Abstract: A system includes a payload ejector configured to contact a payload carried by a flight vehicle and to push the payload away from the flight vehicle. The payload ejector includes a piston configured to extend from the payload ejector and a shock attenuator coupled to the piston, where the shock attenuator is configured to push the payload away from the flight vehicle. The shock attenuator includes a shock attenuator housing and a plunger that is movable within the shock attenuator housing and that extends from the shock attenuator housing. The plunger is configured to be pushed at least partially into the shock attenuator housing in order to damp a shock pulse applied to the payload. The shock attenuator housing may have an interior space, and the shock attenuator may further include a spring, compliant material, or fluid within the interior space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for opening a passenger door (1) of an aircraft in case of emergency, which is fastened so it is manually pivotable on the fuselage (3) of the aircraft via a hinge and/or support arm configuration (2), an auxiliary-energy-operated emergency opening drive (4) being provided between the fuselage (3) and the passenger door (1), which automatically opens the passenger door (1) in accordance with an emergency control unit (5), the auxiliary energy for the emergency opening drive (4) being pyrotechnic energy, whose gas expanding inside an expansion chamber (6) after triggering by the emergency control unit (5) impinges the emergency opening drive (4) with pressure medium to open the passenger door (1), wherein said emergency opening drive (4) generates a rotational movement.

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: 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: Pyrotechnic actuator in particular for lifting the hood of an automobile in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. The actuator comprises a return-braking arrangement (25) acting between the rod (17) and the body (13) of the actuator and having an inertial actuating threshold in order to brake the rod in return only if it is subjected to a force under a sufficient acceleration truly representative of a collision.

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: 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: The present invention provides an autonomous ram that comprises a first body having a first internal cavity and a first piston mounted therein. The first piston is attached to an actuator for moving the actuator between a first operative position and a second operative position. The ram further comprises a second body mounted within the first internal cavity. The second body comprises a second internal cavity that is defined by an internal wall having a locking portion. An explosive charge is located in the second internal cavity and is adapted for detonating in response to an impulse. A second piston located within the second internal cavity is operative for causing a rod to move from a first position to a second position in response to the detonation of the explosive charge. The displacement of the rod causes the actuator to move towards the second operative position. In the second position the rod is engaged with the locking portion of the second body.

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: The technical field of the invention is that of motor vehicle safety involving energy absorption systems for damping the displacement of certain parts that are put into motion at the time of a mechanical collision between the motor vehicle and an externals object. The subject of the present invention relates to an energy absorption system for safety devices in a motor vehicle, comprising a pyrotechnic gas generator and a sliding position that can be displaced in a damping chamber, the said generator being able to release gas into the said chamber in order to damp the piston. The main characteristic of this system is that the gas generator delivers a variable quantity of gas and the damping chamber comprises a pressure-regulating device that is triggered above a threshold pressure.

Abstract: A linear actuator with an internal dampening mechanism is disclosed. The actuator has a housing has a first end and a second end and forms an internal chamber. A constricted opening is also added to the actuator at the first end. A piston is disposed within the housing and is capable of sliding along the chamber. The piston has a head portion and a shaft portion. The shaft portion is slidable through the constricted opening whereas the head portion is not slidable through the constricted opening. A fluid is also added to the actuator. The fluid is disposed within the housing. In one embodiment, the actuator is constructed such that the sliding of the shaft portion forces a fluid through the constricted opening such that the movement of the piston is dampened. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator includes one or more second pistons and an orifice.

Abstract: A gas operated contraction drive with a contractible hose, which undergoes longitudinal contraction when a working space defined by it is subjected to a pressurizing drive gas. The contractible hose is fitted with at least one pyrotechnic gas generator.

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: The invention concerns a device forming a mechanism, in particular for use in the space sector, characterised in that it comprises in combination: a material (300) with low melting point capable of producing a soldering joint, at least heating means (400), a structure having an architecture with a zone blocked by the low melting point material (300), capable of being released by liquefying the low melting point material, and means for forced rolling of the low melting point metal (300) in liquid state, after the heating means (400) have been activated, to produce a shock absorbing function.

Abstract: A tensioner for a safety belt includes a cylinder, a piston which is slidably arranged within the cylinder, and a traction transfer element which is connected with the piston to transfer a movement of the piston to the safety belt. The tensioner further includes a drive which may exert a driving force on the piston to tension the safety belt. The piston is provided with a deformation element which the traction transfer element engages.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of devices for connecting and separating objects such as microsatellites with respect to a structure. More specifically, the invention relates to a separation device (1) intended to release a screw (8) which holds two subassemblies of a structure together, this release taking place through the movement of a release ring (5) by virtue of the gases produced by a gas generator (3). The main feature of the separation device (1) according to the invention is that a damping device, achieved by pressurizing a space (19) with the gases emitted by the generator (3), is created in order to decelerate then halt the release ring (5) before it can produce a mechanical shock at the end of its travel.

