Abstract: A conducted electrical weapon (“CEW”) deploys wire-tethered electrodes after generation of an ignition signal. The ignition signal is provided to a deployment unit. The deployment unit includes a primer material adjacent a conductor. The conductor conducts the ignition signal outside the primer material. A temperature of the conductor increases in response to receiving the ignition signal. The primer material ignites in response to the increase in temperature of the conductor.

Abstract: A firearm with electronic firing mechanism has a frame including a barrel chambered for a conventionally primed cartridge, a bolt operably connected to the frame and having a bolt face facing the chamber and defining a bolt face aperture, an electrode connected to the bolt and having a tip received in the bolt face aperture and facing the chamber, the tip being configured to contact a primer of a centerfire cartridge received in the chamber when the bolt is in a battery condition, the electrode being electrically isolated from the bolt and from the frame, an electric power delivery facility having a first connection to the electrode and a second connection to at least one of the barrel, the bolt and the frame, a trigger operably connected to the electric power delivery facility, and the electric power delivery facility operable such that the primer discharges the centerfire cartridge.

Abstract: An insensitive munition initiation canister includes a first cylindrical body having an external surface, which includes a first set of threads arranged circumferentially around the first cylindrical body, and a second cylindrical body connected to the first cylindrical body including an external surface having a second set of threads arranged circumferentially around the second cylindrical body. The first cylindrical body includes a first internal region set to retain an explosive charge having a detonation capability sufficient to detonate an insensitive munition. The first cylindrical body is set to sit inside a munition fuze well. The threads of the first cylindrical body are set to engage the munition fuze well.

Abstract: Provided is a bullet hit squib including: an electrical connection line; a glow wire connected to the electrical connection line; and a primary explosive charge by which an active substance is formed which can be ignited by the glow wire. The primary explosive charge is formed by a primary explosive which is free of heavy metals and contains silver azide. A method for producing a bullet hit squib is also provided.

Abstract: A component has a component thickness and at least one feedthrough opening, wherein a conductor, such as a substantially pin-shaped conductor, is inserted through the feedthrough opening in a glass or glass ceramic material having a glass material outside dimension and a glazed length, wherein the component has a reinforcement in the region of the feedthrough opening with a component feedthrough opening thickness, wherein the component feedthrough opening thickness is greater than the component thickness and wherein the reinforcement has a reinforcement material outside dimension.

Abstract: A transient electronic device includes electronic elements (e.g., an SOI- or chip-based IC) and a trigger mechanism disposed on a frangible glass substrate. The trigger mechanism includes a switch that initiates a large trigger current through a self-limiting resistive element in response to a received trigger signal. The self-limiting resistive element includes a resistor portion that generates heat in response to the trigger current, thereby rapidly increasing the temperature of a localized (small) region of the frangible glass substrate, and a current limiting portion (e.g., a fuse) that self-limits (terminates) the trigger current after a predetermined amount of time, causing the localized region to rapidly cool down.

Abstract: An initiator assembly having a base, first and second conductive elements, a first electrically insulating member and an energetic material. The first conductive element, which is configured to receive an electrical input, is coupled to the base and includes a tip. The first electrically insulating member is disposed over the tip. The second conductive element has a bridge that is disposed over the first electrically insulating member. The bridge is configured to vaporize in response to transmission of the electrical input from the tip of the first conductive element to the bridge. The energetic material is disposed over the bridge. Energy produced during vaporization of the bridge is transmitted to the energetic material to initiate at least one of a combustion event, a deflagration event and a detonation event in the energetic material. A method for operating an initiator assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An optical initiator of a pyrotechnic charge, including: a body including a cavity, which contains the pyrotechnic charge and a mechanism for igniting the charge by absorption of a laser radiation, the ignition mechanism being placed in contact with the charge; a laser radiation source; an optical fiber for transporting laser radiation from the source to the ignition mechanism. The ignition mechanism includes a metal plate and the metal plate and the laser radiation source are configured for a laser radiation issuing from the laser radiation source to be absorbed by the metal plate and converted into thermal energy, so that thermal conduction of the thermal energy from the metal plate to the pyrotechnic charge causes the ignition of the pyrotechnic charge. The metal plate can include perforations arranged periodically.

