Abstract: A gas generant wafer design having a channel region integrally formed into one or both of its sides or faces. Characteristic of the wafer is that the geometric design of the wafer is improved by increasing its cross-section in the same manner that an "I-Beam" increases the structural characteristic of a linear structural member.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a metal cation template, a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen, sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex, and at least one cool burning organic nitrogen-containing compound. The complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts, nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite ammine, metal nitrate ammine, and metal perchlorate ammine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. A binder and co-oxidizer can be combined with the metal complexes to improve crush strength of the gas generating compositions and to permit efficient combustion of the binder. Such gas generating compositions are adaptable for use in gas generating devices such as automobile air bags.

Abstract: A fire starting flare suitable for hand-held launchers has a fuse and ignitor assembly within a flare core material such that as the flare is launched the fire ignites and as the flare lands the fuse reaches the ignitor assembly to set off the flare.

Abstract: A dual explosive charge is described that simultaneously enhances blast and fragmentation characteristics of the charge, including an inner driven charge of a non-ideal explosive surrounded by an outer charge sleeve of a more nearly ideal explosive, detonation of the outer charge resulting in an extremely high temperature, high pressure environment that accelerates reaction kinetics in the inner charge, resulting in enhanced blast and fragmentation performance of the explosive charge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sub-ammunition object for vapor generation for a spinstabilized carrier projectile with axial sub-ammunition discharge, consisting of a stackable, flat, disk-shaped, stamped part of identical caliber, which, at a height/width ratio of about 1:1.5 to 1:5, contains red phosphorus as the primary active substance and is designed to retain its structural and form stability during firing, discharge, and stacking as a result of fibers embedded in the active substance and/or a shell, with the combustion time being chemically and/or physically adjustable through the height, compression pressure and/or composition of the active substance. It is preferred that the active substance be located in a container with at least one blower aperture and one oxygen donor as the energy supply needed for combustion of the red phosphorus in the container.

Abstract: A coating for a gun propellant powder wherein the graphite commonly used to coat a gun propellant powder is totally or partially replaced with molybdenum disulfide in an amount equal to or less than five tenths percent by weight of the propellant powder.

Abstract: An explosive particle-containing carrier material (24b) and a fully jacketed finished explosive material (33, 33') containing it, e.g., detonating cord, are produced in a high-speed continuous process by impregnating an absorbent carrier material such as cotton yarn (14) with a solution (12) of an explosive. Explosive particles (46) are precipitated from solution within the solution-impregnated carrier material (20) either by contacting the latter with a non-solvent fluid and/or subjecting it to flash evaporation under a vacuum. Rapid precipitation yields superfine explosive crystals (particles 46) within the carrier material (24b). Residual liquid non-solvent and/or solvent is removed from the carrier material, which may be encased in a plastic cover (38, 38') to provide a finished article (33, 33').

Abstract: Thickened emulsion compositions comprising a discontinuous oxidizer phase, continuous fuel phase, an emulsifier and a thickener composition comprising a carboxyl-containing polymer and a promoter selected from the group consisting of sodium thiocyanate and thiourea are disclosed.

Abstract: A watergel explosive composition is described which contains an oxidiser salt, a sensitiser, a thickener, a crosslinking agent, a fuel and less than 8%, by mass, of the composition of water. The explosive composition is cap sensitive in packages or cartridges having a diameter of about 26 mm or less at temperatures below about 5.degree. C. when detonated with a standard number 6 strength detonator. The explosive composition does not require a supplementary sensitisor or a perchlorate salt to achieve this cap sensitivity. A method of producing the explosive composition by separately preparing a thickened aqueous phase and a dry phase, and allowing the thickened phase to stand for a period of time before the mixing of the two phases, as well as explosive paper cartridge containing the watergel explosive composition, are also described.

Abstract: A method of increasing the water resistance of a blasting explosive comprising an organic carbonaceous fuel, an inorganic oxidizing salt having a particular particle size distribution and a gelling agent comprising the step of adding to the blasting explosive a particulate filler material. The particle size distribution of the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt are selected to increase the water resistance of the blasting explosive.

Abstract: A cylindrically shaped hybrid inflator comprising: a pressure vessel filled with pressurized inflation gas, comprising a center body (22) having a first (24a) and a second (24b) end, a first exit orifice (29) located between the first and second end, a frangible disk (32) closing the orifice (29) and a pyrotechnic element for causing the disk to rupture and permit inflation gas to exit the orifice; a first cylindrical portion (50) sealingly attached to the first end and a second cylindrical portion sealing attached to the second end.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of preventing afterblast sulfide dust explosions in blasting operations involving sulfide-containing ores, which method comprises (a) loading a borehole that has been drilled into a sulfide-containing ore body with an emulsion blasting agent that comprises an emulsifier, a continuous organic fuel phase, a density control agent, and a discontinuous oxidizer salt solution phase that comprises inorganic oxidizer salt(s), water and urea as a chemical inhibitor in an amount of from about 1% to about 10% by weight of the blasting agent, the blasting agent being loaded in a coupling relationship with the borehole; and (b) detonating the blasting agent.

