For Gas-powered Tools Or Means Patents (Class 102/531)
  • Patent number: 11719078
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detonating a power charge in downhole wellbore using a heating element embedded within the energetic material of the power charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Hunting Titan, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura Montoya Ashton, Richard Wayne Bradley, Christopher Brian Sokolove, Isaiah Acevedo, Johnny Covalt
  • Patent number: 11448045
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detonating a power charge in downhole wellbore using a heating element embedded within the energetic material of the power charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Hunting Titan, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura Montoya Ashton, Richard Wayne Bradley, Christopher Brian Sokolove, Isaiah Acevedo, Johnny Covalt
  • Patent number: 11351955
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of folding an airbag (10), especially an airbag (10) to be arranged beneath a vehicle roof (50), comprising an injection orifice (11), a guiding portion (13) arranged adjacent thereto in the longitudinal direction and an inflating portion (12) arranged adjacent to the guiding portion (13) in the longitudinal direction, the method including flatly spreading the airbag (10); laterally folding, especially zigzag folding, at least in portions at least one side part (30; 30?) of the airbag (10) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the airbag (10); furling the inflating portion (12) at least in portions starting from a trailing edge (26) of the airbag (10) that is maximally spaced from the injection orifice (11) in a first furling direction (AR) in the direction to the injection orifice (11); and forming the guiding portion (13) by laying at least one folding including a first folding bend (14) against the first furling direction (AR) so that the deployment behavior of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignees: DALPHI METAL ESPANA S.A., TRW AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Peyre, Ramon Ramos
  • Patent number: 11247634
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid inflator especially for a vehicle safety system, comprising an igniter (10), a combustion chamber (16) including a propellant charge (18) which is separated from the igniter (10) by a first bursting element (14) held by a bursting element holder (13), and comprising a compressed gas tank (20) filled with compressed gas and having at feast one discharge opening, the discharge opening being closed by a second bursting element (24) and the compressed gas tank (20) being fluid-communicated with the combustion chamber (16) so that the compressed gas surrounds the propellant charge (18). The invention excels by the fact that the bursting element holder (13) at least in portions delimits an ignition chamber (30) containing a booster charge (15), wherein a shock wave (SW) for opening the second bursting element (24) can be formed only when both the igniter (10) and the booster charge (15) have been ignited and, respectively, activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: TRW AIRBAG SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Sebastian Bierwirth
  • Patent number: 11091117
    Abstract: An airbag inflator is provided, including an inflator module, an exhaust hood, a filter element, exhaust holes, and a flow-guiding loop. The exhaust hood corresponds to one end of the inflator module to form an accommodating space in a concave shape, and the exhaust hood is set on the inflator module by the accommodating space. The filter element is disposed on the sidewall of the exhaust hood and covers the exhaust holes. The exhaust holes are disposed on the sidewall of the exhaust hood and are adjacent to the exhaust hood opposite to one end of the inflator module. One side of the flow-guiding loop is attached to the exhaust hood corresponding to one side of the inflator module, and the other side of the flow-guiding loop extending to the inflator module to form an annular convex rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Mosa Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Teh-Hsin Wang, Long-Ming Tsai, Chia-Jung Lin, Han-Le Wang, Yun-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 11084453
    Abstract: The invention describes an igniter support (22) for an igniter unit (20) of a gas generator (10), comprising a first holder element (30) made from a first material and a second holder element (32) made from a second material different from the first material. The two holder elements (30, 32) can be positively coupled to each other, especially can be at least partially positively nested. Further, a subassembly (16), a gas generator (10) as well as a method for manufacturing a gas generator (10) are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: TRW AIRBAG SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Bernd Weber
  • Patent number: 11084454
    Abstract: The invention describes an igniter support (22) for an igniter unit (20) of a gas generator (10), comprising a first holder element (30) made from a first material and a second holder element (32) made from a second material different from the first material. Both holder elements (30, 32) can be positively coupled to each other. Further, a subassembly (16), a gas generator (10) and a method for manufacturing a gas generator (10) are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: TRW AIRBAG SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Knollhuber, Anja Esau, Koller Desiree
  • Patent number: 11040229
    Abstract: A panel (10) for use as a fire suppressing system which comprises a substrate (12) and an exothermic gas producing charge (14) wherein the exothermic gas producing charge (14) is integral with the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Acell Industries Limited
