Abstract: A firecracker and firecracker arrangement. The firecracker includes an outer sheath having two face sides and that is closed at both face sides with a layer of barrier material. Pyrotechnic effect elements and a bursting charge are arranged inside the outer sheath. A first ignition line that penetrates the barrier material is guided up to the bursting charge. The bursting charge is accommodated inside a completely closed, cylindrical jacket that is arranged coaxial to the outer sheath such that a longitudinal center axes of the outer sheath and of the cylindrical jacket coincide. The first ignition line is guided through an opening in the cylindrical jacket to the bursting charge. The pyrotechnic effect elements are arranged to form a predefined geometric shape in at least one plane extending transverse to the longitudinal center axis of the outer sheath.

Abstract: A diversionary device capable of providing multiple discharges according to a prescribed time schedule. The device preferably assumes the same general form as a prior art stun grenade, including a safety pin that is pulled to arm the device and a spring-biased lever that is released when the device is deployed.

Abstract: A compression molded combined firework includes a plurality of tubular cavity bodies evenly distributed in parallel on a body. Upper ends of the tubular cavity bodies are open, lower ends of the tubular cavity bodies are closed. Chemicals for launching fireworks and effect parts are disposed in the tubular cavity bodies. Flash holes penetrating through the bottom surface of the body are formed in the closed ends of the tubular cavity bodies. Bottom surface openings of the flash holes are located in a wiring groove. A blocking groove is disposed in the wiring groove and between the bottom surface openings of the flash holes. The wiring groove is sealed with glue. The glue forms a closed ring shape along the cross section direction of a leading wire in the wiring groove, thereby blocking a channel where powder gas goes forwards along a gap, and eliminating the phenomenon of blaze.

Abstract: A combination fireworks device including at least one fire transmission unit including a plurality of single tubes placed in successive arrangement, wherein each of the plurality of single tubes includes a fire hole located on the tube side wall, and a single, continuous fuse connecting the plurality of single tubes to each other in series, wherein a portion of the fuse extends into the fire hole of each of the plurality of single tubes and the portion of the fuse includes a length of the fuse folded back onto itself in each fire hole.

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.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a low foreign object damage nose weight for affixing to a either a standard or kinematic decoy flare comprising a thin walled nose cup having a closed end, an open end, an internal cavity, and at least one sidewall attached to said closed end and surrounding said internal cavity; and a metal powder disposed within the internal cavity for weighing down the forward end of the decoy flare, said nose cup capable of being affixed to a forward end of a decoy flare such that said powder is jettisoned from said nose cup upon burn out of a flare pellet subassembly of said decoy flare thereby reducing the weight of the nose cup and the possibility of foreign object damage to aircraft, ground troops, ground equipment and buildings resulting from the falling nose weight.

Abstract: A combination fireworks device including at least one fire transmission unit including a plurality of single tubes placed in successive arrangement, wherein each of the plurality of single tubes includes a fire hole located on the tube side wall, and a single, continuous fuse connecting the plurality of single tubes to each other in series, wherein a portion of the fuse extends into the fire hole of each of the plurality of single tubes and the portion of the fuse includes a length of the fuse folded back onto itself in each fire hole.

Abstract: Provided is a barrel insert for use with a barrel containing a plurality of axially stacked projectiles. The barrel insert has a proximal and a distal end, the distal end adapted to engage a proximally disposed projectile disposed in the barrel. The barrel insert also defines an expansion volume for propellant gases for launching the proximally disposed projectile at a predetermined velocity.

Abstract: A tricolor signal flare projectile configured for use with a “high-low” projectile launching system such as the U.S. Army's M-433. The projectile includes a body having a cylindrical side wall and an aft closure. The body's forward portion is open, which provides access to a hollow interior. A delay assembly is installed in the aft closure. The delay assembly includes a delay column. A signal igniter is located just forward of the delay column in the hollow interior of the body. The hollow interior also includes separate volumes of red, white, and blue illuminant. An ogive closes over the top of the hollow interior of the body, thereby encapsulating the other components. When the projectile is fired from a launcher the propellant gases burning with the launcher ignite the delay column. The delay column burns while the projectile travels along its trajectory. After the passage of a desired time interval, the delay column ignites the signal igniter.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic device comprising an outer casing having a bore therein, a central sleeve extending from the bore into an interior of the outer casing and an insert having a burst explosive charge therein sized to be capable of being slidably received within the central sleeve.

