Abstract: Powdered coating compositions and methods for obtaining improved wrinkled finishes with epoxy powder coatings are provided which utilize curing agents other than commercially available methylenedisalicylic acid.

Abstract: An inflator and cushion retaining device for mounting an airbag inflator and an airbag cushion within a motor vehicle. The inflator and cushion retaining device includes an elongated trough for receiving and supporting a sidewall of the airbag inflator. The trough extends from an endwall to an open end, and the endwall defines an opening for receiving a mounting stud extending from an end of the airbag inflator. At least one tooth extends into the opening from the endwall for catching the mounting stud and securing the mounting stud within the opening. A pair of arms extends from the trough adjacent the open end for wrapping around the inflator and securing the inflator within the trough. At least one rib protrudes inwardly from the trough adjacent the open end for spacing the sidewall of the inflator away from the trough. The inflation and cushion retaining device and the inflator are contained within an airbag cushion.

Abstract: Material, such as catalysts, absorbents, and adsorbents, are disposed within an automotive airbag so as to contact airbag inflation gases passing therethrough and remove undesirable gases therefrom.

Abstract: A thermosetting epoxy resin powder coating composition is provided that comprises an epoxy resin composed of a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, a curing agent composed of a bisphenol A encapped diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, and a cure catalyst composed of an imidazole adducted to a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, in which the ratio of curing agent to epoxy resin is below 70% stoichiometry, and preferably between about 10% and 60% stoichiometry. The thermosetting epoxy resin powder coating composition not only exhibits the desired flexibility and fast cure speeds, but also exhibits superior adhesion and superior resistance to delamination and cathodic disbondment, preferably having cathodic disbondment values typically less than 4 mm radial disbondment, and preferably less than 2 mm radial disbondment. Such properties are highly advantageous for protective powder coatings used on rebars and pipelines.

Abstract: A new and improved single side wall air bag inflator includes a housing containing an ignition device, a quantity of pyrotechnic gas generant material and a filter. The housing includes a cup-shaped base member having an annular bottom wall with a central opening for access to the ignition device and an integrally formed, upstanding ported side wall extends upwardly of the bottom wall. The side wall has a radially inwardly deformable, free upper end portion forming a retaining flange for securing a top wall in place spaced above the bottom wall and closing off an upper end portion of the housing. The top wall has a depressed outer peripheral edge portion facing and sealed with the downwardly and radially inwardly deformed upper end flange of the single side wall.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for appropriately and desirably moderating the combustion of a fluid fuel and oxidant combination. The combustion rate moderator of the invention is a solid form which includes an array of holes wherein the fluid fuel and oxidant combination is housed and burned.

Abstract: A cushion retainer for mounting an airbag cushion, having an inner edge defining an open mouth, to an airbag module baseplate defining an inflator-receiving aperture, so that the open mouth of the airbag inflator is aligned with the inflator-receiving aperture of the module baseplate. The airbag cushion retainer includes a rigid annular plate sized to fit around the inflator receiving aperture, and an annular sewing area extending radially outwardly from the annular plate. The sewing area is securable to the airbag cushion with stitches. According to one embodiment, the annular sewing area has a thickness that decreases outwardly to an outer periphery that is thin enough to accept a sewing needle or other sewing tool. According to another embodiment, the annular sewing area defines a multiplicity of holes for receiving stitches. According to a further embodiment, an annular fabric ring is secured to a bottom surface of the annular plate and extends radially outwardly from the annular sewing area.

Abstract: The actuation of autoignition material in an airbag inflation device is facilitated by providing ports in the module can or housing of the airbag inflation device, and filling the ports with plugs of a fusible, low-melting material, so that when exposed to bonfire conditions, the plugs melt and the ports provide access to the autoignition material.

Abstract: Low gloss in a coating derived from a polyester/triglycidyl isocyanurate coating powder is achieved by including in the coating powder 2-10 phr ethylene acrylic acid copolymer, 0.2-1.0 phr of a compound selected from 2-mercapto benzothiazole, metal salts of 2-mercapto benzothiazole, such as zinc 2-mercapto benzothiazole, and up to 10 phr polyolefin wax.

Abstract: Liquid gas generant compositions are aqueous solutions of hydroxylammonium nitrate as the oxidizer and a fuel selected from the group consisting of nitrate salts of amines of the formulae:A.sup.1) an amino tetrazole or amino triazole,A.sup.2) an amine of the formulae (I) (NHZ).sub.2 --C.dbd.O, (II) (NHZ).sub.2 --C.dbd.NZ, (III) HN--(CO--NHZ).sub.2, where the Zs are the same or different and are selected from H and NH.sub.2,A.sup.3) C.sub.2 -C.sub.3 -alkyldiamine, andmixtures of the nitrate salts of amines of the above formulae.

Abstract: An electrically energized coil or solenoid activates a magnetic piston/plunger assembly which forces pressurized gas out of a container through a diffuser and into an air bag without using pyrotechnic material, and thereby eliminating all of the undesirable effects associated with current state of the art inflators (i.e., particulate, smell, smoke, manufacturing dangers, etc.).

