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: A gas generator 10 contains a baffle assembly for cooling of gases. An imperforate housing 46 is contained within the gas generator 10. A perforate housing 30 is contained within the imperforate housing 46. At least one orifice 70/72 is formed within the baffle assembly, where the orifice 70/72 is formed at the juncture 57 of the baffle assembly 12 and the perforate housing 30, at a second end of the perforate housing 30. Upon activation of the gas generator 10, gases produced are shunted through the orifice 70/72 and into the baffle assembly 12 for cooling and filtration thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an igniter fixing structure, including a plurality of igniter bodies, having an ignition portion and an electroconductive pin, each of the igniter bodies being fixed, by a resin, to a peripheral edge of a port formed in a plate-like portion serving as a fixing object, the number of the port being the same as that of the plurality of the igniter bodies and a single retainer as a support member for the plurality of igniter bodies, the retainer having a plurality of support portions each having a hole for passing the electroconductive pin therethrough and a connection plate portion that connects the plurality of support portions, at least the support portions being embedded in the resin in a state in which the electroconductive pin passes through the hole, at least the connection plate portion being disposed to abut against the plate-like portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus provided with an igniter assembly including: an igniter main body having an ignition portion, provided with an ignition agent, and an electoroconductive pin, a resin portion surrounding at least part of the igniter main body and a substantially cylindrical igniter collar fixed to an outer surface of the resin portion, the igniter assembly being disposed in an opening formed in a bottom portion of a housing, the igniter collar of the igniter assembly being fixed to the housing, the igniter collar fixing to the resin portion y deforming the igniter collar so as to engage the igniter collar with a concave portion in the resin portion.

Abstract: A feed-through element of an ignition device for igniters of airbags or seatbelt tighteners is provided. The feed-through element has a metal support body, at least one first access opening in which a metal rod is arranged in an electrically insulating fixing material, and at least one second access opening in which a further metal rod is electrically conductively fixed to the support body by a soldered connection in this access opening. The support body and the access openings are configured as a shaped part. The feed-through element further includes a solder gap between the metal rod and the wall of the second access opening, where the solder gap has a small width.

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: An initiator with a housing formed of plastic and a chip assembly for initiating at least one of a combustion event, a deflagration event and a detonation event. The chip assembly includes an electrically-actuated chip and a pair of electric leads that extend through the housing and are configured to couple the electrically-actuated chip to a fireset circuit. The electrically-actuated chip is partially encapsulated in the housing. A method for forming an initiator is also provided.

Abstract: A conductive element suitable for the transmission of an electrical operating signal to a detonator, which conductive element comprises a conductive filler homogeneously dispersed in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: A method of making a thin film explosive detonator includes forming a substrate layer; depositing a metal layer in situ on the substrate layer; and reacting the metal layer to form a primary explosive layer. The method and apparatus formed thereby integrates fabrication of a micro-detonator in a monolithic MEMS structure using “in-situ” production of the explosive material within the apparatus, in sizes with linear dimensions below about 1 mm. The method is applicable to high-volume low-cost manufacturing of MEMS safety-and-arming devices. The apparatus can be initiated either electrically or mechanically at either a single point or multiple points, using energies of less than about 1 mJ.

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 initiator with a housing formed of plastic and a chip assembly for initiating at least one of a combustion event, a deflagration event and a detonation event. The chip assembly includes an electrically-actuated chip and a pair of electric leads that extend through the housing and are configured to couple the electrically-actuated chip to a fireset circuit. The electrically-actuated chip is partially encapsulated in the housing. A method for forming an initiator is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus, in particular a firing apparatus (1) for a pyrotechnic protection apparatus, in particular an airbag or belt pretensioner, comprising: a power leadthrough, in particular a metal fixing material leadthrough (2), comprising a base body (8) which is provided with a passage opening (7), and at least one metal pin (6) which is arranged in the passage opening (7) in the base body (8) in a fixing material (6); a housing part (19, 4) which at least partially accommodates the power leadthrough so as to form a space for accommodating a propellant charge (5); a casing (22) which at least partially surrounds the power leadthrough (2), the metal pin (6) and the housing part (19, 4); wherein the base body (8) has a thickness D in the range of from 2.0 mm to 0.1 mm, preferably in the range of from less than 1.0 mm to 0.1 mm, in particular less than 0.8 mm to 0.

