Abstract: An improved explosively operated industrial tool and improved cartridge therefore. More particularly the tool includes a simple breach cap with a hole therethrough and the cartridge includes two discs bonded together with each disc being of a material having a different expansion parameter relative to the other. A plug positioned in a hole in the base of the cartridge is gripped by the disc subassembly.

Abstract: A percussion initiated inflator assembly for an airbag comprises a detonator panel that effects essentially simultaneous ignition of a plurality of gas generators by a shock wave.

Abstract: A high flow sodium chlorate oxygen generator assembly (10) of a relatively small diameter. The generator assembly includes a chlorate candle (12) mounted within a containment vessel (14, 16, 18), the chlorate candle being provided with a deep conical recess (54) which is thinly coated with a rapidly combustible material (56). Ignition of the rapidly combustible material is achieved by extending a hollow ceramic tube (58) from a primer (38) located at one end of the containment vessel, the hollow tube directing the flame from the primer, when ignited, towards the center of the deepest part of the conical depression. The above construction provides a high surface area for burning, and also intensifies the heat flux within the chlorate candle thereby substantially increasing the rate of oxygen output over known chlorate candles of comparable diameters.

Abstract: An initiator device for activating air crew escape systems comprising a housing of elongate cylindric configuration defining a central chamber having a propellant gas discharge bore at one end and being open at the other end for receiving and static pressure mounting in the central chamber a pyrotechnic cartridge that is held in mounted position by a separate screw threaded head screw threadedly mounted in the housing open end, with the cartridge including a metallic body defining a compression chamber having at the portion of same that is engaged by the housing head, and having a piston received in the compression chamber that is frangibly secured to the cartridge body; the cartridge body also defines a separate pyrotechnic material receiving chamber that is open to the body compression chamber with a column of suitable pyrotechnic materials, tailored in light of the job to be done by the initiator, being mounted in the pyrotechnic material receiving chamber having a head end and terminating with an initiato

Abstract: A gas generating apparatus for inflating an air bag is provided which comprises a housing body with an air intake opening of large diameter formed at the center of the housing body. Along an axis, there is a mixing chamber disposed at the center of the housing body and connected to the air intake opening with the axis and also connected so as to open into the air bag. A combustion chamber is formed inside the housing body on the inner side of the outer periphery thereof and generates a high-pressure gas upon combustion. There is a multiplicity of nozzles around the circumference of a junction portion between the air intake opening and the chamber which ejects the high pressure gas from the chamber toward an opening of the mixing chamber at high speed.

Abstract: A chemical oxygen generator for use in respirators and resuscitators for providing an oxygen reserve includes oxygen in chemically bound compacts or oxygen single-candles and the oxygen is released when needed in the course of a chemical reaction. The oxygen single candles are fitted together axially in a canister in modular construction with incandescence elements therebetween. In the cover of the canister, opposite the upper end wall of the first single candle, there is an igniting device, and in the bottom, an outlet opening for the escape of the released oxygen. As soon as the first oxygen single-candle is activated by means of the igniting device, the oxygen reaction sets in and a reaction front moves in the direction of the next single candle. The reaction transmission to the next single candle occurs through the intermediate incandescence element.

Abstract: A propellant containing device for use in association with a gun with a detonator mechanism and drive mechanism for the purpose of driving an attachment member into a structure. The device has an elongate or circular base. A plurality of cartridge members are formed integrally with the base and each member contains an explosive charge. The base and the cartridge members are formed in one piece from a material selected from plastic or ceramic. The region of the cartridge members integral with the base are closed by a cap which is adapted to fit within a recess formed in the periphery of the closed ends of the cartridge members. The cap is adapted to be hit by the detonator mechanism to detonate an explosive charge located in the cartridge member. A drive engagement fitting on the base allows the base to be moved progressively so that each cartridge member aligns successively with the detonator mechanism of the gun.

Abstract: A hot gas control system includes a pressure vessel defining a chamber in which is disposed a body of solid propellant material that has a leading portion and a trailing portion. A first layer of the body of solid propellant material extends between the leading portion and an intermediate region of the body of solid propellant material, and a second layer extends between the intermediate region and the trailing portion of the body of solid propellant material. The first layer is composed of a first propellant composition that produces a relatively clean gas, and the second layer is composed of a second propellant composition that produces a relatively less clean gas.

