Abstract: An internal combustion engine is coupled to an electric power generator. An exhaust manifold for the engine includes an exhaust gas conduit. A housing includes a catalyst in fluid communication with the conduit to receive exhaust produced by the engine. The catalyst is operable to reduce one or more constituents of the exhaust.

Abstract: A filter for use in a gas generator of a safety arrangement in vehicles, has several layers of a woven metal fabric consisting of metal wires which are woven together. The woven metal fabric is preferably calendered, wound to form a roll, and pressed to form said filter.

Abstract: A polyethylene terephthalate container having a hydrogen generator and catalyst disposed or otherwise incorporated in components of the container. The container further comprises an activation system or means for activating the hydrogen generator and/or catalyst system at a predetermined time or in response to a predetermined stimulus.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a filter for a gas generator, by which a filter having a good shape retaining property can be obtained, is provided. A method of manufacturing a filter for a gas generator in which a tubular material is formed by knitting copper-plated iron wires, molten plated copper is adhered to an intersecting portion of the iron wire to fix the intersecting portion, wherein the method comprises a molding step for producing a tubular material by knitting the copper-plated iron wires, and a heat processing step in which the above tubular material is kept at a temperature not less than a melting point of copper but less than the temperature of sintering of the iron, and is then cooled.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a chemical oxygen generator to produce cool oxygen gas comprising: a. a charge housing, b. a solid but porous charge contained in the said housing, the charge being made of a chemical mixture that generates oxygen upon decomposition and that will undergo a self-sustained exothermal decomposition after initiation, the said charge containing at most 3.0 wt. % of binder material, the said porous charge allows the generated oxygen to pass through the charge without damaging the virgin material and without creating volumetric burning, the said charge is mounted in the housing in such a way that the generated oxygen passes through the charge and under the pressure difference flows from the moving decomposition front towards the vent, c. an ignition device mounted at one end of the cartridge in such a way that it is capable to initiate a self-sustained decomposition of the charge at the charge surface adjacent to the initiator, d.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a filter is provided including a first layer of sheet material having a first base portion, and a plurality of first raised portions extending from the first base portion and defining a corresponding plurality of first openings through the first layer. A second layer of sheet material also has a second base portion and a plurality of second raised portions extending from the second base portion and defining a corresponding plurality of second openings through the sheet material. The second layer of sheet material is positioned adjacent the first layer of sheet material such that the first raised portions extend from the first base portion toward the second layer, and the second raised portions extend from the second base portion toward the first layer. A gas generating system and a vehicle occupant protection system utilizing the filter are also described.

Abstract: A non-densified feedstock is fed into a modified countercurrent gasifier, and syngas and char are produced from an upper portion of the gasifier. In the preferred embodiment, propane gas is injected into a lower portion of the gasifier as unconsolidated straw feedstock is metered into a gasifier feedstock inlet. The feedstock is converted into syngas and char in a combustion section of the gasifier. A portion of the syngas and char is recycled within the gasifier. After the syngas and char flow out of a gasifier production outlet, the char is separated from the syngas in a cyclone separator. The syngas is used to produce power at the facility where the syngas is produced.

Abstract: A gas generator 10 contains a baffle assembly for cooling of gases. An imperforate housing 46 is contained within the gas generator 10. A perforate housing 30 is contained within the imperforate housing 46. At least one orifice 70/72 is formed within the baffle assembly, where the orifice 70/72 is formed at the juncture 57 of the baffle assembly 12 and the perforate housing 30, at a second end of the perforate housing 30. Upon activation of the gas generator 10, gases produced are shunted through the orifice 70/72 and into the baffle assembly 12 for cooling and filtration thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to novel methods and apparatuses for generating hydrogen sulfide or hydrogen selenide gas from decomposition of a solid precursor. In some embodiments, the generated gas is cooled so as to condense a by-product of the decomposition and thereby increasing the purity of the gas. In some embodiments, the generated hydrogen sulfide or hydrogen selenide gas is used to prepare metal sulfide or metal selenide films.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator including an igniter, a gas-generating agent and a coolant/filter in a housing, a positioning portion for the coolant/filter, which is formed in advance into a convex shape on the inward side of the housing and that is provided at least in either of the top surface or the bottom surface of the housing, the coolant/filter being positioned by the positioning portion.

