With Electric Terminals Patents (Class 102/202.9)
  • Patent number: 8096242
    Abstract: A squib includes a cup body and a closure plug for holding a plurality of electrode pins insulated from one another and closing the opening of the cup body, and further includes, in the cup body, ignition powder and an ASIC component formed by molding a resin around electric circuits including an ASIC and a capacitor, a heating element connected to the ASIC and located at the top of the resin molding of the ASIC component, and connection electrodes located at the bottom of the resin molding for connecting the ASIC to the electrode pins. The squib includes a cylindrical metal fixture having at the center of its top an opening of a size sufficient to expose the heating element and being fixed to the closure plug in a state covering the top circumferential periphery and side surface of the ASIC component and pushing the connection electrode of the ASIC component against the electrode pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Nipponkayaku Kabushikikaisha
    Inventors: Shigeru Maeda, Hirotaka Mukunoki, Hideyuki Koike
  • Publication number: 20120000387
    Abstract: An energetic material initiation device having a receiver assembly and an initiator assembly that includes an electronic initiator and a pellet assembly with an energetic material. The receiver assembly is configured to be coupled to a firing circuit. When the firing circuit is to be armed, the initiator assembly can be pressed into a socket in the receiver assembly to electrically couple the receiver assembly and the initiator assembly. A method for mounting an energetic material initiation device to a firing circuit is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher J. Nance, Christopher A. McKellips, James D. Lucas
  • Patent number: 8074571
    Abstract: An apparatus including and igniter comprises: an igniter, an igniter collar for fixing the igniter, a cylindrical housing forming an outer shell, the igniter collar and the cylindrical housing being assembled by laminating a wall surface at one end of the igniter collar to a wall surface at one end of the cylindrical housing in the thickness direction, and being fixed to each other by crimping from the outside the laminated part thereof, wherein igniter collar and the cylindrical housing are laminated, an outer diameter of the laminated part being within ±10% of a reference outer diameter when an outer diameter of at least one of the igniter collar and cylindrical housing is the reference outer diameter, a thickness (h2) of an inner layer in the crimped laminated part being 1.5 times or more than a crimping depth (h1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Hirooka, Mikio Yabuta
  • Patent number: 8069789
    Abstract: Fire, arm, and disarm signals are typically transmitted to electronic detonators via signal transmission lines. Traditionally, such signal transmission lines include wires wherein one end of each wire is soldered directly to printed circuit boards and/or other signal processing components retained within the shell of a detonator. Other ‘modular’ blasting apparatuses of the prior art provide means to connect signal transmission lines to detonators in the field. Signal transmission line/detonator contacts are susceptible to disruption, particularly when the signal transmission lines are subject to inadvertent tugging or tensile forces at the blast site. The present application discloses an electrical connector that enables secure connection between a signal transmission line and any detonator adapted to receive and optionally process electrical signals from the signal transmission line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Dirk Hummel, Thomas Boos
  • Patent number: 8020490
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel technique for the fabrication of MEMS igniters and detonators. According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the device is built based on two-plates. Plate one contains the resistive heating element and plate two contains the explosive cavity. With the present invention, micro igniters and detonators are batch fabricated utilizing a glue-less assembly technique and self-aligning capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventor: Shekhar Bhansali
  • Publication number: 20110107934
    Abstract: An electronic component deactivation device including an electric match having a pair of electrical leads with a bridge wire coupled therebetween and a pyrotechnic layer of material contacting the bridge wire. A destructive charge is positioned in overlying relationship to the pyrotechnic layer, adjacent the bridge wire with at least a portion of the destructive charge contacting the bridge wire. The destructive charge and electric match are mounted in a housing with the pair of electrical leads extending externally of the housing for connection to an external circuit. The housing is constructed so as to mount the destructive charge and electric match on a circuit board or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph M. Rustick
  • Publication number: 20110072997
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher J. Nance
  • Patent number: 7866264
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Reynolds Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Nance
  • Patent number: 7854201
    Abstract: An igniter assembly includes, an electric igniter and igniter collar, and a resin fixing the electric igniter into the igniter collar. The electric igniter has an igniter main body and a conductive pin which extends from the igniter main body. The igniter collar has a first through hole formed in the axial direction and at least one second through hole formed separately from the first through hole and being provided to the igniter collar. The electric igniter is fixed inside the first through hole by the resin, and the resin is also charged into the second through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shingo Oda
  • Patent number: 7806954
    Abstract: A gas generator 10 contains a baffle assembly for cooling of gases. An imperforate housing 46 is contained within the gas generator 10. A perforate housing 30 is contained within the imperforate housing 46. At least one orifice 70/72 is formed within the baffle assembly, where the orifice 70/72 is formed at the juncture 57 of the baffle assembly 12 and the perforate housing 30, at a second end of the perforate housing 30. Upon activation of the gas generator 10, gases produced are shunted through the orifice 70/72 and into the baffle assembly 12 for cooling and filtration thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory Inc.