Abstract: A remote pyrotechnic ignition system includes a power supply for producing an electrical current in a transmitting induction coil to induce an electrical current in a receiving induction coil for igniting a pyrotechnic device. Thus, a wireless ignition communication section allows pyrotechnic mortars to be reused and substantially reduces set-up time by eliminating the wiring of fireworks normally required for a pyrotechnic production. Optionally, a capacitor is charged by the power source via a charging circuit and discharged via a firing circuit to produce the electric current in the transmitting coil in a pulse. The capacitor provides a two-stage firing safety feature. An electronic control device such as a circuit board may be mounted on the pyrotechnic device for controlling ignition of the pyrotechnic device and is especially useful in controlling ignition sequencing and overall ignition timing of a lift charge and burst charge of the pyrotechnic device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved kinematic countermeasure flare and method of constructing the same wherein the housing has integrated internal features. The flare nose weight is set at the end of a die core prior to molding for integration with the housing. Longitudinal grooves and other recesses in the die core allow for the formation of internal longitudinal ribs which propellant can bond to and a retaining bead for retaining the nose weight in the housing which are integrated with the housing. Propellant is cast into the formed housing. A propellant shaping mandrel is then inserted into the formed housing thereby forcing the propellant into the internal cavity created by the integrally molded longitudinal ribs, the shaping mandrel and the wall of the flare housing such that the propellant is bonded to the interior housing wall and the longitudinal ribs.

Abstract: A combined firework is disclosed. In the combined firework, several tubular holes whose central longitudinal axes are parallel to each other are uniformly distributed in a body, the tubular holes have openings upward and bottom ends closed. The closed end of the bottom of each tubular hole is provided with two small through holes penetrating through the bottom of the body and respectively provided with an inward fuse and an outward fuse in series connection. The body, the tubular holes and the small through holes thereof are an integrally molded structure. On the bottom in the tubular hole propellant powder is provided and connected with the outward fuse and the inward fuse. On the propellant powder an inner cylinder or effect powder is provided.

Abstract: In networked electronic ordnance systems as disclosed herein, a plurality of pyrotechnic devices communicate with a controller along a common bus. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, at least some of the pyrotechnic devices in the ordnance system are configured such that the address for those devices can be defined during or subsequent to installation of the pyrotechnic devices in an end system. In some instances, a logic device in the pyrotechnic device includes a diagnostics block that initiates a suite of diagnostic tests within the pyrotechnic device in response to a diagnostics command received by the pyrotechnic device. Additionally, in some instances, an additional safety mechanism is added to an energy-reserve capacitor in the pyrotechnic device in compliance with a safe-by-wire standard.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a low foreign object damage nose weight for affixing to a either a standard or kinematic decoy flare comprising a thin walled nose cup having a closed end, an open end, an internal cavity, and at least one sidewall attached to said closed end and surrounding said internal cavity; and a metal powder disposed within the internal cavity for weighing down the forward end of the decoy flare, said nose cup capable of being affixed to a forward end of a decoy flare such that said powder is jettisoned from said nose cup upon burn out of a flare pellet subassembly of said decoy flare thereby reducing the weight of the nose cup and the possibility of foreign object damage to aircraft, ground troops, ground equipment and buildings resulting from the falling nose weight.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic ignitor. The ignitor includes a break charge and a voltage storage component in communication with the break charge, wherein the voltage stored in the voltage storage component is for firing the break charge when the voltage is communicated to the break charge. The ignitor further includes a processor in communication with the voltage storage component, wherein the processor is configured to delay transmission of the voltage stored in the voltage storage component for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A firework launching platform apparatus includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side and a peripheral edge. The panel has a plurality of apertures therein extending into the top side and outwardly of the bottom side. The apertures receive a body of a firework to support the firework in an upright manner. The apertures include primary apertures and secondary apertures. Each of the primary apertures is positioned adjacent to the peripheral edge of the panel. A plurality of channels is positioned in the bottom side of the panel. The channels each extend through the peripheral edge and into one of the primary apertures. Each of the primary apertures is linked by at least one of the channels to the peripheral edge.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment of the present invention there is disclosed a polytechnic device comprising an outer casing having a bore therein, a central sleeve extending from the bore into an interior of the outer casing and an insert having a burst explosive charge therein sized to be slidably received within the central sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a stun grenade device with an elongated cylindrical body having a cylindrical sidewall and opposed top and bottom end faces. The body includes a delay chamber containing a delay material, and has a number of flash charge chambers each containing a quantity of flash charge material. The body defines a number of ignition passages, each communicating from a respective flash charge chamber to the delay chamber. Each flash charge chamber has at least one exhaust aperture penetrating the top or bottom end face. Each flash charge chamber may be formed in an elongated tubular sleeve inset in a frame of a different material.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for simulating an actual explosion of an explosive device includes one or more firing devices and a control module. A firing device comprises a pyrotechnic device operable to direct a pyrotechnic explosion in a predetermined direction to simulate the actual explosion of the explosive device. The control module receives a trigger signal from a trigger device, which is operable to send the trigger signal in response to a trigger event. The control module detonates the firing devices in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: A method for achieving zero, or near zero, latency timed pyrotechnic events by utilizing distributed processing is presented. A list of timed events may be used to synchronize a pyrotechnic firing sequence with music or other external events. This list is distributed over a series of embedded microprocessors. Each microprocessor is then synchronized to a master controller clock, and enabled such that each processor may then fire independently as required by the master list. This distributed process removes the split-second timing requirement from the main controller enabling the achievement of zero latency and providing significantly more timing events to be processed simultaneously while alleviating problems such as wireless radio interference delays. Each module is capable of forwarding information to other modules, which may be a position that prevents wireless communication directly with the master controller.

