Abstract: A photographic flash lamp having a closed, at least partially transparent capsule. A combustible material within an enclosed region of the capsule generates a flash upon ignition. Ignition is provided by a frictionally ignited composition within the enclosed region and an ignitor to frictionally engage with the composition. A frictional ignitor assembly extends between an interior and exterior of the enclosed region and carries one of the composition or ignitor. Movement of an exterior end of the ignitor assembly causes the frictional ignitor and frictionally ignited composition to frictionally engage one another resulting in flash generation. Particularly with a sliding piston arrangement for engaging the ignitor and frictionally ignited composition, ignition can be accomplished with very low cost components such as a spring while at the same time, combustion gases are trapped within the closed envelope.

Abstract: A squib for a gas generator, comprising a magazine which is formed with a squib cup and a squib plug and is sealed; a pair of electrode lead pins penetrating through said squib plug to said magazine; a bearing wire connected to ends of said electrode lead pins; and an explosive contained in said magazine, said explosive composition containing a spontaneous firing explosive composition comprising carbohydrates, oxohalogenates and metal oxides.

Abstract: An autoigniting composition comprising lead thiocyanate Pb(SCN).sub.2 as the fuel, a chlorate as the oxidizer and optionally, a binder and/or a flow agent/thickener are disclosed for use in a vehicle occupant restraint system. The autoignition composition undergoes rapid autoignition at temperatures from approximately 190.degree. to 220.degree. C. thereby allowing the use of aluminum for the gas generator housing. The autoignition compositions of the present invention are safely manufactured by wet blending and may be installed via automation to the interior of the inflator housing. When aluminum housings are used, a barrier material is used to prevent corrosion of the aluminum by the autoignition composition. Optionally the dried autoignition material is coated with a protective substance to prevent water absorption and mechanic abrasion.

Abstract: A two-part igniter for inflators used to inflate inflation devices such as air bags, lift rafts, slide chutes, and the like which includes a heterogeneous mixture of an ignition material and a consolidated mass of either i) a pyrotechnic component or ii) a composite propellant. The ignition material can be in a granular form or pelletized. The pyrotechnic component or composite propellant is provided as a pellet which is in immediate contact with the ignition material. The pyrotechnic component or composite propellant lowers the auto-ignition temperature of the two-part igniter. The two-part igniter can be used in inflators which generate all inflation gases from gas-generating compositions and in inflators which include a supply of stored pressurized inflation gases.

Abstract: A cartridge primer which utilizes an explosive that can be designed to become inactive in a predetermined period of time: a limited-life primer. The explosive or combustible material of the primer is an inorganic reactive multilayer (RML). The reaction products of the RML are sub-micron grains of non-corrosive inorganic compounds that would have no harmful effects on firearms or cartridge cases. Unlike use of primers containing lead components, primers utilizing RML's would not present a hazard to the environment. The sensitivity of an RML is determined by the physical structure and the stored interfacial energy. The sensitivity lowers with time due to a decrease in interfacial energy resulting from interdiffusion of the elemental layers. Time-dependent interdiffusion is predictable, thereby enabling the functional lifetime of an RML primer to be predetermined by the initial thickness and materials selection of the reacting layers.

Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag is provided which contains a spontaneously-firing explosive composition in which at least one of a squib, igniting agent and a gas generant is contained in a casing formed of a light alloy material, the spontaneously-firing explosive composition containing carbohydrates, oxohalogenates and metal oxides or alternatively carbohydrates, oxohalogenates, metal oxides and one or more synthetic resins. The spontaneously-firing explosive composition has a spontaneous firing property in temperature range of either 165.degree.-220.degree. C. or 165.degree.-200.degree. C. The effective temperature range may be selected as needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an autoignition composition for safely initiating combustion of a main pyrotechnic charge in a gas generator or pyrotechnic device exposed to flame or a high temperature environment. The autoignition compositions of the invention include a mixture of an oxidizer composition and a powdered metal, wherein the oxidizer composition includes at least one of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal nitrate, a complex salt nitrate, such as Ce(NH.sub.4).sub.2 (NO.sub.3).sub.6 or ZrO(NO.sub.3).sub.2, a dried, hydrated nitrate, such as Ca(NO.sub.3).sub.2 .multidot.4H.sub.2 O or Cu(NO.sub.3).sub.2 .multidot.2.5H.sub.2 O, silver nitrate, an alkali or alkaline earth chlorate, an alkali or alkaline earth metal perchlorate, ammonium perchlorate, a nitrite of sodium, potassium, or silver, or a solid organic nitrate, nitrite, or amine, such as guanidine nitrate, nitroguanidine and 5-aminotetrazole, respectively.

