Abstract: A perforating gun used in oil and gas completions operations, the perforating gun including a ballistic interrupter actuable from a disarmed state or configuration, in which ballistic communication between a detonator and a detonation cord is impeded, to an armed state or configuration, in which ballistic communication between the detonator and the detonating cord is permitted. A gun string includes the perforating gun and one or more additional perforating guns substantially identical to the perforating gun.

Abstract: A frame for a shaped charge has a body with a cylindrical configuration, the body having a central passage along an axis thereof and a track extending in a direction parallel to the axis for installing and removing a shaped charge, the track having a snap structure. The frame provides a slide-in snap-in charge receptacle for a shaped charge.

Abstract: The invention relates to an igniting unit (10), especially for an inflator, comprising an electric igniter (11) including a first inner cap (12) which forms a space (14) for being filled with a booster propellant charge with a second outer cap (13). In accordance with the invention, the second cap (13) is an electrically non-conductive insulating cap.

Abstract: A wireless detonation system having a dongle for removable connection with a computer system and for wirelessly communicating with and controlling one or more trigger devices and a trigger device for wirelessly communicating with the dongle. The dongle includes a dongle processor programmed to communicate with the computer system via the communication interface to operate the radio transceiver to wirelessly communicate with one or more trigger devices, a radio transceiver coupled to the dongle processor, a communication interface coupled to the dongle processor and one or more contact communication terminals in communication with the dongle processor.

Abstract: A frame for a shaped charge has a body with a cylindrical configuration, the body having a central passage along an axis thereof and a track extending in a direction parallel to the axis for installing and removing a shaped charge, the track having a snap structure. The frame provides a slide-in snap-in charge receptacle for a shaped charge.

Abstract: A thermomechanical safety device includes a body and a capsule valve mounted in the body. A volume of auto-ignition material is disposed in the capsule valve, which is moveable between a rest position and a firing position. A spring engages the capsule valve and the body, and biases the capsule valve towards the rest position. A temperature sensitive actuator engages the capsule valve and the body. The temperature sensitive actuator moves the capsule valve between the rest position and the firing position in response to a change in temperature. The temperature to cause the temperature sensitive actuator to move the capsule valve between the rest position and the firing position is less than the ignition temperature of the auto-ignition material.

Abstract: An electrical device has device electrical contacts that are initially shunted together, to prevent accidental triggering or damage to the device, such as by electrostatic forces. The device is configured to be inserted into a receptacle, with parts of the receptacle disengaging the shunt and making electrical connection within the receptacle, such as with a shunt cutter. The receptacle may also include a pair of receptacle electrical contacts the electrically connect to the device electrical contacts. The configuration, where the shunt is only cut as part of the installation process, enables safer handling of initially-shunted devices, and can also facilitate making blind electrical connections. Making blind connection directly with parts of the receptacle also avoids the need to thread wires through the electrical receptacle and make electrical connections in another way.

Abstract: Components for a perforation gun system are provided including combinations of components including a self-centralizing charge holder system and a bottom connector that can double as a spacer. Any number of spacers can be used with any number of holders for any desired specific metric or imperial shot density, phase and length gun system.

Abstract: A downhole explosive detonation comprises a high voltage electro-explosive initiator comprising an input high voltage power supply with a low impedance shunting fuse, a flexible electrical link and a capacitor discharge unit. Explosive is initiated in a direction approximately parallel, or in another version perpendicular to the capacitor discharge unit. A unique configuration and construction of the assembly allows installation through a small service port in the gun housing structure for more efficient gun arming. A real time downhole voltage monitoring is described that transmits voltage readings to the surface during a firing sequence.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a perforating gun assembly and a detonator assembly are provided. The detonator assembly includes at least a shell, and more than one electrically contactable component that is configured for being electrically contactably received by the perforating gun assembly without using a wired electrical connection, but rather forms the electrical connection merely by contact with at least one of the more than one electrically contactable components. According to an aspect, the detonator assembly includes a selective detonator assembly. A method of assembling the perforating gun assembly including the detonator assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A pressure switch is provided to arm a munition's fuze mechanism upon launch. The switch operation is based upon extreme gas pressures experienced during launch of the munition. The switch includes a piston contained in a housing. The piston translates due to launch pressures. The piston translation then causes a copper puck component to contact nearby electrical stab pins, to close a circuit. The closed circuit is then used to electrically arm the fuze mechanism.

