Abstract: A structure includes a substrate of a first material and a second material coating at least a portion of the substrate, where the second material is different from the first material, where the first and second materials, upon being thermally energized, react with each other in an exothermic and self-sustaining alloying reaction that propagates from a first location within the structure along a travel path to a second location within the structure at a rate that depends upon one or more characteristics of the first and second materials.

Abstract: A method for effecting physicochemical transformations and detonation properties in a material using super-compressed detonation includes: providing an insensitive energetic material to be compressed; super-compressing the material by exposure to at least one of a normally or obliquely oriented cylindrical imploding shock wave, generated from a first detonation; effecting transformations from the super-compression in the material including increasing at least material density, structural transformations and electronic energy gap transitions relative to a material unexposed to the super-compression; exposing the super-compressed material to a second detonation; and effecting transformations from the second detonation in the material including increasing at least detonation pressure, velocity and energy density relative to a material unexposed to the super-compression and second detonation.

Abstract: An improved system and method for ignition of a gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is provided where a gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is supplied to a detonator tube having a fill point and an open end and an igniter placed at an ignition point within the detonator tube is ignited while the gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is flowing through the detonator tube. A detonation impulse is produced at the ignition point that propagates to the open end of said detonator tube where it can be supplied to a detonation tube having an open end, to an internal combustion engine, a combustion chamber, and to a pulse detonation engine.

Abstract: A method for initiating a low-sensitivity explosive charge includes initiating a booster explosive charge within an explosive charge cavity in a booster housing, and generating a planar detonation wave. Generating the planar detonation wave includes directing a detonation wave through the booster housing along a first waveshaper surface of a detonation waveshaper. The detonation wave is directed around the first waveshaper surface toward a second tapered waveshaper surface. After progressing around the first waveshaper surface, the detonation wave is directed along the second tapered waveshaper surface. The detonation wave changes into a planar detonation wave as the detonation wave moves along the second tapered waveshaper surface, the planar detonation wave includes a planar wave front. The planar detonation wave strikes a flyer plate coupled over the explosive charge cavity of the booster housing, and the planar wave front makes planar contact along an inner face of the flyer plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a detonation initiator that can form part of a demolition assembly. The detonation initiator can include a linear actuator assembly having a core with a permanent magnet disposed with respect to a coil, and a firing pin coupled to the core and disposed along a longitudinal axis of the linear actuator assembly. A capacitor can be used to store electrical energy derived from an electrical pulse received by the detonation initiator. An electrical circuit can be used to monitor the charge on the capacitor and to discharge the capacitor through the coil of the linear actuator assembly to propel the core along the longitudinal axis of the linear actuator assembly when the charge on the capacitor reaches a charge threshold.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel insensitive munition comprising one warhead and also munitions comprising one or more warheads. In particular, the invention lies in the field of insensitive munition warheads. There are further provided methods of preparing the warheads of the invention, methods of controllably detonating the warheads and a kit suitable for preparing such a warhead. The warhead comprises at least two portions of high explosive separated by a non-detonative material, wherein each portion has a cross section below its critical detonation cross section, and wherein the at least two portions are arranged such that the total cross section of the at least two portions exceeds the critical detonation cross section of said high explosive, such that in use only simultaneous detonation of the at least two high explosives causes detonation to occur.

Abstract: Described in this specification is a shock tube initiator that is suitable for one, two, or more shock tubes. The initiator has a number of safety features to avoid inadvertent firing of the shocking primer. Features include a rotary safety and a firing plunger that selectively interfere with the firing pin. There may further be a safety pin for fixating the rotary safety onto the housing of the initiator, so users must deliberately remove the safety pin before the rotary safety can be disengaged.

Abstract: An energetic composition and system using amassed energetic multilayer pieces which are formed from the division, such as for example by cutting, scoring, breaking, crushing, shearing, etc., of a mechanically activatable monolithic energetic multilayer(s) (e.g. macro-scale sheets of multilayer films), for enhancing the sensitivity of the energetic composite and system to mechanical initiation of self-sustained reaction. In particular, mechanical initiation of the energetic composition may be achieved with significantly lower mechanical energy inputs than that typically required for initiating the monolithic energetic multilayers from which it is derived.

