Abstract: A relief valve for use with a conduit includes a housing attached to the conduit and an engagement member slidably disposed within the housing and movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The engagement member pierces the conduit when moved from the retracted position to the extended position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pyrotechnic actuator, containing: a housing, a piston slidable inside the housing, an igniter disposed within the housing and causing the piston to slide, the piston including a piston head having a pressure-receiving surface with which a combustion product, produced by actuation of the igniter, collides, a piston rod extending from the piston head and further, a resin portion provided at least in a part of the piston, the resin portion being disposed in contact with a member including the housing, the piston being fixed by contacting the resin portion to the member including the housing, and the piston being prevented from moving before activation of the igniter.

Abstract: A relief valve and related systems and methods are disclosed for use in fluid distribution lines. The relief valve comprises a body defining a cavity and comprising at least first and second openings in fluid communication with the cavity. A connector piece is connected to the body at the first opening to connect the valve to a fluid distribution line. A rupture disc is disposed within and obstructs the first opening. When it is desired that fluid from the fluid distribution line be vented from the system, the rupture disc is punctured and thereby allows for fluid communication through the first opening of the valve.

Abstract: This invention relates to an explosion pressure relief device with a wall and a framework fixing the wall. In the case of an explosion in a container to which an explosion pressure relief device is attached, such explosion pressure relief device serves to allow the pressure wave to escape at best greatly weakened.

Abstract: A shut-off device, in particular for application in the extraction of natural gas and mineral oil, has a shut-off housing (3) comprising an admission channel (2) and in which a shut-off organ (4) is supported in an adjustable manner relative to the admission channel (2) between an open position (5) and a closed position (6), and has an actuating device (7) at least for adjusting the shut-off organ (4) from the open position (5) into the closed position (6). To improve such a shut-off device in that, especially in an emergency, fast adjustment of the shut-off organ to the closed position is possible in a constructively easy and economical manner, the actuating device comprises a gas generation device (8) for the production of an adjustment pressure for adjusting the shut-off organ (4) in the direction of the close position (6).

Abstract: Valve element (10), comprising a main body, at least one inlet (101) and at least one outlet (102), a passage connecting the inlet and outlet, at least one burst disk (rupture disk) (13) or equivalent, which, when unbroken, closes the passage from inlet to outlet, and a piston element (15) provided with a piercing element (14) or the like for piercing the burst disk. The piston element (15) is provided with a passage (17) for a pressure medium, said passage extending axially through the piston element from one first side to one second side, that the piston element is provided with a second burst disk or equivalent which, when unbroken, closes the passage (17) provided in the piston element.

Abstract: Valve element (3, 6, 10), comprising a frame, at least one inlet and at least one outlet, a passage connecting the inlet and outlet, at least one burst disk (13, 35, 63) or equivalent, which, when unbroken, closes the passage from inlet to outlet, and a piston element (15, 36, 65) provided with a piercing element or the like for piercing the burst disk. The piston element (15, 36, 65) is provided with a passage (17, 39, 67) for a pressure medium, said passage extending axially through the piston element from one first side to one second side, which passage leading through the piston forms a part of the passage of the pressure medium after the burst disk (13, 35, 63) has been pierced.

Abstract: A valve element (20), comprising a frame (21), at least one first inlet (26), at least one second inlet (27) and at least one outlet (28). The valve element consists of a combination comprising at least one burst disk (23) or equivalent, which, when unbroken, closes a passage from the second inlet (27) at least to the outlet (28), and a piston element (25) comprising a piercing element (24) or the like for piercing the burst disk, said piston element being arranged to be movable between at least two positions when the burst disk has been pierced, in which first position the passage from the second inlet (27) to the outlet (28) is closed while in a second position the passage from the second inlet (27) to the outlet (28) is open, to which second position the piston element is moved after the pressure difference between the second inlet and the first inlet has reached a predetermined value.

Abstract: The invention concerns the technical field of micro-actuators used for mechanical, chemical, electrical or thermal functions in microsystems, for microelectronic applications such as chips, or biomedical functions such as microfluidics integrating cards. The invention concerns a micro-actuator comprising a so-called main chamber, made in a solid support and containing a so-called main pyrotechnic charge, the main chamber being sealed and delimited by solid support walls and by a deformable membrane, such that the gases emitted by the combustion of the main pyrotechnic charge, enable the volume of the chamber to be increased by deforming the membrane while maintaining intact the solid walls of the main chamber. The invention is characterized in that it comprises means for evacuating the gases from the main chamber.

