Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system having a plurality of capacitor discharge units (CDUs) that includes electrical bridge type detonators operatively coupled to respective explosives. A pulse charging circuit is adapted to provide a voltage for each respective capacitor in each CDU. Such capacitors are discharged through the electrical bridge type detonators upon receiving an optical signal to detonate respective operatively coupled explosives at substantially the same time.

Abstract: An igniter includes: an igniter assembly including an igniter main body having an ignition portion adapted to be ignited by an ignition electric current; an igniter collar which accommodates the igniter main body; a cup body having an opening portion, the igniter assembly and the cup body being connected to each other, such that at least the ignition portion of the igniter main body is surrounded by the cup body; and a tubular crimp case that connects and fastens at least a part of an exterior surface of the igniter collar and at least a part of an exterior surface of the cup body from an outside.

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: 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: A plasma injector for use in munitions having a central axis. The plasma injector has a stub case, a tube, an anode, a cathode, and a conductive wire. The tube has a first end, a second end, and a central bore extending therethrough. The tube has at least one aperture that is operably connected to the central bore. The tube is attached to the stub case substantially transverse to the central axis. The anode is positioned proximate the first end. The cathode is positioned proximate the second end. The conductive wire extends through the central bore between the anode and the cathode and operably connects the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for electronically arming and firing a MEMS-scale interrupted explosive train to detonate a main charge explosive. The device includes a MEMS slider assembly housing a transfer charge electrically actuated to move between safe and armed positions of the explosive train.

Abstract: A safety and performance enhancement arrangement for primary explosive detonators. This arrangement involves a circuit containing an energy storage capacitor and preset self-trigger to protect the primary explosive detonator from electrostatic discharge (ESD). The circuit does not discharge into the detonator until a sufficient level of charge is acquired on the capacitor. The circuit parameters are designed so that normal ESD environments cannot charge the protection circuit to a level to achieve discharge. When functioned, the performance of the detonator is also improved because of the close coupling of the stored energy.

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: The present invention relates to a method utilizing a MEMS safe arm device for electronically arming and firing a MEMS-scale interrupted explosive train to detonate a main charge explosive. The device includes a MEMS slider assembly housing a transfer charge electrically actuated to move between safe and armed positions of the explosive train.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator having an internal sleeve that facilitates the loading and durable retention of a pyrotechnic charge in place on the header surface within the initiator. The sleeve beneficially retains the charge either in conjunction with the upper interior surface of the charge can, or through the use of a monolithic charge and a narrowed top end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A bridge-type ignition element for initiating the ignition of pyrotechnical materials lying above it by heating when an electric current is passed through it. The bridge-type element is essentially made up of a resistance layer applied to a substrate, a reactive layer, applied on top of that, made of especially an oxidizable metal and a polymeric cover layer situated on top of that, whose material is selected in such a way that it is able to react exothermally at an elevated temperature with the oxidizable material of the reactive layer. The polymeric cover layer makes possible not only a lower energy requirement but also achieves corrosion protection from the surroundings and from the pyrotechnical material.

Abstract: A semiconductor bridge (SCB) device. In one embodiment, the SCB device includes a laminate layer on top of an insulating material, wherein the laminate layer comprises a series of layers of at least two reactive materials, and wherein the laminate layer comprises two relatively large sections that substantially cover the surface area of the insulating material, and a bridge section joining the two relatively large sections. At least one conductive contact pad is coupled to at least one of the series of layers, wherein a predetermined current through the conductive contact pad causes the bridge section to initiate a reaction in which the laminate layer is involved. In one embodiment, the SCB device includes an integrated diode formed by an interface of the insulating material with another material, such as a metal.

Abstract: A device and method that employs a detonation event as an energy source for producing a pyrotechnic output. The device includes an initiation charge that is selectively detonated by an exploding foil initiator. Byproducts from the detonation event are attenuated by a barrier that is disposed between the initiation charge and an ignition charge. The barrier participates in a chemical reaction with the detonation byproducts to oxidize and burn. In this regard, the barrier serves as a fuel that is employed to ignite the ignition charge. The device includes a sealed housing in which the initiator, initiation charge and ignition charges are housed. The housing ruptures in response to the heat and pressure generated by the ignited ignition charge to release the pyrotechnic output.