Abstract: A method of making a thin film explosive detonator includes forming a substrate layer; depositing a metal layer in situ on the substrate layer; and reacting the metal layer to form a primary explosive layer. The method and apparatus formed thereby integrates fabrication of a micro-detonator in a monolithic MEMS structure using “in-situ” production of the explosive material within the apparatus, in sizes with linear dimensions below about 1 mm. The method is applicable to high-volume low-cost manufacturing of MEMS safety-and-arming devices. The apparatus can be initiated either electrically or mechanically at either a single point or multiple points, using energies of less than about 1 mJ.

Abstract: A highly reliable fuse for explosives and armaments is achieved by employing a micro mechanical device that operates to disrupt a relatively low impedance bypass circuit coupled in parallel with a relatively high impedance trigger mechanism. The removal of the electrical bypassing is performed as a result of the movement of the micro mechanical device to enable detonation under prescribed conditions. The electrical bypassing is removed by having at least one low impedance electrical bridge that is part of the bypass circuit break when the micro mechanical device is subjected to prescribed trigger activation forces, which are typically large forces, such as are generated during launch or impact. The micro mechanical device may be a micro-electrical mechanical system (MEMS) device and the bridge is at least one spring that is part of the MEMS device and also part of the bypass circuit.

Abstract: The connector block allows the transmission of the shock wave that travels along the donor tube (1) to several receiver tubes (4), setting between them a delay device (6) with its corresponding pyrotechnic delay formula (8), and an explosive charge (9), all these components being integrated within the body (4) of the connector block in such a way that the explosive charge (9) is parallel and adjacent to the receiver tubes (10), which are on a parallel plane to said explosive charge and are positioned at right angles to it, inside which a detonator is housed. The explosive charge (9) is positioned so that all the tubes (10) held in the slot (11) are initiated in similar conditions, without suffering the effects of structural differences, thus achieving a homogeneous and safe initiation that does not produce metal shrapnel that could damage the receiver tubes (10).

Abstract: A portable, self-contained fire control system includes one or more of: 1) the means to provide geodetic positioning and navigational data for the host weapon platform in relation to established coordinate reference systems; 2) the means to digitally communicate with an off-platform command and control network; 3) the means to compute host platform ballistics data; 4) the means to indicate the current weapon orientation and additionally to indicate the horizontal and vertical weapon movements required to aim the weapon; 5) the means to inductively set fuzes for firing; 6) the means for digitally receiving and processing pre-computed mission data through to the fuze/projectile; 7) the means for locally computing mission data; and 8) the means for manually entering pre-computed data into the system.

Abstract: A shock tube initiator (STI) for allowing the remote and/or manual initiation of at least one shock tube, typically two shock tubes is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a thin film explosive detonator includes forming a substrate layer; depositing a metal layer in situ on the substrate layer; and reacting the metal layer to form a primary explosive layer. The method and apparatus formed thereby integrates fabrication of a micro-detonator in a monolithic MEMS structure using “in-situ” production of the explosive material within the apparatus, in sizes with linear dimensions below about 1 mm. The method is applicable to high-volume low-cost manufacturing of MEMS safety-and-arming devices. The apparatus can be initiated either electrically or mechanically at either a single point or multiple points, using energies of less than about 1 mJ.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microsystem and a method for fabricating a microsystem. The pyrotechnic microsystem (7, 1?) comprises a substrate having at least two separate electrical initiation zones, each of which provides separate electrical initiation of a pyrotechnic material deposited on the substrate. This microsystem (7, 1?) is characterized in that the same pyrotechnic material deposit (721, 721?, 13) covers both initiation zones, said deposit (721, 721?, 13) produced on the substrate having a thickness sufficiently small for the initiation of the pyrotechnic material in the initiation zone to remain localized and not propagate to the other initiation zone, but sufficient to generate a specific gas quantity.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a heat-to-detonation transition manifold, a heat pipe connected to the transition manifold, a linear shaped charge, and a transfer line connecting the heat-to-detonation transition manifold and the linear shaped charge. An apparatus includes a thermally-activated pyrotechnic train and a linear shaped charge coupled with the pyrotechnic train. A method includes initiating a deflagrating material at a predetermined temperature or within a predetermined range of temperatures, initiating a detonating material with the deflagrating material, and initiating a linear shaped charge with the detonated material.

