Abstract: An inflator (10) for use in an inflatable vehicle occupant protection system is provided. In one aspect of the invention, the inflator (10) includes a longitudinal enclosure (22) having a substantially uniform cross-sectional area along at least a portion of the enclosure, and a gas generant composition (24) positioned along the portion of the enclosure (22). The gas generant composition (24) is distributed substantially uniformly along the portion of the enclosure (22). A plurality of gas exit apertures (40) is formed along the portion of the enclosure (22) to enable fluid communication between the enclosure (22) and an exterior of the enclosure. The apertures (40) are spaced apart a distance proportional to a desired rate of propagation of a combustion reaction of gas generant positioned between the apertures (40).

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to gas generant compositions for inflators of occupant restraint systems, for example. A gas generating composition 12 formed in accordance with the present invention includes a carboxyl alkyl cellulosic binder. A vehicle occupant protection system 180, and other gas generating systems, incorporate the compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to gas generant compositions for inflators of occupant restraint systems, for example. An extrudable pyrotechnic composition includes polyvinylazoles for use within an airbag gas generator. The fuel may be selected from exemplary polyvinylazoles including 5-amino-1-vinyltetrazole, poly(5-vinyltetrazole), poly(2-methyl-5-vinyl)tetrazole, poly(1-vinyl)tetrazole, poly(3-vinyl)1,2,5 oxadiazole, and poly(3-vinyl)1,2,4-triazole. An oxidizer is combined with the fuel and preferably contains phase stabilized ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: A gas generant tablet (24) for use in a linear inflator (10). The tablet (24) includes a body portion (102) having a first end (104), a second end (106), and a longitudinal axis (T). A first projection (108) extends from the tablet first end (104) in a first direction, with at least a portion of the first projection (108) extending non-orthogonally with respect to the tablet longitudinal axis (T). A second projection (112) extends from the tablet second end (106) in a second direction generally opposite the first direction. At least a portion of the second projection (112) extends non-orthogonally with respect to the tablet longitudinal axis (T). The tablet (24) is shaped such that a cavity (25) is formed between adjacent tablets (24) when the tablets are stacked within a combustion chamber of the inflator (10). Also disclosed is an inflator (10) for use in an inflatable vehicle occupant protection system (200).

Abstract: An inflator (10) for use in an inflatable vehicle occupant protection system. The inflator (10) includes a longitudinal enclosure (22) and a first gas generant (24) positioned along the enclosure (22). Enclosure gas exit apertures (40) are arranged along the enclosure (22) to enable fluid communication between the enclosure (22) and an exterior of the enclosure. and to provide controlled venting of combustion gases from the enclosure (22) as the first gas generant composition (24) burns, thereby controlling the speed and direction of combustion propagation of the first gas generant. Combustion of the first gas generant (24) results in an inflator housing internal pressure of at least a first predetermined minimum internal pressure.

Abstract: An inflator (10) for use in an inflatable vehicle occupant protection system. In one aspect of the invention, the inflator (10) includes a longitudinal enclosure (22) having a substantially uniform cross-sectional area along at least a portion of the enclosure, and a gas generant composition (24) positioned along the portion of the enclosure (22). The gas generant composition (24) is distributed substantially uniformly along the portion of the enclosure (22). A plurality of gas exit apertures (40) is formed along the portion of the enclosure (22) to enable fluid communication between the enclosure (22) and an exterior of the enclosure. The apertures (40) are spaced apart a distance proportional to a desired rate of propagation of a combustion reaction of gas generant positioned between the apertures (40).

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to auto-ignition/booster compositions for inflators of occupant restraint systems, for example. An exemplary auto-ignition composition in accordance with the present invention includes a metal chlorate, an auto-ignition fuel selected from the group including sugars and orgainic acids, and a nitrogen-containing secondary fuel.

Abstract: An inflator (10) for use in an inflatable vehicle occupant protection system. In one aspect of the invention, the inflator (10) includes a longitudinal enclosure (22) having a substantially uniform cross-sectional area along at least a portion of the enclosure, and a gas generant composition (24) positioned along the portion of the enclosure (22). The gas generant composition (24) is distributed substantially uniformly along the portion of the enclosure (22). A plurality of gas exit apertures (40) is formed along the portion of the enclosure (22) to enable fluid communication between the enclosure (22) and an exterior of the enclosure. The apertures (40) are spaced apart a distance proportional to a desired rate of propagation of a combustion reaction of gas generant positioned between the apertures (40).

Abstract: An airbag inflator (10) including an elongated outer housing (12) having an interior and one or more orifices (22) formed therealong to enable fluid communication between the outer housing interior and an exterior of the outer housing (12). The outer housing orifice(s) (22) open from the outer housing interior toward a first side (F) of the inflator. An elongated inner housing (14) is positioned in the outer housing interior. The inner housing (14) has an interior and one or more orifices (20) formed therealong to enable fluid communication between the inner housing interior and an exterior of the inner housing (14). The inner housing orifice(s) (20) open from the inner housing interior toward a second side (S) of the inflator. A quantity of a gas generant composition (16) extends along a portion of the interior of the inner housing (14). The gas generant (16) has a substantially “C”-shaped cross-section with a slot (24) extending along the length of the gas generant (16).

Abstract: A birdcage resonator has a pair of conductor rings separated from each other along a central axis and a plural number of axially disposed conductor rungs, which extend between the rings and are evenly spaced around the central axis. Each of the rungs has a sectional shape with thickness or a radial extension comparable to or greater than its width or its azimuthal extension. Measures of the width and thickness of the rungs may be determined by using them as parameters to calculate the values of Q factor from an analytical procedure to locate parameter value ranges corresponding to maximal Q. Geometric calculations for filling factor yield ranges of parameters providing for compromise parameter values. Saddle coils have been found to exhibit similar enhancement of Q with radially oriented conductor cross section.

Abstract: A birdcage resonator has a pair of conductor rings separated from each other along a central axis and a plural number of axially disposed conductor rungs, which extend between the rings and are evenly spaced around the central axis. Each of the rungs has a sectional shape with thickness or a radial extension comparable to or greater than its width or its azimuthal extension. Measures of the width and thickness of the rungs may be determined by using them as parameters to calculate the values of Q factor from an analytical procedure to locate parameter value ranges corresponding to maximal Q. Geometric calculations for filling factor yield ranges of parameters providing for compromise parameter values. Saddle coils have been found to exhibit similar enhancement of Q with radially oriented conductor cross section.