Abstract: A system for the securing of road flares in order to maintain continuous burning of the flares and not allow them to roll away. The system includes first and second holding means aligned either in the same plane, or offset from each other. The first holding means holds a flare by a first end of the flare. The second holding means is connected to the first holding means in either the same plane or else at a distance from the first holding means. The second holding means holds a second flare by the second end of the flare. Once the first flare has burned the entire length of the flare, it ignites the second end of the second flare so that the second flare is ignited.

Abstract: A styling pyrotechnic device comprising multiple, two preferred, bearing members with each disposed with multiple locating holes to receive insertion of multiple pyrotechnic tubes; each pyrotechnic tube being erected at a certain inclination; multiple locating holes on each bearing member being arranged in a circle; each circle having its circumference same as or different from that of another circle for multiple pyrotechnic tubes to be erected at different inclinations to produce various styling effects when fired into the skies.

Abstract: An ignition system for 1.4 g or consumer fireworks includes a base to which the fireworks are secured to prevent tipping thereof during shooting. The base is secured to the ground or other surface for stability. Preferably, the base is part of a container which encloses the fireworks in a pre-mounted fashion to protect the fireworks from the elements. Electrical matches or E-matches are used to ignite the fireworks and are controlled by an electrical control at a safe distance from the fireworks during the firing thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for production of pyrotechnic effects, having a plurality of pyrotechnic charges and initiation means which are accommodated in common casing bodies (22). According to the invention, the casing bodies (22) together with the pyrotechnic charges and initiation means are associated with a common mount (20), the mount having initiation conductors which lead to each initiation means.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic projectile includes a body, projectile GPS means for determining the position of the pyrotechnic projectile, a plurality of pyrotechnic sub-units disposed within the body, and ejection means responsive to the projectile GPS means. The pyrotechnic sub-units include sub-unit GPS means for determining the position of the sub-unit, and ignition means for igniting the sub-unit when the position determined by the sub-unit GPS means corresponds to a pre-selected position. The ejection means eject the plurality of sub-units from the body.

Abstract: A fireworks stand for elevating fixed-position fireworks, especially cone type fountains, having a body with an inner cavity for storing the fireworks and an upper platform for supporting the fireworks during discharge. The platform is nested into an upper end of the body and receives an upper keeper that is sized and shaped to fit inside of the nested platform in order to secure the fireworks. The cavity has a lower keeper and base structure that is removed to provide access to a plurality of inserts, which house the fireworks.

Abstract: Group firing system for firework unit, wherein it has 1–2 paper fuse tubes, which are assembled with other shot tubes. While both ends of the paper fuse tubes have male socket and female socket, so each firework unit could be connected to a firework group through soft fuse hose which contains a fuse inside. There are two firing systems, i.e. series connection and parallel connection.