Abstract: An artillery charge includes a generally cylindrical body with a hollow core; propellant disposed in the body and first energetic material disposed in the hollow core; and a seal disposed over one end of the hollow core, the seal including second energetic material disposed therein. A laser igniter ignites the second energetic material in the seal, thereby providing more reliable ignition of the first energetic material and the propellant. The artillery charge reliably ignites using a lower powered laser than known charges.

Abstract: A method of making a thin film explosive detonator includes forming a substrate layer; depositing a metal layer in situ on the substrate layer; and reacting the metal layer to form a primary explosive layer. The method and apparatus formed thereby integrates fabrication of a micro-detonator in a monolithic MEMS structure using “in-situ” production of the explosive material within the apparatus, in sizes with linear dimensions below about 1 mm. The method is applicable to high-volume low-cost manufacturing of MEMS safety-and-arming devices. The apparatus can be initiated either electrically or mechanically at either a single point or multiple points, using energies of less than about 1 mJ.

Abstract: An initiator assembly (38) is factory-pre-assembled and comprises an initiation fixture (10) secured to a triggering device (40). The initiation fixture (10) comprises a unitary body, i.e., one without moving parts, and includes a bushing groove (18) to receive as an accessory an O-ring (64) to seal the device within the barrel (42) of the triggering device (40). A fuse/fixture sub-assembly (34) includes an initiation charge (30) disposed at the firing face (13a) and a signal-transmission fuse (22). The initiation fixture (110) may be a “universal” fixture having thereon optional external threads (36) and being otherwise dimensioned and configured to be received within either an internally threaded barrel (42) of a triggering device (40) or the barrel (42) of a triggering device which utilizes a fuse-holder cap (56). The initiator assembly (38) may include a spool (66) on which the signal-transmission tube (22) is wound.

Abstract: An initiator assembly (38) is factory-pre-assembled and comprises an initiation fixture (10) secured to a triggering device (40). The initiation fixture (10) comprises a unitary body, i.e., one without moving parts, and includes a bushing groove (18) to receive as an accessory an O-ring (64) to seal the device within the barrel (42) of the triggering device (40). A fuse/fixture sub-assembly (34) includes an initiation charge (30) disposed at the firing face (13a) and a signal-transmission fuse (22). The initiation fixture (110) may be a “universal” fixture having thereon optional external threads (36) and being otherwise dimensioned and configured to be received within either an internally threaded barrel (42) of a triggering device (40) or the barrel (42) of a triggering device which utilizes a fuse-holder cap (56). The initiator assembly (38) may include a spool (66) on which the signal-transmission tube (22) is wound.

Abstract: The connector block allows the transmission of the shock wave that travels along the donor tube (1) to several receiver tubes (4), setting between them a delay device (6) with its corresponding pyrotechnic delay formula (8), and an explosive charge (9), all these components being integrated within the body (4) of the connector block in such a way that the explosive charge (9) is parallel and adjacent to the receiver tubes (10), which are on a parallel plane to said explosive charge and are positioned at right angles to it, inside which a detonator is housed. The explosive charge (9) is positioned so that all the tubes (10) held in the slot (11) are initiated in similar conditions, without suffering the effects of structural differences, thus achieving a homogeneous and safe initiation that does not produce metal shrapnel that could damage the receiver tubes (10).

Abstract: An initiator assembly (38) is factory-pre-assembled and comprises an initiation fixture (10) secured to a triggering device (40). The initiation fixture (10) comprises a unitary body, i.e., one without moving parts, and includes a bushing groove (18) to receive as an accessory an O-ring (64) to seal the device within the barrel (42) of the triggering device (40). A fuse/fixture sub-assembly (34) includes an initiation charge (30) disposed at the firing face (13a) and a signal-transmission fuse (22). The initiation fixture (110) may be a “universal” fixture having thereon optional external threads (36) and being otherwise dimensioned and configured to be received within either an internally threaded barrel (42) of a triggering device (40) or the barrel (42) of a triggering device which utilizes a fuse-holder cap (56). The initiator assembly (38) may include a spool (66) on which the signal-transmission tube (22) is wound.

