Abstract: A method of fabricating an opto-pyrotechnic initiator, includes a) forming a body having a cavity in which a pyrotechnic charge is to be received, the body also having an internal passage extending between the cavity containing the pyrotechnic charge and an inlet opening out in an outside face of the body; b) placing a first portion of an optical fiber in the internal passage of the body, with a second portion of the optical fiber extending beyond the inlet of the body, and a glass preform being interposed between the optical fiber and the inlet of the body; and c) applying heat treatment to the glass preform to raise the glass preform to a temperature higher than the melting point of the glass preform so as to form a hermetic sealing element made of glass between the optical fiber and the inlet of the body.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an opto-pyrotechnic initiator, includes a) forming a body having a cavity in which a pyrotechnic charge is to be received, the body also having an internal passage extending between the cavity containing the pyrotechnic charge and an inlet opening out in an outside face of the body; b) placing a first portion of an optical fiber in the internal passage of the body, with a second portion of the optical fiber extending beyond the inlet of the body, and a glass preform being interposed between the optical fiber and the inlet of the body; and c) applying heat treatment to the glass preform to raise the glass preform to a temperature higher than the melting point of the glass preform so as to form a hermetic sealing element made of glass between the optical fiber and the inlet of the body.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying, locating and recovering collateralized assets are provided.

Abstract: This device is a bicycle lock that prevents unauthorized movement of a bicycle. The lock permanently fastens to the tubing of a bicycle frame and includes a locking bar which hooks the front or back wheels to the frame. The lock has two major parts--a combination or key lock and attaching saddle that permanently attaches to the bicycle frame, and, the locking bar or shackle. The saddle is positioned on the frame adjacent to the back or front wheel. The wheel holding part of the shackle hooks around the rim of either the back or front tire. The shackle part fastens into the saddle lock on the bicycle frame in alignment with the frame. This causes the wheel and the frame to be joined so that the wheel cannot be removed and the bicycle cannot be ridden. When the bicycle is unlocked, the locking bar is secured in a carrying position in which it cannot be jarred loose. A flexible cable may be used with the lock to attach the bicycle to a stationary object to render the bicycle immobile.