Abstract: A nitrocellulose-free, gas-generating composition for use in vehicle occupant restraint systems, in particular in a belt tensioner gas generator, substantially consists of at least one nitrogen-containing organic fuel in a proportion of 55 to 70% by weight, an inorganic oxidator in a proportion of 30 to 45% by weight, at least one combustion moderator in a proportion of up to 10% by weight and up to 5% by weight conventional adjuvants and additives, each in relation to the overall weight of the composition. The composition has a pressure exponent of less than 0.35 and a combustion rate at 200 bar of at least 40 mm/s.

Abstract: A gas generator comprises a tubular housing of a pressure-resistant material and a propellant strand which is incorporated in the housing and provided with an envelope. At least one channel is provided between the envelope and the propellant strand so as to extend in an axial direction. The propellant strand has a substantially circular cross-section and the envelope has a polygonal cross-section.

Abstract: A hybrid gas generator comprises a chamber that contains pressurized fluid and that is sealed off by a rupturable membrane, and a pyrotechnical propellant charge that ruptures the membrane when it is ignited. The gas generator further comprises a nozzle wall that is arranged between the propellant charge and the membrane and that has at least one passage opening through which combustion products generated upon ignition of said pyrotechnical propellant charge flow towards the membrane. The passage opening has such a shape and is oriented with respect to the membrane in such a way that, when the membrane is ruptured, there are formed sections of said membrane that remain all connected to an edge of the membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing an igniter for a gas generator. The igniter contains a charge sleeve which has an open end. The method comprising the following steps: A pyrotechnic ignition charge is introduced via the open end into the charge sleeve such that an edge of the charge sleeve projects axially at the open end with respect to the ignition charge. The projecting part of the edge is shortened axially, and the open end is closed. The invention further relates to a charge sleeve which has a weakened zone running along its periphery, or has a section which is able to be removed from the remainder of the charge sleeve.

Abstract: A hybrid gas generator comprises an elongated cylindrical outer housing, and a pressure chamber that is filled with pressurized gas and that is closed off by a membrane provided on an end face of the pressure chamber. The gas generator further comprises a pyrotechnical propellant charge that is provided for opening the membrane and is accommodated in a preferably bushing-shaped propellant charge housing. The propellant charge housing is connected to the outer housing at a location outside of the pressure chamber and a longitudinal axis of the propellant charge housing extends at a right angle to a longitudinal axis of the outer housing. The generator also has an axial outflow opening situated at one axial end of the outer housing. The outer housing has a circumferential wall with a radial insertion opening for introducing the propellant charge housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator for generating gases, comprising a housing which has an interior space and at least one combustion chamber filled with a predetermined quantity of solid propellant. The propellant consists of a plurality of solid propellant parts arranged in the combustion chamber in an irregular manner. The compressed gas is stored in a predetermined quantity in the combustion chamber and the combustion chamber constructed as a pressure chamber sealed hermetically toward outside in a non-activated state of the gas generator.

Abstract: The invention relates to gas generator comprising an outer housing made of plastic, in which a pyrotechnic propellant charge and an igniter having its own igniter housing are accommodated. The igniter housing consists at least partially of plastic and is welded with the outer housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator comprising at least two combustion chambers filled with propellant charges and delimited by combustion chamber walls. The combustion chamber walls have outflow openings which in a non-activated state are closed by at least one applied membrane having an edge. One of an additional fastening device and a protective device is provided at least sections of the edge of the membrane. The device prevents a coming-off of the membrane from the combustion chamber wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic gas generator comprising a gas-tight outer housing consisting of at least two parts, a first part of which being a receiving part for pyrotechnic material and a second part of which being a base part which is connected with the receiving part by welding so as to form the outer housing. One of both parts has a radially projecting, surrounding flange with an outer peripheral edge and the other part has an axially extending, rim-like projection circumferentially surrounding said peripheral edge and having an inner surface which is contacted by the peripheral edge. The welding of the first and second parts is provided at the flange.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator comprising a combustion chamber filled with a solid propellant, a supply chamber filled with a fluid and a mixing chamber in which a hot gas generated by combustion of the solid propellant is mixed with the fluid. A combustion chamber wall is provided that has a plurality of outflow openings through which the hot gas escapes. A fluid feed chamber is provided so as to lie, in terms of flow, between the combustion chamber and the mixing chamber, the hot gas passing through the fluid feed chamber. The fluid from the supply chamber flows into the fluid feed chamber and the fluid feed chamber is radially open towards the outflow openings across the entire circumference of each of the outflow openings, so as to direct an annular fluid stream onto the hot gas.

