Abstract: A machine for balancing a rotating member includes hard bearing balancing apparatus for determining the magnitude and circumaxial location of imbalance. A sensor responds to the position of the rotating member. A computer receives signals from the balancing apparatus and the sensor and determines the location of one or more projectiles to be fired at the member. A firing mechanism including a piezoelectric actuator fires the projectiles in timed relationship with the rotation of the member so as to position the projectiles as required for balancing.

Abstract: The present invention is to improve the mechanical characteristics of a pyrotechnical parachute line cutting device. By enforcing the mechanical traction on the electrical connection wire by Kevlar reinforcement cords. The flexible electrical wire will be connected straight to the propellant detonator to avoid wire connections and fix the detonator trigger straight on the flexible wire. The reefing line will be cut by the blade but also, to secure the cutting action, be melt in the head of the cutter blade after explosion due to the use of special knife material size and an adapted pyrotechnical charge.

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 pyrotechnic cutting device has a guiding housing in which there is arranged a part to be severed, which is fashioned so as to be severable at a cut point by a cutting tool having a cutting chisel. A pressure pulse generator containing a pyrotechnic driving charge is arranged in the cutting device for generating a pressure pulse to drive the cutting tool. In the guiding housing there is arranged, between the pressure pulse generator and the cutting tool, an impact capsule that can be accelerated by the pressure pulse of the triggered pressure pulse generator toward an inner thrust base of the cutting tool on the end of the cutting tool opposite to the cutting chisel. The cutting tool has its cutting chisel abutting the cut point before the impact capsule strikes the thrust base.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a low shock separation joint. A first member couples to a first structure and includes surfaces to prevent separation under compressive and tensile force placed on the separation joint. A second member couples to a second structure and includes surfaces corresponding to the surfaces of the first member. The first member is elastically flexed to allow the surfaces of the first and second members to be aligned to one another. The first member is released from flexing which couples the first and second members together. An explosive device is placed within the separation joint. Detonating the explosive device moves the surfaces of the first and second members out of contact with one another decoupling the first and second members. A passive force is applied to accelerate the first and second members away from one another. After detonation the first and second members are intact.

Abstract: A power source (10) for providing energy to drive a mechanical device including a receiving chamber (11) and discrete propellant charges (23) for selective detonation whereby gases generated by the selective detonation expand into the receiving chamber (11) wherein said receiving chamber includes a reactive closure (15) which dynamically responds to pressure changes in the receiving chamber and wherein said power source further includes a linkage (16) associated with the reactive closure for transmitting energy from the dynamic response of the reactive closure to the mechanical device.

Abstract: A quick-loosening mechanical linking device that includes housing, a release cavity having a predetermined height, a bolt, and an actuator. The bolt is disposed within the housing and includes an attachment means projecting out from the housing, a release zone such as an intended failure zone, and a head with a piston face. Upon actuation of the actuator, the bolt deforms and/or fails at the release zone and the attachment means moves farther out from the housing by a distance equal to the height of the release cavity. The release cavity preferably includes an abutment formed at its bottom, and the actuator is preferably an electric initiator having a pyrotechnic charge.

Abstract: The present invention involve a method for severance of materials made of polycarbonate, polycarbonate laminate and aciylic/polycarbonate laminate, a canopy fracturing system and a conopy having the canopy fracturing system. The present invention utilizes a linear shaped explosive charge placed at a predetermined distance or stand off from the polycarbonate material to be severed. The coreload of the charge is determined such that the minimum coreload necessary to effect severance of a given thickness of polycarbonate material is utilized. A retainer is placed around the charge and affixed to the material such that the charge is at the proper stand off from the material. The retainer surrounds the back side of the charges but leaves open space between the charge and the material to be severed. Upon detonation, the charge creates an explosive cutting force, or jet blast, that severs the polycarbonate material.

Abstract: A damping device used for motor vehicle safety, for damping the displacement of at least one part set in motion during a collision between a motor vehicle and an external object, the part being, for example, a bumper, a steering column or a bonnet of a motor vehicle, the device comprising an actuator that is able to displace a piston and is characterized in that it includes a wire having one end connected to a fixed portion of the vehicle, the actuator, which is secured to the part to be damped, interacting with the wire in order to retard and then stop the part.