Abstract: A head of an electrohydraulic discharge device of the invention comprises: —an end of a power cable having a first conductor and a second conductor, —an explosive wire comprising multiple segments assembled in a series, and —means for connecting each of the ends of the explosive wire to the end of the power cable.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to fuze setback validation. An electronic setback validator for a launched munition safe-arm fuze includes a transient voltage suppressor. A piezoceramic element is electrically-connected to the transient voltage suppressor. A first electronic circuit is electrically-connected to the piezoceramic element and is a constant 1 milliamp discharge circuit. The first electronic circuit is configured to determine setback magnitude of acceleration. A second electronic circuit is electrically-connected to the piezoceramic element. The second electronic circuit is a constant 122 microamp charge circuit and is configured to determine setback duration of acceleration. A microcontroller is electrically-connected to the first and second electronic circuits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the repeatable initiation of propellent charges in a weapon system, for example in the firing of projectiles from a barrel weapon, through electrical discharge between a rear electrode (22) and a front electrode (21) in a combustion chamber channel (3) filled with filler gas and comprising a combustion chamber combustion element (30), in which the filler gas in the combustion chamber channel (3) is ionized via a high-voltage potential from at least one ionizing electrode (100, 101, 102, 103), which ionization increases the electrical conductivity in the combustion chamber channel (3) so that an electrical flashover, through electrical discharge via a high-voltage generator (5) between the rear electrode (22) and the front electrode (21), is generated from the rear electrode (22) via at least one ionizing electrode (100, 101, 102, 103) onward to the front electrode (21), which results in hot ignition gas with plasma-like state being expelled from the combustion chamber cha

Abstract: A harness for receiving a special effects squib charge includes: a substantially planar base bound by opposing first and second surfaces joined at a perimeter; a tubular sidewall extending from the first surface of the base to form a tubular receptacle; an inward extension from the tubular sidewall defining a receiving aperture, the receiving aperture sized to be elastically deformed to allow insertion of the squib charge; and the distance between the base and the inward extension sized to be substantially equal to the axial length of the squib charge. A bullet hit device includes the harness, and a kit is for assembly and/or use of the harness as a bullet hit device.

Abstract: An igniter assembly includes, an igniter main body integrated with a resin portion. The igniter main body includes, a metallic header having an electro-conductive pin, a metallic cup covering the metallic header so as to form a charging space, and an ignition agent charged within the charging space. The igniter assembly further includes, a cover member covering the metallic cup, the cover member being provided with a reinforcing rib at least on an inner circumferential surface of a peripheral wall thereof, and the resin portion surrounds at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the cover member, a portion of the metallic header, and the electro-conductive pin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for initiating the ignition of a pyrotechnic material in a controlled manner. The invention is suitable for use with less sensitive pyrotechnic material or charges, such as, but not limited to, boron potassium nitrate (B/KNO3) and nitrocellulose (NC). The invention is particularly suitable for incorporation with an ignition system for the ignition of pyrotechnic materials used in solid propellant missile and rocket motors. The invention is particularly resistant to spurious radio frequency interference and/or other electromagnetic interference and is readily capable of operating on a minimum fire or triggering voltage in excess of 500 volts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the repeatable initiation of propellent charges in a weapon system, for example in the firing of projectiles from a barrel weapon, through electrical discharge between a rear electrode (22) and a front electrode (21) in a combustion chamber channel (3) filled with filler gas and comprising a combustion chamber combustion element (30), in which the filler gas in the combustion chamber channel (3) is ionized via a high-voltage potential from at least one ionizing electrode (100, 101, 102, 103), which ionization increases the electrical conductivity in the combustion chamber channel (3) so that an electrical flashover, through electrical discharge via a high-voltage generator (5) between the rear electrode (22) and the front electrode (21), is generated from the rear electrode (22) via at least one ionizing electrode (100, 101, 102, 103) onward to the front electrode (21), which results in hot ignition gas with plasma-like state being expelled from the combustion chamber cha

