Patent ID: 8430031

Claim:
A two stage ignition train mechanism for use with parachute suspended illumination flares comprising: a housing positioned in the aft end of a parachute suspended illumination flare the housing having an ignition canister containing ignition pellets for igniting the illumination flare and a firing mechanism for igniting the ignition pellets, wherein the firing mechanism is affixed to said housing at a pivot point and rotatable about said pivot point between an unarmed position out of line with said canister to a firing position in-line with said canister; said mechanism comprising a mechanism housing, a firing pin, a spring and a primer cup, said primer cup attached to a movable end of said mechanism housing opposite said pivot point, said firing pin slideably disposed within said mechanism housing having a striking tip adjacent to and axially aligned with said primer cup, said spring intermediate to said firing pin and said pivot point and in contact with said firing pin; a shear pin attached to said firing mechanism housing adjacent said unarmed position, said shear pin extending through a shear pin fitting affixed to said mechanism housing thereby locking said firing mechanism in the unarmed position; a lanyard cable having a first end affixed to said mechanism housing and a second end affixed to a riser of a parachute to be ejected from said flare, whereby when said parachute is ejected from said flare, said shear pin breaks allowing rotational movement of said firing mechanism and said lanyard cable pulls said mechanism towards said firing position; and a means for arming and releasing the firing pin as the mechanism is rotated about the pivot point from the unarmed position to firing position thereby causing the firing pin to strike the primer, igniting the ignition pellets and the illumination flare.