Abstract: A lead-free percussion primer composition and a percussion cup containing e composition. The lead-free percussion primer composition is comprised of a mixture of about 45 wt % aluminum powder having an outer coating of aluminum oxide and molybdenum trioxide powder or a mixture of about 50 wt % aluminum powder having an outer coating of aluminum oxide and polytetrafluoroethylene powder. The aluminum powder, molybdenum trioxide powder and polytetrafluoroethylene powder has a particle size of 0.1 .mu.m or less, more preferably a particle size of from about 200-500 angstroms.

Abstract: An igniting system for a projectile propellant includes a combustible support tube having an outer surface and an inner surface; a plurality of throughgoing apertures provided in the support tube; a free igniting channel coaxially surrounded by the support tube; and an ignition transfer charge formed of a pyrotechnical hard foam layer having a thickness between 1 and 3 mm and being carried on the outer surface of the support tube. The hard foam layer is composed of a large-pore inner layer and two opposite surface layers which are of densely closed structure and between which the inner layer is sandwiched.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic delay charge for providing delays in the millisecond and second ranges, comprising the components bismuth oxide as an oxidation agent and silicon as a fuel. The invention also relates to a pyrotechnic delay element having an enclosure containing the pyrotechnical delay charge, and to a detonator having a housing, ignition means disposed at one end of the housing, a base charge of a secondary explosive disposed at the other end of the housing and the pyrotechnic delay charge disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A two-part igniter for inflators used to inflate inflation devices such as air bags, lift rafts, slide chutes, and the like which includes a heterogeneous mixture of an ignition material and a consolidated mass of either i) a pyrotechnic component or ii) a composite propellant. The ignition material can be in a granular form or pelletized. The pyrotechnic component or composite propellant is provided as a pellet which is in immediate contact with the ignition material. The pyrotechnic component or composite propellant lowers the auto-ignition temperature of the two-part igniter. The two-part igniter can be used in inflators which generate all inflation gases from gas-generating compositions and in inflators which include a supply of stored pressurized inflation gases.

Abstract: A gas generator for providing gases in which the gas generating propellant is ignited by a multiple charge primer. In one embodiment the primer includes a primer housing which contains a sensitizer and output charge pill which are maintained in spaced relationship. When a firing pin is driven into engagement with the primer, the sensitizer frictionally engages with the output charge pill to cause ignition of at least the output charge pill. This ignition of the output charge pill, directly or indirectly, ignites the propellant to provide gases for a desired function. In this regard, the gas generator is suitable for use in a pretensioner for a seat belt restraint system and in an inflator for expanding an air/safety bag.

Abstract: A device for igniting a propellant charge is provided with a housing defining a cavity wherein a piston is displaceably guided. The cavity is connected via a bore acting as a nozzle to a chamber wherein a case member of a cartridge is arranged for accommodating the propellant charge. A bottom wall of the case member is equipped with a bore aligned with the bore acting as a nozzle. A primer wafer is disposed on the inner surface of the bottom wall, this wafer being thinner in its central zone than in its marginal zone. The central zone of the primer wafer is a region under mechanical thermal stress during compression, the ignition energy being introduced to the primer wafer via this region in the form of hot compressed air from the compression chamber.

Abstract: Autoigniting compositions and processes for a gas generator of a vehicle occupant restraint system result in rapid autoignition at relatively low temperatures from approximately 135.degree. C. to 210.degree. C., thereby allowing the gas generator to operate at lower temperatures to facilitate use of an aluminum canister. The autoignition compositions of the present invention are safely manufactured by wet blending, remain effective following long-term high temperature ageing, and produce an energy output that is suitable for use with gas generating compositions.

Abstract: An initiating element of non-primary explosive type comprising a confinement containing secondary explosive, having a first end adapted for ignition of the secondary explosive by igniting means, optionally via delay and flame-conducting pyrotechnic compositions, a second end adapted for delivering a detonation impuls and a intermediate portion in which the secondary explosive upon ignition is able to undergo a deflagration to detonation transition. At least a part of the secondary explosive is modified to give increased reaction rates at low pressures.