Abstract: An improved geometric propellant loading configuration for high velocity, large or medium caliber projectile ammunition is disclosed. The propellant system includes several mutually contiguous extrudable stick shapes that in concert result in highly efficient use of propellant load space. The system reduces loading, assembling and packing (LAP) labor and overall cost, yet provides a dense pattern to increase propellant load and high perforation to improve burning progressivity over prior stick loads and more reliable and improved ballistic performance.

Abstract: The cost and ease of manufacture and assembly of airbag inflators is enhanced by welding sections of the inflator housing together in a recessed portion of the side wall of such housing. By providing a portion of the housing side wall which is recessed sufficiently that it contains all of the weld flashing produced during the welding operation it is possible to eliminate the machining operation for removing such flashing which, otherwise, could be required to provide external dimensions within specification.

Abstract: This invention relates to gas-generative compositions consisting essentially of ammonium perchlorate with a chlorine scavenger, such as strontium nitrate, barium nitrate, potassium nitrate, or lithium carbonate, the combination being present in an amount of about 30 to about 95% by weight, up to about 5% by weight of a binder, up to about 5% by weight of a burning rate catalyst, together with an organic fuel, such as guanidine nitrate. The fuel is in an amount complementary to the combined weight of ammonium perchlorate, burning rate catalyst, chlorine scavenger, and binder, at an oxidation ratio of 0.90 to 0.98. The invention also includes the method of inflating an inflatable device by generating gas employing the noted composition and a gas generator in which the gas-generative composition is that of the present invention.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator for an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device comprises a quantity of a stored inflation fluid (42) and a body (44) of an ignitable combustible material to heat the stored inflation fluid and increase its pressure. The body (44) of ignitable combustible material comprises a solid binder and an oxidizing agent. The binder is a block copolymer comprising blocks of an amorphous polymeric monomer in an alternating sequence with blocks of a crystalline polymeric monomer. A preferred block copolymer comprises a long chain polyether glycol as the amorphous polymeric monomer and a polybutylene terephthalate as the crystalline polymeric monomer.

Abstract: A gas generating device has a housing in combination with a device for igniting a gas generating composition located within the housing. The gas generating composition is 5-aminotetrazole combined with at least two inorganic oxidizers selected from potassium nitrate, potassium per-chlorate, manganese dioxide, iron oxide, and copper oxide. The housing has at least one aperture therethrough to allow the exit from the housing of gas generated therein following ignition of the gas generating composition, but restricting the flow of gas from the housing such that the gas exiting the housing has a carbon monoxide content of not greater than 200 parts per million. Such a gas generating device may be used for inflating an airbag in a vehicle safety system.

Abstract: In a gas generant composition containing a source of ammonia, such as an ammonium salt or an ammonia-transitional metal complex that emits ammonia as a degradation product, a zeolite, particularly chabazite, is added as an ammonia-absorbing material. In gas generant formulations containing a copper compound and a nitrate source, the zeolite acts to reduce or prevent formation of copper tetrammine dinitrate.

Abstract: Methods for producing a gas generator for a vehicle occupant restraint system with an autoignition means are disclosed. The autoignition composition used in the method preferably comprises Pb(SCN).sub.2 and chlorate oxidizer which undergo rapid autoignition at temperatures from approximately 190.degree.-220.degree. C. The inventive method provides for the use of aluminum for the gas generator housing. Through the method of this invention, autoignition compositions are safely manufactured by wet blending and are installed via automation in the interior of the inflator housing. When aluminum housings are used, a barrier material is used to prevent corrosion of the aluminum by the autoignition composition. Optionally, the dried autoignition material is coated with a protective substance to prevent water absorption and mechanical abrasion.

