Abstract: An explosively propelled piston assembly (EPPA) comprising an optional mounting plate; at least one lower cylinder fastener; a breach bolt with a base and an upward extending member; a breach plate having a plurality of surround openings; a breach gasket having a plurality of openings; a combustion piston with a base, a center opening, and upward extending side wall and a threaded opening; a piston dampening ring; a combustion cylinder having an upper section, a lower section, upward extending members and at least one ventilation bore; and a plurality of threaded plate fasteners. Once the EPPA is assembled, an explosive charge is placed into the EPPA. The charge is then activated which produces a contained explosive force that actuates the piston, causing the piston to extend outward, applying the force onto an object in contact with or adjacent to the EPPA. The force can be used to produce pushing, flipping, rolling or other movement of the object.

Abstract: A webbing pull-in device has a take-up shaft at which a webbing can be pulled in due to the take-up shaft being operated, a first pulley that is rotated at a time of an emergency of a vehicle, and a second pulley that, by being rotated, operates the take-up shaft. Further, the webbing pull-in device has a connecting wire that connects the first pulley and the second pulley, and that, by being taken up onto the first pulley at a time when the first pulley is rotated, transmits rotational force of the first pulley to the second pulley.

Abstract: A hood lifting mechanism according to various implementations includes a housing and a piston. A distal end of the piston is urged away from a distal end of the housing to lift a hood upwardly away from a vehicle body in response to the vehicle hitting a pedestrian. To prevent the piston from rattling or moving within the housing while in a stored position, a portion of the piston and a portion of the housing form an interference fit in the stored position. A gas generator in fluid communication with a proximal end of the housing provides sufficient force to overcome the interference fit and urge the distal end of the piston out of the housing.

Abstract: A vented pressurized gas-powered actuator includes a housing having a central longitudinal axis and an inner surface. At least one vent groove extends from the inner surface in a direction away from the axis. The at least one groove has a first end spaced apart from a first plane extending perpendicular to the axis, and a second end spaced apart from a second plane extending perpendicular to the axis. The groove second end is closer to the second plane than to the first plane.

Abstract: A retractable assembly, comprising: a housing; an immersion tube, which is axially movable between a service position and a process position. A first inlet facing away from the medium and a second inlet facing the medium. The immersion tube is moved from the service position to the process position by supplying the first inlet with energy, and the immersion tube is moved from the process position to the service position by supplying the second inlet with energy. A first mechanical blocking member shifts against a spring bias, and the blocking member engages in a first groove on the immersion tube. The first groove is located in the movement direction. The spring bias is so embodied that supplying the second inlet with energy releases the blocking member from the groove, whereby movement of the immersion tube from process position to service position becomes possible.

Abstract: A triggered-stroke actuator with its piston being held stationary in an initial position prior to triggering. The piston (13) is installed in the body (12) facing propulsion means (15) and a locking arrangement (19) that includes a latch (30) and at least one flexible tongue (23) attached to the periphery of the piston and having a hook (25) engaged with an internal abutment, the latch being moved at the beginning of triggering.

Abstract: A shutoff fitting as protection device for blocking a fluid flow through a conduit includes a pneumatic adjustment device, and a hybrid gas generator operably connected to the adjustment device. The hybrid gas generator has a reaction chamber with a gas generator and a pressure gas chamber containing compressed gas and arranged adjacent to the reaction chamber. An inlet diaphragm separates the reaction chamber from the pressure gas chamber and can be penetrated, when the gas generator is activated, so that a passage is established from the reaction chamber to the pressure gas chamber. An outlet diaphragm closes the pressure gas chamber and is rendered ineffective through destruction when the gas generator is activated to enable compressed gas to flow into the adjustment device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas pressure actuator whose actuator body has a cylinder, a piston and a gas generator in which a powder is loaded, and the gas generator is positioned at an end portion of the cylinder. The gas generator injects a high pressure gas into the cylinder by the combustion of the powder, thereby moving the piston. The actuator body is provided with a coating which covers the entire actuator body from outside. The coating is a resin coating having electrically insulating, waterproof, and dustproof characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for absorbing the displacement, under the influence of an external force, of at least one plunger (10,20) in a linear electrodynamic motor comprising a least an induction coil (11, 21) magnetically coupled with the plunger. Said method comprises the steps of: detecting in said induction coil a current induced (I?ind) amplified relative to the induced current. The invention can be applied to cryogenic machines on board space ships.