Abstract: The invention includes a pull-wire igniter for a pyrotechnic distress or signalling device which includes a hollow, elongated, tubular body which has a pyrotechnic composition mixture packed into one portion of the body and a small diameter, central passageway is formed through the pyrotechnic composition. A thin elongated plastic center tube is inserted through the central passageway. The outer end of the center tube is recessed at the outer end of the composition. An igniter cup is positioned firmly within the end of the center tube. A pull-wire device extends through the center tube and is exposed at the opposite end of the body so that the user can grasp the pull-wire. The igniter cup is partially filled with an igniter mixture and the end of the pull-wire extends through the igniter cup and is coated with a scratch material. A short section of shrink tubing is positioned over the coated end of the wire to isolate the scratch material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a successive-actuation device of the type including at least one pyrotechnic cord and a trigger for actuating the operation thereof. Advantageously, the invention contains at least one element made from a shape-memory alloy having two stable states and disposed along the pyrotechnic cord, the element being capable of actuating a subsequent operation when it passes from one of its two stable states, for which the element occupies a neutral position, to its other stable state for which is occupies an active position, under the action of the heat generated by the pyrotechnic cord after triggering.

Abstract: A warning detonator for use on railway tracks or the like is disclosed. The detonator comprises a tube or cylinder (18) having disposed therein at spaced apart locations a length of elastomer (20) and a first explosive component (24, 25). A second explosive component (21) is located therebetween. The second explosive component (21) is also disposed within a cartridge (19) inside the cylinder (18). In use the cylinder (18) is affixed along a length of railway track in a manner whereby the wheel of a passing train progressively compresses the elastomer from its outer end so as to burst an end face (23) of the cartridge (19) and drive the second explosive component (21) into contact with the first explosive component (24, 25) to cause detonation thereof.

Abstract: A device for igniting a propellant charge is provided with a housing defining a cavity wherein a piston is displaceably guided. The cavity is connected via a bore acting as a nozzle to a chamber wherein a case member of a cartridge is arranged for accommodating the propellant charge. A bottom wall of the case member is equipped with a bore aligned with the bore acting as a nozzle. A primer wafer is disposed on the inner surface of the bottom wall, this wafer being thinner in its central zone than in its marginal zone. The central zone of the primer wafer is a region under mechanical thermal stress during compression, the ignition energy being introduced to the primer wafer via this region in the form of hot compressed air from the compression chamber.

Abstract: Low-vulnerability component of explosive ammunition and process for initiating a charge of low-sensitivity composite explosive. The subject of the present invention is a low-vulnerability component of explosive ammunition consisting of a preferably metallic enclosure 1 containing a charge 2 of low-sensitivity composite explosive E and, as initiating relay, a plane wave generator 3 consisting, on the one hand, of a cylindroconical cap 7 made of composite explosive A, the large base surface having a diameter d greater than the critical diameter of the explosive E, the cavity 8 of this cap 7 being filled with a composite explosive B and, on the other hand, of a reinforcer made of composite explosive C, of thickness e greater than 0.1 d, the detonation pressure of the explosive C being higher than that of the explosive E.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projectile comprising a shell body containing an explosive charge and a ballistic nose cone in which a trigger system is disposed. The ballistic nose cone is organized as two distinct parts which are connected together in axial alignment, comprising a bottom portion that is essentially rigid and a top portion that is essentially deformable on impact on a target. Each of the portions is charged with a compressed incendiary composition, and together they form a closed functional cavity whose shape is maintained on firing and during the trajectory of the projectile. The bottom portion also receives a layer of mechanically strong pyrophoric material, said material being set off by the charge in the ballistic nose cone which is itself set off on impact by the sudden increase in the pressure of the air contained in the closed functional cavity.

Abstract: An ignition device for lances, such as lances intended for supplying oxygen gas to metallurgical processes, having a tubular casing intended to be fitted partially onto one end of a lance and the end part of which, located distal from the lance, carries a striker, which includes a pyrotechnical delay, extending into the tubular casing, and a reaction mass which is arranged in the casing and which can be ignited by the striker. The ignition device includes an end stop located in the casing adjacent the reaction mass, the end of the lance being intended to be brought into engagement with the end stop when fitting the device on the lance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving adiabatic heat ignition of combustible material, particularly explosive compositions which involves entrapping a quantity of gas in a chamber which is in communication with the combustible material and suddenly compressing the gas to the extent that the temperature thereof is increased adiabatically to the ignition temperature of the combustible material. The apparatus is particularly adaptable for use as an adiabatic ignition device for detonating cord and shaped charges of perforating guns for completion of wells. A quantity of high explosive within an explosive barrel is in detonating proximity with the detonating cord. A cylinder forms an air chamber which is in communication with the explosive composition and is provided with a piston for compression of the gas. One or more shear pins or other locking devices are provided to secure the piston in immovable relation with the cylinder.

