Abstract: An exemplary method includes using a pressure supply device (PSD) to actuate a hydraulic customer includes activating, when in the first position, a first gas generator of the multiple gas generators thereby driving the piston to the second position, pressurizing the hydraulic fluid, and discharging the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the customer; actuating the customer in response to receiving the pressurized hydraulic fluid; resetting the piston to first position by transferring a resetting hydraulic fluid into the reservoir; and exhausting gas and condensate from the gas chamber in response to resetting the piston to the first position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnical actuator for a vehicle safety system comprising a cylinder (10) and a hollow piston (20) being displaceable relative to each other from an idle state to an activated state, wherein an igniter unit (30) being tightly connected to the hollow piston (20) is arranged inside the hollow piston (20). The invention excels by the fact that in the idle state the hollow piston (20) is received in the cylinder (10) and in the activated state it protrudes at least partially from the cylinder (10) so that the actuator has a larger total length in the activated state than in the idle state. The invention further relates to an actuator and a vehicle safety system comprising such actuator as well as to an actuating method.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic actuator is provided for an active hood that encompasses an installation site for a gas generator, a cylinder incorporating a moving piston and a compressed gas line that joins the installation site with the cylinder. A filter body for trapping particles from the gas stream of the gas generator is arranged on the compressed gas line.

Abstract: An occupant restraint device controller, including an electronic circuit substrate incorporating therein a control circuit that determines whether or not a vehicle has collided based on a detection output of a sensor detecting acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle and outputs a control signal for activating an occupant restraint tool. The electronic circuit substrate is accommodated inside a resin case provided with a structure for leading out a ground electrode from the inside to the outside of the resin case. The structure for leading out a ground electrode is configured such that a fixing leg, for fixing the electronic circuit substrate, is provided inside the case.

Abstract: A projectile for being propelled along a trajectory by propellant gases inside a launcher tube, the projectile including a casing, first pressure means for first pressurizing the casing without exploding the casing during firing of the projectile, and second pressure means for second pressurizing and exploding the casing, wherein the first pressure means includes part of propellant gases inside a launcher tube used to propel the projectile, or alternatively, gases generated by the first pressure means.

Abstract: An electric ignition type gas generation apparatus for use in a vehicle crash safety system includes an ignition section that is ignited by an electric signal produced by the impact of a crash, and a gas generating section in which burning gas is generated by the ignition of the ignition section. The ignition section is formed on the base of the apparatus, and the gas generating section is disposed on the base over the ignition section.

Abstract: A tool for driving a nail or other fastener is actuated by a caseless propellant charge formed of combustible material that is transported into a combustion chamber on a strip. The propellant charge is ignited by striking a sensitizer portion of the charge at an oblique angle. The ignition member intermixes the sensitizer material with an oxidizer layer of the surface of the propellant charge, resulting in combustion of the charge. When ignited, the propellant charge is compressingly interposed between an orifice plate and a movable portion of the combustion chamber. The orifice plate includes a pedestal with an annular compression surface that separates the surface of the ignition area from the remaining surfaces of the charge, insuring that ignition gases are forced through the charge. An annular C-shaped ring is interposed between the orifice plate and the movable portion of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An explosive source for a store ejector system, having a plurality of explosive cartridges that are sequentially detonated to provide a relatively constant force on the store, when the store is ejected. Operatively connected to each explosive cartridge, is a check valve that prevents a detonated cartridge from simultaneously self-detonating the other cartridges that have not been detonated.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for performing a mechanical release function exhibiting low shock and includes two pyrotechnic detents fixed mounted in opposing axial alignment within a cylindrical housing having two mechanical bellows, each bellows having one end hermetically bonded to the housing and the other to the respective actuator pin extending from either end of the housing so that all outgassing and contamination from the operation of the pyrotechnic devices will be contained within the housing and bellows. The pin on one end of the assembly is fixed mounted and supported, via a bolt (FIGS. 1-3) or ball and socket joint (FIG. 4), so that when the charge corresponding to that pin ignites, the entire assembly will exhibit rectilinear movement, including the opposing pin providing the unlatching motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid supply system and seeks to provide a simpler, safer but reliable system than at present known. The fluid supply system comprises a multi-charge solid propellant gas generator and a fluid explusion unit integrated into a single unit, the gas generator being provided in a cap (8) for a chamber (1) having a gas portion (3) and a fluid portion (2) and a movable partition (4) between these two portions operable to expel fluid from the chamber when the gas generator is rendered operative. The system also comprises ignition control means (22) operable to control the ignition of the solid propellant charges (13) when required to give a fully controllable system output.The system can be designed for supplying under pressure fluids such as hydraulic oil, fuels, oxidents and water and is particularly useful in aerospace applications.