Abstract: An actuator includes an ignition device having an igniter main body fixed to an igniter collar and a cylinder connected to the igniter collar. The cylinder has a first sliding chamber located in a position facing the ignition device and a second sliding chamber formed in a direction perpendicular to the first sliding chamber. A first piston is disposed inside the first sliding chamber, one end surface of the first piston having a first inclined surface inclined in one direction, and the other end surface opposing the ignition device, and a second piston is disposed inside the second sliding chamber. A circumferential surface of the second piston is provided with a recess formed with a second inclined surface inclining in the central axis direction, and the second piston is provided such that the first inclined surface abuts against the second inclined surface.

Abstract: A retractable steering mechanism includes a steering wheel, a steering column connected to the steering wheel, a telescopic device connected to steering column, a connector for connecting the telescopic device to two front wheels of the vehicle. A first cover is connected to the vehicle. A second cover is connected to the first cover and includes at least two slots defined therein. A shell is used to house the steering column so that the steering column is rotational but not movable in the shell. The shell includes at two bosses formed thereon and movably disposed in the slots. A moving unit is provided between the vehicle and the shell and operable, in a car accident, to retract and tilt the shell due to the bosses moving in the slots.

Abstract: An actuator includes; a cylinder connected to an ignition device; a piston slidably accommodated inside the cylinder, the piston having, in a desired section in the length direction, an enlarged diameter portion in which an outer diameter is enlarged; and a cylindrical stopper attached to an inner peripheral surface of the cylinder. The stopper includes, a main body portion fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder, and a nail portion which inwardly projects from the main body portion and is formed of an elastic material, wherein before activation of the ignition device, the piston is inhibited from moving in an axial direction by causing the nail portion to contact a part of the enlarged diameter portion, and after activation of the ignition device, the piston is inhibited from moving in a backward direction by causing the nail portion to contact another part of the enlarged diameter portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator comprising an actuator element movably supported at an actuator housing, a pyrotechnic pressure element to move the actuator element and a control means to control a force exerted onto the actuator element by the pressure element to move the actuator element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an actuator system according to various aspects of the present invention include a housing; a sleeve having a deformable portion; and a mover for applying force to the sleeve. The sleeve, which is sealed to the housing, is configured to reside and move within the housing. The mover applies a force against a portion of the sleeve, causing the deformable portion to deform and move.

Abstract: The invention relates to a constant force pyrotechnic actuator comprising a pyrotechnic gas generator, a body, a piston capable of moving in the said body under the effect of the gases emitted by the generator, and a pressure regulator member situated inside the piston, the said piston having a front face traversed by a duct making it possible to place in communication the space separating the gas generator and the said piston, and an inner space in which the regulator member is housed. Within said actuator, the piston is extended by a hollow push rod terminating in an enlarged head, the said head having gas discharge ducts, and the inner space of the said rod is in communication with the inner space of the piston in which the regulator member is housed.

Abstract: A tool for securing a connector on a conductor using an explosive charge includes a first tool member, a second tool member, a drive member, a lock member and a limiting member. The second tool member is movably mounted on the first tool member. A breech chamber is defined in at least one of the first and second tool members. The breech chamber is adapted to receive the explosive charge. A breech opening is defined in at least one of the first and second tool members. The breech opening communicates with the breech chamber. The tool is adapted to forcibly move the drive member responsive to an explosion of the explosive charge in the breech chamber. The second tool member is movable between a closed position, wherein the breech opening is closed, and an open position, wherein the breech opening is open to allow loading and unloading of the explosive charge into and from the breech chamber, by moving the second tool member relative to the first tool member.

Abstract: A tool for securing a connector on a conductor using an explosive charge includes a first tool member and a second tool member movably mounted on the first tool member. A breech chamber is defined in at least one of the first and second tool members. The breech chamber is adapted to receive the explosive charge. A breech opening is defined in at least one of the first and second tool members and communicates with the breech chamber. A drive member is provided. The tool is adapted to forcibly move the drive member responsive to an explosion of the explosive charge in the breech chamber.

