Abstract: A gas generator including a plug (24) having a header part (45) and two or more electrode pins (22, 23), a thin-film bridge (25) having electrode pads (41, 42), and a squib (10) in which upon supply of electric current to the thin-film bridge (25) via the electrode pins (22, 23), the thin-film bridge (25) is activated to ignite ignition materials (26, 27), wherein the thin-film bridge (25) is arranged into a hollow (32) prepared at the plug (24) in such a manner that the thin-film bridge (25) is kept approximately on a level with the head (35) of the electrode pins (22, 23) and the header part (45) of the plug (24), the thin-film bridge (25) is connected by wire bonding to the electrode pins (22, 23) at the electrode pad parts (41, 42), and at least either of the electrode pad (41) or (42) of the thin-film bridge (25) is connected by the wire bonding to a metal part of the header part (45) of the plug (24).

Abstract: An initiator that includes a header body, an insulating spacer, an initiator chip, a plurality of terminals and a plurality of contacts. The insulating spacer is coupled to the header body. The initiator chip that forms at least a portion of an exploding foil initiator and includes a plurality of electric interfaces. The initiator chip is secured to a side of the insulating spacer opposite the header body. The terminals extend through the header body. The contacts electrically couple the electric interfaces to the terminals. The cover is coupled to the header body and cooperates with the header body to house the insulating spacer, the initiator chip and the contacts. A method for forming an initiator is also provided.

Abstract: A thruster stack assembly and method for manufacturing the same is provided. The thruster stack assembly includes a plurality of grain elements having a common core region (e.g., a channel or passageway), where each grain element comprises a volume of electrically ignitable propellant. The thruster stack assembly further includes electrodes associated with the plurality of grain elements, the electrodes adapted for selectively igniting the plurality of grain elements. In one example, one or more of the grain elements may be ignited and combusted without igniting or damaging adjacent grain elements of the stack. The core region serves to channel combustion gases and exhaust from the thruster stack. Multiple stacks may be assembled together to form three-dimensional thruster arrays.

Abstract: The invention provides a blasting system which includes a plurality of electronic detonators which are configured in a blast array which has at least one row and a plurality of detonators in the row, each detonator including a memory in which is stored at least a respective identity code which is dependent, at least, on the row on which the detonator is, and on the detonator's position in the row, a harness which interconnects the detonators, and at least one control unit, connected to the harness, which generates a signal to fire the detonators.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ignition device for an explosive charge or pyrotechnic composition. This device comprises at least two ignition means connected to a power source. It is characterized in that it comprises a single insulating support carrying the ignition means as well as the conductors ensuring their connection to the power source.

Abstract: An initiator is incorporated in an inflator in order to trigger the inflator through propagation of flame from an initiating explosive to a gas generator of the inflator. The initiator includes a closed-bottomed tubular capsule for accommodating the initiating explosive. A tubular portion of the capsule includes a plurality of rupture-accelerating means (grooves each having a V-shaped cross section) for accelerating rupture upon ignition of the initiating explosive, whereby flame propagates from the initiating explosive to the gas generator of the inflator along a plurality of directions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solid-state or integrated circuit-type igniter die (10) having a bridge (18) that is formed on a non-planar surface of a substrate (12), and which therefore has a non-planar configuration. Igniter die (10), according to this invention therefore has a three-dimensional configuration and, preferably, a configuration that can enclose a reactive material (26) therein. In a typical embodiment, the bridge (18) of an igniter element of this invention has a tubular configuration. Reactive material (26) is disposed within the interior of the tube (14) and a charge of electric current is flowed through the tube (14) from o the other to form a plasma that initiates the remaining reactive material (26).

