Accidental Fuse Ignition Prevention Means Patents (Class 102/202.1)
  • Patent number: 6851369
    Abstract: Blasting apparatuses and methods control actuation of a plurality of detonators, and involve the use of one or more authorization keys each associated with a blasting machine. The authorization key(s) are transferable from the blasting machine(s) to a central command station, each authorization key storing a data package comprising a randomly generated access code generated by its corresponding blasting machine. Transfer of the one or more authorization keys to a central command station allows the data packages (and associated randomly generated access codes) to be transmitted by the central command station for receipt by the blasting machine(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology PTY Ltd.
    Inventors: Dirk Hummel, Olaf Cramer
  • Patent number: 6848713
    Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag comprises: a housing having a gas discharging port; an initiator assembly provided with a first igniter and a second igniter mounted to the housing via a holder, each of the first igniter and the second igniter including a priming activated upon an impact, the second igniter having, a center pin connected to an external power supply to constitute a positive electrode, a grounding pin connected to a metal portion of a motor vehicle to constitute a negative electrode, and an opening-shutting device of current provided between the center pin and the external power supply; and gas generating material ignited and burnt by the initiator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Nakashima, Nobuyuki Katsuda
  • Patent number: 6796245
    Abstract: A unitary header/base/shorting bar holder for a micro gas generator; and a micro gas generator containing it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: LifeSparc, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd S. Parker, Michael D. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6732655
    Abstract: A firing device, in which electrostatic chargings do not lead to an unintentional triggering of the firing element, is composed of a module housing in which a firing element and a circuit means arrangement are arranged, and which has terminal posts that, on the one side, are contacted to the circuit arrangement, and on the other side, are brought out from the module housing for the connection to a plug connector. The firing device includes at least one conductive member that is contacted to the firing capsule and that has a defined distance to the individual terminal posts, such that, in response to an electrical charging, a voltage sparkover occurs between the terminal posts and the conductive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gert Jakob, Werner Nitschke, Ralf Hauser, Martin Zywietz
  • Patent number: 6732656
    Abstract: A fiber-optically-and-pneumatically-controlled firing set for explosive-bridgewire detonators. The firing set consists of a detonation-controlling module and a battery-operated firing module that are interconnected by fiber-optic signal conductors and a pneumatic conduit. The firing set provides high voltage isolation between the control module and the firing module while employing redundant safety features including fail-safe pneumatic crowbar shunting of the firing module output, frequency-selective fiber-optic signal communication, controlled battery life and explosive material detonation enablement and multiple, fail-safe serial switching to control the energy transfer sequence in the firing module. Both high voltage and low potential uses of the invention are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Mark W. Heyse, Ronald E. Stearns, Marcus A. Cash
  • Patent number: 6675692
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic actuator that comprises a housing (1) with a cavity (5) in which a piston (2) is displaceably received. Said piston (2) can be adjusted from an initial position to a terminal position by means of a gas quantity that is produced when an explosive is ignited. Said piston (2) triggers a mechanical action on its path towards the terminal position or once it reaches the terminal position while at least one snap-in element and/or one spring-elastic retaining element (2z, 8) retains the piston in the initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Coenen Goetz
  • Patent number: 6659011
    Abstract: A device for triggering an airbag having a controller, a trigger, electric lines between the controlled device and the trigger and a coil for attenuating high-frequency interference currents connected to the electric lines which in turn induces interference current into the lines as a result of an external magnetic alternating field. The attenuation of the induced interference current results from an external magnetic alternating field of the coil and a compensating coil is connected in the electric lines and arranged in the surrounding area of the coil so that the amount of current induced in the compensating coil is equal to that of the interference current induced in the coil by the external field and because they are in anti-phase, the resultant current is zero from any interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Michael Daiss, Klaus-Dieter Löwen, Matthias Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 6622627
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Arie Sansolo
  • Patent number: 6615737
    Abstract: A subject-matter of the present invention is a safety igniter for a pyrotechnic munition component capable of being subjected to slow cook-off comprising a structure in the form of a casing and a solid pyrotechnic charge present in the structure. This safety igniter, which is composed solely of a block of solid pyrotechnic composition based on pentrite, is intended to bring about the combustion without detonation of the pyrotechnic charge when the munition component is subjected to slow cook-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: SNPE
    Inventors: Alain Bonnel, Dominique Houdusse, Bruno Nouguez, Alain Tinet
  • Patent number: 6612241
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pyrotechnic initiator header having a center pin with a circumferential notch retention feature that enhances secure and effective disposition of an ignition pyrotechnic charge droplet to the header in the area of the bridgewire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Special Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Vahan Avetisian
  • Patent number: 6588342
