Abstract: A shock tube for propagating and initiating a signal to an explosive charge which includes at least first and second elongate flexible conductors on a body of the detonator to enable two-way communication between the explosive charge and a blasting machine thereby to confirm the status of the detonator prior to sending a fire signal.

Abstract: An igniter with a charge sleeve is provided with a through hole having a cylindrical wall, a bridge wire extending at least partially within the through hole, and a consolidated ignition powder charge retained within the through hole of the charge sleeve such that the bridge wire is at least partially embedded in the ignition powder charge. The cylindrical wall comprises at least one of i) a protrusion embedded into consolidated ignition powder charge, ii) a dimple filled with the consolidated ignition powder charge, and iii) at least 2 cylindrical wall sections that are eccentric to each other. The at least one of the protrusion, dimple and 2 cylindrical wall sections positively interlock with the consolidated ignition and output powder charge to prevent the charge both from moving in a radial direction in relation to the bridge wire and from rotating in relation to the bride wire.

Abstract: A detonator (14) has a printed circuit board (18) with conductive contact pads (26) which are electrically connected to conductors (32, 34) by means of a compression-type fitting. The compression-type fitting includes a cover (40), a seal (46) and a locking member (54) through which the electrical conductors in the form of a cable (12) are slidably threaded in the stated order. The detonator (14) has at its trailing end (24) a wedge-shaped part (28) having a serrated surface (28A). Locking member (54) has a tapered cavity (56) having a serrated surface (56A). Cover (40) is slid along cable (12) to force locking member (54) into locking engagement with wedge-shaped part (28) to hold conductors (32, 34) in contact with contact pads (26).

Abstract: A ring-shaped or plate-like element, in particular for a metal-sealing material-feedthrough, for example for devices which are subjected to high pressures, such as igniters for airbags or belt tensioning devices, includes a feedthrough opening, whereby the feedthrough opening is located substantially in the center of the ring-shaped or plate-like element and whereby the ring-shaped or plate-like element has a thickness. The ring-shaped or plate-like element has a relief region in the area of the feedthrough opening. Further, the ring-shaped or plate-like element in the relief region has at least one thickness which is reduced by the height of the relief region and which is selected so that the feedthrough opening can be punched out of the ring-shaped or plate like element having the reducing thickness.

Abstract: An initiator assembly can include an outer body can have a first end, a second end, and an internal passage between the first and second ends. An initiator canister can be joined to the outer body at the first end and can define a charge chamber that includes a pair of pins extending therefrom. An insulative material can be molded within the passage to form an insulative structural member that joins the canister and pins to the outer body and insulates the pins and a portion of the canister from electrical contact with the outer body. An electrostatic discharge dissipater can be formed from an electrically conductive material and can be molded to the outer body. The dissipater can provide a controlled dissipation path for electrostatic discharge energy carried by the initiator assembly.

Abstract: Connection cables for separable firing unit assemblies comprise a first mating connector at a first end and a second mating connector at a second, opposing end. A stripline cable electrically connects the first mating connector to the second mating connector. Separable firing unit assemblies comprise an initiation device. An electronics assembly is configured to transmit a firing pulse to the initiation device. One of a first mating connector and a second mating connector is coupled to the initiation device and the other of the first mating connector and the second mating connector is coupled to the electronics assembly. A second housing of the second mating connector is configured to receive a portion of a first housing of the first mating connector therein.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus is provided having an inflator in which the waterproofing property of the connection between an initiator and a harness for distributing power is ensured by potting, and leakage at the time of the filling of a potting material is prevented. An airbag apparatus includes a bag portion formed of a base cloth panel in a bag shape and deployed and inflated by being supplied with gas for deployment, and an inflator that generates the gas for deployment supplied to the bag portion.

Abstract: A metal-sealing material-feedthrough for igniters includes: a base body including a feedthrough opening, a front side, and a back side, the base body configured such that a ratio of a thickness of the base body to a maximum dimension of the feedthrough opening vertical to an axis direction of the feedthrough opening is in a range of approximately 0.5 to 2.5, the base body having a thickness between 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm; a sealing material; and a metal pin which is located in the feedthrough opening, the thickness being such that the base body is deformed under compression, the deformation adding an additional force to the sealing material such that the metal-sealing material-feedthrough is configured for avoiding a relative movement of the sealing material between the front side and the back side in a direction toward the back side relative to an inside circumference of the feedthrough opening.

