Abstract: A technique is provided for making a granulated propellant suitable for gas generation for an automobile passenger restraint bag. The propellant is about 1/4 anhydrous nickel formate and 3/4 potassium chlorate. The dry powders are blended and mixed with about 12 to 15% of liquid comprising water and up to 50% methanol. The blended mixture is granulated and dehydrated.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic powder composition comprising a mixture of an oxidizer compound containing oxygen and a metal selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, lithium, barium, magnesium and calcium, and an oxygen bearing metal organic compound is used for inflating a passenger restraint bag for an automobile. The compounds are selected so that a stoichiometric reaction between the oxidizer and the oxygen bearing metal organic compound yields carbon dioxide and water vapor and at least a binary mixture of metal salts having a melting point substantially below the melting point of any of the resultant metal salts alone, and having net heat of reaction less than about 1,000 calories per gram of pyrotechnic composition. One preferred composition comprises about 35% sodium formate and 65% potassium chlorate, for example.

Abstract: Separate subassemblies of a gas generator charged with a combustible propellant and an inflatable fabric bag for restraining an automobile driver are provided. The pre-folded bag is assembled to the gas generator in the final stages of assembly to minimize safety hazards in the bag folding operation. Means are provided for connecting the subassemblies and mounting them in a steering wheel.

Abstract: A hybrid system is described for inflating an automobile passenger restraint bag. Part of the gas for inflating the bag is stored in a high pressure gas reservoir. Another portion is generated by combustion of a pyrotechnic mixture. In a preferred embodiment the gas storage cylinder and pyrotechnic generator are coaxial with an axial gas flow passage through the pyrotechnic generator for collecting and conveying gas. A frangible diaphragm separates the pyrotechnic gas generator from the high pressure gas storage vessel. The gas generator has four compartments surrounding the gas flow passage, each containing a pyrotechnic gas generator grain. Combustion gas flows from one of these compartments through another and thence to the axial gas passage. In each embodiment the two inflation gas sources are in series with the inflatable bag rather than in parallel with each other.