Abstract: An explosive powder charge-operated setting tool for driving fastening elements in a constructional component includes a propellant-driven setting mechanism, an ignition element (23) for igniting a propellant (71) received in the propellant receptacle (18) of the setting mechanism, and a transporting device (30) for displacing a propellant magazine in a guide channel (22) and including elements operable by the ignition element (23) for displacing the transporting device from a first position in which the transportation of propellants is prevented, into a second position in which at least partial transportation of the propellants is possible.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a restraint for restraining a first control surface in a stowed configuration and a severing mechanism for parting the restraint to allow the first control surface to move into an operational configuration. A vehicle includes a body, a first control surface rotatably mounted to the body, and a restraint attached to the first control surface for restraining the first control surface in a stowed configuration. The vehicle further includes a severing mechanism for parting the restraint to allow the first control surface to move into an operational configuration. A method includes attaching a restraint to the control surface to restrain the control surface in a stowed configuration and cutting the restraint to allow the control surface to move to an operational configuration.

Abstract: A nail gun includes a body which is provided with an upright slot and a horizontal slot. The upright slot is used to accommodate an explosive array while the horizontal slot is used to disposed a trigger mechanism for discharging nails by the force of the explosive array. The trigger mechanism has a link rod, an actuation rod, a nail firing tube, and a recovery spring. The link rod is triggered by the nail firing tube in motion to bring about the stretching of the recovery spring and the swiveling of the actuation rod such that a retaining hook of the actuation rod is retained in one of a series of retaining slots of the explosive array. The explosive array is forced to move upward by the retaining hook of the actuation rod at such time when the link rod is relieved of the pressure of the nail firing tube.

Abstract: The invention is a low shock detachment device that includes an expandable latch with a plurality of fingers. The anterior surface of each finger has a stud-mating mechanism. A mechanism for repositioning each finger from a closed position to an open position is provided. A stud with a head and a stem is provided. The stem has a finger-mating mechanism sized and shaped to mate to the stud-mating mechanism on each finger. A first housing sized to slideably receive the stud is also provided. A second housing holds the plurality of fingers. The first and second housings have a mechanism that permits attachment to a structure. The first housing is attached to the second housing when the stud-mating mechanism of each finger interlocks with the finger-mating mechanism of the stud. The repositioning of each finger from the closed position to the open position by an explosive charge separates the housings.

Abstract: A device is presented including a first support element, a second support element (110) which is separate from the first support element, a structure placed in tension between the two support elements and a rupture device associated with the structure in tension so as to rupture the structure in tension on demand. The device additionally includes a beam working in compression, inserted between the two support elements in parallel with the structure to be ruptured.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an impact against a target object comprises a driver reciprocally disposed in a housing. The driver includes a hollow tube having a closed end and a nozzle seating the other end. A piston is slidably positioned in the tube. Propellant is disposed between the piston and the closed end of the tube and fluid is disposed between the nozzle and the piston. A rupture disc is provided for sealing the nozzle which is adapted to rupture when the pressure in the tube exceeds a predetermined pressure. A striker is also mounted in the housing so that in a retracted position of the striker a head portion is proximate the driver and a portion of a shaft extends outwardly from the housing. The striker member is movable between the retracted position and an extended position. The propellant is ignited so that combustion gases build pressure in the tube between the piston and the closed end of the tube causing the pressure in the tube to exceed the predetermined pressure for rupturing the disc.

Abstract: A pyrotechnical actuator has a cylindrical housing surrounding a hollow chamber and a piston movably supported in the cylindrical housing. A piston rod is connected to the piston. A detonator is arranged within the hollow chamber and configured to produce a quantity of gas for moving the piston from an initial position in the cylindrical housing into an end position. The piston rod triggers an action when the piston moves into the end position or is positioned in the end position. The cylindrical housing is divided in a longitudinal direction of the cylindrical housing into housing parts. At least one holding element secures the housing parts relative to one another.

Abstract: An explosion-driven setting tool includes a setting mechanism (12) driven by a propellant (23), an ignition unit (18) for igniting the propellant (23), a receptacle (15) for receiving a propellant holder (20), a data communication interface (31) for receiving and transmitting data of the propellant holder (20), and a data processing unit (30) for receiving data transmitted by the data communication interface (31) and connected with a display (50) for displaying the propellant supply level (27) of the propellant (23) in the propellant holder having a housing (21) with an interior space (22) for receiving the propellant (23), and a data storage identification unit (40) in which the propellant supply level (27) is stored for being read-out.

