Abstract: A latch including a first electrical explosive device disposed between first and second surfaces and a second electrical explosive device disposed between said first and second surfaces in series with said first electrical explosive device. In the illustrative embodiment, the vehicle is a missile or torpedo, the first surface is a drag door and the second surface is a vehicle body. In this embodiment, the first electrical explosive device is coupled to the vehicle body on a first end of the device and to a common series attachment on another end thereof and the second electrical explosive device is connected to the common series attachment on a first end and to the drag door on a second end thereof. An arrangement is included for activating the electrical explosive devices to effect a deployment of the drag door with a high degree of reliability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an explosive device comprising an explosive material, and at least one igniting stimulus configured to ignite the explosive material when activated. The explosive device further comprises a sheet of material provided with at least one hole at least partially filled with the explosive material, each hole forms an opening in a first side of said sheet material and said at least one igniting stimuli is arranged on said first side. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an explosive device.

Abstract: A ladder anchor and method for applying a stabilizing force on a ladder propped up against a structure in a climbing orientation is disclosed. The ladder anchor includes a base member to be coupled to a mounting surface and one or more adjustable braces extending between the ladder anchor and the ladder. The base member also includes at least one receiver for receiving an instantaneously-actuated fastener to instantaneously secure the base member to the mounting surface. An adjustment apparatus is provided to allow rapid, fine, or both rapid and fine adjustment of the length of at least one of the braces to thereby apply the stabilizing force on to the ladder and minimize slippage of the bottom portion of the ladder away from the structure that the ladder is propped up against while in the climbing orientation.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting, processing, and selectively responding to radio frequency transmissions detected by at least one projectile deployed above a geographic area.

Abstract: A guidable projectile has a nose member, a projectile body, and a nose member articulation assembly which couples the nose member to the projectile body. The nose member articulation assembly includes a stator attached to the nose member, a rotor attached to the projectile body, and rotational support hardware interconnecting the stator to the rotor. The stator defines a central axis. The rotational support hardware is constructed and arranged to guide rotation of the rotor around the central axis defined by the stator. Such a guidable projectile enables circuitry such as the driver of the stator and the power source to reside at fixed locations relative to the stator thus alleviating the need for slip rings which would otherwise present potential points of failure.

Abstract: An explosives deployment bag includes a main body portion having a chamber for containing and carrying at least one flexible material. The bag further includes a hole disposed through the main body portion through which a flexible elongate material can be controllably pushed or pulled into or out of and attached to one or more initiator(s). The bag also includes enclosing means disposed at the top of the main body portion for selectively covering the top of the main body portion through which another end of the flexible elongate material can be attached to a blasting material. A cap covers the blasting material and the top of the main body portion. Protective siding selectively covers the initiator(s). A handle and label means are also provided with the bag.

Abstract: An apparatus for the generation of electricity that may be in a “standby” mode for long periods of time, i.e. many years. Thus, in one embodiment of the invention, a fuel cell may include at least one of the following features or components: a membrane, and/or storage tanks or cells for hydrogen and oxygen, and/or an “inertial” switch, which may optionally be assembled in close proximity to a membrane. The inertial switch, when activated, may rupture the membrane and allow the hydrogen and oxygen to mix in a fuel cell.

Abstract: A modular miniaturized priming chain has a detonator and a priming booster assembly. The priming booster assembly includes a first priming booster and a second priming booster which can be modularly combined together depending on the respective power requirement at an output of the priming chain, or only the first priming booster is combined with the detonator, which is a miniature detonator.

Abstract: A spin-stabilized correctible-trajectory artillery shell has a generator in the rotation-decoupled engagement region between a canard guidance unit and its munition body. The generator can be switched over to avoid load fluctuations between an adjusting motor and a substitute load. In order to avoid an additional heat source in the interior of the guidance unit the substitute load is in the form of an electrical resistance on, at or in canard surfaces behind the afflux flow edges. The canard surfaces are preferably formed on anti-spin canards which are not adjustably mounted.

Abstract: A method for detonation of a plug device in a fluid environment is described, which is in contact with a body, such as an ignition pellet, and it is characterised in that a number of pressure increases are exerted against the plug device, whereby each pressure increase causes a movement of a piston (10) which is radially arranged in a casing (12), which causes the casing (12) to move a fixed distance inward in the plug device with each pressure increase, up until the displacement of the casing (12) causes the piston to be displaced into a cavity (38), and the fluid environment enters the plug device via an inlet. Also described is a plug device which is in contact with a body, such as an ignition pellet, where the plug device is arranged to detonate after a number of pressure increases that are exerted against the plug device.

