Abstract: Airbag systems for protecting passengers during collision. The airbags are inflated with ambient air at atmospheric pressure in the vehicle cabin. In a preferred aspect, the airbags are interfaced with bladders which store the ambient air and which are compressed by an electromagnetic plate hurling process which compresses the bladder. The airbags can be deployed in any direction and protect the passengers in all places in the vehicle without the dangerous side effects of overpressure buildup.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inflating airbags in vehicles. Systems for inflating airbags comprise electrical storage devices interfaced with switching devices that switch the electrical energy into an actuating subsystem to inflate the airbags. The actuating systems can be coils, which are interfaced with plates that open the airbag. The airbags are inflated with ambient or above ambient pressures. Airbag inflation systems described herein eliminate the need to use external gases which are potentially harmful to inflate the airbags. Furthermore, the use of air from the automobile's passenger compartment eliminates overpressure problems which may exist as a result of multiple airbags being inflated at one time.

Abstract: A shield adapted for preventing impact from causing an energetic reaction of a munition containing explosive which comprises a cylindrical shell emplaced around the munition and includes means for reducing the shock wave energy transmitted to the explosive, said means consisting of hardened protuberances located between the shield's shell and the casing of the munition. The protuberances may have the shape of a cone or a pyramid or a wedge, with the sharp point or edge in contact with the casing of the munition.

Abstract: A dough manipulator adapted for manually controlling the thickness of dough is disclosed which comprises a roller with handles and means for maintaining the roller at a predetermined height above a surface, wherein the means for maintaining the height of the roller is placed at a predetermined distance from the ends of the roller. Height maintaining means include spacer rings positioned on the roller or spacer strips positioned on the surface. The manipulator is used in conjunction with a surface which is substantially flat.

Abstract: A pneumatic bumper system for the protection of moving vehicles and passengers therein is used with a passenger safety device such as an inflatable air bag. A pressurized gas container has a flexible portion with an impact surface. The pressure of the compressible gas in this container increases upon impact with an object and causes a valve to open, directing the passage of compressed gas to inflate the air bag.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bumper system for protection of moving vehicles. The system comprises a flexible section and a rigid section, each containing compressed air, and an orifice passage or valve for controlling the flow of air between the flexible section and the rigid section. The flexible section is contoured for a generally flat impact surface to provide efficient operation and compact size, and to yield an aesthetically pleasing shape, and is held in shape by dividing the flexible section or bag into a large number of compartments lying adjacent to each other along the direction of the surface to be protected, and by introducing compressed air into each compartment. Each one of the compartments of the bag is connected to the rigid section by means of an orifice, or by a relief valve.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bumper system for protection of moving vehicles uses a pneumatic container that is partially flexible and partially rigid. The functional volume of air necessary on a specific bumper is enclosed within the flexible and rigid sections which are interconnected and contain air normally at the same pressure. Impact energy is absorbed by deflection of the flexible section and compression of the air. In order to limit rebound, means may be provided to control the air flow from the rigid section to the flexible section. The flexible section is contoured for a generally flat impact surface to provide efficient operation and compact size, and to yield an aesthetically pleasing shape, and is held in shape by dividing the flexible section or bag into a large number of compartments lying adjacent to each other along the direction of the surface to be protected.