Abstract: A membrane horn switch wherein the two membranes sheets of the horn switch have first and second relatively large areas connected by a rupturable, strain relieving bridge member. The bridge members provide an area that is readily rupturable from a force provided by an inflating airbag cushion such that the bridge members can be appropriately placed over a tear seam of a cover of an airbag module in a motor vehicle. Each bridge member of the horn switch has a non-straight path so as to lessen strain fatigue and prolong the durability of the bridge member.

Abstract: A side impact airbag module assembly having a combination airbag inflator and module housing and an airbag cushion. The combination airbag inflator and module housing has an extruded unitary one-piece hollow elongated longitudinal body having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first open end, a second open end, and a plurality of gas exhaust ports extending from the inner surface to the outer surface. Two airbag receiving channels, each channel having a slot running along the channel, are respectively located on the outer surface of the longitudinal body, parallel with the body on opposite sides of the plurality of gas exhaust ports. A first endplug seals the first open end and a second endplug seals the second open end with the inner surface of the longitudinal body and the endplugs defining a gas generant chamber containing a gas generant.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium is prepared by applying a magnetic coating composition onto a non-magnetic support and curing said composition, said coating composition containing ferromagnetic particles dispersed in a binder comprising a thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polyurethanes and polyester wherein there is chemically bonded to said resin at least one aminoalkylphosphonate represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different oxyalkyl radicals having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms, R.sup.3 is an alkylene radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or an aralkylene radical having from 7 to 10 carbon atoms R.sup.4 is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl radical having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms, or an aryl radical having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms wherein the aryl radical may contain a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or an amino group, and M.sup.+ is a metal ion or an ammonium ion.

Abstract: A driver's side airbag module of reduced thickness includes a housing, a cylindrical inflator, and a folded airbag. The airbag is first folded into a rectangle and the ends of the rectangle are thereafter folded or rolled to lie between the periphery of the inflator and the side walls of the housing. The thickness of the resulting module is not substantially greater than the height of the inflator.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic grain or body of a gas generant having a consolidated or pressed-on, particulate inert burn inhibitor layer thereon. The inhibitor may be a metal oxide, metal sulfide, silica, silicate compound or mixtures thereof. The metal oxide is preferably iron oxide. The metal sulfide is preferably molybdenum disulfide. The preferred inhibitor is a silicate compound, most preferably bentonite. The inhibitor layer most preferably covers only one face or side of the generant body, though it may cover both faces or less than the entire area of one or both faces. The generant may be any conventional formulation which generates nitrogen-containing gas, preferably an azide, and most preferably sodium azide. The generant body may be any shape, preferably a washer-shaped disc. An automotive gas bag inflator may contain a plurality of the composite, inhibited generant bodies, preferably a stack or side by side assembly of such composite, inhibited wafers.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint system assembly and method of operation are provided wherein a compliance chamber pressure vessel formed about the gas exit area of an inflator appropriately and desirably moderates the inflation gas output from the inflator into an associated inflatable device such as inflatable vehicle occupant restraint. The invention has particular utility for use in conjunction with high mass flow rate inflators.

Abstract: An airbag module cover mounting arrangement. The module includes an inflator having a cushion mounted thereto. A cover partially surrounds and protects the cushion and inflator, and includes a decorative main panel and a hidden skirt. The skirt includes a plurality of mounting flaps extending therefrom. An inflator bracket is retained by the flaps, with the inflator held between the bracket and the cover main panel. A mounting flange is placed over the mounting bracket, and the flange includes flap hooks which hold the cover flaps in the mounted position, locked together with the inflator bracket. The flap hooks and mounting flaps include mating angled sections which force the flaps further into the locked position by camming action during normal assembly.

Abstract: An airbag module is installed upon a structural member, such as a seat frame, on a motor vehicle. The structural member is enclosed by padding and covered with an upholstery cover material. One or more portions of the cover material extend inwardly of the padding and enclose the module. The outer portions of the cover material are joined by a frangible seam which forms an airbag opening in a preselected location. Upon inflation, the expanding airbag is guided to the opening by a trough formed by the cover material portions.

Abstract: An airbag module combining assembly and mounting components and steps. The module includes an inflator having a mounting flange. The cushion mouth rests upon a top side of the flange. A rigid retaining member rests above the cushion mouth to secure the cushion to the flange. The retaining member includes studs which extend through mating holes in the cushion and flange. The free ends of the studs extend beyond the bottom of the flange. A cover fits over the folded cushion and includes a plurality of flaps extending downward. The ends of the flaps are folded under the flange and fit over the studs. Temporary restraints, such a friction lock washers are secured over the studs to secure the cushion, inflator and cover flaps between the retaining member and temporary restraints. The partially assembled module may be shipped in this condition. The extending free ends of the studs may then be inserted into mounting brackets in the vehicle, and permanent nuts fixed thereon.