Abstract: A method for controlling the initiation of an electronic detonator when located in surrounding ground, the method comprising the steps of: measuring the actual spatial position of the said detonator in relation to one or more adjacent detonators; and calculating the time of initiation of the said detonator based upon its actual spatial position.

Abstract: There is provided an explosives initiator with one or more identification means, and a system and method for tracking identifiable initiators. In the preferred embodiment the identification means is an RFID. A first identification means is disposed internally of the initiator and a second identification means disposed externally of the initiator. Advantageously, if the second identification means is removed from the initiator, the initiator may still be identified by the internally disposed first identification means.

Abstract: A fuze for a weapon configured as a projectable device is provided to reduce the mechanical amplification of impact and penetration shock to a fuze-mounted accelerometer when a projectable device including the fuze encounters a target. The fuze includes a fuze housing having an outer surface, a flange extending radially from the outer surface of the fuze housing, and an acceleration sensor connected to the flange. The flange may include one or more axial holes to enable attachment of the fuze to a projectable device. A penetrating weapon projectable device and a method for installing a fuze for a projectable device are also provided.

Abstract: A fuze mounting assembly for a penetrating weapon configured as a projectable device, the fuze mounting assembly having fasteners, a fuze well and a fuze. The fuze includes an integral bolt flange for securing to the fuze well with the fasteners, wherein an amplification of acceleration of less than 3.0 is satisfied when the penetrating weapon is subjected to impact and penetration shock. Additionally, a projectable device having the fuze is provided. Also, a fuze mounting and a method for mounting a fuze are provided.

Abstract: A method for achieving zero latency timed pyrotechnic events by utilizing distributed processing is presented. A list of timed events may be used to synchronize a pyrotechnic firing sequence with music or other external events. This list is distributed over a series of embedded microprocessors. Each microprocessor is then synchronized to a master controller clock, and enabled such that each processor may then fire independently as required by the master list. This distributed process removes the split-second timing requirement from the main controller enabling the achievement of zero latency and providing significantly more timing events to be processed simultaneously while alleviating problems such as wireless radio interference delays. Each module is capable of forwarding information to other modules, which may be in a position that prevents wireless communication directly with the master controller.

Abstract: A hollow cylinder has an electromagnet to hold back a canister and either an induction heating linear actuator or a firing pin to ignite the primer-containing combustive material inside the canister to eject a locked piston from the cylinder. There is a motor-included turbogenerator around the cylinder, which converts the energy of the post-combustion gases into electricity to get stored and to power an integrated or separate annular stator assembly to give the ejected piston a rotatory motion for stability in projectile motion. Another device has a helically arranged, multi-pole permanent magnet assembly annularly integrated around the cylinder to give the ejected piston a rotatory motion for stability in projectile motion. In other forms, an annular stator assembly around the cylinder is supplied with switched, externally generated electric power without either a turbogenerator or the motor-included turbogenerator to respectively produce electricity or to provide gyroscopic stability to the cylinder.

Abstract: An igniter body for an airbag inflator comprising a stamped metal body portion having a generally annular flange and a central opening. A generally cylindrical plastic connector portion is disposed within the annular flange and is connected to the body portion. The connector portion may be integrally molded within the body portion. The central opening in the body portion is constructed to receive an initiator therein, and the connector portion is constructed to receive a power module therein for connection to an initiator disposed in the central opening and surrounded by a sleeve that is secured to the body portion to retain the initiator thereon.

Abstract: A method for achieving zero, or near zero, latency timed pyrotechnic events by utilizing distributed processing is presented. A list of timed events may be used to synchronize a pyrotechnic firing sequence with music or other external events. This list is distributed over a series of embedded microprocessors. Each microprocessor is then synchronized to a master controller clock, and enabled such that each processor may then fire independently as required by the master list. This distributed process removes the split-second timing requirement from the main controller enabling the achievement of zero latency and providing significantly more timing events to be processed simultaneously while alleviating problems such as wireless radio interference delays. Each module is capable of forwarding information to other modules, which may be a position that prevents wireless communication directly with the master controller.

Abstract: A gas generator has a propellant charge and an early ignition device held loosely in the propellant charge. The early ignition device consists of an early ignition charge and an enclosure surrounding the early ignition charge. The enclosure is at least one foil wrapped around the early ignition charge. The outer edges of the foil, lying one over another, are connected with each other to close the enclosure.