Abstract: A fabric for use in safety apparel comprising a first set of yarns comprising modacrylic fibers, and a second set of yarns comprising anti-static fibers. The fabric meets the Federal Test Method Standard 191A, Method 5931 for electrostatic decay, and the Electrostatic Discharge Association Advisory ADV11.2-1995 voltage potential.

Abstract: A solid fuel gasifier includes first wall structure (12) defining a gasification chamber (14) and means (50, 52) to collect particulate solid residue from gasification in the gasification chamber. Second wall structure (16) defines a gas combustion chamber (17) and means (19) is arranged for admitting a flow of hot gases from the gasification chamber to the gas combustion chamber as combustion takes place. Also provided is means (178, 170) to conduct hot gases from the gasification chamber and/or gas combustion chamber into thermal contact with said collected particulate solid residue, for facilitating post-combustion and/or post-reduction of the solid residue. Also disclosed are an agitator bed (52, 182) for fine particulate material, and a method of gasification of solid fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for recovering lithium cobalt oxide from spent lithium batteries. The method of recovering lithium cobalt oxide comprises the steps of: separating the anodes by dismantling the spent lithium batteries; obtaining lithium cobalt oxide by reacting the anodes with a strong alkali solution under a certain hydrothermal condition; cooling the lithium cobalt oxide to crystallize; and cleansing the synthesized lithium cobalt oxide to remove foreign objects. The apparatus for recovering lithium cobalt oxide comprises a reactor main body 300 having a sealing cap 320 on the upper section and an agitator 130; an outer reacting container 200 installed inside the reactor main body 300; and an inner reacting container 100 installed inside the outer reacting container 200. The inner reacting container 100 comprises a plurality of holes on the upper section and a separating cap 240.

Abstract: A solid propellant gas generator incorporating staged gas cooling and filtration so as to generate cool, clean gases having a composition suitable for use as automobile airbag inflator.

Abstract: Annular wire mesh filters for airbag assemblies for passenger vehicles are provided with a series of ribs extending parallel with the axis of the annulus and along the outer wall. The ribs provide added strength to the filter. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the compressed mesh filter with a uniform density, and a molding tool (mold, mandrel, and plunger) for making the compressed mesh articles of this invention.

Abstract: Annular wire mesh filters for airbag assemblies for passenger vehicles are provided with a series of ribs extending parallel with the axis of the annulus and along the outer wall. The ribs provide added strength to the filter. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the compressed mesh filter with a uniform density, and a molding tool (mold, mandrel, and plunger) for making the compressed mesh articles of this invention.

Abstract: The amount of limonene produced during pyrolysis of scrap tire carcass or polyisoprene rubber can be increased by decreasing residence time of the isoprene gas produced during the thermal degradation of polyisoprene rubber in the high temperature reactor region of an oven. This is achieved by using a novel oven design which permits rapid expansion of the isoprene gas away from the high temperature reactor region of the oven to a cooler region where the gas forms limonene and condenses. This pyrolysis method also decreases the amount of soot produced while increasing the amount of limonene produced. Furthermore, this system readily enables separation of the solid, liquid and gas phases produced during pyrolysis.

Abstract: A solid propellant gas generator incorporates staged gas cooling and filtration so as to generate cool, clean gases having a composition suitable for use in an automobile airbag inflator. Carbon yarn is used as a lightweight primary heat sink within the filter thereby increasing the dimensional stability of the gas generator.

Abstract: The filter for an inflator of the present invention includes a cylindrical compressed mesh unit, which is multi-folded in its substantially entire length, and the multi-folded mesh unit is provided by folding a cylindrical wire mesh knitted from a single metal wire by a predetermined length from its one or both end portions in the longitudinal direction, so as to be overlaid on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical wire mesh, and such a folded overlaying is repeated a plurality of times. Then, the cylindrical mesh unit thus constituted is compressed in its longitudinal direction. The above-mentioned compressed cylindrical mesh unit should have a cavity ratio of 70 to 80% in terms of cavity ratio C defined by the equation indicated below:C=(.rho.o-.rho.)/.rho.o.times.100(%).