Abstract: An explosive device using a semiconductor explosion initiator device provides an MOS capacitor formed on a semiconductor substrate and including a silicide layer formed over a doped silicon layer formed over an oxide layer. The oxide layer is formed on an N-well formed in a semiconductor substrate. A voltage source applies a voltage which may be a pulsed voltage, across the MOS capacitor sufficient to cause the avalanche breakdown of the oxide layer and the diffusion of metal from the silicide layer into the doped silicon of the N-well formed in the substrate. The chemical reaction between the metal and the doped silicon causes the generation of a plasma which ignites a pyrotechnic material or ignites or detonates other explosive material in contact with the semiconductor explosion initiator device.

Abstract: A detonator includes a high voltage switch, an initiator and an initiating pellet. The detonator also includes a low voltage to high voltage firing set coupled to the switch and initiator such that the detonator includes a high voltage power source and initiator in an integrated package. The detonator may also include inductive powering and communications, a microprocessor, tracking and/or locating technologies, such as RFID, GPS, etc., and either a single or combination explosive output pellet. The combination explosive pellet has a first explosive having a first shock energy and a high brisance secondary explosive in the output pellet having a second shock energy greater than the shock energy of the first explosive. Systems are also provided for facilitating fast and easy deployment of one or more detonators in the field.

Abstract: A remote initiator breaching system for initiating breaching charges over a short range requiring no physical link between the breacher and the demolition charge. The remote initiator breaching system has at least one transmitter, at least one receiver, at least one shock tube connectable to a breaching charge and a power source for each of the transmitter and receiver. The transmitter is able to generate and transmit a coded signal. The transmitter has an input for inputting operational commands into the transmitter for generating the coded signal, The transmitter has a plurality of channels representing different frequency bands, and multiple addresses for each channel such that transmission of the coded signal from the transmitter to the receiver is possible per individual addresses or all addresses simultaneously.

Abstract: A primary ignition system for large caliber ammunition which ignition system is less sensitive to unwanted ignition by conventional temperatures or conventional electrical signals or by stray electrostatic voltage electrical signals, or stray RF frequency signals. This ignition primer device begins the ignition sequence with applying a high voltage electrical pulse to a non-energetic element, specially coated with nano sized aluminum particles, to release and ionized discharge that generate a plasma in order to ignite an environmentally friendly ignition composition mix. The ignition composition is also comprised of aluminum water based nano material combined with oxidizer and binder. In the device's primer head assembly is a brass ignition pin pressed into a (non-electrically conductive) Torlon® material cup. The non-conductive Torlon® material acts as an insulator for the entire system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of, in the electrical ignition of a propellent charge (1) provided with an electrically conductive surface coating (5) and comprising one or more propellant components (3), ensuring that ignition and progressive combustion of the propellent charge take place. The method is characterized in that said electrically conductive surface coating, when ignition of the propellent charge is desired, is connected to an electrical high-voltage source (6), in that said high-voltage source is made to generate at least one high electrical pulse to said connected electrically conductive surface coating, and in that said at least one high electrical pulse produces an instantaneous flashover ignition of the electrically conductive surface coating of the propellent charge and of all its propellant components, simultaneously. The invention also relates to a propellent charge and to an ammunition shot comprising the propellent charge.

Abstract: A monolithic exploding foil initiator (EFI) or slapper detonator and the method for making the monolithic EFI wherein the exploding bridge and the dielectric from which the flyer will be generated are integrated directly onto the header. In some embodiments, the barrel is directly integrated directly onto the header.

