Abstract: The electric pyrotechnic igniter of the present invention comprises a controlled power source providing low-voltage electricity to one or more remotely located, replaceable ignition elements which are housed in compression clips capable of holding the ignition elements into direct contact with firework fuses.

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

Abstract: An initiator has a circuit board with two spaced copper traces and a bridge resistor of Nichrome® or tantalum nitride at one end, and wire leads or pins joining the wire traces at the other end. A zener diode is placed between the wire leads and a bridge resistor. Immediately before the wire leads reach the circuit board they pass through a ferrite core. The wire leads, the ferrite core, and the circuit board except for the end of the board to which the bridge resistor is mounted, is insert molded into a body of glass filled nylon 6,6. The nylon body mounts an aluminum can that covers the bridge resistor and is bonded to a circumferential groove in the nylon body. The bridge resistor is covered with primary explosives such as zirconium potassium perchlorate and the can is filled with gas generating granules such as 5-aminotetrazole.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic igniter arrangement, especially for occupant protection devices in motor vehicles, includes a single common carrier substrate, an electronic assembly arranged on the carrier substrate in an electronic zone, an electrically ignitable ignition bridge arranged on the carrier substrate in a pyrotechnic zone, and a pyrotechnic charge in the pyrotechnic zone. A mechanical decoupling or parting feature, such as a frangible link or an elastically bendable neck, is provided in the carrier substrate between the pyrotechnic zone and the electronic zone, so that forces arising during ignition of the pyrotechnic charge are not transmitted through the carrier substrate into the electronic zone. The decoupling feature breaks or elastically yields when a load exceeding a prescribed threshold is applied thereto. The electronic assembly is protected from damage due to excessive loads, and remains functional even after ignition of the pyrotechnic charge.

Abstract: A detonator with onboard electronics and an ignition element that are mechanically connected together.

Abstract: The invention relates to trigger units for initiating pyrotechnic elements which usually consist of a switch and control unit, ignition means and an ignition charge body. Said switch and control element is triggered by way of an electric coupling via a line in order to initiate ignition. The line for the electric coupling and the dimensions of the switch and control element which are usually accommodated in an IC housing complicate the design and the automatic assembly of the trigger units. According to the invention, the switch and control element (1) is surrounded by a first shell (2). Said first shell (2) is connected to a second shell (1) which contains the ignition charge body (23). The invention is further characterized in that the ignition means (19) dip into said second shell (21).

Abstract: A method of producing a device containing pyrotechnical material comprises the following steps: providing a tubular housing element with a base and metal ducts incorporated in the base, with the housing element and the base being integrally formed of glass and the housing element and the base defining a housing interior with a bottom adjoining the base, and the metal ducts extending through the bottom into the housing interior; applying a metal layer on the bottom by forming a heat-generating element integrally connected with the metal ducts and the bottom; introducing the pyrotechnical material into the housing element; and sealing the housing element by heating and melting off. The device obtainable in this way serves for use in vehicle occupant restraint systems, for instance as an igniter in gas generators and belt tensioners.

Abstract: An igniter arrangement for vehicle occupant protection devices includes a substrate, an electronic assembly on the substrate in an electronic zone, an electrical ignition bridge on the substrate in a pyrotechnic zone, and a pyrotechnic charge adjoining the ignition bridge. A shock absorbing elastic first material covers a first portion of the substrate in the pyrotechnic zone, and forms a shock-absorbing cushion between the charge and the electronic zone. A second material harder than the first encases a second portion of the substrate and the electronic assembly in the electronic zone, protects the electronic assembly, and separates the two zones. The ignition bridge and the electronic assembly are at opposite ends of the elongate substrate. A breakable parting feature separably connects the two substrate portions and breaks due to high forces arising during ignition of the charge, so these forces are not transmitted through the substrate into the electronic zone.

Abstract: Actuator apparatus comprising 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 housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ignition unit (1) suitable for triggering an active system, such as an airbag or safety belt. The ignition unit comprises an ignition charge (7) located in a housing (2), which can be fired by means of an ignition bridge (6) positioned on a support element (5), as well as at least one contact pin (13a, 13b, 13c) which protrudes from the housing (2) and via an electronic ignition system (9) is electrically connected to the ignition bridge (6). The electronic ignition system (9) is surrounded by an envelope (10) made of a shock-absorbing material. The ignition bridge (6) is not covered by the envelope (10) so that during ignition the pressure exerted on the electronic ignition system (9) is cushioned. This prevents damage to the sensitive electronic components of the electronic ignition system (9) situated on the support element (5).

