Abstract: A detonator assembly for use with explosive devices includes a support structure, an exploding foil initiator mounted on the support structure, and a barrel attached to the support structure and adjacent the exploding foil initiator. The support structure may include a flex cable. An explosive is placed in the proximity of the exploding foil initiator.

Abstract: The present invention provides an igniter for an air bag system in which the whole weight can be reduced.

Abstract: A plasma torch including at least two electrodes separated by an insulating cylindrical case having a void, wherein the electrodes are separated by a distance (D) for forming an igniting arc therebetween when the electrodes are connected to a voltage, the distance (D) and the voltage being selected to form substantially a 1 Megavolt/meter electrical field between the electrodes, for forming an arc and causing plasma to be generated from the plasma generating material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an initiating element for use in a detonator to cause a base charge arranged in the detonator, to detonate. The initiating element comprises an ignitable initiating charge which upon ignition generates combustion gases by means of which the base charge is intended to be caused to detonate. The initiating element comprises a compression means which is arranged to be acted upon by said combustion gases to be moved towards the base charge for compression of the same. The invention further relates to a method of igniting a compressed base charge in a detonator, the base charge being further compressed during an initiation phase to increased density. In addition, the invention relates to a detonator provided with a base charge which at a moment of detonation has increased density.

Abstract: A fiber-optically-and-pneumatically-controlled firing set for explosive-bridgewire detonators. The firing set consists of a detonation-controlling module and a battery-operated firing module that are interconnected by fiber-optic signal conductors and a pneumatic conduit. The firing set provides high voltage isolation between the control module and the firing module while employing redundant safety features including fail-safe pneumatic crowbar shunting of the firing module output, frequency-selective fiber-optic signal communication, controlled battery life and explosive material detonation enablement and multiple, fail-safe serial switching to control the energy transfer sequence in the firing module. Both high voltage and low potential uses of the invention are included.

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: 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. The pyrotechnic composition may additionally include a burn rate enhancing additive such as zirconium metal powder.

Abstract: Exothermic reaction mixtures are electrically ignited with a low cost foil strip of two conductive strips separated by a layer of insulation. One or more holes are formed in the ignitor to create shaped spark plasma on one side and a venting plasma on the opposite side of the hole. The spark with low energy requirements is sufficient to ignite exothermic reactions for welding, casting and other uses. The ignitor may be part of reusable crucibles and molds, or expendable packages, containers, and molds, or smaller squibs for igniting larger charges. The ignitor may be immersed in or substantially adjacent the charge of exothermic material. The spark forming hole or holes is made and shaped by a punch in a simple and low cost manner. The ignitor eliminates the need for starting powders or materials and flint gun ignitors.

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

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

Abstract: A device for igniting a solid pyrotechnic charge, including a conducting track, wherein the track consists of a conducting fluid deposited at least partially on the pyrotechnic charge, the pyrotechnic charge is deposited on a solid support and covers an empty cavity of the support, and the cavity forms a empty space between the pyrotechnic charge and the support.

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 standalone ignition subassembly designed for ready incorporation into pyrotechnic detonators.

Abstract: A detonator that incorporates certain features of automotive airbag initiators, and methods of making same.

Abstract: A detonator with an ignition element that includes a transistor-style sealed header feedthrough.

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: An igniter element and an ignition electronics assembly are mounted and electrically interconnected on a circuit carrier for igniting a pyrotechnic charge, e.g. for deploying an airbag in a motor vehicle. The igniter element (e.g. a layer of ignitable material) is arranged on a carrier body of heat-resistant, thermally insulating material, which is mounted on the circuit carrier. An electrical contact on the carrier body electrically connects the igniter element with the circuit carrier. The carrier body has a standardized configuration, contact arrangement, and dimensions, to be mounted on the circuit carrier like any standardized electronic component using automated equipment. Relative to the contact on the bottom surface, the igniter element can be arranged on a side surface of the carrier body so as to face in a longitudinal direction away from the ignition electronics assembly and toward and into contact with the pyrotechnic charge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of very low-energy electropyrotechnic initiators. The initiator (1) according to the invention comprises, in particular: an electrically and thermally insulating support (26) on which is deposited a thin-film electrical circuit comprising a resistive heating element (17) whose thickness is less than 1×10−6 m; an ignition composition (23) consisting of a primary explosive, the particle size of which is less than 30×10−6 m. The initiators according to the invention are very suitable for initiating devices for protecting the occupants of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A detonator for initiating a detonation event in an explosive charge. The detonator comprises an exploding foil initiator and a switch. The exploding foil initiator includes a detonator bridge with a bridge member and a bridge contact that are electrically coupled to one another. The switch includes a switch contact that is spaced apart from the detonator bridge such that a spark gap of a predetermined width is defined between the bridge contact and the switch contact. A discharge arc, which is formed when a voltage in excess of a predetermined gap breakdown voltage is applied across the spark gap, closes the switch to thereby permit current to flow between the bridge contact and the switch contact.