Abstract: The temporary connection of two elements (12, 14) is ensured by U-shaped connecting components (16) held in place by a moving part (18). A pyrotechnic composition (20) is housed between two shoulders (32, 36) situated respectively on the first of the elements (12) and on the moving part. Igniting the pyrotechnic composition (20) causes the moving part (18) to slide over the first element (12). The connecting components (16) are released and the connection between the elements (12, 14) is eliminated without breaking any parts.

Abstract: The temporary connection of two elements (12, 14) is ensured by U-shaped connecting components (16) held in place by a moving part (18). A pyrotechnic composition (20) is housed between two shoulders (32, 36) situated respectively on the first of the elements (12) and on the moving part. Igniting the pyrotechnic composition (20) causes the moving part (18) to slide over the first element (12). The connecting components (16) are released and the connection between the elements (12, 14) is eliminated without breaking any parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge device for a cartridge (1) having two chambers (2, 3) that are arranged concentrically to one another and are closed by pistons (9, 10), the discharge device having a discharge ram (11) having a thread (12), which is axially displaceable by being screwed into an end piece which is arranged at the rear end of the cartridge (1) and has an internal thread (14). In order to allow simple manufacture of the discharge device and to facilitate its handling, the discharge ram (11) has an inner plunger (16) which exerts pressure on the piston (9) of the inner chamber (2) and, arranged concentrically with the inner plunger (16), an outer plunger (17) which exerts pressure on the ring-shaped piston (10) of the outer chamber (3), the outer surface of the outer plunger (17) being provided with the thread (12) which extends over its entire length. Furthermore, the end piece having the internal thread (14) is in the form of a threaded ring (13).

Abstract: Breaching apparatus including a housing constructed of a material that disintegrates upon explosion without significant amounts of fragments being given off, and an explosive element disposed in the housing capable of producing an explosive force sufficient for breaching a structure.

Abstract: A pipe severing tool is arranged to align a plurality of high explosive pellets along a unitizing support structure whereby all explosive pellets are inserted within or extracted from a tubular housing as a singular unit. Electrically initiated exploding wire detonators (EBW) are positioned at opposite ends of the tubular housing for simultaneous detonation by a capacitive firing device. The housing assembly includes a detachable bottom nose that permits the tool to be armed and disarmed without disconnecting the detonation circuitry. Because the tool is not sensitive to stray electrical fields, it may be transported, loaded and unloaded with the EBW detonators in place and connected.

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 (1, 60) comprising a chamber (2, 63) machined in a solid support (3) and containing a pyrotechnic charge (6). Said microactuator (1, 60) is essentially characterised in that the chamber (2, 63) is partly delimited by a deformable membrane (4, 62), such that the gases emitted by combustion of the pyrotechnic charge (6) enable to increase the volume of said chamber (2, 63) by deforming said membrane (4, 62) while maintaining intact the solid walls of the chamber (2, 63).

Abstract: A separating connector assembly system for a two-stage reusable launch vehicle. The system includes a plurality of separating connector assemblies each having a gas pressurizable first chamber within a first stage of the launch vehicle and a second chamber within a second stage of the launch vehicle. The system further includes a bolt and nut assembly including a bolt and a pressure-expandable nut, with the bolt projecting from the second chamber into the first chamber and engaged under atmospheric pressure with the nut which is disposed in the first chamber. Pressurized gas is made available from a single manifold in communication with each first chamber such that pressurized gas is simultaneously delivered to all first chambers for substantially simultaneously expanding all pressure-expandable nuts and releasing all respective bolts from these nuts for subsequent disconnected separation of the two stages.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device forming a mechanism, in particular for use in the space industry, characterised in that it comprises in combination: two structural elements (100, 200) capable of relative displacement, locking means (300) adapted to prevent initially the relative displacement between the two structural elements (100, 200), and means (400) for controlled locking of the locking means (300) designed to prevent initially the release thereof, then when activated, successively, in a first phase, a sliding action in controlled amplitude of the locking means (300), for limited release between the two structural elements (100, 200), then in a second phase, complete release of the locking means (300) and hence of the structural elements (100, 200).