Abstract: An ignition device (100) includes a power supply (2) for discharge; an AC power supply (3); an ignition coil (41) for generating a secondary voltage in a secondary coil (41B); an ignition plug (1) connected to the secondary coil (41B); an AC electrode (43) electrically connected to the AC power supply (3); a high-voltage electrode (42) located between the secondary coil (41B) and the ignition plug (1); an insulator (44) located between the two electrodes (42, 43); and a second insulator (47) which covers the ignition coil (41) and a capacitor (49) composed of the two electrodes (42, 43) and an insulator (44). The secondary voltage and AC power are supplied to the ignition plug (1) via the high-voltage electrode (42). Thus, excellent ignition performance can be implemented while the occurrence of misfire is restrained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safely handling an undesired blade event in an open rotor engine system. In one illustrative embodiment, an occurrence of an undesired blade event in an open rotor engine system is detected. Electrical energy is allowed to flow into a conductor embedded in the blade in response to the undesired blade event. The conductor is vaporized when the electrical energy flowing through the conductor heats the conductor to a temperature above a selected threshold.

Abstract: A method for igniting a thermal battery upon a predetermined acceleration event. The method including: rotatably connecting a striker mass to a base; aligning a first projection on the striker mass with a second projection on the base such that when the striker mass is rotated towards the base, the first projection impacts the second projection; and preventing impact of the first and second projections unless the predetermined acceleration event is experienced.

Abstract: A method for actuating an inertial igniter. The method including: moving a mass contained within an interior of a body towards one of a pyrotechnic material or primer when an all-fire acceleration profile is experienced; hermetically sealing the interior of the body from an outside environment; restraining the movable mass from contacting the one of the pyrotechnic material or primer for acceleration profiles less than the all-fire acceleration profile; at least indirectly blocking the movable mass from movement towards the one of the pyrotechnic material or primer under acceleration profiles equal to or greater than the all-fire acceleration profile; and manually removing the blocking such that the movable mass can move towards and contact the one of the pyrotechnic material or primer when the all-fire acceleration profile is experienced to actuate the inertial igniter.

Abstract: A hand-throwable grenade including a detonator initiating mechanism, a detonator and a locking key. The detonator initiating mechanism is activatable by an operator before the grenade is thrown. The detonator is associated with the detonator initiating mechanism. The locking key interacts with the detonator initiating mechanism to preclude an arming of the detonator until the locking key is removed from the detonator initiating mechanism. The locking key has at least one notch therein.

Abstract: An occupant protection device includes (i) an electronic control unit having a control board, (ii) a parallel connection bus having two lines, (iii) multiple satellite sensors connected to the parallel connection bus, (iv) a squib connected to the parallel connection bus, and (v) an accident prevention diode located close to the squib. The control board includes an interface and a processor. Each of the satellite sensors includes a distributed system interface which is located between the two lines. The parallel connection bus is supplied with a sensor drive voltage. The electronic control unit starts to operate at least one of the occupant protection portions based on a result of the collision determination by the control board.

Abstract: A detonator system is provided for use with explosives that utilizes two subsystems. A first subsystem functions as a non-explosives based detonator, which does not contain any explosives. The second subsystem is an initiating subsystem, which includes an initiating pellet. To set off an explosive event, the non-energetics based detonator is coupled to the initiating subsystem and the non-energetics based detonator is commanded to provide a suitable signal to the initiating subsystem that is sufficient to function the initiating pellet. Further, the initiating subsystem can be integrated directly into an associated explosive such as a booster that has been configured to receive the initiator subsystem without changing the hazard class of the booster.

