Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator subassembly (10) for a vehicle safety system comprising a pyrotechnic actuator unit (12) including an igniting portion (14) as well as a receiving element (16) forming a guide for the movable igniting portion (14) after activating the actuator unit (12). Further the invention relates to an airbag module of a vehicle safety system comprising said actuator subassembly (10) and a method of mounting a releasable tether (30) on an airbag module by means of said actuator assembly (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a submunition (100) having effective masses (i.e., active masses), particularly having at least one pyrotechnic fog body (1), comprising an insulation layer (2) disposed between an active body container (3) and a pyrotechnic unit (4), wherein the active body container (3) can be closed by a cover (5) having a blow-out opening (6).

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for deterring birds from flying into airspace above airport runways. The system features at least one mortar for firing a pyrotechnic device to produce a light and sound display for the purpose of disturbing, frightening, and harassing birds so as to deter them from flying into airspace above and in the vicinity of an airport runway. The mortars of the system can be installed on a mounting platform capable of being securely connected to the ground or a ground surface substrate or to a vehicle. Fixed position, movable and portable embodiments of the system may be created and used. The light and sound display produced by the exploding pyrotechnic devices can be varied to prevent the birds from becoming desensitized to the sounds and visual effects of the system. The system may also include deterrent chemicals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an autonomous device (10d) for injecting a fluid (F), that uses pyrotechnical means (1d). The invention can be used in particular for injecting a protection fluid (F) into a system that is subject to overheating (8d). The method is characterised in that it uses a thermally triggered charge (1d).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a simulated mine includes a multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES) device and a pyrotechnic device disposed in a simulated mine housing that simulates the appearance of an actual mine. The multiple integrated laser engagement system device is operable to transmit a light signal representative of a blast from the actual mine. The pyrotechnic device is operable to detonate simultaneously with transmission of the light signal.

Abstract: An airborne device such as a model rocket or balloon is provided with a light source and/or a sound source that makes the rocket visible during ascent, descent and recovery at night. The sound source is provided to assist in day time recovery. The light source may be located in a transparent or translucent nose cone section of a rocket or otherwise attached adjacent or in a balloon to assist in operation and viewing. The light source may include a timing or flashing feature to make the airborne device or rocket more visibly distinct during flight and recovery. Additional signaling and informational light sources may be added to other parts of the rocket and to the ground mounted launch apparatus to announce launching and/or improve the night time viewing. One form of the rocket system uses a count down feature with lights on the launch structure to signal when blast off will occur.

Abstract: An ignition system for 1.4 g or consumer fireworks includes a base to which the fireworks are secured to prevent tipping thereof during shooting. The base is secured to the ground or other surface for stability. Preferably, the base is part of a container which encloses the fireworks in a pre-mounted fashion to protect the fireworks from the elements. Electrical matches or E-matches are used to ignite the fireworks and are controlled by an electrical control at a safe distance from the fireworks during the firing thereof.

Abstract: A fireworks stand for elevating fixed-position fireworks, especially cone type fountains, having a body with an inner cavity for storing the fireworks and an upper platform for supporting the fireworks during discharge. The platform is nested into an upper end of the body and receives an upper keeper that is sized and shaped to fit inside of the nested platform in order to secure the fireworks. The cavity has a lower keeper and base structure that is removed to provide access to a plurality of inserts, which house the fireworks.

Abstract: Based on pyrotechnic launch tubes (1) with a cylindrical body which houses in their interior both the pyrotechnic objects or materials (3) and the lifting powder (5), the system consists in providing each cylinder (1), on its lower base, with a series of tabs (6), determining a radially deformable neck, wherein said tabs (6) are finished in barbs (7) for engagement by pressure in a securing piece (11–11?), fastenable to the frame of the tubes or incorporated by way of a single piece in the actual frame, provided with an external and rigid neck with a gradation (14) for the engagement of the barbs (7) and provided with an axial and cylindrical core (10) which, perforating the bottom of the cylinder (1), is of a size to house in its interior the igniter (12) with its corresponding cable (13), which is thereby perfectly protected from possible environmental humidity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyromechanical separating element having a hermetically sealed pyrotechnic pressure element (2), which is installed in a housing (1) and has a gas-forming pyrotechnic charge, and a detachable latching pin (5) which is separated from the pressure element (2) by a driving volume (19) and is inserted into the housing (1), wherein a first securing point is arranged on the housing (1) and a second securing point is arranged on the latching pin (5), and the latching pin (5) is anchored on the housing (1) by way of an arresting and force-limiting element (8).