Abstract: Apparatus for venting munitions exposed to high ambient temperatures. The munition includes a casing having a nose end and an opening in the nose end; a lifting plug disposed in the opening in the nose end, the lifting plug including a bore therethrough; and a seal disposed in the bore in the lifting plug, the seal comprising an ionomer. The munition may further include a fuze well disposed in the casing, the opening in the nose end leading into the fuze well; and a second seal disposed in the fuze well. The seals will rupture and vent the munition's explosive to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulating an environment to create a tactical combat scenario requires the coordinated implementation of various actions. One requires detonating an explosion simulator to create a smoke cloud with pseudo shrapnel. Another requires activating a sound enhancer, and yet another involves making a fire-ball. The combined result of these concerted actions is a perception of a single explosive event. Importantly, personnel can be within approximately one foot of any action without suffering a significant injury.

Abstract: A blasting system (10) in which detonators (12) are connected to a blast energy source (30) by means of a component (42) which forms part of the blasting system (10) and which is physically movable to a safe position, visually ascertainable by an operator, at which detonator (12) firing cannot take place if an unwanted or unsafe condition arises in the blasting system (10).

Abstract: A projectile has the ability to generate and provide power to components located in two sections of the projectile which have relative rotation to each other. The projectile has a pair of generators allowing the powering of components in two sections. The projectile has a force-producing device for altering the direction of the projectile as the projectile moves along the longitudinal axis of the projectile and the relative rotational position of the force-producing device on the projectile is controlled by a generator.

Abstract: A fuze mounting assembly for a penetrating weapon configured as a projectable device, the assembly having fasteners, a fuze well and a fuze. The fuze includes an integral bolt flange for securing to the fuze well with the fasteners, wherein an amplification of acceleration of less than 3.0 is satisfied when the penetrating weapon is subjected to impact and penetration shock. Additionally, a projectable device having the fuze is provided. Also, a fuze mounting and a method for mounting a fuze are provided.

Abstract: A method for wirelessly transmitting data to a control unit, such as a blasting machine, selected from a plurality of control units from an operating device selected from a plurality of operating devices, and a system intended for the method. The control unit is connected to a plurality of detonators, which are controlled by the control unit via an electrical wire or a fuse. The operating device is associated with the appropriate control unit in a step in which address data and/or encryption data is exchanged between the units. Only one operating device can be associated with a pre-determined control unit at any given moment. The data transmitted in accordance with the method preferably comprises at least a fire command, which instructs the control unit to fire the detonators.

Abstract: Rapid coil deployment apparatus including a case that includes a first compartment in which are disposed a plurality of rapid coil assemblies and a second compartment in which are disposed a plurality of detonator canisters, each of the detonator canisters including an antistatic lining with a detonator housed therein, wherein each of the rapid coil assemblies includes an actuator including an at least partially hollow housing, a cap element removably mountable on the actuator, and a coil of electrical wire disposed inside the housing, a first portion of the coil being arranged for electrical connection with an electrical connector separate from the actuator and a second portion of the coil being arranged for electrical connection with the cap element, the coil being unwindable outwards from the at least partially hollow housing, and wherein each of the rapid coil assemblies is maintained operationally ready in the first compartment for rapid laying and is electrically connected to at least one of the detonat

Abstract: A synchronous or synergeticly timed fuse is installed into ordnance (bombs, artillery shells, depth charges etc.), the ordnance is delivered to a target area and a simultaneous (synchronous), or a synergetic (not neccessarily synchronous yet the energies add together to be greater than their individual parts), explosion event occurs. This explosion event can be enhanced by the shape the ordnance is configured in (a shaped charge on the order of meters or kilometers).

Abstract: An ignition unit for a fire extinguishing assembly has an ignition unit housing with a firing pin disposed within the housing. A spring is coupled to the firing pin, and a restraining device holds the pin in place in the housing, A formed eutectic holds the restraining device in place such that when the eutectic deforms, the firing pin is released and moved by the spring in a desired direction.

Abstract: An ordnance system and method for controlling an ordnance system is provided. The system and method utilizes an addressable common, or shared, bus configured to transmit and receive data thereon. The addressable bus has further coupled thereto an ordnance controller including a control process and a telemetry process configured to control the addressable bus. The ordnance system further includes at least one initiator coupled to the addressable bus and responsive to the control process and at least one telemetry sensor coupled to the addressable bus and configured to interact with the telemetry process. The method provides control for the ordnance system by receiving telemetry data from a telemetry sensor over an addressable bus with an ordnance being further controlled by an ordnance controller over the addressable bus.

Abstract: A method and a system controlling the operation of a safe and arm device. The embodiments include continually utilizing a rule based computation to generate an output signal to be sent to a controller affecting the operation of the safe and arm (S&A) device towards the safe condition or towards the armed condition.

