Abstract: A threat launch detection system includes at least one temporal threat detector, each temporal threat detector including a single sensing element operable to sense radiation from various types of short-burn threats that occur within a field of view of the detector. The single sensing element generates a detection signal in response to the sensed radiation. A processing circuit is coupled to each temporal threat detector and is operable to analyze the detection signal from each detector as a function of time to detect the occurrence of a short-burn threat within the field of view of any of the temporal threat detectors. Each temporal threat detector may be a prism-coupled compound parabolic concentrator (PCCP).

Abstract: A threat launch detection system includes at least one temporal threat detector, each temporal threat detector including a single sensing element operable to sense radiation from various types of short-burn threats that occur within a field of view of the detector. The single sensing element generates a detection signal in response to the sensed radiation. A processing circuit is coupled to each temporal threat detector and is operable to analyze the detection signal from each detector as a function of time to detect the occurrence of a short-burn threat within the field of view of any of the temporal threat detectors. Each temporal threat detector may be a prism-coupled compound parabolic concentrator (PCCP).

Abstract: An initiator, for use in a gas generator, includes an enclosed volume in communication with apertures for introducing liquid propellant and pre-pressurization gas into a propellant ignition chamber, and an aperture for introducing combusted gasses into a gas generator. A mechanism for controlling when the gases are allowed to enter the gas generator, and a heater/electrode to initiate combustion of the liquid propellant, also communicate with the enclosed volume. The propellant and the pre-pressurization gas may be introduced together or through separate ports. The heater/electrode thermally decomposes and vaporizes the propellant causing pressurization of the ignition chamber until a critical value is reached and the propellant ignites and burns. The burning propellant increases the chamber pressure beyond a predetermined value thereby opening the controlling mechanism and allowing the combusted gases to be introduced into the gas generator combustion chamber.

Abstract: A continuous flow-rate gas generator fueled by liquid mono-propellant includes a propellant storage tank, a motor-driven pump (or other pressurization technique) to force the propellant into a combustion chamber having an enclosed volume, an injector to effectively break up the incoming liquid propellant into droplets that facilitate ignition and sustain combustion, an igniter to initiate the combustion process, a nozzle to expand the exhaust gases in order to optimize the pressure and temperature of the working fluid, and exhaust ducting to direct the flow and handle the further heat transfer requirements. If desired, the output may be varied through two mechanisms: either by including an exit gas valve used to vary the exit gas flow to match delivery needs; or by having a plurality of continuous gas generators connected in parallel to a manifold assembly and relying on the combination of mixed flow-rates to match a required gas output.

Abstract: To achieve programmed inflation of an airbag in a vehicle occupant restraint apparatus, movement of a piston, that separates a combustion chamber from a liquid propellant reservoir, is utilized to vary the opening size of an injection port through which liquid propellant is regeneratively pumped from the reservoir into the combustion chamber for combustion, such that the rate at which the bag inflation gas is generated during an inflation period may be controlled.

Abstract: To deploy an inflatable member, such as an occupant restraint safety bag in a motor vehicle, a buffer zone is pressurized by the firing of inflation initiator to release liquid propellant into the buffer zone through ruptured frangible seals in a stationary separator disk or in a movable piston for controlled ignition. The ignited liquid propellant generates a large volume of gas that is cooled and pressurize buffered prior to inflating introduction into the safety bag.