Abstract: Reinforced ceramic unitary filters for air bags. The filters have a first layer having a high porosity, and a second layer having a low porosity. The first layer is preferably formed of low-cost ceramic grit sintered into a rigid mass, or a rigid reticulated ceramic. The second layer is formed of metal particles, and provides increased strength for the brittle ceramic. The metal particles may be formed onto the second layer and then sintered in place. Alternatively, the second layer may be formed separately and secured in position on the first layer. As a third alternative, the second layer may be applied by plasma arc deposition upon the first layer. The metal particles provide increased strength to the filter, as well as providing a fine filtering layer. The metal layer can also place the ceramic in compression to pre-load the ceramic layer for increased resistance to breakage.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissolving zinc by means of acid-containing liquid electrolytes includes a container for zinc particles to be dissolved, inlet and outlet devices for continuously admitting and discharging fresh or zinc-enriched electrolytes, and collecting and discharging devices for the gases produced during the dissolution of zinc, such as, hydrogen. The apparatus container for receiving the electrolyte has in its lower portion an intermediate screen floor for placing the zinc particles filling thereon. The inlet devices for the fresh electrolyte are arranged below the intermediate screen floor. An overflow for the zinc-enriched electrolyte is arranged in the upper portion of the container. Filters and catch containers are arranged following the overflow. A gas collecting chamber with discharge device is arranged above the apparatus container.

Abstract: A gas generator for air bags is provided which includes a first outer shell and a second outer shell, each having a circular part and an outer wall formed along the outer periphery of the circular part. A gas generating device is installed in the hollow portion formed within the outer shells. Openings for communicating the hollow portion with an air bag are provided. A plurality of concentric wall members axially extending from the circular part of the first outer shell and a plurality of concentric wall members axially extending from the circular part of the second outer shell, located at positions corresponding to the outer wall members of the first outer shell define circumferential chambers within the gas generator. Gaps are formed between terminal end surfaces of opposing outer wall members whereby gases produced by the gas generating device on receiving impacts flow through the generator and are introduced into the air bag to protect a passenger from impacts.

Abstract: An air bag inflation gas generator to feed combustion gas for inflation of air bags such as air gas for absorbing collision shocks, life jackets, rafts and escape chutes, that aim to easily and surely control the flow rate of combustion gas into the air bag at the initial inflation of the air bag and to effectively utilize the entire purifying filter.

Abstract: This invention relates to an air bag inflation gas generator to feed gas for inflation of air bags such as air bags for absorbing collision shocks, life jackets, rubber, rafts, and escape chutes. The present invention comprises combustion chambers accommodating gas generating agents formed with separating members in the both ends of an elongate cylinder having gas outlets in the middle thereof, a cylindrical final filter installed inside the middle of the cylinder, intermediary filters installed between the final filter and the separating members in the cylinder, and orifices, facing toward the intermediary filters, opened at the separating members. The present invention may generate much larger volume of combustion gas generated from gas generating agents than the prior generators, purify a large volume of combustion gas completely, and control the burning of gas generating agents.

Abstract: A housing for a gas generating composition comprises an igniter chamber for retaining an igniter material. A combustion chamber is formed around the igniter chamber, and a gas generating composition is disposed in the combustion chamber. A cooling chamber with a gas exhaust port is formed around the combustion chamber. A coolant for cooling gas is accommodated in the cooling chamber. The igniter chamber, the combustion chamber and the cooling chamber communicate with one another through ports. A first shell constitutes the top wall of the combustion chamber, an intermediate wall between the combustion chamber and the cooling chamber, and at least the bottom wall of the cooling chamber. The first shell is integrally formed of a metal plate with an even thickness, and opens downward at its center portion and is open at least upward at its outer surface. An igniter housing constitutes at least the peripheral wall of the igniter chamber.