Abstract: Embodiments of an initiator support assembly that includes an initiator housing including an initiator cavity system are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a bridge substrate is positioned within the initiator cavity. The bridge substrate includes a substrate base including a uniform first planar surface and an opposed second surface. The bridge substrate further includes a first bridge contact extending over the substrate base. The first bridge contact is substantially flush with the first planar surface. A second bridge contact extends over the substrate base. The second bridge contact is substantially flush with the first planar surface. The first and second bridge contacts and the uniform first planar surface form a continuous planar mounting surface. An explosive charge, positioned within the initiator cavity, includes a charge mounting surface that is continuously coupled in surface-to-surface contact across the continuous planar mounting surface.

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: A system for a piston actuator comprising a configuration with lead styphnate charge material and Nichrome® bridgewire, wherein the device configuration provides very high reliability, including piston actuator applications; resistance of the bridgewire is carefully controlled to optimize power transfer from the firing circuit to the bridgewire and charge material.

Abstract: A down-hole fire pressure switch is disclosed having improved operating characteristics including improved reliability and higher pressure resistance.

Abstract: A microcavity structure. In an illustrative embodiment, the microcavity structure includes a first substrate, which has a region of interest. A second substrate with a perforation therein is bonded to the first substrate. The perforation coincides with the region of interest. In a specific embodiment, the first substrate is implemented via a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The region of interest includes one or more circuit components, including an actuator, such as a bridgewire, thereon or therein. A smoothing layer is included between the PCB and the actuator. A bonding gasket adheres the first substrate to the second substrate. The perforation accommodates energetic material that is selectively ignited via the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator including: an igniter, a collar for holding the igniter, and a cup-shaped case fixed to the collar and charged inside with gas generating agent, the collar formed by a combination of a metallic portion and a resin portion which is integrated with the metallic portion, the collar being provided with an annular groove formed in an outer peripheral surface thereof, the cup-shaped case and the collar being fixed by fitting a bent portion, which is obtained by bending inward an end portion in an opening side of the cup-shaped case, to the annular groove, an annular space being formed by an inner wall surface of the bent portion and the collar, and being in communication with an inside of the cup-shaped case.

Abstract: Some embodiments pertain to an initiator support assembly that includes a casing and one or more initiator leads extending from the casing. The transmission of current through the initiator leads detonates an explosive charge within the casing. The casing includes a flange and a dampening member attached to the flange. The dampening member is between the flange and a structure where the initiator support assembly is mounted. The dampening member dampens shock that would otherwise be transferred from the structure to the initiator support assembly. In another example embodiment, at least a portion of the casing is formed of an interior wall, a dampening layer covering at least a portion of the interior wall and an exterior wall. The dampening layer dampens shock to the initiator support assembly that would otherwise be transferred from a structure to the initiator support assembly when the exterior wall is mounted to the structure.

Abstract: An initiator assembly can include an outer body can have a first end, a second end, and an internal passage between the first and second ends. An initiator canister can be joined to the outer body at the first end and can define a charge chamber that includes a pair of pins extending therefrom. An insulative material can be molded within the passage to form an insulative structural member that joins the canister and pins to the outer body and insulates the pins and a portion of the canister from electrical contact with the outer body. An electrostatic discharge dissipater can be formed from an electrically conductive material and can be molded to the canister and the outer body at the first end. The dissipater can electrically connect the canister to the outer body to provide a controlled dissipation path for electrostatic discharge energy carried by the initiator assembly.

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 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: An energetic material initiation device having a receiver assembly and an initiator assembly that includes an electronic initiator and a pellet assembly with an energetic material. The receiver assembly is configured to be coupled to a firing circuit. When the firing circuit is to be armed, the initiator assembly can be pressed into a socket in the receiver assembly to electrically couple the receiver assembly and the initiator assembly. A method for mounting an energetic material initiation device to a firing circuit is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal-sealing material-feedthrough for igniters of airbags or belt tensioning devices, especially glass-metal-feedthrough, including at least one metal pin which is located in a feedthrough opening in the base body in a sealing material, wherein the base body has a front side and a back side. Structure is provided between the front and the back side in order to avoid a relative movement of sealing material in the direction toward the back relative to the inside circumference of the feedthrough opening. At least the feedthrough opening is punched out of the base body. The base body is configured so that the ratio of thickness (D) of the base body to the maximum dimension of the feedthrough opening vertical to the axis direction of the feedthrough opening is in the range of between and including 0.9 to 1.6.