Abstract: A hollow grain propellant for use in a lightweight training round. The hollow grain propellant incorporates multi-perforation propellant grain geometry. The hollow grain propellant is configured as a propellant grain having a center hole surrounded by uniform perforations. The center hole is larger than any one of the uniform perforations. The placement of the uniform perforations forms webs of equal length. The hollow grain propellant may include seven or more perforations. The perforations are arranged in a single ring around the center hole. The size of the center hole may be controlled to produce a wide range of bulk densities. The number of perforations may be dependant on the size of the center hole. The number of perforations may be controlled to vary with the size of the center hole to provide for a desired bulk density. The large center hole improves flame permeability through a propellant bed by increasing the porosity of the propellent bed and increasing grain diameter.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator comprises an inflator housing, a pressurized medium contained within the inflator housing, and a propellant contained within the inflator housing ranging from about 0.5 grams to about 20 grams. The pressurized medium is released from the inflator housing and the propellant is ignited to produce propellant gases.

Abstract: A vehicle safety apparatus (10) for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint (12) includes a container (14) for receiving gases. The gases in the container (14) are a combustible gas, an oxidizer gas, an inert gas and a combustion rate modifier gas selected from the group consisting of an inert carbonaceous gas, water vapor, and mixtures thereof. An igniter is activated to effect ignition of the combustible gas in response to sudden vehicle deceleration indicative of a collision condition. The ignition of the combustible gas in the presence of oxygen results in combustion products including heat. The heat from the combustion products heats at least the inert gas. A directing means directs a flow of gases from the container into the inflatable occupant restraint. The combustion rate modifier gas is present in the container (14) in an amount sufficient to reduce the rate of combustion of the combustible gas.

Abstract: An inflator and method of constructing the inflator comprising: a pressure vessel (22) in which inflation gas is stored; the pressure vessel including a first opening (114), pyrotechnic generator (42, 130) situated remote from the pressure vessel for generating products of to heat the inflation gas, a first burst disk (160, 150, 150') mounted to the pressure vessel to seal the first opening thereof after the pressure vessel has been charged to a determinable pressure with inflation gas and in communication with the pyrotechnic generator such that the products of combustion assist in the opening of the first burst disk.

Abstract: An autoignition system for use in a gas generator for a vehicle occupant restraint system is disclosed. The autoignition system comprises a globule of an autoignition composition adhering to the interior wall of an inflator housing. The system additionally comprises a barrier layer between the autoignition globule and an aluminum inflator housing. The system further comprises a coating over the globule to reduce abrasion of and water absorption into the autoignition globule. The autoignition system of the present invention is safely manufactured and installed via automation.

Abstract: Structure, composition and method in which a fiber reinforcement is impregnated with an interpenetrating network of a light cure resin and a thermosetting resin which are independently curable, enabling autobody component repair, electronic assembly bonding, etc. by selective cure first of one or the other resin, and the support against fluid flow of the uncured resin by the first cured resin.

Abstract: The pyrotechnic ignition device of this invention comprises a hollow tubular coiled charge of pyrotechnic sheet material defining an ignition initiation position, the internal diameter of the charge decreasing and the wall thickness increasing over at least a portion of the charge extending from the initiation position in the direction of burning. This configuration enhances the reliability of ignition and the rate of flame development.Preferably the adjacent plies of the coiled charge are spaced apart. The preferred coiled charge also has a portion downstream from the initiation position in the direction of burning which decreases in external diameter and wall thickness in a direction extending away from the initiation position, the configuration of this portion being effective to enhance the speed and violence of burning of a main gas-generating propellant charge ignited by the coiled charge.

Abstract: A propellant grain composition for use in solid fuel rocket engines comprises a first reactant component consisting of an oxidizer. A polymeric barrier coating encapsulates the first reactant component and a second reactant component comprising a reducer fuel reactable with the oxidizer is coated thereon, A final polymeric coating is placed over the entire propellant grain to yield a unitary metal fuel-oxidizer propellant grain structure for use as a solid rocket fuel.

Abstract: A propellant load arrangement for a large caliber ammunition cartridge case accommodating a ballistic projectile includes a plurality of relatively flat shaped segments of propellant assembled face to face in an ordered arrangement. The faces of the segments of the arrangement are optionally parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge case and essentially occupy the entire available propellant volume of the case. The outer peripheral geometry of each segment of the ordered arrangement is shaped to match the corresponding cartridge casing interior geometry and each segment of the ordered arrangement also has a shaped central interior recess opening as required of a geometry matching the corresponding geometry of any interfering internal cartridge part and any projectile geometry present. Relatively cool-burning segments can be combined with relatively hot-burning segments in stratified arrangements to provide a cooler boundary layer and reduce tube erosion.

