PYROTECHNIC TRAIN

Abstract

A micro pyrotechnic train is formed from a reactive laminate comprised by a plurality of thin films of an electron acceptor material (9) and an electron donor material (10) alternately layered upon a substrate layer by vacuum deposition. The thus deposited films are then removed from selected areas by etching, using standard printed circuit board techniques, to leave a desired network of reaction progression paths (2). The thickness of the films is of substantially molecular order to maximize molecular intermingling between them, and the number of films is selected to ensure a reliable burning characteristic. Ignition of the conjoint films at any selected location initiates a self-sustaining exothermic reaction which progresses laterally along the film interfaces. In further aspects the reactive laminate is applicable as an infra-red emitting coating and as a flash transmitter. It is also applicable as a bridge igniter, the laminate being employed as an electrode bridge in place of a conventional exploding bridge wire.

Source: Google Patents

35 USC §181 Secrecy Order

Inventor

• 1FREDERICK G. ALLFORD