Abstract: A method is described for igniting discharges of inflammable fluids, such as gases which are discharged in a flare, where an ignition pellet is set in motion towards the fluid discharge along a conducting body and made to detonate in or near the fluid discharge, so that the fluid is ignited. The invention is characterised in that the device, during its travel towards the fluid discharge, goes through detonation generating events in which an electronic system registers several subsequent sequences, such as: 1) a sequence in which a control circuit (a system) is activated (switched on), 2) a sequence in which the device is activated as it passes, and registers a predetermined series of identical or different pulse influences, and 3) a sequence in which the device thereafter is made to detonate by a pulse influence which indicates that it has passed the conducting body towards the fluid discharge. A system for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: An igniter assembly includes an igniter, a substantially cylindrical collar for holding the igniter, and resin for joining the igniter to the collar. The collar has a cylindrical main body, a collar portion provided inward at the inner circumferential surface of the main body, and a cylindrical surrounding wall portion which extends from one end of the main body in the axial direction of the main body. A groove is formed in a radial surface of the collar portion at the side of the surrounding wall portion. The resin is filled between the igniter and the inner circumferential surface and the radial surface of the internal hole of the collar portion and the inside of the surrounding wall portion so as to fill in the groove. The collar is easily manufactured, and the igniter assembly prevents a gap from being generated due to shrinkage of resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the electrical initiation of at least one pyrotechnic microcharge (3), this device being characterized in that it comprises a support element having at least one conductive finger (6) connected to a first terminal of a central control unit (8), a second terminal of said central control unit (8) being intended to be electrically connected to an electrically conductive support for the pyrotechnic microcharge (3). The invention also relates to a microactuator (1, 1a, . . . , 1h) and a microsystem (1?) that use such an initiation device.

Abstract: An initiator includes a pair of electrode pins, a conductive header, an insulator, a bridge wire, an explosive, and capsules. A bottom wall of the inner capsule has a protrusion projecting from the bottom wall. The thickness of an end wall portion of the protrusion is determined in such a manner that the end wall portion is the thinnest among a plurality of wall portions of the inner capsule. The thicknesses of the wall portions are set so as to increase gradually from the end wall portion of the protrusion toward the side wall of the inner capsule. Therefore, when the explosive is ignited for detonation, breakage of the inner capsule occurs in the vicinity of the end wall portion of the protrusion, and flame propagation energy generated by detonation of the explosive propagates in an intended direction.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for an air bag system is used in an air bag system having an ECU and a module case connected to the ECU and accommodating a gas generator and an air bag. In the air bag system, two bus lines passing through the ECU are provided to supply currents and the like, and individual gas generators accommodated in the module cases are connected operationally by conductors branched from the bus lines. Each of the igniters incorporated in the gas generator is an electric igniter which is provided with a heat generating portion and a priming coming in contact with the heat generating portion, and the igniter and the bus line are connected to each other through the conductors, and the integrated circuit provided in the igniter is recorded with information to exhibit required functions, and a current for igniting the priming is supplied to the igniters through a capacitor.

Abstract: A plurality of the ignition devices are connected to an ignition control system via a common bus. The ignition devices are selectively operable for actuating a plurality of airbag devices by means of electrical energy and an electrical signal supplied from the ignition control system. Each ignition device includes an ignition package formed integrally from a communication/ignition circuit and an ignition element provided on a silicon chip. Not only can the dimensions of the ignition device be reduced in comparison with a case in which the communication/ignition circuit and the ignition element are separately provided, but also wiring between the communication/ignition circuit and the ignition element can be completed beforehand when the ignition device is produced, thereby decreasing the number of wiring steps during assembly with the ignition control system.

Abstract: A shaped charge detonation booster comprises a tubular wall body of substantially constant outside diameter for enclosing an axial primer path that terminates with an enlarged main cavity volume. Preferably, the main cavity is positioned within the juncture plane of opposing shaped cutter charges. The tubular wall surrounding the primer path is substantially thicker than the tubular wall surrounding the main body and the explosive material within the main body is compacted more densely than the explosive material in the primer path.

Abstract: Firing-readiness diagnostics in an electronic pyrotechnic device such as an electronic detonator or an electronic blasting system thereof. The diagnostics may include a check for any incompatible attached devices, a resistance or continuity check of an ignition element, and/or a capacitance check of a firing capacitor.

Abstract: A heating element for the ignition of a pyrotechnic charge, e.g. for firing an air bag, has increased stability with respect to transient pulses and electrostatic discharge as a result of a selection of this mass, specific resistance and specific heat capacity. In particular the mass is 1.0×10?9 kg to 4.0×10?9 kg, the specific resistance is 1×10?6 ? m to 2×10?6 ? m and the specific heat capacity is 100 W/(kg.K) to 400 W/(kg·K).

Abstract: A method of using electrically initiated primer systems that rely on vaporizing a thin metallic film which is either coated on a non-conductive insulator component or is a malleable thin film or strip secured to the inner surface of a primer cup assembly to ignite an environmentally safe MIC composition.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator is provided with an encapsulation material retention feature on the output can rather than on the header assembly. For example, the bottom of the output can of the pyrotechnic initiator may be swaged over the bottom of the header assembly and/or it may be stamped with anchors.