    Inventor: Eduardo L. Quioc
  • Publication number: 20100181748
    Abstract: A squib comprising a cup body, a cup body cover, and a header for holding a plurality of electrode pins insulated from one another and closing the opening portion of the cup body, wherein the internal of the cup body has an ignition powder, and a heating element connected to the electrode pins for igniting the ignition powder by externally applying electric current arranged in contact with the ignition powder, wherein a metal cylindrical or ring restraining member is provided in the outer periphery of the cup body and covered around with the cup body cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: NIPPONKAYAKU KABUSHIKIKAISHA
    Inventors: Koji Nakamura, Takatoshi Tsukamoto, Shigeru Maeda, Hirotaka Mukunoki, Hideyuki Koike
  • Patent number: 7752969
    Abstract: A gas generator usable in a vehicle occupant protection system. The gas generator includes an initiator holder and an initiator secured in the initiator holder. The initiator includes a housing enclosing an initiator charge. A metallic bore seal is secured to the initiator holder, and a casing is adhesively secured to the bore seal along an exterior surface of the bore seal. A gas generant is positioned within the casing so as to enable fluid communication between the gas generant and combustion products formed by combustion of the initiator charge, thereby enabling ignition of the gas generant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Stevens
  • Patent number: 7726241
    Abstract: A gas generator usable in a vehicle occupant protection system. The gas generator includes an initiator holder and an initiator secured within the holder, the initiator including a housing enclosing an initiator charge. A bore seal is molded into the initiator holder, and a casing is attached to the bore seal along an exterior surface of the bore seal. A gas generant material is positioned within the casing so as to enable fluid communication between the gas generant and combustion products formed by combustion of the initiator charge, thereby enabling ignition of the gas generant. In one embodiment, an edge portion of the casing is pre-formed so as to snap-fit over a shoulder formed along the bore seal. In another embodiment, an edge portion of the casing is crimped onto outer surfaces of the bore seal. In yet another embodiment, the casing is welded to the bore seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Stevens
  • Patent number: 7726242
    Abstract: A bore seal includes a polymeric interface portion adapted for coupling so an initiator activation signal transmission medium, and an initiator-receiving portion adapted for receiving an initiator therein. The bore seal generally houses a pyrotechnic initiator or igniter therein, for incorporation into a gas generating system or other system having a pyrotechnically actuatable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Stevens
  • Patent number: 7661362
    Abstract: An igniter assembly that includes a housing, a secondary explosive input charge, a pyrotechnic output charge and a barrier system that is disposed between the input charge and the pyrotechnic output charge. The barrier system shields the pyrotechnic output charge from energy released by the input charge to prevent the output charge from being cooked-off or initiated unless the input charge is detonated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Reynolds Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George N Hennings, Richard K Reynolds, Christopher J Nance
  • Publication number: 20100018431
    Abstract: A squib includes a cup body and a closure plug for holding a plurality of electrode pins insulated from one another and closing the opening of the cup body, and further includes, in the cup body, ignition powder and an ASIC component formed by molding a resin around electric circuits including an ASIC and a capacitor, a heating element connected to the ASIC and located at the top of the resin molding of the ASIC component, and connection electrodes located at the bottom of the resin molding for connecting the ASIC to the electrode pins. The squib includes a cylindrical metal fixture having at the center of its top an opening of a size sufficient to expose the heating element and being fixed to the closure plug in a state covering the top circumferential periphery and side surface of the ASIC component and pushing the connection electrode of the ASIC component against the electrode pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: NIPPONKAYAKU KABUSHIKIKAISHA
    Inventors: Shigeru Maeda, Hirotaka Mukonoki, Hideyuki Koike
  • Patent number: 7647870
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Soreq NRC
    Inventors: Alex Pokryvailo, Shlomo Wald
  • Patent number: 7614344
