Abstract: A blasting system facilitates the actuation of a plurality of programmable detonators according to a desired blasting pattern, to cause the discharge of a plurality of associated charges, by downloading to the detonators blasting information that can be automatically determined by a portable handheld unit that incorporates a positional detecting device, such as a GPS device. The blasting information for any given detonator can be determined by the handheld unit as a function of the distance and the direction of the movement of the unit to the detonator, and/or by the actual GPS location while at the site of the detonator. This automatic determination of blasting information, and particularly the delay times, based on the movement of the unit to the detonator, eliminates error prone human calculations of the delay times needed for multiple detonators at a blasting site. This simplifies the operations and procedures needed for achieving a desired blasting pattern, without sacrificing safety or quality.

Abstract: An electropyrotechnic initiator includes a pyrotechnic charge (6), the charge (6) containing at least one compound. It also includes a box (1) of plastic material including two sub-assemblies. The first sub-assembly (2) includes a plastic wall (4) integral with a bottom (5) also made of plastic and forming a content. The second plastic sub-assembly (3) having a main axis (10) is traversed by at least two pins (11, 12) along the direction of the axis (10). These pins (11, 12) are connected together by an electric bridge (13) on a face (14) of the sub-assembly (3). This face (14) is hollowed symmetrically over a height H and a width L. The second sub-assembly (3) forms a socket. The first (2) and second (3) sub-assemblies are assembled hermetically by ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: A control method for detonators (1) fitted with an electronic ignition module (15). Each module (15) is associated with specific parameters including at least one identification parameter and one explosion delay time, and includes a firing capacitor and a rudimentary internal clock. The modules (15) are capable of establishing a dialogue with a firing control unit (17) fitted with a reference time basis. The identification parameters are stored in the modules using a programming unit (18); the specific parameters are stored in the firing control unit (17); for each successive module, its internal clock is calibrated using the firing control unit and the associated delay time is sent to the module; the modules are ordered to load the firing capacitors; and a firing order is sent to the modules using the firing control unit, triggering off eventual resetting of the internal clocks as well as a firing sequence.

Abstract: A safety device for a vehicle includes detection systems, safety mechanisms and safety systems, at least certain of the safety systems including pyrotechnic initiators. When certain of the detection systems detect a danger for a passenger, they trigger safety systems which activate the mechanisms. The safety device also may include a processing unit connected to the detection and safety systems by a communication interface; the processing unit analyses information signals coming from the detection systems and generates command signals directed to the safety systems.

Abstract: An electro-pyrotechnic initiator includes two electrical pins (7) for supplying current, a pyrotechnic composition (4) stored in a receptacle (2, 3) and a bridge (23) establishing an electrical connection between the two pins (7). The bridge (23) is set down on a wafer (11), the bridge (23) and the wafer (11) forming part of an electronic micro-component (20) to which the pins (7) are connected. The composition (4) is compacted in the receptacle (2, 3), the composition (4) and the micro-component (20) being brought together under pressure in the receptacle (2, 3). A housing for a helium saturated material is provided at a bottom of the receptacle.

Abstract: Method according to which, the programming unit (18) transmits, after completion of the programming of the ignition modules, the delay times also programmed to the firing control unit (17). The firing control unit (17) can interrogate simultaneously the ignition modules (15) which send back the information requested to it. The encoded firing control assembly and the encoded ignition modules enable to implement the process.

Abstract: Method and device for permanently locking a movable member in a framework, such as locking a door of a safe in case of an attack, in which an explosive member sensitive to an outer action is detonated and deforms the movable member such as a door of the safe to create an artifical bolt extending outside of the movable member and penetrating in the framework, e.g. of the safe. The movable member is thus automatically locked when the artificial bolt is created under the effect of the explosion. Alternatively, the explosive member may be provided in the framework itself, in which case the framework is deformed due to the effect of the explosion, creating an artificial bolt which extends into the movable member itself, e.g. the door of a safe.