Abstract: An essentially particulate-free, non-toxic, odorless and colorless gas is generated in a pyrotechnic inflator device by using a eutectic solution of ammonium nitrate, guanidine nitrate and/or aminoguanidine nitrate, and minor amounts of polyvinyl alcohol and either potassium nitrate or potassium perchlorate. Ballistic modifiers such as triaminoguanidine nitrate (TAGN) or nitroguanidine (NQ) may be used as needed.

Abstract: A eutectic solution of ammonium nitrate and either aminoguanidine nitrate (AGN) or guanidine nitrate (AN) in the form of a present pellet is used to generate a particulate-free, non-toxic, odorless and colorless gas that is useful wherever an immediate source of such gas is required, such as the inflation of an occupant restraint air bag. The use of the material in the form of a eutectic totally eliminates pellet cracking. Moreover, the addition of a minor amount of potassium nitrate to the eutectic solution eliminates the ammonium nitrate phase change due to temperature cycling without adversely affecting the pressed pellets' freedom from cracking due to said temperature cycling.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator and method of inflating airbags include a pressure vessel which utilizes a solid propellant, a liquid fuel and a compressed oxidizing gas to produce an inflator gas for inflating devices such as airbags. The solid propellant vaporizes and superheats the liquid fuel, thus raising it above its autoignition temperature. When put in contact with the compressed oxidizing gas the liquid fuel ignites. The thus-ignited liquid fuel and compressed gas rupture a burst disk in the inflator to release the inflator gas for inflation purposes.

Abstract: Particulate-free non-toxic gases are generated in a hybrid generator device by conducting the ignition of the propellant with an effective oxidizer, using a mixture of a molecular oxygen-containing gas and argon by varying the ratio of said gas to argon to provide only non-toxic reaction products in the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator for inflating vehicle air bags includes a first pressure vessel containing a compressed gaseous fuel, and igniter assembly and a second pressure vessel containing a compressed inflator gas. In use, the compressed fuel gas is released into the compressed inflator gas vessel using an igniter assembly for ignition of the gaseous fuel. Ignition of the gaseous fuel in the second pressure vessel causes a pressure and temperature rise which ruptures a burst disk in the second pressure vessel for gas release and inflation of an air bag.

Abstract: A two-part igniter for inflators used to inflate inflation devices such as air bags, lift rafts, slide chutes, and the like which includes a heterogeneous mixture of an ignition material and a consolidated mass of either i) a pyrotechnic component or ii) a composite propellant. The ignition material can be in a granular form or pelletized. The pyrotechnic component or composite propellant is provided as a pellet which is in immediate contact with the ignition material. The pyrotechnic component or composite propellant lowers the auto-ignition temperature of the two-part igniter. The two-part igniter can be used in inflators which generate all inflation gases from gas-generating compositions and in inflators which include a supply of stored pressurized inflation gases.

Abstract: Process for preventing clogging of an atomizing device, which is used to feed a fluid coal-liquid slurry fuel into a combustion chamber in the form of a particulate spray, by continuously passing all of the slurry fuel through a comminuting means positioned upstream of the atomizing device in the slurry fuel passage connected to the atomizer, and apparatus therefor.

Abstract: Coal-water fuel slurries having long-term storage stability and improved viscosities and comprising finely-divided coal within efficient combustion size range, water, and minor amounts of ammonium salt organic dispersant and alkaline earth metal salt organic dispersant, and process for making such slurries.

Abstract: Coal-water fuel slurries having long-term storage stability and improved viscosities and comprising finely-divided coal within efficient combustion size range, water, and minor amounts of alkali metal salts of organic dispersants and alkaline earth metal salts of organic dispersants, and process for making such slurries.

Abstract: A process for making fluid, stable slurries of finely divided coal in water and products thereof, which can be sufficiently highly loaded to serve as a fuel.

Abstract: A gravity-flow, sheet-flow solar heat collector wherein the heat-absorbent medium is a dark fluid having a minimum viscosity of about 10 centipoise at 120.degree. F.