Abstract: A chip slapper including a substrate, a sticking layer on the substrate, a conductive layer on the sticking layer in the shape of two lands separated by a bridge portion between the two lands, a buffer material on the conductive layer, a protective coating on the buffer layer extending across at least a substantial portion of the two lands but absent from the bridge portion, and a flyer layer over the bridge portion. The buffer layer prevents migration of the material of the coating into the material of the conductive layer and vice versa and better adheres the flyer layer on the bridge portion where the coating is absent.

Abstract: An ignitor has an outer metal can containing a quantity of reactive material for initiating a pyrotechnic material. A circuit board has a first side that is in contact with the reactive material and a second side that is isolated from the reactive material. A metal structure adjacent the circuit board is well grounded. At least two electrical pins are electrically connected to first electrical traces formed on the second side of the circuit board. Electrical discharge gaps are formed by second electrical traces extending from the first electrical traces to form sharp points which extend to within less than about 0.127 mm of a conductive path to ground.

Abstract: An ignition device for triggering a restraining device of a motor vehicle has an ignition device member having a forward end and a rearward end and having an insulated exterior with an exterior surface. An ignitor is arranged at the forward end of the ignition device member. An energy transfer device extends from the rearward end of the ignition device member to the ignitor and is configured to trigger the ignitor when the rearward end is exposed to heat. The energy transfer device is arranged within an interior of the ignition device member and is located in the area of the rearward end in close proximity to the exterior surface of the ignition device member.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator, for example, for inflatable safety air bags of automotive vehicles can include an electrically energizable initiator bridge and a reactive layer on the initiator bridge for liberation of energy upon electrical energization of the bridge. The reactive layer can consist of a combustible metal or a metal capable of liberating energy by alloying with a metal of the bridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnical gas generator comprising a generator outer housing in which a pyrotechnical propellant charge and an igniter are accommodated. The igniter has its own self-contained igniter housing which contains a pyrotechnical material and is fastened to the generator outer housing. The igniter housing has a base part and a cap-shaped receiving part fastened thereto. The receiving part has a radial flange with an outer edge, the outer edge projecting radially with respect to the base part and being welded to the generator outer housing. The flange is welded to the base part.

Abstract: This invention provides an initiating device 10 for an electronic detonator, which includes two spaced electrical conductors 12 located on an insulating substrate 14; and two separate resistive means in the form of thick film resistive bridges 16 extending between the electrical conductors 12, for releasing energy upon application of an electrical current to the resistive bridges 16. An explosives or pyrotechnic composition, generally designated by reference numeral 18, covers the resistive bridges 16. It will be appreciated that should one of the bridges 16 fail, the other bridge 16 would still initiate the device 10. The size of the contact interface between the bridge 16 and the explosives composition 18 is also doubled, making the initiating device 10 even more reliable. As a result the initiating device 10 is suitable for a wide range of different applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electropyrotechnic initiators comprising a thick-film multifoil circuit. The electrical circuit is photoetched on an insulating support (16). It consists of a resistive first foil having a central part (17) of constant width. This first foil is covered, except on the central part (17), by two conducting areas (28, 29) made of copper. The circuit (18) has an outline consisting of curved lines whose radius is greater than 7×10−4 m and whose shortest distance from the edge of the support (16) is at least 35×10−5 m. Such an initiator has an enhanced electrostatic discharge resistance.

Abstract: An initiator (100) assembled from a housing (112), an output charge (144) and an initiation means (110, 120, 58, 54) includes a pulverulent ignition charge (46a) disposed in direct initiation relation to the initiation means, and an output charge (144) that may contain a pulverulent deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) charge (144a) and an explosive base charge (144b). The ignition charge (46a) has an average particle size of less than 10 microns, or even less than 5 microns, e.g., 1 to 2 microns. The initiation means may include a semiconductor bridge (18) and the ignition charge (46a) may be compacted with a force of less than about 5880 psi, e.g., with a force of 1000 psi. In another embodiment, an initiator (210) includes a low-energy electrical initiator (234), a loosely packed BNCP ignition charge (218) and a pyrotechnical output charge (214).

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: A perforating gun or other downhole tool includes one or more explosive devices that are activable by corresponding one or more initiator devices, such as capacitor discharge units (CDUs). Each CDU includes an explosive foil initiator (EFI) or some other type of a high-energy bridge-type initiator, an energy source (e.g., a slapper capacitor), and a switch coupling the energy source and the EFI or other bridge-type initiator. An electrical cable is coupled to the CDUs for providing a voltage to energize the energy source in the CDUs to provide energy to each EFI. In response to activation of a trigger signal down the electrical cable, the switch is closed to couple the energy source to the EFI.