    Abstract: A frequency addressable ignitor control device utilizes electronic bandpass filters tuned to a unique center frequency and bandwidth for each ignitor. Energy generated by the system's controller comprises one or more narrow pulses whose center frequency corresponds to one or more bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies and sufficient energy for activation. A plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies are connected in parallel in the system. The controller generates electrical pulses of different frequencies transferred to the plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies via a two wire ignitor bus. Bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies whose filter allows sufficient energy to pass to an ignitor bridge element initiates the ignitor's explosive charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Griggs, III, Scott D. Gagnon, Clinton Boyd, J B Canterberry
  • Publication number: 20030116048
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: George Bossarte, Glenn W. Dillon, Paul R. McKinley, Wayne C. Haase, Larry G. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6564715
    Abstract: A frequency addressable ignitor control device utilizes electronic bandpass filters tuned to a unique center frequency and bandwidth for each ignitor. Energy generated by the system's controller comprises one or more narrow pulses whose center frequency corresponds to one or more bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies and sufficient energy for activation. A plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies are connected in parallel in the system. The controller generates electrical pulses of different frequencies transferred to the plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies via a two wire ignitor bus. Bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies whose filter allows sufficient energy to pass to an ignitor bridge element initiates the ignitor's explosive charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Griggs, III, Scott D. Gagnon, Clinton Boyd, J B Canterberry
  • Patent number: 6557474
    Abstract: An initiator header subassembly for an inflation device, such as “air bag” safety system, includes an electrically conductive grounding tab having an outer perimeter, and a mass of an insulating material secured atop the grounding tab, the mass of an insulating material having a top surface, a bottom surface and a sidewall extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The initiator header subassembly includes two electrically conductive pins extending completely through the grounding tab and the mass of an insulating material. A first one of the electrically conductive pins is electrically interconnected with the grounding tab and a second one of the electrically conductive pins is electrically isolated from the grounding tab. The sidewall of the mass of an insulating material is in substantial alignment with the outer perimeter of the grounding tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Glasseal Products
    Inventors: Caesar B. Morte, Richard L. Ferraid
  • Publication number: 20030056678
    Abstract: A frequency addressable ignitor control device utilizes electronic bandpass filters tuned to a unique center frequency and bandwidth for each ignitor. Energy generated by the system's controller comprises one or more narrow pulses whose center frequency corresponds to one or more bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies and sufficient energy for activation. A plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies are connected in parallel in the system. The controller generates electrical pulses of different frequencies transferred to the plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies via a two wire ignitor bus. Bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies whose filter allows sufficient energy to pass to an ignitor bridge element initiates the ignitor's explosive charge. The controller generates energy to the ignitor with appropriate sequence of frequencies and delays resulting in the desired detonation of appropriate individual bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies in the desired sequential order each with the desired delays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: James W. Griggs, Scott D. Gagnon, Clinton Boyd, J.B. Canterberry
  • Publication number: 20030056677
    Abstract: A frequency addressable ignitor control device utilizes electronic bandpass filters tuned to a unique center frequency and bandwidth for each ignitor. Energy generated by the system's controller comprises one or more narrow pulses whose center frequency corresponds to one or more bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies and sufficient energy for activation. A plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies are connected in parallel in the system. The controller generates electrical pulses of different frequencies transferred to the plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies via a two wire ignitor bus. Bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies whose filter allows sufficient energy to pass to an ignitor bridge element initiates the ignitor's explosive charge. The controller generates energy to the ignitor with appropriate sequence of frequencies and delays resulting in the desired detonation of appropriate individual bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies in the desired sequential order each with the desired delays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: James W. Griggs, Scott D. Gagnon, Clinton Boyd, J B Canterberry
  • Patent number: 6526890
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Vidot, Alain Rouer
  • Patent number: 6516724
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator comprising a generator housing which has a base part, and an electric igniter which has a rear side, is fastened in the base part and has connection lines on the rear side. The gas generator further comprises a propellant charge in the generator housing, the propellant charge being provided outside the igniter and an insulating bush surrounding the connection lines and fastened to the generator housing. The insulating bush consists of plastic and contains electrically conductive particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Maier, Ernst Enzmann
  • Patent number: 6502512
    Abstract: The slapper type initiator comprises essentially: a connector unit (2) having two connection pins (3, 4), a first dielectric foil (5) with two drilled holes (6, 7), with a fuse (8) formed on the rear face of this first dielectric foil, a second dielectric foil (9) on the front face of which there are formed two metal pads (10, 11) facing said holes, a perforated plate (12) and a body (13) containing a pyrotechnic charge 14. The assembly is hermetically sealed. The first foil introduces a galvanic discontinuity that ensures a well-defined firing voltage, with a value high enough to prevent induced parasitic currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: TDA Armements SAS
    Inventors: Christophe Riviere, Eric Poulard
  • Patent number: 6490977
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: MagicFire, Inc.