    Inventors: Albertelli Aldino, Michael Frieh
  • Patent number: 10982625
    Abstract: A solid propellant rocket motor may comprise a core-burning propellant grain extending along a longitudinal axis of the solid propellant rocket motor between an exhaust end of the solid propellant rocket motor and a forward end of the solid propellant rocket motor, a first burn inhibitor layer surrounding the core-burning propellant grain, an end-burning propellant grain surrounding the first burn inhibitor layer, a second burn inhibitor layer surrounding the end-burning propellant grain, and an aperture at least partially defined by the first burn inhibitor layer. The end-burning propellant grain is ignited by the core-burning propellant grain via the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Parinas, Brian Wilson
  • Patent number: 10981535
    Abstract: Provided is a gas generator including a housing including a top plate, a bottom plate, and a peripheral wall, the bottom plate being axially opposite the top plate, and the peripheral wall including a gas discharge port and being located between the top plate and the bottom plate. In the gas generator, an internal space of the housing is separated into a first combustion chamber and a second combustion chamber by a partition wall axially and radially partitioning the internal space of the housing, the first combustion chamber being formed to accommodate a first gas generating agent and being on the top plate side, and the second combustion chamber being formed to accommodate a second gas generating agent and being on the bottom plate side. A first igniter and a second igniter are disposed at the bottom plate, the first igniter being configured to burn the first gas generating agent, and the second igniter being configured to burn the second gas generating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Yamamoto, Mikio Yabuta
  • Patent number: 10953843
    Abstract: A gas generator includes, an ignition device chamber arranged on a first end of a housing, a diffuser including a gas discharge port and closing a second end of the housing, a gas containing chamber disposed between the diffuser and the ignition device chamber, a first rupturable plate closing the ignition device chamber from the gas containing chamber, and a second rupturable plate closing the gas containing chamber from the diffuser, and a cup-shaped deflector disposed on a side of the second rupturable plate. The cup-shaped deflector includes a gas passage in a peripheral surface and a fragile section on at least one of a bottom surface and the peripheral surface, and is disposed with the bottom surface located on a side of the first rupturable plate, with an opening covering the second rupturable plate, and defines a gap between the peripheral surface and an inner surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichiro Ukita, Tomoharu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10953842
    Abstract: A gas generator includes an elongated cylindrical housing, an accommodation chamber defining member arranged in the housing, a gas generating agent, and an autoignition agent. The accommodation chamber defining member includes a cylindrical portion which extends in a direction in parallel to an axial direction of the housing and accommodates the gas generating agent therein. A heat insulating layer is located between the housing and the cylindrical portion. The autoignition agent is arranged in a portion inside the housing in the axial direction of the housing where no heat insulating layer is provided, as being in contact with the housing with a member made of a metal being interposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: NIPPON KAYAKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro Imai, Genya Iizuka, Akinori Matsumoto, Masaki Hiraoka, Syouichi Ashida
  • Patent number: 10731062
    Abstract: Provided is a gas-generating material which exhibits a high adhesive property to a member to be adhered and which makes it possible to generate a gas in a large amount per unit time even when the gas-generating material contains a silane coupling agent. The gas-generating material according to the present invention contains: a binder resin; a gas-generating agent which is an azo compound or an azide compound; and a silane coupling agent having an amino group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeru Nomura, Yoshinori Akagi, Shuichiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 10442389
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator including a housing having a circumferential wall provided with gas discharge ports, a cylindrical filter being disposed inside the housing an ignition device chamber being formed inside a cup-shaped ignition device chamber housing fitted to the cylindrical wall of the bottom plate of the housing, and accommodating an ignition device, a combustion chamber being located between the cylindrical filter and the ignition device chamber housing and being charged with a gas generating agent, the ignition device chamber housing having a flange at an opening thereof and being fitted to the cylindrical wall such that the flange is abutted against the bottom plate, an annular retainer being disposed between the cylindrical filter and the ignition device chamber housing and having an annular base portion and an annular wall extending from an outer circumferential edge of the annular base portion toward the top plate, and the annular wall being abutted against an inner circum
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshihiro Izuma
  • Patent number: 10308211