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of assembling a device employing electric ignition by comprising assembling an igniter assembly in the device, the igniter assembly having an electric igniter provided with a first electroconductive pin and a second electroconductive pin, connected to a power source, the method comprising steps of: forming two measurement circuits by using the first electroconductive pin and the second electroconductive pin as a measurement terminal on one end side, respectively, and using another member provided in the igniter assembly as a terminal on the other end side with a pass through a dielectric provided in the igniter assembly, measuring pure resistances and/or impedances of the two measurement circuits, respectively, by applying a high frequency thereto separately, distinguishing the first electroconductive pin from the second electroconductive pin from a magnitude relationship (difference) between the measured pure resistance and/or impedance values, and then, disposing the ign
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shingo Oda
  • Publication number: 20090266265
    Abstract: The invention provides an ignition device having a high shielding-performance from electro-magnetic wave noise and the like, while being compact in size and enabling electric current securely to flow through electric circuits built in the ignition device. The ignition device includes a metal cup and a metal header for holding a plurality of electrode pins respectively insulated and closing the opening of the cup to integrate the header in the cup, and further includes, in the cup, ignition charge, an ASIC, a capacitor, and a heating element. The ASIC is electrically connected to the electrode pins, the capacitor and the heating element, respectively, and the heating element abuts against the ignition charge. The header is provided on its outer periphery with a metal flange for fixing the header to an installation body of the ignition device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: NIPPONKAYAKU KABUSHIKIKAISHA
    Inventors: Shigeru Maeda, Hirotaka Mukonoki, Dairi Kubo
  • Publication number: 20090266260
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher J. Nance
  • Publication number: 20090223400
    Abstract: An initiator for initiating detonation in a detonation cord of a perforating system, where the initiator comprises a modular electronic igniter that quick connects into a portion of high explosive. The high explosive is disposed in a housing having an end of detonation cord crimped therein. The electronic igniter may be shipped to the field and/or stored separate from the high explosive then the two may be assembled just prior to deploying the perforating gun assembly in a wellbore. Various methods of quick connecting the electronic igniter to the high explosive may be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Freeman L. Hill, Randy L. Evans
  • Patent number: 7581496
    Abstract: An initiator that includes a substrate, an exploding foil initiator and a first switch. The exploding foil initiator coupled to the substrate and includes a bridge and a first bridge contact. The first switch has a first contact and a first insulator. The first contact is coupled to the substrate and spaced apart from the first bridge contact by a gap. The first insulator is disposed in the gap. The first switch is operable in an actuated mode in which electrical energy transmitted between the first contact and the first bridge contact is transmitted through the first insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Reynolds Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George N. Hennings, Edwin J. Wild, Bradley L. Hanna, Christopher J. Nance, Richard K. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7574960
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Luther Damian Dockery, Peter Margiotta
  • Publication number: 20090200779
    Abstract: The invention provides an ignition device which is produced without reducing its productivity, while being compact in size and enabling electric current securely to flow through electric circuits built in the ignition device. The ignition device includes a metal cup and a metal header for holding a plurality of electrode pins respectively insulated and closing the opening of the cup, and further includes, in the cup, ignition charge and an ASIC component. The ASIC component includes an ASIC and a capacitor both mounted on a substrate molded with a resin to form a resin mold, and the resin mold has at its top a heating element connected to the ASIC and further has at its bottom communication electrodes for connecting the ASIC to the electrode pins, so that the ASIC component thus constructed abuts against the header. The electrode pins and the communication electrodes are jointed to each other under pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicants: NIPPONKAYAKU KABUSHIKIKAISHA, HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeru Maeda, Hirotaka Mukunoki, Dairi Kubo, Kazuo Matsuda, Junichi Nishimura, Kazutaka Saito
  • Patent number: 7571679
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Reynolds Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Nance
  • Patent number: 7543532