Abstract: A remote initiator breaching system for initiating breaching charges over a short range requiring no physical link between the breacher and the demolition charge. The remote initiator breaching system has at least one transmitter, at least one receiver, at least one shock tube connectable to a breaching charge and a power source for each of the transmitter and receiver. The transmitter is able to generate and transmit a coded signal. The transmitter has an input for inputting operational commands into the transmitter for generating the coded signal, The transmitter has a plurality of channels representing different frequency bands, and multiple addresses for each channel such that transmission of the coded signal from the transmitter to the receiver is possible per individual addresses or all addresses simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for sidewall percussion coring service are disclosed. In some embodiments, the side-wall percussion coring tool includes a voltage activated igniter, explosive material, and a core barrel in communication with the explosive material, wherein activation of the igniter causes detonation of the explosive material to propel the core barrel from tool. Some method embodiments for performing sidewall percussion coring service using the disclosed sidewall percussion coring tool include positioning the tool within a wellbore, activating the voltage activated igniter housed within the tool, detonating the explosive material within the tool with the voltage activated igniter, propelling a core barrel from the tool into the surrounding formation by detonation of the explosive material, retrieving the core barrel from the formation, and removing the tool from the wellbore.

Abstract: An explosive device using a semiconductor explosion initiator device provides an MOS capacitor formed on a semiconductor substrate and including a silicide layer formed over a doped silicon layer formed over an oxide layer. The oxide layer is formed on an N-well formed in a semiconductor substrate. A voltage source applies a voltage which may be a pulsed voltage, across the MOS capacitor sufficient to cause the avalanche breakdown of the oxide layer and the diffusion of metal from the silicide layer into the doped silicon of the N-well formed in the substrate. The chemical reaction between the metal and the doped silicon causes the generation of a plasma which ignites a pyrotechnic material or ignites or detonates other explosive material in contact with the semiconductor explosion initiator device.

Abstract: An initiator that includes a header body, an insulating spacer, an initiator, a plurality of terminals and a plurality of contacts. The insulating spacer is coupled to the header body. The initiator forms at least a portion of an exploding foil initiator and includes a plurality of electric interfaces. The initiator 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.

Abstract: An inflator assembly may include an inflator housing and an initiator attached to the inflator housing. A varistor may be associated with the initiator and may be spaced apart from a surface of the inflator housing to define a first spark gap between the varistor and the surface of the inflator housing.

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 inflator assembly may include an inflator housing and an initiator attached to the inflator housing. A varistor may be associated with the initiator and may be spaced apart from a surface of the inflator housing to define a first spark gap between the varistor and the surface of the inflator housing.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor bridge device wherein a reaction time for generating sparks is short and a spark generating amount is large. This semiconductor bridge device comprises a substrate, a pair of land portions, a bridge portion electrically connecting between the pair of the land portions, and an electrode pad arranged on each upper surface in the pair of the land portions and emitting sparks at the bridge portion through an electric current passed between the electrode pads, in which the pair of the land portions and the bridge portion consist of a laminate formed by alternately laminating a metal layer and a metal oxide layer plural times, and an outermost layer in the laminate is a metal layer, and a metal oxide having a decomposition temperature of higher than 1500° C. is used in the metal oxide layer.

Abstract: An igniter comprises at least two conductors in the spaced-apart configuration and an electrically conductive layer bridging the at least two conductors, wherein the conductive layer has an electrical resistance greater than an electrical resistance of the at least two conductors. In one embodiment, the at least two conductors and the electrically conductive layer comprise a conductive ink, which may be the same conductive ink having different dimensions. A supplementary initiator composition may be deposited on or incorporated into the conductive layer. In a process for producing the igniter, the electrically conductive layer and the at least two conductors are printed on a non-electrically conducting substrate.

Abstract: An electromagnetic launch system including an electrothermal launcher, an inductive power supply (IPS), including a DC source (Vb) and a storage inductor (L), and an opening switch (OS), wherein at least a portion of at least one of the IPS and the OS is integrated in a projectile.

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: 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 switch device having a base, a first electrically conductive pad coupled to the base, a second electrically conductive pad coupled to the base, a first electrically conductive projection and a second electrically conductive projection. The second electrically conductive pad is spaced apart from the first electrically conductive pad by a first predetermined distance. The first electrically conductive projection is coupled to the first electrically conductive pad and extends into the first gap. The second electrically conductive projection is coupled to the second electrically conductive pad and extends into the first gap. The second electrically conductive projection is spaced apart from the first electrically conductive projection by a second predetermined distance. The first and second electrically conductive projections form an electrical interface.