Abstract: A energetic-based piston actuator system imparts a rotational motion in the piston in a manner that increases system efficiency and reliability. A malleable ring mounted about the piston neck obturates upon initiation of the energetic charge, and rifling provided on an interior surface of the actuator barrel causes the ring to rotate, and causes a counter-rotation in the piston. The rotating ring serves as a seal for preventing gas blow-by and the rotating piston is more dynamically stable throughout its travel down the barrel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a miniature thermodynamic device that can be constructed using standard micro-fabrication techniques. The device can be used to provide cooling, generate power, compress gases, pump fluids and reduce pressure below ambient (operate as a vacuum pump). Embodiments of the invention relating to the production of a cooling effect and the generation of electrical power, change the thermodynamic state of the system by extracting energy from a pressurized fluid. Energy extraction is attained using an expansion process, which is as nearly isentropic as possible for the appropriately chosen fluid. An isentropic expansion occurs when a compressed gas does work to expand, and in the disclosed embodiments, the gas does work by overcoming either an electrostatic or a magnetic force.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic actuator 10 contains a tapered piston 30 that is first propelled through a chamber 18 upon actuator 10 operation. A narrower portion 38 of the piston 30 initially enters an annular retainer 40 having an annulus 42. The diameter or cross-sectional area of the annulus 42 is about equal to or less than the cross-sectional area of portion 38. As the diameter of the tapered piston 30 increases over the length passing through retainer 40, to a diameter greater than that of annulus 42, the piston 30 is then wedged or fixedly received within the annular retainer 40, thereby preventing retraction of piston 30 once a load is exerted thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for providing fluid under pressure for actuating a vehicle occupant protection device comprises an electrically actuatable initiator (80) having terminal pins (100). A hermetically sealed metal propellant container (130) contains a propellant (82) ignitable by the initiator (80) to produce fluid under pressure. The propellant container (130) is secured to the initiator (80) by crimping. The apparatus (10) also comprises a member (86) electrically insulating between the metal propellant container (130) and the terminal pins (100) of the initiator (80) to isolate the initiator electrically from the propellant container.

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 belt tensioner, more particularly a buckle tensioner for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a housing, a gas generator, a working space (15) into which the pressurized gas released in a restraint situation flows, a piston part (9) which is displaceable in the working space (15) by the pressurized gas, a belt engagement apparatus, and a traction transfer, apparatus (7) which connects the belt engagement apparatus with the piston part (9). A housing-fixed deflection apparatus (21) provided in the working space guides the stream of pressurized gas away from the traction transfer apparatus (7) and prevents the pressurized gas which flows out of the gas generator from directly impinging on the traction transfer apparatus (7), with the result that the thermal stress on the traction transfer apparatus (7) is less than with conventional belt tensioners.

Abstract: A linear drive for a belt tensioner comprises a pyrotechnic propellant charge, a cylinder tube and a piston displaceably arranged therein. The propellant charge, upon ignition, provides a pressurized gas acting on the piston. The piston has a hollow interior adapted to be subjected to the pressurized gas and an axial end at which an end wall is provided. The end wall has a bursting disc arranged facing the interior of the piston and a through opening formed by a stepped bore. The stepped bore has a first section facing the interior of the piston and is provided with an edge facing the interior, and a second section adjacent the first section. The second section has a diameter which is smaller than a diameter of the first section. The bursting disc abuts at the edge of the first section of the stepped bore.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for tensioning safety belt webbing (16) during sudden vehicle deceleration includes a buckle (22), a telescoping frame (26) and an actuator drive (28). The telescoping frame (26) includes first and second frame segments (40) and (42). The buckle (22) is attached to the first frame segment (40). The second frame segment (42) is anchored to the vehicle. The frame segments (40, 42) have a common axis (20) and are slidable relative to each other along the axis (20) to reduce the overall length of the telescoping frame (26). The actuator drive (28) is axially aligned with the telescoping frame (26) and includes a cylinder (138) and a piston (140). The cylinder (138) and piston (140) are movable relative to each other to lengthen the actuator drive (28). The actuator drive (28) is interconnected with the telescoping frame (26) such that lengthening of the actuator drive (28) causes shortening of the telescoping frame (26) to move the buckle 22 and tension the safety belt webbing 16.