Abstract: A header assembly includes a header holding a plurality of electrode pins to be insulated from one another, an ignition element mounting capacitor having at the center of its outer circumferential surfaces external terminal electrodes for electrically connecting to an ignition element mounted on the capacitor, an IC having first, second, and third electrode pads to be electrically connected to end electrodes of the ignition element mounting capacitor and the external terminal electrodes and further having connection electrodes to be electrically connected to the electrode pins of the header for communication with the external. The IC is located on the header, and the ignition element mounting capacitor is located on the IC and electrically connected to the electrode pins through the connection electrodes provided on the IC.

Abstract: An energetic material initiation device having a receiver assembly and an initiator assembly that includes an electronic initiator and a pellet assembly with an energetic material. The receiver assembly is configured to be coupled to a firing circuit. When the firing circuit is to be armed, the initiator assembly can be pressed into a socket in the receiver assembly to electrically couple the receiver assembly and the initiator assembly. A method for mounting an energetic material initiation device to a firing circuit is also provided.

Abstract: Fire, arm, and disarm signals are typically transmitted to electronic detonators via signal transmission lines. Traditionally, such signal transmission lines include wires wherein one end of each wire is soldered directly to printed circuit boards and/or other signal processing components retained within the shell of a detonator. Other ‘modular’ blasting apparatuses of the prior art provide means to connect signal transmission lines to detonators in the field. Signal transmission line/detonator contacts are susceptible to disruption, particularly when the signal transmission lines are subject to inadvertent tugging or tensile forces at the blast site. The present application discloses an electrical connector that enables secure connection between a signal transmission line and any detonator adapted to receive and optionally process electrical signals from the signal transmission line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel technique for the fabrication of MEMS igniters and detonators. According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the device is built based on two-plates. Plate one contains the resistive heating element and plate two contains the explosive cavity. With the present invention, micro igniters and detonators are batch fabricated utilizing a glue-less assembly technique and self-aligning capability.

Abstract: A warhead including a case, a main explosive being received within the case, an initiator having at least a portion embedded within a main explosive charge, and a releasable coupling intermediate the main explosive charge and the initiator.

Abstract: Metal-sealing material-feedthrough, especially for devices which are subjected to high pressures, include at least one metal pin located in a sealing material in a feedthrough opening in a base body, whereby the at least one metal pin is enveloped at least partially by a conductive component element, so that a conductive connection may be created on the one hand between the component element and the metal pin and whereby on the other hand the component element is in contact with the base body, so that a conductive connection can be established between the component element and the base body, the component element possessing a design form to the extent that the component element with respect to its contour essentially follows the contour of the inside wall of the feedthrough opening along a section S.

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 igniter assembly includes, an electric igniter and igniter collar, and a resin fixing the electric igniter into the igniter collar. The electric igniter has an igniter main body and a conductive pin which extends from the igniter main body. The igniter collar has a first through hole formed in the axial direction and at least one second through hole formed separately from the first through hole and being provided to the igniter collar. The electric igniter is fixed inside the first through hole by the resin, and the resin is also charged into the second through hole.

Abstract: Mining operations frequently involve the use of electric or electronic delay detonators in operative association with an explosive charge contained in a booster. Disclosed herein are connectors for connecting a signal transmission line to a detonator associated with a booster. In this way, the connectors, at least in preferred embodiments, allow the production of a substantially sealed booster assembly having a secure electrical connection to a signal transmission line. Also disclosed are methods of producing substantially sealed booster assemblies, and methods for their use in mining operations.

Abstract: An ignition device, which is simple and inexpensive to produce, for a pyrotechnic protection device, in particular an airbag or seatbelt tensioner is provided. The ignition device includes a base with a deformed metal carrier part having a current leadthrough for an electrical ignition and a cap connected to the base, a propellant charge being enclosed between the base and cap, and the metal carrier part of the base having a base body and a welding rim of reduced thickness compared to the base body, the cap being welded to the welding rim by way of an encircling weld seam.