Abstract: A fast heat rise resistor comprising a substrate, a foil bridge on the surface of the substrate, the foil bridge having an elevated portion and a contact portion, the elevated portion above the substrate, the contact portion in contact with the substrate, a conductive layer attached to the contact portion of said foil bridge. The activation energy and/or response time is reduced as the foil bridge is suspended over the substrate. Another aspect of the invention include a method of manufacturing the foil bridge and application to autoignition vehicle airbags.

Abstract: A detonator for initiating a detonation event in an explosive charge. The detonator comprises an exploding foil initiator and a switch. The exploding foil initiator includes a detonator bridge with a bridge member and a bridge contact that are electrically coupled to one another. The switch includes a switch contact that is spaced apart from the detonator bridge such that a spark gap of a predetermined width is defined between the bridge contact and the switch contact. A discharge arc, which is formed when a voltage in excess of a predetermined gap breakdown voltage is applied across the spark gap, closes the switch to thereby permit current to flow between the bridge contact and the switch contact.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator having an internal sleeve that facilitates the loading and durable retention of a pyrotechnic charge in place on the header surface within the initiator. The sleeve beneficially retains the charge either in conjunction with the upper interior surface of the charge can, or through the use of a monolithic charge and a narrowed top end of the sleeve.

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: 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.

Abstract: A unitary header/base/shorting bar holder for a micro gas generator; and a micro gas generator containing it.

Abstract: A semiconductor bridge (SCB) device. In one embodiment, the SCB device includes a laminate layer on top of an insulating material, wherein the laminate layer comprises a series of layers of at least two reactive materials, and wherein the laminate layer comprises two relatively large sections that substantially cover the surface area of the insulating material, and a bridge section joining the two relatively large sections. At least one conductive contact pad is coupled to at least one of the series of layers, wherein a predetermined current through the conductive contact pad causes the bridge section to initiate a reaction in which the laminate layer is involved. In one embodiment, the SCB device includes an integrated diode formed by an interface of the insulating material with another material, such as a metal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for accelerating micro particles for use in delivering DNA or a solid drug in which a shockwave is generated by applying a short pulse energy to a surface of a metal foil to be absorbed and cause vaporization and plasmatization of the metal foil. A jet is generated by a sudden expansion of metal gas and thereby the shockwave is generated on a surface of an opposite side of the metal foil on which the micro particles are arranged.

Abstract: A bridge-type ignition element for initiating the ignition of pyrotechnical materials lying above it by heating when an electric current is passed through it. The bridge-type element is essentially made up of a resistance layer applied to a substrate, a reactive layer, applied on top of that, made of especially an oxidizable metal and a polymeric cover layer situated on top of that, whose material is selected in such a way that it is able to react exothermally at an elevated temperature with the oxidizable material of the reactive layer. The polymeric cover layer makes possible not only a lower energy requirement but also achieves corrosion protection from the surroundings and from the pyrotechnical material.

Abstract: A high-precision pyrotechnic initiator is well adapted for rapid, precise ignition of solid and liquid energetics. A rigid housing, for example formed of an SiC-treated semiconductor substrate material, contains a pyrotechnic. When ignited, the reaction, or explosion, of the pyrotechnic is confined to the housing. The release of energy creates a hot particulate in which the formation of solid byproducts is mitigated or eliminated. The flame is directed through an outlet. In one embodiment, a microcapillary tube may be placed in communication with the outlet, the tube including a primary front vent and secondary side vents, which serve to increase system efficiency and reliability. A dual bridge wire may be provided for improving system reliability. The resulting assembly thereby performs the combined functions of both an igniter and a flash tube and a complete ignition train is provided in a manner that overcomes the limitations of the conventional configurations.

Abstract: A detonator assembly for use with explosive devices includes a support structure, an exploding foil initiator mounted on the support structure, and a barrel attached to the support structure and adjacent the exploding foil initiator. The support structure may include a flex cable. An explosive is placed in the proximity of the exploding foil initiator.

