Abstract: A pretensioner (50) tensions vehicle seat belt webbing (18). The pretensioner (50) has a member (52) movable by an actuating fluid to tension the seat belt webbing (18). The pretensioner (50) further has at least one microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device (120) energizable to supply actuating fluid to move the member (52).

Abstract: An inflator (10) includes an assembly (31) comprising a plurality of individually energizable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices (30) for, when energized, actuating the inflator. The assembly (31) further comprises a sensor mechanism (60) for sensing a condition of the inflator (10) and for generating a control signal indicative of the sensed condition. The plurality of MEMS devices (30) are responsive to the control signal to control actuation of the inflator (10).

Abstract: An initiator (40) for actuating an inflation fluid source (34) for an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (36) comprises a plurality of electrically energizable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices (120-126). In one embodiment, the MEMS devices (120-126) are associated in a one to one relationship with chambers (75-78) containing ignitable material (130). Each one of the MEMS devices (120-126), when energized, generates combustion products, including heat, for igniting the associated ignitable material (130). At least one terminal pin (44-46) is electrically connected with the plurality of MEMS devices (120-126) for receiving an electric signal for energizing at least one of the MEMS devices.

Abstract: An initiator (40) for actuating an inflation fluid source (34) for an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (36) comprises a plurality of electrically energizable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices (120-126). In one embodiment, the MEMS devices (120-126) are associated in a one to one relationship with chambers (75-78) containing ignitable material (130). Each one of the MEMS devices (120-126), when energized, generates combustion products, including heat, for igniting the associated ignitable material (130). At least one terminal pin (44-46) is electrically connected with the plurality of MEMS devices (120-126) for receiving an electric signal for energizing at least one of the MEMS devices.

Abstract: An inflator (10) includes an assembly (31) comprising a plurality of individually energizable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices (30) for, when energized, actuating the inflator. The assembly (31) further comprises a sensor mechanism (60) for sensing a condition of the inflator (10) and for generating a control signal indicative of the sensed condition. The plurality of MEMS devices (30) are responsive to the control signal to control actuation of the inflator (10).

Abstract: A pretensioner (50) tensions vehicle seat belt webbing (18). The pretensioner (50) has a member (52) movable by an actuating fluid to tension the seat belt webbing (18). The pretensioner (50) further has at least one microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device (120) energizable to supply actuating fluid to move the member (52).

Abstract: A method for monitoring the quality of a laser process such as a laser welding process includes monitoring the light emitted from the weld plasma above the surface of the workpiece irradiated by the laser beam. The intensity of the light emitted from the plasma is compared to a predetermined value of the light emission as determined under process and workpiece conditions that produce welds of acceptable quality. Variations of the monitored light intensity greater than a preselected value can be valuated as unacceptable welds. Such variations can be caused by changes in the laser beam power, the workpiece speed, laser focusing problems, insufficient shield gas flow, workpiece deformation and weld contamination. The process monitors the light emission for a selected range of wavelengths that correspond to the major emission peaks of the light spectrum. The method enables in-process control of laser processes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the quality of a laser process such as a welding process comprises monitoring the light emitted from the weld plasma above the surface of the workpiece being irradiated by the laser beam. The size of the plasma is determined from the light emission and compared to a predetermined value of the size as determined under process and workpiece conditions that produce welds of acceptable quality. Variations of the monitored plasma size greater than a preselected value can represent unacceptable welds. Such variations can be caused by changes in the laser beam power, the workpiece speed, laser focusing problems, insufficient shield gas flow, workpiece deformation and weld contamination. The process monitors the light emission from a selected range of wavelengths that correspond to the major emission peaks of the light spectrum. The process enables in-process control.

Abstract: In a process for recovering an alkali metal azide from a waste gas generating material containing the alkali metal azide and a metal oxide reactable with the azide, the gas generating material is mixed with a solvent for the alkali metal azide. This produces a slurry comprising (i) a solution comprising the solvent and the alkali metal azide, and (ii) the metal oxide. The slurry is separated into a liquid stream comprising primarily the solution and a sludge stream comprising primarily the metal oxide. The liquid stream is filtered in a filter to produce a filtrate which is substantially free of metal oxide and is then concentrated by evaporation of the solvent to produce crystals of the alkali metal azide. The separation may be carried out by a filter or centrifuge to produce a filter or centrifuge cake. The sludge obtained from the slurry is reslurried to recover additional azide, and the resulting slurry is again separated into a sludge and a liquid stream by a filter or centrifuge.