Abstract: An electronically controlled multi-pulse ignitor ignites a cartridge used to launch a projectile. An electronics module is programmed with a temperature performance profile for the cartridge. A temperature sensor is coupled to supply current cartridge temperature data to the electronics module. A first event ignitor is coupled to the electronics module and initiates a ballistic cycle upon command from the electronics module. A translation mechanism, including a first charge coupled to the first event ignitor, moves the projectile forward to increase the free volume in the cartridge. A second event ignitor, coupled to receive a second event ignition signal from the electronics module, ignites the main propellant charge on receiving the second event ignition signal from the electronics module, where the timing of ignition of the second event ignitor is determined by the temperature performance profile and the current cartridge temperature data.

Abstract: A versatile cavity actuator. The versatile cavity actuator includes a cavity having one or more polymer-based sidewalls. An energetic material is disposed therein. A heater is disposed on or within the cavity. In a specific embodiment, the cavity includes a thermally insulating base positioned beneath the heater, which is positioned near the bottom of the cavity. The polymer-based sidewalls are constructed from a photo-curable epoxy, which is disposed on a substrate via microelectromechanical processes. The sidewalls are angled or parabolic and are constructed via a low-temperature lithographic spin process compatible with post integrated circuit processing.

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: The technical field of the invention is that of microactuators designed for mechanical, chemical, electrical or thermal functions in microsystems, for microelectronic applications such as chips, or biomedical applications such as cards incorporating microfluidics. The invention concerns a microactuator comprising a chamber machined in a solid support and containing a pyrotechnic charge. Said microactuator is essentially characterised in that the chamber is partly delimited by a deformable membrane, such that the gases emitted by combustion of the pyrotechnic charge enable to increase the volume of said chamber by deforming said membrane while maintaining intact the solid walls of the chamber.

Abstract: A bridge-type ignition element for initiating the ignition of pyrotechnical materials lying above it by heating when an electric current is passed through it. The bridge-type element is essentially made up of a resistance layer applied to a substrate, a reactive layer, applied on top of that, made of especially an oxidizable metal and a polymeric cover layer situated on top of that, whose material is selected in such a way that it is able to react exothermally at an elevated temperature with the oxidizable material of the reactive layer. The polymeric cover layer makes possible not only a lower energy requirement but also achieves corrosion protection from the surroundings and from the pyrotechnical material.

Abstract: An igniter for an inflator has a heat generating body provided on a bottom surface of a pyrotechnic material accomodating space. By dripping a pyrotechnic material slurry including a fuel component and an oxidizing agent component dispersed in a solvent from above the accomodating space upon manufacturing the igniter, the heat generating body can be prevented from being damaged.

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 method of producing a device containing pyrotechnical material comprises the following steps: providing a tubular housing element with a base and metal ducts incorporated in the base, with the housing element and the base being integrally formed of glass and the housing element and the base defining a housing interior with a bottom adjoining the base, and the metal ducts extending through the bottom into the housing interior; applying a metal layer on the bottom by forming a heat-generating element integrally connected with the metal ducts and the bottom; introducing the pyrotechnical material into the housing element; and sealing the housing element by heating and melting off. The device obtainable in this way serves for use in vehicle occupant restraint systems, for instance as an igniter in gas generators and belt tensioners.

Abstract: A semiconductor bridge (SCB) device. In one embodiment, the SCB device includes a laminate layer on top of an insulating material, wherein the laminate layer comprises a series of layers of at least two reactive materials, and wherein the laminate layer comprises two relatively large sections that substantially cover the surface area of the insulating material, and a bridge section joining the two relatively large sections. At least one conductive contact pad is coupled to at least one of the series of layers, wherein a predetermined current through the conductive contact pad causes the bridge section to initiate a reaction in which the laminate layer is involved. In one embodiment, the SCB device includes an integrated diode formed by an interface of the insulating material with another material, such as a metal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using electrically initiated primer systems that rely on vaporizing a thin metallic film which is either coated on a non-conductive insulator component or is a malleable thin film or strip secured to the inner surface of a primer cup assembly to ignite an environmentally safe MIC composition.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator is provided with an encapsulation material retention feature on the output can, such as a swaged end or anchors.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator, for example, for inflatable safety air bags of automotive vehicles can include an electrically energizable initiator bridge and a reactive layer on the initiator bridge for liberation of energy upon electrical energization of the bridge. The reactive layer can consist of a combustible metal or a metal capable of liberating energy by alloying with a metal of the bridge.