    Abstract: A support structure of a closing member for a gas generator including a cylindrical housing accommodating an ignition device and an inflating gas source chamber is provided. The support structure includes a combination of a closing member closing a gas discharge path and a support member supporting the closing member and is arranged inside the cylindrical housing. The support member includes a base and a convex first support part extending in one direction from a center portion of the base, and a gas passage hole in at least one of the base and the convex first support part. The closing member, having a plate shape with first and second surfaces, is supported from one surface by a distal end surface of the convex first support part abutting against a center portion of the first or second surfaces, and has an annular surface not abutted by the convex first support part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoharu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10281248
    Abstract: A gas generator includes a housing sized and configured to be located within a launch tube for a projectile. The housing defines a first propellant chamber; at least a second propellant chamber comprising a ring situated concentrically around the first propellant chamber; an expansion chamber; at least one first aperture between the first propellant chamber and the expansion chamber; and at least one second aperture between the at least a second propellant chamber and the expansion chamber. The gas generator also includes at least one propellant within each of the first propellant chamber and the at least a second propellant chamber of the housing; and a pyrotechnic delay connecting the first propellant chamber and the second propellant chamber. A launch tube assembly includes a tube containing at least one projectile and a gas generator. Related methods of launching a projectile are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Dunaway
  • Patent number: 10179561
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator (10) for a vehicle occupant safety system comprising an outer casing (20) and a filter structure (30) for purifying and/or cooling gas released inside the outer casing (20), wherein the filter structure (30) is integrated in the outer casing (20). The invention further relates to an airbag module and a vehicle occupant safety system comprising said gas generator as well as to a manufacturing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Jung, Achim Hoffmann, Michael Gabler, Andreas Tischer
  • Patent number: 10118583
    Abstract: A gas generator includes at least two functional subassemblies and at least two retention parts. The functional subassemblies each have an axis defining an axial direction and at least one outer dimension in a plane normal to the axial direction. The retention parts are each radially crimped for retaining one of the at least two functional subassemblies on the gas generator. The at least two retention parts are formed on the same part of the gas generator and the at least two functional subassemblies are positioned on the gas generator with a center distance of axes less than or equal to 1.5 times this outer dimension and that each retention part is radially crimped over at least 90% of its periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Mikael Hansson, Soren Svensson, Tobias Wangroth
  • Patent number: 10099968
    Abstract: A combustible solid propellant composition is disclosed that includes an oxidizer of the reaction product under vacuum of potassium periodate and isocyanate, a polymer binder, a plasticizer, and a fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Karl G. Reimer, Jean C. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 10086912
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device useful for transporting and/or handling equipment in an underwater environment for performing work, the device comprising at least the following components: a floating hydraulic unit (1) comprising a first enclosure (1a), preferably with a cylindrical wall, containing an electrical pump unit (6), a battery (8) suitable for electrically powering the pump unit, and a fluid tank (7), preferably containing oil, said first enclosure (1a) being suitable for being made submersible by first ballast (16); at least one hydraulic tool (3) connected or suitable for being connected to at least one hydraulic coupling (11, 12) of said hydraulic unit via at least one flexible hose (30); at least one independent float (4), preferably having a cylindrical wall, connected or suitable for being connected to said hydraulic tool (3) via a sling (5) of adjustable length, said float (4) being suitable for being made submersible by second ballast (43); and a wired remote control (2) for swit
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: LIBERVIT
    Inventor: Yvan Cardona
  • Patent number: 10065595
    Abstract: Vehicular airbag system for a driver includes a steering column, a steering wheel assembly rotatably mounted to the steering column and including a core, and a plurality of airbags arranged in the core and configured to inflate outward from the core. The airbags are nested such that each airbag is configured to inflate within or over at least one other airbag. Activatable inflator systems are configured to inflate a respective airbag at a different speed of inflation. A control system is coupled to the inflator systems and controls activation of the inflator systems and thus inflation of the airbags. The inflator systems are configured such that one of the inflator systems configured to inflate an innermost airbag has a highest speed of inflation of the inflator systems and one of the inflator systems configured to inflate an outermost airbag has a lowest speed of inflation of the inflator system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Cyclazoom LLC
    Inventor: Michael Kipnis
  • Patent number: 10060452