Abstract: A thermite igniter/heat source comprising a housing, high-density thermite, and low-density thermite. The housing has a relatively low profile and can focus energy by means of a torch-like ejection of hot reaction products and is externally ignitable.

Abstract: A primer for explosives comprises a shaped charge of detonating material for use with an initiator such as a detonator or fuse cord which penetrates into the charge at least about as far as its center of mass, wherein said primer has a cavity for receiving said initiator and a shock attenuator in the form of an insert of inert material of lower density than the detonating material which extends from the surface of the charge into the charge to a desired detonation region and has a portion surrounding at least a part of the length of the cavity and defining an inlet for insertion of said initiating means, the density of the insert relative to the detonating material and shape thereof providing for improved detonation of the primer.

Abstract: An igniter is provided for slip-on attachment to the free end of a thermal lance. The igniter includes a slip-on cartridge having a frictional support cap. A priming composition (12) and a primer (13) located within the cartridge. The primer (13) is designed as a friction primer and includes a spiral wire friction element within the primer and connected to the cap. Under the pressure of oxygen introduced into the lance, the cap is forced outwardly with the wire friction element activating the primer to create ignition of the priming composition (12), and the operation of the thermal lance.

Abstract: A disposable weather-proof safety fuse igniter is provided which includes a hollow cylindrical housing having an internally spaced sleeve provided for mounting and positioning a pull-wire type friction igniter cup. The end of the pull-wire is attached to a vent plug positioned at one end of the housing which, in turn, is attached to a finger-grip device for extracting the vent plug and pull-wire for ignition. A threaded cap is provided to cover and seal the vent plug end of the housing. The opposite end of the housing includes a compression type sealing retainer which has an internal bore for insertion of the safety fuse. A double O-ring seal can be positioned within the housing with the retainer arranged so that rotation of the cap causes the O-ring seal to be compressed against the inserted fuse.

Abstract: The invention incorporates a thermally responsive rotor, with a primer athed, that revolves to an ignition position upon influence of a temperature rise. Thermally sensitive actuators, also incorporated in the invention, are designed to respond to the temperature rise according to the rate of temperature change. The actuators serve to cock a spring loadable slide. This slide has a firing member nose that is aligned with the primer when the primer and rotor are rotated to the ignition position. At full cocking of the slide, the actuators and slide become disengaged and the slide springs towards the primer. Impact of the slide's nose with the primer causes the primer to be initiated, resulting in a venting or a venting and ignition of an energetic material.

Abstract: A firing head assembly for a well bore perforating gun in which alternative firing paths are provided. A first detonation cord passes longitudinally through a generally cylindrical housing, providing a firing path from a firing head above the housing to a perforating gun below the housing. A firing pin and second detonation cord are located in the housing and are positioned radially offset from the longitudinal axis of the housing. Boosters on the first and second detonation cords are positioned adjacent one another and opposite a third booster. Either or both of the first and second boosters may be used to fire the third booster. No splicing of detonation cords is required and the detonation cords are completely contained within a protective housing. The firing pin may be actuated by pressure or mechanical means.

Abstract: A nonelectric delay detonator has means for allowing an ignition flame to be transmitted from an ignition transfer hose to a delay device. The delay device causes a secondary charge to detonate after a predetermined delay time. In order to obtain reproducibile delay times of the delay device, a check valve is arranged between one end of the ignition transfer hose and the delay device; this check valve being opened for a short time period due to the excess pressure in the hose and permitting the ignition flame to pass through. During deflagration of the delay device, the check valve is closed again so that the delay device burns within a closed system. In this manner, undefined pressure and gas losses are avoided.

Abstract: A priming method for rimfire cartridges is disclosed in which a propellant solution is disposed adjacent a centrifugally located primer material in a rimfire cartridge. The solvent is then evaporated to leave a propellant film near the primer material in order to provide slower, more uniform ignition to thereby allow use of propellant powders which would otherwise be too fast or too sensitive.

Abstract: Two cylinder chambers are provided in a housing, each of these chambers containing a piston. Pins project, as piston rods, from the pistons in differing directions. A duct is located in a zone between the pistons. This duct is in communication with a compressed gas cartridge. Upon triggering of the compressed gas cartridge, the released gas moves the pistons apart so that the pins are moved simultaneously or in accordance with a predetermined sequence of operations.