Abstract: A gas generator usable in a vehicle occupant protection system. The gas generator includes an initiator holder and an initiator secured in the initiator holder. The initiator includes a housing enclosing an initiator charge. A metallic bore seal is secured to the initiator holder, and a casing is adhesively secured to the bore seal along an exterior surface of the bore seal. A gas generant is positioned within the casing so as to enable fluid communication between the gas generant and combustion products formed by combustion of the initiator charge, thereby enabling ignition of the gas generant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electropyrotechnic initiator comprising: an ignition support (10); an electrical initiation system (11) connecting the ignition support (10) to a source of electricity; and a cap (2) containing at least one explosive composition, the cap being of generally cylindrical shape presenting an open first end (20) connected to the ignition support (10), an opposite second end that is closed by an end wall (21), and a peripheral side wall (22) which presents at least one zone of weakness (3). This initiator is essentially remarkable in that at least one of the zones of weakness extends along a non-closed trace and over a portion only of the side wall (22), i.e. without reaching its opposite ends.

Abstract: A bore seal includes a polymeric interface portion adapted for coupling so 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 gas generator usable in a vehicle occupant protection system. The gas generator includes an initiator holder and an initiator secured within the holder, the initiator including a housing enclosing an initiator charge. A bore seal is molded into the initiator holder, and a casing is attached to the bore seal along an exterior surface of the bore seal. A gas generant material is positioned within the casing so as to enable fluid communication between the gas generant and combustion products formed by combustion of the initiator charge, thereby enabling ignition of the gas generant. In one embodiment, an edge portion of the casing is pre-formed so as to snap-fit over a shoulder formed along the bore seal. In another embodiment, an edge portion of the casing is crimped onto outer surfaces of the bore seal. In yet another embodiment, the casing is welded to the bore seal.

Abstract: An ignition element mounting capacitor having an ignition element mounted on a capacitor, includes therein a first capacitor section and a second capacitor section, and first external terminal electrodes electrically connected to the first capacitor section and second external terminal electrodes electrically connected to the second capacitor section. The first capacitor section has a capacity for igniting ignition powder, and the second capacitor section has a function for removing noise which affects external circuits. Further, provided on the surface of the capacitor are third external terminal electrodes electrically connected to the ignition element.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of assembling a device employing electric ignition by comprising assembling an igniter assembly in the device, the igniter assembly having an electric igniter provided with a first electroconductive pin and a second electroconductive pin, connected to a power source, the method comprising steps of: forming two measurement circuits by using the first electroconductive pin and the second electroconductive pin as a measurement terminal on one end side, respectively, and using another member provided in the igniter assembly as a terminal on the other end side with a pass through a dielectric provided in the igniter assembly, measuring pure resistances and/or impedances of the two measurement circuits, respectively, by applying a high frequency thereto separately, distinguishing the first electroconductive pin from the second electroconductive pin from a magnitude relationship (difference) between the measured pure resistance and/or impedance values, and then, disposing the ign

Abstract: An initiator for initiating detonation in a detonation cord of a perforating system, where the initiator comprises a modular electronic igniter that quick connects into a portion of high explosive. The high explosive is disposed in a housing having an end of detonation cord crimped therein. The electronic igniter may be shipped to the field and/or stored separate from the high explosive then the two may be assembled just prior to deploying the perforating gun assembly in a wellbore. Various methods of quick connecting the electronic igniter to the high explosive may be used.

Abstract: A gas generator includes a generator housing (12), an igniter device mounting opening (18) which has an edge (22), an igniter device and a booster chamber (24) having a peripheral wall (26). The igniter device has a prefabricated igniter (16) sealed off towards the exterior, a booster charge (23) adjoining the igniter (16) and an injected plastic base (20). The edge (22) of the igniter device mounting opening (18) for fastening the igniter device to the generator housing (12) is embedded in the injected plastic base (20) during injecting. Connectors (14) leading to the igniter (16) are embedded into the plastic base (20) during injecting and the plastic base (20) continues in one piece into the booster chamber (24) by forming a peripheral wall (26) of the booster chamber (24) which the booster charge (23) directly adjoins.

Abstract: An initiator that includes a header body, an insulating spacer, an initiator chip, a plurality of terminals and a plurality of contacts. The insulating spacer is coupled to the header body. The initiator chip that forms at least a portion of an exploding foil initiator and includes a plurality of electric interfaces. The initiator chip is secured to a side of the insulating spacer opposite the header body. The terminals extend through the header body. The contacts electrically couple the electric interfaces to the terminals. The cover is coupled to the header body and cooperates with the header body to house the insulating spacer, the initiator chip and the contacts. A method for forming an initiator is also provided.

Abstract: An initiator includes an initiator main body, a connecting portion attached to the initiator main body, and a harness for distributing power connected to the initiator main body via the connecting portion. A hooking portion is attached to the initiator main body. The hooking portion hooks a middle portion of the harness in an extending direction.