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: A smart igniter bus system has a repeater connected by a bus to a controller, and one or more smart igniters connected by the bus to the repeater so that the repeater is between the smart igniters and the controller. The repeater receives data transmitted on the bus by the controller and processes the signal sent by the controller with onboard logic. Utilizing the onboard logic, the repeaters are preprogrammed to rebroadcast control signals sent by the controller or to only rebroadcast selected signals, or to generate and transmit new command signals.

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

Abstract: A firing device is described and has an electronic unit which is connected upstream of a firing cap and generates a constant firing voltage. A bypass line is provided for bypassing the electronic unit. A test switching device can be actuated by a test signal and, when a test signal is present, connects a line, which conducts a supply voltage, to the bypass line. In this way, a Brouston test can be carried out.

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: An electrically actuatable igniter (24) comprises a pair of electrodes (40) and (42). A heating element (44) is electrically connected between the electrodes (40) and (42). An ignition material (48) is in contact with the heating element (44). The ignition material (48) includes an energetic composition. The energetic composition comprises, by weight of the energetic composition, about 60% to about 90% basic copper nitrate, up to about 20% supplemental oxidizer, about 5% to about 20% charcoal, and up to about 10% supplemental fuel.

Abstract: A frequency addressable ignitor control device utilizes electronic bandpass filters tuned to a unique center frequency and bandwidth for each ignitor. Energy generated by the system's controller comprises one or more narrow pulses whose center frequency corresponds to one or more bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies and sufficient energy for activation. A plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies are connected in parallel in the system. The controller generates electrical pulses of different frequencies transferred to the plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies via a two wire ignitor bus. Bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies whose filter allows sufficient energy to pass to an ignitor bridge element initiates the ignitor's explosive charge.

Abstract: An ordnance system of the present invention may include or feature any one or more of: a control unit, one or more effectors (detonators, initiators, shaped charges and the like), and a two-, three- or four-wire communication bus between the control unit and the effectors; an addressable system in which all the effectors can be connected to the same communication bus and the control unit can issue coded signals on the bus addressed to a specific effector; inductive coupling between the effectors and the communication bus; and a multi-voltage level communication system in which communication signals are carried at a first voltage and arming signals are provided at a second, higher voltage. Other features may include two-way communication between effectors and the control unit and the de-centralization of firing control so that the control unit does not have exclusive control over whether the effectors function.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of an electropyrotechnic initiator (1) comprising a pyrotechnic varnish (6) initiated by a resistive heating element (11). The pyrotechnic varnish is obtained by deposition, on the resistive element, of an aqueous adhesive composed of a dispersion of an explosive substance and of additives in an aqueous suspension based on a copolymer and then by drying the said aqueous adhesive at a temperature of between 55° C. and 75° C. The copolymer is chosen from ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers and vinyl acetate/ethylene acetate/ethylene copolymers.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator with a narrowed sleeve attached to a header assembly and retaining a pyrotechnic charge, and methods of making same.

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: A frequency addressable ignitor control device utilizes electronic bandpass filters tuned to a unique center frequency and bandwidth for each ignitor. Energy generated by the system's controller comprises one or more narrow pulses whose center frequency corresponds to one or more bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies and sufficient energy for activation. A plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies are connected in parallel in the system. The controller generates electrical pulses of different frequencies transferred to the plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies via a two wire ignitor bus. Bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies whose filter allows sufficient energy to pass to an ignitor bridge element initiates the ignitor's explosive charge.

