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: An exciter circuit for a gas turbine engine delivers a first single high-energy spark followed by subsequent sparks of relatively lower energy to ensures start reliability by specifically clearing ice build-up at the ignition plugs.

Abstract: An electronic detonator such as is used in electronic blasting systems, utilizing a pre-fire countdown, during which time other commands may be issued such as to conduct diagnostic tests or other measures to ensure more reliable and/or safer firing.

Abstract: An apparatus for electronically switching a detonation device is configured to arm an energy source upon receiving a first signal and discharge the energy source to the detonation device upon receiving and validating a second signal. An explosive device comprising a detonation device electrically coupled to an electronic switching device is also provided, wherein the switching device comprises a microcontroller configured to validate the first signal and the second signal. The detonation device may comprise a semiconductor bridge device configured to activate the explosive device upon receiving a charge across a first terminal and a second terminal from the switching device. Methods of operation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A switch mode power supply for igniting and operating a high-pressure gas discharge lamp includes an ignition sub-circuit which is coupled via a transformer to the circuit. The ignition sub-circuit has at least an ignition capacitor, and a switching element for discharging the capacitor at a desired moment in time having a control electrode. The control electrode of the switching element is connected to the commutator of the lamp circuit via a control sub-circuit having substantially passive elements.

Abstract: A squib firing device is constructed to test and fire a squib load being applied to the squib firing device. A power supply of the squib firing device conditionally stores and discharges a squib firing power, which is a function of an analog OR of a first voltage from an external power source and a second voltage from a battery source of the squib firing device. When the squib firing power is being stored by the power supply, the squib firing device establishes a flow of a squib testing current through the applied squib load to thereby detect a resistance of squib load. When the squib firing power is being discharged by the power supply, the squib firing device establishes and regulates a flow of a squib firing current through the applied squib load to thereby fire squib load.

Abstract: A triggering unit for initiating pyrotechnical elements includes a control component, a rectifier (12), an energy store (15), a voltage regulator (13), a data coupling device (11), a current limiter and a suppressor circuit (10). To enable an up to now unknown variety of variants pertaining to characteristics and functionality without having to change the hard ware or the design of the chip, the control component is a programmable microprocessor (10) with an integrated program memory.

Abstract: An electronic releasing device for pyrotechnic igniters has a primary and a secondary charge. The primary charge is ignited by means of a circuit that comprises electronic components and whose essential electronic components are accommodated as an integrated components as an integrated circuit in an IC housing, with the housing being disposed on a printed circuit board. The terminals of the IC housing are provided as connecting points for test instruments for checking the serviceability of the integrated circuit and the igniter function and also serve for connection to external electronic devices for programming the releasing device.

Abstract: An initiator and gas generator using the initiator. An initiator includes a conductive header, a reactant disposed on one side of the header, a cover member for covering the reactant, an electrode pin extending through the header to protrude from the other side of the header, and insulated from the header, a heating member provided between the one side of the header and the electrode pin so as to generate heat by the application of electricity, a cylindrical terminal protruding from the other side of the header coaxially with the electrode pin, and a connector-retaining portion provided at a leading end of the cylindrical terminal. The electrode pin and the cylindrical terminal are coaxial, the initiator can be mounted in an initiator housing in whatever direction it points, and the efficiency in mounting the initiator in the initiator housing is high. The size of the connector is also reduced.

Abstract: The inventive electronic power module is provided for effecting the smooth starting of motors. The module essentially includes two semiconductor elements, which are connected in an electrically anti-parallel manner and which are clamped between two metal bars, having a high thermal capacity, e.g. made of copper, by a pressing device. After being intermediately stored in the metal bars, the heat loss of the semiconductor elements is dissipated by cooling bodies placed on the metal bars.

Abstract: An electric gas lighter having a lighting circuit for generating sparks at at least one burner. The lighting circuit is connected to a power line supplying a supply voltage, and has an enabling terminal for enabling spark generation when connected to a reference-potential line, or disabling spark generation when floating. The gas lighter also has hand-operated switches having at least a first terminal connected to the enabling terminal of the lighting circuit by a connecting line, and at least a second terminal connected to the reference-potential line.