    Inventors: George Bossarte, Glenn W. Dillon, Paul R. McKinley, Wayne C. Haase, Larry G. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6463857
    Abstract: An ignition device for triggering a restraining device of a motor vehicle has a MID support having a forward end and a rearward end. Electronic components are mounted on the MID support. An ignitor is arranged at the forward end of the MID support. The MID support has at least one unitary connector pin having at least one metallized area configured to contact the electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Hirschmann Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Günther Schmid, Helmut Fabing
  • Patent number: 6422145
    Abstract: The controlled electromagnetic induction detonation system for initiation of a detonatable material system includes an automated radio charge (ARCH) module connectable to an electric detonator, a transducer module for providing operational power by electromagnetic induction to the ARCH module, and a remote controller for sending instructions to the transducer module from a location remote from the detonator. Upon completion of an arming sequence, the transducer module generates an electromagnetic field which is picked up by a coil in the ARCH module and used to power the ARCH module and provide a detonation current for the detonator. The transducer module or at least a coil thereof which produces the electromagnetic field is supported on or in a stemming bar which in turn acts as a core of an electromagnet confining the magnetic flux for pick up by the ARCH module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: RockTek Ltd.
    Inventors: Mihailo Gavrilovic, Keith Wright
  • Patent number: 6412817
    Abstract: A pretensioner for a vehicle occupant safety restraint has an outer casing that contains a gas generant. An igniter has igniter material disposed within an igniter housing. A pair of electrodes are connected to the igniter material. A grounding path connector link electrically connects the igniter housing to a grounding path. The connector link may be formed by springs connecting the outer case to the grounding electrode and an interference fit connecting the igniter housing to the outer case. The link forms a low resistance path to short circuit undesirable static charges in the unit that would otherwise tend to cause unintentional activation of the pretensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Patrickson, Andrew Downie, Stuart Bland, Bryan Thirlwell
  • Patent number: 6286865
    Abstract: A pretensioner for a vehicle occupant safety restraint has an outer casing that contains a gas generant. An igniter has igniter material disposed within an igniter housing. A pair of electrodes are connected to the igniter material. A grounding path connector link electrically connects the igniter housing to a grounding path. The connector link may be formed by springs connecting the outer case to the grounding electrode and an interference fit connecting the igniter housing to the outer case. The link forms a low resistance path to short circuit undesirable static charges in the unit that would otherwise tend to cause unintentional activation of the pretensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Patrickson, Andrew Downie, Stuart Bland, Bryan Thirlwell
  • Patent number: 6283506
    Abstract: A pretensioner for a vehicle occupant safety restraint has an outer casing that contains a gas generant. An igniter has igniter material disposed within an igniter housing. A pair of electrodes are connected to the igniter material. A grounding path connector link electrically connects the igniter housing to a grounding path. The connector link may be formed by springs connecting the outer case to the grounding electrode and an interference fit connecting the igniter housing to the outer case. The link forms a low resistance path to short circuit undesirable static charges in the unit that would otherwise tend to cause unintentional activation of the pretensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Patrickson, Andrew Downie, Stuart Bland, Bryan Thirlwell
  • Patent number: 6272993
    Abstract: Electric primers for the discharge of ammunition suitable for use with small arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: R.A. Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Todd D. Cook, Dale R. Danner, John M. Dwyer, Jr., Frances G. Lopata, Diane Ronkainen, David K. Schluckebier, Robert B. Shanks, Jeffrey W. Stone, Spencer D. Wildman
  • Patent number: 6234524
    Abstract: A pretensioner for a vehicle occupant safety restraint has an outer casing that contains a gas generant. An igniter has igniter material disposed within an igniter housing. A pair of electrodes are connected to the igniter material. A grounding path connector link electrically connects the igniter housing to a grounding path. The connector link may be formed by springs connecting the outer case to the grounding electrode and an interference fit connecting the igniter housing to the outer case. The link forms a low resistance path to short circuit undesirable static charges in the unit that would otherwise tend to cause unintentional activation of the pretensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Patrickson, Andrew Downie, Stuart Bland, Bryan Thirlwell
  • Patent number: 6227115
    Abstract: A detonator device for tripping a passenger restraint device in a motor vehicle includes a detonator circuit on a holder. Firing pins for receiving a detonator element are an integral component of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Gruber, Christian Plankl, Markus Christoph, Josef Dirmeyer, Egbert Wagner, Heinrich Probst