Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator having an initiator including a relatively low monolithic ignition charge that is separated from an overlying output charge by an intermediary slip plane. The slip plane may simply be a non-integral junction between monolithic ignition and output charges, or it may be a junction between a monolithic ignition charge and a non-monolithic output charge, or it may be a void or barrier between the ignition and output charges.

Abstract: A method of producing a device containing pyrotechnical material comprises the following steps: providing a tubular housing element with a base and metal ducts incorporated in the base, with the housing element and the base being integrally formed of glass and the housing element and the base defining a housing interior with a bottom adjoining the base, and the metal ducts extending through the bottom into the housing interior; applying a metal layer on the bottom by forming a heat-generating element integrally connected with the metal ducts and the bottom; introducing the pyrotechnical material into the housing element; and sealing the housing element by heating and melting off. The device obtainable in this way serves for use in vehicle occupant restraint systems, for instance as an igniter in gas generators and belt tensioners.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator with enclosed on-board control circuitry, and a mating connector therefor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety system for an ignition device (7), particularly a safety system for an ignition device (7) to activate an airbag, a belt tightener or a similar type safety device for use in vehicles. The ignition device can be activated by input signals which are fed via supply lines (3,4). At least one electronic component (10) is connected to the supply lines (3,4) using conductors (1), that can be stampings, and a nonconductive carrier (2) retaining the conductors 1.

Abstract: The hermetically sealed electrical feed-through device has a circular metal disk (11) with a conductive angular or bent isolated pin (13) hermetically sealed in an oval or elliptical through-going opening (O) whose center coincides with the center of the circular metal disk. The angular or bent isolated pin (13) is sealed in the oval or elliptical opening (O) by means of a glass-to-metal seal (17). An angular or bent ground pin (15) is connected to the rear side of the circular metal disk (11) adjacent to the opening (O) and extends approximately parallel to the isolated pin (13). Because the through-going opening (O) has an elliptical or oval cross-section section, different bridge wires of different lengths are connectable on the front side of the metal disk (11) between the front surface of the circular metal disk (11) and the angular or bent isolated pin (13). The isolated and ground pins both have circular transverse cross-sections.

Abstract: The electric pyrotechnic igniter of the present invention comprises a controlled power source providing low-voltage electricity to one or more remotely located, replaceable ignition elements which are housed in compression clips capable of holding the ignition elements into direct contact with firework fuses.

Abstract: The hermetically sealed electrical feed-through device has a circular metal disk (11) with a conductive straight isolated pin (13) hermetically sealed in an oval or elliptical through-going opening (O) positioned offset from the center of the circular metal disk. The straight isolated pin (13) is sealed in the opening (O) by means of a glass-to-metal seal (17). A conductive straight ground pin (15) is connected to the rear side of the circular metal disk (11) adjacent to the opening (O) and extends approximately parallel to the straight isolated pin (13). Because the through-going opening (O) has an elliptical or oval cross-section, a wider range of different bridge wires of different lengths, which are connectable on the front side of the metal disk (11) between the front surface of the metal disk (11) and the straight isolated pin (13), is possible. The straight isolated and ground pins have circular transverse cross-sections.

Abstract: The hermetically sealed electrical feed-through device has a circular metal disk (11, 21) with a conductive isolated pin (13, 23) hermetically sealed in a through-going circular opening (O, O?) by a glass seal (17, 27) and a conductive ground pin (15, 25) connected with a rear side of the metal disk (11, 21) adjacent to the through-going circular opening and extending approximately parallel to the isolated pin. The isolated pin (13, 23) has an oval or elliptical section (13a, 23a) extending through the glass seal (17, 27), whereby different bridge wires of different lengths are connectable on the front side of the metal disk between the front surface of the metal disk and the isolated pin (13, 23). In one embodiment the pins are straight and the through-going circular opening is offset in the metal disk; in another embodiment the pins are bent and the through-going circular opening (O,O?) is centrally positioned in the metal disk (11,21).

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: 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 one end to the other to form a plasma that initiates the remaining reactive material (26).

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple manufacturing method of parts of igniter which makes welding unnecessary. Electroconductive pins 51 and 52 are pushed in through-holes 45 and 46 of a header 40, and a heat generating body 30 is penetrated by the electroconductive pins 51 and 52. Thereafter, the heat generating body 30 is fixed by crimping one end portions 51a and 52a of the electroconductive pins 51 and 52.

