Abstract: An initiator head may include a housing extending in an axial direction, a circuit board provided in an interior space of the housing, a line-in terminal provided on a first side of the housing in the axial direction and accessible from an exterior of the housing, and a fuse displaced from the circuit board in the axial direction. A thickness direction of the circuit board may be substantially parallel with the axial direction. The line-in terminal may be in electrical communication with the circuit board. The fuse may be in electrical communication with the circuit board. The circuit board may be configured to activate the fuse in response to a control signal received at the line-in terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power failure detection circuit, including a first PMOS FET (mp1), a second PMOS FET (mp2), a first NMOS FET (mn2), a second NMOS FET (mn3) and a reset transistor (mn1). The PN junction area of the drain electrode of the first PMOS FET (mp1) is greater than the PN junction area of the drain electrode of the first NMOS FET (mn2). The PN junction area of the drain electrode of the second NMOS FET (mn3) is greater than the PN junction area of the drain electrode of the second PMOS FET (mp2). The power failure detection circuit of the present invention is novel in design and high in practicability.

Abstract: A squib driver circuit for deployment of an active safety restraint in a vehicle. The squib driver circuit may include a high side protection circuit. The high side protection circuit may include a comparator circuit to compare the input voltage to a reference voltage and activate a timer in response to the input voltage exceeding the reference voltage, the timer generating a disable signal to disable the high side driver after a predetermined period of time The high side protection circuit may disable the high side driver after a short is detected and elapse of the predetermined period of time. The squib driver circuit may be formed on a single chip.

Abstract: A squib driver circuit for deployment of an active safety restraint in a vehicle. The squib driver circuit may include a high side protection circuit. The high side protection circuit may include a comparator circuit to compare a voltage at a high side feed terminal to a reference voltage and activate a timer in response to the voltage at the high side feed terminal exceeding the reference voltage, the timer generating a disable signal to disable the high side driver after a predetermined period of time. The high side protection circuit may disable the high side driver after the short is detected and elapse of the predetermined period of time. The squib driver circuit may be formed on a single chip.

Abstract: A squib driver circuit for deployment of an active safety restraint in a vehicle. The squib driver circuit may include a low side protection circuit. The low side protection circuit may include a comparator circuit to compare a voltage at a low side return terminal to a reference voltage and activate a timer in response to the voltage at the low side return terminal exceeding the reference voltage, the timer generating a disable signal to disable the low side driver after a predetermined period of time. The low side protection circuit may disable the low side driver after the short is detected and elapse of the predetermined period of time. The squib driver circuit may be formed on a single chip.

Abstract: A monitoring device for an ignition circuit for a personal protection device for a vehicle. The ignition circuit activates the personal protection device when an ignition voltage is present that exceeds a voltage threshold value and/or an ignition current is present that exceeds a current threshold value. The monitoring device has a control device and a voltage source connected via a voltage source terminal of the control device. The control device is connected via a high-side ignition circuit terminal to a first supply terminal of the ignition circuit and via a low-side ignition circuit terminal to a second supply terminal of the ignition circuit. The monitoring device is fashioned such that a no-load voltage of a high-side current source of the control device situated between the voltage source terminal and the high-side ignition circuit terminal corresponds at least to the voltage threshold value.

Abstract: A jet flow generation device includes: a discharge electrode; a reference electrode that is disposed away from the discharge electrode; a power supply circuit that generates an output voltage to control a potential difference between the discharge electrode and the reference electrode; a controller that switches the output voltage of the power supply circuit between a first voltage that does not induce corona discharge between the discharge electrode and the reference electrode and a second voltage that induces corona discharge between the discharge electrode and the reference electrode; and a case housing at least the reference electrode has an injection port that injects an ion wind of ions generated by the corona discharge.

Abstract: A device for igniting an aircraft engine, comprising at least two spark plugs, the device comprising a power supply, a first path for supplying a first spark plug with power and a second path for supplying a second spark plug with power, said paths being connected to the power supply by distribution means of the power supply which are controlled by a FADEC-type control system, wherein said distribution means comprise a first circuit that is configured to alternately supply said first path or said second path with power, and a second circuit for simultaneously supplying said first and second paths with power, the device being configured to use either the first circuit or the second circuit during start-up.