Abstract: A metal holder, and a method of producing the same, with electrode pins suitably used for a gas generator having a structure that can prevent electrode pins from being burst forth easily even when the gas generator is brought into action under high temperature. The metal holder with electrode pins includes a metal holder and at least two electrode pins for allowing passage of electrical current. Each electrode pin is larger in diameter at its head portion than at its terminal portion. Plastic members are arranged to surround a part of the respective electrode pins circumferentially. Holes for the respective electrode pins to pass through the holder are formed in the holder, and the electrode pins are fixed to the holes via the plastic members, each hole having a diameter-reduction portion at a part thereof.

Abstract: A glass-to-metal bushing for ignitors of airbags or belt tensioning pulleys. A metal pin is arranged in a slot in the base plate in the fixing material, the base plate being formed by one element whereby the base geometry describing the slot is produced by at least one separation process. Structure is provided between the front and rear of the base plate for preventing relative motion of the fixing material in the direction of the base plate rear portion across from the inner circumference of the slot.

Abstract: An ETC igniter and compatible electrical connector for enabling an ETC gun to be used in a battlefield setting in close proximity with personnel and sensitive electronic equipment. This is accomplished by providing a current path to and from the igniter that is electrically isolated from all other portions of the gun. The connector and igniter are adapted to be capable of withstanding the high connection forces necessary to prevent arcing and the extreme stresses imposed during firing of the gun.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solid-state or integrated circuit-type igniter die (10) having a bridge (18) that is formed on a non-planar surface of a substrate (12), and which therefore has a non-planar configuration. Igniter die (10), according to this invention therefore has a three-dimensional configuration and, preferably, a configuration that can enclose a reactive material (26) therein. In a typical embodiment, the bridge (18) of an igniter element of this invention has a tubular configuration. Reactive material (26) is disposed within the interior of the tube (14) and a charge of electric current is flowed through the tube (14) from o the other to form a plasma that initiates the remaining reactive material (26).

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: A method of using electrically initiated primer systems that rely on vaporizing a thin metallic film which is either coated on a non-conductive insulator component or is a malleable thin film or strip secured to the inner surface of a primer cup assembly to ignite an environmentally safe MIC composition.

Abstract: Multiple independent penetrating electrode non-electric tips in which the electrodes are separated in a non-coaxial arrangement so as to generate a spark gap internal to the non-electric shock tube, with the electrodes being brought together inside of the shock tube at a very precise distance, improving longevity by eliminating ablation of the insulating material between the inner and outer electrodes, reducing electrical shorting of the electrodes, and providing more consistent and reliable ignition of shock tubes.

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 device for initiating an electric detonator utilizing an open circuit to decrease occurrences of accidental detonation. The device may include an initiator housing, at least two conductor pins disposed through the initiator housing and spaced within the housing such that they are electrically isolated from one another, and a primer spot material disposed between the conductor pins. The primer spot material may be comprised of a mixture of reactive material and metal component. The primer spot material has electrical properties which provide resistance to conducting an electrical current to maintain an open circuit condition prior to occurrence of a breakdown voltage which is dependent upon the amount of metal component in the primer spot material. Subsequently, the primer spot material has electrical properties which provide a conductive medium on the occurrence of an electrical arc between the conductive pins that arises at voltages in excess of the breakdown voltage.

Abstract: A plasma torch including at least two electrodes separated by an insulating cylindrical case having a void, wherein the electrodes are separated by a distance (D) for forming an igniting arc therebetween when the electrodes are connected to a voltage, the distance (D) and the voltage being selected to form substantially a 1 Megavolt/meter electrical field between the electrodes, for forming an arc and causing plasma to be generated from the plasma generating material.

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.

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 device for igniting a solid pyrotechnic charge, including a conducting track, wherein the track consists of a conducting fluid deposited at least partially on the pyrotechnic charge, the pyrotechnic charge is deposited on a solid support and covers an empty cavity of the support, and the cavity forms a empty space between the pyrotechnic charge and the support.

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