Abstract: The powder actuated tool has a modular construction which comprises: a firing pin module; a pistol grip module; and a fastener driving module. The firing pin module and the fastener driving module are readily detachable from the pistol grip module so that if any module is damaged or needs maintenance, it may be readily removed from the rest of the tool and replaced at low cost and at no inconvenience to the user. The firing pin module includes a coherent breech assembly which is readily removable from, and securely attachable to the pistol grip module, which breech assembly comprises: a firing pin disposed in the breech assembly within a breech block; and cocking means extending from the breech assembly through the pistol grip module to engage the fastener driving module.

Abstract: An ejector arrangement for aircraft store racks that are carried by military type aircraft and the like for releasably attaching to the aircraft stores such as conventional or nuclear weapons, in which the ejector arrangement is duplicated in mirror image form at the usual fore and aft positions of the rack, with each ejector arrangement being in the form of an elongated housing with which the usual fore and aft sway braces are respectively integral, which ejector housing internally defines an elongate internal chamber in which are mounted an outer cylinder and inner cylinder that in the dormant relation of the ejector are in substantially telescoped coaxial relation with like ends of same disposed adjacent one end of the housing to which the rack ballistic gas is supplied, with the ejector cylinders at their other ends being exposed externally of the other end of the housing and keyed for sequential movement to their extended relations under the action of the ballistic gas involved, to thrust the store which

Abstract: A valve actuator system for use above or under water is disclosed wherein at least one gas generator (1, 2) is provided for controlling the system. The gas generator(s) can be actuated by remote control, by use of electric cables or hydro-acoustically without the use of cables. Locking mechanisms may be provided in order to lock the actuators in open and/or closed positions. The locking mechanisms may be actuated by the gas generator(s). Each gas generator is equipped with its own safety system, in that the charge itself is protected by a piston (26), thermal insulation (32) and a burst disc (31). The valve actuator is protected against excessive pressure by a safety shear disc (13, 14) connected with a dead volume (10). Two-way control of actuators is achieved by using a bisected piston system.

Abstract: A hydraulic apparatus for remotely controlling the operative mode selector of a motor vehicle automatic transmission. The apparatus comprises a master cylinder having an input member operatively connected to the transmission operative mode selection or shift lever placed at the disposal of the motor vehicle operator, and a slave cylinder mounted on or proximate the transmission casing and having an output member connected to the transmission operative mode selector, the master cylinder and the slave cylinder being placed in fluid communication through flexible conduits such that each displacement of the master cylinder piston as a result of displacement of the master cylinder input member causes a corresponding displacement of the slave cylinder piston coupled to the slave cylinder output member.

Abstract: Power tool for the assembly of electrical connectors including a chamber for receiving an explosive element and a firing element associated therewith.

Abstract: An out-of-line safing and arming mechanism (10) includes an explosive chain (12) having one link (24) movably mounted on a slider (30) to be removed from the chain in a safing configuration and to be located in the chain in an arming configuration. A head (42) prevents the slider from moving into an arming position and is attached to the slider by an annular connecting system (44) which is stronger in tension and compression than it is in shear. The connecting section is broken by activation of an explosive charge (62) which is located within the connecting section and generates forces (66) tending to shear the connecting section as well as forces (64) tending to move the slider toward an arming position.

Abstract: A shipping and installation restraining strap for an actuator such as the hydraulic slave cylinder of a motor vehicle clutch actuating apparatus. The strap comprises a retaining member in the form of a cylindrical cap installed on the end of the actuator output rod and having a substantially hemispherical end portion engaged in a corresponding partially spherical concave recess in the member operated by the actuator, such as the clutch release lever. The other end of the strips is attached to a non-movable portion of the actuator. Each strip has a portion of reduced strength such as to break upon first operation of the actuator. The cylindrical cap is optionally provided with a radially extending disc-like flange seal resiliently engaged with the surface of the clutch actuating lever beyond the edge of the recess, such as to prevent introduction of dirt in the recess.