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 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: A header assembly for an initiator may include a first conductive pin, a second conductive pin, and a connector extending between and electrically connected to the first conductive pin and the second conductive pin. A housing may support the first conductive pin, the second conductive pin, and the connector and may include at least one flange extending away from the housing and above the pins. The at least one flange may include at least one opening to facilitate attachment of the connector to the first conductive pin and the second conductive pin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microsystem and a method for fabricating a microsystem. The pyrotechnic microsystem (7, 1?) comprises a substrate having at least two separate electrical initiation zones, each of which provides separate electrical initiation of a pyrotechnic material deposited on the substrate. This microsystem (7, 1?) is characterized in that the same pyrotechnic material deposit (721, 721?, 13) covers both initiation zones, said deposit (721, 721?, 13) produced on the substrate having a thickness sufficiently small for the initiation of the pyrotechnic material in the initiation zone to remain localized and not propagate to the other initiation zone, but sufficient to generate a specific gas quantity.

Abstract: An ignition element is provided for integration into a primer assembly. The ignition element includes an electrode housing including at least one cavity and an electrode disposed in the electrode housing. The electrode housing and electrode are electrically isolated from each other using insulators. A bridgewire and a primary ignition charge are located in the cavity such that upon application of current to the electrode the pyrotechnic ignition charge is ignited. A headstock is provided, and the electrode housing is threadably disposed within the headstock. Burst disks cover the cavity and separate the ignition charge from a primer charge containing powder disposed in a single booster holder.

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 apparatus or device for simulating weapons firing/hit indications for military training which uses pyrotechnic devices to simulate target hits and hostile fire. The device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, can be used with blank ammunition. The combination of the device and the blank ammunition can offer both audio and visual indication of a hit in battlefield conditions and also simulate hostile fire. The device can be used for the training of military personnel. The device can provide visible and audible feedback to trainees. It can simulate hostile fire in which case the trainee must recognize the hostile fire and must be able to return fire.

Abstract: A device having an initiator and an integrated planar switch. The initiator has a base, an initiating element that is coupled to the base, a first element pad, which is electrically coupled to a first side of the initiating element, and a second element pad, which is electrically coupled to a second side of the initiating element opposite the first element pad. The integrated planar switch has a source pad and a return pad. The source pad is coupled to the base and is spaced apart from the first element pad by a first gap distance to define a first gap therebetween. The return pad is coupled to the base and is spaced apart from the second element pad by a second gap distance to define a second gap therebetween.

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 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: A gas generator including a plug (24) having a header part (45) and two or more electrode pins (22, 23), a thin-film bridge (25) having electrode pads (41, 42), and a squib (10) in which upon supply of electric current to the thin-film bridge (25) via the electrode pins (22, 23), the thin-film bridge (25) is activated to ignite ignition materials (26, 27), wherein the thin-film bridge (25) is arranged into a hollow (32) prepared at the plug (24) in such a manner that the thin-film bridge (25) is kept approximately on a level with the head (35) of the electrode pins (22, 23) and the header part (45) of the plug (24), the thin-film bridge (25) is connected by wire bonding to the electrode pins (22, 23) at the electrode pad parts (41, 42), and at least either of the electrode pad (41) or (42) of the thin-film bridge (25) is connected by the wire bonding to a metal part of the header part (45) of the plug (24).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are boosters that include components sufficient for wireless communications with an associated blasting machine. In selected aspects, there are disclosed wireless electronic boosters that are self-contained and robust. Such boosters are especially suited for underground mining operations, optionally employing automated placement of boosters at a blast site.

Abstract: An initiator is incorporated in an inflator in order to trigger the inflator through propagation of flame from an initiating explosive to a gas generator of the inflator. The initiator includes a closed-bottomed tubular capsule for accommodating the initiating explosive. A tubular portion of the capsule includes a plurality of rupture-accelerating means (grooves each having a V-shaped cross section) for accelerating rupture upon ignition of the initiating explosive, whereby flame propagates from the initiating explosive to the gas generator of the inflator along a plurality of directions.

Abstract: A squib for bus connection includes a communication and ignition unit which is connected via a pin to a bus line and is received within an inner cap, along with a quantity of a first explosive which does not emit corrosive gas. Furthermore, between this inner cap and an outer cap in which it is received, there is charged a quantity of a second explosive which is of a different type from the first explosive, the second explosive being of a type which is used in a squib in a conventional inflator.