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Reynolds Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J Nance
  • Publication number: 20090139422
    Abstract: The invention relates to a destruction system for destroying a functional layer, which may receive data or perform other functions, such as optical functions, for example, and a related method. The reactants may be interspersed within the functional layer or may be provided in a separate layer adjacent to the functional layer. The reactants are structured to be ignited to destroy the functionality of the functional layer and the data. Ignition may be obtained through a flame or by suitable electrical current in certain embodiments of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Jonathan Mohler
  • Patent number: 7530310
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Nippon Kayaku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akitoshi Hironaka, Yasushi Matsumura, Dairi Kubo
  • Publication number: 20090044715
    Abstract: In a metal/glass base or feedthrough of an ignition device for personal safety systems in motor vehicles, including a ring manufactured from a metal material, having at least one insulating body provided in a ring opening of the ring and tightly sealing said opening, and including at least one pin forming an electrical conductor and leading tightly sealed through the insulating body and electrically insulated from the ring, the ring is manufactured from a metal material by means of cold forming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Helmut Hartl, Christian Bauer
  • Patent number: 7430963
    Abstract: An igniter assembly with a housing, an initiator, an input charge, a first barrier, a second barrier, and an output charge. The input charge is formed of a secondary explosive and disposed adjacent the initiator. The first barrier cooperates with the housing to form a chamber into which the input charge is received. The second barrier is disposed on a side of the first barrier opposite the input charge and combusts in response to energy released during detonation of the input charge. The output charge is formed of a pyrotechnic material and disposed on a side of the second barrier opposite the first barrier. The output charge can combust in response to energy released during combustion of the second barrier. The housing and the first barrier cooperate to isolate the output charge from heat and pressure generated by the input charge if the input charge is cooked-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Reynolds Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George N. Hennings, Richard K. Reynolds, Christopher J. Nance
  • Publication number: 20080148983
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of assembling a device employing electric ignition by comprising assembling an igniter assembly in the device, the igniter assembly having an electric igniter provided with a first electroconductive pin and a second electroconductive pin, connected to a power source, the method comprising steps of: forming two measurement circuits by using the first electroconductive pin and the second electroconductive pin as a measurement terminal on one end side, respectively, and using another member provided in the igniter assembly as a terminal on the other end side with a pass through a dielectric provided in the igniter assembly, measuring pure resistances and/or impedances of the two measurement circuits, respectively, by applying a high frequency thereto separately, distinguishing the first electroconductive pin from the second electroconductive pin from a magnitude relationship (difference) between the measured pure resistance and/or impedance values, and then, disposing the ign
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: DAICEL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Shingo ODA
  • Publication number: 20080134921
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher J. Nance
  • Publication number: 20080092764
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ignition device for an explosive charge or pyrotechnic composition. This device comprises at least two ignition means connected to a power source. It is characterized in that it comprises a single insulating support carrying the ignition means as well as the conductors ensuring their connection to the power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: GIAT INDUSTRIES
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Renaud-Bezot, Jerome Loison
  • Patent number: 7343859
    Abstract: A squib for bus connection includes a communication and ignition unit which is connected via a pin to a bus line and is received within an inner cap, along with a quantity of a first explosive which does not emit corrosive gas. Furthermore, between this inner cap and an outer cap in which it is received, there is charged a quantity of a second explosive which is of a different type from the first explosive, the second explosive being of a type which is used in a squib in a conventional inflator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Matsuda, Kazutaka Saito, Etsuya Miyake, Junichi Nishimura, Hiromi Aida