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an impact against a target object comprises a driver reciprocally disposed in a housing. The driver includes a hollow tube having a closed end and a nozzle sealing the other end. A piston is slidably positioned in the tube. Propellant is disposed between the piston and the closed end of the tube and fluid is disposed between the nozzle and the piston. A rupture disc is provided for sealing the nozzle which is adapted to rupture when the pressure in the tube exceeds a predetermined pressure. A striker is also mounted in the housing so that in a retracted position of the striker a head portion is proximate the driver and a portion of a shaft extends outwardly from the housing. The striker member is movable between the retracted position and an extended position. The propellant is ignited so that combustion gases build pressure in the tube between the piston and the closed end of the tube causing the pressure in the tube to exceed the predetermined pressure for rupturing the disc.

Abstract: An actuator connected to receive high pressure gas from a pyrotechnic initiator incorporates a primary piston and a secondary piston mounted for limited movement along cylindrical bores in a housing; the pistons are held in a fixed inactive position and are restrained from movement within the housing by a tension screw connected to the primary piston and the housing. The tension screw incorporates a calibrated reduced diameter section that ruptures at a predetermined applied force to permit the pistons to move within the housing. Gaseous products resulting from initiation are trapped and maintained within the housing by an expandable bellows secured internally of the housing at one end of the bellows and secured at the opposite end of the bellows to the interior of the housing. A calibration/test port extends through the housing into the bore externally of the bellows to permit calibration and testing of the actuator without initiating the pyrotechnic device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic actuator that comprises a housing (1) with a cavity (5) in which a piston (2) is displaceably received. Said piston (2) can be adjusted from an initial position to a terminal position by means of a gas quantity that is produced when an explosive is ignited. Said piston (2) triggers a mechanical action on its path towards the terminal position or once it reaches the terminal position while at least one snap-in element and/or one spring-elastic retaining element (2z, 8) retains the piston in the initial position.

Abstract: A energetic-based piston actuator system imparts a rotational motion in the piston in a manner that increases system efficiency and reliability. A malleable ring mounted about the piston neck obturates upon initiation of the energetic charge, and rifling provided on an interior surface of the actuator barrel causes the ring to rotate, and causes a counter-rotation in the piston. The rotating ring serves as a seal for preventing gas blow-by and the rotating piston is more dynamically stable throughout its travel down the barrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnically releasable mechanical linking device between a first and second mechanical element, said first and second elements likely to be subjected to tensile and/or compressive force along an axis, said device comprising at least one pyrotechnic component and at least one locking means linking the two mechanical elements along at least one axis, said locking means able to be released when the mechanical elements are subjected to tensile and/or compressive forces along said axis and that is held in its locking position by retention means that are released by the pressure of gases generated by igniting the pyrotechnic component, device wherein the retention means comprise a cap integral with a head carrying the pyrotechnic component or else forming a head in itself carrying the pyrotechnic component.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of hot tapping a conduit and inserting a sensor is disclosed wherein the conduit is hot tapped and the sensor inserted in one step. The apparatus includes a first cavity, a propellant disposed in a first end of the first cavity, a plunger, and a second cavity adapted to contain a sensor. The plunger includes a shearing surface and an aperture. The propellant propels the plunger from the first end of the first cavity towards the second end of the first cavity, creating an aperture in the conduit. When the plunger is disposed at the second end of the first cavity, the first and second cavity are in fluid communication with each other and the apertures in the plunger and the conduit are aligned with the second cavity, and the sensor is then automatically propelled through into the conduit by the propellant.

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 temporary connection and pyrotechnic separation device (10) normally connects two elements (12, 14). This device comprises a connecting part (18), of which a bottom portion (38) is fixed to one (12) of the elements. Active portions (40) of the connecting part (18) cover a space (20) in which there is pyrotechnic expansion tube (16). The active portions are deformable and comprise hook-shaped ends (50) that fit into a notch (36) formed in the second element (14), so that normally there is a pressure connection between the two elements. The effect of firing is to deform the active parts and consequently break this pressure connection.