Abstract: A device and method that employs a detonation event as an energy source for producing a pyrotechnic output. The device includes an initiation charge that is selectively detonated by an exploding foil initiator. Byproducts from the detonation event are attenuated by a barrier that is disposed between the initiation charge and an ignition charge. The barrier participates in a chemical reaction with the detonation byproducts to oxidize and burn. In this regard, the barrier serves as a fuel that is employed to ignite the ignition charge. The device includes a sealed housing in which the initiator, initiation charge and ignition charges are housed. The housing ruptures in response to the heat and pressure generated by the ignited ignition charge to release the pyrotechnic output.

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 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plasma torch (1) comprising at least two electrodes (7, 8) separated by a cylindrical insulating case (6) delimiting an internal volume, said electrodes connected by a conductive ignition fuse (11) placed in the internal volume. This torch is characterized in that the fuse (11) comprises at least one conductive material associated with at least one energetic material or one able to react with the conductive material. Application to the ignition of the propellant charge of a munition.

Abstract: A method of axially spinning an initiator subassembly after the loading of a pyrotechnic charge therein, in order to distribute the charge.

Abstract: A detonator assembly according to one arrangement includes a capacitor discharge unit having a capacitor and a resistor formed on a surface of the capacitor. At least one side of the resistor is electrically connected to one electrode of the capacitor. In another arrangement, another type of energy source besides the capacitor is used.

Abstract: A high-precision pyrotechnic initiator is well adapted for rapid, precise ignition of solid and liquid energetics. A rigid housing, for example formed of stainless steel, contains a pyrotechnic. When ignited, the reaction, or explosion, of the pyrotechnic is confined to the housing. The release of energy creates a hot particulate in which the formation of solid byproducts is mitigated or eliminated. The flame is directed through an outlet. In one embodiment, a microcapillary tube may be placed in communication with the outlet, the tube including a primary front vent and secondary side vents, which serve to increase system efficiency and reliability. A dual bridge wire may be provided for improving system reliability. The resulting assembly thereby performs the combined functions of both an igniter and a flash tube and a complete ignition train is provided in a manner that overcomes the limitations of the conventional configurations.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator with a bridgewire in contact with a slurry-loaded pyrotechnic charge at a position of relatively low void formation, at an edge of the charge.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric type initiator having a stable electric characteristic, and thereby provides an electric type initiator having better reliability and an initiator assembly using the same.

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.

Abstract: Exothermic reaction mixtures are electrically ignited with a low cost foil strip of two conductive strips separated by a layer of insulation. One or more holes are formed in the ignitor to create shaped spark plasma on one side and a venting plasma on the opposite side of the hole. The spark with low energy requirements is sufficient to ignite exothermic reactions for welding, casting and other uses. The ignitor may be part of reusable crucibles and molds, or expendable packages, containers, and molds, or smaller squibs for igniting larger charges. The ignitor may be immersed in or substantially adjacent the charge of exothermic material. The spark forming hole or holes is made and shaped by a punch in a simple and low cost manner. The ignitor eliminates the need for starting powders or materials and flint gun ignitors.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for electrically dischargeable primers having a conductive body, a first electrical contact area, a bottom plate area, one or more burn out area(s) on the bottom plate area, and a second electrical contact area. The conductive body provides an electrical path between a primer's inside cylindrical wall and an inside surface of the primer's cap or cup. The first electrical contact area makes an electrical contact with the inside surface of the cylindrical wall. The second electrical contact area makes an electrical contact with an inside surface of the primer's cap or cup. The bottom plate area is positioned in a bottom location of an electrically dischargeable primer. At least one, but typically two or more burn out areas are on the bottom plate area. The burn out areas have a reduced cross section area. The total cross section area of the burn out areas must be less than the cross section of any other location on the elongated conductive body.

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: An ordnance system of the present invention may include or feature any one or more of: a control unit, one or more effectors (detonators, initiators, shaped charges and the like), and a two-, three- or four-wire communication bus between the control unit and the effectors; an addressable system in which all the effectors can be connected to the same communication bus and the control unit can issue coded signals on the bus addressed to a specific effector; inductive coupling between the effectors and the communication bus; and a multi-voltage level communication system in which communication signals are carried at a first voltage and arming signals are provided at a second, higher voltage. Other features may include two-way communication between effectors and the control unit and the de-centralization of firing control so that the control unit does not have exclusive control over whether the effectors function.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator with a narrowed sleeve attached to a header assembly and retaining a pyrotechnic charge, and methods of making same.