Abstract: An igniter's housing is bored continuously there through to define, in succession, several bore regions. A firing pin, slidingly fit in the first bore region, terminates in a tip that protrudes into a primer-filled second bore region when the firing pin is fully seated in the first bore region. An air-filled third bore region follows the second bore region. An open-ended cup is fitted substantially in and sealed to the fourth bore region with the cup's closed end being structurally weakened at a portion thereof. A bored out slug of pyrotechnic material is fitted in the cup.

Abstract: Selective, staggered charging of individual slave devices in a system at different times, such as electronic detonators in an electronic blasting system, so as to prevent excessive voltage drop on the bus. The staggered charging may be obtained through a clock-driven charging timing process or other suitable means.

Abstract: A programmable gas generator which has a plurality of different elements can be individually activated, and wherein the activation causes inflation of a device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a propellant container (2) for an internal combustion operated setting tool (10) having a housing (21) and a housing internal space (22) for receiving a propellant (23). A portable electrical power source (40) such as a battery or a battery pack is arranged on the propellant container (2). The invention further relates to an internal combustion operated setting tool (10) having electrical consumers (30), a setting mechanism (12) that can be driven by a propellant (23) and a receptacle (15) for a propellant container (20). Contact elements (31, 32) for contacting an electrical power source arranged on the propellant container (20) are arranged on the receptacle for the propellant container (20).

Abstract: An electronically controlled multi-pulse ignitor ignites a cartridge used to launch a projectile. An electronics module is programmed with a temperature performance profile for the cartridge. A temperature sensor is coupled to supply current cartridge temperature data to the electronics module. A first event ignitor is coupled to the electronics module and initiates a ballistic cycle upon command from the electronics module. A translation mechanism, including a first charge coupled to the first event ignitor, moves the projectile forward to increase the free volume in the cartridge. A second event ignitor, coupled to receive a second event ignition signal from the electronics module, ignites the main propellant charge on receiving the second event ignition signal from the electronics module, where the timing of ignition of the second event ignitor is determined by the temperature performance profile and the current cartridge temperature data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for electronically arming and firing a MEMS-scale interrupted explosive train to detonate a main charge explosive. The device includes a MEMS slider assembly housing a transfer charge electrically actuated to move between safe and armed positions of the explosive train.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a blasting network (16) for use where spurious command signals may be passed through a blasting controller (12) to the blasting network, for example when the controller is connected to the Internet or Intranet (10). The system includes a firewall (14) whereby the communication link (20) between the controller and the blasting network can be placed in a control mode by a switch (19). In the control mode, any previously designated unsafe message such as a fire command is prevented from reaching the blasting network by, for example, disregarding the unsafe message or scrambling it so that it is no longer unsafe. In an operational mode of the communication link, any scrambled unsafe message may be unscrambled and any unsafe message may be transmitted to the blasting network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method utilizing a MEMS safe arm device for electronically arming and firing a MEMS-scale interrupted explosive train to detonate a main charge explosive. The device includes a MEMS slider assembly housing a transfer charge electrically actuated to move between safe and armed positions of the explosive train.

Abstract: Errors may occur in a detonating system that consists of several detonating circuits when the connection—the logging-on—of detonators is effected to the buses of a logger which in turn is connected to a blaster. Connecting is effected, particularly in opencast-mining operations, under conditions that may lead to damage, not visible at first, in particular to the insulation of the detonators and also of the detonating lines. Errors may occur in the transmission of data, for example as a result of loss or falsification of the signals to be transmitted or as a result of intrusion of signals from an extraneous detonator. In accordance with the invention it is therefore proposed that a log-on manager is installed which is in bidirectional contact with the loggers, with the blaster and with the log-data communicators of the loggers which signal the data pertaining to the detonators to the logger.

Abstract: A voltage sensor (10) for monitoring electronic ignition circuits (1) which contains a plurality of igniters (4) connected to an ignition line (3) and an ignition device (2) connected to the ignition line (3) to program the electronic igniters (4). The voltage sensor (10) can be connected separately to the ignition line and contains a voltage measuring device (15) for measuring the voltage (U2) on the ignition line (3) at the voltage sensor (10). The voltage sensor (10) also contains a communications device (15, 17, 18, 19) for receiving a start signal from the ignition device (2) triggering the start of the voltage measurement and for transmitting to the ignition device (2) a measured value determined during the voltage measurement.

Abstract: The air bag inflator employs an injection piston assembly in which liquid propellant is delivered through nozzles in the injection piston to the combustion chamber. Metering of the liquid propellant is accomplished in a manner that is not sensitive to changes in ambient temperatures. A plug is slidably mounted between the propellant chamber and the nozzles to prevent flashback at startup. The plug is pushed forwardly to expose the nozzles to the propellant chamber in response to a predetermined pressure in the propellant chamber. A plug may also be fitted into each nozzle to be expelled into the combustion chamber upon opening of the nozzle. A tape may also be provided over the outlet of the nozzle to prevent flashback into the propellant chamber.

