Abstract: A system of protection by modeling and/or immobilization comprises at least one flexible and leakproof envelope, a plurality of resilient and deformable balls therein, and means for establishing a vacuum inside the envelope. Two elastic skins joined in leak-proof fashion by their peripheries constitute the envelope, inside which vacuum is created by a vacuum-generating unit including a gas generator. This system can be used in particular for transporting the wounded, or as a seat, the latter being constituted by one or more envelopes.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic gas generator for inflating safety cushions in vehicles, including a device for regulating the operating pressure and/or limiting the maximum gas pressure in the generator, comprises a combustion chamber defined in a cup-shaped member having its open end releasably held against a casing part and movable away from the casing part, by the gas pressure in the combustion chamber, to open up an injection orifice of variable through flow area which connects the combustion chamber with a cooling chamber containing solid coolant.

Abstract: A device for winding up a vehicle seat belt in the event of a vehicle impact comprises a hollow winding drum rotatably mounted in a casing coaxially surrounding a threaded central axle which is rotationally fast with the casing. An annular piston inserted between the drum and axle is axially movable by the pressure generated by combustion gases issuing from a pyrotechnic charge detonated by a signal from an impact detector, to rotate the drum and wind up the belt, the piston being keyed for rotation with the drum and for helical movement relative to the axle. Under normal conditions the drum is free to rotate to wind up and unwind the belt, but a mechanism is automatically actuated upon impact to prevent or oppose rotation of the drum in an unwinding direction.

Abstract: A process for the rapid production of a substantial volume of non-toxic gas at a moderate temperature, comprises:A. effecting combustion of a pyrotechnic charge consisting of a composite solid propellant having a high content of inorganic oxidant, in excess of 80 percent and a low content of a carbonaceous, non-nitrogenous binder, not in excess of 17 percent in a combustion chamber to produce a substantial volume of combustion gases at an elevated temperatureB. a first cooling phase in which the hot combustion gases are diluted with oxygen obtained by the thermal decomposition of an oxygen-containing inorganic compound which has a low thermal stability and liberates, in gaseous form, only oxygen, whereby the combustion gases are cooled to a temperature of from 225.degree. to 700.degree.C, andC. a second cooling phase in which the gas mixture from the first cooling phase is cooled by contact with cooling means to the temperature of utilization.

Abstract: A gas generator for generating a large volume of gases at moderate temperature in an extremely short time comprises a central combustion chamber containing a solid pyrotechnic charge and an ignition device therefor. The combustion chamber is laterally surrounded by a cooling chamber with which it communicates by means of apertures. In the cooling chamber combustion gases formed on ignition of the pyrotechnic charge are cooled by contact with at least one solid coolant material. The cooled combustion gases are discharged from the generator through apertures in the side wall of the generator which are disposed symmetrically with respect to the axis of the generator, so that when the combustion gases leave the generator they exert substantially no propulsive force on the generator.