Abstract: A gas generator, especially for a vehicle safety system, has a pyrotechnical igniter unit (22) and a holder (14) for the igniter unit (22). The igniter unit (22) is attached to the holder (14) in that the igniter unit (22) and the holder (14) are encapsulated together by one of injection molding and foaming of a plastic. The holder (14) has at least one passage opening (30, 38) for the plastic during the encapsulation by one of injection molding and foaming, the at least one opening being configured in such a way as to create a form-fitting anti-twist protection between the plastic (34) and the holder (14).

Abstract: A squib that is used by being connected to a bus is formed by assembling an explosive unit and a communication/ignition unit that have been constructed as separate components. The communication/ignition unit is provided with an IC substrate for ignition and communication that is electrically connected to a bus wire. The explosive unit is provided with explosive, an ignition element, and a header that is interposed between the ignition element and the IC substrate, and that electrically connects the two. In this IC integrated type of squib that is used for communication and ignition, it is possible to prevent the explosive and the IC from mutually interfering with the performances of each other.

Abstract: An electropyrotechnic initiator includes a pyrotechnic charge (6), the charge (6) containing at least one compound. It also includes a box (1) of plastic material including two sub-assemblies. The first sub-assembly (2) includes a plastic wall (4) integral with a bottom (5) also made of plastic and forming a content. The second plastic sub-assembly (3) having a main axis (10) is traversed by at least two pins (11, 12) along the direction of the axis (10). These pins (11, 12) are connected together by an electric bridge (13) on a face (14) of the sub-assembly (3). This face (14) is hollowed symmetrically over a height H and a width L. The second sub-assembly (3) forms a socket. The first (2) and second (3) sub-assemblies are assembled hermetically by ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: A gas generator comprising a first cup case 3 packing therein gas generant 2 to generate gas by the burning of it, a squib 5 having a second cup case E arranged in an inside of the first cup case 3 and containing an ignition charge D, a squib case 7 having a hole 20 and covering the second cup case E, and a holder 6 to hold the squib case 7 and second cut case E by crimping, wherein the holder 6 has holes 13, 14 for allowing passage of electrode pins 11, 12 of the squib 5, one for each of the electrode pins 11, 12.

Abstract: A squib associated with a supplemental restraint system includes an igniting agent positioned above a first pin that is a connecting terminal providing a connection with a two-wire system bus wire, which is an external signal wire, and above a header that is provided with a second pin that is a connecting terminal. The squib also includes an IC substrate that controls communications and ignitions, and is positioned above the igniting agent, an ignition element between the igniting agent and the IC substrate, and joining portions provided in two locations bridging the igniting agent so as to connect the IC substrate with the first pin and the header. The IC substrate, the igniting agent, the pin, and the header are covered by a circular cylinder shaped cap whose top portion is closed off. Furthermore, these are formed integrally by being covered by a resin mold that is made to extend across the portions of the pins using a molding process.

Abstract: An initiator includes a pair of electrode pins, a conductive header, an insulator, a bridge wire, an explosive, and capsules. A bottom wall of the inner capsule has a protrusion projecting from the bottom wall. The thickness of an end wall portion of the protrusion is determined in such a manner that the end wall portion is the thinnest among a plurality of wall portions of the inner capsule. The thicknesses of the wall portions are set so as to increase gradually from the end wall portion of the protrusion toward the side wall of the inner capsule. Therefore, when the explosive is ignited for detonation, breakage of the inner capsule occurs in the vicinity of the end wall portion of the protrusion, and flame propagation energy generated by detonation of the explosive propagates in an intended direction.

Abstract: A one-piece initiator device including an end closure having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The end closure forming a passage between the first end portion and the second end portion. A squib is at least partially positioned within the passage. A canister is mounted to the squib and extends outwardly from the end closure first end portion. The canister defines a charge chamber having a reactive charge disposed within the charge chamber. A permeable fill material is disposed within the passage and joins the squib to the end closure to form the one-piece initiator device. The permeable fill material insulates the squib from electrical contact with the end closure and provides a controlled gas flow path through the one-piece initiator device.

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 gas generator comprises an elongated, preferably tubular outer housing (10), at least one combustion chamber (26, 28) provided therein and filled with a solid propellant (30; 30?), and at least one igniter unit (16, 18) generating ignition gas for igniting the solid propellant (30; 30?). The igniter unit (16, 18) is arranged laterally and externally on the outer housing (10) in such a way and, in relation to the outer housing (10), a preferably radial ignition transfer opening (50, 58) is provided in the outer housing so that ignition gas generated in the igniter unit (16, 18) flows into the interior of the outer housing (10) via the ignition transfer 1 openings (50, 58).