Abstract: A device for ejecting ammunition containers from a war head has transverse to the war head longitudinal axis a bellows, which holds the ammunition containers in a plurality of concave pockets. The bellows is inflated by a gas generator including a gas-permeable tube extending along the longitudinal axis. In order to achieve a wide range of variations in the behavior of the ammunition containers in the process of being ejected, a propellant charge of the gas generator is particulate, with at least one ignition cord extending along the longitudinal axis of the tube around which a particle ignition mixture is arranged, so that the hot particles during burn-down of the ignition mixture are pressed between the particles of the propellant charge. A daming serves for building up the initial pressure required for the burning down of the propellant charge.

Abstract: A device for ejecting ammunition containers from a war head has, transversely to the war head longitudinal axis a bellows which accepts individual ammunition containers in concave circumferentially sparse pockets (6). The bellows is inflated by a gas-generator including a gas-permeable tube extending along the longitudinal axis. In order to achieve as wide a variation range of ejection behavior of the ammunition container as possible, the propellant charge of the gas generator is particulate and at least one ITLX ignition cord extends along the longitudinal axis of the tube, so that the hot particles during burndown of the ITLX ignition cord are pressed between the particles of the propellant charge (12). A damming serves to build up the initial pressure required for the burn-down of the propellant charge.

Abstract: A gas generator which has a high volume combustion chamber for increased gas production and which is sized small enough to be confined within a vehicle steering wheel circumference with a minimum impact on the aesthetics of the steering wheel and general interior of the vehicle is used for inflating a vehicle inflatable restraint cushion in the event of an accident. The inflater is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a centrally disposed combustion chamber flanked by a pair of diffuser chambers.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic device having a maximum explosive effect with a minimum quantity of explosive composition. The device is in the form of a polyurethane plastic foam body molded about a firecracker tube. The firecracker tube contains a small explosive composition charge therein and into which a fuse extends. The tube is sealed at each end by packing means. A polyurethane sealant coating is provided over the tube to seal any openings in the tube and any openings in any interface between the tube, the packing means and the fuse. The sealant serves as a good engaging surface to which the body portion of plastic foam will adhere when molded. When completed, the plastic foam body has a predetermined shape, such as cylindrical, generally spherical, or multifaceted.

Abstract: Structure for generating nitrogen gas for inflating an air bag vehicle occupant restraint comprises a grain made of an azide based material which generates gas upon combustion. The grain is made of a gas generating material which includes 61-68% by weight of sodium azide, 0-5% by weight of sodium nitrate, 0-5% by weight of bentonite, 23-28% by weight of iron oxide, 1-2% by weight of fumed silica, and from about 2 to about 6% by weight of graphite fibers having a diameter of 3-15 microns and an average length of 40 to 125 thousandths of an inch.

Abstract: An impulse propulsion unit or pulse-generating impeller mechanism for the lateral acceleration of a projectile, including a hollow cylindrical member, having an outer shell surface which is passed through by nozzles which are peripherally offset relative to each other, and each of which connects into a propellant chamber in the interior of the hollow-cylindrical shell or casing. The propellant chamber is in the shape of an axially elongated section of the hollow wall of a cylinder in which the annular space between the cylindrical inner and outer walls is subdivided through the intermediary of radial separating walls into peripherally neighboring chamber.

Abstract: A gas generator is provided for ejecting projectiles from a container under utilization of a developing gas pressure in an expansion chamber, using alternating propellant explosive charges hoses and ignition charge hoses in a string. String branching can be provided for.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic gas generator utilizable particularly on a motor vehicle for operating safety devices, such as safety belt retractors.The generator comprises a resistant body containing an ignition bead (5) and a gas generating charge (3). In order to obtain very short operating times while offering maximum safety and reliability, the gas generating charge is separated from the ignition bead by a dielectric hood (6) which forms a leak-tight initiation chamber (7) around the ignition bead, the gas generating charge being composed of grains of powder based on nitrocellulose and a pulverulent oxyreduction powder containing at least one metal.