Abstract: An inertial igniter for igniting a thermal battery upon a predetermined acceleration event is provided. The inertial igniter including: a base having a first projection; a striker mass rotatably connected to the base through a rotatable connection, the base having a second projection aligned with the first projection such that when the striker mass is rotated towards the base, the first projection impacts the second projection; and a rotation prevention mechanism for preventing impact of the first and second projections unless the predetermined acceleration event is experienced.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.

Abstract: A method for igniting a thermal battery upon a predetermined acceleration event. The method including: rotatably connecting a striker mass to a base; aligning a first projection on the striker mass with a second projection on the base such that when the striker mass is rotated towards the base, the first projection impacts the second projection; and preventing impact of the first and second projections unless the predetermined acceleration event is experienced.

Abstract: A system for mitigating the effects of an unexpected explosion against a surface is described and claimed. This invention comprises at least one containment vessel containing explosive material fitted with a detonator; and at least one sensing device that can ignite the detonator; or, in another embodiment, a computer interposed between sensing devices and a plurality of detonators to optimize the response. Because transient voltages from a high-voltage firing system can accidentally ignite the detonators, a safety switch driven by an EBW detonator is interposed between the firing system and the counter-explosive devices. The explosive force generated by the current invention attenuates the shockwave and deflects the shrapnel from the unexpected explosion. In various embodiments, this counter-explosive device can be adapted to protect a multiplicity of surface types including exterior vehicle surfaces, building facades, bridges, embassies and military checkpoints and guard stations.

Abstract: A safety and arming unit for a fuze of a projectile has a rotor for interruption of a firing chain. The rotor can rotate from a safe position to an armed position. In order to allow the safety and arming unit to be designed to be physically compact and such that it can be assembled easily, it is proposed that it has a first and a second rotor safety device which each engage in the rotor in order to block rotor rotation to the armed position, wherein the first rotor safety device is designed to carry out a release movement by virtue of its inertia during a launch acceleration of the projectile, and the second rotor safety device has a pyrotechnic charge for producing a release movement.

Abstract: An explosive tool is disclosed. The explosive tool comprises a body structure, a charge, a detonator to ignite the charge via propagation of thermal energy, a pressure actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to a surface pressure and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined pressure threshold, and a temperature actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to a surface temperature and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined temperature threshold. The charge, the detonator, the pressure actuated safety, and the temperature actuated safety are contained within the body structure.

Abstract: An electronic ignition safety device configured to reject signals below a predetermined ‘all-fire’ voltage includes an exploding foil initiator having an electrical input and an output end, and an electronic fireset electrically connected to the electrical input of the exploding foil initiator. The device also includes a through bulkhead initiator (TBI) body, a donor charge disposed adjacent the output end of the exploding foil initiator, and an acceptor charge. The device further includes an integral barrier disposed between the donor charge and the acceptor charge, and one or more of the donor charge, the acceptor charge, and/or the integral barrier being disposed within a component part that is assembled to the TBI body. The device also includes an output charge disposed adjacent the acceptor charge.

Abstract: Inertial igniters for initiating a thermal battery and methods of preventing initiation of an inertial igniter are provided. The method including: biasing a mass element from a base element with a spring element connecting the mass element and the spring element; and removably disposing a safety member between the mass element and the base element to prevent relative movement between the mass element and base element to prevent accidental initiation of the inertial igniter. The method can further comprise removing the safety member prior to subjecting the inertial igniter to all-fire conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to cartridged ammunition, particularly blank ammunition, having a cartridge shell (3) and a projectile (2) placed therein. A propellant chamber (4) accommodating a pyrotechnic of a propellant charge (5) is disposed in the cartridge shell, such charge being ignitable by an ignition device (13) also containing pyrotechnic material that generates propellant gases that act on the base (8) of the projectile and propel the shot out of the cartridge shell. In order to prevent the pyrotechnic charges of the propellant charge and/or the ignition device from self-igniting at high ambient temperatures, particularly in a fire, thus tearing apart the cartridge shell and projectile and being flung away, an inert, meltable material is mixed into the pyrotechnic charges of the propellant charge and/or the ignition device.

