Jacketed Or Cartridge Gas Generator Patents (Class 102/530)
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Patent number: 6481357Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator for a safety system, in particular for a vehicle occupant restraint system, comprising a combustion chamber which contains propellant, a liquid chamber which contains liquid, and a mixing chamber in which a gas developed on burning of the propellant and the liquid mix with each other. The gas generator further comprises a liquid guide surface onto which the liquid when released is applied substantially tangentially, and a gas directing channel and a surface delimiting the gas directing channel. A flow break-off edge is provided in the mixing chamber, which flow break-off edge is defined on one side by the liquid guide surface and on the other side by the surface delimiting the gas directing channel.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1999Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Markus Lindner, Marc Winterhalder
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Publication number: 20020162476Abstract: A unitary header/base/shorting bar holder for a micro gas generator; and a micro gas generator containing it.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2002Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventors: Todd S. Parker, Michael D. Campbell
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Publication number: 20020152919Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing an igniter for a gas generator. The igniter contains a charge sleeve which has an open end. The method comprising the following steps: A pyrotechnic ignition charge is introduced via the open end into the charge sleeve such that an edge of the charge sleeve projects axially at the open end with respect to the ignition charge. The projecting part of the edge is shortened axially, and the open end is closed. The invention further relates to a charge sleeve which has a weakened zone running along its periphery, or has a section which is able to be removed from the remainder of the charge sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Applicant: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Horst Laucht, Ernst Enzmann
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Patent number: 6464253Abstract: A vehicular restraint system comprises an inflatable gas bag defining an internal volume and a gas generator with a pyrotechnic propellant charge for generating gas upon inflation of the gas bag. The propellant charge is made up of a mass of a pyrotechnic material. The mass of the pyrotechnic material may include a binding agent conglomerating the mass into a rigid shaped body, such body having a surface exposed to the internal volume of the gas bag, or the mass is filled into a flexible envelope, which envelope has a surface exposed to the internal volume of the gas bag. Preferably, the mass has a ductile texture, enabling it to be kneaded.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Christian Lorenz
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Patent number: 6463857Abstract: An ignition device for triggering a restraining device of a motor vehicle has a MID support having a forward end and a rearward end. Electronic components are mounted on the MID support. An ignitor is arranged at the forward end of the MID support. The MID support has at least one unitary connector pin having at least one metallized area configured to contact the electronic components.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Hirschmann Austria GmbHInventors: Günther Schmid, Helmut Fabing
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Publication number: 20020144621Abstract: An inflator (10) for inflating an inflatable device includes a housing (20). A primary propellant (240) in a primary chamber (200) in the housing (20) is ignitable to provide inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable device. A secondary propellant (250) in a secondary chamber (180) in the housing (20) is ignitable to provide inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable device. The inflator (10) includes initiator means (130, 154) for selectively igniting either the primary propellant (240) alone or both of the primary and secondary propellants (240, 250). The inflator (10) also includes a secondary propellant cap (260) for closing the secondary chamber (180) and for maintaining the secondary propellant (250) in the secondary chamber. The secondary propellant cap (260) has a first position blocking flow of combustion products of the first propellant (240) into the secondary chamber (180) when only the primary propellant is ignited.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2001Publication date: October 10, 2002Applicant: TRW Inc.Inventors: Eric R. McFarland, Darin P. Mika
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Patent number: 6460461Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of hybrid gas generators intended to inflate a protective airbag. The generator (1) consists of two metal tubes (50, 51) welded together, the upstream tube (50) being of one piece with an internal partition (26) that has a central orifice (27) closed by a diaphragm (28). The generator thus has a reservoir chamber (29) containing a pressurized gas and a combustion and mixing chamber (46) containing a pyrotechnic device (4) and a support piece (30) carrying a piston-pillar (31) the stroke of which is limited. The hot gases cannot enter the reservoir chamber (29) which may thus contain a greater amount of gas.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Livbag SNCInventors: Christian Perotto, Christophe Haegeman, Franck Le Baudy