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 improved pretensioner which achieves more stable operation and reduction in power loss. The pretensioner includes a gas generator, a pipe containing a plurality of balls and a piston, and a clutch for connecting the pretensioner to a spool for a seat belt. A gas release hole is formed in the pipe in such a position that before the piston moves the hole is between the piston and the first ball and when the coupling of the clutch is completed by the movement of the accelerated balls and the hole is located between the gas generator and the piston.

Abstract: To provide a pretensioner with further improved safety of the device, wherein gas is appropriately allowed to escape in the event that the gas pressure within the pipe rises excessively. A pretensioner is attached to the outer side of the frame of a seatbelt retractor. A pressure container is connected to the base portion of a pipe of the pretensioner. A gas generator is stored within this pressure container. Multiple balls are provided within the pipe. A hole is opened in the side wall of the pipe at the portion positioned between the gas generator and ball. A rivet or other device is driven into this hole. The rivet breaks in the event that internal pressure exceeding a certain pressure (i.e., abnormal pressure) is applied to the pipe, and falls loose from the hole. Alternative embodiments of gas escape mechanisms are provided.

Abstract: To provide a pretensioner with improved safety, wherein gas is allowed to escape appropriately in the event that the internal gas pressure rises excessively, and there are no adverse effects on other equipment. A pretensioner is provided with a pipe and multiple balls are provided within the pipe. The balls are metal spheres such as aluminum and the ball nearest the gas generator is formed of a suitable material such as a resin of silicone rubber. A hole is bored in the resin ball in the longitudinal direction of the pipe. The hole is plugged off at the side of the gas generator and is opened on the side of the ball. A through hole perforating the next ball to the resin ball is bored in the longitudinal direction. A rod-shaped piston is stored between the hole of the resin ball and the hole of the next ball. When abnormal pressure is generated, the resin ball breaks and the gas pressure is placed directly on the piston.

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 tensioner for a safety belt has a piston/cylinder unit, which comprises a cylinder and a piston arranged in its interior, a compressed gas source, on the activation of which the piston is displaced, a belt engagement device which engages the safety belt, a traction cable which connects the piston to the belt engagement device, and at least one dampener for the absorption of energy on deceleration of the movement of the belt engagement device. The cylinder has a first end nearer to the belt engagement device and a second end further away therefrom. The piston consists of at least two piston parts, namely of a first, radially outer piston part and a second, radially inner piston part, the second piston part being uncoupled from the first piston part on deceleration of the piston at the end of the tensioning process.

Abstract: A tensioner for a safety belt has a piston/cylinder unit (3), a compressed gas source (17), a belt engaging device (13), a traction transfer device (11) and a damping mechanism for the absorption of energy on deceleration of the belt engaging device (13). The damping mechanism comprises a first part (15) connected with the traction transfer device (11), projecting laterally from it and arranged outside the cylinder (5) in the non-actuated state of the tensioner, and comprises a second part connected with the cylinder (5) and provided on the end wall (23) of the cylinder close to the belt engaging device (13). At least one of the two parts is moved into the interior of the cylinder (5) during the damping process, so that the axial structural space of the tensioner (1) is small.

Abstract: A buckle tensioner for a belt buckle arranged adjacent to a vehicle seat includes a piston/cylinder unit with a cylinder having an interior and with a piston arranged in the interior, and an elastically deflectable traction transfer device connecting the piston and the belt buckle. The traction transfer device offers a smaller resistance to a deflection of the belt buckle towards the vehicle seat than to a deflection away from the vehicle seat.

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: In an energy converter in a restraining system for vehicle occupants a particularly smooth profile of the force as a function of the travel is achieved in that a plastic deformation of a tubular converter body (10) is effected which has a circular cross-sectional form in the undeformed state. Two symmetrically oppositely disposed rollers (18) are provided which each bear on a ramp face of a piston element (14).