Abstract: An electronic ignition safety device configured to reject signals below a predetermined ‘all-fire’ voltage comprising an exploding foil initiator having an electrical input and an output end, a pickup comprising a secondary explosive donor charge adjacent to the exploding foil initiator's output end and separated from a secondary explosive acceptor charge by an integral barrier, and an output charge adjacent to the acceptor charge.

Abstract: A deconfinement device for the casing of a piece of ammunition enclosing an explosive load able to be ignited by a priming fuse, said device comprising a connecting ring linked to the casing and enabling the priming fuse to be joined to said casing, wherein said device incorporates a structure to ensure a weakened and shearable link between said fuse and said connecting ring, said link being sheared further to an increase in the pressure inside said casing, said connecting ring incorporating a base forming a plate that can be projected onto said explosive load during the ignition of said fuse, said base being able to be fractured by the presence of pressure inside said body of said projectile.

Abstract: A glass-metal feed-through transmits an electrical signal from one face to another face that is opposite. The feed-through includes a glass plug, two metal pins passing through the plug, and a metal part surrounding the plug. The feed-through includes an electrically-conductive link between a first of the pins and the part. The link includes a brazing preform secured to the first pin and to the part.

Abstract: An initiator including a housing adapted to be received in an igniter or rocket motor, at least one charge at a distal end of the housing, an electro-explosive device behind the charge for detonating the charge when subject to a voltage HV, and a pressure bulkhead behind the electro-explosive device. An electronic subsystem in the housing is connected to the electro-explosive device through the bulkhead and includes a lead for providing the voltage HV to the electro-explosive device to initiate it, and a switch in the lead which does not conduct if errant voltages are present on the lead to prevent initiation of the electro-explosive device until the correct voltage HV is present.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for assembling a loading tube for a perforating gun for use in a perforating system. At a first location, e.g., a shop, which is not the location at which perforating operations will be conducted, the loading tube is completely assembled. The completely assembled loading tubing is then transported to a second location where perforating operations are to be conducted. In one embodiment, an RF-safe initiator, wiring, a detonating cord and a plurality of shaped charges are installed into the loading tube at a first location. The RF-safe initiators may comprise an exploding foil initiator or an exploding bridge wire. A process for assembling a loading tube for a single-shot perforating gun is also disclosed.

Abstract: A blast key which includes a body and a blast energy generator in or on the body. The blast key may include a body in the form of a small housing and may further comprise a switch connected to the energy generator.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor bridge device wherein a reaction time for generating sparks is short and a spark generating amount is large. This semiconductor bridge device comprises a substrate, a pair of land portions, a bridge portion electrically connecting between the pair of the land portions, and an electrode pad arranged on each upper surface in the pair of the land portions and emitting sparks at the bridge portion through an electric current passed between the electrode pads, in which the pair of the land portions and the bridge portion consist of a laminate formed by alternately laminating a metal layer and a metal oxide layer plural times, and an outermost layer in the laminate is a metal layer, and a metal oxide having a decomposition temperature of higher than 1500° C. is used in the metal oxide layer.

Abstract: A parachute flare igniter assembly includes a novel safety for arresting the motion of a slider when subjected to external forces, but allows slider motion when subjected to intended cable actuation forces. The igniter safety includes a housing, a slider, a cable and a sleeve. The slider, connected to the cable, is slidably received within the housing. The cable moves the slider by applying a cable force conventionally obtained by actuation of a parachute associated with the flare and connected to an end of the cable opposite an end connected to the slider. The sleeve is connected to the cable and is disposed between the housing and the slider, so that the sleeve will arrest the slider with respect to the housing when the cable force is not present. A flare and a method of providing a safety in an igniter assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A gas generator for filling an airbag of a vehicle is provided. The gas generator can be integrated into the vehicle in such a way that it is electrically insulated from the same, and can be directly connected to the electrical ground of the vehicle, especially to a defined ground potential, by means of a separate ground connection. The separate ground connection thus provides an improved ground connection of the gas generator.

Abstract: An igniter assembly that includes a housing, a secondary explosive input charge, a pyrotechnic output charge and a barrier system that is disposed between the input charge and the pyrotechnic output charge. The barrier system shields the pyrotechnic output charge from energy released by the input charge to prevent the output charge from being cooked-off or initiated unless the input charge is detonated.

