Abstract: A novel transfer ordnance line and novel end fittings for the transfer line for use in space vehicles, aircraft, missile systems and other military applications. The transfer line is a Rapid Deflagrating Cord (RDC) hermetically encapsulated in a metal tubing. The metal tubing terminates at end fittings such as a loaded high energy (HE) end fitting which detonates, a low energy (LE) end fitting which burns, and a percussion primer used to start burning of the RDC in the transfer line. The transfer line is constructed so that gases produced during the burning of the RDC do not escape and pose a threat to the surroundings during functioning and so moisture does not enter the system during shelf life, transportation, or at any other time prior to functioning. With minor adjustments to the transfer tube and the end fittings, the transfer tubing can be made flexible by forming a coil.

Abstract: A novel transfer ordnance line and novel end fittings for the transfer line for use in space vehicles, aircraft, missile systems and other military applications. The transfer line is a Rapid Deflagration Cord (RDC) hermetically encapsulated in a metal tubing. The metal tubing terminates at end fittings such as a loaded high energy (HE) end fitting which detonates, a low energy (LE) end fitting which burns, and a percussion primer used to start burning of the RDC in the transfer line. The transfer line is constructed so that gases produced during the burning of the RDC do not escape and pose a threat to the surroundings during functioning and so moisture does not enter the system during shelflife, transportation, or at any other time prior to functioning. With minor adjustments to the transfer tube and the end fittings, the transfer tubing can be made flexible by forming a coil.

Abstract: The present invention involve a method for severance of materials made of polycarbonate, polycarbonate laminate and aciylic/polycarbonate laminate, a canopy fracturing system and a conopy having the canopy fracturing system. The present invention utilizes a linear shaped explosive charge placed at a predetermined distance or stand off from the polycarbonate material to be severed. The coreload of the charge is determined such that the minimum coreload necessary to effect severance of a given thickness of polycarbonate material is utilized. A retainer is placed around the charge and affixed to the material such that the charge is at the proper stand off from the material. The retainer surrounds the back side of the charges but leaves open space between the charge and the material to be severed. Upon detonation, the charge creates an explosive cutting force, or jet blast, that severs the polycarbonate material.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method for severance of materials made of polycarbonate, polycarbonate laminate and acrylic/polycarbonate laminate, such as the materials from which many of today's military aircraft canopies are manufactured. A method of severing a section of an aircraft canopy so as to allow aircrew egress is necessary for aircrew safety. Past severance methods focused on fracturing materials using the shock waves created by explosive charges placed on, near or in the canopy material. These methods are effective for fracturing canopies manufactured from acrylic type materials, however, they are not reliable in severing polycarbonate type materials.

Abstract: A novel transfer ordnance line and novel end fittings for the transfer line for use in space vehicles, aircraft, missile systems and other military applications. The transfer line is a Rapid Deflagration Cord (RDC) hermetically encapsulated in a metal tubing. The metal tubing terminates at end fittings such as a loaded high energy (HE) end fitting which detonates, a low energy (LE) end fitting which burns, and a percussion primer used to start burning of the RDC in the transfer line. The transfer line is constructed so that gases produced during the burning of the RDC do not escape and pose a threat to the surroundings during functioning and so moisture does not enter the system during shelflife, transportation, or at any other time prior to functioning. With minor adjustments to the transfer tube and the end fittings, the transfer tubing can be made flexible by forming a coil.

Abstract: A method for severance of materials made of polycarbonate, polycarbonate laminate and acrylic/polycarbonate laminate utilizes a linear shaped explosive charge placed at a predetermined distance or stand off from the polycarbonate material to be severed. The coreload of the charge is determined such that the minimum coreload necessary to effect severance of a given thickness of polycarbonate material is utilized. A retainer is placed around the charge and affixed to the material such that the charge is at the proper stand off from the material. The retainer surrounds the back side of the charges but leaves open space between the charge and the material to be severed. Upon detonation, the charge creates an explosive cutting force, or jet blast, that severs the polycarbonate material. Also, provided are methods for intersecting explosive charges about a pattern to be severed and methods for transferring detonation between such intersecting explosive charges.

Abstract: An air bag initiator including a main body and squib. The squib includes a charge mounted in a charge holder, a header press fitted onto the charge holder and a cup welded to the header. The squib also includes first and second lead pins and a bridgewire. A cap snap fits onto the main body and holds the squib in place during subsequent assembly operations. Ferrite beads for frequency attenuation and potting material are located in a cavity of the main body. The first lead is mounted off center in a bore passing through the header to allow bridgewires of different lengths to be used with the same header design. The cup includes a depression to maintain a single explosive powder charge under pressure and in contact with the bridgewire. An outer cup can be welded to the housing and an insulating cup can be provided between the cup of the squid and the outer cup to provide enhanced hermetic sealing of the charge and prevent current from passing between the cups.