Abstract: The microvalve comprises a mini-piston moving due to the thrust of gases given off by firing of a pyrotechnic charge and comprising an aperture designed to enable communication to be established between ends of microchannels of a microfluidic component. When the ends between which communication is to be established open out onto a face of a first planar substrate, the mini-piston is formed in a second planar substrate, adjoined to the first, and comprises a part that is mobile in translation or in rotation in the plane of the second substrate. If a transverse slot is arranged between the ends of the microchannels between which communication is to be established, the mini-piston comprises a rod designed to slide in the slot and the aperture is formed by a transverse orifice formed in the rod of the mini-piston.

Abstract: The microvalve comprises a mini-piston moving due to the thrust of gases given off by firing of a pyrotechnic charge and comprising an aperture designed to enable communication to be established between ends of microchannels of a microfluidic component. When the ends between which communication is to be established open out onto a face of a first planar substrate, the mini-piston is formed in a second planar substrate, adjoined to the first, and comprises a part that is mobile in translation or in rotation in the plane of the second substrate. If a transverse slot is arranged between the ends of the microchannels between which communication is to be established, the mini-piston comprises a rod designed to slide in the slot and the aperture is formed by a transverse orifice formed in the rod of the mini-piston.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fitting mechanical parts to minimize prevent free play are described. An apparatus having a piston is designed so as to restrain the piston before actuation, and so as to allow the piston to gain momentum before striking an object. The described apparatus are applicable to devices involving shearable elements. An embodiment of the invention relates to a pyrotechnically activated valve incorporating such features to minimize free play in conjunction with such features so as to restrain the piston and also allow the piston to gain momentum.

Abstract: A dual stage hybrid inflation device includes a first stage gas source having a pressurized gas stored in a first stage pressure vessel and a second stage gas source having a pyrotechnic gas generator having a gas output directed into the first stage pressure vessel. The first stage pressure vessel is in fluid communication with an inflatable device such as an aircraft emergency evacuation slide via an externally actuated valve upstream of a pressure actuated valve such as a rupturable diaphragm. A control circuit provides a signal to the externally actuated valve to begin a flow of gases from first stage pressure vessel to a chamber on the upstream side of the burst diaphragm. The control circuit also sends a signal to the squib that initiates the pyrotechnic second stage gas source.

Abstract: An airbag inflator having two individual sections coupled together by a connection member is disclosed. The vessel may be configured to have different airbag inflation characteristics. The sections may have different gas generants, volumes, and orifice sizes. The inflator may also include modular components. Various vessels having different inflation characteristics may be attached to a connection member. The use of modular components allows multiple inflator configurations to be created from a smaller number of components.

Abstract: A dual flow inflator for airbags is disclosed, together with related manufacturing, installation, and deployment methods. The inflator includes a primary gas chamber with a first exit orifice and a secondary gas chamber in gaseous communication with the primary gas chamber. The inflator also includes a flow restrictor positioned between the gas chambers. In use, the inflator provides primary and secondary flows of gas from the exit orifice. The primary gas chamber may include multiple exit orifices in order to provide axial gas flows in opposite directions upon activation so that each gas flow neutralizes the thrust of the other. The exit orifices may comprise frangible structures such as burst discs, scored surfaces, and compression closures.

Abstract: A cold gas inflator has a pressure vessel made of first and second cylindrical members that are joined by friction welding, the friction welding producing curls that serve to preclude an orifice plate from sliding into the second cylindrical member. The cold gas inflator is filled with stored gas. The cold gas inflator has a burst disk, which prevents the stored gas from exiting the pressure vessel. In the event of an automobile accident, an opening device is actuated, which causes the ignition of pyrotechnic material. This ignition generates a shockwave of sufficient energy to rupture a burst disk. The stored gas flows from the cold gas inflator in a radial direction.