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic actuator mechanism comprises a cover member which includes a first wall member which is opposed to a release portion of an ignition unit, and a second wall member which is connected thereto and which has a free end portion embedded in a fixing member. When an ignition charge contained in the ignition unit is combusted, then the cover member is moved in the propulsion direction so that a predetermined closed space is expanded in the propulsion direction of a piston, and the movement of the cover member is regulated so that a state, in which the free end portion of the second wall member is embedded in the fixing member, is maintained at a maximum propulsion position of the cover member. Accordingly, the residue, which is produced by the combustion of the ignition charge, is preferably suppressed from being discharged or emitted to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryohei Yamada, Takaya Masumoto
  • Patent number: 10036618
    Abstract: An igniter includes a first ignition charge, a first member which has a predetermined inner surface and a second member. The second member is arranged in a state of being inserted into the first member and which has a predetermined outer surface opposed to the predetermined inner surface in an arrangement state, for forming a predetermined space to arrange the first ignition charge between the predetermined inner surface and the predetermined outer surface. When the second member is rotated with respect to the first member, then the first ignition charge is ignited in the predetermined space by means of a predetermined pressure including a shear force generated between the predetermined outer surface and the predetermined inner surface in accordance with the rotation, and a combustion product of the first ignition charge is released from an opening of the predetermined space. Accordingly, preferable ignition of the ignition charge is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryohei Yamada, Takaya Masumoto
  • Patent number: 9943049
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a vision-based pollination system. The vision-based pollination system includes a mobile support apparatus configured to traverse a crop field. The mobile support apparatus supports a pollination liquid storage tank fluidly coupled to a plurality of pollen applicators. The apparatus includes pollination nodes including a vision system and a camera. Each pollination node is coupled to and controls a portion of the pollen applicators. In operation, the mobile support apparatus traverses the crop field, each pollination node repeatedly taking photographs of a portion of the crop field, identifying locations for delivering the pollination liquid, and determining when to operate the pollen applicators to deliver the pollination liquid to the identified locations as the vision-based pollination system traverses the crop field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Dina Safreno
  • Patent number: 9896058
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator including, an ignition device chamber, a gas inflow chamber, and a pressurized gas chamber being arranged from a first end fixed with an ignition device to a second end opposite thereto in a cylindrical housing, an inner circumferential wall surface of the cylindrical housing, from the ignition device chamber to the gas inflow chamber, having a first movement restricting portion, a second movement restricting portion and a stopping portion which are arranged in an axial direction at intervals in the above order so as to protrude, the second movement restricting portion having an ignition device chamber-side surface which is an inclined surface decreasing an inner diameter of the housing from the side of the ignition device chamber to the side of the gas inflow chamber and a gas inflow chamber-side surface whose angle (?1) with respect to the cylindrical housing is not more than 90 degrees, so that an axial cross-sectional shape of the second movement restricting
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoharu Kobayashi, Teppei Hanano
  • Patent number: 9878725
    Abstract: An enclosure for containing cylinders includes an upper surface, a lower surface, opposing side walls spanning the upper and lower surfaces, and an end surface spanning the upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface, lower surface, side walls, and end surface defining an enclosed space. A plurality of inner walls divides the enclosed space to define bays. A removable door panel is opposite the end surface and includes dividers defining portions of the door panel corresponding to the bays. The enclosure includes a plurality of first contact pads, a plurality of first mounting plates, a plurality of second contact pads, and a plurality of second mounting plates. At least one first contact pad and at least one second contact pad is positioned in a corner of each bay and each portion, respectively, at an angle that is neither parallel or perpendicular to either the side walls or the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: RAIL GAS TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventor: David Cook
  • Patent number: 9873403
    Abstract: An airbag inflator (10) has an inflator housing (20) with an internal chamber (11); a pyrotechnic gas generant (8) stored in the internal chamber inside the housing (20) for generating inflation gases upon ignition; a strainer (50) with openings through which the inflation gases pass prior to inflating the airbag; a primary nozzle wall (40) positioned between the strainer and the gas generator; a plenum chamber (12) between the primary nozzle wall (40) and the strainer (50). The primary nozzle wall (40) has a plurality of nozzles (40a, 40b) with nozzle openings (42, 44) oriented radially about the wall which directs gas flow tangentially spiraling laterally onto the strainer while preventing the inflation gas from flowing radially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Byron Spencer
