Patent ID: 7380501
Filing Date: 2008-06-03
Classification: F41A,F42C,H01R

Abstract:
1. An electro-thermal chemical igniter for an ammunition round, said ammunition round including a cartridge case presenting a longitudinal axis, the igniter comprising: a base portion adapted to be operably coupled with the cartridge case; a plasma containment portion disposed within said base portion and adapted to be positionable transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge case, said plasma containment portion defining a plasma channel having a wire disposed therein, the wire electrically connecting a pair of primary electrodes and at least one secondary electrode, the primary electrodes disposed at opposing ends of the wire, the primary electrodes separated by a distance X an electrical connector portion in the base portion, the electrical connector portion including a supply conductor connected with a first primary electrode, a return conductor connected with a second primary electrode, and an insulator portion arranged so as to electrically isolate the supply and return conductors from the base portion, and a vent cover, said vent cover disposed over the plasma containment portion, the vent cover having a plurality of generally axially directed vent apertures formed therein, said vent apertures extending between said plasma channel and said chemical propellant.