Abstract: A device for ignition of a pyrotechnic material, comprising:(a) piezoelectric means for providing a high voltage electrical pulse in response to mechanical energy;(b) means for emitting a flash of light in response to the high voltage pulse; and(c) a solid state laser capable of emitting a light beam sufficient to ignite a pyrotechnic material in response to said flash of light;and a process of igniting a pyrotechnic device using the same, are disclosed.

Abstract: A self priming siphon device having a pilot siphon tube which discharges into a priming chamber thereby creating a partial vacuum within the priming chamber sufficient to cause flow through additional auxiliary siphon tubes. The partial vacuum is produced by liquid flowing from the priming chamber through priming tubes to a discharge point.

Abstract: A capacitance-type transducer capsule is placed in a remote environment for xposure to its changing physical conditions. A energy pick-up coil in the capsule receives a remotely-generated signal which is converted to DC power for chargeably establishing the capacitance and for driving a tank circuit which includes the capacitance as the only variable. Changes in pressure, temperature, etc. produce linear variations in the capacitance to modulate the oscillations of the tank circuit and produce a transmittable signal frequency containing the sensed information.

Abstract: The transducer includes a sealed pressure reference cavity closed at one by a thick, stiff base plate and at the other by a perimeter-clamped, taut diaphragm. A variable capacitor stack is constructed on the base plate within the reference cavity and the diaphragm is exposed to pressure variations in an environment to which it is exposed. Changes in pressure produce diaphragm deflection measured by the variable capacity. A load piston centrally carried by the diaphragm in flush contact with an upper capacitor plate distributively transmits environmental pressures to the capacitor plates. The use of the load piston achieves a unusually high and stable output that varies linearly with the pressure variations. Also the load piston permits a temperature compensation needed for accuracy.