  • Patent number: 9840224
    Abstract: An inflator for a protective device in a vehicle includes a diffuser (10) forming a substantially rotation-symmetric external housing of the locator with a closing member (12), wherein the diffuser (10) includes a plurality of discharge orifices (78) arranged in a row, and which are of circular shape. The inflator also includes a circumferential wall (16, 22) which surrounds a combustion chamber (44) and a filter (46) which extends at least partially along the wall (16, 22), wherein the wall (16, 22) has at least one supporting portion (124) which constitutes an axial support for the filter (46) and is integrally formed with the wall (16, 22), and wherein either plural supporting portions (124) are formed by embossed beads, the heads being spaced apart from each other in circumferential direction, and wherein a supporting portion (124) is formed by a completely circumferential embossed bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Bierwirth, Achim Hofmann, Hans-Peter Neumayer, Dieter Spitzenberger, Hannes Nuiding, Thomas Schober, Josef Bommer, Tobias Breddermann, Dietmar Schwebel
  • Patent number: 9751496
    Abstract: A belt tensioner (10) for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a tube (12) containing gas in the trigger case and an igniter unit (14) arranged in the tube (12) which igniter unit is inserted in an open end face (16) of the tube (12) and includes a base (18) and a cap (20) fastened to the base (18) for accommodating a propelling charge, wherein the cap (20) is arranged at least pertly inside the tube. The igniter unit (14) is welded to the tube (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Simon Schreiber, Thomas Moedinger, Alex Waidmann, Karl-Heinz Köeppel, Markus Peters
  • Patent number: 9689406
    Abstract: A gas generator driven hydraulic pressure supply device for supplying hydraulic pressure to an operational device that may be associated with a well system and/or an operational device that is located subsea includes an elongated body having an internal bore extending axially from a first end to a discharge end having a discharge port, a gas generator connected at the first end and a hydraulic fluid disposed in the internal bore between a piston and the discharge end so that a portion of the hydraulic fluid is exhausted under pressure through the discharge port in response to activation of the gas generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Bastion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Don Coppedge, Dewey James Louvier, Anna Azzolari Ronalds, Hildebrand A Rumann
  • Patent number: 9574856
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic gas generator component including an inlet stage formed by a pyrotechnic detonator composition and an intermediate stage disposed between the inlet stage and an outlet stage formed by at least one gas generator composition, said intermediate stage being formed by a compressed black powder layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: NEXTER MUNITIONS
    Inventors: Nicolas Caillaut, Didier Cazajous
  • Patent number: 9511738
    Abstract: An inflator for a protective device in a vehicle includes a diffuser (10) forming a substantially rotation-symmetric external housing of the inflator with a closing member (12), wherein the diffuser (10) includes a plurality of discharge orifices (78) arranged in a row, and which are of circular shape. The inflator also includes a filter (46) and a combustion chamber component at least partially enclosing at least one of a combustion chamber (56) and a combustion chamber sleeve (60), wherein the filter (46) extends in a ring-shaped manner about the combustion chamber (56) and, at a position of its ring-shaped extension, includes a critical filter portion (120) which is closer to the combustion chamber component than the remaining filter areas situated at its ring-shaped extension, wherein the critical filter portion (120) has a reduced thickness compared to areas of the filter that are adjacent to the critical filter portion (120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Bierwirth, Achim Hofmann, Hans-Peter Neumayer, Dieter Spitzenberger, Hannes Nuiding, Thomas Schober, Josef Bommer, Tobias Breddermann, Dietmar Schwebel
  • Patent number: 9487182
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator for a restraining device, including: a housing; an ignition device chamber housing and an outer cylindrical wall portion disposed inside the housing; and an annular partition wall portion forming a space near a top plate between the ignition device chamber housing and the outer cylindrical wall portion, a portion defined by the top plate and a bottom plate of the housing, the ignition device chamber housing and the outer cylindrical wall portion is a combustion chamber charged with a gas generating agent; an inner cylindrical wall portion, disposed on the housing bottom plate and spaced from the annular partition wall portion, is provided inside the combustion chamber; the ignition device chamber and the combustion chamber communicate with each other by a first communication portion; the combustion chamber and the space communicate with each other by a gas-flow hole of the annular partition wall portion; the first communication portion and the inner cylindrica
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Katsuta
  • Patent number: 9457210
    Abstract: A portable fire extinguisher includes a housing (3) and a cartridge (4) arranged within the housing (3). The cartridge (4) is fixedly connected at a bottom thereof to the housing (3) via a fastening device (40). This on the one hand facilitates shifting, and on the other hand allows the cartridge (4) to be fixed appropriately in the housing (3), thus not easily rotated or loosened, also, the need of a production site for waiting for silicone solidification by standing for seven to eight hours is avoided when silicone injection for fixing is used, thus improving production efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: XI'AN WESTPEACE FIRE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Jian Qiang, Yanbin Yang, Tao Ji, Zhengjun Lei, Shuixiong Zhu