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Patent number: 6460465Abstract: An ignition device for triggering a restraining device of a motor vehicle has an ignition device member having a forward end and a rearward end and having an insulated exterior with an exterior surface. An ignitor is arranged at the forward end of the ignition device member. An energy transfer device extends from the rearward end of the ignition device member to the ignitor and is configured to trigger the ignitor when the rearward end is exposed to heat. The energy transfer device is arranged within an interior of the ignition device member and is located in the area of the rearward end in close proximity to the exterior surface of the ignition device member.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Hirschmann Austria GmbHInventors: Martin Schmid, Helmut Fabing
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Patent number: 6460884Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag system has, in a housing provided with a gas discharge port, igniters activated upon an impact, and gas generating agents ignited and burnt by the igniters and generate a combustion gas for inflating an air bag, and two combustion chambers storing the gas generating agents. The combustion chambers are concentrically provided so as to be adjacent to each other in the radial direction of the housing, and a communicating hole which allows communication between the combustion chambers is provided, in the housing. The gas generator also has two igniters, two different gas generating agents, a connector having a lead wire, a combustion chamber, igniters provided in an inner cylindrical member, and an automatic ignition member, which can effectively restrain an occupant.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiro Nakashima, Nobuyuki Ohji, Yasunori Iwai, Nobuyuki Katsuda
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Patent number: 6454306Abstract: An apparatus (10) for providing fluid under pressure for actuating a vehicle occupant protection device comprises an electrically actuatable initiator (80) having terminal pins (100). A hermetically sealed metal propellant container (130) contains a propellant (82) ignitable by the initiator (80) to produce fluid under pressure. The propellant container (130) is secured to the initiator (80) by crimping. The apparatus (10) also comprises a member (86) electrically insulating between the metal propellant container (130) and the terminal pins (100) of the initiator (80) to isolate the initiator electrically from the propellant container.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignees: TRW Inc., TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Clare R. Cunningham, Keith R. Ball, Bryan W. Shirk, Sheldon R. Fifield, Jr., Vincent J. Mramor, Brian R. Pitstick, Eric C. Erike
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Patent number: 6439123Abstract: A telescopic training round has an inner sealant disc with a central hole to ensure against gas leakage as the casing expands telescopically.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: SNC Technologies Inc.Inventors: Sylvain Dionne, Nathalie Gauthier
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Patent number: 6415715Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for avoiding uneven ignition when initiating artillery propellant powder charges (1) which comprise a plurality of partial charges of the so-called modular type and which are initiated by means of laser initiation systems or conventional ignition cartridges. The invention also includes artillery propellant powder charge modules designed in accordance with this method. The invention is also based on the fact that each such charge module or modular charge has on the one hand been provided with an initiating charge (18, 19) at each end of the central ignition channel (11), where this initiating charge can consist for example of black powder, and, on the other hand, the middle part of the same ignition channel has been provided with a specially designed firing unit (14) consisting of a number of ring elements between which narrow ignition gaps (17) are maintained.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Bofors Weapon Systems ABInventors: Neile Nilsson, Larseric Larsson, Anders Hafstrand
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Publication number: 20020073872Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic gas generator comprising a gas-tight outer housing consisting of at least two parts, a first part of which being a receiving part for pyrotechnic material and a second part of which being a base part which is connected with the receiving part by welding so as to form the outer housing. One of both parts has a radially projecting, surrounding flange with an outer peripheral edge and the other part has an axially extending, rim-like projection circumferentially surrounding said peripheral edge and having an inner surface which is contacted by the peripheral edge. The welding of the first and second parts is provided at the flange.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Applicant: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Ernst Enzmann, Johann Vetter
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Publication number: 20020073873Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator, especially for an air bag, having two tubes (9, 10) arranged concentrically one in the other, the inner tube (10) forming the combustion chamber, containing the fuel (3), and being closed by a cover plate (11) and an end plate (12). The gas generator is especially suitable for the use of laughing gas and has a cover plate (11) joined to an end plate (12) by an igniter tube (7) passing through the combustion chamber. An ignition element is disposed in the cover plate, whose discharge opening for the ignition gases is in communication with the igniter tube (7). A longitudinally displaceable piston (2) is disposed in the igniter tube (7), and radial openings (6) into the combustion chamber are disposed in the igniter tube (7). The igniter tube (7) is connected with an outlet in the end plate (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventors: Ulrich Bley, Uwe Brede, Anton Bretfeld, Julia Havlik, Klaus Redecker, Heinz Reiss