Abstract: A fireworks artillery shell for use as a consumer firework which may be propelled by the use of a mortar is provided which includes a casing, a lift charge, an effects charge, a timing fuse and an ignition fuse, and seals. The seals are provided within the casing above and below the effects charge to increase the burst effect of the effects charge. The lift charge is positioned within the casing and below the lower seal, and upon ignition, lifts the fireworks artillery shell into the air. The seals promote a harder break and more explosive effect from the effects charge without interfering with the lifting charge.

Abstract: An ejection device for ejecting a plurality of submunitions (24a-d) having an adapter (10) including a control unit (12, 13, 14a-c, 15a-b, 16) and adapted for releasable fastening in an ejection barrel (2) of a discharger (1), and a submunitions cluster (20) including the submunitions and adapted for releasable connection, both mechanical and electrical, with the adapter. In the assembled condition of the device, the submunitions cluster is connected with the adapter, permitting submunitions to be ejected from the submunitions cluster. The control unit of the adapter controls the device to eject submunitions in one or more of a variety of ejection modes, such as sequentially one by one or at least in part simultaneously. The period between ejection of two consecutive submunitions may be adjustable. The ejection device may be integrated into a discharging unit including at least one discharger (1), such as a conventional discharging unit.

Abstract: The product includes a self-propelled aerial pyrotechnic device and an upright launch tube for the device. The device is closely confined within the launch tube so as to be maintained in an essentially truly vertical orientation in preparation for launch. The device itself comprises a body containing pyrotechnic display material and an engine that serves to propel the body when ignited. A stabilizing base, preferably integrally molded from synthetic resinous material, is attached to the lower end of the body and is in the nature of a framework having a plurality of symmetrically disposed, long legs interconnected at various locations by strut structure. The engine is received within a socket at the upper end of the stabilizing base and is adhered to interior surfaces of the legs to provide a secure connection between the body and the base.

Abstract: This invention relates to a firing launching system and method which comprises a base having a plurality of apertures. The plurality of apertures receive a plurality of mortars which, in turn, receive a plurality of Pyrotechnic projectiles which may be situated in the plurality of mortars, respectively. The Pyrotechnic projectiles may then be ignited and launched to provide a fireworks display. The base may be a one-piece molded solid construction and provided with the plurality of apertures such that at least two-thirds of each of the plurality of mortars is encased to provide support to a wall of the mortar. The base may be provided with a plurality of apertures having a common diameter for receiving a common size mortar or receiving one of a plurality of sleeves, each having the same outer diameter, but a varying inner diameter to permit the sleeve to receive a different sized mortars.

Abstract: A multiple effect pyrotechnic shell (20), having a lift chamber (22), primary break (24), secondary break (26), and a tertiary break (28) has a desired weight distribution to inhibit tumbling. The secondary break weight is less than the primary break weight, and the tertiary break weight is less than both the primary and secondary break weights. Thus, the center of gravity of the shell (20) is positioned below a midpoint of the shell height. A first timing fuse (46) extends from a lift charge (30) into a primary break charge (50A) of the primary break (24), and a primary internal timing fuse (64) extends from the primary break (24) to the secondary break (26). Further, a secondary internal timing fuse (70) extends from the secondary break (26) to the tertiary break (28). Fuse fragments (52) are preferably disbursed within the break hulls (48) to provide filler and add an additional effect to each break (24-28).

Abstract: A projectile for firing from an ammunition shell. The projectile includes an elongated hollow body of a resilient material, the hollow body further having a trailing end, a mid-portion, and a leading end, the leading end being closed and the trailing end having an aperture providing access to the interior surface. A propellant is included near the leading end of the hollow body and against the interior surface of the elongated hollow body, so that the interior surface of the hollow body between the trailing end of the hollow body and the mid-portion of the hollow body defines a hollow space. The projectile is adapted for placement within the ammunition shell to allow firing of the projectile from a shotgun or the like.