  • Patent number: 9440615
    Abstract: An initiator assembly for placement in an associated opening in an initiator-containing device includes an initiator device having at least one igniter element and an elastomeric overmoulding. The initiator device includes at least one of a thermoplastic initiator base and a thermoplastic adapter integrally joined to a base of the initiator-containing device. The elastomeric overmoulding is integral with at least one structural component such as the initiator base, the adapter and the base of the initiator-containing device. The elastomeric overmoulding serves to sealingly mate the initiator assembly in an initiator-accepting opening in the initiator-containing device. Also provided are corresponding methods of making an initiator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Jordan, Bradley W. Smith, Jeff Kida
  • Patent number: 9425572
    Abstract: A wedge connector assembly including an installation tool having a tool body and a frame connected to the tool body. A sleeve is received by the frame and a wedge is received by the sleeve. A firing mechanism is movably connected to the tool body. A movable ram extends from the tool body into the frame such that movement of the ram drives the wedge into the sleeve when the installation tool is fired. A piston is movably disposed in the tool body between the ram and the firing mechanism. The piston is moved when the firing mechanism is activated, thereby driving the wedge into the sleeve. An indicator disposed on the ram indicates when the installation tool is in a proper firing position to substantially prevent over-torquing the installation tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Lawrence Norman Brown, Henry Arnold Maxwell
  • Patent number: 9409831
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator assembly for an airbag module of a motor vehicle, which is equipped for inflating a gas bag of the airbag module. The gas generator assembly comprises a generator housing, with a gas set arranged in the generator housing, from which a gas can be generated on ignition, an ignition device for igniting the gas bag, a volume compensating element which acts on the gas set under elastic pretension and which is designed as spring element, and a filter for filtering gases generated by means of the gas set, which are released from the generator housing. The volume compensating element is formed of a filter material and is arranged in the generator housing such that gases generated in the generator housing are filtered by the volume compensating element, before they exit from the generator housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Takata AG
    Inventor: Dieter Marstatt
  • Patent number: 9139156
    Abstract: An inflator as well as a method of manufacturing an inflator, a module including an inflator and an airbag module. In an inflator, especially for a protective device in a vehicle, comprising plural components a sealant is applied in the area of abutting components, especially a sealant which adheres to both abutting components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: TRW AIRBAG SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastian Bierwirth, Achim Hofmann, Hans-Peter Neumayer, Dieter Spitzenberger, Franz Fuerstenberger, Hannes Nuiding, Dieter Leier, Georg Schoenhuber, Joerg Friedrich
  • Patent number: 8979121
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic inflator assembly including a shell member and an end cap joinable with the shell member to form a subassembly. The subassembly contains a quantity of pyrotechnic material and at least in part defines a combustion chamber wherein at least a portion of the quantity of pyrotechnic material is reactable to form product gas for inflation of an associated airbag cushion and to generate pressure therewithin. A diffuser assembly can be disposed adjacent an end of the shell member and includes flow control features for controlling flow of product gas from the inflator assembly. The inflator assembly further includes a composite overwrap about at least a portion of the subassembly and the diffuser assembly such that the pyrotechnic inflator assembly can withstand the pressure generated within the combustion chamber upon reaction of the pyrotechnic material. Corresponding methods of making a pyrotechnic inflator assembly are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, Matthew A. Cox
  • Patent number: 8851519
    Abstract: A releasable tether retention system is provided. The system includes a housing, a movable member movably mounted within the housing, and a sliding element coupled to the movable member so as to move with the movable member and so as to be extendible to an exterior of the housing to engage a tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Stevens
  • Patent number: 8783714
    Abstract: An airbag apparatus is provided having an inflator in which the waterproofing property of the connection between an initiator and a harness for distributing power is ensured by potting, and leakage at the time of the filling of a potting material is prevented. An airbag apparatus includes a bag portion formed of a base cloth panel in a bag shape and deployed and inflated by being supplied with gas for deployment, and an inflator that generates the gas for deployment supplied to the bag portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Takata Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Sugimoto, Hideo Namiki, Fujio Umebayashi, Takumi Makabe
  • Patent number: 8752486
