Abstract: A gas generator, in particular for vehicle passive restraint systems, is constructed without pyrotechnical components for gas production, gas release, or gas heating. The gas generator includes a compressed gas container having an opening that is releasably closed by a closure such as a burst diaphragm, and at least one electrical and/or magnetic device arranged to destroy or release the closure upon triggering. It is also possible to achieve gas heating without the use of pyrotechnical components by coupling electrical and/or magnetic energy from the electrical and/or magnetic device into the gas container and particularly into the gas contained therein.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a propellant mixture for producing propellant gas for passenger protection systems in motor vehicles, in particular airbag systems. According to this invention, this propellant mixture comprises fumaric acid, with a share of 20 to 45% by weight, as well as an inorganic oxidant with a share of 55 to 80% by weight. These revealed propellant components are non-toxic and characterized by a high thermal stability as well as low hygroscopicity. In addition, this propellant contains only minor traces of pollutant gases, with even combustion residues being non-toxic.