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: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic detonator with an igniter support of plastic, which bears an ignition element. A cylindrical metal housing is fastened to the igniter support, into which the ignition reaches. A booster charge is arranged in the metal housing. To improve seal tightness and lower the manufacturing costs, for mechanical support a metal insert is integrated into the igniter support, the metal insert being encased by the plastic of the igniter support.

Abstract: An assembly including a support housing and an actuator device. The actuator device includes an extendable initiator cup including at least one non-random fold and at least in part defining a storage chamber containing a reactive charge reactable to produce reaction products. The extendable initiator cup longitudinally extends from a first length to a second, greater length upon reaction initiation of the reactive charge. The extendable initiator cup is at least partially disposed within a longitudinally extending bore of the support housing. The support housing is effective to limit lateral expansion of the extendable initiator cup upon reaction initiation of the reactive charge. The assembly can include an electrical conductive member or an electrical switch. The extendable initiator cup can extend to sever the electrical conductive member or disengage the electrical switch, thereby interrupting the conduction of electricity through an electrical system.

Abstract: Molten droplets of a metal fuel, such as aluminum, are dispersed into air or water for a reaction releasing energy for military or other purposes. In one warhead embodiment, a cylinder of solid metal is disposed within a ceramic heat insulator; heaters of thermite-like material are embedded in the metal; and an explosive dispersing charge is disposed around or at one end of the cylinder. On activation, the heaters are ignited to melt the metal, and the charge then detonated to disperse droplets of the molten metal. In a related embodiment, the metal and heaters are within a containment having an atomizing nozzle at one end and, oppositely of the metal from the nozzle, a piston and gas generator. When the metal is melted, the gas generator is activated to expel molten metal droplets from the nozzle.

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 tubular inflator has a bulkhead that divides the inflator into a first and second combustion chambers. Each combustion chamber has an igniter assembly, gas generant, and compressed wire filter. The wire filters in the inflator are positioned so that they contact the bulkhead. The filters and the bulkhead prevent sympathetic ignition in the inflator, which is defined as the ignition of gas generant in one combustion chamber from the heat generated from the burning of the gas generant in the other combustion chamber. The igniter assembly has an igniter core that is molded by a unitary plastic material. The plastic overmold has threads for attaching the igniter assembly to the inflator, and the plastic overmold has a retainer portion for retaining an enhancer tablet.

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: 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: Regulated charging of an energy storage module in a pyrotechnic device such as a firing capacitor in an electronic detonator, preferably in the form of constant-current charging limited at a “rail voltage,” and optionally limited to a sufficiently low current to provide additional benefits to the pyrotechnic device such as in the case of a short-circuit.

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 pyrotechnical actuator has a cylindrical housing surrounding a hollow chamber and a piston movably supported in the cylindrical housing. A piston rod is connected to the piston. A detonator is arranged within the hollow chamber and configured to produce a quantity of gas for moving the piston from an initial position in the cylindrical housing into an end position. The piston rod triggers an action when the piston moves into the end position or is positioned in the end position. The cylindrical housing is divided in a longitudinal direction of the cylindrical housing into housing parts. At least one holding element secures the housing parts relative to one another.

Abstract: An electropyrotechnic initiator comprising a pyrotechnic varnish in contact with a resistive heating element is prepared by preparing an aqueous adhesive composed of a dispersion of an explosive substance and of additives in an aqueous suspension based on a copolymer chosen from ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers and vinyl acetate/ethylene acetate/ethylene copolymers, depositing the aqueous adhesive on the resistive element, and drying the aqueous adhesive at a temperature of between 55° C. and 75° C., in order to remove the water contained in the adhesive and to obtain the varnish.

Abstract: A gas generator G of the present invention has a construction in which a holder (3, 73) is fitted into a cup body (1, 71) and a tube body (2) or a container body (72) and encloses gas generants P and ignition agents (6, 76). The holder (3, 73) is formed of resin. A metallic reinforcement 4 is integrated with the resin holder (3) by insert molding. Or, a ring body (74) for sealing the cup body (71) and the holder (73) is mounted on the holder (73).

Abstract: An initiator assembly is provided with a metallic collar securely combined to an electric type initiator to block a moisture penetration into the inside of a gas generator, thereby obtaining operation reliability of the gas generator. In the initiator assembly, at least part of the electric type initiator is surrounded by the metallic collar, and integrated with a resin. At least either of an annular protrusion and a cylindrical protrusion provided in the direction to surround the electric type initiator is formed on the metallic collar, and the protrusion is covered with the resin.