Abstract: A system and method for the capture of a target surface vessel by a second vessel. The system includes an initially stowed deployable net, means for deploying the net, a tether coupled to the net, and a winch for drawing in the tether to pull the target vessel toward the second vessel.

Abstract: An air-delivered infrared anti-ship missile decoy is delivered from an aiaft to a desired location below sea surface ahead of advancing forces and then activated at a later time by a remotely-transmitted encoded signal to separate a payload assembly from the remainder of the decoy, float the payload assembly on the sea surface and then produce a relatively large infrared plume above the payload assembly and atop the sea surface that provides an infrared signature for decoying and deception purposes.

Abstract: A novel safety device comprises a flashlight and a pyrotechnic signalling device launcher in a single unit. The device comprises an elongated body comprising two compartments; a first compartment is suitable for carrying batteries for powering the flashlight, while a second compartment is suitable for carrying pyrotechnic signalling means. In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a water resistant flashlight switch and a firing mechanism which includes an internal cocking mechanism which is cocked by rotating one segment of the device with respect to a second segment of the device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electrical ignitor for a model rocket, including two insulated lead wires, with each lead wire having an uninsulated end. An element wire interconnects the uninsulated ends from each lead wire. The element wire forms a plurality of turns around one of the insulated lead wires. A pyrogen compound surrounds the element wire.

Abstract: A rocket-fired visual signalling apparatus and method includes a rocket, an elongated streamer having a first end portion connected to the rocket and a rocket launcher for launching the rocket so that the rocket pulls the streamer into the air such that when the rocket burns out, the streamer is spread out over the surrounding ground cover to facilitate visibility of the streamer.

Abstract: A decoy device for deployment in a marine environment to decoy heat seeking issiles from their intended target. The device consists of a canister of fuel and means for igniting the fuel. The canister is designed such that the operation of the device creates a spray of burning fuel and a resultant large radiation area decoy.

Abstract: An emergency signalling device comprising an elongate shell to be fired into the air. The shell encloses a combustible propellant charge, combustible material for generating a visible smoke trail, combustible material for generating a visible spark trail, at least one explosive charge for generating an audible report, a multiplicity of radar chaff particles, and an explosive ejection charge for distributing the radar chaff particles from the shell once the shell has been propelled beyond a predetermined altitude. An ignitor wire is provided which is in contact with the propellant charge. The shell is enclosed in a barrel for storage and launching. The barrel has an external thumbstop to prevent recoil from pushing the barrel back through the hand of the operator. There is a bulkhead at the closed lower end of the barrel, on which are mounted electrical contacts connected to the ends of the ignitor wire.

Abstract: The pyrotechnic device comprises a projectile, a ground mounted device or a floating device whose casing contains a charge of titanium or other suitable combustible metal-containing material, charcoal, or other reducing agent and gunpowder such that, following ignition, infra-red emitting particles are emitted to form an infra-red radiating screen. The carbon reduces oxidation of the combustible material prior to emission.

Abstract: The pyrotechnic device comprises a projectile, a ground mounted device or a floating device whose casing contains a charge of particulate material, for example a combustible silicon-containing material in particular mixed with titanium or other suitable combustible metal-containing material and gunpowder such that, following ignition, infra-red emitting particles are emitted for forming an infra-red radiating screen.