Abstract: A skyrocket is provided which provides a first fireworks effect prior to launch as well as a second effect after launching. The skyrocket includes a body which houses or is coupled to a rocket motor, a first effect and a second effect. A transparent or translucent nose cone is placed on the top end of the body which provides both the ability to view one of the effects placed therein but also maintains the aerodynamic properties of the skyrocket. The first effect may be a strobing effecting which during burning provides a pulsating intensity of light visible through the nose cone prior to lift-off of the skyrocket, and the second effect may be a bursting charge which explodes after the rocket is in flight. An ignition fuse leads to the first effect and a second fuse leads to the rocket motor so that by lighting the first fuse, no further fuses need be lit and a delay is provided before the rocket motor ignites.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic drive, in particular a linear drive for vehicle occupant restraint systems comprises a cylinder having a cylinder wall and a working space, a piston which together with the cylinder wall delimits the working space, and several pyrotechnic propellant charges producing gas. The gas reaches the working space and thereby sets the piston in motion relative to the cylinder. The propellant charges are ignited staggered in time relative to each other and comprise a first propellant charge integrated in the piston and a second propellant charge connected with the cylinder wall.

Abstract: An air-delivered infrared anti-ship missile decoy is delivered from an aiaft to a desired location below sea surface ahead of advancing forces and then activated at a later time by a remotely-transmitted encoded signal to separate a payload assembly from the remainder of the decoy, float the payload assembly on the sea surface and then produce a relatively large infrared plume above the payload assembly and atop the sea surface that provides an infrared signature for decoying and deception purposes.

Abstract: A plurality of magazines each receive an array of pyrotechnic devices. The magazines are latched to a fire control and support assembly which automatically engages the fire control circuit to each device of each magazine. The circuit ignites all devices of all the magazines in a given serial sequence. The system, under control of an operator, when turned off, may be restarted at the beginning of a selected sequence, at the point where the last device was ignited and continue the sequence or at selected different portions of devices. Different size devices can be ignited by one circuit using different magazines all coupled to one unit. Safety features also include delay ignition after startup and sounding an alarm before any device is ignited. A CPU is enabled by a fire command signal and disabled by internal programmed instructions. The CPU is periodically enabled in a device ignition cycle by external timing signals initiated by the CPU when enabled.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic device for launching at least one projectile includes, in a longitudinal launcher tube closed at the rear by a rear wall, a closure member expelled when subjected to a longitudinal force exceeding a predetermined threshold and retaining at least one projectile on opposite sides of which are a front chamber and a rear chamber in which an impulse cartridge builds up a gas pressure simultaneously. In this way a plurality of projectiles can be fired sequentially by means of a single impulse cartridge.

Abstract: The member bearing electromagnetic decoys comprises a sliding member (23 to 27) having an open major face closed by a cover of which an extension projects opposite an opening (21A) in a compartment (21) provided for a pyrotechnic portion. When the pyrotechnic charge there disposed has caused ejection of the decoy-bearing sliding member, and after a given delay, it will act on the extension of the cover in order to remove the latter and thereby release it from the electromagnetic decoys. This ensures that the decoys are deployed at the end of a given delay after ejection of the decoy-bearing member from the aircraft.

Abstract: A smoke screen shell is provided having a rapidly burning decoy charge that generates a spontaneous fog and a slowly burning camouflage charge that generates a lasting fog. The decoy charge and camouflage charge are fired from a canister sleeve by an ejection charge. Upon firing, pressure from the ejection charge is communicated through a channel to a relief chamber positioned between the decoy charge and the camouflage charge. This results in an accelleration difference, causing a separation and slightly different trajectories, the decoy component accelerating at a higher rate. The decoy charge takes effect in the air prior to the camouflage charge. The collocation of the spontaneous fog and of the lasting fog essentially occurs in the target. The decoy charge and the camouflage charge land within a proximity at a target area such that a collocation occurs between the spontaneous fog and of the delayed lasting fog. The ignition and relief chambers, the channel therebetween, the charges, etc.

Abstract: A munition has at least two smoke pots disposed in a casing and ejected outside the casing by an ejection composition. Each pot has an axial channel, and the axial channels are aligned so as to constitute an ignition channel of the smoke pots, ignition being ensured by the ejection composition. The munition has a temporary axial link between the two smoke pots when they are ejected and on their trajectory.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic bomb comprising a body (1) containing a burst charge (2) and flare charges (6) whose dispersion and ignition are ensured during the burst, characterized in that the said body (1) is made at least partially from a pyrotechnic composition.