Abstract: A dual flow inflator for airbags is disclosed, together with related manufacturing, installation, and deployment methods. The inflator may have a gas chamber with a first end with a first exit orifice and a second end with a second exit orifice. The exit orifices may be directed into inlet ports of an inflatable curtain so that inflation gases exit the inflator through the exit orifices and enter directly into the inflatable curtain. The exit orifices may provide axial gas flows in opposite directions so that each gas flow neutralizes the thrust of the other. The exit orifices may comprise frangible structures such as burst discs, scored surfaces, and compression closures. If desired, pistons may be utilized to ensure that the exit orifices are completely and simultaneously opened. Furthermore, the gas chamber may comprise a variety of configurations, including a unitary, one-piece structure, a multi-part structure with vessels attached to a tubular or spherical bulkhead, or a generally spherical shape.

Abstract: An inflator for an air-bag has two gas chambers mounted on a central block (1). The central block defines passages leading from the gas chambers to the air-bag, but the passages are initially sealed by closures . An ignitor mounted on the block can generate hot gas to move an actuating element in a predetermined direction, the actuating element having a conical face which acts on inclined faces of two opening elements which are thus moved apart to rupture the closures to permit gas to flow from the chambers into the air-bag. Finally gas from the ignitor can also flow through a passage into the air-bag to ignite the mixed gases from the two gas chambers.

Abstract: A contamination-free pyrovalve having first tubing section and a second tubing section. The first and second tubing sections are disposed in spaced-apart relation such that a conveying path between the first and second tubing section is established. An opening is disposed between the first and second tubing sections. A valve body is fixedly attached to the first and second tubing sections. The valve body has a bore. A ram is disposed inside the bore of the valve body. A slug is disposed in the opening between the first tubing section and the second tubing section. The slug is held in position by a frictional fit. A combustion chamber is disposed in operative relation to the ram such that when an explosive material is ignited the pressure inside the chamber causes the ram to move through the bore to strike the slug and to displace it from the opening between the first and second tubing sections such that the valve is opened.

Abstract: A cold gas inflator having an opening device for rupturing a burst disk. The cold gas inflator is filled with stored gas. The cold gas inflator has a burst disk, which prevents the stored gas from exiting the pressure vessel. In the event of a automobile accident, the opening device is actuated, which causes the ignition of pyrotechnic material. This ignition generates a shockwave of sufficient energy to rupture the burst disk. The stored gas flows into the diffuser and then exits the cold gas inflator in the radial direction. In another embodiment, the stored gas exits the cold gas inflator in the axial direction.

Abstract: The microvalve comprises a mini-piston moving due to the thrust of gases given off by firing of a pyrotechnic charge and comprising an aperture designed to enable communication to be established between ends of microchannels of a microfluidic component. When the ends between which communication is to be established open out onto a face of a first planar substrate, the mini-piston is formed in a second planar substrate, adjoined to the first, and comprises a part that is mobile in translation or in rotation in the plane of the second substrate. If a transverse slot is arranged between the ends of the microchannels between which communication is to be established, the mini-piston comprises a rod designed to slide in the slot and the aperture is formed by a transverse orifice formed in the rod of the mini-piston.

Abstract: An inflator for inflating an airbag has a vessel for containing compressed gas. The vessel has a gas outlet aperture. A support element is located in the gas outlet aperture with a sealing element next to the side of the support element that faces the interior of the vessel. A locking element is disposed in a locking position between a side of the support element that faces away from the interior of the vessel and a first abutment that is rigid with respect to the vessel. The support element is further supported by a second abutment that is rigid with respect to the vessel. A gas releasing device moves the locking element from the locking position to open the gas outlet aperture.

Abstract: A device for releasing gas from a vessel drives a piston with a propellant charge that can be ignited by an ignition device. A housing accommodates the piston, the propellant charge and the ignition device. The housing is formed from at least two housing half shells made of plastic material and a load-absorbing sleeve enclosing the housing half shells.

