Abstract: A permanently installed metal retainer for an air bag gas generator igniter tube end closure is tapered press fit for ease of installation, sealing, and enhanced retention, and includes a final crimp into a suitably positioned groove on the end of the igniter tube for positive retention.

Abstract: An essentially cylindrical gas generator for generating combustion gases. The gas generator includes a housing having gas outlet openings; a combustion chamber surrounded by the housing; gas-generating fuel disposed in the combustion chamber; an igniting device disposed in the combustion chamber for igniting the fuel; a first filter disposed between the fuel and the gas outlet openings for prefiltering generated gases upon passage thereof from the combustion chamber through the first filter toward the outlet openings; a second filter disposed between the first filter and the outlet openings for filtering the gases upon passage thereof from the first filter through the second filter; and a generally tubular body surrounding the second filter. The tubular body is surrounded by the housing, and is composed of a plurality of third filters and a plurality of guide plates circumferentially alternating with the third filters.

Abstract: A separator plate for a chemical oxygen generator candle includes an elongate rigid thermal insulating section; and at least a first conduit section on one side of the rigid section having a multiplicity of gas flow paths for conducting released oxygen from a burning candle longitudinally along the plate for increasing the burning action of the burning portion of the candle and pre-heating the unburned portion of the candle, and for retaining gas to act as a thermal insulator when the candle is not burning. A plurality of such plates are combined to form a separator assembly for surrounding a candle and a number of such separator assemblies are combined to form a multi-candle oxygen generator.

Abstract: The weapon bolt is driven rearward by gas pressure from a blank cartridge with the reaction being transmitted to the weapon frame through a spigot inserted through the barrel and attached to the weapon muzzle. Power is thereby provided to perform cycling of the weapon.

Abstract: An electrical ignition device (1) has a metal container (2) for a firing resistor or bridge, a first (3) and a second (4) terminal pin and at least one ignition charge (5, 6).So that firing of the ignition charge does not occur in the event of electrical discharges between terminal pins and a housing, it is proposed that the container (2) be capable of being embedded in a plastic material by injection moulding and inserted in the housing, that a first outward extension (8) be provided on the container (2) which is electrically conductively connected to the first terminal pin (3), and that a second outward extension (9) be provided on the container (2) which can be formed so as to extend to the housing leaving a small clearance and of which an outer end is not embedded in the plastic material.

Abstract: An igniter tube for a gas-generating device comprising an elongate cylinder, a primary igniter powder within the cylinder, a closure at one end of the cylinder, and an auto ignition cup disposed at the end of the cylinder opposite the closure is improved by the use of a resin-blocked screen as the closure between the igniter powder and the auto ignition cup.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator for a vehicle passenger restraint system comprises a center tie having upper and lower ends, and a curved, continuous vessel wall secured to the upper and lower ends of and surrounding the center tie to define a pressure chamber storing inert compressed gas. The center tie defines a combustion chamber extending from the lower end thereof, the combustion chamber receiving pyrotechnic gaseous heat source material and a squib for igniting it. The center tie further defines a directional inlet port extending from the combustion chamber into the pressure chamber and a rupturable diaphragm seals the inlet port until ignition of the pyrotechnic generant. The center tie also defines a directional outlet vent extending from the pressure chamber adjacent the upper end of the center tie, the directional outlet vent being oriented substantially opposed the inlet port.

Abstract: A practice ammunition includes a propellant case having a case body; a circumferential mouth part; and a circumferential shoulder connecting the case body with the mouth part. The shoulder tapers from the case body toward the mouth part. The practice ammunition further includes a bursting body having a rear part fitted into the mouth part. The rear part is provided with a circumferential groove including a relatively deep frontal groove zone and an adjoining, relatively shallow rear groove zone, whereby the groove is stepped as viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the ammunition. There is further provided a holding ring so dimensioned that it is compressible such as to be fully receivable within the deep groove zone. The holding ring surrounds the rear part of the bursting body and is clamped between the rear groove zone and the inner surface of the shoulder, whereby the holding ring assumes a wedged state.

Abstract: A gas generator comprises a propellant container having an igniter at one end thereof for igniting a propellant, a secondary propellant charge comprising a plurality of circular grains having a diameter to thickness ratio greater than 2.5, and a primary propellant charge disposed between said igniter and said secondary propellant charge comprising a plurality of circular grains having a diameter to thickness ratio less than 2.