Abstract: A diagnostic flame sensing circuit having less filtration so that an AC component of a flame sensing input is available for circuit diagnostics. Synchronized data sampling may used to detect the peak to peak magnitude of the residual AC component. A comparison of the magnitude of the component relative to a magnitude of the component during normal operation of the circuit may be used to check the condition of nearly all of the elements in the circuit.

Abstract: The plasma generation device 30 is provided with a high frequency generation device 37 that generates a high frequency wave, and a high frequency radiator 15 that radiates the high frequency wave outputted from the high frequency generation device 37 to a target space 10, and generates plasma by supplying energy of the high frequency wave to the target space 10. In the plasma generation device 30, the high frequency generation device 37 is provided with an oscillator 41 that oscillates a high frequency wave, and an amplifier 42 that amplifies and outputs the high frequency wave oscillated by the oscillator 41 to the high frequency radiator 15. In the high frequency generating device 37 the amplifier 42 alone is integrated with the high frequency radiator 15, from among the oscillator 41 and the amplifier 42.

Abstract: A plurality of detonator assemblies in signal communication with a blasting machine, each detonator assembly consisting of a detonator, a storage compartment for storing programmed delay time and/or oscillation count and a countdown oscillator. A transmitter for transmitting a blast rehearsal stop start and stop signal, said signals being separated by said programmed delay time individually selected for each detonator signal. The oscillator counting the total oscillation count corresponding to said delay time. When a detonator assembly receives a FIRE command, the individual countdown oscillators countdowns the total oscillation count associated with its detonator assembly.

Abstract: A device is provided for energizing a power output stage, that has a transistor, a capacitor and a supply circuit. The transistor has a control input and is designed to supply a firing current as a function of a control voltage that is present at the control input. The capacitor, which is connected to the control input of the transistor, is designed to supply the control voltage to the control input. The supply circuit has a resistor that is connected between the capacitor and a supply voltage terminal, the supply circuit being designed to charge the capacitor via the resistor to the control voltage.

Abstract: A low-, medium-, or high-voltage switching device includes a chemical charge unit for actuate closing and/or opening of electric contacts, and a fuze- or ignition cable with chemical charge material to ignite the chemical charge. In order to reach an effective galvanic separation, the chemical charge material of the fuze-cable is electrically insulating, at least in the status before ignition, and at least along a part of its length, in order to cause or effectuate a voltage potential separation between a definite low, medium or high-voltage level and an earth level.

Abstract: An integrated exciter-igniter architecture is disclosed that integrates compact, direct-mounted exciter electronics with an aerospace designed igniter to reduce overall ignition system complexity. The integrated exciter-igniter unit hermetically seals exciter electronics within a stainless steel enclosure or housing. The stainless enclosure enables the exciter electronics to remain near atmospheric pressure while the unit is exposed to vacuum conditions. The exciter electronics include a DC-DC converter, timing circuitry, custom-designed PCBs, a custom-designed main power transformer, and a high voltage ignition coil. All of which are packaged together in the stainless steel enclosure. The integrated exciter-igniter unit allows for efficient energy delivery to the spark gap and eliminates the need for a high voltage cable to distribute the high voltage, high energy pulses.

Abstract: A corona igniter (20) includes an ignition coil (26) providing a high voltage energy to an electrode. The coil (26) is disposed in a housing (34) and electrically isolated by a coil filler (36) and a capacitance reducing component (38) which together improve energy efficiency of the system. The coil filler (36) includes an insulating resin permeating the coil (26). The capacitance reducing component (38) has a permittivity not greater than 6, for example ambient air, pressurized gas, insulating oil, or a low permittivity solid. The capacitance reducing compound (38) surrounds the coil (26) and other components and fills the remaining housing volume. The coil filler (36) has a filler volume and the capacitance reducing component (38) has a component volume greater than the filler volume.

