Abstract: Ring pellets for gas generators exhibit optimum reaction rates by having configurations which optimize such rates. The pellet has a central ignition duct; from the latter, outlet channels extend radially toward a rim of the pellet. Specific embodiments contain, on the topside and underside of the pellets, either conical recesses or annular channels or both. The pellets preferably exhibit a proportion of surface area/unit weight of from 4 to 7 cm.sup.2 /g, which can be set by variation of the channels and, respectively, of the recesses to obtain a desired value. The higher this value, the greater the reaction rate. The ring pellets are especially well suited for airbag generators which must display differently high reaction rates on the driver's side and on the front-seat passenger's side, and which are to exhibit at the same time a high breaking and abrasion stability.

Abstract: In a gas generator for an airbag of a vehicle, a chamber is provided around a cylindrical pressure reservoir filled with gas-releasing materials. The chamber contains a filter and is traversed over its entire length by a gas stream produced from the gas-releasing materials along a cylindrical outer surface. Such a gas generator is especially suitable for an airbag intended to prevent primarily only the impacting of the driver's head against the steering column while the other protective functions, which are otherwise also to be carried out by an airbag in a vehcle as the sole protective device, are taken over by a safety belt.

Abstract: For the purpose of welding one side of a metallic foil to a relatively thick-walled metal tube, it is proposed to cover the foil from the other side in an annular fashion with a similar or identical tube section also made of metal and to join the tube and the tube section from the outside by means of welding, e.g., plasma welding; in this procedure, the welding bond is not allowed to extend through the entire tube wall thickness. In this way, tubular elements such as cylindrical casings of primer caps can be made tight, which primer caps can be filled from the front in a simple way, but wherein it has thus far been difficult to test for the reliability of the cover formed over a primer charge.

Abstract: By providing a cover of heat-resistant fabric over a pressure tank of a gas generator for an airbag, the objective can be attained that the outer exposed surface of the covered gas generator is not heated up to an excessive degree. Moreover, due to this feature, the proportion of solid and liquid, hot particles in the gaseous streams discharged from the gas generator can be additionally reduced.

Abstract: The present invention concerns propellant compositions for the generation of nontoxic gases which are utilized, for example, in airbag generators. These compositions contain, as a gas-yielding component, at least one alkali azide. According to the invention, the compositions are stabilized against the effects of moisture and carbon dioxide by the addition of talc and/or magnesium oxide. These additives are included in amounts of from 3 to 10% by weight. The additive acts so that the propellant compositions do not release hydrazoic acid even under the action of moisture and/or carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A pin of a retracting or ejecting pyrotechnical power element preferably mounted on the side of a belt lock facing away from the engaged belt is connected to a trigger key in such a way that, upon initiation of the charge of the pyrotechnical power element as a result of a threshold of a sensor in the vehicle being exceeded, due to an occurrence to be sensed, i.e. an impact upon collision and, after a required delay, the trigger key is depressed completely--and remains depressed. The required delay between the occurrence and the instant of belt separation can be effected electronically or, quite especially preferably, integrated in the pyrotechnical power element by means of a pyrotechnical transmission path.

Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag, which can be manufactured in an advantageous manner, has at least two tubular pressure tanks wherein materials that release gas are combusted. The pressure tanks are connected radially with a central member containing an igniter element. The gas-releasing material fills up a tubular interior extensively in the form of stackable molded elements adapted to fit within the pressure tank. In most cases, an adequate path for the ignition vapors is constituted by a central channel within each element, while in case of rod-shaped molded elements, such adequate path is represented by the "natural" cavities; additionally, a free surface area should exist between the elements and may be provided by nubs and/or indentations on the lateral faces of these molded elements.

Abstract: A pyrotechnical dowel has a shank and a deformation chamber located at the forward end of the shank. The chamber contains a blasting cap. Triggering of the blasting cap takes place from the rearward end of the shank by means of a triggering tool which is introduced into a longitudinal duct within the shank and which comes into direct contact with a bottom of the blasting cap.

Abstract: Two cylinder chambers are provided in a housing, each of these chambers containing a piston. Pins project, as piston rods, from the pistons in differing directions. A duct is located in a zone between the pistons. This duct is in communication with a compressed gas cartridge. Upon triggering of the compressed gas cartridge, the released gas moves the pistons apart so that the pins are moved simultaneously or in accordance with a predetermined sequence of operations.

Abstract: An electric detonator has a casing and a pole piece electrically insulated with respect to the casing by means of an insulating cup, as well as with an ignition resistor electrically conductively connected to the casing and to the pole piece. In order to avoid undesirable charges on the insulating cup, which could be the cause of misfirings, the insulating cup is associated with an electrically conductive coating in contact with the casing and with the pole piece.

Abstract: Detonators, such as electrical, mechanical and flame-sensitive detonators, and the production thereof, for utilization at low and high temperatures through the use of explosives with high temperature-resistant, thermoplastic materials as binder mediums. The explosive is present as a ruboff-resistant shaped member in cylindrical form or within a cup, while the primary igniting medium in the detonator housing is compressed alone or through the shaped member.