Abstract: An operator in which a plurality of explosive propellant cartridges are received in individual chambers and may be rapidly fired one at a time in sequence. The cartridges are fired by an electric current sequentially directed to the cartridges by a distributor. The gas produced by the firing of each cartridge is admitted through control valving to a common receiver. The gas in the common receiver may act on a piston to actuate a device or it may be conveyed by a conduit to a device to actuate it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid supply system and seeks to provide a simpler, safer but reliable system than at present known. The fluid supply system comprises a multi-charge solid propellant gas generator and a fluid expulsion unit integrated into a single unit, the gas generator being provided in a cap (8) for a chamber (1) having a gas portion (3) and a fluid portion (2) and a movable partition (4) between these two portions operable to expel fluid from the chamber when the gas generator is rendered operative. The system also comprises ignition control means (22) operable to control the ignition of the solid propellant charges (13) when required to give a fully controllable system output.The system can be designed for supplying under pressure fluids such as hydraulic oil, fuels, oxidants and water and is particularly useful in aerospace applications.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter characterized by a pair of separable contacts, operating means for opening and closing the contacts and comprising a piston for opening the contacts, the piston being operative at a range of 3,000 to 10,000 psi, generating means comprising a solid expulsive charge when ignited for moving the piston to the contact-open position, an igniter for the operating means, a primer for the igniter comprising a mixture of flammable material, means for producing an electric charge in the primer, and spring means for returning the piston to the contact-closed position.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter characterized by a pair of separable contacts with operating means for opening and closing the contacts and comprising a cylinder and piston mechanism which cylinder has opening means at each end of the cylinder chamber. Rotatable means are provided at each end of the cylinder and have a plurality of spaced chambers which are sequentially alignable with the opening means. Means are also provided in each chamber for generating a sudden expulsion of gas against the piston and the rotatable means at each end of the cylinder being simultaneously rotatable. The circuit interrupter is also characterized by an adapter means for converting the gas from a high to low pressure status to operate the piston.

Abstract: An internal explosion engine, having a vessel with an interior space and inlets and outlets for respectively introducing fluid into said space at relatively low pressure and removing said fluid from said space at relatively high pressure; an electric discharge explosion in situ sparking device having spaced electric discharge elements that are disposed in said space, said discharge sparking device further including an applied electrical potential of opposite polarities to said discharge elements, a fluid reservoir for holding said fluid, and a drive adapted to be driven by the pressurized fluid to do work; wherein said electrical discharge device is adapted to explode in said fluid, said exploded fluid expanding in volume to increase the internal pressure in said system, to provide said pressurized fluid whereby said drive is driven by said increased internal pressure.

Abstract: A loading device for a power-actuated tool which comprises a fixed support having an open recess adapted to receive the open end of a tubular propellant charge-retaining holder. A movable charge transporter is mounted on the exterior of the tool and contains a through passage which is movable between a charge-receiving position adjacent to the fixed support recess, and a charge-loading position adjacent to the firing chamber of the tool. Charges are gravity fed from the transporter to the firing chamber. The transporter moves to and from the loading position by pivoting through a pre-existing loading port in the tool.

Abstract: An explosively powered tool or wrench is described that is operable under water and provides high torque, approaching that of an impact wrench, through the detonation of small charges to generate pressure for driving pistons of an expansible chamber motor. The invention is characterized by a rotating magazine for automatically or manually bringing charges into firing position, a magazine position indicator, and electrical firing control circuitry.