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 pyrotechnic initiator having a bridgewire configured in an enhanced heat-sinking relationship with the adjacent ignition charge and/or header glass surface without the necessity of a consolidation force.

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: 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: 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: The invention provides an initiator assembly that can be easily manufactured without increasing cost, and can be easily and securely connected to a connector when it is used. The initiator assembly includes a priming for being used in a motor vehicle, an initiator used for igniting the priming and having at least one conductive pin and a metal collar for fixing the initiator assembly on an inflator that are integrally formed by an insulating material injection-molded therebetween. The insulating material is a resin made of a plastic material that surrounds a metal eyelet of the initiator.

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

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator having a bridgewire configured in an enhanced heat-sinking relationship with the adjacent ignition charge and/or header glass surface without the necessity of a consolidation force.

Abstract: An easily producible and easily installable ignition mechanism for restraint devices in a vehicle includes an ignition capsule, in which at least one ignition element and its contact pins are fixed. Into the ignition capsule a pedestal can be set, in which a carrier arrangement having circuit elements is arranged. Spring elements are present, by which contact is established between circuit elements and contact pins of the ignition element when the pedestal is set into the ignition capsule.

Abstract: According to the invention, in order to be able to design a gas generator, in particular, for belt tighteners, with a slim housing (1), the electrical coupling is brought about via connection wires (4), pins or cables (4a) which are introduced into the housing (1) via a stopper (5) and are sealed by the latter. The stopper (5) is surrounded sealingly by the housing (1) itself or a holder element (6) sealingly connected to the housing.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic igniter arrangement, especially for occupant protection devices in motor vehicles, includes a single common carrier substrate, an electronic assembly arranged on the carrier substrate in an electronic zone, an electrically ignitable ignition bridge arranged on the carrier substrate in a pyrotechnic zone, and a pyrotechnic charge in the pyrotechnic zone. A mechanical decoupling or parting feature, such as a frangible link or an elastically bendable neck, is provided in the carrier substrate between the pyrotechnic zone and the electronic zone, so that forces arising during ignition of the pyrotechnic charge are not transmitted through the carrier substrate into the electronic zone. The decoupling feature breaks or elastically yields when a load exceeding a prescribed threshold is applied thereto. The electronic assembly is protected from damage due to excessive loads, and remains functional even after ignition of the pyrotechnic charge.

Abstract: The invention relates to trigger units for initiating pyrotechnic elements which usually consist of a switch and control unit, ignition means and an ignition charge body. Said switch and control element is triggered by way of an electric coupling via a line in order to initiate ignition. The line for the electric coupling and the dimensions of the switch and control element which are usually accommodated in an IC housing complicate the design and the automatic assembly of the trigger units. According to the invention, the switch and control element (1) is surrounded by a first shell (2). Said first shell (2) is connected to a second shell (1) which contains the ignition charge body (23). The invention is further characterized in that the ignition means (19) dip into said second shell (21).

Abstract: An igniter arrangement for vehicle occupant protection devices includes a substrate, an electronic assembly on the substrate in an electronic zone, an electrical ignition bridge on the substrate in a pyrotechnic zone, and a pyrotechnic charge adjoining the ignition bridge. A shock absorbing elastic first material covers a first portion of the substrate in the pyrotechnic zone, and forms a shock-absorbing cushion between the charge and the electronic zone. A second material harder than the first encases a second portion of the substrate and the electronic assembly in the electronic zone, protects the electronic assembly, and separates the two zones. The ignition bridge and the electronic assembly are at opposite ends of the elongate substrate. A breakable parting feature separably connects the two substrate portions and breaks due to high forces arising during ignition of the charge, so these forces are not transmitted through the substrate into the electronic zone.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator has a molded connector with a hollow interior, where the connector includes at least one locking tab extending from the connector wall toward the centerline of the connector, overhanging the hollow interior of the connector. A mating connector can be inserted past the locking tab for a mounting connection and pulled out past the locking tab for disconnecting the pyrotechnic initiator. The molded connector feature preferably is injection molded around a molding assembly which is used to form at least one locking tab. Cavities corresponding to the location of the locking tabs are provided by the intersection of separate pieces of the molding assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pyrotechnic initiator header having an eyelet overlying a recessed primary glass insulator. The recessed region can be filled with a secondary glass insulator and/or a pyrotechnic ignition charge.

