Abstract: A modular fire detection and extinguishing system is disclosed that is inexpensive, compact, and modular to allow easy aftermarket installation in a variety of vehicles. The system may include a detector, a trigger coupled to the detector and a gas generant fire extinguisher, a modular distribution line in fluid communication with the extinguisher and a nozzle. The system allows exhaust gas from the gas generant fire extinguisher to carry dry powdered fire suppressant from the fire extinguisher and through the nozzle to disperse the fire suppressant substantially uniformly throughout a fire hazard zone. The extinguisher is installed such that exhaust gas must aerate substantially all the fire suppressant before exiting the extinguisher.

Abstract: A linear actuator with an internal dampening mechanism is disclosed. The actuator has a housing has a first end and a second end and forms an internal chamber. A constricted opening is also added to the actuator at the first end. A piston is disposed within the housing and is capable of sliding along the chamber. The piston has a head portion and a shaft portion. The shaft portion is slidable through the constricted opening whereas the head portion is not slidable through the constricted opening. A fluid is also added to the actuator. The fluid is disposed within the housing. In one embodiment, the actuator is constructed such that the sliding of the shaft portion forces a fluid through the constricted opening such that the movement of the piston is dampened. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator includes one or more second pistons and an orifice.

Abstract: A bumper assembly having a movable bumper is disclosed. A crash sensor is attached to the movable bumper. A linkage is provided to attach the movable bumper to a motor vehicle. When the movable bumper is attached to the motor vehicle, the linkage permits the movable bumper to be moved from a first position to a second position that is horizontally displaced from the first position in a direction away from the motor vehicle. Extending the bumper in this manner allows the crash sensor to provide early detection of a collision involving the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A bumper assembly having a movable bumper is disclosed. A crash sensor is attached to the movable bumper. A linkage is provided to attach the movable bumper to a motor vehicle. When the movable bumper is attached to the motor vehicle, the linkage permits the movable bumper to be moved from a first position to a second position that is horizontally displaced from the first position in a direction away from the motor vehicle. Extending the bumper in this manner allows the crash sensor to provide early detection of a collision involving the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A spray nozzle having a helical coil of flat wire is disclosed. The flat wire defines a deflecting surface for distributing a sprayable material in a desired spray pattern. The flat wire also forms an attachment member for connecting the spray nozzle to a coupling member. The coupling member allows the spray nozzle to be attached to a sprayable material source. The spray nozzle may be manufactured by wrapping the flat wire around a conical shaping form to define a helical coil and an attachment member.

Abstract: A modular fire detection and extinguishing system is disclosed that is inexpensive, compact, and modular to allow easy aftermarket installation in a variety of vehicles. The system may include a detector, a trigger coupled to the detector and a gas generant fire extinguisher, a modular distribution line in fluid communication with the extinguisher and a nozzle. The system allows exhaust gas from the gas generant fire extinguisher to carry dry powdered fire suppressant from the fire extinguisher and through the nozzle to disperse the fire suppressant substantially uniformly throughout a fire hazard zone. The extinguisher is installed such that exhaust gas must aerate substantially all the fire suppressant before exiting the extinguisher.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for igniting a pyrotechnic gas generator, or inflator, such as those used in automotive airbag systems is disclosed. The ignition system uses a flammable gas to ignite the pyrotechnic gas generant. The flammable gas can be stored either throughout interior free space in the inflator or it can be maintained in a separate sealed container either separately or jointly with the pyrotechnic gas generant. The method and apparatus offer both cost savings and a reduction in delay time over conventional pyrotechnic ignition systems.

Abstract: Featured for use as a part of an inflatable restraint system airbag module is an elongated cylindrical airbag inflator containing a load of a gas generant material. The inflator has a size (i.e., length) selected to correspond to the size of the load of the gas generant material stored within the inflator.