Abstract: A pin pulling device moves a member such as a pin or shaft by a non-pyrotechnic actuation force, such as a spring(s). The actuation member or spring(s) is (are) held in the compressed and loaded position by a release mechanism, such as an explosive bolt coupled to the member through a retainer. When activated by a signal, the release mechanism is severed from the retainer and the member is actuated by the force of the actuation member or compressed springs as the springs expand.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an impact against a target object comprises a driver reciprocally disposed in a housing. The driver includes a hollow tube having a closed end and a nozzle sealing the other end. A piston is slidably positioned in the tube. Propellant is disposed between the piston and the closed end of the tube and fluid is disposed between the nozzle and the piston. A rupture disc is provided for sealing the nozzle which is adapted to rupture when the pressure in the tube exceeds a predetermined pressure. A striker is also mounted in the housing so that in a retracted position of the striker a head portion is proximate the driver and a portion of a shaft extends outwardly from the housing. The striker member is movable between the retracted position and an extended position. The propellant is ignited so that combustion gases build pressure in the tube between the piston and the closed end of the tube causing the pressure in the tube to exceed the predetermined pressure for rupturing the disc.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method for severance of materials made of polycarbonate, polycarbonate laminate and acrylic/polycarbonate laminate, such as the materials from which many of today's military aircraft canopies are manufactured. A method of severing a section of an aircraft canopy so as to allow aircrew egress is necessary for aircrew safety. Past severance methods focused on fracturing materials using the shock waves created by explosive charges placed on, near or in the canopy material. These methods are effective for fracturing canopies manufactured from acrylic type materials, however, they are not reliable in severing polycarbonate type materials.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of devices for connecting and separating objects such as microsatellites with respect to a structure. More specifically, the invention relates to a separation device (1) intended to release a screw (8) which holds two subassemblies of a structure together, this release taking place through the movement of a release ring (5) by virtue of the gases produced by a gas generator (3). The main feature of the separation device (1) according to the invention is that a damping device, achieved by pressurizing a space (19) with the gases emitted by the generator (3), is created in order to decelerate then halt the release ring (5) before it can produce a mechanical shock at the end of its travel.

Abstract: A method for severance of materials made of polycarbonate, polycarbonate laminate and acrylic/polycarbonate laminate utilizes a linear shaped explosive charge placed at a predetermined distance or stand off from the polycarbonate material to be severed. The coreload of the charge is determined such that the minimum coreload necessary to effect severance of a given thickness of polycarbonate material is utilized. A retainer is placed around the charge and affixed to the material such that the charge is at the proper stand off from the material. The retainer surrounds the back side of the charges but leaves open space between the charge and the material to be severed. Upon detonation, the charge creates an explosive cutting force, or jet blast, that severs the polycarbonate material. Also, provided are methods for intersecting explosive charges about a pattern to be severed and methods for transferring detonation between such intersecting explosive charges.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an impact against a target object comprises a driver reciprocally disposed in a housing. The driver includes a hollow tube having a closed end and a nozzle sealing the other end. A piston is slidably positioned in the tube. Propellant is disposed between the piston and the closed end of the tube and fluid is disposed between the nozzle and the piston. A rupture disc is provided for sealing the nozzle which is adapted to rupture when the pressure in the tube exceeds a predetermined pressure. A striker is also mounted in the housing so that in a retracted position of the striker a head portion is proximate the driver and a portion of a shaft extends outwardly from the housing. The striker member is movable between the retracted position and an extended position. The propellant is ignited so that combustion gases build pressure in the tube between the piston and the closed end of the tube causing the pressure in the tube to exceed the predetermined pressure for rupturing the disc.

Abstract: A energetic-based piston actuator system imparts a rotational motion in the piston in a manner that increases system efficiency and reliability. A malleable ring mounted about the piston neck obturates upon initiation of the energetic charge, and rifling provided on an interior surface of the actuator barrel causes the ring to rotate, and causes a counter-rotation in the piston. The rotating ring serves as a seal for preventing gas blow-by and the rotating piston is more dynamically stable throughout its travel down the barrel.

Abstract: An explosive powder charge-operated setting tool having a drive piston (4) for driving a pin-shaped nail (5) in a constructional component in a single drive-in step, and a control circuit (I) for controlling a setting depth (T) and including control electronics (7), a set point generator (8) for setting the setting depth (T), a position-determining sensor (9) for determining a position of a lower dead point (uTP) of movement of the drive piston (4), and a regulator (10) for an automatic adjustment of a motion energy of the drive piston; and a method of controlling the setting depth (T).

Abstract: A tool for dislodging lubrication-blocking debris from machinery elements. A housing includes a forward internal chamber. An adapter receives an explosive charge element and completes the chamber. The adapter includes an exteriorly-threaded portion for affixation of the tool to a lubrication access hole. A firing mechanism is positioned and spring loaded at a rear chamber of the housing. In use, the tool is inserted in place of a grease nipple and the explosive charge element detonated, for example, by striking the exposed end of the firing mechanism with as a hammer. A pulse of pressurized gases is thereby generated to clear the blocked lubrication passage.