Abstract: There is provided an ignition system which is capable of surely operating by electric energy stored in a capacitor for ignition while separating an igniter from electric circuits for communication and ignition without producing improper operation through static electricity and noise and is compact and excellent in the productivity.

Abstract: A power amplifier circuit that has an inductor and capacitor connected to one end of the output winding of an RF transformer. The other end of the output winding is connected to a current sensor that in turn is connected to ground. The transformer has two primary windings. Both primary windings have one end connected to a voltage supply. The other end of each primary winding is attached to a switch. All three windings are wound around a core. Current flowing from the DC voltage supply to the switches causes a magnetic flux in the core. A voltage is generated on the secondary winding current sensor by the current that flows through the igniter. This voltage is fed back to the switches, controlling on and off timing. Voltage is provided to the igniter or pulled from the igniter when the current traveling into or from the igniter is at zero.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a high-side switch device includes a semiconductor switch, a charge pump operable external clocking signal and an input for an external charge pump activation signal. The charge pump is configured to enable conductivity of the semiconductor switch in response to the external clocking signal and assertion of the external charge pump activation signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for communicating wireless signals between components of a blasting apparatus, with the intention of conducting a blasting event. In preferred embodiments, the methods are particularly suited to through -rock transmission of wireless command signals, and optionally wireless calibration or synchronization signals, thereby to achieve timed actuation of explosive charges positioned below ground under the control of one or more blasting machines located at or above a surface of the ground, with a high degree of accuracy. Further disclosed are blasting apparatuses and components thereof suitable for use, for example, in conducting the methods of the invention.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for detecting an open secondary condition in a secondary coil of an ignition coil using a control signal received from a control input of a switch configured to control the flow of current to a primary coil of the ignition coil. In an example, the flow of current in the primary coil of the ignition coil can be controlled using an insulated gate bipolar junction transistor (IGBT), and the open secondary condition in the secondary coil of the ignition coil can be detected using a received gate voltage of the IGBT.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for selective control of groups of wireless initiation devices such as wireless electronic boosters at a blast site. Such methods may be applied to a wide variety of blasting techniques that would benefit from the use of wireless control and initiation of explosive charges at the blast site.

Abstract: An ignition plug having a center electrode, an insulator holding the center electrode in an axial bore, and a ground electrode disposed in contact with a front end portion of the insulator and having a through-hole whose center coincides with the axis of the center electrode. A semiconductor layer in contact with the center electrode and the ground electrode is formed in a portion of the surface of the insulator.

Abstract: A driving circuit for generating a required firing current for a safety device comprising an arrangement of a first transistor (M2) connected in series with a second transistor (M3); and a power control transistor (M1) connected in series with the first transistor; characterised in that the first and second transistors operate in fully switched on mode (Rds(on)) and the required firing current (I(squib)) is generated by means of varying the voltage (Vc) across the gate source of power control transistor and the first and second transistors in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: After a switching element 13 is turned on, a charge controller 16 determines whether or not a current detected by an excitation current detector 15 has reached a predetermined level, and turns off the switching element 13 if the predetermined level has been reached. When the excitation current is controlled to a constant level, the excitation energy stored in a flyback transformer 12 also becomes constant, and this constant energy is stored in a capacitor 22 every time the switching element 13 is turned off. The charge control section 16 repeats the on/off operation of the switching element 13 a predetermined number of times at predetermined intervals of time before discontinuing the charging operation. Consequently, a constant amount of energy is held in the capacitor 22 when the charging operation is discontinued, and the period of time from the beginning to the completion of charging also becomes constant.

Abstract: An ignition source system for an exothermic reaction mold device for welding conductors. The system includes a crucible in a block with an open top so that the crucible receives an exothermic weld material. The conductors to be welded exothermically are placed in the weld cavity of the mold. A lid covers the open top wherein the lid has an opening therethrough. An electronic thermal igniter assembly has an ignition component receivable through the opening in the lid so that the exothermic weld material may be ignited by the electronic thermal igniter assembly. The igniter plug rests on top of the lid and the ignition body is retained in a recess within the igniter plug.