Abstract: A switchable flap valve having at least one valve plate (2, 2a, 2b) disposed for pivoting about a longitudinal axis in a housing part (1) for opening or closing a valve opening (11) provided in the housing part (1) in which a strip element (4, 4a, 4b) is formed on the upper side of the valve plate (2, 2a, 2b) aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve plate. The surface of the strip element (4, 4a) is inclined toward an adjacent housing wall (20) or toward a second strip (4b) and forms a hollow channel with the housing wall (20) or with the strip (4b). The free longitudinal edge (18) of the strip (4, 4a, 4b) is held in a latch mechanism (7, 8) to maintain the valve plate (2, 2a, 2b) in the closed position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fitting mechanical parts to minimize prevent free play are described. Additionally, a design for an apparatus having a piston, which restrains the piston before actuation and which allows the piston to gain momentum before striking an object, is detailed. The described apparatus are applicable to devices involving shearable elements. An embodiment of the invention as a pyrotechnically activated valve incorporating such features to minimize free play in conjunction with such features to restrain the piston and also allow the piston to gain momentum is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure control valve 1 for a tank intended to contain a fluid and comprising at least one flap 5 obturating an aperture linking the inside (I) and the outside (E) of the tank, such flap being held in the obturating position by spring means 7 pressing on a support 9, such valve incorporating means 10, 20 allowing the retraction in whole or in part of the spring support 9 such as to reduce the pressure exerted by the spring 7 on the flap 5. This valve is characterised in that the support 9 has an embrittled part 15 able to be fractured by a mobile piston 20 activated by a pyrotechnic gas generator 27.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) is inflatable into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. The apparatus (10) includes an inflator (22) for inflating the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) and for maintaining the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device in an inflated condition for at least five seconds. The inflator (22) contains a stored inflation fluid under pressure. The inflation fluid consists essentially of helium.

Abstract: An inflator for inflating an airbag has a vessel for containing compressed gas. The vessel has a gas outlet aperture. A support element is located in the gas outlet aperture with a sealing element next to the side of the support element that faces the interior of the vessel. A locking element is disposed in a locking position between a side of the support element that faces away from the interior of the vessel and a first abutment that is rigid with respect to the vessel. The support element is further supported by a second abutment that is rigid with respect to the vessel. A gas releasing device moves the locking element from said locking position to open the gas outlet aperture.

Abstract: A heat-responsive fuse cord is positioned in the proximity of a pressure vessel and is thermally coupled to a thermal-pressure relief device which is in communication with the pressurized contents of the vessel. When ignited the fuse cord burns to a thermal coupler, transferring the heat to the thermal actuator of the TPRD. In a kit form, fuse cord and a thermal coupler provide an economical remote and retrofit triggering system for TPRD's having an otherwise limited environment of influence.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) comprises a container (14) defining a chamber (16). The container (16) has an opening (24) through which fluid can flow from the chamber (16). A quantity of inflation fluid (20) is in the chamber (16). A burst disk (30) closes the opening. The burst disk (30) has first and second opposite major side surfaces (34, 36). The burst disk (30) has a first score line (40, 42) on the first major side surface (36) and a second score line (46, 48) on the second major side surface (34). The burst disk (30) is rupturable at the first and second score lines (40, 42, 46, 48) to permit inflation fluid (20) to flow out of the chamber (16) through the opening (24) in the container (14).

Abstract: Various types of valves are disclosed, as well as the use of the same in a reaction control system for space travel vehicle applications. Multiple functions are provided by one of these valve designs by providing multiple flowpaths through the valve. An inflow and outflow tube of this multifunctional valve are fluidly interconnected with first and second chambers, respectively, within the valve. These first and second chambers are isolated from each other by a barrier assembly which may be “removed” at the desired type by a barrier rupture assembly to provide one of the noted multiple flowpaths (i.e., the inflow tube, the first chamber, the second chamber, and the outflow tube). A separate service port is fluidly interconnected with each of the first and second chambers, and a separate service valve may be disposed in each of these service ports to provide additional flowpaths for the multifunctional valve.

Abstract: A system for at least partially decontaminating personnel in response to detection of an agent harmful to human life such as a chemical or biological agent. The system can provide a sprinkler head above a walkway such as a hallway through which personnel are expected to walk. The sprinkler can provide a spray of decontamination fluid such as gas or liquid over personnel passing underneath, removing or neutralizing at least some of the harmful agent and reducing the transport of the agent from one area to another. Preferably, the system includes a sprinkler or shower head coupled to an existing fire isle control sprinkler supply pipe, wherein the sprinkler head may include a valve that is remotely controlled and can be opened in response to detection of a chemical or biological agent.