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: A device with a pyrotechnic gas generator wherein gas pressurizes a hydraulic circuit via a cartridge-case base, a spring and a pressure piston. The pyrotechnic gas generator comprises a propellant charge, which is located in a combustion chamber and is ignited by an electronic igniting unit. The parts of the device are contained in a housing, which is exchangeably inserted into a wall surrounding the hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: An explosive powder charge operated setting tool contains a channel (7) located between an inner piston guide (2) for a piston (1) and an outer housing part (6). At the rear end of the tool, the channel (7) continues in a carrier (3) and can be in communication with a cartridge receptacle (4) in the carrier (3). In its front region, the channel (7) is connected via a first opening (2c) in the piston guide (2) with a guide bore (2a) for the piston (1). Towards the rear end of the channel (7) there is a valve arrangement for forming a propellant gas storage space connected through the first opening (2c) to the guide bore (2a). Propellant gases within the storage space are compressed by the piston (1) driven in the setting direction and, after completion of the driving or setting procedure, serve to return the piston (1) back into its rear starting position by expansion of the storage space gases.

Abstract: In an energy converter in a restraining system for vehicle occupants a particularly smooth profile of the force as a function of the travel is achieved in that only a few deformation members are provided which effect a plastic deformation of a tubular converter body (10). A plate (30) is pivotal between a rest position inclined to the axis of the converter body (10) and an erected operating position in which it brings the deformation members (30a) formed at its radially outer ends into engagement with the inner side of the converter body (10).

Abstract: A belt pretensioner for vehicle safety belt systems is provided with a drive unit which comprises a pyrotechnic gas generator (12) and a piston and cylinder unit (16, 20). The piston (20) is arranged at a first end (161) of the cylinder (16) and is connected with a cable (22). By means of the gas pressure produced by the gas generator (12) the piston is accelerated towards the second, tapered end (162) of the cylinder (16). A sleeve-like insert (18) is arranged in the tapered cylinder end. The insert (18) has ribs and grooves alternating in the peripheral direction to offer sufficient room for plastic deformation.

Abstract: An explosive powder charge operated setting tool uses compressed propellant gases for returning a piston (1) from an end position to a starting position. The piston (1) is axially displaceable by the propellant gases within an axially extending guide bore (2a) in a piston guide (2). The propellant gases flow from the guide bore (2a) through a first opening (6) into an axially extending channel (5) outside the piston guide (2) and then through a second opening (7) in the region of the end position of the piston (1) back to the guide bore. After the piston (1) is driven into the end position, compressed propellant gases within the guide bore (2a) return the piston to the starting position where it impacts against the base (4c) of a cartridge carrier (4) located at the starting position. When the piston (1) is stopped, the cartridge carrier (4) is displaced to a limited extent opposite to the setting direction of the tool.

Abstract: For loss-free deflection of the gases generated by a gass generator (22) in a drive unit for a restraining system for vehicle occupants, the connecting passage comprising a deflection is formed between the outlet (24) of the gas generator (22) and a space (26) beneath the piston (16) of a Piston/cylinder drive free from discontinuities at which reflections of the pressure wave generated could occur. The connecting passage consists of two straight passage portion (30, 32) extending inclined to the axis of the gas generator (22) and a curved portion which connects said portions and which is formed by a concave recess (34) in the bottom of the bore (20) into which the gas generator (22) is inserted.

Abstract: The invention that relates to a pyrotechnic actuator in which the movement of the piston is damped. The actuator includes a body, a piston, a pyrotechnic material combustion chamber and a counter pressure chamber. The actuator also includes at least one intermediate compression chamber located between the combustion chamber and the end of the piston, with the intermediate compression chamber connected to the combustion chamber by a hole.

Abstract: An explosively operated tool includes a ram and an anvil. The ram is driven towards the anvil by ignition of a cartridge.

Abstract: The actuator system comprises an actuator which includes a cylinder having a first end adapted to receive one or more gas generators and a second end having an opening therethrough. A piston having first and second ends defining the length thereof is movably mounted in the cylinder, dividing the cylinder into first and second variable volume chambers. The piston includes a piston rod attached thereto which extends out through the opening of the second end of the cylinder. An accumulator is coupled by a first passage system to the second variable volume chamber at substantially the second end of the cylinder. A first sequencing system provides for the charging of the accumulator and second chamber after a portion of the stroke. As the piston continues, the gas in the second chamber compresses, building up pressure and slowing the piston down.

Abstract: An explosive powder charge actuated fastening element driving device includes a driving piston mounted within a guide bore in an axially extending piston guide for displacement between a firing position and a driving position where the fastening element is driven into a receiving material. After driving a fastening element, the driving piston is returned toward the firing position by exhaust gases generated when a charge is fired. A channel laterally encloses the piston guide with a first and a second aperture, spaced apart in the axial direction, extending through the piston guide communicating between the guide bore and the channel. A blocking slide movable relative to the piston guide is located within the channel.