Abstract: The firing apparatus for a gas generator of a restraint device in a vehicle has a firing chamber filled with a pyrotechnic material. A semiconductor chip, in which in addition to a firing resistor at least one circuit activating the latter is integrated, is arranged outside the firing chamber in such a way that the thermal energy generated by the firing resistor during a firing operation is transferred to the pyrotechnic material in the firing chamber. To ensure that upon firing, the circuit elements in the firing apparatus remain undestroyed to the greatest possible extent, the semiconductor chip is retained on a circuit board; the circuit board is retained, with the side opposite the semiconductor chip, on a wall of the firing chamber; and an opening is present in the wall of the firing chamber and in the circuit board, so that a passage exists between the firing resistor mounted on the semiconductor chip and the pyrotechnic material in the firing chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrothermal ignition device for igniting a powder propellant charge (4), which comprises at least one electrically-conductive wire (11; 15; 19; 22), that extends, at least partially, through the propellant charge, and can be connected to a current source (3). The electrically-conductive wire (11; 15; 19; 22) is coated with a pyrotechnical ignition mixture (12; 16; 20)so that the ignition device can have a low electrical-energy requirement and be easily adapted to the different requirements placed on it. A mixture on a potassium perchlorate-zirconium (KClO4—Zr) base has proven to be an advantageous ignition mixture.

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: An electrical igniter cap has a reproducible igniter characteristic by virtue of the fact that, at the firing side, an igniter unit 20 is covered by a sheeting of plastic material 21 which is rupture-resistant but tears quickly, and also at the firing side it bears against a sieve plate 28 with defined hole cross-sections.

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.

Abstract: Exothermic reaction mixtures are electrically ignited with a low cost foil strip of two conductive strips separated by a layer of insulation. One or more holes are formed in the ignitor to create shaped spark plasma on one side and a venting plasma on the opposite side of the hole. The spark with low energy requirements is sufficient to ignite exothermic reactions for welding, casting and other uses. The ignitor may be part of reusable crucibles and molds, or expendable packages, containers, and molds, or smaller squibs for igniting larger charges. The ignitor may be immersed in or substantially adjacent the charge of exothermic material. The spark forming hole or holes is made and shaped by a punch in a simple and low cost manner. The ignitor eliminates the need for starting powders or materials and flint gun ignitors.

Abstract: An electro-pyrotechnic initiator suitable for use in igniting a pyrotechnic generator of gas for inflating an air bag, said initiator being connected to an electric cable comprising two conductive wires, said initiator comprising: (i) a thermosensitive charge which is carried by a heating resistive element consisting of a resistive strip and which is initiatable by said heating resistive element, ((ii) an electric circuit connecting said resistive element to said conductive wires, and (iii) means of electromagnetically protecting said electric circuit, said heating resistive element, said electric circuit and said means of electromagnetically protecting being integrated into a circuit of conductive strips which are joined to said conductive wires and which are printed on a support, said support being in the form of a thin parallelepedial card with two opposite flat faces, said conductive strips being printed on the same face of said support to provide a complete circuit comprising said conductive strips, t

Abstract: A pyrotechnic device and method for making the same is disclosed which includes a pyrotechnic composition comprising a fuel, an oxidizing agent, and at least one of a metal salt and metal powder; wherein the pyrotechnic composition further comprises a cylinder with an internal surface area positioned within an outer cylindrical surface area; and, wherein prime is proximately disposed at least at one end of the internal surface area of said cylinder.

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: An electrical circuit for electrically dischargeable primers having a conductive body, a first electrical contact area, a bottom plate area, one or more burn out area(s) on the bottom plate area, and a second electrical contact area. The conductive body provides an electrical path between a primer's inside cylindrical wall and an inside surface of the primer's cap or cup. The first electrical contact area makes an electrical contact with the inside surface of the cylindrical wall. The second electrical contact area makes an electrical contact with an inside surface of the primer's cap or cup. The bottom plate area is positioned in a bottom location of an electrically dischargeable primer. At least one, but typically two or more burn out areas are on the bottom plate area. The burn out areas have a reduced cross section area. The total cross section area of the burn out areas must be less than the cross section of any other location on the elongated conductive body.