Abstract: A data recorder configured to idle in a power-saving mode until an input trigger signal is received by the data recorder. After the trigger signal is received, the data recorder samples input data sequentially at successive time intervals, and may record the sampled input data into non-volatile memory. The data recorder samples but does not record data from an input if the data have not changed by a predetermined threshold since data for the input was last recorded. The data recorder monitors and identifies an imminent failure in its power supply, and powers down into a power-saving mode after completing the recording of any sampled but incompletely recorded data, as necessary. The data recorder is configured to recover from a brownout and resume sampling and/or recording data. The data recorder is also configured to recover from a blackout and resume sampling and/or recording data.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a dual load charge in a single consolidation pressing operation. A first type explosive is placed in a cavity to form a booster charge. A pocket is formed in the booster charge. A second type explosive is disposed in the pocket of the booster charge to form an initiating charge therein. Finally, the booster charge and the initiating charge are preferably simultaneously consolidated to form a dual load charge with intimate contact between the booster charge and the initiating charge. Also disclosed is a press useful for implementing the method of the invention.

Abstract: A chip slapper including a substrate, a sticking layer on the substrate, a conductive layer on the sticking layer in the shape of two lands separated by a bridge portion between the two lands, a buffer material on the conductive layer, a protective coating on the buffer layer extending across at least a substantial portion of the two lands but absent from the bridge portion, and a flyer layer over the bridge portion. The buffer layer prevents migration of the material of the coating into the material of the conductive layer and vice versa and better adheres the flyer layer on the bridge portion where the coating is absent.

Abstract: A shaped bridge slapper having a pair of spaced conductive lands on a substrate; a bridge member between the spaced conductive lands, the bridge member having a curved shape and a cavity herein, and a flyer layer extending over the bridge member.

Abstract: A disarmable firing module with a firing module housing having an opening therein; a detonator holder received in the firing module housing via the opening in the firing module housing, the detonator holder including a cavity therein; a detonator disposed in the cavity of the detonator holder; and a detonator electronics assembly housed within the firing module housing. The detonator holder is removably secured within the housing which allows the detonator to be separated from the detonator electronics assembly to disarm the firing module.

Abstract: A detonator with a base portion including opposing electrical leads; an exploding foil initiator on the base portion, the exploding foil initiator including two conductive lands separated by a bridge portion therebetween; and a connecting barrel of a predetermined thickness on the exploding foil initiator for optimizing the spacing between the exploding foil initiator and an explosive charge and for robustly interconnecting the lands of the exploding foil initiator with the electrical leads of the base portion.

Abstract: A detonator with a base portion including a header wall terminating in a support surface; an initiator on the support surface; an explosive charge spaced from the initiator; and a cap having an interior top surface and an enclosure wall extending downward from the interior top surface and surrounding the initiator and the explosive charge. The wall terminates in a rim secured at a location along the header wall corresponding to the thickness of the initiator, the spacing between the initiator and the explosive charge, and the thickness of the explosive charge thereby ensuring that the explosive charge is in communication with the interior top surface of the cap.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed laser actuator/detonator includes a housing with an orifice for receiving a laser beam and a chamber having a first lens, a compression sealing material at least partially about the first lens, and an energetic material optically coupled to the first lens.