may in turn ignite a bed of propellant in said cartridge. The optical primer initiation means may be an LED, a laser diode, a VCSEL, or some other light emitting device in general. The cartridge optically initiated primer package is so sized and made electrically and mechanically seamlessly physically compatible with current ammunition cartridges such that these new cartridges are completely interchangeable.

Abstract: Initiator modules for munitions control systems include a mounting portion for receiving a portion of an initiation device, a detonator device disposed within the initiator module, a connection portion configured to connect the initiator module with a munitions control system, and an electronics assembly configured to electronically couple with a munitions control system and transmit a signal to the detonator device. Munitions systems may include initiator modules received in a socket of a munitions control system. Methods of igniting explosive devices include coupling a shock tube to an explosive device, connecting an initiator module to a munitions control system, mounting a portion of the shock tube to the initiator module, and igniting the shock tube with a detonator device disposed within the initiator module.

Abstract: An exploding foil initiator system comprises a substrate having a first side and a second side, an exploding foil initiator and surface mount pads. The exploding foil initiator is formed on the first side of the substrate and comprises a first contact, a second contact and a channel that electrically connects the first contact and the second contact. A first surface mount pad is formed on the second side of the substrate. As second surface mount pad is also formed on the second side of the substrate. A first via extends through the substrate to electrically connect the first contact with the first surface mount pad. Analogously, a second via extends through the substrate to electrically connect the second contact to the second surface mount pad.

Abstract: A hybrid primer device comprising electric primer and chemical primer housed in a percussion cap. The electrical primer comprises single pin or plurality of electrode pin pair. Each electrode pair comprises of at least one anode and cathode pin which are insulated and arranged at predetermined distance from central axis. The length of each pair of anode and cathode pins varies to help create multiple trigger points across the length of the cartridge. The chemical primer provides ignition of propellant in absence of the electric power. Application of high voltage electric pulse across the electrodes generates electric arcs between the pairs at multiple points inside cartridge resulting in instantaneous combustion of the propellant creating a high pressure in the cartridge case which improves the projectile's performance. The electric arcs generated will continue even after the chemical primer is exhausted thus enabling primer to continuously burn the propellant ensuring complete combustion.

Abstract: An apparatus used in a fuze device, which includes a MEMS micro-rotor. The micro-rotor of the apparatus may move an explosive material, for example, a fuze material, from an out-of-line position to an in-line position. The micro-rotor includes an integral cavity in which the material may be safely loaded and held in the out-of-line position. At an appropriate time, the fuze device of a fully assembled ordnance may be armed. When the apparatus is activated, the micro-rotor carefully moves the explosive material to the in-line position, where the ordnance is armed.

Abstract: An initiator assembly that includes an initiator and a containment shell. The initiator has an initiator housing, an initiator device mounted inside the initiator housing, and an input charge that is formed of an energetic material. The initiator device is configured to initiate at least one of a combustion event, a deflagration event and a detonation event in the input charge. The containment shell is coupled to the initiator housing and defines a space into which gas and/or particles are ejected from the initiator housing if the initiator device is not activated and the input charge is cooked off.

Abstract: An ordnance firing system is disclosed that includes a reusable electronics module and an ordnance module, each enclosed in a separate, sealed housing. The electronics module housing encloses firing electronics for electrically triggering initiation of a detonator in the ordnance module. The electronics module detachably connects to the ordnance modules via a connector which extends away from the electronics module housing. The housing of the ordnance module is constructed to be blast-resistant to prevent detonation of the detonator from rendering the electronics module inoperable.

Abstract: An integrated circuit system having an integrated circuit (IC) component which is able to have its functionality destroyed upon receiving a command signal. The system may involve a substrate with the IC component being supported on the substrate. A module may be disposed in proximity to the IC component. The module may have a cavity and a dissolving compound in a solid form disposed in the cavity. A heater component may be configured to heat the dissolving compound to a point of sublimation where the dissolving compound changes from a solid to a gaseous dissolving compound. A triggering mechanism may be used for initiating a dissolution process whereby the gaseous dissolving compound is allowed to attack the IC component and destroy a functionality of the IC component.