Abstract: A pneumatic time delay valve primarily adapted for use in the ejection system of electronic or optical countermeasure devices and the like wherein an explosive squib is employed to create a momentary charge of high pressure gas used to depress the firing pin on the device to activate the device and also to push the device out of an ejection tube. The invention comprises means for splitting the pressurized gas into a first conduit communicating with the firing pin and a second conduit communicating with the device to apply the ejection pressure thereon and a time delay valve disposed within the second conduit for delaying the application of the gas to the device. During the time delay period, a piston is forced down a cylindrical bore forcing metering fluid through an orifice.

Abstract: A propellant augmented, gas dispensing device is charged with a pressurized gas during assembly by inserting the gas in its solid form into the pressure chamber and thereafter sealing the pressure chamber. The gas is chosen so that it is in its gaseous state at normal ambient conditions. In another aspect, an improved pressure relief assembly includes a burst disc affixed to a flow passage between the pressurized gas chamber and the propellant chamber for normally preventing flow through the passage. In its preferred form, the burst disc carries an annular score line. A support member is provided on the propellant side of the burst disc and is placed in supporting contact with the burst disc adjacent the score line. The support member has a central opening communicating with the passageway to the propellant chamber. The score line is located outwardly from the central opening.

Abstract: An industrial cartridge has a case that contains a propellant charge of at least two successively arranged propellant charge powders deflagrating at differing speeds. The powders are separated from each other by a gas-permeable cover extending transversely to the case axis. The case of the cartridge contains a compressible seal at the opposite end to the base end of the case. An ignition-transmitting tube is axially arranged in the case. The tube includes, at the level of the second and/or last propellant charge powder as seen from the base, a cover which is thinner than the wall of the ignition-transmitting tube.

Abstract: A method of constructing fireworks wherein a relatively small conventional Class C firework is assembled within an enlarged supplemental housing and wherein the relatively small Class C firework is positively retained in spaced relationship from the walls of the supplemental housing along its length and a safety fuse extends from said smaller firework and outwardly of said supplemental container.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for separating solid residues from gases generated by a charge cartridge having a gas discharged end and used in a final pyrotechnic regulatory unit. The device includes a casing having a recess therein and a bottom end face. The cartridge is mounted in the casing with its discharged end facing the bottom end of the casing to define a first passage. A sleeve is positioned in the recess between the cartridge and the casing to define a second passage communicating with the first passage. The first and second passages are lined with ribs or threads extending transversely to the flow direction of the gas in the passages.

Abstract: A cartridge case closure plug for closing a cartridge case, enhancing plug reakup in the shortest time span after ignition of the cartridge, and substantially reducing plug mass to reduce the impact loads exerted on the projectile by the plug. The plug is cylindrically shaped and constructed of a polymeric foam which may be covered with an elastomeric coating to lower the permeability of the plug. The plug is provided with a forward face, a rearward face and an outer cylindrical surface. The forward face of the plug is furnished with a centered depression which allows for center blowout and breakup of the plug upon ignition of the propellant contained in the cartridge case. The rearward face of the plug is provided with a tapered cylindrically-shaped cavity which reduces plug mass and enhances plug breakup while reducing the impact loads on the projectile.

Abstract: An impulse generator for providing an impulsive force substantially normal o the axis of a missile to provide the missile with the desired angle of attack. The device includes radial explosive paths to its periphery and from each point on the periphery detonation is transferred to the periphery of the main charge causing it to implode.

Abstract: A gas generator which is structurally and functionally integrated with a fluid heat exchanger. A liquid which is to be heated, vaporized, and used as pressurized gas is introduced into the integrated apparatus where the liquid absorbs heat from the adjacent, but separated, hot gas flow from the gas generator. Unlike the prior art, this integrated gas generator/fluid heat exchanger is useable to pressurize an oxidizer tank of a liquid engine missile.