Abstract: An igniter element has two contacts (12, 13) which are on the contact side of a support body (11), and which are connected via a resistance element (15). By current feed to the contacts (12, 13), a primer mix (17) is ignited on one active side of the support body (11). The support body (11) is placed in a fixing device (10), whereby the former is fitted with at least one stop spring (18) which catches on a stop shoulder (21) of the holding device. Furthermore, the support body (11) has a recess (22) on the front-side in the region of the stop spring (18), which recess is open in the direction of the active side. After igniting the primer mix (17), pressure builds up on the active side, so that the outer surface (23) of the stop spring (18) is pressed against the inner surface of the fixing device (10).

Abstract: In a system for igniting detonation cord or shock tube, a plated through-hole in printed circuit board is coupled to a circuit to have high voltage and high current applied to the plated through-hole. The end of the detonation cord or shock tube is passed through the plated through-hole and formed into a knot to secure the detonation cord or shock tube in the plated through-hole. The voltage and current applied to the plated through-hole are of sufficient magnitude to explode the plated through-hole and ignite the detonation cord or shock tube.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electropyrotechnic igniter which contains two ignition heads each having a body containing a resisitive heating element and a pyrotechnic ignition composition. The two ignition heads also include a means of dialogue and of triggering coded information and a means of storing electrical energy. The igniter also includes external connection means intended to be connected electrically to an electronic control unit. The igniter is intended to be used in motor vehicle safety, particular to constitute the ignition device of a gas generator associated with an airbag.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic igniter for adaptation to a specific gas generator or pyromechanism, the igniter including at least one pyrotechnic composition located inside a cartridge composed of a case extended by at least two pins. The cartridge is located in a casing including at least an upper shell joined to a lower shell, the upper shell containing the cartridge and the lower shell having at least two protruding electrodes internally connected an internal circuit and to the pins.

Abstract: In ignition elements where the energy required to ignite the charge is produced using a laser source, the laser light is injected by means of an optical fiber or a laser optics system enabling the laser light to be focused onto the charge at the required intensity for ignition. Transmission losses and injection losses occur while the laser light is transmitted by means of optical devices or optical fibers. Known ignition devices are also complicated in terms of construction. According to the invention, the laser light source is a laser diode (3) and the explosive (4) that is to be ignited is arranged directly on the part (12) of the housing (8) of the laser diode (3) that allows the laser light (13) to pass through it.

Abstract: The firing apparatus for a gas generator of a restraint device in a vehicle has a firing chamber (1) filled with a pyrotechnic material (2). A semiconductor chip (6), in which in addition to a firing resistor (9) at least one circuit activating the latter is integrated, is arranged outside the firing chamber (1) in such a way that the thermal energy generated by the firing resistor (9) during a firing operation is transferred to the pyrotechnic material (2) in the firing chamber (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides an initiator assembly in which the number of constituent parts is reduced, manufacturing facilitation of the constituent parts themselves is enhanced, the initial performance can be maintained even if the initiator assembly is used for a long term, and the conductive pins can reliably be held even if the initiator assembly is exposed to a high temperature.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator with an integral, unitary, overmolded insulating body that eliminates the need for separate components to form the body, and the method of molding same.

Abstract: A method for assembling a blast initiation device is provided. The method comprises providing a length of signal transmission line having first and second ends, mounting a tag to the line and mounting a first detonator to the first end of the line wherein all of the steps are each performed at a single operator station by a single operator. Also provided is an apparatus for utilizing the method. The apparatus comprises a tagger device for mounting a tag to a length of signal transmission line having first and second ends. A crimp device is adjacent the tagger device for mounting a first detonator to the first end of the line. A blocker device is adjacent the detonator crimp device for locking a connecting block to the first detonator. The tagger, crimp and blocker devices are spatially arranged adjacent an access position for ease of operation by a single operator. Further provided is a kaizen cell comprising a plurality of workstations.