Abstract: An explosive device using a semiconductor explosion initiator device provides an MOS capacitor formed on a semiconductor substrate and including a silicide layer formed over a doped silicon layer formed over an oxide layer. The oxide layer is formed on an N-well formed in a semiconductor substrate. A voltage source applies a voltage which may be a pulsed voltage, across the MOS capacitor sufficient to cause the avalanche breakdown of the oxide layer and the diffusion of metal from the silicide layer into the doped silicon of the N-well formed in the substrate. The chemical reaction between the metal and the doped silicon causes the generation of a plasma which ignites a pyrotechnic material or ignites or detonates other explosive material in contact with the semiconductor explosion initiator device.

Abstract: A detonator which includes a tubular body within which is located a detonator assembly which comprise a container (20) which houses a set explosive composition element in which is embedded part of a PCB (72, 76) which carries an ignition element (66).

Abstract: An initiator assembly includes an SMI assembly board onto which at least a first and a second initiator are surface mounted. The first and second initiators each include a respective surface mount initiator board with which a respective igniter element is respectively mounted. Corresponding multi-initiator assemblies for automotive airbag inflator devices as well as automotive airbag inflator device combinations are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an igniting unit (10), especially for an inflator, comprising an electric igniter (11) including a first inner cap (12) which forms a space (14) for being filled with a booster propellant charge with a second outer cap (13). in accordance with the invention, the second cap (13) is an electrically non-conductive insulating cap.

Abstract: An igniter for seismic prospection or for mining applications or for use in the crude oil and natural gas industries is described, including a detonator in which an explosive material, an igniting element and internal wires for initiating the igniting element are arranged, wherein the internal wires lead into a plug which is arranged at one end of the detonator. In order for the user of the igniter to be able to introduce external wires into the plug without having to strip the wires of insulation beforehand, and, in the plug, for the internal wires to be electrically connected to the external wires, without the external wires requiring any plug and socket connector or mating part of a plug and socket connector, the plug is designed as a multifunctional plug.

Abstract: A downhole explosive detonation comprises a high voltage electro-explosive initiator comprising an input high voltage power supply with a low impedance shunting fuse, a flexible electrical link and a capacitor discharge unit. Explosive is initiated in a direction approximately parallel, or in another version perpendicular to the capacitor discharge unit. A unique configuration and construction of the assembly allows installation through a small service port in the gun housing structure for more efficient gun arming. A real time downhole voltage monitoring is described that transmits voltage readings to the surface during a firing sequence.

Abstract: An explosive device using a semiconductor explosion initiator device provides an MOS capacitor formed on a semiconductor substrate and including a silicide layer formed over a doped silicon layer formed over an oxide layer. The oxide layer is formed on an N-well formed in a semiconductor substrate. A voltage source applies a voltage which may be a pulsed voltage, across the MOS capacitor sufficient to cause the avalanche breakdown of the oxide layer and the diffusion of metal from the silicide layer into the doped silicon of the N-well formed in the substrate. The chemical reaction between the metal and the doped silicon causes the generation of a plasma which ignites a pyrotechnic material or ignites or detonates other explosive material in contact with the semiconductor explosion initiator device.

Abstract: An igniter includes, a sleeve receptive to combustible medium, a resistor in operable communication with the combustible medium, and at least one lead in electrical communication with the resistor and the sleeve the electrical communication with the sleeve is maintained by interference fit between the sleeve and the at least one lead.

Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein provide for igniting or disabling explosive devices through the generation of strong electrical fields and/or the discharge of electrical energy. In one embodiment, a remotely controlled vehicle is provided to remotely detonate or disable improvised explosive devices. The vehicle may contain a high-voltage power supply powering a Tesla coil. The secondary coil of the Tesla coil is attached to an electrode that is swept across an area where an explosive device may be present. The strong electric field around the electrode may induce current within an explosive device or wires connected thereto resulting in the explosive device being ignited or disabled. Discharges from the electrode may directly ignite explosive material or disable detonation control circuitry. The electrode may be located distal to the vehicle and the vehicle itself may be hardened to enhance survivability in the event of an explosion in proximity to the electrode.

Abstract: An arc-based active body activation unit is provided. To this end, ignition of the active mass or flare is effected by means of arcing. The arc can be used immediately and is low-maintenance. For that purpose, electrode pairs are disposed around the ejector tube, at least one of which pairs serves the ignition of the arc(s). For that purpose, the electrode pairs are electronically connected via connecting lines to at least one control unit.