Abstract: A gun launched rocket motor is provided with a filler material to fill all f the free volume in the rocket with a void-free incompressible "filler". The described filler material is selected from a solid, semi-solid, or liquid having many properties closely comparable to the rocket propellant, especially match the density, chemical compatibility, coefficient of thermal expansion, and thermal stability. The filler material functions to provide the required physical support to various propellants to survive gun launch. A preferred filler material is a completely fluorinated organic material which is a liquid which is compatible with various solid rocket propellants and can readily be ejected from the chamber by pressurization from conventional igniters or combustible cords such as Rapid Deflagrating Cord, RDC. These completely fluorinated perfluoro compounds, which are designated as C5-18 compounds, are marketed as Fluorinert Brand Electronic Liquids by 3M Corporation, St. Paul, Minn.

Abstract: There is disclosed a propellent having a deterred burn rate. The propellent is a particulate containing an energetic binder base and a thermoplastic burn deterrent. The energetic binder has in impetus (energy) in excess of 200,000 foot pounds per pound (mass) and the thermoplastic burn deterrent is both a solid at room temperature and soluble in an organic solvent. The burn deterrent is gradationally dispersed within the particulate with the greatest concentration of burn deterrent at the particulate periphery.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator for an automotive inflatable safety system and method for assembling the same. In one embodiment, a mixture of an inert gas (e.g., argon) and oxygen are contained within the inflator housing and a gun type propellant is used in the gas generator to supply the propellant gases.

Abstract: A single charge pyrotechnic material comprising a metal fuel, an oxidizer and a secondary fuel which can be used to control the rate of reaction of the pyrotechnic. The composition can be used as a single charge igniter in an automotive air bag system in place of the separate ignition charge and enhancer charge currently utilized.

Abstract: A gas generant charge comprises a heterogeneous mixture of between about 80 and about 95 wt % of a first gas generant composition 1) and between about 5 and about 20 wt % of a second gas generant composition 2), based on the total weight of 1) plus 2). The first gas generant composition 1) comprises between about 20 and about 40 wt % fuel A) and between about 20 and about 60 wt % oxidizer B). Between about 50 and about 85 wt % of the fuel A) is a triazole or tetrazole compound A.sup.1), and between about 15 and about 50 wt % of the fuel is, a water-soluble fuel A.sup.2). At least about 20 wt % of the oxidizer B), up to 100%, a transition metal oxide B.sup.1); balance of the oxidizer is selected from the group B.sup.2) consisting of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal nitrates, chlorates or perchlorates.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator has porous substrate coated with a heat-producing, essentially non gas-producing composition for heating pressurized inflation gases in the inflator.

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.

Abstract: A cartridge ammunition includes a case having a case bottom; a propellant disposed in the case; a propellant igniter mounted centrally on the case bottom; an arrow projectile having a rear length portion extending into the case towards the case bottom; and a coating of igniting substance applied to at least one part of the surface of the rear projectile length portion. A clearance defined by a distance between a frontal terminus of the propellant igniter and the rear terminus of the rear length portion of the arrow projectile is such that upon igniting the propellant igniter igniting flames emanating from the propellant igniter bridge the clearance and ignite the coating of igniting substance.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator for an automotive inflatable safety system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mixture of an inert gas (e.g., argon) and oxygen are contained within the inflator housing and a hybrid propellant (i.e., ballistic properties similar to double-base and long-term stability similar to LOVA) is included in the gas generator.

Abstract: An elongated gas generator, or inflator, includes a pyrogen igniter mounted at one end thereof. The pyrogen igniter encloses a unitary grain of ignition material having a centrally located cavity. An initiator, or squib, is located to ignite the unitary grain at the surface of its centrally located cavity. The combustion products given off by the igniter are directed through a port and into a clear ignition channel provided in the center of the pyrotechnic gas generant material which extends the length of the gas generator, thereby causing the gas generant material to produce sufficient gas to inflate an associated airbag. The unitary grain of ignition material used in the pyrogen igniter facilitates and simplifies the assembly and manufacture of the igniter structure.

Abstract: A batch process produces unitary grains of propellant material. A constituent mixture of the material is prepared by mixing constituents while heating to at least a predetermined pouring temperature within a permissible temperature range. The constituent mixture is poured into a mold, while vibrating it to avoid voids or interfaces within the material, to cast a block of propellant. The cast block is cured for a predetermined period resulting in a cured, cast block of semirigid yet plasticly deformable material. A hydraulic press with a ram carrying a tubular cutting die is positioned, as by transferring the mold without its bottom to the press bed, for permitting grains to be cut by movement of the press ram by forcing the cutting die into the cast block to cut from the block a grain of the propellant material, then extracting the grain for further use. The cutting cycle is repeated until the cast block has yielded a satisfactory number of grains.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator for an automotive inflatable safety system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mixture of an inert gas (e.g., argon) and oxygen are contained within the inflator housing and a hybrid propellant (i.e., ballistic properties similar to double-base and long-term stability similar to LOVA) is included in the gas generator.

