Abstract: The present invention includes a gas generator 10 that incorporates a gas generating composition 12 and a scavenging additive 16 in heterogeneous but vapor/gaseous communication with the gas generating composition 12. The scavenging additive retains moisture/contaminants typically evolving over time at relatively higher temperatures. The present invention further includes a gas generating system 180 incorporating the gas generator 10.

Abstract: An autoignition composition 14 is provided to manage the safe combustion of a primary gas generant composition 12. The autoignition composition 14 contains carboxylic acid and potassium chlorate. A method of managing the safe combustion of the primary gas generant composition 12 is also provided.

Abstract: A polyvinyl(tetrazole) is formed by a water-based method. A gas generating composition 12 containing the polyvinyl(tetrazole) is contained within an exemplary gas generator 10. An article or gas generating system 200 incorporates the polyvinyl(tetrazole) therein. A vehicle occupant protection system 180 incorporates the gas generating system 200. An article or substrate 300 containing a coating 302 formed from the product of the water-based method is also described.

Abstract: A vinylated tetrazole substituted at the 5-position of the tetrazole ring is formed by a water-based method. A gas generating composition 12 containing the vinylated tetrazole is contained within an exemplary gas generator 10. A gas generating system 200 incorporates the vinylated tetrazole therein. A vehicle occupant protection system 180 incorporates the gas generating system 200.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to gas generant compositions for inflators of occupant restraint systems, for example. A gas generating composition 12 formed in accordance with the present invention includes a carboxyl alkyl cellulosic binder. A vehicle occupant protection system 180, and other gas generating systems, incorporate the compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to gas generant compositions for inflators of occupant restraint systems, for example. An extrudable pyrotechnic composition includes polyvinylazoles for use within an airbag gas generator. The fuel may be selected from exemplary polyvinylazoles including 5-amino-1-vinyltetrazole, poly(5-vinyltetrazole), poly(2-methyl-5-vinyl) tetrazole, poly(1-vinyl) tetrazole, poly(3-vinyl) 1,2,5 oxadiazole, and poly(3-vinyl) 1,2,4-triazole. An oxidizer is combined with the fuel and preferably contains phase stabilized ammonium nitrate. A novel method of forming the compositions is also presented wherein the various constituents are wetted and/or dissolved, and then cured within the polyvinylazole matrix thereby forming a more intimate combination within the gas generant composition. A vehicle occupant protection system 180, and other gas generating systems, incorporate the compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to gas generant compositions for inflators of occupant restraint systems, for example. An extrudable pyrotechnic composition includes polyvinylazoles for use within an airbag gas generator. The fuel may be selected from exemplary polyvinylazoles including 5-amino-1-vinyltetrazole, poly(5-vinyltetrazole), poly(2-methyl-5-vinyl)tetrazole, poly(1-vinyl)tetrazole, poly(3-vinyl)1,2,5 oxadiazole, and poly(3-vinyl)1,2,4-triazole. An oxidizer is combined with the fuel and preferably contains phase stabilized ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to auto-ignition/booster compositions for inflators of occupant restraint systems, for example. An exemplary auto-ignition composition in accordance with the present invention includes a metal chlorate, an auto-ignition fuel selected from the group including sugars and orgainic acids, and a nitrogen-containing secondary fuel.

Abstract: A multiple-chamber inflator (10) for a vehicle occupant protection system. The inflator (10) includes a housing (12) having a first end and a second end, and a divider disc (18) positioned in an interior of the housing (12) intermediate the housing ends to form a first (primary) propellant chamber (20) and a second (secondary) propellant chamber (22) within the interior of the housing (12). The divider (18) has a first surface (59) in communication with the first propellant chamber (20), a second surface (57) in communication with the second propellant chamber (22), and at least one aperture (60) extending between the first and second surfaces to provide fluid communication between the first propellant chamber (20) and the second propellant chamber (22). A pressure-resistant shim (62) fabricated from a low-melting point material is fixed on the divider first surface (59) over the at least one aperture (60) to block the aperture.

Abstract: An inflator (10) comprising a housing (12) having an interior and a plurality of gas exit orifices (14) formed therealong. A gas source material (20) is positioned in the housing interior and is enclosed in a pliable, rupturable substantially gas-and-moisture-impermeable container (24). The gas source (20) is a material (for example, hydrogen peroxide) adapted to undergo decomposition to form at least one gaseous decomposition product comprising an inflation gas. A reactant material (22) is also positioned in the interior of the housing (12). The reactant (22) is a material (such as a catalyst) adapted to react with the gas source material to produce decomposition of the gas source material (20). An enclosure (28) is positioned within the housing (12) to form a cavity (30) between an outer wall of the housing (12) and the enclosure (28). The reactant material (22) is positioned in the cavity (30).