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: Disclosed is an electronic detonator delay assembly, having an associated detonator, that can be pre-programmed on site with a time delay and installed in a borehole to carryout a blast operation. The assembly is first coupled to a programming unit to program the desired time delay, and then to a blasting unit, by means of a magnetic coupling device in the electronic delay assembly and to a single pass of a conductive wire through the magnetic coupling device. The programmed time delay in the electronic delay assembly can be double checked through a wireless communication link between the electronic delay assembly and the programming unit.

Abstract: An initiator header subassembly for an inflation device, such as “air bag” safety system, includes an electrically conductive grounding tab having an outer perimeter, and a mass of an insulating material secured atop the grounding tab, the mass of an insulating material having a top surface, a bottom surface and a sidewall extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The initiator header subassembly includes two electrically conductive pins extending completely through the grounding tab and the mass of an insulating material. A first one of the electrically conductive pins is electrically interconnected with the grounding tab and a second one of the electrically conductive pins is electrically isolated from the grounding tab. The sidewall of the mass of an insulating material is in substantial alignment with the outer perimeter of the grounding tab.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus includes a magnetic circuit comprising a central core and a side core or shield, and primary and secondary windings. The shield is allowed to electrically float, thereby reducing the capacitance of the secondary winding. A unitary boot surrounds the shield to inhibit arcing, and further includes a seal configured to seal a spark plug well or the like.

Abstract: The power circuit breaker has an igniter unit disposed in a cylindrical wall formed in a main housing. A holder is disposed in the cylindrical wall so as to oppose to the igniter unit. The holder has a boss engaged with the cylindrical wall, and a fuse element is held by the holder. Each end of the fuse element is electrically connected to one of a pair of interconnection terminals disposed in the main housing. The holder is locked by a locking lance formed in the main housing when each end of the fuse element has engaged with one of the interconnection terminals. The holder rests on the locking lance when the fuse element has been released from the interconnection terminals after activation of the igniter unit. The fuse element is engaged with and stopped by an insertion hole of the holder.

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: This invention provides highly reliable ignition device with superior ease of mass production, and a method for the manufacture thereof. An ignition device is constructed by taking a heating element 40 comprising a bridge element 25 composed of a heating bridge wire 25c which is heated by the passage of an electric current and heating electrodes 25a and 25b located at both ends thereof, and a flexible insulating sheet 26 which carries this bridge element; then welding this heating element to stem electrodes, formed in the stem, via connection guides which are openings provided in the insulating sheet at the location of the heating electrodes.

Abstract: A position of a head of an occupant from an instrument panel, for example, of a vehicle is measured with a predetermined period of time and the position of the head after a predetermined time is estimated from the measured position, whereby an ignition signal is supplied to a detonator at a suitable timing determined by the estimated position thereby to inflate an air bag. The distance of the head of the occupant from the instrument panel is divided into an inflation suppression area, an inflation area without timing delay and an inflation area with timing delay. When it is determined that the head of the occupant locates in the inflation area with timing delay, the time point at which the head shifts to the inflation area without timing delay is estimated and the air bag is inflated on the basis of the estimated time point.

Abstract: An arrangement for driving a pair of actuator solenoids or coils of a gas valve having two or more solenoids employs a microprocessor or similar controller and an driver circuit. An output terminal of the microprocessor provides a steady low for OFF and a pulsating output signal for ON. A transistor switching device is gated by the microprocessor, drives the first solenoid as its collector load. A rectifying diode connects the first solenoid to an accumulator capacitor, which ramps up from flyback pulses that pass through the rectifier. A negative resistance discharge device conducts when the accumulated voltage exceeds a threshold to energize the second solenoid. In a favorable embodiment the impedance of the second solenoid is higher than the first solenoid. In a second embodiment, the actuator circuit for the second solenoid can be a voltage doubling flyback driven relaxation oscillator.

Abstract: The invention provides an illumination system for a head-mounted display. The illumination system includes a plurality of illuminators which irradiate light over an area. The area has a central region where the light has a selective intensity, and outer regions on opposing sides of the central regions where the light has higher intensities than the selective intensity.