Abstract: A cartridge ammunition includes a case having a case bottom; a propellant powder disposed in the case, a propellant igniter mounted centrally on the case bottom; and an arrow projectile having a rear length portion extending into the case towards the case bottom. At least those grains of the propellant powder which are situated axially beyond the propellant igniter are coated with an igniting substance.

Abstract: A signal transmission fuse (10, 20) such as shock tube has an outside diameter (OD) not greater than about 2.380 mm (0.0937 inch), for example, a tube outside diameter (OD) of from about 0.397 to 2.380 mm (about 0.0156 to 0.0937 inch), and the ratio of the inside diameter (ID) of the tube to the radial thickness of the tube wall (T) is from about 0.18 to 2.5. The inside diameter (ID) of the tube may be from about 0.198 to 1.321 mm (about 0.0078 to 0.0520 inch). The powder surface density of the reactive material contained within the bore (16, 30) of the fuse (10, 20) may, but need not, be significantly less than that which the prior art considers to be a minimum acceptable powder surface density.

Abstract: A method and composition for blasting wherein boreholes are loaded with pre-determined quantities of a high velocity explosive and a low velocity explosive. The high velocity explosive extends in a substantially continuous matter for a pre-determined length along the borehole column and a low velocity propellant is placed at pre-determined locations within the high velocity explosive column such that the high velocity explosive detonates substantially along its length in the column thus initiating a low velocity explosion at various predetermined points at the location of the low velocity explosive. The resulting explosion produces minimum ground vibration and air shock waves while substantially breaking and casting the rock material with minimal flyrock.

Abstract: An apparatus (14) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (12) comprises means (22) defining an elongated combustion chamber (30) having opposed ends (24, 26). The combustion cheer (30) contains a mass (32) of gas generating material. An igniter (92) is positioned at one end of the combustion chamber (30) for igniting the mass (32) of gas generating material. The mass of gas generating material provides a substantially continuous burn path for the full length of the combustion chamber (30). The mass of gas generating material comprises at least one expansion area (124) between the combustion chamber opposed ends (24, 26), which expansion area is essentially free of gas generating material. The expansion area (124) has a free volume which is effective to attenuate pressure waves within the combustion chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to an air bag inflation gas generator used to inflate air bags such as air bags for impact safety devices, life jackets, rafts, and escape chutes, and particularly to a gas generating agent disposed within the device to generate a combustion gas. This invention is structured by forming spacer projections, to keep adjacent gas generating agent; bodies at certain intervals, on one side of the gas generating agent bodies having a through hole formed in the axial direction.

Abstract: In gas generant compositions utilizing as fuel, at least in part, tartaric acid, aqueous processing is improved through the use of d,1-tartaric acid over naturally-occurring 1-tartaric acid.

Abstract: There is provided a decoppering agent that is added to a propellant charge to remove copper from the rifling of the internal bore of a gun barrel. The decoppering agent consists essentially of a lead-free pulverized additive dispersed in a combustible binder. One suitable decoppering agent is pulverized bismuth metal, dispersed in a nitrocellulose binder. The bismuth metal either vaporizes or liquifies when the propellant charge is ignited and either embrittles or dissolves the copper deposits facilitating removal.

Abstract: The gas generator composition contains sodium azide and an oxidizing agent as major components. This gas generator composition additionally contains 2 to 8% by weight of magnesium aluminate. To produce this composition, sodium azide and the oxidizing agent are admixed to a colloidal silica having a silica concentration of 3 to 15% by weight to form a slurry, followed by granulation and drying of the slurry.

Abstract: A gas generant body having a plurality of alike, flat-surfaced projections equally spaced and radially equidistant about the periphery of one or both sides of the body. The spaced projections are defined by curved or arcuate walls emanating from the center of the generant body which flare outwardly to the body's perimeter, each having an angular arc length greater than the space therebetween. The outer edge of each projection is preferably contiguous with the perimeter of the body. When the projections are on both sides, as is preferred, the projections on one side are preferably in a staggered or offset relationship to those on the other side. A washer-shaped wafer disc is the most preferred overall generant body form. A stack or assembly of the multiprojection generant wafers may be formed into an array for use in a gas generator for an automobile gas bag inflator.

Abstract: A process forms decoy flare pellets which satisfy predetermined burn requirements without milling additional grooves into the pellet flare material after that material is consolidated. The process includes providing sufficient surface area to the flare material during consolidation to eliminate the need for milling. Consolidated flare pellets are then coated with an ignition composition and installed in a decoy flare housing.