Abstract: An improved modular igniter package designed for bus communication with a central control module has an internal bridge element that is electrically accessible for factory testing of the bridge element. Temporary electrical interconnects internal to the igniter package electrically couple the bridge element to a pair of external bus communication terminals, enabling direct access to the bridge element by factory test equipment for accurate measurement of electrical parameters such as electrical resistance and thermal capacitance. Following measurement of the electrical parameters, the temporary interconnects are electrically destroyed, isolating the bus communication terminals from the bridge element. The temporary interconnects are preferably in the form of a pair of metal fuse elements, which are electrically destroyed by electrical currents passing through the fuse elements and respective diodes coupling the bridge element to a ground terminal of the igniter package.

Abstract: An electric ignition type initiator applies an electrical signal via a pair of electrical signal input portions to a resistance element connected across the electrical signal input portions to heat the resistance element to cause the heat from the resistance element to ignite an explosive charge and thereby operate a vehicle safety apparatus. The resistance element is formed by etching a film of nickel-chrome alloy provided on the top surface of a substrate. The first side of the resistance element extends in a straight line between the electrical signal input portions, and the second side is inclined from each of the electrical signal input portions so that the width between the first side and each incline on the second side decreases as distance from the respective electrical signal input portion increases. The resistance element has its minimum sectional area where the inclines meet.

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.

Abstract: This invention provides highly reliable ignition device with superior ease of mass production, and a method for the manufacture thereof. An ignition device is constructed by taking a heating element 40 comprising a bridge element 25 composed of a heating bridge wire 25c which is heated by the passage of an electric current and heating electrodes 25a and 25b located at both ends thereof, and a flexible insulating sheet 26 which carries this bridge element; then welding this heating element to stem electrodes, formed in the stem, via connection guides which are openings provided in the insulating sheet at the location of the heating electrodes.

Abstract: An air bag igniter including a foamed material, and an air bag assembly containing the same are disclosed. The foamed material is formed from a composition including, as ingredients, a polyfunctional isocyanate, a polymeric binder having a plurality of hydroxyl groups which are reactive with the polyfunctional isocyanate, a fuel source, an oxidizer, and a foaming agent which may or may not be retained in the foamed material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid gas generator intended for motor vehicle safety. The generator (1) includes a container (2) containing a cold gas (10) under pressure and having an open end in which a compartment (2), which is located outside the container (2), is fixed. This compartment (3) is provided with gas discharge orifices (6) and has a front wall (8) in which there is an opening closed by a diaphragm (9) which makes it possible to separate the inside of the container (2) from the inside of the compartment (3), in a leaktight fashion. The latter contains an initiator (12) with shaped explosive charge and a pyrotechnic charge (13), the initiator (12) being capable of destroying the diaphragm (9) from a distance and of initiating the pyrotechnic charge (13). This generator (1) makes it possible to initiate deployment of the airbag using cold gas (10) as soon as it starts to operate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of very low-energy electropyrotechnic initiators.

Abstract: An igniting element, such as is used in a vehicle air bag igniter reduces the power dissipated by the air bag ignition circuit, as well as its space requirement and its costs, by using the ignition switch/switches as the ignition element (7) itself of the ignition circuit. The ignition circuit is integrated in a silicon chip, and has at least one ignition switch constructed as a transistor.

Abstract: An ammunition cartridge with electric propellant ignition includes a case having a rearward end closed by a case bottom and a front end; a propellant powder charge contained in the case; a high-voltage electrode disposed at the case bottom and having an end situated within the case; at least three tubes composed of propellant powder and extending from the electrode end toward the front end of the case through the propellant powder charge; an electric conductor extending in each tube and having opposite first and second ends; and an electric contact arrangement situated within the case in the front end thereof. The electric contact arrangement is electrically connected to the second end of the conductors and has externally exposed contact locations connectable to an electrically conducting component externally of the case. The first end of each electric conductor is electrically connected to the electrode.

Abstract: An ammunition cartridge with electric propellant ignition includes a combustible case having a length dimension, a rearward end closed by a metal case bottom and a front end; a combustible propellant powder contained in the case; and an electrically insulated high-voltage electrode passing through the case bottom into the case. The electrode has an outer end situated externally of the case and is connectable to a current source and an inner end situated within the case. A current distributor is situated within the case and is electrically connected to the inner end of the electrode. At least three conductor wires are electrically connected to the current distributor and extend at least partially parallel to the length dimension within the case through the propellant powder. An electric contact arrangement is situated within the case in the front end thereof and is secured to the case.