Abstract: A closed urethane cylindrical case includes a mounting base or foot which runs parallel to the axis of the case and is bonded to the surface of the propellant grain of a full head-end-web rocket motor. Contained within the case are one or more spaced tube initiators and concentrically positioned discs or webs of high energy propellant. Flaming gases resulting from actuation of the tube initiators and consequent burning of the propellant wafers are projected over the surface of the rocket motor propellant from a plurality of nozzle ports that are provided in the cylindrical case, in the quadrants thereof adjacent the surface of the rocket motor propellant. Cylindrical case length and the number of tube initiators and propellant wafers including their spacing can be selected as required to achieve a desired mass flow rate.

Abstract: A non-electric detonator assembly is provided for initiation by means of a connected length of low energy detonating cord. The assembly comprises a substantially conventional instantaneous or delay period non-electric blasting cap containing a detonating cord attachment plug element in its open end. The plug element is adapted to receive a secured bend of low energy detonating cord and to transmit initiating energy from the cord to the cap. Use of the assembly allows for the convenient assembly of the cord/cap combinations in the field and eliminates wasted cord.

Abstract: A low cost igniter comprising a multi capsule of low strength, non-porous material, such capsule being divided into at least two separate compartments. One of such compartments is filled with a freezable fluid, and another contains an ingredient that will function in the presence of a selected ingredient to bring about combustion. The ingredient in the capsule is disposed in the immediate vicinity of the second ingredient, so that on the occasion of a freezing temperature, the freezable fluid in the compartment of the capsule will freeze and expand, fracturing all components of the capsule substantially simultaneously, thus leading to a combination of the first and second ingredients, as will bring about immediate combustion. When the multi capsule is configured to have two compartments, the second ingredient is contained adjacent the capsule, but when the multi capsule has three compartments, the freezable fluid as well as both ingredients are each sealed in separate compartments of such capsule.

Abstract: An inertia type friction initiator for rotating projectiles includes a metallic mass, retained by a shear pin and joined to one end of a metal twisted or braided wire or cable, that is set in motion upon impact of the containing projectile with a resistant media, the target. Friction of the cable with a friction primer mixture sets off the mixture. The mixture activates a booster explosive that, in turn, detonates to produce a blase wave which explodes the main charge of high explosive of the projectile. A keeper-washer/sleeve system connected to the cable prevents premature activation by projectile rotational acceleration on the flight axis. The other end of the cable is embedded in the friction primer mixture at an angle of 90 degrees to the central or flight axis. Minor on-axis impacts that may tend to occur during storage, handling, shipment and loading are precluded from causing initiator actuation by proper selection of the shear pin.

Abstract: A flash guide tube arrangement utilized primarily in propellant charge igniters for large-caliber ammunition with laterally located openings from which the ignition gases, emitted by conventional ignition systems, exit, either for the ignition of an ignition booster charge or for the direct ignition of a propellant charge. Indentations emanate axially from these openings and extend into the interior of the flash guide tube, the depth of the individual indentations decreasing in the direction toward the rear end of the flash guide tube. The indentations are preferably radially arranged and several of such radially disposed indentations can be provided in the flash guide tube. The rear end of the flash guide tube can furthermore be constructed as a cone having its apex pointing toward the ignition system.

Abstract: An explosive line cutting device is provided with a frictional igniter assembly permitting actuation throughout a broad range of positional attitudes. An insulating sleeve is provided around a pyrotechnic delay charge which substantially reduces deviations of the burning time. Explosive forces are concentrated behind the cutting blade by introducing a flow restriction that impedes release of pressure energy to non-useful parts of the device.

Abstract: A method of producing explosive for priming explosive devices by reacting components in situ in a device.

Abstract: A disintegrable projectile is disclosed which utilizes thermal energy obted from the conversion of the kinetic energy of the air moving past the projectile to cause its fragmentation. The projectile employs an air intake nozzle axially disposed in the nose portion of the projectile and a resonance tube located in the body portion of the projectile in thermal contact therewith. The resonance tube develops the thermal energy which is transmitted to the body portion to cause the fragmentation thereof. The projectile of the present invention is intended for use in gunnery training and practice conducted within limited size training and practice ranges, where civilian personnel and property may be in proximate location.