Abstract: Regulated charging of an energy storage module in a pyrotechnic device such as a firing capacitor in an electronic detonator, preferably in the form of constant-current charging limited at a “rail voltage,” and optionally limited to a sufficiently low current to provide additional benefits to the pyrotechnic device such as in the case of a short-circuit.

Abstract: A fast heat rise resistor comprising a substrate, a foil bridge on the surface of the substrate, the foil bridge having an elevated portion and a contact portion, the elevated portion above the substrate, the contact portion in contact with the substrate, a conductive layer attached to the contact portion of said foil bridge. The activation energy and/or response time is reduced as the foil bridge is suspended over the substrate. Another aspect of the invention include a method of manufacturing the foil bridge and application to autoignition vehicle airbags.

Abstract: The hermetically sealed electrical feed-through device has a circular metal disk (11) with a conductive angular or bent isolated pin (13) hermetically sealed in an oval or elliptical through-going opening (O) whose center coincides with the center of the circular metal disk. The angular or bent isolated pin (13) is sealed in the oval or elliptical opening (O) by means of a glass-to-metal seal (17). An angular or bent ground pin (15) is connected to the rear side of the circular metal disk (11) adjacent to the opening (O) and extends approximately parallel to the isolated pin (13). Because the through-going opening (O) has an elliptical or oval cross-section section, different bridge wires of different lengths are connectable on the front side of the metal disk (11) between the front surface of the circular metal disk (11) and the angular or bent isolated pin (13). The isolated and ground pins both have circular transverse cross-sections.

Abstract: The hermetically sealed electrical feed-through device has a circular metal disk (11, 21) with a conductive isolated pin (13, 23) hermetically sealed in a through-going circular opening (O, O?) by a glass seal (17, 27) and a conductive ground pin (15, 25) connected with a rear side of the metal disk (11, 21) adjacent to the through-going circular opening and extending approximately parallel to the isolated pin. The isolated pin (13, 23) has an oval or elliptical section (13a, 23a) extending through the glass seal (17, 27), whereby different bridge wires of different lengths are connectable on the front side of the metal disk between the front surface of the metal disk and the isolated pin (13, 23). In one embodiment the pins are straight and the through-going circular opening is offset in the metal disk; in another embodiment the pins are bent and the through-going circular opening (O,O?) is centrally positioned in the metal disk (11,21).

Abstract: The electric pyrotechnic igniter of the present invention comprises a controlled power source providing low-voltage electricity to one or more remotely located, replaceable ignition elements which are housed in compression clips capable of holding the ignition elements into direct contact with firework fuses.

Abstract: The hermetically sealed electrical feed-through device has a circular metal disk (11) with a conductive straight isolated pin (13) hermetically sealed in an oval or elliptical through-going opening (O) positioned offset from the center of the circular metal disk. The straight isolated pin (13) is sealed in the opening (O) by means of a glass-to-metal seal (17). A conductive straight ground pin (15) is connected to the rear side of the circular metal disk (11) adjacent to the opening (O) and extends approximately parallel to the straight isolated pin (13). Because the through-going opening (O) has an elliptical or oval cross-section, a wider range of different bridge wires of different lengths, which are connectable on the front side of the metal disk (11) between the front surface of the metal disk (11) and the straight isolated pin (13), is possible. The straight isolated and ground pins have circular transverse cross-sections.

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 gas generator for an air bag comprises: a housing having a gas discharging port; an initiator assembly provided with a first igniter and a second igniter mounted to the housing via a holder, each of the first igniter and the second igniter including a priming activated upon an impact, the second igniter having, a center pin connected to an external power supply to constitute a positive electrode, a grounding pin connected to a metal portion of a motor vehicle to constitute a negative electrode, and an opening-shutting device of current provided between the center pin and the external power supply; and gas generating material ignited and burnt by the initiator assembly.

Abstract: An electropyrotechnic initiator comprising a pyrotechnic varnish in contact with a resistive heating element is prepared by preparing an aqueous adhesive composed of a dispersion of an explosive substance and of additives in an aqueous suspension based on a copolymer chosen from ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers and vinyl acetate/ethylene acetate/ethylene copolymers, depositing the aqueous adhesive on the resistive element, and drying the aqueous adhesive at a temperature of between 55° C. and 75° C., in order to remove the water contained in the adhesive and to obtain the varnish.