Abstract: The gas generator according to the present invention is characterized by a combustion chamber formed with a combustor cup (14) having an annular top wall fixed at an inner edge portion thereof to a circumferential edge of a top wall of a central cylindrical holder (4) by riveting (28). A combustor plate (16) is welded at an outer edge thereof to an inner edge portion of a longitudinal extension of the combustor cup (14), and at an inner edge thereof to a bottom edge portion of the holder, so as to close the combustion chamber. A diffuser (12) is provided to cover the top wall of the central cylindrical holder (4) and the top wall of the combustor cup to form a double wall of the combustion chamber. A flange extends from the longitudinal extension of the combustion cup, the flange being welded to the inner wall of the extended portion of the diffuser to form a filter/cooling chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an air bag (12) includes a pressure vessel (14), a diffuser (180) and an ignitable material (80). The pressure vessel (14) defines a sealed chamber (18) which is filled with inflation fluid that is not ignitable within the chamber (18). The diffuser (180) directs the inflation fluid from the pressure vessel (14) to the air bag (12). The ignitable material (80) is ignited and emits combustion products in response to an actuating signal. The apparatus (10) further includes a canister (70) for dispersing the combustion products in the inflation fluid within the chamber (18). The canister (70) contains the ignitable material (80) and is moved within the chamber (18) when the ignitable material (80) is burning.

Abstract: A cartridge 10 for low-mass, frangible projectiles 60 comprises a cartridge ase 12 having a primer 14 at its base and a sabot 30 or piston 30 at its mouth. The piston 30 can be provided with longitudinal orifices 44, diagonal orifices, 44a, grooves 64 or any combination of orifices and grooves. The projectile 60 is inserted into a cylindrical recess 46 in the front portion of the sabot 30. The orifices 44 are in communication with this recess 46 to permit propellant gas to bleed through and accelerate the projectile 60 upon ignition. The case 12 and the sabot 30 can be provided respectively with a crimp 24 and a stepped portion 48 in order to limit travel of the sabot 30 out of the case.

Abstract: A gas generator comprises a propellant container having a plurality of propellant grains therein, an igniter for igniting the propellant grains, and a shock wave barrier disposed in closely spaced relation to the igniter for attenuating a shock wave emanating therefrom so as to preclude fragmentation of the propellant grains.

Abstract: In an igniter of this invention, an insulated cup and a harness supporter for forming an igniter body are made of an insulating member and a lead electrode which is connected to the ground is electrically conducted to a header case, so that ignition of an igniting agent due to discharge of static electricity can be surely prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in inflating an air bag (12) includes an ignitable body (110) of gas generating material and an igniter (206). The body (110) of gas generating material, when ignited, generates gas for inflating the air bag (12). The body (110) of gas generating material has an outer surface area (132). The igniter (206) contains a first output charge (230) and a second output charge (232). When the first and second output charges (230) and (232) are ignited sequentially, the body (110) of gas generating material is ignited at a first ignitable surface area including the outer surface area (132). When the first and second output charges (230 and 232) are ignited simultaneously, the body (110) of gas generating material is ignited at a second ignitable surface area in addition to the first ignitable surface area.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in inflating a vehicle occupant restraint (12) includes a storage chamber (18) containing a mixture of gases which is releasable to inflate the vehicle occupant restraint (12). The mixture of gases includes a combustible fuel gas which, when burning, produces first combustion products which pressurize and supplement the mixture of gases. The apparatus (10) also includes an actuator assembly (16) for igniting the combustible fuel gas. The actuator assembly (16) includes a movable container (104) in which an ignitable material (122) is contained. The ignitable material (122) in the movable container (104), when burning, produces second combustion products which ignite the combustible fuel gas. The actuator assembly (16) casts the movable container (104) across the storage chamber when the second ignitable material (122) is burning.

Abstract: A metal bridge initiator, with or without a spark gap feature, for firing an air bag inflator is deposited on a thin plastic film substrate. The bridge can be tuned by adjusting the width and thickness of the substrate. The bridge is of compact size enabling an increase in the strength of the inflator in the initiator area thereof. If there is an initiator structural failure, the very small feed through slot into the interior of the inflator will plug up with the products of combustion of the inflator. The intimate contact between the deposited metal bridge and plastic substrate makes the initiator resistant to vibration, bending and damage. The method of manufacturing is simpler than for conventional inflator initiators and is adapted to mass production.

