Abstract: A motor includes an annular solid fuel between an inside diameter and an outside diameter. The solid fuel has a series of radial notches that define segments of fuel between them. The notches allow for faster burning of the fuel, while still allowing structural integrity of the fuel segments to be retained during the burning process.

Abstract: A motor includes an annular solid fuel between an inside diameter and an outside diameter. The solid fuel has a series of radial notches that define segments of fuel between them. The notches allow for faster burning of the fuel, while still allowing structural integrity of the fuel segments to be retained during the burning process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of substituted tetrazole synthesis and manufacture. More particularly, the present invention is directed to processes for preparing substituted tetrazoles and tetrazolate salts, such as sodium nitrotetrazolate and sodium cyanotetrazolate, using small scale and/or microreactor techniques. The use of the present techniques result in less hazardous and more efficient manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator having an initiator including a relatively low monolithic ignition charge that is separated from an overlying output charge by an intermediary slip plane. The slip plane may simply be a non-integral junction between monolithic ignition and output charges, or it may be a junction between a monolithic ignition charge and a non-monolithic output charge, or it may be a void or barrier between the ignition and output charges.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator with a bridgewire in contact with a slurry-loaded pyrotechnic charge at a position of relatively low void formation, at an edge of the charge.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator that includes a solid propellant and a pressurized medium comprising oxygen and at least one inert gas is provided. The solid propellant can be fuel-rich in that without excess oxygen it generates significant amounts of CO and H2. The at least one inert gas is contained in an inflator housing and the amount thereof is greater, on a molar basis, than the oxygen. The propellant has acceptable long-term stability in that such propellant does not ignite when exposed to a temperature of 107° C. for a period of 400 hours.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator for an inflatable safety system is provided. The hybrid inflator is configured to provide for efficient mixing of hot combustion gases from combustion of the propellant and other combustible materials with the cooler pressurized medium in the stored gas housing. The mixing of the combustion gases and the pressurized medium provides an output gas having a substantially uniform composition and temperature.

Abstract: Hybrid inflators for an inflatable safety system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the hybrid inflator uses a dual function initiator in that the combustion products from the initiator both ignite the propellant by direct contact therewith and propel a projectile through a outlet closure disk to release the stored pressurized medium. In another embodiment, the hardware configuration of the hybrid inflator allows the propellant to be loaded into the inflator after all hardware connections proximate the propellant, which require a weld, have in fact been welded. In another embodiment, the main inflator outlet closure disk is disposed at substantially a mid portion of the inflator. In another embodiment, the propellant gases are required to flow from the combustion chamber and into the stored gas housing prior to exiting the inflator, such by using a projectile to rupture the main inflator outlet closure disk and to thereafter seal the gas generator.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a gas generating composition for, when ignited, providing inflation fluid for inflating an air bag (16) of a vehicle occupant protection device (12). The composition comprises a cyanamide compound complexed with a transition metal nitrate, and a supplemental oxidizing salt admixed with the complex. A preferred cyanamide is dicyandiamide. A preferred complex is bis(dicyandiamide)copper(I)nitrate.