Abstract: A fusee is provided including a tubular housing containing a pyrotechnic mixture and one end of the housing includes a match head defining an outwardly opening central cavity therein. A cover sleeve including a central partition therein is provided and defines opposite end outwardly opening recesses on opposite sides of the partition. A scratch mix central projection is supported within one of the recesses on the corresponding side of the partition and the cover sleeve is removably telescoped over the match head supporting end of the housing with that housing end telescoped into the other of the recesses. The cover sleeve is alternately telescopingly engageable over the match head supporting end of the housing with the match head end received in the scratch mix projection containing recess and in position with the projection frictionally telescoped into the cavity of the match head for igniting the same.

Abstract: A disintegrable projectile is disclosed which utilizes thermal energy obted from the conversion of the kinetic energy of the air moving past the projectile to cause its fragmentation. The projectile employs an air intake nozzle axially disposed in the nose portion of the projectile and a resonance tube located in the body portion of the projectile in thermal contact therewith. The resonance tube develops the thermal energy which is transmitted to the body portion to cause the fragmentation thereof. The projectile of the present invention is intended for use in gunnery training and practice conducted within limited size training and practice ranges, where civilian personnel and property may be in proximate location.

Abstract: A safety and arming device for an ordnance fuze for use on projectiles exposed to thermal heating by the air friction. The device comprises arming means which influenced by the heating produced on the casing of the projectile are arranged to effectuate the arming function. The arming means comprises a bimetallic strip with one end contacting the casing of the projectile and one end free to move on heating. The movement is utilized to change the safety device from its first safe position to its second armed position.

Abstract: A hermetically-sealed pyrotechnic cap is described which includes a plastic (e.g. polyethylene) container and a quantity of pyrotechnic mixture therein. Closure of the container is achieved by heat-sealing an end thereof. A method for effecting the closure is also described.

Abstract: An improved pyrotechnic cap capable of being activated by the radiant energy from an adjacent flashlamp. The cap includes a light-transmitting plastic container with a quantity of pyrotechnic composition hermetically sealed therein. Receipt of the described radiant energy causes activation of the composition whereby the cap produces an audible signal of high intensity (e.g. 158 to 164 decibels at 25 centimeters). The improvement comprises adding a moisture-indicating material (e.g. cobalti, cobaltous cyanide) to the cap to detect harmful quantities of moisture present within the container and change color in a discernible manner as a result of said detection.

Abstract: An improved pyrotechnic cap capable of being activated by the radiant energy from an adjacent flashlamp. The cap includes a plastic container with a quantity of pyrotechnic composition hermetically sealed therein. Receipt of the described radiant energy causes activation of the composition whereby the cap produces an audible signal of high intensity (e.g. 158 to 164 decibels at 25 centimeters). The improvement comprises adding a desiccant material within the cap's container atop the pyrotechnic composition to absorb any quantities of moisture which might enter the container and adversely affect the cap's operability.

Abstract: A detonator containing octogen crystals for projectiles for initiating detonation or for the transmission of a detonation, wherein the octogen crystals possess a size greater than 75 microns and smaller than 150 microns, the relationship between the length and diameter of the crystals amounts to about 3:1, and the edges of the crystals are undamaged. To produce the detonator cap a mixture of different types of octogen crystals is enriched with the aforementioned size of preferred octogen crystals by wet sieving.

Abstract: An improved flueric cartridge initiator (FCI) comprising a heat resistant or composite material resonance tube, a hardened high strength thermal disk and copper seals, in combination with an ignition train is made safe utilizing specific fluid dynamic phenomenon associated with the operation of the resonance tube. The present device uses simultaneous dual fluid inputs to create a Boolean AND logic element in order to reduce inadvertent firing functioning of the FCI.

Abstract: A warhead with a disintegrating jacket to house several projectiles, in picular splinter projectiles. The projectiles are each equipped with an ignition and backfiring system and fall to earth individually after disintegration of the warhead jacket. They are then fired upwards by means of the backfiring charge ignited by the ignition system, the charge explosive then being detonated. The ignition system of each projectile consists of a time-delay fuze and an impact fuze. The time-delay fuze is initiated when the projectile impacts with relatively soft ground and ignites the backfiring charge after adjusted times differing at least partly for the individual projectiles. The impact fuze, however, effects an immediate ignition of the backfiring charge when the projectile strikes relatively hard ground.

Abstract: A propellant charge igniter is provided with a metallic igniter tube which is consumed along with the main propellant charge. The combustible igniter tube is flexibly attached to a conventional primer head. An elastomeric tube, a springreinforced tube, or a tube impregnated with a wire mesh can be used to achieve a flexible connection. These tubular elements may be bonded to the primer head and igniter tube, or mechanically attached by means of threaded couplings which are crimped over the elastomeric tubing.