Abstract: An igniter assembly includes an igniter, a substantially cylindrical collar for holding the igniter, and resin for joining the igniter to the collar. The collar has a cylindrical main body, a collar portion provided inward at the inner circumferential surface of the main body, and a cylindrical surrounding wall portion which extends from one end of the main body in the axial direction of the main body. A groove is formed in a radial surface of the collar portion at the side of the surrounding wall portion. The resin is filled between the igniter and the inner circumferential surface and the radial surface of the internal hole of the collar portion and the inside of the surrounding wall portion so as to fill in the groove. The collar is easily manufactured, and the igniter assembly prevents a gap from being generated due to shrinkage of resin.

Abstract: A shaped charge detonation booster comprises a tubular wall body of substantially constant outside diameter for enclosing an axial primer path that terminates with an enlarged main cavity volume. Preferably, the main cavity is positioned within the juncture plane of opposing shaped cutter charges. The tubular wall surrounding the primer path is substantially thicker than the tubular wall surrounding the main body and the explosive material within the main body is compacted more densely than the explosive material in the primer path.

Abstract: A method of using electrically initiated primer systems that rely on vaporizing a thin metallic film which is either coated on a non-conductive insulator component or is a malleable thin film or strip secured to the inner surface of a primer cup assembly to ignite an environmentally safe MIC composition.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator is provided with an encapsulation material retention feature on the output can rather than on the header assembly. For example, the bottom of the output can of the pyrotechnic initiator may be swaged over the bottom of the header assembly and/or it may be stamped with anchors.

Abstract: A firing head for a perforating gun includes a detonating block having a first end and a second end, with the second end being structured and arranged so as to be located adjacent to a detonation material. A central passage extends through the detonating block from the first end to the second end. A detonator is located and restrained in the passage so as to be adjacent to the detonating material. At least one venting passage extends from the central passage to an exterior of the detonating block.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator with enclosed on-board control circuitry, and a mating connector therefor.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator is provided with an encapsulation material retention feature on the output can, such as a swaged end or anchors.

Abstract: The hermetically sealed electrical feed-through device has a circular metal disk (11) with a conductive angular or bent isolated pin (13) hermetically sealed in an oval or elliptical through-going opening (O) whose center coincides with the center of the circular metal disk. The angular or bent isolated pin (13) is sealed in the oval or elliptical opening (O) by means of a glass-to-metal seal (17). An angular or bent ground pin (15) is connected to the rear side of the circular metal disk (11) adjacent to the opening (O) and extends approximately parallel to the isolated pin (13). Because the through-going opening (O) has an elliptical or oval cross-section section, different bridge wires of different lengths are connectable on the front side of the metal disk (11) between the front surface of the circular metal disk (11) and the angular or bent isolated pin (13). The isolated and ground pins both have circular transverse cross-sections.

Abstract: The hermetically sealed electrical feed-through device has a circular metal disk (11, 21) with a conductive isolated pin (13, 23) hermetically sealed in a through-going circular opening (O, O?) by a glass seal (17, 27) and a conductive ground pin (15, 25) connected with a rear side of the metal disk (11, 21) adjacent to the through-going circular opening and extending approximately parallel to the isolated pin. The isolated pin (13, 23) has an oval or elliptical section (13a, 23a) extending through the glass seal (17, 27), whereby different bridge wires of different lengths are connectable on the front side of the metal disk between the front surface of the metal disk and the isolated pin (13, 23). In one embodiment the pins are straight and the through-going circular opening is offset in the metal disk; in another embodiment the pins are bent and the through-going circular opening (O,O?) is centrally positioned in the metal disk (11,21).

Abstract: The hermetically sealed electrical feed-through device has a circular metal disk (11) with a conductive straight isolated pin (13) hermetically sealed in an oval or elliptical through-going opening (O) positioned offset from the center of the circular metal disk. The straight isolated pin (13) is sealed in the opening (O) by means of a glass-to-metal seal (17). A conductive straight ground pin (15) is connected to the rear side of the circular metal disk (11) adjacent to the opening (O) and extends approximately parallel to the straight isolated pin (13). Because the through-going opening (O) has an elliptical or oval cross-section, a wider range of different bridge wires of different lengths, which are connectable on the front side of the metal disk (11) between the front surface of the metal disk (11) and the straight isolated pin (13), is possible. The straight isolated and ground pins have circular transverse cross-sections.