Abstract: An explosive tool is disclosed. The explosive tool comprises a body structure, a charge, a detonator to ignite the charge via propagation of thermal energy, a pressure actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to a surface pressure and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined pressure threshold, and a temperature actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to a surface temperature and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined temperature threshold. The charge, the detonator, the pressure actuated safety, and the temperature actuated safety are contained within the body structure.

Abstract: A tool for use in a wellbore has an activation assembly, which has a support structure and a reactive layer on the support structure. The reactive layer is formed of a pyrotechnic material. The activation assembly also includes an electrically conductive protective layer covering the reactive layer to protect the reactive layer from electrical discharge. The tool further includes a component to be activated by the activation assembly.

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 system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.

Abstract: A shock tube initiator (STI) for allowing the remote and/or manual initiation of at least one shock tube, typically two shock tubes is disclosed.

Abstract: An igniter assembly with a housing, an initiator, an input charge, a first barrier, a second barrier, and an output charge. The input charge is formed of a secondary explosive and disposed adjacent the initiator. The first barrier cooperates with the housing to form a chamber into which the input charge is received. The second barrier is disposed on a side of the first barrier opposite the input charge and combusts in response to energy released during detonation of the input charge. The output charge is formed of a pyrotechnic material and disposed on a side of the second barrier opposite the first barrier. The output charge can combust in response to energy released during combustion of the second barrier. The housing and the first barrier cooperate to isolate the output charge from heat and pressure generated by the input charge if the input charge is cooked-off.

Abstract: The present invention provides an actuator including: a cylinder connected to an ignition device; a piston slidably accommodated inside the cylinder, the piston having, in a desired section in the length direction, an enlarged diameter portion in which an outer diameter is enlarged; a cylindrical stopper attached to an inner peripheral surface of the cylinder, the stopper including, a main body portion which is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder, and a nail portion which inwardly projects from the main body portion and is formed of an elastic material, wherein before activation of the ignition device, the piston is inhibited from moving in an axial direction by causing the nail portion to contact a part of the enlarged diameter portion, after activation of the ignition device, the piston is inhibited from moving in a backward direction by causing the nail portion to contact another part of the enlarged diameter portion.

Abstract: A parachute flare igniter assembly includes a novel safety for arresting the motion of a slider when subjected to external forces, but allows slider motion when subjected to intended cable actuation forces. The igniter safety includes a housing, a slider, a cable and a sleeve. The slider, connected to the cable, is slidably received within the housing. The cable moves the slider by applying a cable force conventionally obtained by actuation of a parachute associated with the flare and connected to an end of the cable opposite an end connected to the slider. The sleeve is connected to the cable and is disposed between the housing and the slider, so that the sleeve will arrest the slider with respect to the housing when the cable force is not present. A flare and a method of providing a safety in an igniter assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A bore seal is includes a polymeric interface portion adapted for coupling to an initiator activation signal transmission medium, and an initiator-receiving portion adapted for receiving an initiator therein. The bore seal generally houses a pyrotechnic initiator or igniter therein, for incorporation into a gas generating system or other system having a pyrotechnically actuatable element.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.

Abstract: An igniter includes: an igniter assembly including an igniter main body having an ignition portion adapted to be ignited by an ignition electric current; an igniter collar which accommodates the igniter main body; a cup body having an opening portion, the igniter assembly and the cup body being connected to each other, such that at least the ignition portion of the igniter main body is surrounded by the cup body; and a tubular crimp case that connects and fastens at least a part of an exterior surface of the igniter collar and at least a part of an exterior surface of the cup body from an outside.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a perforating gun assembly and a detonator assembly are provided. The detonator assembly includes at least a shell, and more than one electrically contactable component that is configured for being electrically contactably received by the perforating gun assembly without using a wired electrical connection, but rather forms the electrical connection merely by contact with at least one of the more than one electrically contactable components. According to an aspect, the detonator assembly includes a selective detonator assembly. A method of assembling the perforating gun assembly including the detonator assembly is also provided.