Abstract: A device is described which operates with pyrotechnic charges to release nts under load effected between a plurality of constructional components and including bolts acted on by transverse forces. An example of such a device is for the separation of the rotor blades of a helicopter in order to be able to eject the crew upwards from the helicopter by an escape system without danger on failure of the helicopter to fly. The bolts of the joint are connected to a housing having a cylindrical bore of which the axis lies substantially in the direction of the resultant of the forces necessary to release the joint by extracting the bolts. On one of the constructional components there is a piston which supports itself on said component and engages in a cylindrical bore of the housing. The pyrotechnic charge is situated in the space between the end of the piston and the base of the cylinder bore. An ignition device for the pyrotechnic charge is provided on the housing.

Abstract: A hinged pawl and an emergency pawl release system for heavy duty winches such as those used to anchor semi-submersible drilling rigs. The pawl includes two sections hinged together at an overcenter knuckle joint and provided with flat bearing surfaces which hold the pawl in a rigid position engaged with a ratchet wheel on the winch drum. The pawl is normally engaged and released by a pneumatic cylinder. In an emergency situation involving a loss of electric power while the winch is heavily loaded, the pawl is collapsed about the knuckle joint by an air operated explosive actuator which applies an explosive release force to the pawl. The pneumatic control system for the explosive actuator releases both the clutch and the brake of the winch when the actuator is fired.

Abstract: A disposable rupturable shipping and installation strap holding in a retracted position the output member of a linear actuator such as a pre-filled pre-bled hydraulic actuator. The strap has a retaining member fitted over the end of the actuator output member and a pair of symmetrically disposed strips or bands integrally formed with the retaining member and attached at their other end to a portion of the actuator housing. The strips or bands have portions of reduced strength which cause the strap to break and free the actuator output member upon first operation of the actuator. Preferably, the strap is molded of relatively thin flexible plastic.

Abstract: Cylinder/piston drive especially for re-tightening systems in automatic safety belt winding devices, with a cylinder in which a drive piston is movably guided, as well as with a pressure accumulator which can be connected to the interior of the cylinder. The drive piston 13 has in the region facing the connecting point of the pressure accumulator (cartridge 34) at least one reduced cross sectional pressure surface (annular 15, 27) and operates with a guide part (10,21) in the cylinder 1 conforming to the reduced cross sectional shape of the drive piston such that at the beginning of the pressure action, only part of the cross section of the piston is exposed to the pressure force.

Abstract: A cylinder-piston type seat belt tensioning device comprises a broach pipe wherein a broach rod which is connected to a seat belt is disposed, a load limiting member connecting the broach rod to the piston, which is broken at a predetermined load, and locking means for locking the broach pipe in the cylinder when the load limiting member is broken. After the load limiting member is broken at a predetermined load, the broach rod returns while plastically deforming the broach pipe to absorb the kinetic energy of the occupant.

Abstract: A pin puller comprising a piston having a pull shaft extending from a cylinder in which the piston is slidable, is actuated by an explosive charge contained within a cartridge disposed laterally of the cylinder. The charge, when ignited, develops a pressurized gas which is directed into the cylinder through a lateral port therein, and acts against the piston to move it in a direction to exert a pull upon the shaft and a pull-actuated device connected thereto.

Abstract: A powder-actuated fastening tool is provided with a return pawl slideable within a pawl-holder fixed to the barrel-holder, between a piston engaging position, wherein the pawl, protruding through a longitudinal slot in the barrel engages the piston during the opening of the tool, while at least one boss, formed on the pawl, engages a first plane milled surface of the barrel, and a cocked position, where a second plane milled surface of the barrel, more remote from the barrel axis than the first surface, engages the boss to retract the pawl, the two milled surfaces being connected by a transverse groove which the boss can engage to maintain the barrel in its locked and non-cocked position.

Abstract: The application discloses an explosive-cartridge powered hammer or impact tool, which is especially adapted for use in foundries for trimming or finishing castings by knocking off runners, feeder heads and flash, but which can also be used for other operations, such as riveting. The hammer is provided with means to soften recoil.