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Publication number: 20020062758Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator comprising a generator housing which has a base part, and an electric igniter which has a rear side, is fastened in the base part and has connection lines on the rear side. The gas generator further comprises a propellant charge in the generator housing, the propellant charge being provided outside the igniter and an insulating bush surrounding the connection lines and fastened to the generator housing. The insulating bush consists of plastic and contains electrically conductive particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2001Publication date: May 30, 2002Applicant: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Thomas Maier, Ernst Enzmann
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Publication number: 20020062757Abstract: The invention relates to gas generator comprising an outer housing made of plastic, in which a pyrotechnic propellant charge and an igniter having its own igniter housing are accommodated. The igniter housing consists at least partially of plastic and is welded with the outer housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2001Publication date: May 30, 2002Applicant: TRW Airbag System GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Johann Vetter
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Patent number: 6389972Abstract: The invention relates to an initiator for a pyrotechnic gas generator intended for motor vehicle safety. The initiator (2) is built from a circuit support (10) on which conductive strips are printed which include electromagnetic protection and the ends of which are joined together by a resistive element covered with a thermosensitive charge (6). The conductive strips are connected to an electric cable (3). The support (10) is coated in a cylindrical overmoulded insulation (4, 5). A fragmentable cylindrical cap (8) containing an igniter composition (9) forms, together with the initiator (2), an igniter (1) for pyrotechnic generators intended for motor vehicle safety.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1998Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Livbag S.N.C.Inventors: Daniel Duvacquier, Christian Perotto
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Patent number: 6368431Abstract: An apparatus (2) for inflating an air bag (4) including a container (12) and a combustible material (20) disposed in the container. The combustible material (20) comprises a binder selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate butyrate and cellulose acetate propionate. The binder has a melting point in the range of about 230° C. to about 260° C. An igniter (32) ignites the combustible material (20) to generate combustion products. A conduit directs the combustion products towards the air bag (4).Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1997Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Michael G. Mangum, David C. Ouart
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Patent number: 6360666Abstract: An apparatus for use in filling and capping artillery charge system modules or the like including a lower fixture carried by a base plate for receiving a module with an open center core tube and fixing the module in place relative to the base plate for filling and capping. An upper fixture is carried by a pivot plate for capping a filled module, the pivot plate being hingedly attached with respect to the lower fixture to enable the upper fixture to swing clear of the lower fixture during module loading and thereafter addressing a fixed module to cap same. The lower fixture further includes a centering rod that carries a peripherally disposed flexible expanding member and a shaped cam lock member which operate the expander member to receive, lock and unlock a center core tube to the centering rod to capture and fix the module in place. The cam lock member also aligns the system for lid insertion by an adjustable stroke air cylinder mounted on the pivot plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventor: Marlon D. Harris
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Publication number: 20020033111Abstract: A device for releasing gas from a vessel drives a piston with a propellant charge that can be ignited by an ignition device. A housing accommodates the piston, the propellant charge and the ignition device. The housing is formed from at least two housing half shells made of plastic material and a load-absorbing sleeve enclosing the housing half shells.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Inventor: Martin Specht
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Patent number: 6343552Abstract: A system and method for use in providing a peripheral seal between the case and lid of a MACS modular unit or other workpiece interface, the system including a workpiece holding device for carrying and moving a workpiece of interest in relation to a solvent dispensing system and a solvent dispensing system for dispensing a metered amount of solvent into the interface to be sealed on the workpiece, the solvent dispensing system further including a metering device for dispensing a predetermined known amount of the solvent, a stationary dispensing valve for dispensing solvent supplied from the metering device over a predetermined time, a re-supply system for reloading the metering device of the known amount of liquid solvent; and a control system for controlling the operation of the workpiece holding device and the solvent dispensing system.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2000Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventor: Marlon D. Harris
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Publication number: 20020007755Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of hybrid gas generators intended to inflate a protective airbag.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2001Publication date: January 24, 2002Applicant: LIVBAG S.N.C.Inventors: Christian B. Perotto, Christophe Haegeman, Franck Le Baudy