Abstract: A plurality of magazines each receive an array of pyrotechnic devices. The magazines are latched to a fire control and support assembly which automatically engages the fire control circuit to each device of each magazine. The circuit ignites all devices of all the magazines in a given serial sequence. The system, under control of an operator, when turned off, may be restarted at the beginning of a selected sequence, at the point where the last device was ignited and continue the sequence or at selected different portions of devices. Different size devices can be ignited by one circuit having different magazines all coupled to one unit. Safety features also include delay ignition after startup and sounding an alarm before any device is ignited. A CPU is enabled by a fire command signal and disabled by internal programmed instructions. The CPU is periodically enabled in a device ignition cycle by external timing signals initiated by the CPU when enabled.

Abstract: An emergency signalling device comprising an elongate shell to be fired into the air. The shell encloses a combustible propellant charge, combustible material for generating a visible smoke trail, combustible material for generating a visible spark trail, at least one explosive charge for generating an audible report, a multiplicity of radar chaff particles, and an explosive ejection charge for distributing the radar chaff particles from the shell once the shell has been propelled beyond a predetermined altitude. An ignitor wire is provided which is in contact with the propellant charge. The shell is enclosed in a barrel for storage and launching. The barrel has an external thumbstop to prevent recoil from pushing the barrel back through the hand of the operator. There is a bulkhead at the closed lower end of the barrel, on which are mounted electrical contacts connected to the ends of the ignitor wire.

Abstract: A holder for fireworks comprising a pair of rigid uprights of sheet material and a number of rigid plates or shelves of sheet material extending between the uprights. Slots in the respective components provide for assembly into a self-supporting fireworks holder by the relative telescoping of the uprights through the slots. Legs of sheet construction are also telescoped through slots in the upright and interlock with slits in the baseplate to rigidify the structure. Holes in some of the plates hold the fireworks in position for firing. The baseplate is substantially free of holes to serve as a shield to prevent inadvertent ignition of materials proximal to the holder.

Abstract: A line throwing rocket arrangement is disclosed which is normally stored in a generally rectangular case. The set includes at least one rocket provided with a guide sleeve generally integral with the body of the rocket but disposed exteriorly thereof. During the launching, the sleeve slides over a straight guide rod. The storage case is provided with suitable means for securement of the guide rod to the box at different angles so that different ranges can be covered by the rocket in rescue or the like operations can be covered. The advance in the art is primarily in the simplified arrangement which facilitates the operation and reduces the manufacturing costs of the set.

Abstract: An emergency flare for road and railway use which changes so a different color during the final stage of illumination, thus warning that burnout is approaching, and thereby allowing time for replacement or other means to warn oncoming traffic.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic, aircraft carried bomb such as a smoke bomb, illumination b, flare bomb and the like. The bomb comprises detachable delay and nose sections and two main body sections separable from each other and each holding a pyrotechnic charge. The tail section houses a braking parachute which is deployed by the action of a time fuze upon release from the carrier aircraft. The tail and nose sections further house each a main parachute associated each with one of the main body sections. After a certain delay the deployed braking parachute starts an ignition train which causes ejection of the tail and front sections, deployment of the main parachutes, separation of the two main body sections from each other and ignition of the pyrotechnic charges therein. The two main body sections parachute down and reach the ground in soft landing with the pyrotechnic charges burning during the descent and, if desired, they may be arranged to continue to burn for a while after landing, e.g. in case of a smoke bomb.

Abstract: A multiple effect pyrotechnic shell (20), having a lift chamber (22), primary break (24), secondary break (26), and a tertiary break (28) has a desired weight distribution to inhibit tumbling. The secondary break weight is less than the primary break weight, and the tertiary break weight is less than both the primary and secondary break weights. Thus, the center of gravity of the shell (20) is positioned below a midpoint of the shell height. A first timing fuse (46) extends from a lift charge (30) into a primary break charge (50A) of the primary break (24), and a primary internal timing fuse (64) extends from the primary break (24) to the secondary break (26). Further, a secondary internal timing fuse (70) extends from the secondary break (26) to the tertiary break (28). Fuse fragments (52) are preferably disbursed within the break hulls (48) to provide filler and add an additional effect to each break (24-28).