Abstract: Actuator apparatus comprising an actuator including an at least partially hollow housing, a cap element removably mountable on the actuator, and a coil of electrical wire disposed inside the housing, a first portion of the coil being arranged for electrical connection with an electrical connector separate from the actuator and a second portion of the coil being arranged for electrical connection with the cap element, the coil being unwindable outwards from the housing.

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: A firing device is described and has an electronic unit which is connected upstream of a firing cap and generates a constant firing voltage. A bypass line is provided for bypassing the electronic unit. A test switching device can be actuated by a test signal and, when a test signal is present, connects a line, which conducts a supply voltage, to the bypass line. In this way, a Brouston test can be carried out.

Abstract: An initiator includes a casing, a reactant disposed in the casing, and electrodes arranged to contact the reactant. The reactant contains an electrically conductive substance in a manner such that once a voltage is applied to the electrodes, an electric current flows through the electrically conductive substance, thereby initiating a reaction of the reactant. The initiator is easily manufactured with low manufacturing cost.

Abstract: An igniter element has two contacts (12, 13) which are on the contact side of a support body (11), and which are connected via a resistance element (15). By current feed to the contacts (12, 13), a primer mix (17) is ignited on one active side of the support body (11). The support body (11) is placed in a fixing device (10), whereby the former is fitted with at least one stop spring (18) which catches on a stop shoulder (21) of the holding device. Furthermore, the support body (11) has a recess (22) on the front-side in the region of the stop spring (18), which recess is open in the direction of the active side. After igniting the primer mix (17), pressure builds up on the active side, so that the outer surface (23) of the stop spring (18) is pressed against the inner surface of the fixing device (10).

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

Abstract: 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: 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 electronic module for a detonator, the module comprising an electronic circuit (4, 5, 6) encapsulated in a mass of hardened resin (7) in which there terminates at least one inlet conductor (8) and from which there extend two outlet conductors forming a detonator ignitor line (9), the mass of resin (7) being received in a tubular housing (1) which extends beyond the mass of resin (7) adjacent to the ignitor line (9) to define a cavity (11), the outlet conductors of length greater than the depth of the cavity forming an ignitor line (9) short circuited outside the mass of resin inside the cavity (11), which cavity is provided with a removable end cap (12).

Abstract: The slapper type initiator comprises essentially: a connector unit (2) having two connection pins (3, 4), a first dielectric foil (5) with two drilled holes (6, 7), with a fuse (8) formed on the rear face of this first dielectric foil, a second dielectric foil (9) on the front face of which there are formed two metal pads (10, 11) facing said holes, a perforated plate (12) and a body (13) containing a pyrotechnic charge 14. The assembly is hermetically sealed. The first foil introduces a galvanic discontinuity that ensures a well-defined firing voltage, with a value high enough to prevent induced parasitic currents.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: An ignition device for triggering a restraining device of a motor vehicle has a MID support having a forward end and a rearward end. Electronic components are mounted on the MID support. An ignitor is arranged at the forward end of the MID support. The MID support has at least one unitary connector pin having at least one metallized area configured to contact the electronic components.

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

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for providing fluid under pressure for actuating a vehicle occupant protection device comprises an electrically actuatable initiator (80) having terminal pins (100). A hermetically sealed metal propellant container (130) contains a propellant (82) ignitable by the initiator (80) to produce fluid under pressure. The propellant container (130) is secured to the initiator (80) by crimping. The apparatus (10) also comprises a member (86) electrically insulating between the metal propellant container (130) and the terminal pins (100) of the initiator (80) to isolate the initiator electrically from the propellant container.

Abstract: The actuation device has nail-shaped contact pins (1), the heads (3) of which project into an ignition chamber (8), with the ends of a resistor wire (6) being attached to the heads (3) of the contact pins (1). The detonator (9) which fills the ignition chamber (8) is a detonator which is free-flowing during the manufacture of the device, which envelopes the heads (3) of the contact pins (1) and the resistor wire (6) and which subsequently solidifies. The contact pins are surrounded by an electrically conductive extension (23) of the housing of the actuation device, so that a spark gap (F) is formed here; to discharge overvoltage, several sparks can flash over this gap simultaneously.

Abstract: An igniter unit for an inflator unit comprises a base in which electric contact pins are arranged and a plug for plugging into the base to contact the contact pins. The plug is provided with at least one key and the base is provided with at least one guide groove for the key.