Abstract: An exploding thin film bridge fracturing fragment detonator comprises a base layer with a bridge layer vapor deposited, e.g., sputtered, thereon. The bridge layer is comprised of an electrically conductive material and includes a bridge portion which interconnects significantly larger portions of this layer. An inorganic insulating layer of rigid fracturing material is vapor deposited, e.g. sputtered, on the bridge layer. A flyer layer is vapor deposited on the insulating layer, whereby the flyer layer is insulated electrically and/or thermally from the bridge layer. The flyer layer is sputtered directly over the bridge portion and is of a mass sufficient for at least a portion of the flyer layer and any associated insulating material that is fractured off therewith to be sufficiently propelled by an explosion of the bridge so as to cause the initiation by shock of a designated acceptor explosive (i.e., a secondary explosive).

Abstract: A pyrotechnic means for vehicle occupant protection systems includes a container for an ignitor, propellant and/or compressed gas. To facilitate the production of gas tight pyrotechnic means having long term stability the container includes a container body and at least one container lid with an ultrasonic welded joint between said container body and said container lid.

Abstract: An integrated circuit configuration, in particular for igniting a restraint device of a motor vehicle, has a capacitor and an ignition element. In this case, a porous region of a semiconductor layer forms a capacitor electrode, which is isolated from a further semiconductor layer by a dielectric layer. The further semiconductor layer being configured as a further capacitor electrode. The further semiconductor layer has a region that is tapered in its cross-section and serves as an ignition element electrically connected to the capacitor.

Abstract: A shock-resistant electronic circuit assembly (10) is provided in which an electronic circuit is encased in an encapsulation (14) that engages a surrounding enclosure (18) in shock-dispersing contact therewith. The encapsulation may have a plurality of edges (16, 16a, 16b), fins (24) or bosses (70) that bear against the enclosure. The encapsulation may include a shock-absorbing material (14f) disposed against the enclosure to protect the circuit against vibrations and a structural support material such as a casing (14e) to protect the circuit against stress. The circuit assembly (10) may be part of a sheathed initiator assembly (55) that includes a transfer member (58) for converting shock wave energy into electrical energy for the electronic circuit, and the released energy may be converted into a detonation initiation signal. Assembly (55) may be part of a detonator (100) that receives a non-electric initiation signal and detonates following the delay determined by the electronic circuit.

Abstract: A cartridge having an electrothermal ignition device, in which, ignition conduits extend axially through a first propellant-charge powder (4) filling a cartridge sleeve (5), with the conduits essentially comprising an electrical wire (11-13) that is guided axially through a tube (14-16) comprising a second propellant-charge powder. Propellant-charge-powder tubes (14-16) comprising an optically transparent propellant-charge powder are used so that even cartridges (1) having a first propellant-charge powder (4) that is difficult to ignite can be ignited rapidly and reliably, requiring the smallest possible quantity of electrical energy.

Abstract: An electrically actuatable igniter (24) includes a header (50), a pair of electrodes (40) and (42) in the header (50), a heating element (44) electrically connected between the electrodes (40) and (42), and a dome shaped ignition droplet (46) covering and adhering to the heating element (44). The ignition droplet (46) comprises an intimate mixture of a cured free-radical resin binder, which is at least a substantially cured in situ by ultraviolet radiation, and an ultraviolet radiation absorbing particulate pyrotechnic material in a substantial proportion effective for sustained combustion in the mixture. The resin binder prior to curing is a liquid and has a surface tension, viscosity, and wetability with the heating element (44) to achieve the dome configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detonator for a pyrotechnical gas generator (3), comprising a squib (9) arranged therein, contact lines (13) for said squib and a high-frequency choke to prevent spurious release, characterized in that the contact lines (13) are extrusion-coated with an electrically non-conducting material (17) or are encapsulated in said material to form a base body, and in that at least one ferromagnetic body (21, 23) and the base body are assembled to form a unit which acts as a high-frequency choke.