Abstract: A MEMS resettable timer including a primary inertial element and at least one secondary inertial element, which includes a camming surface. When the secondary inertial element moves, its camming surface engages the camming surface of a locking element to remove it from the notch of a subsequent inertial element. When the primary inertial element is released for movement it activates a resetting arrangement to place the secondary inertial element back to the initial position and prevent further movement of the primary inertial element. The cycle is repeatable to commence some predetermined action.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detonating explosives or igniting flammables are disclosed. According to some embodiments of the invention, initiators include an initiating component holding an exploding bridgewire (EBW) or an exploding foil initiator (EFI) and a flammable component housing thermite. An end of the flammable component mates with a corresponding end of the initiating component. A method of initiating the explosives or flammables includes connecting the two components to assemble the initiator, disposing the initiator proximate the explosives or flammables, and activating the initiator to cause ignition of the thermite that then initiates the explosives or flammables. Additionally, a non-explosive kit for the initiator includes the two components with the EBW or EFI initially spaced from the thermite within the flammable component to make the initiator disarmed until final assembly thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detonating explosives or igniting flammables are disclosed. According to some embodiments of the invention, initiators include an initiating component holding an exploding bridgewire (EBW) or an exploding foil initiator (EFI) and a flammable component housing thermite. An end of the flammable component mates with a corresponding end of the initiating component. A method of initiating the explosives or flammables includes connecting the two components to assemble the initiator, disposing the initiator proximate the explosives or flammables, and activating the initiator to cause ignition of the thermite that then initiates the explosives or flammables. Additionally, a non-explosive kit for the initiator includes the two components with the EBW or EFI initially spaced from the thermite within the flammable component to make the initiator disarmed until final assembly thereof.

Abstract: A method of making a thin film explosive detonator includes forming a substrate layer; depositing a metal layer in situ on the substrate layer; and reacting the metal layer to form a primary explosive layer. The method and apparatus formed thereby integrates fabrication of a micro-detonator in a monolithic MEMS structure using “in-situ” production of the explosive material within the apparatus, in sizes with linear dimensions below about 1 mm. The method is applicable to high-volume low-cost manufacturing of MEMS safety-and-arming devices. The apparatus can be initiated either electrically or mechanically at either a single point or multiple points, using energies of less than about 1 mJ.

Abstract: Described in this specification is a shock tube initiator that is suitable for one, two, or more shock tubes. The initiator has a number of safety features to avoid inadvertent firing of the shocking primer. Features include a rotary safety and a firing plunger that selectively interfere with the firing pin. There may further be a safety pin for fixating the rotary safety onto the housing of the initiator, so users must deliberately remove the safety pin before the rotary safety can be disengaged.

Abstract: A detonator (10) has a constant-diameter shell (12) which has a significantly higher shell length-to-diameter (outside diameter) ratio than prior art detonators. The shell (12) is configured to hold an explosive output charge (18) which is cylindrical in configuration and has a charge L:D ratio which is greater than that of prior art constant diameter detonators. As a result, a significant portion of the output signal of the detonator is directed laterally and it is feasible to transfer signals to a plurality of receptor lines disposed along that portion of the length of the detonator which is co-extensive with the length of the explosive output charge (18). A connector block (26) is configured to hold at least one array of receptor lines in side-by-side arrangement along the side of the detonator (10), and transversely to the longitudinal axis of the detonator (10).

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.

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.

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

Abstract: 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: Blasting apparatuses and methods control actuation of a plurality of detonators, and involve the use of one or more authorization keys each associated with a blasting machine. The authorization key(s) are transferable from the blasting machine(s) to a central command station, each authorization key storing a data package comprising a randomly generated access code generated by its corresponding blasting machine. Transfer of the one or more authorization keys to a central command station allows the data packages (and associated randomly generated access codes) to be transmitted by the central command station for receipt by the blasting machine(s).

Abstract: An electronic detonator which comprises an ignition charge, a battery unit for emitting ignitor current for initiating the ignition charge, and an electronic circuit for controlling said emission of igniter current. The battery unit is movable in the detonator between a resting position and an activated position, in which the battery unit is connected to emit said igniter current. Battery activating means are provided, in response to external activation, for pyrotechnically causing the battery unit to move from the resting position to the activated position.