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 cartridge magazine for explosive powder charge-operated setting tools including a charge-receiving member (2, 12, 22) having a plurality of spaced from each other, charge-receiving chambers (3, 13, 23) for receiving propellant charges (6, 16, 26), respectively, and a bottom (1, 11, 21) for closing the charge-receiving chambers (3, 13, 23) and formed of a heat-releasing, fusible and current-conducting foil.

Abstract: A contamination-free pyrovalve having first tubing section and a second tubing section. The first and second tubing sections are disposed in spaced-apart relation such that a conveying path between the first and second tubing section is established. An opening is disposed between the first and second tubing sections. A valve body is fixedly attached to the first and second tubing sections. The valve body has a bore. A ram is disposed inside the bore of the valve body. A slug is disposed in the opening between the first tubing section and the second tubing section. The slug is held in position by a frictional fit. A combustion chamber is disposed in operative relation to the ram such that when an explosive material is ignited the pressure inside the chamber causes the ram to move through the bore to strike the slug and to displace it from the opening between the first and second tubing sections such that the valve is opened.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an impact against a target object comprises a driver reciprocally disposed in a housing. The driver includes a hollow tube having a closed end and a nozzle sealing the other end. A piston is slidably positioned in the tube. Propellant is disposed between the piston and the closed end of the tube and fluid is disposed between the nozzle and the piston. A rupture disc is provided for sealing the nozzle which is adapted to rupture when the pressure in the tube exceeds a predetermined pressure. A striker is also mounted in the housing so that in a retracted position of the striker a head portion is proximate the driver and a portion of a shaft extends outwardly from the housing. The striker member is movable between the retracted position and an extended position. The propellant is ignited so that combustion gases build pressure in the tube between the piston and the closed end of the tube causing the pressure in the tube to exceed the predetermined pressure for rupturing the disc.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) has an opening (14) for ingress to and egress from a passenger compartment (12) in the vehicle. A door (16) has a closed position blocking the opening (14) and an open position enabling ingress and egress through the opening. A structure (22, 60) assists in maintaining the door (16) in the closed position. An actuatable device (30, 74), when actuated, renders the structure unable to assist in maintaining the door in the closed position.

Abstract: A joint band assembly secures payload and drive sections of a torpedo together and subsequently separates them while the torpedo is making a run. A pair of essentially semicircular bands is arranged in a ring shape have radially inwardly extending lip portions that compressively engage circumferential rims radially outwardly extending from a separation section having first and second parts connected to the payload and drive sections. Adjacent ends of the semicircular bands are coupled together by electro-explosive devices (EEDs) that each has a tubular body portion containing an explosive charge adjacent an annular segment of the tubular body portion. The annular segment has reduced thickness as compared to thickness of the tubular body portion to assure its rupture and separation of the body portion and the interconnected bands.

Abstract: A combustion activated tool includes a housing having a longitudinal bore that extends and connects with a vertical bore, a piston and piston guide disposed within the longitudinal bore and moveable axially therein, and an advance lever having a reset end and an advancing end, the lever disposed on a pivot skew to the axis of the longitudinal bore, the lever having an axis essentially parallel with the longitudinal bore, the advancing end of the lever attached on an arm of the lever angled to one side of the axis of the longitudinal bore and effective to engage teeth on the side of a strip of charges disposed in the vertical bore, the reset end of the lever being disposed on the same side of the axis of the longitudinal bore engaging the piston guide along an edge of the lever.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held forcible entry device is provided for opening locked or barricaded doors in emergency situations. The device comprises a firearm secured to a hollow cylindrical housing. A piston is positioned in a chamber in the housing and drives a striker. An interchangeable tool bit is mounted to the striker. When the firearm is fired, the percussive force causes the piston to move forward in the interior chamber toward the striker. The piston strikes the base of the striker causing the tool bit mounted on the striker to forcibly move forward into a target object, such as a locked or barricaded door. Compression springs are positioned in the chamber to return the piston to the firing position. The device is particularly suitable for use by law enforcement and emergency personnel for forcing locked doors open and for freeing victims trapped in automobile accidents.