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Publication number: 20020007756Abstract: According to the invention, in order to be able to design a gas generator, in particular, for belt tighteners, with a slim housing (1), the electrical coupling is brought about via connection wires (4), pins or cables (4a) which are introduced into the housing (1) via a stopper (5) and are sealed by the latter. The stopper (5) is surrounded sealingly by the housing (1) itself or a holder element (6) sealingly connected to the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2001Publication date: January 24, 2002Inventors: Wilhelm Bornheim, Friedrich Heinemeyer, Helmut Zollner
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Patent number: 6338500Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid gas generator intended for motor vehicle safety. The generator (1) includes a container (2) containing a cold gas (10) under pressure and having an open end in which a compartment (2), which is located outside the container (2), is fixed. This compartment (3) is provided with gas discharge orifices (6) and has a front wall (8) in which there is an opening closed by a diaphragm (9) which makes it possible to separate the inside of the container (2) from the inside of the compartment (3), in a leaktight fashion. The latter contains an initiator (12) with shaped explosive charge and a pyrotechnic charge (13), the initiator (12) being capable of destroying the diaphragm (9) from a distance and of initiating the pyrotechnic charge (13). This generator (1) makes it possible to initiate deployment of the airbag using cold gas (10) as soon as it starts to operate.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2000Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: Livbag SNCInventor: Christian Perotto
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Patent number: 6332404Abstract: An inflator apparatus for inflating an inflatable device and a method are provided wherein a combination of a dissociative gas source material and at least one unreactive dissociation reaction modifier is stored at least partially in liquefied form with the reaction modifier effective to moderate at least one of the temperature and concentration of the at least one gas source material upon the dissociation of at least a portion of the at least one gas source material.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2000Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Karl K. Rink, Walter A. Moore, David J. Green, Ivan V. Mendenhall
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Patent number: 6324987Abstract: A pyrotechnic means for vehicle occupant protection systems includes a container for an ignitor, propellant and/or compressed gas. To facilitate the production of gas tight pyrotechnic means having long term stability the container includes a container body and at least one container lid with an ultrasonic welded joint between said container body and said container lid.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1998Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Franz Wier
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Patent number: 6314888Abstract: A multi-stage gas generator comprises a housing with an outer wall and also inner walls, at least two combustion chambers filled with at least one propellant charge, one igniter each associated with a propellant charge for the independent activation of each propellant charge, and at least one thermal insulation arrangement between the propellant charges. The arrangement reduces a transport of thermal energy, generated on the ignition of a propellant charge, to the other non-ignited propellant charge to such a high extent that the non-ignited propellant charge remains below its autogenous ignition temperature. Instead of or additionally to the thermal arrangement a cooling arrangement may be provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1999Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner Müller, Roland Schropp
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Patent number: 6314889Abstract: An inflator device and control assembly combination is provided wherein the inflator device includes a first chamber wherein a supply of a combustible gas generant material having a burn rate which is pressure dependent is burned to produce gas. The inflator device also includes an exit of adjustable cross sectional area in fluid communication with the first chamber and wherethrough at least a portion of the product gas can exit the inflator device. The control assembly is in operational control communication with the inflator device and provides a control signal to the inflator device to effect adjustment of the cross sectional area of the exit dependent on at least one chosen product gas output performance factor. Also provided are associated or related methods for adjusting inflation gas output from an inflator device.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2000Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventor: Bradley W. Smith
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Patent number: 6302023Abstract: The invention relates to a detonator for a pyrotechnical gas generator (3), comprising a squib (9) arranged therein, contact lines (13) for said squib and a high-frequency choke to prevent spurious release, characterized in that the contact lines (13) are extrusion-coated with an electrically non-conducting material (17) or are encapsulated in said material to form a base body, and in that at least one ferromagnetic body (21, 23) and the base body are assembled to form a unit which acts as a high-frequency choke.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Franz Wier