Abstract: The variable output inflator includes an injection piston assembly containing a liquid propellant chamber from which liquid propellant is injected through one or more nozzles in the injection piston into a combustion chamber. The movement of the injection piston is controlled by a magnetic control unit employing an annular gap through which the MR fluid flows in a controlled manner. The inflator is of cylindrical type and may be made of small compact dimensions.

Abstract: Blasting apparatuses and methods control actuation of a plurality of detonators, and involve the use of one or more authorization keys each associated with a blasting machine. The authorization key(s) are transferable from the blasting machine(s) to a central command station, each authorization key storing a data package comprising a randomly generated access code generated by its corresponding blasting machine. Transfer of the one or more authorization keys to a central command station allows the data packages (and associated randomly generated access codes) to be transmitted by the central command station for receipt by the blasting machine(s).

Abstract: A glass-to-metal bushing for ignitors of airbags or belt tensioning pulleys. A metal pin is arranged in a slot in the base plate in the fixing material, the base plate being formed by one element whereby the base geometry describing the slot is produced by at least one separation process. Structure is provided between the front and rear of the base plate for preventing relative motion of the fixing material in the direction of the base plate rear portion across from the inner circumference of the slot.

Abstract: A system for controlling activation of a payload, particularly a high value, high consequence payload, such as a weapon of mass destruction, cannot be activated until it confirms that it has arrived at the correct destination. The system stores information that sufficiently identifies the location where the system should be activated or detonated. Sensors identify characteristics of the current location of the payload. A correlation is performed between the measured characteristics of the current location and the information stored that identifies the desired activation location. When the information sufficiently correlates, the system is allowed to activate.

Abstract: A gas generator comprises an elongated outer housing (10) that has end faces and a side wall, at least three stages (12, 14, 16; 112, 114, 116, 118) which can be activated independently of each other, and for each stage (12, 14, 16; 112, 114, 116, 118) an associated igniter unit (32, 34, 36; 132, 134, 136, 138). The igniter units (32, 34, 36; 132, 134, 136, 138) are mounted laterally to the side wall of the outer housing (10).

Abstract: The present invention is a signal transmission system (10) that can receive a non-electric input signal such as a mechanical shock, detonation, or pyrotechnic signal at an input terminus (12), convert that signal to an electrical signal, and convey the electrical signal to at least one output terminus (16a, 16b) at a remote location where the signal is converted to a non-electric output. To convert the non-electric input signal to an electrical signal, the input terminus (12) comprises a receiving transducer e.g., a piezoelectric, electrochemical, or photovoltaic element. The input terminus (12) is connected by transfer wiring (14) (e.g., an electrical wire harness or a flex cable) to the remote location, where it is received by the at least one output terminus (16a, 16b) and there converted to a non-electric signal that is used for a desired function.

Abstract: An apparatus for electronically switching a detonation device is configured to arm an energy source upon receiving a first signal and discharge the energy source to the detonation device upon receiving and validating a second signal. An explosive device comprising a detonation device electrically coupled to an electronic switching device is also provided, wherein the switching device comprises a microcontroller configured to validate the first signal and the second signal. The detonation device may comprise a semiconductor bridge device configured to activate the explosive device upon receiving a charge across a first terminal and a second terminal from the switching device. Methods of operation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A safety system for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of safety devices each adapted to be activated in the event that an accident should occur. Each safety device includes at least one element selected from the group comprising an electric activator for activating the safety device and a sensor to sense a parameter related to the safety device. The system includes a first conductive arrangement comprising at least one first conductor and a first group of a plurality of switches, with each switch of the first group being connected to one of the first conductors. The system includes a second conductive arrangement comprising at least one second conductor, and a second group of a plurality of switches, with each switch of the second group being connected to one of the second conductors. The elements are connected in a circuit so that each element is connected between one switch of the first group of switches and one switch of the second group of switches.

Abstract: Effects of capacitive resistances on the transmission of data between electronic igniters of an ignition system and a device for programming and triggering igniters are avoided by the disclosed method. Prior to a planned communication of an igniter with the device, a dc voltage is applied to the ignition circuit for a predetermined length of time. This voltage is higher than the voltage provided for generating the signals with which the data are generated. Subsequently, the signals that the igniter transmits in response are produced with a lower voltage than the previously elevated voltage and the dc voltage is increased once again prior to the response to an additional igniter.