Abstract: A nitrocellulose-free, gas-generating composition for use in vehicle occupant restraint systems, in particular in a belt tensioner gas generator, substantially consists of at least one nitrogen-containing organic fuel in a proportion of 55 to 70% by weight, an inorganic oxidator in a proportion of 30 to 45% by weight, at least one combustion moderator in a proportion of up to 10% by weight and up to 5% by weight conventional adjuvants and additives, each in relation to the overall weight of the composition. The composition has a pressure exponent of less than 0.35 and a combustion rate at 200 bar of at least 40 mm/s.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ignition unit (1) suitable for triggering an active system, such as an airbag or safety belt. The ignition unit comprises an ignition charge (7) located in a housing (2), which can be fired by means of an ignition bridge (6) positioned on a support element (5), as well as at least one contact pin (13a, 13b, 13c) which protrudes from the housing (2) and via an electronic ignition system (9) is electrically connected to the ignition bridge (6). The electronic ignition system (9) is surrounded by an envelope (10) made of a shock-absorbing material. The ignition bridge (6) is not covered by the envelope (10) so that during ignition the pressure exerted on the electronic ignition system (9) is cushioned. This prevents damage to the sensitive electronic components of the electronic ignition system (9) situated on the support element (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to an igniter composition for use in a gas generator for a safety means in vehicles. The igniter composition consists of a gas-generating composition in an amount of 15 to 70 wt-% and of a thermite composition in an amount of 30 to 85 wt-%. The gas-generating composition consists essentially of a guanidine compound as fuel and an inorganic oxidizer. The thermite composition consisting essentially of a metal and a metal oxide. The igniter composition or the gas-generating composition and the thermite composition, each for itself, have an oxygen balance of between 0 and −20%.

Abstract: A hybrid gas generator for use in a vehicle occupant restraint device comprises at least one combustion chamber containing a pyrotechnic charge, and at least one fluid chamber containing a fluid. Several movable pistons are provided which push the fluid out from the at least one fluid chamber. The pistons are able to be set in motion independently of each other and/or in any activation sequence desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing propellant compacts for use in gas generators for safety devices in motor vehicles by extrusion, comprising the following steps: mixing the constituents of the propellant and stirring the mixture into a paste with a solvent so as to form a plasticizable mass, extruding the plasticizable mass in order to form propellant compacts, and drying the propellant compacts in order to remove the solvent, a thickening agent which increases the viscosity being added to the solvent prior to pasting in a proportion of from 0.1 to 10% by weight, relative to the solvent, and the dried propellant compacts having a density of at least 70% of the theoretical density. The invention further relates to propellant compacts obtainable in accordance with this method.

Abstract: A pyrotechnical ignition system with integrated ignition circuit for an occupant restraint system for motor vehicles includes electrical components for triggering or communication functions integrated therein, a capacitor arrangement, having a flat non-conductive external surface is used as a substrate or carrier element on which the other components are directly arranged and carried. A conductor structure linking the components can be formed by insertable metal parts that are arranged in the housing and project into the holding chamber in which the capacitor arrangement and the circuit component are arranged, and make contact with contact zones on the upper side of the circuit or the capacitor arrangement.

Abstract: A gas generator for a vehicle occupant restraint system has a combustion chamber delimited by a combustion chamber wall and filled with propellant granules. A structure is arranged in the combustion chamber for holding down the propellant granule, which has a disc-shaped holding face with grid holes, wherein the holding face is pressed into the combustion chamber and is connected in a form- and force-fitting manner with the combustion chamber wall. The structure for holding down the propellant granules is prestressed and presses elastically onto the propellant granules thereby arresting the propellant granules at a preselected filling level and at a variable distance from the combustion chamber cover.

Abstract: A hybrid gas generator comprises an elongated cylindrical outer housing, and a pressure chamber that is filled with pressurized gas and that is closed off by a membrane provided on an end face of the pressure chamber. The gas generator further comprises a pyrotechnical propellant charge that is provided for opening the membrane and is accommodated in a preferably bushing-shaped propellant charge housing. The propellant charge housing is connected to the outer housing at a location outside of the pressure chamber and a longitudinal axis of the propellant charge housing extends at a right angle to a longitudinal axis of the outer housing. The generator also has an axial outflow opening situated at one axial end of the outer housing. The outer housing has a circumferential wall with a radial insertion opening for introducing the propellant charge housing.

Abstract: A hybrid gas generator comprises a chamber that contains pressurized fluid and that is sealed off by a rupturable membrane, and a pyrotechnical propellant charge that ruptures the membrane when it is ignited. The gas generator further comprises a nozzle wall that is arranged between the propellant charge and the membrane and that has at least one passage opening through which combustion products generated upon ignition of said pyrotechnical propellant charge flow towards the membrane. The passage opening has such a shape and is oriented with respect to the membrane in such a way that, when the membrane is ruptured, there are formed sections of said membrane that remain all connected to an edge of the membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator comprising a generator housing which has a base part, and an electric igniter which has a rear side, is fastened in the base part and has connection lines on the rear side. The gas generator further comprises a propellant charge in the generator housing, the propellant charge being provided outside the igniter and an insulating bush surrounding the connection lines and fastened to the generator housing. The insulating bush consists of plastic and contains electrically conductive particles.