Abstract: An improved spacecraft ordnance system includes a plurality of squibs each connected with a resistor having a squib unique resistance value and a driver unit including built-in test circuitry. Ordnance harness cables connect the squibs with the driver unit. The resistors enable squib identification. The built-in test circuitry enables unambiguous verification of correct connection of each squib with the driver unit. The built-in test circuitry includes a low-impedance multiplexer for selecting a driver line for monitoring, a precision current source for providing a relatively low current to a selected output of the driver unit producing a voltage proportional to the total resistance from signal to ground, and a analog/digital converter for digitizing the voltage and reporting the result to a computer for comparison to predicted values using a telemetry interface and therefore identifying the selected squib. An EMI-tight adapter housing the squib-specific resistor may be attached to the squib.

Abstract: An electronic detonator which comprises an ignition charge, a battery unit for emitting ignitor current for initiating the ignition charge, and an electronic circuit for controlling said emission of igniter current. The battery unit is movable in the detonator between a resting position and an activated position, in which the battery unit is connected to emit said igniter current. Battery activating means are provided, in response to external activation, for pyrotechnically causing the battery unit to move from the resting position to the activated position.

Abstract: A bridge igniter having a resistance layer which has a given electrical resistance and which can be heated by an electrical current, an electrical insulating layer that is disposed on the resistance layer and has a given thermal conductivity, a reactive layer that is disposed on the insulating layer, the insulating layer transmitting the heat that is produced in the resistance layer to the reactive layer, thereby causing the latter to undergo an exothermic reaction, and a pyrotechnic layer that is disposed on or above the reactive layer and that may be set off by the exothermic reaction of the reactive layer.

Abstract: A heating element for the ignition of a pyrotechnic charge, e.g. for firing an air bag, has increased stability with respect to transient pulses and electrostatic discharge as a result of a selection of this mass, specific resistance and specific heat capacity. In particular the mass is 1.0×10−9 kg to 4.0×10−9 kg, the specific resistance is 1×10−6 &OHgr;m to 2×10−6 &OHgr;m and the specific heat capacity is 100 W/(kg.K) to 400 W/(kg·K).

Abstract: An electronic blasting system in which the electronic detonator, when attached to a blasting machine or logger, automatically senses and determines whether it is attached to a blasting machine or a logger, preferably by utilizing a different operating voltage for the blasting machine versus that of the logger, with the detonator being capable of distinguishing the respective operating voltages.

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: Method and apparatus for accelerating micro particles for use in delivering DNA or a solid drug in which a shockwave is generated by applying a short pulse energy to a surface of a metal foil to be absorbed and cause vaporization and plasmatization of the metal foil. A jet is generated by a sudden expansion of metal gas and thereby the shockwave is generated on a surface of an opposite side of the metal foil on which the micro particles are arranged.

Abstract: A structure of a capsule for a rapidly expanding metallic mixture includes one or more trigger electrode support rods arranged between the main trigger electrodes such that the trigger electrode support rods are linearly aligned with the main trigger electrodes, with an additional trigger electrode provided at each end of the trigger electrode support rods. Also, an electrolyte is added to the metallic mixture and the trigger electrodes are arranged at intervals of 1-100 mm and thus readily inducing arc discharge between the trigger electrodes. The capsule structure thus easily and effectively triggers an oxidation reaction of the metallic mixture even in the case of a long capsule.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic compositions such as used in initiator devices and corresponding initiator devices having a low firing energy are provided. The pyrotechnic composition includes a mixture containing a fuel component which includes a quantity of at least one Iron Blue Pigment and an oxidizer component which includes at least one oxidizer effective, upon reaction initiation with at least a portion of the quantity of the at least one Iron Blue Pigment, to produce gaseous reaction products.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator, for example, for inflatable safety air bags of automotive vehicles can include an electrically energizable initiator bridge and a reactive layer on the initiator bridge for liberation of energy upon electrical energization of the bridge. The reactive layer can consist of a combustible metal or a metal capable of liberating energy by alloying with a metal of the bridge.

Abstract: A gas generator which has an initiator and a gas generating agent for use in airbag deployment systems. An initiator includes a reaction agent, a casing formed by a cup and header, an electrode and a plasma generating agent. The plasma generating agent generates a plasma in response to the energization of the electrode that makes the reaction agent initiate a reaction.