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: A driving device having a piston pyrotechnically driven in a cylinder, the piston being connected by pulling means to an element to be driven, the cylinder having a stroke limit stop at a rear end thereof, as viewed in driving direction of the piston in the cylinder, includes damping means disposed between the piston and the stroke limit stop of the cylinder, the damping means braking the piston in a predetermined manner upon failure of the pulling means.

Abstract: A seat belt tensioning device provided with a cylinder attached to the room of a vehicle, a piston slidably inserted into the cylinder, a rod of which one end is connected to the piston within the cylinder and of which the other end is connected to a seat belt outside of the cylinder through a joint member, and a piston operating means for moving the piston in one direction at an urgent time, is disclosed. The device is further provided with a piston operating energy absorbing member which is disposed between the joint member and the opposed end wall of the cylinder. When the piston moves to its limit stroke, the piston operating energy absorbing member is strongly sandwiched by the joint member and the end wall of the cylinder and is deformed by a predetermined load applied thereto to absorb the piston operating energy.

Abstract: A piston return stop device for seat belt tensioning equipment. Connected at one end to a seat belt through a cylinder is a piston having a tapered portion the diameter of which enlarges toward its other end. A cylindrical sliding member is slidably disposed between the cylinder and piston so as to slide together with the piston when the piston is thrust to tension the seat belt. A respective stopper member is slidably disposed within each guide groove radially perforated through the cylindrical sliding member and supported by the tapered portion of the piston.When the piston is thrust through the cylinder at an urgent time until the tension force of the seat belt reaches a predetermined value, the piston is stopped from moving within the cylinder furthermore and only the cylindrical sliding member slides within the cylinder due to its inertia force together with the stopper members. Then the stopper member is pushed up by the tapered portion of the piston to cut into the inner wall of the piston.

Abstract: A brake to decelerate the driving movement of an actuating rod along an axis. The actuating rod is driven relative to a frame by an actuating mechanism. The actuating rod has an external tapered surface whose lateral dimension decreases in the direction in which it is driven. The brake includes a case attachable to the frame which contains within it a peripheral cylindrical brake band and a wedge member. The wedge member has an outer wall, and a tapered inside wall with substantially the same taper angle as the actuating rod. The wedge member and the brake member are disposed inside a passage in the case, with the brake band disposed between the case wall and the wedge member. There is a spacing between the wall of the passage and the outer wall of the brake band. The tapered inside wall is axially aligned with at least a portion of the inside wall of the brake band.

Abstract: In an explosive charge-driven fastening element setting gun having a casing and a muzzle tube axially displaceably mounted in the casing, a damping housing is arranged to receive explosive gases passing laterally out of the gun. The damping housing surrounds the gun and is formed of two parts, one fitting into the other in a telescoping manner. One part is attached to the muzzle tube and the other part is fixed to the casing. Packing is secured to one of the parts and extends into contact with the other part in the region where the parts are telescopically fitted together.

Abstract: A telescoping retractor comprised of a two stage cylinder assembly actuated y an electroexplosive power cartridge. A pair of cylinders are mounted in concentric relation. A piston rod is carried in the inner cylinder. The power cartridge produces the gas which sequentially retracts the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder and then the piston which is secured to the structure to be retracted.

Abstract: The present invention is a projectile type demolition tool. A projectile with an enlarged upper cross-sectional area is slideably mounted within and extendable from an inner cylinder. The lower portion of the projectile is extendable through a guide connected to the bottom of the inner cylinder. Upon pressing a working end of the projectile against a work piece to be broken, the projectile recedes upward in the inner cylinder until the enlarged upper area moves above a source of low pressure gas connected through the inner cylinder. The low pressure gas continues to move the projectile upward in the inner cylinder to a cocked position. In the cocked position, a reduced area upper portion of the projectile acts against a moderately high pressure gas injected into a combustion chamber. Thereafter, a high pressure gas is created by an internal combustion in the combustion chamber, which high pressure gas drives the projectile downward into the work piece.

Abstract: A horizontal passenger-restraining padded buffer (FIGS. 1 and 2) extends transversely across the front portion of the automobile passenger compartment adjacent to and overlying the cowl. This buffer is mounted on the outer ends of the piston rods of a pair of rearwardly-facing pneumatic cylinders tiltably mounted in spaced parallel relationship on the fire wall of the vehicle. The rearward chambers of the cylinders contain air and the normal retracting positions of the pistons are adjacent the forward ends of the cylinders. Secured to the forward end of each cylinder and communicating with the forward chamber thereof is an explosive gas generator which contains a cartridge chamber for a pistol blank cartridge adapted to be fired by a reciprocable firing pin actuated by an electrical solenoid to the armature of which it is attached.