Abstract: A safety device for an apparatus under pressure, such as a vessel under gas pressure, includes a housing having an overflow channel in fluid communication with the interior of the apparatus, and an outlet port. Received in the housing is a thermal trigger unit which has a rupture element intended to burst when a critical temperature level is exceeded. The rupture element interacts with a closure member which is moveable from a ready position, in which the closure member is so loaded by the rupture element as to seal the overflow channel and thereby cut a fluid communication between the overflow channel and the outlet port, to a release position, in which the overflow channel is cleared for fluid communication with the outlet port as a result of a bursting of the rupture element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator for an air bag (11) including a cartridge (3) containing a gas-generating charge of solid material (5) and a storage reservoir (9) containing a storage gas (10). To trigger gas production the charge of solid material (5) is ignited. The resulting gas pressure tears off the front face (13) of the cartridge (3) along a peripheral notch (6). A sliding element (7) connected to the front face (13) pierces a sealing element (8) of the storage reservoir (9). A guiding channel (23) in which the front face (13) is guided in the manner of a piston, opens into a flow zone (12). When the front face (13) has reached the flow zone (12), reaction gas flows around the front face (13) into openings (16) in the tube-shaped sliding element (7). The reaction gas then flows into the storage reservoir (9) where it is mixed with the remaining storage gas.

Abstract: A miniature valve for filling the reservoir of an apparatus for the transdermal administration of a medicine including a) a substrate, b) a fuel charge arranged on the substrate opposite the passage to be opened through it, and c) an electric resistor placed in contact with the fuel charge so that the supply of this resistor with a predetermined electric energy ensures the combustion of the charge and the opening of the passage by local rupture of the substrate under the pressure of the fuel gases of the charge. The device is useful for filling a medicine reservoir for the transdermal administration medicine aided by inophoresis.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) comprises an inflator structure (14) defining a chamber (50) for containing a quantity of inflation fluid (52) under pressure. The inflator structure (14) has a rupturable wall portion (60) blocking fluid flow out of the chamber (50). An actuatable initiator (74) is connected with the inflator structure (14) for generating combustion products. The initiator (74) has a central axis (80). A spherical projectile (76) is supported adjacent to the initiator (74) and is movable away from the initiator under the force of the combustion products of the initiator into engagement with the wall portion (60) to rupture the wall portion. The apparatus (10) includes a focusing sleeve (78) for constraining the spherical projectile (76) to move in a predetermined direction from the initiator (74) to the wall portion (60). The focusing sleeve (78) has an axis (142) located on the axis (80) of the initiator (74).

Abstract: A safety apparatus (12) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle having a side structure (16) comprises an inflatable protection device (14) having an inflated condition disposed between the vehicle occupant and the side structure. The safety apparatus (12) also comprises an inflator assembly (10) for inflating the protection device (14) and for maintaining the protection device in the inflated condition for at least five seconds. The inflator assembly (10) includes at least one container (30) having gas (52) stored under pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the inflator assembly (10) comprises a primary outlet passage (70) connected with the container for releasing inflation fluid (52) from the inflator assembly at a relatively high rate over a relatively short period of time. The inflator assembly (10) also preferably has a secondary outlet passage (90) connected with the container for releasing inflation fluid from the inflator assembly at a relatively low rate for about five to ten seconds.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for stopping the propagation of an ignited flammable gas in a conduit used in semiconductor processing are proposed and described. In the apparatus, a mounting mechanism and a bullet are provided inside an elongated conduit body wherein the bullet is detachably mounted to the mounting means, while the mounting mechanism is fixedly attached to an inside wall of the elongated conduit body. The bullet is equipped with an explosive pack in a body portion and a bullet head in a head portion. When a flame from an ignited flammable gas enters the conduit and ignites the explosive pack, the bullet is propelled into and frictionally engaging the inlet end of the conduit body such that an internal passageway in the inlet end is substantially blocked to prevent the further propagation of flame upstream into the conduit.

Abstract: An inflator (10) for providing inflation fluid to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device includes a pressure vessel (12) defining a chamber (30) for inflation fluid. The pressure vessel (12) has a passage (40) through which inflation fluid flows from the chamber (30). A burst disk (52) blocks fluid flow through the passage (40). A member (80) is disposed adjacent to and on one side of the burst disk (52) prior to the inflation fluid entering the pressure vessel (12). The burst disk (52) deforms toward the one side due to the pressure of the inflation fluid when the inflation fluid is disposed in the chamber (30). The member (80) limits deformation of the burst disk (52) by contacting the burst disk. An actuatable igniter assembly (66), when actuated, moves the member toward the burst disk (52) to rupture the burst disk and enable the inflation fluid to flow from the chamber (30) through the passage (40).