An inflator-based system provides for the actuation of valves and other devices using automotive air bag inflators, for example. One or more inflators can be connected to a valve body with an adapter such that upon inflator activation, inflator gases can act on a piston or similar device to achieve desired movement or operation of the valve or device. An inflator-based actuator can provide for a single action or multiple actions of a valve or other device. Such a system can provide safer and more reliable alternatives to electro-explosive ordnance devices found in pyrovalves, for example. Other uses for an inflator-based actuation system can include a lanyard pull initiator, a dual cartridge cutter, a bolt cutter, a hot gas generator (HGG) body, and a HGG pressure cartridge, to name a few examples.

A system includes a payload ejector configured to contact a payload carried by a flight vehicle and to push the payload away from the flight vehicle. The payload ejector includes a piston configured to extend from the payload ejector and a shock attenuator coupled to the piston, where the shock attenuator is configured to push the payload away from the flight vehicle. The shock attenuator includes a shock attenuator housing and a plunger that is movable within the shock attenuator housing and that extends from the shock attenuator housing. The plunger is configured to be pushed at least partially into the shock attenuator housing in order to damp a shock pulse applied to the payload. The shock attenuator housing may have an interior space, and the shock attenuator may further include a spring, compliant material, or fluid within the interior space.

A system includes a payload ejector configured to contact a payload carried by a flight vehicle and to push the payload away from the flight vehicle. The payload ejector includes a piston configured to extend from the payload ejector and a shock attenuator coupled to the piston, where the shock attenuator is configured to push the payload away from the flight vehicle. The shock attenuator includes a shock attenuator housing and a plunger that is movable within the shock attenuator housing and that extends from the shock attenuator housing. The plunger is configured to be pushed at least partially into the shock attenuator housing in order to damp a shock pulse applied to the payload. The shock attenuator housing may have an interior space, and the shock attenuator may further include a spring, compliant material, or fluid within the interior space.

The present invention comprises an apparatus and a method providing a much safer alternative employing a highly confined combustion reaction of a flammable vapor, whereas dynamite is a category 1.1 high explosive imbued with all the attendant safety and security concerns. The method of the present invention provides for an improved and safer method of blasting employing a highly confined combustion reaction of a flammable vapor instead of conventional explosives currently used.

A downhole explosive detonation assembly with a high voltage electro-explosive initiator having an input high voltage power supply with a low impedance shunting fuse, a flexible electrical link and a capacitor discharge unit. The explosive detonation assembly is adapted to detonate detonating cord from the side.

An integrally bladed rotor (IBR) for a gas turbine engine and method is provided. The IBR is configured for use in blade off testing and includes a hub, a plurality of rotor blades, a central passage, and first and second lateral cavities. The hub has forward and aft ends and a circumferentially extending exterior surface. The central passage is disposed in the hub radially below a test rotor blade, extending along a path between an inlet at or forward of the test blade leading edge and an outlet at or aft of the test blade trailing edge. The first and second lateral cavities are disposed in the hub, extending generally parallel to the central passage path, on opposite circumferential sides. The first lateral cavity is disposed a distance (MSD1) from the central passage and the second lateral cavity is disposed a distance (MSD2) from the central passage.

A method and apparatus for igniting a power charge in downhole wellbore using an ignition propellant mixed with a main propellant.

A method and apparatus for igniting a power charge in downhole wellbore using an ignition propellant mixed with a main propellant.

A wellbore select fire switch retaining member system and method with an integrated through wire and ground wire in a switch sub. The system/method includes a retaining member that has a form factor acceptable by a conventional switch sub. The retaining member incorporates an electrical connection to the center pin of a pressure switch. The system further includes a secondary piston aligned with a piston in the switch (switch piston) so that external pressure is fully acted upon the entire switch piston creating a reliable switch connection. Another system includes an integrated retaining member and switch module having a form factor compatible with existing switch subs. The integrated module inputs include a ground wire and a through wire and the outputs include a ground wire, through wire and an arming wire.

A wellbore select fire switch retaining member system and method with an integrated through wire and ground wire in a switch sub. The system/method includes a retaining member that has a form factor acceptable by a conventional switch sub. The retaining member incorporates an electrical connection to the center pin of a pressure switch. The system further includes a secondary piston aligned with a piston in the switch (switch piston) so that external pressure is fully acted upon the entire switch piston creating a reliable switch connection. Another system includes an integrated retaining member and switch module having a form factor compatible with existing switch subs. The integrated module inputs include a ground wire and a through wire and the outputs include a ground wire, through wire and an arming wire.