Abstract: An integrated electronic device includes circuitry for providing a regulated output supply voltage level at an output node from an adjustable current. The circuitry includes an adjustable current source for providing the adjustable current and for adjusting the adjustable current to a magnitude of a target value in response to a configuration signal, an auxiliary adjustable current source providing an auxiliary adjustable current having a magnitude corresponding to the target value, and an output supply voltage level regulating loop coupled to the output node and adapted to keep the output supply voltage level at a preset value. A current selecting stage is adapted to receive the adjustable current and the auxiliary current. The current selecting stage is further adapted to supply a selected current corresponding to a lesser value of the adjustable current and the auxiliary adjustable current.

Abstract: A device is provided for energizing a power output stage, that has a transistor, a capacitor and a supply circuit. The transistor has a control input and is designed to supply a firing current as a function of a control voltage that is present at the control input. The capacitor, which is connected to the control input of the transistor, is designed to supply the control voltage to the control input. The supply circuit has a resistor that is connected between the capacitor and a supply voltage terminal, the supply circuit being designed to charge the capacitor via the resistor to the control voltage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for driving an ignition exciter unit. An apparatus is provided for a driver circuit for use with an ignition exciter unit, the driver circuit having an input terminal and an output terminal. A first current-protected circuit is coupled to the input terminal and the output terminal, wherein the first current-protected circuit is current-limited. A second current-protected circuit coupled to the input terminal and the output terminal. The driver circuit further comprises a controller coupled to the first current-protected circuit and the second current-protected circuit. The controller is configured to activate the first current-protected circuit for a first time interval and activate the second current-protected circuit after the first time interval and prior to when the ignition exciter unit begins operating.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided for controlling a current. The electronic device includes a first MOS transistor coupled with a gate to a common gate node, with a source to ground and with a drain to a pin so as to receive from the pin a current to be controlled. There is a second MOS transistor coupled with a gate to the common gate node, with a source to ground and with a drain so as to receive a reference current controlled by a control loop. There is a first resistor coupled between the common gate node and ground.

Abstract: An ignition source system for an exothermic reaction mold device for welding conductors. The system includes a crucible in a block with an open top so that the crucible receives an exothermic weld material. The conductors to be welded exothermically are placed in the weld cavity of the mold. A lid covers the open top wherein the lid has an opening therethrough. An electronic thermal igniter assembly has an ignition component receivable through the opening in the lid so that the exothermic weld material may be ignited by the electronic thermal igniter assembly. The igniter plug rests on top of the lid and the ignition body is retained in a recess within the igniter plug.

Abstract: A switch arrangement for providing a drive signal at an output comprises a drive switch coupled to the output of the switch arrangement and a regulating element coupled in series between the drive switch and a power supply input of the switch arrangement. The drive switch is operable to provide the drive signal at the output. The switch arrangement is characterized in that the regulating element is coupled in a cascode arrangement with the drive switch such that in operation the regulating element limits the voltage drop across the drive switch to a predetermined level.

Abstract: High sparking initiator compositions with a controlled amount of power are disclosed. The initiator compositions comprise a metal containing oxidizing agent, at least one metal reducing agent, and a non-explosive binder. Low voltage igniters that provide bidirectional plumes upon ignition are also disclosed. These igniters have a electrically resistive element positioned across a hole in a support which directs the plume. These igniters and compositions are useful in the actuation of solid fuel heating unit, in particular, sealed heating units.

Abstract: A MEMS fuze having a moveable slider with a microdetonator at an end for positioning adjacent an initiator. A setback activated lock and a spin activated lock prevent movement of the slider until respective axial and centrifugal acceleration levels have been achieved. Once these acceleration levels are achieved, the slider is moved by a V-beam shaped actuator arrangement to position the microdetonator relative to a secondary lead to start an explosive train in a munitions round.