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Patent number: 6298789Abstract: A gas generator for air bags having a container holding a combustible gas mixture and fitted with a closure which opens into a combustion chamber fitted with a gas outlet in which the gas mixture is ignited by an ignition device. To provide a fast-reacting ignition device and generate a controllable flow of pressurized gas at a relatively low temperature, the container is mainly filled with a pressurized inert gas and contains 0.1 to 2.0% vol. of a hydrocarbon and 0.5 to 10% vol. of a gaseous oxidizing agent. On being actuated, the ignition device opens the container closure, ignites the gas mixture flowing into the combustion chamber and maintains combustion by the continuous supply of energy.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1999Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignees: Autoflator AB, L'Air Liquide SAInventors: Dan Ericsson, Pierre Karinthi, Michel Gastiger
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Patent number: 6296274Abstract: A vehicle occupant safety apparatus (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20) and a container (32) for storing gas (36) under pressure. The container (32) has an outlet (38). The apparatus (10) includes a mechanism (42) for opening the container (32) to release the gas (36) to flow from the outlet (38) at supersonic speed. The apparatus (10) also includes a pyrotechnic material (70) which is ignitable to generate gas for helping to inflate the inflatable device (20). The pyrotechnic material (70) is ignitable in response to being impacted by the gas (36) flowing from the outlet (38) at supersonic speed. The apparatus (10) further includes a conduit (50) directing at least a first portion of the gas (36) flowing from the container (32) to the pyrotechnic material (70) to ignite the pyrotechnic material.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Halley O. Stevens, John P. O'Loughlin, Jon J. Freesmeier
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Patent number: 6295935Abstract: An initiator (50) for rupturing a burst disk (36) in an air bag inflator (10) includes a body of ignitable material (112) for, when ignited, generating combustion products. A base (52) supports the body of ignitable material (112), and an electrically energizable member (80) for igniting the ignitable material, on the inflator (10). The initiator (50) also includes a cap (90) sealed to the base (52). The cap (90) encloses the ignitable material (112) and maintains the ignitable material in position on the base (52). At least a first portion (94) of the cap (90) is releasable from the base (52) under the force of the combustion products of the ignitable material (112) to enable movement of at least the first portion of the cap away from the base and into engagement with the burst disk (36) to rupture the burst disk.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1998Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. Swann, Ahmad K. Al-Amin, Jess A. Cuevas, Bryan W. Shirk, Roy D. Van Wynsberghe
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Patent number: 6289820Abstract: The hybrid gas generator to inflate airbags comprises two combustion chambers (14, 16), in each of which a solid material charge (15, 17) is placed, and a storage chamber (11) containing a pressurized storage gas. The storage chamber (11) is connected to diffusion chamber (30) by a closing member (29) which can be perforated. The first solid material charge (15), and the second solid material charge (17) can, for instance, can be sequentially ignited by separate igniter elements (18, 19), thereby determining the pressure accumulation.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Dynamit Nobel GmbH Explosivstoff-und SystemtechnikInventors: Lothar Anacker, Karl Bayer, Eduard Berenz, Uwe Brede, Anton Bretfeld, Josef Kraft, Gerrit Scheiderer, Waldemar Weuter, Jiang Zhang
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Patent number: 6279948Abstract: In a method and system for triggering an airbag provided with a gas generator controlled by a control device, coolant is introduced into the gas emerging from the gas generator in order to control the power developed by the gas generator as desired.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Johann Rank
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Publication number: 20010013300Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator comprising at least two combustion chambers filled with propellant charges and delimited by combustion chamber walls. The combustion chamber walls have outflow openings which in a non-activated state are closed by at least one applied membrane having an edge. One of an additional fastening device and a protective device is provided at least sections of the edge of the membrane. The device prevents a coming-off of the membrane from the combustion chamber wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2001Publication date: August 16, 2001Applicant: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Harald Lutz, Oskar Sponfeldner, Georg Schonhuber
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Patent number: 6273464Abstract: A gas generator for an airbag has a reduced number of components and in which an automatic ignition material can ignite at an appropriate time. This gas generator includes a housing, an ignition unit accommodating chamber in the housing, an ignition unit installed in the ignition unit accommodating chamber, a gas generating material, and a cooling and purifying unit. The ignition unit includes a transfer charge container and an igniter. The transfer charge container has a cup containing a transfer charge and a cover hermetically sealing the cup. The igniter is activated by a signal to ignite the transfer charge, and a generated gas is introduced into an airbag to protect an occupant against an impact. The transfer charge container includes a cup part and a cover part, either the bottom of the cup part or the cover part are outwardly curved to form an outwardly convex surface. The container is resiliently held between a top wall portion of the ignition unit accommodating chamber and the igniter.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Masakazu Tokuda, Akihisa Ogawa