Abstract: A safety system controls the activation of one or more downhole tools by providing selective transmission of an activation signal or an energy stream. In a preferred embodiment, transmission of the activation signal or the energy stream is allowed after the tool has passed below a known pre-determined depth. A preferred safety system includes a first device in fixed relationship with the downhole tool and a second device fixed at the stationary location. The first device permits, after reaching the pre-determined depth, either (a) an initiation signal to reach an initiation device associated with a downhole tool upon or (b) the energy stream to reach a downhole tool. The second device positively engages the first device to provide an indication that the specified depth has been reached.

Abstract: A segmented explosive device capable of producing a shock wave front upon being exploded by a detonation impulse generated by a selectively operable control device and communicated to the explosive device by a transmission line coupled between the control device and the explosive device. The explosive device has a first charge segment and a second charge segment disposed in an assembled relationship. The first charge segment has a first abutment surface formed on a portion of the exterior thereof and a cavity recessed in the first abutment surface. An output end of the transmission line is received by the cavity and contacts the first charge segment. The cavity of the first charge segment can be configured to dispose explosive material in the path of a plasma zone propagating through voids internal of the explosive device to facilitate advance detonation of the explosive material before a shock wave front trailing the plasma zone reaches the explosive material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an initiating element for use in a detonator to cause a base charge arranged in the detonator, to detonate. The initiating element comprises an ignitable initiating charge which upon ignition generates combustion gases by means of which the base charge is intended to be caused to detonate. The initiating element comprises a compression means which is arranged to be acted upon by said combustion gases to be moved towards the base charge for compression of the same. The invention further relates to a method of igniting a compressed base charge in a detonator, the base charge being further compressed during an initiation phase to increased density. In addition, the invention relates to a detonator provided with a base charge which at a moment of detonation has increased density.

Abstract: A propellant charge ignition device having one or more ignition means and incorporating one or more diffuser tube(s) extending through a part of the propellant charge. The structure permits a flame generated by the ignition means to be guided up to a propellant charge receiver zone. There is also disclosed a propellant charge incorporating one or more block(s) of agglomerated propellant powder, the block having at least one closed-ended ignition channel for receiving a diffuser tube of the propellant charge ignition device.

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

Abstract: An ignition element consists of a combination of first and second ignition components. The first ignition component contains at least one primer, at least on heat-conducting additive selected from the group consisting of zirconium, aluminum, titanium, ferrotitanium, zirconium boride, zirconium hydride and mixtures thereof, at least one oxidant and a binder. The second ignition component contains at least one ingredient that produces hot re4action particles, an oxidant, and a binder.

Abstract: A portable explosives disrupter for de-arming improvised explosive devices includes a barrel for housing a projectile, a mechanism for firing the projectile from the barrel, a breech which may be adapted to house a variety of firing mechanisms, a light-weight, semi-rigid, three-dimensionally flexible, recoil-absorbing system for orienting the device in relation to a target and minimizing the effects of recoil on the accuracy of the device, and a means for accurately aiming the explosives disrupter at a target. Three different firing mechanisms are provided, the first employing a firing pin and shock tubing, the second employing a metal sphere and shock tubing, and the third employing a firing piston and a source of compressed air.

Abstract: A propellant device of consisting of a compact charge and a firing system for pipe weapons or ballistic drives is proposed. At least one electromagnetic radiation absorbing medium, e.g. carbon black, is dispersed in the compact charge and can be activated by means of a firing system emitting electromagnetic radiation. The compact charge is thereby disintergrated in fragments through triggering of the firing system and the fragments are accelerated into the gas volume produced during burning of the compact charge. The inventive propellant device avoids the use of chemical firing as well as mechanical firing means. Moreover, fragmentation of the compact charge permits maintenance of the produced maximum pressure over a longer period of time to impart a higher muzzle velocity to an object to be accelerated, e.g. a projectile, a rocket or the like.

Abstract: A blasting cap initiator system has a main housing with an imperforate lower wall, parallel side walls, and front and rear walls. An L-shaped locking slot is formed centrally in one side wall with a trigger recess formed in the top wall adjacent the rear wall and a cylindrical bore extending from the rear wall through the front wall. A firing pin is mounted for reciprocal movement within the bore between a retracted orientation and an advanced orientation. The firing pin has a centrally located circumferential groove. A trigger is pivotably mounted in the trigger recesses movable between a locking orientation with a finger engageable with the groove and a raised orientation to a disengage orientation. A pair of axial coil springs between the rear wall and the cylinders independently allow the advancement of the cylinders.