Abstract: A filter filters the gas generated by an air bag inflator. The gas comprises an alkali metal oxide. The inflator comprises a non-woven metal fibrous mat and small particles of a silicon compound, reactive with the alkali metal oxide, adhered to strands of the mat.

Abstract: A sublimating and cracking device which may be used to produce a collimated beam of molecules from a solid source. The device includes an elongated sublimating tube and an elongated cracking tube adapted to be axially oriented off axis to each other. The sublimating and cracking tubes are interconnected and heated in use.

Abstract: A furnace having a sublimating section, a cracking section oriented off axis to the sublimating section, and a valve for controlling flux between the sections. The valve includes an annular plug having at least one longitudinal slot. The plug is retractable from a fully closed position where the slot is completely covered, to a fully open position where the slot is completely exposed. The slot becomes increasingly exposed as the plug is moved from the fully closed position to the fully opened position, thereby increasing flux from the sublimating section to the cracking section.

Abstract: A gas generating apparatus for inflating an air bag which comprises a housing with an open joint portion connecting to the air bag and having a combustion chamber formed at the center inside the housing body wherein a high pressure gas is generated upon combustion of a gas generating agent. A partition is provided which defines a mixing chamber in a ring-like configuration by being concentrically disposed so as to be spaced apart from the opening of the housing body by a pre-selected interval whereby the high pressure gas forming a combustion chamber is introduced into the mixing chamber. A nozzle formed in a ring-like configuration is provided at the high pressure gas introducing portion so that the high pressure gas is ejected toward the opening of the mixing chamber and an air intake portion is formed along the nozzle on the housing body.

Abstract: Oxygen generator for cartridges, having a pressure tank and a cartridge holder connected thereto. The cartridge holder is divided by a gas-tight separable joint into two halves, and its interior is in communication through an opening with the interior of the pressure tank. To maintain functionality over a long period of time, the bottom half of the cartridge holder is joined to the pressure tank with good thermal conductivity in the area of the separable joint and is in communication with the pressure tank through an unplugged opening which is narrow in proportion to the inside cross section of the lower half. Further, the upper half of the cartridge holder is superimposed on the bottom half directly at the top of the pressure tank and is provided with a cooling structure.

Abstract: A portable oxygen inhaler comprises a chlorate candle, a mask, a tube connecting the chlorate candle and the mask, and a handily-sized case housing these and other component parts as an integral unit. When an actuation pin provided on the chlorate candle is pulled out of the case, oxygen is immediately generated and supplied to the mask.

Abstract: Apparatus for refilling compressed-gas bottles, having a threaded connector and valve, especially for small gas bottles. A cartridge holder serves to hold jacket-less, oxygen-yielding cartridges whose oxygen can be transferred from the interior of the cartridge holder to the compressed-gas bottle. To solve the problem of achieving the inexpensive refilling of compressed-gas bottles with little oxygen loss, without endangering the operator by the development of undue heat, the cartridge holder of the invention preferably is made in the form of a substantially closed pressure body surrounding the cartridge as closely as possible. Also, a threaded connection is provided for the installation of the pressure body on the compressed-gas bottle. A gas passage serves for the transfer of the oxygen to the compressed-gas bottle connector. Furthermore the pressure body comprises cooling ribs and a heat guard with ventilation openings communicating with grooves between the cooling ribs.

Abstract: A gas generator or inflator particularly for the inflation of inflatable protective bags that are used in vehicle safety systems includes first and second aluminum structural components. The first component, a diffuser shell having outlet ports, includes integrally formed concentric cylinders which define chambers containing ignition materials, a solid gas generant composition and filters and provide ports for the passage of generated gases from chamber to chamber and then through the outlet ports. The second component, a base shell, has an attachment flange, includes an initiator, and is provided with three concentric surfaces that mate with the ends of the concentric cylinders of the first component. The three concentric cylinders of the first component are simultaneously joined with the concentric mating surfaces of the second component by a single inertia welding operation.