Abstract: An igniting/firing element includes a casing (1) receiving electrical junction lines connected to an igniting jumper (3) on a chip (2) provided with at least one igniting unit (4a, 4b). In order to allow for the element to be universally used and to avoid uncontrolled discharge, it is suggested that the junction lines be designed in the form of pins, which are led to the casing (1) through a glass seal, and that the casing bottom (1) be a metal body (7) in which bores (8) are provided for said glass seals (6) to pass through, and that the metal body be positive-fit to the plastic body (9) covering the peripheral wall of the casing (1) and wrapping the pin tops (5) emerging from the glass seal (6).

Abstract: A gas furnace control circuit combines an igniter circuit and a rectification flame detection circuit. Pulsating current is applied respectively to inducer and gas valve relay coils to actuate the furnace. A rectifier supplies flyback pulses from the inducer relay coil to a capacitor arrangement to accumulate flyback voltage. An ignition transformer has its secondary connected to the igniter and flame detection probe for generating an ignition arc. A hysteresis switch is coupled between the capacitor and the primary of the ignition transformer discharges current from through the primary whenever the stored flyback voltage reaches a predetermined threshold. Another capacitor is connected to the gas valve relay coil. A transistor has a signal impedance connected with its drain or power electrode to define an output terminal. A resistor network has a first resistor with one end connected to the capacitor and a its other end connected to the gate or control electrode of the transistor.

Abstract: The present invention is addressed to an exciter circuit used as part of an engine ignition system which is controlled by a full authority digital engine control or FADEC. Two channels of the FADEC system are connected to two channels on the exciter system in a cross talk arrangement. This permits any one channel on the FADEC to control both channels on the exciter for redundancy purposes. The establishment of a FADEC control of an exciter system also permits selective use of the exciters and reduces wear on the exciter circuitry and ignition system components.

Abstract: An igniter for igniting a reactive material has a conductor for conducting power and communication signals to and from the igniter. A controller is located within the igniter. The controller is preferably an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The controller has communication means for communicating with a master controller located remote from the igniter. The controller also has diagnostic means for comparing established parameters for components of the igniter to predetermined limits and sending fault warning messages and integrity status messages to the master control unit. The controller also further has means for receiving a unique igniter activation command from the master control unit and sending an activation signal to an igniter activation means that couples the energy stored in an energy storage capacitor to a heating member that ignites a reactive material.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system deriving the ignition pulse from a capacitor storing the flyback voltage induced from the fuel injector coil when the pulse supplied to the fuel injector coil is removed.

Abstract: An insulated gate electrical load driving device includes simple and accurate gate control circuitry for limiting load current therethrough. Preferably, all circuitry is formed of a single integrated circuit having the insulated gate load driving device dielectrically isolated from the gate control circuitry. The gate control circuitry may include either one, or both, of a zener diode and a resistor divider. An input drive signal to the circuit is accurately controlled by the gate control circuitry to thereby limit the saturation current through the insulated load driving device, and hence the load current, to predetermined current level. Preferably, the predetermined saturation current level falls within a range of saturation currents of the insulated gate load driving device that is substantially constant over a wide operating temperature range.

Abstract: Slurry-loadable electrical initiators are disclosed. In one aspect, a fuel slurry and oxidizer slurry are separately prepared and then mixed (e.g., in a static mixer) into a pyrotechnic material slurry. The pyrotechnic material slurry is loaded into the initiator (e.g., by a positive displacement pump). An ignition assembly which includes a header having at least one electrically conductive pin and a bridgewire between the header and the pin are installed such that the bridgewire appropriately interfaces with the pyrotechnic material of the initiator. In another aspect, another of the electrical connectors for the header is a shell and is joined to the header by a crimped connection or by a welded connection which also interconnects the shell with the charge cup which contains the pyrotechnic material.

Abstract: Method according to which, the programming unit (18) transmits, after completion of the programming of the ignition modules, the delay times also programmed to the firing control unit (17). The firing control unit (17) can interrogate simultaneously the ignition modules (15) which send back the information requested to it. The encoded firing control assembly and the encoded ignition modules enable to implement the process.