Abstract: An integrated circuit configuration has both an ignition resistor and a control circuit that controls a current flow through the ignition resistor. A region of a semiconductor layer that electrically connects the integrated components is used as the ignition resistor. An electrically conductive layer for making electrical contact with the control circuit and a semiconductor layer for the components has a cutout in the region of the ignition resistor and ignition material is in direct contact with the integrated circuit configuration at the ignition region.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes, a cylindrical portion having a gunpowder and a exploding unit for exploding the gunpowder by application of electric power to the gunpowder, the cylindrical portion being provided with an opening at at least one end; a base material securing the cylindrical portion, at least the surface of which is made of insulating material; a conductor fixed to the base material and having a break portion located at a position opposite to the opening of the cylindrical portion, the break portion being broken by explosive force of the gunpowder; a first metallic cover portion covering the cylindrical portion and the break portion; and a second metallic cover portion covering the base material from an opposite side to the cylindrical portion, wherein the first and second cover portions are fixed to the base material by directly connecting the first and second cover portions each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of pyrotechnic igniters, especially those intended for motor-vehicle safety. The igniters (1) according to the invention have a thin-film resistive bridge (19) connected via two thin metal areas (17 and 18) to two electrodes (9 and 10). An initiating lacquer (20) covers the resistive bridge (19) and a varistor attached to the said areas protects the igniter from electrostatic discharges. The resistive bridge (19) has a volume resistivity of between 0.5×106 and 2×106 &OHgr;.m and the initiating lacquer is made from a primary explosive. The igniters (1) have a no-fire current of greater than 500 mA and an all-fire current of less than 1200 mA.

Abstract: A firearms safety device in the form of remotely armed ammunition includes a firearms cartridge for use in a use with a conventional firearm having a trigger-actuated hammer with a firing pin. The cartridge includes a firing circuit that is operatively associated with a primer for igniting a conventional propellant charge. A firing sequence is initiated by the impact of the firing pin with the base of the cartridge. An arming circuit allows the firing sequence to proceed to ignition of the propellant only if a receiver within the arming circuit receives an appropriate arming signal transmitted by a remote control module. In the absence of an appropriate arming signal, the cartridge is permanently disabled.

Abstract: An electrically actuatable igniter (24) includes a body (60), a pair of electrodes (40) and (42) associated with the body (60), a heating element (44) electrically connected between the electrodes (40) and (42), and an ignition droplet (46) covering and adhering to said heating element (44). The ignition droplet (46) comprises a particulate pyrotechnic material and a particulate polymeric resin binder. The particles (112) of the polymeric resin binder are fused together and form a structure having interconnected open cells (118). The particles (114) of pyrotechnic material are disposed within the interconnected open cells (118) and form a combustible network of pyrotechnic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical fuse element (1) which comprises at least one fusible conductor (3) and a carrier (2). The object is to provide a fuse element (1) for all known tripping characteristics in a cost-effective production technique for the middle and low-current range. Furthermore, by means of a small outer geometry, the fuse element (1) is to be adaptable to modem methods of insertion. The way in which this object is achieved according to the invention is that the carrier (2) consists of a material of poor thermal conduction, in particular of a glass ceramic.

Abstract: An igniter for a gas generator comprises at least two connecting leads and an incandescent means arranged between the connecting leads and surrounded by an igniting substance. Several filaments are used as the incandescent means.

Abstract: A shaped bridge slapper having a pair of spaced conductive lands on a substrate; a bridge member between the spaced conductive lands, the bridge member having a curved shape and a cavity herein, and a flyer layer extending over the bridge member.

Abstract: A disarmable firing module with a firing module housing having an opening therein; a detonator holder received in the firing module housing via the opening in the firing module housing, the detonator holder including a cavity therein; a detonator disposed in the cavity of the detonator holder; and a detonator electronics assembly housed within the firing module housing. The detonator holder is removably secured within the housing which allows the detonator to be separated from the detonator electronics assembly to disarm the firing module.

Abstract: An electrically actuatable igniter (24) comprises a body (60), a pair of electrodes (40) and (42) associated with the body (60), a heating element (44) electrically connected between the electrodes (40) and (42), and an ignition droplet (46) covering and adhering to the heating element (44). The ignition droplet (46) comprises a particulate primary pyrotechnic material and a secondary pyrotechnic material. The secondary pyrotechnic material has a melting point below the autoignition temperature of the primary pyrotechnic material. The secondary pyrotechnic material is in the form of a continuous, solid matrix (112) containing and adhering together the particles (114) of the primary pyrotechnic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device containing pyrotechnic material, having a housing surrounding the pyrotechnic material, the device being wherein the housing is formed entirely from glass and contains at least one metal duct having a spark gap or a heating wire.

Abstract: The electro-pyrotechnic initiation system preferably comprises an electro-pyrotechnic initiator (1) consisting especially of an insulating support (14) over which a flat resistive heating element (3) and two separate conductive metal areas (15, 16) are extended, the said resistive heating element and the said conductive metal areas being electrically connected to a current source (2) by means of two electrodes (9, 10). A conductive filter device (5), connected in parallel with the said resistive heating element (3), is divided into a varistor (6) and into a capacitor (7) which are connected to the electrodes (9, 10). This conductive filter device (5) has an equivalent resistance which varies depending on the measured electric potential difference between the two electrodes (9, 10) and ensures that the initiator (1) is not operated when the latter is subjected to a high-voltage electrostatic discharge.