Abstract: An ignitor for setting off an incendiary device. The ignitor includes a container into one end of which is placed a charge of thermite. A shock tube is inserted into the other end of the container and when initiated, sends a shock wave into the container to cause ignition of the thermite. In order to prevent accidental ignition from an electrical charge, in a preferred embodiment an electrically conducting filler material surrounds the shock tube within the container, which preferably is crimped around the filler material.

Abstract: An explosive delay assembly including a housing, the housing includes a continuous elongated sidewall surrounding a region bounded at one end by a top surface, the top surface including an aperture configured for accepting an end booster where the end booster is attached to a ferrule assembly, the end booster and ferrule assembly connected to form a mild detonating fuze including an explosive charge. The elongated sidewalls include a groove emanating from the aperture and threading around the continuous elongated sidewall to a bottom surface and connected to a channel running from the bottom surface to the top surface. The ferrule assembly is wound around the housing within the groove and inserted into the channel to terminate at a top surface region counterbore. The counterbore is filled with an explosive charge.

Abstract: A plunger assembly includes an outer elongated housing having an open end, an electric match having an electrical initiator and an explosive material, disposed in the housing. A plunger is disposed in and is moveable in the housing. A coupling device is provided for connecting the outer housing open end to a selected plunger receiver which is adapted to actuate a selected event. Application of an electrical charge to the initiator activates the explosive material to produce gas in the outer housing, which drives the plunger through the outer housing and into impact with the plunger receiver to actuate the selected event. In a preferred embodiment, the plunger assembly is a firing pin assembly and the plunger receiver is an explosive primer assembly.

Abstract: A portable explosives disrupter for de-arming improvised explosive devices includes a barrel for housing a projectile, a mechanism for firing the projectile from the barrel, a breech which may be adapted to house a variety of firing mechanisms, a semi-rigid, flexible support system for orienting the device in relation to a target and minimizing the effects of recoil on the accuracy of the device, and a means for accurately aiming the explosives disrupter at a target. Three different firing mechanisms are provided, the first employing a firing pin and shock tubing, the second employing a metal sphere and shock tubing, and the third employing a firing piston and a source of compressed air.

Abstract: A linear ignition system for a metal-sheathed linear explosive including in one embodiment the ends of two metal-sheathed linear explosives are connected by a non-electrically conductive sleeve leaving a gap between the ends, and a Pyrofuze® bridge connects the metal-sheath of one end to the metal sheath of the other end. Electrical contacts are made to the two metal sheaths and application of current to the electrical contacts ignites the Pyrofuze® bridge and the linear explosives. Embodiments can also include an explosive mixture in the gap, using a hotwire bridge, or including booster increments for initiating detonating explosives. The linear ignition systems offer robust, easy-to-install linear explosive devices for applications in automotive, commercial or military aircraft safety systems, other military and aerospace applications, and commercial blasting.

Abstract: A gun system in one arrangement includes a first carrier including a detonating cord and a second carrier including a detonating cord. An adapter couples the first and second carriers, with the adapter including an explosive coupled to the detonating cord of one of the first and second carriers. The explosive is positioned in a reduced housing portion of the adapter. The reduced housing portion of the adapter has a first outer diameter less than an inner diameter of the first carrier to provide a predetermined annular space between the reduced adapter portion and the inner diameter of the first carrier. At least one of the detonating cords in the first and second carriers is attached to a retainer element, and the retainer element is placed in close proximity to the explosive to maintain an axial position of the detonating cord to reduce separation between the detonating cord and the explosive.

Abstract: A low energy fuse in extruded as a single ply primary tube 1 from a plastic resin blend with particulate energetic material 2 being internally distributed in a manner known per se, said resin blend comprising a major amount of an orientable polymer, for example, linear low density polyethylene to provide structural integrity and a minor amount of a modifier to impart enhanced particle retentive properties to the tube and preferably also containing a polymer or copolymer to impart melt strength and aid in tube extrusion.