Abstract: Blasting operations for mining frequently involve a large number of detonators for a single blasting event. An important step in the execution of a blast is to perform a roll-call to check that all detonator assemblies placed at the blast site are in communication with a blasting machine, and forming operative components of the blasting apparatus. Disclosed herein are blasting apparatuses and methods of blasting that streamline this roll-call step, thereby reducing time consumed in the blasting process.

Abstract: An electronic blasting system (10) comprising a plurality of hardware components (12.1 to 12.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor bridge device wherein a reaction time for generating sparks is short and a spark generating amount is large. This semiconductor bridge device comprises a substrate, a pair of land portions, a bridge portion electrically connecting between the pair of the land portions, and an electrode pad arranged on each upper surface in the pair of the land portions and emitting sparks at the bridge portion through an electric current passed between the electrode pads, in which the pair of the land portions and the bridge portion consist of a laminate formed by alternately laminating a metal layer and a metal oxide layer plural times, and an outermost layer in the laminate is a metal layer, and a metal oxide having a decomposition temperature of higher than 1500° C. is used in the metal oxide layer.

Abstract: An electric firing device for fireworks comprising a circuit board (7) fixed inside of a mounting clip (8); a firing slot (6) set in the front of the circuit board (7); a resistance wire (5) welded on the circuit board (7) together with a conductive wire pair (9) and straddled on said U shaped firing slot (6); a firework lead wire slot (4) set on the mounting clip (8); and a lead wire propulsion stop plate (2) set on a top cover (1) and engaged with the mounting clip (8). The resistance wire (5) is made of a resistance wire with good electricity to heat conversion capability (such as tungsten wire, nichrome wire, constantan wire, and so on) and spirally-wound.

Abstract: An optical emission spectrometry device is provided. In the optical emission spectrometry device, a discharge path is formed by connecting an ignition circuit to a discharge gap, and further connecting in parallel a plurality of sets of coils and driving circuits, each set having one coil and one driving circuit. Each driving circuit has two operation modes: an increasing operation mode of applying a predetermined potential difference to the corresponding coil of the set to increase the current passing through the corresponding coil, and a sustaining operation mode of directly connecting the corresponding coil of the set to the discharge path to sustain the current passing through the corresponding coil. Moreover, each driving circuit is controlled in such a way that the timing for the increasing operation mode in which the current passing through the coil increases alternates with the timing for the increasing operation mode of other driving circuit.

Abstract: The ignition device is comprised of a center electrode, an insulator having a tubular shape for covering the center electrode, and a ground electrode having an open portion communicating with an open portion of the insulator, the ground electrode covers the insulator The center electrode, the insulator and the ground electrode define a discharge space of the ignition device. The discharge space is provided with high voltage from a discharge power source and high current from a plasma energy supply power source to form plasma having high temperature and high pressure in the discharge space.

Abstract: A device having an initiator and an integrated planar switch. The initiator has a base, an initiating element that is coupled to the base, a first element pad, which is electrically coupled to a first side of the initiating element, and a second element pad, which is electrically coupled to a second side of the initiating element opposite the first element pad. The integrated planar switch has a source pad and a return pad. The source pad is coupled to the base and is spaced apart from the first element pad by a first gap distance to define a first gap therebetween. The return pad is coupled to the base and is spaced apart from the second element pad by a second gap distance to define a second gap therebetween.

Abstract: A switch device having a base, a first electrically conductive pad coupled to the base, a second electrically conductive pad coupled to the base, a first electrically conductive projection and a second electrically conductive projection. The second electrically conductive pad is spaced apart from the first electrically conductive pad by a first predetermined distance. The first electrically conductive projection is coupled to the first electrically conductive pad and extends into the first gap. The second electrically conductive projection is coupled to the second electrically conductive pad and extends into the first gap. The second electrically conductive projection is spaced apart from the first electrically conductive projection by a second predetermined distance. The first and second electrically conductive projections form an electrical interface.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a device to be activated by electrical energy and a micro-switch that includes conductors and an element between the first and second conductors selected from the group consisting of: a dielectric element capable of being modulated to provide a conductive path in response to receipt of electrical energy; and an element moveable in response to application of an electrical energy. The micro-switch may be formed of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology or microelectronics technology.