Abstract: In the case of a semiconductor igniter, particularly for the gas generator of a protection system for vehicle occupants, consisting of a semiconductor layer which is arranged on a carrier with the insertion of a thermal insulation layer, is connected at the end side to electric contact areas and during the current passage in the ignition path range heats up in an ignition-triggering manner, while maintaining a high ignition efficiency, a mechanically secure linking of the semiconductor layer to the carrier is achieved in that the thermal insulation layer is limited to the ignition path range of the semiconductor layer and the semiconductor layer is connected directly with the carrier at its end sections kept free of the thermal insulation layer.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling an electro-explosive device. The circuit includes a heating element, an input circuit and a load control circuit. The load control circuit is responsive to an electrical input provided by the input circuit for energizing the heating element. The heating element selectively causes ignition of the electro-explosive device when its level of energization reaches a firing level. The load control circuit substantially limits current in the heating element when the electrical input is less than a predetermined threshold for maintaining energization of the heating element at a level less than the firing level to prevent the ignition of the electro-explosive device. In contrast, the load control circuit applies substantially all of the electrical input to the heating element when the electrical input signal is greater than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A semiconductor bridge igniter device (10) having integral voltage anti-fuse protection provides an electric circuit including a first firing leg and, optionally, a monitor leg. The first firing leg includes a first semiconductor bridge having semiconductor pads (14a, 14b) separated and connected by a bridge (14c) and having metallized lands (16a, 16b) disposed over the pads (14a, 14b) so that an electrical potential applied across the metallized lands (16a, 16b) will cause sufficient current to flow through the firing leg of the electric circuit to release energy at the bridge (14c). A dielectric layer (15) is interposed within the first firing leg and has a breakdown voltage equal to a selected threshold voltage (Vth) and therefore provides protection against the device functioning at voltages below the threshold voltage (Vth). A continuity monitor leg of the electric circuit is comprised of either a fusible link (34) or a resistor (36) disposed in parallel to the first firing leg.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) comprises a container (14) defining a chamber (40). The container (14) has a portion (36) which is rupturable to form an opening in the container. A quantity of inflation fluid (42) is stored under pressure in the chamber (40). An electrically actuatable initiator (50) is connected with the container (14) for rupturing the rupturable portion (36) of the container to enable flow of inflation fluid (42) out of the inflator (10). The initiator (50) comprises an ignitable primary charge (90) and electrically energizable means (60) for igniting the primary charge. The initiator (50) further comprises a secondary charge (100) ignitable by the primary charge (90). The secondary charge (100) comprises an ignitable metal in solid form which liquefies when ignited by the primary charge (90).

Abstract: An initiator for an inflator of an automotive airbag restraint system includes a housing and a wall dividing the housing into two parts, one for housing a firing element of the initiator, and one for receiving at least one application specific integrated circuit which performs functions of a portion of an electronic control unit. A mounting element is located in the second part of the housing, and at least one application specific integrated circuit is carried by the mounting element. The mounting element and two or more application specific integrated circuits may be provided as a package, in which at least two application specific integrated circuits are mounted in a stacked condition to form an application specific integrated circuit stack. The application specific integrated circuits are configured such that predetermined electrical circuit locations of adjacent ones of the application specific integrated circuits to be interconnected are aligned.

Abstract: An EFI (exploding foil initiator) or slapper detonator, including a explodable foil (or bridge), a flyer plate and a barrel plate having a movable barrier to close a barrel in a safety mode and for opening the barrel in an arming mode, wherein the movable barrier slides from a closed (safety) position to an open (armed) position under the control of a MEMS (microelectromechanical system) energetic actuator. The slidable barrier is maintained in the closed position by one or more locking devices of the MEMS energetic actuator until predetermined stimuli are detected to cause the locking device(s) to release the slidable barrier, thereby arming the EFI or slapper detonator.

Abstract: An initiator (10) comprises first and second coaxial terminals (70, 80) engageable by an electrical connector (40) to connect the terminals electrically with vehicle circuitry. Electrical insulation (100) electrically insulates between the first and second terminals (70, 80). The initiator (10) also comprises a spring (150) made of an electrically conductive material. The spring (150) has a first portion (156) electrically connected with the first terminal (70). The spring (150) has a first condition, when the first and second terminals (70, 80) are not connected with the electrical connector (40), in which a second portion (160) of the spring is in electrical contact with the second terminal, thereby shorting the initiator (10). The spring (150) has a third portion (162) which is engageable by the electrical connector (40) upon connection of the electrical connector with the first and second terminals (70, 80).