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Publication number: 20010006290Abstract: A pretensioner for a vehicle occupant safety restraint has an outer casing that contains a gas generant. An igniter has igniter material disposed within an igniter housing. A pair of electrodes are connected to the igniter material. A grounding path connector link electrically connects the igniter housing to a grounding path. The connector link may be formed by springs connecting the outer case to the grounding electrode and an interference fit connecting the igniter housing to the outer case. The link forms a low resistance path to short circuit undesirable static charges in the unit that would otherwise tend to cause unintentional activation of the pretensioner.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2001Publication date: July 5, 2001Inventors: James Patrickson, Andrew Downie, Stuart Bland, Bryan Thirlwell
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Patent number: 6253683Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag that can change deployment pattern of the air bag is provided. The gas generator includes two gas generating units connected in the axial direction, each of the gas generating units including a cylindrical housing, an igniter disposed in the cylindrical housing and operates upon receiving an operation signal, a gas generating agent ignited by the igniter to generate a combustion gas, a pressurized gas sealed within the housing and heated by the combustion gas of the gas generating agent to generate a mixture gas together with the combustion gas, and a gas exhaust outlet disposed at one side end of the housing and from which the mixture gas within the housing is injected. The two gas generating units are joined by welding one end of each of the housings of the gas generating units together.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1998Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Mitsuhiko Fukabori
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Patent number: 6247409Abstract: An igniter for a gas generator comprises at least two connecting leads and an incandescent means arranged between the connecting leads and surrounded by an igniting substance. Several filaments are used as the incandescent means.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Franz Wier
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Patent number: 6237498Abstract: An inflator, more particularly for a vehicle occupant restraint system, has a tubular inflator housing which is closed off at its end faces and has radial exit ports via which the gas is able to exit the inflator. The inflator housing has in its interior at least one combustion chamber packed with propellant, at least one ignition unit for igniting the propellant in the combustion chamber and at least one filter which is located upstream of the exit ports. A filter insert featuring an outer housing is provided, the outer housing having a plurality of housing parts which at least partly surround the filter disposed in the filter insert. The outer housing together with its housing parts is radially secured to the inflator housing without the provision of an axial stop.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1998Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co., KGInventors: Marc Winterhalder, Paul Adam, Martin Fink, Markus Leifheit
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Patent number: 6237940Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) having internal surfaces (48). The apparatus (10) also comprises an inflator (20) for directing gas (104) into the inflatable device (14) to inflate the inflatable device. The inflator (20) simultaneously directs a coating material (102) into the inflatable device to coat the internal surfaces (48) of the inflatable device (14) to decrease the permeability of the inflatable device to the gas.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2000Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Bryan W. Shirk, Timothy A. Swann, Roy D. Van Wynsberghe
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Patent number: 6227115Abstract: A detonator device for tripping a passenger restraint device in a motor vehicle includes a detonator circuit on a holder. Firing pins for receiving a detonator element are an integral component of the holder.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1998Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Robert Gruber, Christian Plankl, Markus Christoph, Josef Dirmeyer, Egbert Wagner, Heinrich Probst
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Patent number: 6205928Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator, comprising a first gas-generating stage and at least one gas-generating stage arranged downstream of the first stage, and also comprising a device for detecting a pressure change in the gas generator, wherein the device for detecting the pressure change comprises a chamber divided by a movable part into two partial chambers which are gas-tight with respect to each other, the partial chambers having openings which are in flow connection with the first stage and each have different cross-sectional areas, so that the pressure change spreads at different speeds in the two partial chambers and brings about a movement of the movable part, and the movable part being connected with a movement meter, which due to the movement of the movable part generates an electrical impulse to activate the second stage.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Marc Winterhalder