Abstract: An improved cartridge 24 is disclosed for use in an explosively operated industrial tool 10. The cartridge 24 includes a retaining plate 60 for assuring that, after firing the cartridge 24, the spent primer 32 cannot be inadvertently ejected into the interior of the tool 10, where it can subsequently adversely affect the performance of the tool 10. The retaining plate 60 is washer shaped having an upwardly turned beveled peripheral edge 64 that interferingly engages portions of a gas check member 36 that holds the primer 32. The retaining plate 60 has a hole 61 that allows access to the detonator cap 68 for firing yet will not permit passage therethrough of the detonator cap 68 itself.

Abstract: The device for firing a diabolo form bullet from a firearm with a rifled barrel consists of a cartridge having a housing, a detonation cap connected to one end of the housing in a gas-tight manner and containing a gas-forming propellant, the housing having an expansion compartment for expansion of a gas produced on ignition of the gas-forming propellant and an outer surface tapered toward another end of the housing remote from the detonation cap, the tapered outer surface aligning the diabolo form bullet loaded coaxially in the rifled barrel by engaging a tapered recess provided in the diabolo form bullet, whereby the diabolo form bullet is forced into the rifled barrel so as to calibrate the diabolo form bullet; and a membrane covering the other end of the housing remote from the detonation cap. The housing is provided with at least one breakthrough region, which ruptures when a gas pressure on ignition exceeds a predetermined maximum value.

Abstract: An apparatus for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint, such as an air bag, includes a housing. A hermetically sealed canister in the housing includes a lower section and a cover. Gas generating material is located in the canister. The gas generating material, when ignited, generates gas for inflating the air bag. The canister is sealed with a single hermetic seal between the lower section and the cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas generator for an air bag, particularly to the improvement of a housing for a gas generator.The gas generator according to the present invention is characterized having a combustion chamber formed with a housing having an annular top wall fixed at an inner edge portion thereof to a circumferential edge of a top wall of a central cylindrical holder, and an annular bottom wall fixed at an inner edge portion thereof to an edge portion of an opposite end of the holder. A diffuser is provided to cover the top wall of the central cylindrical holder and the annular top wall of the combustion chamber, whereby a double wall covering the combustion chamber is formed. An annular closure is provided so as to cover a bottom wall of the housing of the combustion chamber and is welded at an inner edge portion thereof to the edge portion of the lower end of the central cylindrical holder.

Abstract: The gas generator has two tubes, coaxial to each other, with different diameters, between which there is formed an annular intermediate chamber. The inner tube is filled with gas-producing material in the form of pellets, which develops pressure gas when ignited, the gas emerges via openings in both tubes. Projecting into the inner tube there is an ignition device, which extends through the cylindrical walls of both tubes. The ignition device is held by a ring or tubular holding body, which is substantially shorter than both tubes and fills out the intermediate chamber between both tubes. Both tubes are provided with peripheral openings aligning with each other, and the holding body has an installation through-hole, into which the ignition device is positioned. The holding body has furthermore a slot. The ignition device is held in a reliable manner by means of the holding body.

Abstract: A mechanical ignition type gas generator ignited by a striker comprises a gunpowder holder incorporating a gunpowder, a striker caused to dash against the gunpowder in the gunpowder holder, a striker holding member having a striker guide aperture in which the striker is inserted, a main spring for resiliently biasing the striker in the detaching direction, a trigger for retaining the striker, and a balancer for releasing the retainment of the trigger. A tapered portion that diametrically enlarges toward the gunpowder holder is disposed in the inner circumferential surface of the striker guide aperture of the striker holding member. A gas leak inhibiting ring is apart from the outer circumferential surface of the striker during non-ignition state of the gunpowder.

Abstract: A universal squib connector for automobile driver and passenger air bag collision protection systems includes a ferrite bead having two holes in spaced relation with an electric terminal positioned in each hole for making electrical contact with an associated one of the protruding pins of a pin type electric squib. The arrangement enables the use of a single configuration of gas generator and a single configuration of electric initiator or squib for the igniter system of the gas generator while providing EMI/RFI protection and the advantages realizable from both pin type and pig tail type connection of the collision sensor to the input conductors or lead wires to the squib and also the electrical system of the vehicle according to the preferences of individual automobile manufacturers.

Abstract: An air bag inflator responds to signals from a diagnostic unit to terminate filling of the bag prior to full inflation. This is accomplished by a piston propelled by a secondary charge which is ignited by a second signal from the diagnostic unit. The piston blocks the air bag inflation passages and simultaneously opens vents to discharge the remaining inflation gas.