Abstract: A low-energy circuit and a high-energy circuit are operatively coupled in parallel between an energy source and an igniter. The low-energy circuit is for igniting the igniter to generate sparks between electrodes of the igniter, and the high-energy circuit is for characterizing an energy of the sparks generated between the electrodes of the igniter. A spark detector detects a presence of a spark between the electrodes of the igniter, and a control circuit enables an operation of the high-energy circuit only upon detection of the presence of a spark between the electrodes of the igniter by the spark detector.

Abstract: An all-glass header assembly is provided for use in an air bag system that is located in a vehicle. The header assembly acts to initiate flow of gases into the air bag. The header assembly includes an eyelet having a bore that receives an all-glass insulating body that is flush with an outer surface of the eyelet. A center electrode pin is located through a preformed hole in the center of the glass insulating body. A side electrode pin is welded to the eyelet. Electrical current flows through the two electrode pins when predetermined power is applied at a desired time. In making the all-glass header assembly, a fixture system and process are employed for achieving flushness among the eyelet, glass insulating body and center electrode pin while avoiding unwanted voids, bubbles or cracks in the glass insulating body.

Abstract: A high energy ignition generator includes an energy source connected to a circuit for charging an energy storage capacitor. The storage capacitor is connected to a discharge circuit consisting of a series inductive circuit for energy recovery and an ignitor having terminals to which are connected freewheel diodes. Sparks are generated between the electrodes of the ignitor, by the discharge of the capacitor in the igniter through the inductive circuit for energy recovery and by the discharge of the inductive circuit in the igniter through the freewheel diodes. The inductive circuit includes at least two inductors. The at least two inductors are connected in series with the capacitor at the time of its discharge and are connected in parallel with the terminals of the igniter at the time of their discharge.

Abstract: An igniter assembly is provided for controlling the current supply to an ignition coil of an engine. The assembly reduces soldering and assembly steps thereby resulting in reduced manufacturing costs. In one embodiment, the igniter includes a casing, an electronic circuit unit, a connector attached to the casing, and a connector terminal within the connector one end of the terminal being directly connected to the electronic circuit unit. In another embodiment, the igniter includes an electronic circuit unit, a connector terminal directly connected to the electronic circuit unit, and a molded body forming an integral casing and connector supporting and enclosing the electronic circuit and connector terminal respectively.

Abstract: An igniter for a flare stack includes a pair of probes. A hot probe has a tip end free to move in a substantially planar surface. A grounded probe has a tip end extending in at least one direction of the substantially planar surface. The hot probe also has a tip end extending in the substantially planar surface but in a different direction. Movement of the tip end of the hot probe in local wind conditions results in a constant gap being maintained between the tip ends. The pulse generator for the igniter is conventional. A system is shown for stack 90' and shorter and for stacks higher than 90'.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for fabricating a hermetic coaxial feedthrough device wherein a pin is substantially centered within the device. The pin can be electrically connected to the outer portion of the device via a bridge wire to form a header that is particularly useful for igniting a gas-generating composition in an air bag device. The invention also provides an eyelet useful in the process and an improved header device having a substantially smooth surface.

Abstract: An ignition spark emitter for a fuel operated heating device has two electrodes which are addressed by a transformer and deliver ignition sparks. The ignition electrodes are secured at a housing of the ignition spark emitter which also contains the transformer and the power supply unit of the ignition spark emitter. A plug connector, which preferably, is disposed in the form of a plug-in unit is provided at the housing of the ignition spark emitter, and not only establishes the electrical connection of the ignition spark emitter, but also serves for its mounting, preferably, in proximity of the nozzle assembly of the burner. One of the ignition electrodes, in connection with a ground circuit, can be utilized for ionization flame monitoring via the combustion tube of the heating device, whereby the ionization flame monitor appropriatelylame monitoring via the combustion tube of the heating device, whereby the ionization flame monitor appropriately is operated in a time multiplex manner.

Abstract: An electronic gas lighter is provided with an electricity generating device having a movable electrode. A movable part carrying the movable electrode is moved downward to ignite fuel discharged from a nozzle disposed on a fuel tank. A partition is provided between the movable part and the nozzle.