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Patent number: 6206418Abstract: The invention relates to the field of hybrid generators for motor vehicle safety. The generator (101) comprises a cylindrical housing (2) closed by a closure ring (5) bearing an ignition device (8). An internal wall (12) bearing a central opening (14) and a hollow neck (16) in which is inserted a ring-shaped block (19) of solid ablatable fuel separates a reservoir chamber (17) containing pressurized air from a combustion and mixing chamber (18). Discharge holes (21) closed by breakable diaphragms (22) are arranged on the circumference of the combustion chamber (18). This generator has a very simple design and enables the inflating of cushions for protecting the occupants of motor vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: S.N.C. LivbagInventors: Christian Perotto, Christian Perut, Eric Billou
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Patent number: 6206412Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) comprises a vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable between a part (16) of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. The apparatus (10) also comprises an inflation fluid source (24) that is actuatable to direct into the vehicle occupant protection device (14) both gas for initially inflating the vehicle occupant protection device and materials (82, 124) for forming a low-density closed cell foam material in the vehicle occupant protection device. The closed cell foam material assists in maintaining the vehicle occupant protection device (14) in an inflated condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. Swann, Bryan W. Shirk, Roy D. Van Wynsberghe
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Patent number: 6189453Abstract: An improved structure of a smoke generator including a housing and a pump accommodated in the housing. The pump pumps a chemical solution in a container via a solution duct to a heating vaporization device. The heating vaporization device includes two opposed disposed heat insulation rings, a heating tube, and a power source. The heat insulation rings are metal rings of good electrical conductivity and have a periphery provided with a plurality of ring holes. A plurality of metal conductive wires each have two ends respectively connected to the opposedly arranged ring holes, with a coil formed in a center of each heat insulation ring. The heating tube is a metal tube of a high resistance coefficient and is mounted intermediate of the heat insulation rings. A solution inlet and a smoke ejecting end at both ends of the heating tube pass through and are secured in the coils on the same side.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Inventor: Yu-Chuan Lin
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Patent number: 6183008Abstract: The invention refers to a gas generator for a safety device in motor vehicles, comprising a housing, a cover closing the housing, a propellant container arranged in the housing, and a filling body arranged between the propellant container and the cover or the housing, wherein the filling body is formed of an elastic material and adheres to the propellant container and the cover or the housing, thereby connecting the propellant container and the cover or the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Norbert Prokopec, Christian Reiter, Robert Wimmer
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Patent number: 6167808Abstract: An initiator (10) comprises first and second coaxial terminals (70, 80) engageable by an electrical connector (40) to connect the terminals electrically with vehicle circuitry. Electrical insulation (100) electrically insulates between the first and second terminals (70, 80). The initiator (10) also comprises a spring (150) made of an electrically conductive material. The spring (150) has a first portion (156) electrically connected with the first terminal (70). The spring (150) has a first condition, when the first and second terminals (70, 80) are not connected with the electrical connector (40), in which a second portion (160) of the spring is in electrical contact with the second terminal, thereby shorting the initiator (10). The spring (150) has a third portion (162) which is engageable by the electrical connector (40) upon connection of the electrical connector with the first and second terminals (70, 80).Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Vincent J. Mramor
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Patent number: 6161481Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) and an inflator (14, 114). The inflator (14, 114) has a source of inflation fluid (48, 148) in a chamber (46) of the inflator (14, 114) for inflating the protection device (12). The inflator (14, 114) includes a passage (68) through which inflation fluid flows from the chamber (46) into the protection device (12). The inflator (14, 114) also has a burst disk (44) which blocks the passage (68). An actuatable source (90) of laser light, when actuated, emits laser light which impinges on the burst disk (44) to cause the burst disk to rupture and release the inflation fluid from the chamber (46).Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1998Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Bryan W. Shirk, Jess A. Cuevas, Ahmad K. Al-Amin, Timothy A. Swann, Roy D. Van Wynsberghe
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Patent number: 6101950Abstract: Projectile simulation means serve for an acoustic and/or optical representation of the firing of canons or the like. The projectile simulation means are arranged in a pivotable receiving plate of a firing apparatus. There is a danger that, when pivoting the receiving plate for closing the firing apparatus, the projectile simulation means drop out of the receiving plate.According to the invention, the projectile simulation means are provided with spring tongues (27) which project from the outside of the casing (11) and are pressed together when pushing-in the projectile simulation means into the receiving plate. In this manner, the spring tongues (27) are resiliently preloaded, as a result of which they hold the projectile simulation means in the receiving plate in a hook-lie manner.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1997Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: COMET GmbHInventor: Thorsten Kothe