  • Patent number: 7328657
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: SCB Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernardo Martinez-Tovar
  • Patent number: 7322292
    Abstract: A squib that is used by being connected to a bus is formed by assembling an explosive unit and a communication/ignition unit that have been constructed as separate components. The communication/ignition unit is provided with an IC substrate for ignition and communication that is electrically connected to a bus wire. The explosive unit is provided with explosive, an ignition element, and a header that is interposed between the ignition element and the IC substrate, and that electrically connects the two. In this IC integrated type of squib that is used for communication and ignition, it is possible to prevent the explosive and the IC from mutually interfering with the performances of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Nishimura, Hiromi Aida, Kazuo Matsuda, Kazutaka Saito, Takeshi Kai, Etsuya Miyake
  • Patent number: 7284488
    Abstract: A gas generator comprising a first cup case 3 packing therein gas generant 2 to generate gas by the burning of it, a squib 5 having a second cup case E arranged in an inside of the first cup case 3 and containing an ignition charge D, a squib case 7 having a hole 20 and covering the second cup case E, and a holder 6 to hold the squib case 7 and second cut case E by crimping, wherein the holder 6 has holes 13, 14 for allowing passage of electrode pins 11, 12 of the squib 5, one for each of the electrode pins 11, 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Kayaku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junya Maruyama, Kazumasa Kurita, Akihiko Tanaka, Yoshiyuki Kishino
  • Patent number: 7275485
    Abstract: A squib associated with a supplemental restraint system includes an igniting agent positioned above a first pin that is a connecting terminal providing a connection with a two-wire system bus wire, which is an external signal wire, and above a header that is provided with a second pin that is a connecting terminal. The squib also includes an IC substrate that controls communications and ignitions, and is positioned above the igniting agent, an ignition element between the igniting agent and the IC substrate, and joining portions provided in two locations bridging the igniting agent so as to connect the IC substrate with the first pin and the header. The IC substrate, the igniting agent, the pin, and the header are covered by a circular cylinder shaped cap whose top portion is closed off. Furthermore, these are formed integrally by being covered by a resin mold that is made to extend across the portions of the pins using a molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Nishimura, Hiromi Aida, Kazuo Matsuda, Kazutaka Saito, Etsuya Miyake, Yoshitaka Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7270059
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the electrical initiation of at least one pyrotechnic microcharge (3), this device being characterized in that it comprises a support element having at least one conductive finger (6) connected to a first terminal of a central control unit (8), a second terminal of said central control unit (8) being intended to be electrically connected to an electrically conductive support for the pyrotechnic microcharge (3). The invention also relates to a microactuator (1, 1a, . . . , 1h) and a microsystem (1?) that use such an initiation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignees: SNPE Materiaux Energetiques, bioMerieux
    Inventors: Denis Roller, Patrick Broyer, Bruno Colin
  • Patent number: 7267056
    Abstract: An initiator includes, as constitutive components, a pair of electrodes disposed with an insulator disposed therebetween; a bridge wire connected between the pair of electrodes and adapted to generate heat when energized; an explosive which detonates in response to heat generation of the bridge wire; and a casing that hermetically accommodates the bridge wire and the explosive. The insulator includes a step for enhancing the resistance of the insulator to pressure generated through detonation of the explosive when the insulator receives the thus-generated pressure. The step is formed such that the area of the explosive-side pressure reception surface of the insulator is greater than that of the counter-explosive-side pressure reception surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Isamu Takahara, Junji Muroi
  • Patent number: 7210703
