Abstract: A gas-impermeable sealer element (24, 124) for a detonator or other explosive initiation device includes a non-reactive sleeve (26, 126) having a channel (28, 128) formed therein. A reactive material strip (30, 130) is sealed within the channel for transmission of an explosive's initiation signal through the sealer element (24, 124), either alone or in cooperation with transfer charges located at the input and/or output end of the non-reactive sleeve (26, 126). The reactive material strip (30, 130) comprises a reactive metal wire or other substrate (34) having on one or both sides thereof a layer of reactive material (30, 130, 36), either reactive metal foils which react exothermically when ignited, or a deposited fuel-oxidizer reactive material. The reactive materials, upon being energized, react exothermically in the absence of atmospheric oxygen or other extraneous oxidizer and so may be encapsulated, sealed or otherwise isolated from the atmosphere in use.

Abstract: A detonator formed entirely from a plurality of discrete segments of an insensitive energetic composition, each of the segments employed in the detonator being compacted at different pressures from powder and/or granules of insensitive energetic composition so as to form an energetic train which sequences detonation of the individual segments. Initiation of a main charge can only be effected when a last segment in the detonation train is initiated. Detonation starts with a first segment in the detonation train which is produced under the lowest compaction pressure, and then detonation progresses to a last segment compacted under a higher compaction pressure. The first segment can be detonated by a safety fuse or detonating cord, and the last segment can only be detonated by the next to the last segment in the detonation train.

Abstract: A cartridge useful as an activator of other systems, and related method of manufacture. The cartridge's casing includes a fuse delimited by placing a plate at each end staked to the casing for fixing the fuse. This configuration permits precise control of the length of the fuse during manufacture, eliminates the need for separate structures in the casing to aid fuse location, and simplifies manufacture and assembly. This configuration supports the fuse lessening stresses that can lead to fractures. A portion of the casing is thinned by a preselected amount to permit fracturing of the casing to launch the projectile. The projectile may be attached to the cartridge casing more simply, e.g. by screw threading.

Abstract: A hand grenade fuze has a firing cap, a delay charge, which can be fired by the firing cap, in a delay charge holder, a detonator, which can be fired by the delay charge, in a detonator holder, and a booster charge, which can be fired by the detonator, for firing a hand grenade explosive charge.

Abstract: A delay unit (10) comprises a timing strip (14) and, optionally, a calibration strip (20) deposited on a substrate (12). The timing and calibration strips comprise energetic materials which optionally may comprise particles of nanosize materials, e.g., a fuel and an oxidizer, optionally applied as separate layers. A method of making the delay units comprises depositing onto a substrate (12) a timing strip (14) having a starting point (14d) and a discharge point (14e) and depositing onto the same or another substrate a calibration strip (20). Timing strip (14) and calibration strip (20) are of identical composition and are otherwise configured, e.g., thickness of the strips, to have identical burn rates. The calibration strip (20) is ignited and its burn rate is ascertained.

Abstract: A fuze for a projectile has a firing assembly for firing a main charge of the projectile and a delay detonator for firing the firing assembly after a delay time which is defined by a burning distance of a delay charge. The delay detonator has a housing with a fuze half in which it is fired and a detonator half which contains a detonator charge for firing the firing assembly. In order to prevent the projectile from misfiring as a result of premature detonation of the delay detonator, the housing has a relief opening in the fuze half, with an opening cross section that can be passed through freely in the firing state of the delay detonator.

Abstract: A delay unit (10) comprises a timing strip (14) and, optionally, a calibration strip (20) deposited on a substrate (12). The timing and calibration strips comprise energetic materials which optionally may comprise particles of nanosize materials, e.g., a fuel and an oxidizer, optionally applied as separate layers. A method of making the delay units comprises depositing onto a substrate (12) a timing strip (14) having a starting point (14d) and a discharge point (14e) and depositing onto the same or another substrate a calibration strip (20). Timing strip (14) and calibration strip (20) are of identical composition and are otherwise configured, e.g., thickness of the strips, to have identical burn rates. The calibration strip (20) is ignited and its burn rate is ascertained.

Abstract: A delay unit (10) comprises a timing strip (14) and, optionally, a calibration strip (20) deposited on a substrate (12). The timing and calibration strips comprise energetic materials which optionally may comprise particles of nanosize materials, e.g., a fuel and an oxidizer, optionally applied as separate layers. A method of making the delay units comprises depositing onto a substrate (12) a timing strip (14) having a starting point (14d) and a discharge point (14e) and depositing onto the same or another substrate a calibration strip (20). Timing strip (14) and calibration strip (20) are of identical composition and are otherwise configured, e.g., thickness of the strips, to have identical burn rates. The calibration strip (20) is ignited and its burn rate is ascertained.

Abstract: A fuze explosive train device for detonating a munition that uses a stab firing pin within a pressure cartridge, with the stab firing pin located between a gas generator and a stab detonator. The firing pin is capable of transferring an energy from the gas generator into the stab detonator in a manner that initiates the stab detonator to a high order explosive reaction. A method of initiating a stab detonator using a stab firing pin also is disclosed.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiation delay device intended in particular to cooperate with a device for firing a pyrotechnic charge of the fuze type, particularly for a hand grenade, having a delay composition located inside a delay column, the latter having a lower end and an upper end, a percussion primer being able to cooperate with the upper part of the delay column, and a striker piston held firmly under the lower end of the delay column and able to move axially in the direction of the element to be struck under the action of an explosive charge cooperating with the lower end of the delay column. The delay column communicates with the explosive charge through a cavity containing plugging means allowing or preventing movement of the striker piston under the effect of the explosive charge.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic device of connection and delay between detonating cords and/or between an igniter and detonating cords, including a cavity divided up in two parts, the internal walls of which are coated with a very flammable material; a means for blocking one or several detonating cords in each of the parts; and a means for communicating between the two parts. The two parts are separated by a partition and the communication means includes a track containing a slowly and regularly burning material, extending outside the cavity walls between openings communicating with each of the two cavity parts.