Abstract: A chemical oxygen generator is disclosed which includes a pressure vessel surrounding the container containing the chemical. In a space between the tank containing the chemical and the wall of the pressure vessel, a supply of pressurized oxygen is provided. A manually triggerable valve stem is operable to simultaneously open a passage from the pressurized supply and to initiate ignition of the chemical in the tank to generate a further supply of oxygen.

Abstract: A gas generator for instantaneously supplying a gas to an inflatable bag such as a gas bag for protection of a car passenger from injuries in a collision, of the type comprising a solid gas-generating composition confined in a reaction chamber defined in a housing having a perforated wall. The reaction chamber is bounded by a wire screen which is spaced from the perforated wall, and another wire screen is arranged along the inside of the perforated wall. Adequately sized granules of SiC are packed in a space bounded by the two wire screens to efficiently absorb heat and remove solid matter from the generated gas without offering an unduly great resistance to the gas flow. Best cooling and filtering effects can be gained by the use of .alpha.-SiC granules of a sharp-edged particle shape.

Abstract: A gas generator comprises a housing accommodating a combustion chamber with a hollow solid-reactant charge, and a cooling chamber with a solid sublimating coolant, separated by a partition with an axial passage, and a sleeve with a perforated side surface. The gas generator is also provided with guides secured in the axial passage of the partition. The sleeve having a collar on the side of the open portion is disposed in the guides and adapted to move along the longitudinal axis of the gas generator. The present invention makes it possible to improve the operational reliability of power drives and offers a most simple solution to a number of problems associated with inflation of inflatable life-saving appliances, lifting of loads from under water, starting of engines.

Abstract: A system for supplying hydrogen to an apparatus which utilizes hydrogen contains a metal hydride hydrogen supply component and a microcavity hydrogen storage hydrogen supply component which in tandem supply hydrogen for the apparatus. The metal hydride hydrogen supply component includes a first storage tank filled with a composition which is capable of forming a metal hydride of such a nature that the hydride will release hydrogen when heated but will absorb hydrogen when cooled. This first storage tank is equipped with a heat exchanger for both adding heat to and extracting heat from the composition to regulate the absorption/deabsorption of hydrogen from the composition. The microcavity hydrogen storage hydrogen supply component includes a second tank containing the microcavity hydrogen supply. The microcavity hydrogen storage contains hydrogen held under high pressure within individual microcavities. The hydrogen is released from the microcavities by heating the cavities.

Abstract: An all-pyrotechnic inflator, for generating an inflating gas, includes: an elongated enclosure means, a linear ignitor, and a pyrotechnic material. The elongated enclosure means has a longitudinal axis and an outlet means for passage of the gas. The linear ignitor is arranged within the enclosure means and extends along at least part of the longitudinal axis of the enclosure means. The pyrotechnic material is disposed within the enclosure means and extends along at least part of the longitudinal extent of the enclosure means for combustion and generation of gas upon ignition by the linear ignitor. The enclosure means further includes an inner wall, an outer wall, a nozzle means, and a means for maintaining substantially constant pressure during generation of the gas. The pyrotechnic material is the sole source of the inflating gas.

Abstract: A gas generating device is disclosed which includes a substantially cylindrical outer sleeve defining groups of gas exit ports and a substantially cylindrical inner sleeve for containing a reactable gas-generating material defining groups of gas entrance ports with the inner sleeve being mounted generally coaxial to the outer sleeve. Annular side walls define a plurality of alternating first and second filter chambers in the annular space between the inner and outer sleeves. The first filter chambers are defined by adjacent pairs of annular side walls having a group of gas entrance ports therebetween and contain first filter means. The second filter chambers are defined by adjacent pairs of annular side walls having a group of gas exit ports therebetween and contain second filter means. The second filter chambers communicate with the first filter chambers by means of openings in the annular side walls. Means are provided for initiating reaction of the reactable gas generating material.

Abstract: Annular wire mesh filters for airbag assemblies for passenger vehicles are provided with a series of ribs extending parallel with the axis of the annulus and along the outer wall. The ribs provide added strength to the filter. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the compressed mesh filter with a uniform density, and a molding tool (mold, mandrel, and plunger) for making the compressed mesh articles of this invention.