Abstract: An improved pyrotechnic delay system wherein temperature compensation means re utilized to minimize or eliminate ambient temperature affects upon the burning rate and variability of the delay. Apparatus and method are provided to increase the accuracy of cartridges employing pyrotechnic delay compositions by decreasing differences in composition burning time between extreme ambient temperatures. In the apparatus and method a flash chamber is programmed to increase in volume during initiation of the delay column at elevated temperatures to increase the accuracy of cartridges employing pyrotechnic delay compositions.

Abstract: An end cap for a tubular container having a deep drawn flanged cup adapted to receive an igniter device for igniting the explosive contents of the container, such as the propellant for generating gas for expanding an air bag in a vehicle passenger restraint system. The cup has in its bottom wall, a centrally located aperture normally sealed by a composite laminate of plastic film and metal foil that is rupturable by the signal from the igniter device. A plastic annulus interposed between the igniter device and laminate protects the latter against frictional erosion by rubbing action of the igniter device through environmental vibrations transmitted to the propellant container.

Abstract: For an inflator for pyrotechnically inflating protective gas bags for vehicles, an igniter is provided which causes the propellant in the inflator to ignite in a progressive manner so as to inflate the bag slowly at the onset but more rapidly later as inflation progresses. The overall inflation time is very rapid but the slow onset of bag deployment starts gentle movement against a vehicle's occupant and thus reduces the possibility of injury as compared with a more sudden movement by rapid inflation from the outset.

Abstract: A filter assembly is provided for fluid supplies for vehicle occupant restraint systems which employ a combustible gas generator to inflate a confinement upon the occurrence of a collision. The filter assembly includes two sets of layers of porous filter material.One set includes a plurality of layers of fibrous filter material of relatively high porosity such as steel wool. The other set includes a plurality of layers of filter material arranged in order of descending porosity between the gas generator and the confinement and positioned intermediate the layers of the former set. Each of the layers of this other set is of substantially lower porosity than those adjacent layers of the former set.

Abstract: An improved seismic explosive charge loader and anchor for loading and anchoring explosives in cylindrical containers in bore holes is disclosed, which includes a snap in spring band shaped anchor which effectively anchors the loader in the well bore against upward movement, one aspect of the invention includes a snap lock threaded connection for securing an explosive container having interrupted threads to the loader and anchor, and the loader and anchor is constructed and arranged to maintain a detonator in place in the explosive container thereby assuring detonation of the explosive.

Abstract: A reusable filter to remove contaminants from high temperature gases, in excess of 4500.degree. F., developed by burning propellants and used to do work such as actuation of pistonpowered devices in aircraft store ejector racks. Contaminants are removed to prevent fouling of the device being acted upon, to increase reliability and to decrease maintenance of the device. The filter has stacked metal discs spaced from one another to permit side entry of the gas between the disc edges, and the discs are made of molybdenum, columbium or tantalum. A plurality of studs pass through the discs to align and hold the filter together, with raised bosses at the stud holes in each disc establishing the filter gaps between the discs. Each disc has a plurality of flow openings communicating with the filter gaps and aligned with the openings of the other discs to allow axial gas flow along the filter for end exit.

Abstract: Device for coupling an ignitive reaction or percussive shock wave to a relatively movable body member such as an airbag mounted on the steering wheel of an automobile. The device includes first and second relatively movable body members with a transmission channel for ignitive reactions in one of the body members. Pyrotechnic transmission lines are connected to the body members with the gas channels of the transmission lines positioned for communication with the transmission channel notwithstanding relative movement of the body members.

Abstract: A reusable filter to remove contaminants from high temperature gases, in excess of 4500.degree. F., developed by burning propellants and used to do work such as actuation of piston-powered devices in aircraft store ejector racks. Contaminants are removed to prevent fouling of the device being acted upon, to increase reliability and to decrease maintenance of the device. The filter has alternating stacked metal discs and foil spacers to permit side entry of the gas. The discs and spacers are made of molybdenum, columbium or tantalum. A plurality of studs pass through the discs and spacers to align and hold the filter together. Each spacer has a plurality of extended peripheral portions extending toward the circumference of the adjacent discs to define filter gaps. Each disc has a plurality of flow openings communicating with the filter gaps and aligned with the openings of the other discs to allow axial gas flow along the filter for end exit.