Abstract: A gas generating device for supplying gas in an air bag or the like is provided with a gas generating composition, which is burned by an ignitor to generate gas, and a primary filter for filtering the burnt gas. The gas generating composition and the filter are placed in a combustion chamber having a primary gas exhausting port. The primary filter is chemically inactive with respect to the burnt procedure of the gas generating composition. The filter has a metal screen whose melting point is equal to or higher than the burning temperature of the gas generating composition. A cooling chamber is provided which communicates via the primary gas exhausting port with the combustion chamber. In the cooling chamber is disposed a secondary filter which cools gas coming out of the combustion chamber and filters the burning residue in the gas. A secondary gas exhausting port is formed in the cooling chamber to discharge the gas filtered by the secondary filter.

Abstract: An inflator for an air bag-type passenger restraint system for a motor vehicle includes two cup-shaped members which are joined to form chambers for a gas generator and activating devices for activating the gas generator. The two members are coupled by threads which do not increase the weight of the inflator. The inflator also includes a filter for filtering particulate matter from the gas generator.

Abstract: A universal squib connector for automobile driver and passenger air bag collision protection systems includes a ferrite bead having two holes in spaced relation with an electric terminal positioned in each hole for making electrical contact with an associated one of the protruding pins of a pin type electric squib. The arrangement enables the use of a single configuration of gas generator and a single configuration of electric initiator or squib for the igniter system of the gas generator while providing EMI/RFI protection and the advantages realizable from both pin type and pig tail type connection of the collision sensor to the input conductors or lead wires to the squib and also the electrical system of the vehicle according to the preferences of individual automobile manufacturers.

Abstract: A cartridge case assembly suitable for use in recoilless weapon systems iuding large caliber weapons is provided which includes an elongated cylindrically shaped inner cartridge case having a plurality of spaced perforations substantially about the periphery of the case wall and opposite open ends; an elongated cylindrically shaped shell member mounted about the inner cartridge case to envelope the periphery thereof and provide an annular propellant charge chamber therebetween, the shell member being of sufficient strength to constrain the passage of propellant gases outwardly from about the wall of the cartridge case upon ignition of a propellant charge within said propellant charge chamber; and a plurality of spaced elongated ignitor tubes associated with said cartridge case along the length thereof, each of ignitor tubes having a plurality of spaced perforations therethrough for distribution of ignition gases to the propellant charge.

Abstract: Ammunition cartridge for simulated firing using a laser beam, this comprising a casing which is bored longitudinally and provided with, at the inlet of the bore, a percussion cap, the outlet of the bore fitting the orifice of the firearm barrel, its external form including additional forms of a casing and a conventional bullet.

Abstract: For the purpose of reducing manufacturing costs and mounting defects, an electric ignition device has a one-piece basic body as a base for a primary and a secondary charge, so that the tightness is also increased with respect to moisture penetration.

Abstract: An airbag igniter having an initiator charge in an inner case and an output charge in a surrounding outer case, has a first metal header closing the inner case and a glass seal providing feed through of one or more electrical connections to the initiator charge through the first header. The outer case has a second metal header fitted to it. The second header surrounds the first header in a spaced relationship maintained by a second glass seal. The second glass seal electrically isolates the second header and outer case from the inner header for protection against accidental ignition. The dual glass seals provide protection against maloperation due to gas leakage. A ceramic washer in axial compression between the outer header and a flange of the inner header provides added assurance against failure of the second glass seal.

Abstract: A flare comprising an oxygen reservoir section, a fuel reservoir section and a nozzle section; the oxygen reservoir section having a reservoir capable of containing oxygen at high pressure, and a valve operable by an actuator to selectively permit transmission of pressurized oxygen from the reservoir; the fuel reservoir section including a collapsible fuel bag having a fuel orifice at one end and a plug normally positioned over the orifice; and the nozzle section having a oxygen flow deflector, a fuel atomizing region and an ignition region.

Abstract: An air bag explosive container device for use in inflating an air bag upon receipt of a sensor signal that indicates a collision. The container device includes a lower cylinder portion and an upper cap portion, threadedly connected together and enclosing a chamber for an explosive material. The lower cylinder portion and upper cap portion each consist of (a) carbon iron alloy base material and an outer protective oxide coating located thereon thereby providing both high strength and anticorrosion properties, ease of manufacture, and much lower cost of manufacture.