Abstract: A projectile having a payload, a first brake system and a second brake system at one side of the payload. A first explosive charge and a second explosive charge, separated from one another by a drive disk, are arranged at the other side of the payload and surrounded by a hollow projectile jacket.In order to render as simple as possible the construction of such projectile and in order to make available for the payload as large as possible part of the cross-section of the projectile, there is provided a latching or locking location at the projectile jacket for a container and the payload. The container and payload can remain in the projectile jacket as long as the initially effective brake system brakes the projectile. For slowly lowering the payload with the other brake system the payload leaves the latching location and thus the projectile jacket.

Abstract: A banner in the form of an elongated sheet of flexible material is attached to an air dropped sonobuoy for stabilization of the sonobuoy during descent as well as for descent speed control, entry angle control, and wave action damping once the sonobuoy is floating at the surface of the ocean. The banner is roller furled and stored on top of the sonobuoy. When the sonobuoy is dropped, the banner unrolls and streams out behind the sonobuoy during descent. It is a feature of this drogue apparatus that it is deployed by the time that the sonobuoy has descended a distance corresponding approximately to the length of the banner. The banner is not released when the sonobuoy hits the water in order to enable it to stream out over the surface of the water to provide wave damping action.

Abstract: The bottom plug of a projectile is provided with a radially extending recess which houses a conforming plate which is ejected from the recess when the projectile charge ignites and expels the bottom plug, thereby causing the bottom plug to become eccentric and move out of the path of the flare or other contents of the projectile.

Abstract: An improved twist brake for the separable payload of a twist or spin-stabilized flare or smoke projectile is described. A pair of pivotable wings, secured at one end to a portion of a central shaft of the payload, is normally engaged by the inner surface of a guide shoe which prevents contact of the wing with the separable housing of the payload. Cooperable projections and slots on the guide shoe and the central support shaft prevent substantial axial and circumferential movement of the shoe, while permitting outward movement of the wings and the guide shoes when the payload separates from the housing. During such separation, the guide shoe is also separated from the wings so that the latter can pivot to their maximum extent to provide an optimum rotational braking action on the payload.

Abstract: An illuminating projectile which can be launched from a rifled-tube unit.The projectile includes on the one hand an illuminating flare which can be disconnected from the body of the projectile after a predetermined period of time under the action of an ejection charge, and on the other hand at least one parachute for braking translation of the illuminating flare, and floating fins acting on the illuminating flare itself to reduce the speed of rotation of the illuminating flare. The floating fins are connected to the illuminating flare by filiform connecting elements, one of the ends of which is attached to the illuminating flare while the other end is free and provided with a stop, the fins being mounted for free rotation and translation around and along a connecting element.

Abstract: A projectile such as a bomb or rocket is provided with a flare section comprising an elongated cylindrical casing containing a body of flare material. An elongated support element extends through the flare body along its central axis, and a truncated conical flame spreader is attached to one end of the support element with the smaller end of the truncated cone in firm engagement with an end surface of the flare body and with at least the major portion of the conical surface of the flame spreader recessed within an extended portion of the casing. A nose fairing is removably attached to the extended portion of the casing and is adapted to be blown away from the casing by a charge located in a cavity within the flame spreader.

Abstract: An elongated, cylindrical case has an intermediate partition dividing it into a canister and a housing. A parachute is attached into the housing with deployment means releasable by a timer. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the timer withdraws radial pawls to release an end cap from the housing, allowing the parachute to be deployed. The canister is equipped with a special end cap capable of hermetically sealing the canister so that it may convey any of a variety of cargo via airdrop. This end cap is essentially a cylinder, recessed at both ends. A disk is held adjacent the inner end of the cylinder by a center post that passes through central holes in the cylinder by the disk and is pivoted to a plurality of radial pawls that may be extended or withdrawn by rotation of the center post, so that they may engage a shoulder in the end of the canister. The center post is equipped with means for locking it in one position so that the end cap cannot be removed by accident from the canister.

Abstract: A release mechanism for use with an air-dropped store having a timed firing echanism which can be set for different time intervals. Action is initiated by a plurality of dynamic pressure sensing fins which, upon actuation, first unlock an inertia locking arm and then the fins impart a rotation to the store which rotation, in turn, causes the locking arm to pivot and initiate a timer. The timer, in turn, initiates separation of the release mechanism from the store.