Abstract: An auto ignition system for use as part of an airbag inflator having an ignitor tube. The auto ignition system includes an elongated auto ignition chamber having an open end and a length to width ratio of at least three. The auto ignition chamber is adapted to be positioned within the airbag inflator with the open end facing the ignitor tube. Auto ignition material is contained within the auto ignition chamber, and a metal foil retention disk closes the open end of the auto ignition chamber. According to one embodiment, the auto ignition chamber is a recess defined by an endwall of the airbag inflator with the open end of the recess facing the ignitor tube. According to another embodiment of the invention, a solid press-fit closure plug closes the open end of the auto ignition chamber, and according to an additional embodiment, the press-fit closure plug is a porous metal fiber or powder press-fit closure plug.

Abstract: A wrapped gas generant cartridge is incorporated in an inflator of a vehicle occupant restraint system. The gas generant cartridge includes a stacked, aligned plurality of substantially flat annular wafers of gas generant material having a central opening therethrough. A wrap of sheet material surrounds the plurality of wafers and has marginal end panels folded along the end surfaces of the plurality of wafers, leaving at least one end opening exposed for receiving an ignition tube of the inflator. The wrap of sheet material is selected from metal foil, expanded metal, cellulose, thermoplastics, including polyolefin shrink wrap, with tape, adhesive or adhesive laminates holding the wrap in position. The gas generant cartridge is received in a filter and screen pack within the inflator.

Abstract: An inflator of a vehicle safety restraint system having a flow inhibitor system which forces ignition gases through a gas generant of the inflator. A housing includes a gas generant chamber and an igniter for generating an ignition gas. A gas generant is disposed within the gas generant chamber for generating an inflation gas. A shock absorbing devive supports the gas generant in the housing. The shock absorber is disposed within a region of the gas generant chamber. A flow inhibitor blocks the flow of the ignition gas into the region of the shock absorber. The flow inhibitor is disposed adjacent the shock absorber, such that the ignition gas does not enter the region of the shock absorber but passes solely through the gas generant.

Abstract: A passenger air bag inflator using pressurized inert gas upon initial deployment to provide cool gas to the folded air bag. After the bag has started to unfold, the remaining gas is provided by pyrotechnic gas generant. Pyrotechnic gas expands against a piston. The piston compresses the inert gas and forces it to exhaust from the inflator. Upon expulsion of the inert gas, the piston then becomes a filter for the pyrotechnic. The system provides a reduction in air bag stresses from fast hot gas deployments.

Abstract: Multiple bridgewires are distributed through the length of the elongated tubular igniter of an automotive vehicle passenger side inflator. Upon receipt of an electrical stimulus the bridgewires ignite sensitive booster charges which ignite ignition powder within the igniter tube at the multiple distributed bridgewire locations. The use of this system eliminates the need for high velocity pyrotechnics in the ignition system to ignite the inflator gas generant within acceptable time constraints when the tubular igniter is ignited from one end by an initiator, and replaces the squib initiator.

Abstract: A filter, seal and port arrangement for a pyrotechnic air bag inflator. The seal consists of a ring or annulus of sheet metal which has a foot section abutting against the filter, and a leg section of the seal angled to form an interference fit against an interior wall of the generator housing. For annular filters used in axial flow inflators, a ring is used at the radially inner and outer edges of the annular filter. For tubular filters used in radial flow inflators, a single seal at a longitudinal end may be sufficient. With such tubular filters, the seal may include a stand-off to form an annular void between the radially outer face of the filter and the wall of the housing. This void will act as a plenum to ensure that a greater volume of the filter is used. The tubular filter itself may also be formed with raised lands such that the interposed grooves form such a plenum. In a similar manner the disk filters may also have plenum producing lands on their outer faces, or the housing may include such lands.

Abstract: A permanently installed metal retainer for an air bag gas generator igniter tube end closure is tapered press fit for ease of installation, sealing, and enhanced retention, and includes a final crimp into a suitably positioned groove on the end of the igniter tube for positive retention.

Abstract: An igniter tube for a gas-generating device comprising an elongate cylinder, a primary igniter powder within the cylinder, a closure at one end of the cylinder, and an auto ignition cup disposed at the end of the cylinder opposite the closure is improved by the use of a resin-blocked screen as the closure between the igniter powder and the auto ignition cup.

Abstract: An enclosure, adapted to hold an auto ignition material in a gas generator that employs solid fuel gas generant material to effect inflation of a protective bag to cushion a passenger from impact with the structure of a vehicle in the event of a crash, is provided.