Abstract: The invention relates to the field of hybrid generators for motor vehicle safety. The generator (101) comprises a cylindrical housing (2) closed by a closure ring (5) bearing an ignition device (8). An internal wall (12) bearing a central opening (14) and a hollow neck (16) in which is inserted a ring-shaped block (19) of solid ablatable fuel separates a reservoir chamber (17) containing pressurized air from a combustion and mixing chamber (18). Discharge holes (21) closed by breakable diaphragms (22) are arranged on the circumference of the combustion chamber (18). This generator has a very simple design and enables the inflating of cushions for protecting the occupants of motor vehicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas microgenerator intended more particularly for automobile safety. The microgenerator (1) comprises an igniter support (2) provided with a central bore (3) extended by a cylindrical neck (4) in which an igniter body (5) is fixed by crimping, two electrodes (8, 9) passing through this igniter body. A resistor (10) embedded in an ignition composition (11) links the two electrodes together. A shatterable case (13) containing an ignition powder (14) surrounds the resistor and the ignition composition. The electrodes in their lower part include cutting slots into which are inserted two electrically conducting sheathed wires (20, 21) coming from a supply cable (19). A closure piece (24), which is snap-fitted into the central bore locks the microgenerator. The microgenerator can be used to operate a belt retractor or to ignite a generator intended to inflate an airbag.

Abstract: Gas-filter in the form of an axisymmetric one-part cartridge (1), characterised in that it is essentially constituted by:a) a rigid ring (2) comprising an axisymmetric lateral wall (21) bounded by a flat-forming extremity (23) and by another, fold-down extremity (24), openings (22) being disposed on the wall (21) between the extremities (23) and (24),b) a gas-impermeable backing piece (3) surrounding on the outside the lateral wall (21) of the ring (2) by bearing on the plane extremity (23) of the ring (2) and crimped into the fold-down extremity (24) of the ring (2),c) filter elements (4) disposed between the ring (2) and the backing piece (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to pyrotechnic compositions generating nontoxic gases intended to inflate, in the event of an accident, the protective cushions for the occupants of a motor vehicle.The compositions according to the invention contain an azide, an inorganic oxidising agent and, characteristically, between 5% and 40% by weight of an inorganic binder which is the product of an inorganic polycondensation reaction of mixtures based on alkali metal silicoaluminates. The binder is preferably the product of polymerisation of a silicoaluminate of formula (Si.sub.2 O.sub.5.Al.sub.2 O.sub.2) and of silica SiO.sub.2 in the presence of aqueous sodium hydroxide and/or of aqueous potassium hydroxide.After the various constituents of the composition have been mixed and formed, the polymerisation of the said binder is ensured in a first stage by heating in a leakproof closed vessel and the drying of the composition is ensured in a second stage.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cold-gas pyrotechnic generator of the type having a casing including a base and a cover with an internal chamber accessed by a central opening for the reception of pyrotechnic elements includes the steps of placing the cover on the base with filtering material inserted, rotating the casing while introducing the pyrotechnic elements through the central opening and then inserting an ignition device in the central opening.

Abstract: A device for protecting, by impact absorption, the occupants of a motor vehicle in the event of a collision includes a pyrotechnic generator (2) of hot gases, the temperature of which at the outlet of the generator is equal to at least 1,800.degree. C. and a sealed or virtually sealed inflatable bag (3) fastened to the said generator. Communication between the bag (3) and the generator (2) is ensured by openings (27) with a constant cross-section arranged on the generator and by a deflector (28). The invention also relates to the use of a device of this type combined with a seat belt, in particular in order to improve the protection of motor vehicle drivers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cold-gas pyrotechnic generator, in particular intended for automobile safety, as well as a method for manufacturing this generator.The generator according to the invention comprises a casing (2) of revolution consisting of a base (10) and a cover (20) establishing:a central channel (80) in which an ignition device is placed,an annular intermediate chamber (70) containing elements (40) of a gas-generating pyrotechnic composition,a peripheral annular chamber (60) containing a filter.A continuous lateral opening (71) is provided between the central channel (80) and the intermediate chamber (70).The method for manufacturing a generator of this type consists in assembling the cover (20) with the base (10) containing the filter by friction welding, in placing the casing (2) thus formed onto a lathe and in introducing, after setting in rotation, the pyrotechnic elements (40) into the chamber (70) through the opening (71) and, lastly, in installing the ignition device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new pyrotechnic compositions generating nontoxic cold gases.The compositions according to the invention contain between 55% and 71% by weight of alkali or alkaline-earth metal azide, between 25% and 40% by weight of molybdenum sulphide and between 3% and 6% by weight of a binder consisting of the product of reaction of a polyglycidyl azide containing hydroxyl ends with at least one polyisocyanate. A preferred composition comprises 35% by weight of molybdenum sulphide, 60% by weight of sodium azide and 5% by weight of a binder obtained by reaction of a polyglycidyl azide containing OH hydroxyl ends of mass 2000 with the hexamethylene diisocyanate biuret trimer.The compositions according to the invention are much less sensitive to external attacks, and especially to moisture, than the conventional compositions based on azide and molybdenum sulphide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of charges for generators of nontoxic cold gases based on alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal azide, molybdenum sulphide and sulphur.After being formed, the charges are heated to a temperature of between 120.degree. C. and 130.degree. C. for 5 to 20 minutes.After cooling, the charges thus treated exhibit mechanical properties which are greatly superior to those of the charges of identical nature which have not undergone the heat treatment according to the invention.The charges according to the invention find their preferred application in gas generators intended for motor car safety.