Abstract: An inflator for inflating an air bag includes a housing having a housing cover. A gas generating material is disposed within the housing. The gas generating material when ignited generates gas for inflating the air bag. An igniter is actuatable to ignite the gas generating material. A body of injection molded plastic material adheres to both the igniter and the cover to attach the igniter to the cover. The cover is welded to another part of the inflator housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in inflating a vehicle occupant restraint includes an inflator housing and a canister containing gas generating material. The canister has a resiliently deflectable wall which presses against the inflator housing to hold the canister against movement relative to the inflator housing. A cushion is disposed inside the canister between the wall and the gas generating material. In addition, auto ignition material is disposed in a projecting wall portion of the canister. When the apparatus is assembled, the wall of the canister is resiliently deflected by applying a force against the projecting wall portion of the canister. After the inflator housing has been closed, the canister is retained against movement relative to the inflator housing by the force applied by the resiliently deflected wall of the canister against the inflator housing.

Abstract: A gas generator for a long range missile is driven by a solid propellant in assembly which includes a cylindrical inhibitor, a forward closure assembly that is attached to one end of the inhibitor and a propellant grain that is cast into the cylindrical cavity formed by the interior surface of the cylindrical inhibitor. Between the grain and inhibitor and between the grain and forward closure assembly is an adhesive bonding system for attaching the grain to the inhibitor and forward closure assembly. The exposed or aft end of the grain is the initial burning surface and includes a plurality of annular concentric grooves and a configuration that provides optimum burn progression that results in a complete high pressure burn. The external surface of the inhibitor is machined so that the solid propellant grain assembly may be readily inserted and removed from the gas generator.

Abstract: An inflator for inflating an air bag in a vehicle includes an inflator housing with an outer wall. A hermetically sealed canister is located in the housing. The canister has a first wall portion in thermal contact with the outer wall of the inflator housing. A body of gas generating material is disposed within the hermetically sealed canister. The gas generating material, when ignited, generates gas for inflating the air bag. An auto ignition packet including auto ignition material is secured within the hermetically sealed canister. The packet is in a recess in the canister in thermal contact with the first wall portion of the canister. The packet includes a flexible container, made of an air-permeable, fabric, sheet material, enclosing the auto ignition material.

Abstract: This invention relates to an air bag inflation gas generator to feed gas for inflation of air bags such as air bags for absorbing collision shocks, life jackets, rafts, and escape chutes. The air bag inflation gas generator according to the present invention has a combustion chamber comprising a bottom-closed cylinder of a housing body and a lid covering the opening of the bottom-closed cylinder. The housing body comprises the bottom-closed cylinder, a flange extending outward and formed integrally with the opening of the bottom-closed cylinder, and an external cylinder formed on the periphery of the flange and bent toward the bottom of the housing body. A plenum chamber is formed by covering the external and bottom-closed cylinders with a covering member from the bottom of the housing body and by welding the covering member to the cylinders.

Abstract: To deploy an inflatable member, such as an occupant restraint safety bag in a motor vehicle, a liquid propellant is expelled from a storage reservoir into a reaction chamber through ports created at frangible pressure points in the reservoir wall and ignited by detonation of an explosive charge to generate a non-toxic, bag inflating gas by exothermic reaction.

Abstract: An airbag gas generator is disclosed which includes a propellant chamber and a filter chamber arranged adjacent the propellant chamber for filtering flow of airbag propellant gas therethrough on its path to an airbag cushion. The filter chamber is provided with a plurality of alternative gas flow paths therethrough which have respective different filter resistances. Temperature dependent change-over devices are provided for controlling the flow of gas through the respective alternative gas flow paths in the filter chamber as a function of the ambient temperature at the generator.

Abstract: An ignition material packet assembly which comprises: (1) a first cup-shaped member having an open top, formed of an engineering thermoplastic for electrically insulating a pyrotechnic material stored within the assembly, (2) a second cup-shaped member inserted at least partially within the outer plastic member and retained therein by a friction fit created therebetween such that a compression gap is formed between a corresponding base portion of the first and second cup-shaped members, wherein the second cup-shaped member has an open top and is formed of a lightweight metal; (3) a pyrotechnic material comprising a mixture of an ignition enhancing material and an autoignition material sealed within the metal cup member and (4) a metal lid member closing the open top of the inner cup member to hermetically seal the pyrotechnic material therein.

Abstract: A gas generator which may be used for ejecting submunitions. The gas generator comprises a diffuser chamber which is flanked by differently sized combustion chambers whereby three different ejection velocities may be achieved by firing only one of the combustion chambers or by firing both of them together. The generated gas is exited from the gas generator at the same central location, i.e., the centrally located diffuser chamber, to control submunition yaw and loading locations. The provision of combustion chambers at opposite ends of the diffuser chamber permits minimization of gas generator diameter, and a tie member in the diffuser chamber permits a non-complicated and inexpensive structure which is rugged and reliable. The gas generator may have other applications such as for inflating airbags for automobiles.