    Abstract: Power sources and methods for applying a force to an object include use of thermite in a quantity sufficient to generate a thermite reaction, and a gas producing substance disposed in association with the thermite. The gas producing substance produces a gas when the thermite reaction occurs. The thermite reaction, the gas, or combinations thereof provide a force to the object. The gas can slow the thermite reaction to enable slower or continuous application of force while being non-extinguishing of the thermite reaction. The gas can further control heat transfer from the thermite reaction to adjacent objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Robertson Intellectual Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C Robertson, Douglas J Streibich, Mark Lancaster
  • Patent number: 8746147
    Abstract: A tubular filter is provided having an outer edge compressed to an outer dimension within a predetermined range. A gas generating system and a vehicle occupant protection system incorporating the filter are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Mayville, Justin W. Ranson
  • Publication number: 20140137761
    Abstract: Power sources and methods for applying a force to an object include use of thermite in a quantity sufficient to generate a thermite reaction, and a gas producing substance disposed in association with the thermite. The gas producing substance produces a gas when the thermite reaction occurs. The thermite reaction, the gas, or combinations thereof provide a force to the object. The gas can slow the thermite reaction to enable slower or continuous application of force while being non-extinguishing of the thermite reaction. The gas can further control heat transfer from the thermite reaction to adjacent objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Michael C. Robertson, Douglas J. Streibich, Mark Lancaster
  • Patent number: 8690003
    Abstract: A method of forming an inner can of a gas cartridge including securing inner can material and pre-stressing the material such that flexion thereof during gas cartridge use is distributed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Gaudron
  • Patent number: 8684405
    Abstract: A propellant grain retainer for an air bag inflator having a pressure vessel. A cantilevered finger is mounted in the pressure vessel and a propellant grain is mounted thereon. Upon assembly of the pressure vessel, the finger is deformed inwardly away from an adjacent wall of the pressure vessel to increase the air gap between the pressure vessel wall and the propellant grain to reduce heat transfer therebetween and increase the safety of the inflator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Arc Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Earl Overton, James Michael Rose
  • Patent number: 8671842
    Abstract: A gas generator includes an outer wall delimiting a first chamber, a source of gas and a second chamber for diffusing gas outwards between which is found a nozzle. The nozzle includes a first through-hole for letting through gas from the first chamber to the second chamber. The first hole is closed by a cap capable of being opened from the triggering of an electro-pyrotechnic device located towards the first chamber. The second diffusion chamber includes in the wall at least one second through-hole for letting through gas outwards. The outer wall includes at least one overmolded plastic material around a portion of the metal nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Harold Fresnel, Catherine Le Barh
  • Patent number: 8590930
    Abstract: A gas generator includes, an igniter having an ignition portion and a conductive pin a collar holding the igniter, a metallic cup-shaped case fixed to the collar and having a fragile portion. The collar includes a metallic portion and a resin part enclosing the ignition portion. An outer diameter of the metallic portion is larger than an outer diameter of the resin part. The cup-shaped case has an annular portion bent inward at an opening thereof. The annular bent portion includes a bent corner, an annular tilted surface, and an annular terminal end. The annular tilted surface includes an outer tilted surface facing toward a side of a peripheral surface of the cup-shaped case and an inner annular tilted surface facing the opposite side. The inner annular tilted surface of the annular bent portion presses against the resin portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Daicel Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Mitsunabe
  • Patent number: 8556294
    Abstract: An airbag inflator has a primary igniter and a secondary igniter. The primary igniter ignites an ignition enhancer material, which in turn ignites a primary supply of a gas generant material in a first chamber. A secondary supply of the gas generant material is located in a second chamber that is closed and is not in contact with any ignition enhancer material. Activation of the secondary igniter does not ignite the secondary supply of gas generant material, but does cause the second chamber to be opened. Combustion products from the primary supply of gas generant material enter the chamber and ignite the secondary supply of the gas generant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc
    Inventor: Kent Norman, III
  • Patent number: 8549975
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic actuator for an active bonnet is provided that includes, but is not limited to a cylinder, a piston which can be displaced in the cylinder under the influence of a propellant gas and a first gas generator for producing the propellant gas. The actuator includes, but is not limited to at least one further gas generator, which can be ignited independently of the first gas generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joachim Schäfer, Volker Scheuch, Werner Schmidt, Martin Zilg