Abstract: A structure of a capsule for a rapidly expanding metallic mixture is disclosed. The capsule structure comprises an insulating outer casing; a rapidly expanding mixture contained in the outer casing; a pair of main trigger electrodes for inducing arc discharge, the main trigger electrodes being embedded in the metallic mixture; and a pair of power supply rods electrically connected to the main trigger electrodes, respectively, so as to apply high voltage from an external high voltage generator to the main trigger electrodes. The capsule structure is capable of easily providing a triggering temperature required for initiation of an oxidation reaction of the metallic mixture that is oxidized at high temperatures of 700° C. or more (about 1,500° C.).

Abstract: An apparatus for the activation of a remote device having a transmitter to generate and transmit user-set special coded signals. The transmitter has a function selector switch to select modes of operation for the transmitter. Included is also a receiver to receive the user-set special coded signals, and the receiver also has a function selector switch to select modes of operation for the receiver. The function selector switch selects the following modes of operation for the transmitter: (a) a “transmit/fire” mode that enables a fire signal to be transmitted to the receiver; (b) a “wake-up” mode that enables a set-up receiver mode for immediate firing; (c) a program mode for low power transmission of programmed codes; and (d) a “test” and operational mode that enables an operational test of the apparatus with no firing output.

Abstract: A cartridge having an electrothermal ignition device, in which, ignition conduits extend axially through a first propellant-charge powder (4) filling a cartridge sleeve (5), with the conduits essentially comprising an electrical wire (11-13) that is guided axially through a tube (14-16) comprising a second propellant-charge powder. Propellant-charge-powder tubes (14-16) comprising an optically transparent propellant-charge powder are used so that even cartridges (1) having a first propellant-charge powder (4) that is difficult to ignite can be ignited rapidly and reliably, requiring the smallest possible quantity of electrical energy.

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: A cartridge with a propellant case (4) that contains a propellant charge (3) and an electrothermal ignition device, wherein several ignition channels (9) are provided in the charge (3), and extend axial-symmetrical in the direction of longitudinal axis (8) of cartridge (1), with each channel comprising a propellant tube (10) and an electrically conducting layer (11). To achieve a uniform and symmetrical ignition of the cartridge (1) in the chamber of the respective weapon, electric arcs (21) that form during the ignition operation in the ignition channels (9), are decoupled in that the electrically conducting layer (11) is composed of successively connected rhombi or other shapes (circles, ovals, etc.)that electrically function as decoupling resistances. When current flows through such a structure, the current bridges (20) arranged in the current-flow direction between the individual rhombi (15) etc. initially break apart explosively.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of devices for igniting pyrotechnic charges, and more specifically those suitable for small pyrotechnic charges which can be found in microsystems such as microvalves or micropumps.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator with enclosed on-board control circuitry, and a mating connector therefor.

Abstract: A smart igniter bus system has a repeater connected by a bus to a controller, and one or more smart igniters connected by the bus to the repeater so that the repeater is between the smart igniters and the controller. The repeater receives data transmitted on the bus by the controller and processes the signal sent by the controller with onboard logic. Utilizing the onboard logic, the repeaters are preprogrammed to rebroadcast control signals sent by the controller or to only rebroadcast selected signals, or to generate and transmit new command signals.

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: An igniter element and an ignition electronics assembly are mounted and electrically interconnected on a circuit carrier for igniting a pyrotechnic charge, e.g. for deploying an airbag in a motor vehicle. The igniter element (e.g. a layer of ignitable material) is arranged on a carrier body of heat-resistant, thermally insulating material, which is mounted on the circuit carrier. An electrical contact on the carrier body electrically connects the igniter element with the circuit carrier. The carrier body has a standardized configuration, contact arrangement, and dimensions, to be mounted on the circuit carrier like any standardized electronic component using automated equipment. Relative to the contact on the bottom surface, the igniter element can be arranged on a side surface of the carrier body so as to face in a longitudinal direction away from the ignition electronics assembly and toward and into contact with the pyrotechnic charge.

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: The invention provides a lead structure having a lead of low resistance material disposed within a surrounding sleeve or collar of low expansion material which is bonded at one end to the lead. The sleeve or collar is bonded on its outer surface to an insulating wall through which the lead structure extends. The lead is preferably copper and the sleeve or collar is preferably a nickel-alloy. The lead is hermetically sealed to the surrounding sleeve, and the sleeve is hermetically sealed to the insulating wall to provide a hermetic structure which does not detract from the use of high conductivity electrical lead materials which are often not employable in conventional hermetic sealed leads or packages. A plurality of lead structures can be employed in one or more walls of a circuit package.