    Abstract: A one-piece initiator device including an end closure having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The end closure forming a passage between the first end portion and the second end portion. A squib is at least partially positioned within the passage. A canister is mounted to the squib and extends outwardly from the end closure first end portion. The canister defines a charge chamber having a reactive charge disposed within the charge chamber. A permeable fill material is disposed within the passage and joins the squib to the end closure to form the one-piece initiator device. The permeable fill material insulates the squib from electrical contact with the end closure and provides a controlled gas flow path through the one-piece initiator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Young, Bryce L. Robinette
  • Patent number: 7124688
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Special Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Vahan Avetisian, Paul Berg, Robert Renz, George Karloff
  • Patent number: 7111558
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic detonator with an igniter support of plastic, which bears an ignition element. A cylindrical metal housing is fastened to the igniter support, into which the ignition reaches. A booster charge is arranged in the metal housing. To improve seal tightness and lower the manufacturing costs, for mechanical support a metal insert is integrated into the igniter support, the metal insert being encased by the plastic of the igniter support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Uwe Brede, Eduard Berenz, Anton Bretfeld, Harald Frank, Jurgen Knauss
  • Patent number: 7089861
    Abstract: A heating element for the ignition of a pyrotechnic charge, e.g. for firing an air bag, has increased stability with respect to transient pulses and electrostatic discharge as a result of a selection of this mass, specific resistance and specific heat capacity. In particular the mass is 1.0×10?9 kg to 4.0×10?9 kg, the specific resistance is 1×10?6 ? m to 2×10?6 ? m and the specific heat capacity is 100 W/(kg.K) to 400 W/(kg·K).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Hirtenberger-Schaffler Automotive Zunder Ges. m.b.H.
    Inventor: Markus Forsthuber
  • Patent number: 7063019
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Parks, Bradley W. Smith, Matt Johnson, Michael R. Schramm
  • Patent number: 7021217
    Abstract: A versatile cavity actuator. The versatile cavity actuator includes a cavity having one or more polymer-based sidewalls. An energetic material is disposed therein. A heater is disposed on or within the cavity. In a specific embodiment, the cavity includes a thermally insulating base positioned beneath the heater, which is positioned near the bottom of the cavity. The polymer-based sidewalls are constructed from a photo-curable epoxy, which is disposed on a substrate via microelectromechanical processes. The sidewalls are angled or parabolic and are constructed via a low-temperature lithographic spin process compatible with post integrated circuit processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Tanner Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Amish Desai, Ravi Kant Verma, Massimo Antonio Sivilotti
  • Patent number: 7007973
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: JB Canterberry, Keith Lam
  • Patent number: 7004071
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Special Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Vahan Avetisian, Andrew Bonas, Todd Rosin, Eishi Kajita
  • Patent number: 6994030
    Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of microactuators designed for mechanical, chemical, electrical or thermal functions in microsystems, for microelectronic applications such as chips, or biomedical applications such as cards incorporating microfluidics. The invention concerns a microactuator comprising a chamber machined in a solid support and containing a pyrotechnic charge. Said microactuator is essentially characterised in that the chamber is partly delimited by a deformable membrane, such that the gases emitted by combustion of the pyrotechnic charge enable to increase the volume of said chamber by deforming said membrane while maintaining intact the solid walls of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: SNPE Materlaux Energetiques
    Inventors: Christian Perut, Denis Roller
  • Patent number: 6966260
    Abstract: There is provided a molded polymeric coupling device incorporating integral hinges, latches and strain-relief features adapted to receive an electric match having a protective chamber, and a quickmatch fuse of a pyrotechnic device. After the quickmatch fuse is suitably placed in the coupling device, it is latched in a closed position around the quickmatch fuse. A piercing structure such as a cone forms an opening in the outer layer of the quickmatch fuse so that, upon ignition of the electric match, flame therefrom is directed into and ignites the central blackmatch core of the quickmatch fuse. The coupling device allows rapid and accurate attachment of an electric match to a quickmatch fuse at the fireworks display site by persons of limited skill and/or experience. The electric matches are protected by the coupling device, preventing unexpected ignition from impact, friction, ESD, or other similar ignition sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Phillip M. Martinez