Abstract: A piston, normally contained within a cylinder, is projected by electrical detonation of an explosive charge which is contained within the cylinder between the piston and a sealed end of the cylinder through which a detonation contact extends to the charge. A split ring, retained in an annular peripheral groove in the piston, is normally contained under compression within the cylinder, but is resiliently expandible to a diameter larger than the internal diameter of the cylinder when released therefrom by projection of the piston under the expanding gases of the detonated charge, and thereby becomes operative, by abutting engagement with the end of the cylinder, to lock the piston in its projected position, and to hold the reactive load of whatever machine part has been actuated by the piston.

Abstract: Apparatus for the thermal and electrical initiation of fire protection devices including a housing with a displaceable support member and an abutment member provided therein. A blocking or spacing device is disposed between the displaceable support member and the abutment member with the displaceable supports member being biased against said blocking device in the direction toward the abutment member. The blocking device is responsive to the exceeding of a predetermined temperature for enabling displacement of the displaceable support member for initiating a fire protection device. The abutment member is constructed as a plunger displaceable within the housing in the direction towards the displaceable support member, and an electrically actuatable compressed-gas-generating igniter device is disposed on the side of the plunger facing away from the blocking device for producing compressed gas to cause displacement of the plunger toward the blocking device.

Abstract: The device comprises on the front end portion of the plunger or piston a retaining ring mounted in the barrel with the interpositioning of a joint in such a way that the bore of the ring is slightly off-center relative to the piston axis when the joint is not deformed.

Abstract: Apparatus for fire protection purposes including a compressed-gas cartridge device with at least a thermally responsive triggering mechanism. The triggering mechanism includes a striker for forcibly being driven toward the compressed-gas cartridge device and a locking device for maintaining the striker at a spacing from said compressed-gas cartridge device by engaging a portion of said striker pin with one end portion thereof. Another end portion of the locking device is biased against a blocking device with the blocking device being disposed between the another end portion of the locking device and an abutment member. The blocking device is responsive to the exceeding of a predetermined temperature for enabling displacement of the locking device out of engagement with the striker thereby permitting movement of the striker toward the compressed-gas cartridge device.

Abstract: An explosively actuated device for releasing a tongue bar from a clevised member embracing the tongue bar and having recessed portions aligned with a recessed portion of the tongue bar. A retaining block has a lower end normally in the recessed portions to lock the tongue bar and clevised member together and released therefrom when a cartridge is exploded to produce gases that build up pressure inside the block that moves the block. A retaining bolt secured to the tongue bar extends up inside the block and prevents the block from moving very far and holds it to the tongue bar. There is no fragmentation, and the retention strength is great.

Abstract: A piston, normally contained in a retracted position within a cylinder, is projected by electrical detonation of an explosive charge which is contained within the cylinder between a sealed end thereof and a piston having a circular cutting edge at its end remote from the explosive charge, such remote cutting end being normally held in spaced relation to a wire extending through diametrically opposite openings in the cylinder, by a shock-security pin or equivalent means, of a material of sufficient softness to be readily sheared upon detonation of the charge, allowing the piston to advance into shearing engagement with the wire.

Abstract: An explosive initiator for a parachute rip cord release includes a hammer and firing spring mounted at one end of a cartridge chamber and an aneroid device and trigger mechanism mounted at its other end. A slidable sear extends along the cartridge chamber, connected at one end to the hammer and having a cam connection with the trigger mechanism at its other end. The normally uncocked hammer is manually cocked to slide the sear and thereby move the trigger mechanism into an operative position under control of the aneroid device. As ambient pressure decreases below a predetermined value, the aneroid device releases the trigger mechanism to thereby release its restraint upon motion of the sear and allow the spring to drive the hammer and detonate a cartridge in the chamber. Cartridge detonation drives an actuator piston that is connected to the parachute rip cord release.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device, actuated by a propellant, for crimping heavy-walled terminals about large size electrical wire.

Abstract: Power tool for the assembly of electrical connectors including a chamber for receiving an explosive element and a firing element associated therewith.