Abstract: A charging method for a plurality of squibs which charges up each storage device built in or attached to each squib which is connected to an ignition control device via a common bus, and can be selectively operated by electrical energy and electrical signals which are supplied from the ignition control device, in which, in the case of charging each storage device, the ignition control device carries out a direction of charging initiation, an electric power supply for charging, and a direction of charging stop for each storage device successively, thereby the charging for all storage devices is completed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lamp transformer and method of assembling a lamp transformer within an igniter module or housing. The lamp transformer comprises a potted bar core transformer; and a carrier attached to the potted bar core transformer, the carrier adapted to position the potted bar core transformer on a pc board and/or within a housing at a predetermined location. In addition, disclosed is a transformer winding and potting method utilizing a transformer carrier.

Abstract: Switch card apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, a circuit includes a first portion having a first switch adapted to be coupled to a first voltage, a second portion including a second switch, and a third portion including a third switch. The first portion activates the first switch to couple the first voltage to the second portion. Similarly, the second portion activates the second switch in response to a second input signal and the first voltage to couple a second voltage to the third portion. Finally, the third portion activates the third switch in response to a third input signal and in response to the second voltage from the second portion to couple a control voltage to a load. Embodiments of the invention provide the desired reliability suitable for a variety of electrical systems, including arming and firing applications over a wide voltage and wide current range.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plasma igniter for directly igniting the pulverized coal burner. Said plasma igniter consists of a plasma generator which includes a composite anode, an combined type cathode, an electromagnetic coil and a transmitting coil; a pulverized coal burner which comprises multi-stage chambers for conveying igniting coal, an equipment for adjusting concentration of coal powder and a four-stage burner canister; and a generator brace. Said combined type cathode consists of a cathode plate, a fixation nut, a conductive pipe, an inflowing pipe, an inflowing guiding pipe, a cathode lid and a sealing spacer. The lining for generating electric arc is assembled with the front of cathode. An alloy plate is used as the cathode plate. The nozzle that used for cooling the cathode is first convergent and then expansive, and is placed in the middle of the conductive pipe. The plasma igniter has the advantage of stable burning.

Abstract: Projection device failure may be diagnosed by sensing improper operation of projection lamp ignitor circuitry. An ignitor failure indicator may be activated based on a sensed failure in the operation of the lamp ignitor circuitry to prevent incorrect projection lamp failure notification.

Abstract: A compact monolithic capacitive discharge unit (CDU) is disclosed in which a thyristor switch and a flyback charging circuit are both sandwiched about a ceramic energy storage capacitor. The result is a compact rugged assembly which provides a low-inductance current discharge path. The flyback charging circuit preferably includes a low-temperature co-fired ceramic transformer. The CDU can further include one or more ceramic substrates for enclosing the thyristor switch and for holding various passive components used in the flyback charging circuit. A load such as a detonator can also be attached directly to the CDU.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling an ignition coil that attenuates the feed forward voltage by slowing the initial turn-on of the coil driver is disclosed. The turn-on circuit includes a control signal input node, a capacitor, a resistor, a diode, and a coil driver. The control signal input node receives a coil control signal from an ignition control system. The capacitor begins charging as the control signal is received by the turn-on circuit. As the capacitor charges it gradually increases the voltage provided to the coil driver. The rate of the increase in voltage is controlled by the selection of the resistor and capacitor. The slowing of the initial turn-on of the coil driver has the effect of attenuating the feed forward voltage. The attenuating of the feed forward voltage minimizes degradation of the spark gap while allowing the elimination of the high voltage zener diode.

Abstract: A circuit and a method are given, to realize a very efficient driver device for igniters or squibs as used e.g. in airbag applications. Special attention has been turned to include secure and always reliable operating features into the device and at the same time to reach for a low-cost implementation with modern integrated circuit technologies. Controlled firing operation and sophisticated diagnostic mechanisms are realized. These design features have to a great extent been acquired by consequently using current mirror circuit principles. Current trimming and limitation to secure values are part of the solution.