Patents by Inventor Wesley L. Hatt

Wesley L. Hatt has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Flammable gas initiated pyrotechnic inflator
    Patent number: 6007097
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for igniting a pyrotechnic gas generator, or inflator, such as those used in automotive airbag systems is disclosed. The ignition system uses a flammable gas to ignite the pyrotechnic gas generant. The flammable gas can be stored either throughout interior free space in the inflator or it can be maintained in a separate sealed container either separately or jointly with the pyrotechnic gas generant. The method and apparatus offer both cost savings and a reduction in delay time over conventional pyrotechnic ignition systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl K. Rink, Wesley L. Hatt, Steven R. Pripps, David W. Lindsey, David J. Green, Scott A. Jackson, Donald J. Cunningham
  • Treatment of inflatable restraint system inflator particulate-containing gas with expanded metal
    Patent number: 5551724
    Abstract: A process for treating particulate-containing gas of a vehicular safety restraint inflator and improvements in inflatable vehicular safety restraint systems are provided. The invention makes use of an element having at least one layer of an expanded metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Morton International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Armstrong, III, Linda M. Rink, Wesley L. Hatt, Todd S. Parker, Brian H. Fulmer
  • Pyrotechnic inflator for an air bag
    Patent number: 5483896
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic inflator for an air bag includes a housing for containing gas generating material for inflating an air bag. The housing has a wall formed of rigid, porous material and serves both as a filter for entrapping contaminants from the gas that is generated within as the gas passes outward through the wall into the air bag and cools the gas by absorbing heat therefrom. Gas generating material and an ignition train is hermetically sealed in a bag or packet inside the porous housing which serves triple duty as a solid pyrotechnic container, a gas filter and a gas cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Morton International, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Hock, Linda M. Rink, Wesley L. Hatt