Abstract: A gas generator for inflating a safety bag for the protection of persons in a vehicle, is equipped with a combustion chamber that is divided into a smaller section and into a larger section by a sheet metal insert. The sheet metal insert also divides the fuel into two portions, whereby a smaller fuel portion is located closer to the ignition openings of an ignition device while the larger fuel portion is located further away from the ignition device. The divider or insert provides a passage or gas flow openings which are so located that the combustion gas generated in the smaller section must flow entirely through the smaller section before it enters into the larger section. Thus, the smaller fuel portion is combusted substantially first and the larger fuel portion is combusted thereafter to provide an inflation characteristic for the safety bag such that the bag is initially filled slower and then rapidly.

Abstract: A gas generating apparatus for inflating an air bag which comprises a housing with an open joint portion connecting to the air bag and having a combustion chamber formed at the center inside the housing body wherein a high pressure gas is generated upon combustion of a gas generating agent. A partition is provided which defines a mixing chamber in a ring-like configuration by being concentrically disposed so as to be spaced apart from the opening of the housing body by a pre-selected interval whereby the high pressure gas forming a combustion chamber is introduced into the mixing chamber. A nozzle formed in a ring-like configuration is provided at the high pressure gas introducing portion so that the high pressure gas is ejected toward the opening of the mixing chamber and an air intake portion is formed along the nozzle on the housing body.

Abstract: A chemical oxygen generator has a chemical mixture based on an alkali-metal chlorate (NaClO.sub.3) which constitutes the charge of a cartridge having an ignition device and an oxygen outlet. This oxygen generator is improved so that the charge is insensitive to shock and so that it can be configured in any desired outer form and size and that an advancing reaction zone is assured without a further assisting device. The charge includes a tight bed of chemical pellets which lie one against the other to form the smallest possible contact surfaces.

Abstract: An impact extruded perforated aluminum housing contains a two-stage gas generator having a perforated bulkhead positioned between the stages. Each stage includes a combustion chamber having an igniter and pyrotechnic charge therein with cooling and filter screens surrounding the combustion chamber. The igniter of the first stage is fired by a squib responsively to an external electrical signal. A rupturable barrier and a ball valve associated with the bulkhead control the flow of gas through the bulkhead and provide mechanical timing for ignition delay in the firing of the second stage after the first stage has been fired, and also provide pressure control after ignition of both stages to prevent repressurizing the first stage. A rupturable foil barrier surrounding the combustion chamber in the first stage promotes a rapid rise in pressure therein and thus breakout sooner therefrom of gas to an airbag to be inflated.

Abstract: A propellant containing device for a power actuated tool used to drive fasteners into concrete and the like. A cartridge member has an inner substantially cylindrical recess. The recess has an inner area and is filled with propellant. A cap closure member is used to seal the cartridge member and holds a detonator charge. An annular skirt formed integral with the cartridge member is located so as to act as one half of the anvil when the detonator charge is compressed between the annular skirt and the cap closure member using rim-fire techniques. The cap closure member and the cartridge member are made from a suitable plastic material.

Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag, which can be manufactured in an advantageous manner, has at least two tubular pressure tanks wherein materials that release gas are combusted. The pressure tanks are connected radially with a central member containing an igniter element. The gas-releasing material fills up a tubular interior extensively in the form of stackable molded elements adapted to fit within the pressure tank. In most cases, an adequate path for the ignition vapors is constituted by a central channel within each element, while in case of rod-shaped molded elements, such adequate path is represented by the "natural" cavities; additionally, a free surface area should exist between the elements and may be provided by nubs and/or indentations on the lateral faces of these molded elements.

Abstract: A gas generator for a missile includes a propellant grain, inhibitor, internal insulation, case forward and aft closures, external insulation, igniters and a gas outlet assembly. The general steps for manufacturing the gas generator are to fabricate the components and assemble the case including the external and internal insulation. The cylindrical inhibitor is then attached to the forward closure to form a cavity into which the propellant is cast forming a sleeve around it when assembled. This propellant grain assembly is then inserted into the case, and the forward closure, igniter and gas outlet assembly are then attached to the case to form a complete gas generator. When the gas generator is ignited, the propellant is consumed by burning the solid material into hot gases which escape through the gas outlet assembly. The propellant contains its own fuel and oxidizers to provide the necessary energy.