Abstract: A method of assembling an igniter (24) for a gas generating composition (18) comprises providing a pair of spaced apart electrodes (40 and 42) and providing a heat ignitable material (46). A heating element (44) is spot electrical resistance welded to the electrodes (40 and 42). The heating element (44) has flattened portions (110 and 112) at the spot welds (102 and 104) and a central portion between the spot welds (102 and 104) adapted for contact with the heat ignitable material (46). A test level of electric current is directed between the electrodes (40 and 42) and through the heating element (44) and the spot welds (102 and 104) at a level effective to heat the heating element (44) and the spot welds (102 and 104). The level infrared radiation emitted by the heating element (44) and the spot welds (102 and 104) is sensed, throughout a scanned field which fully encompasses the heating element and the welds, under the influence of the test level of electric current.

Abstract: A gas generator, in particular for vehicle occupant restraint systems, with at least one combustion chamber containing propellant, and with at least one igniter arranged close to the propellant, for igniting the propellant is characterized in that the combustion chamber is separated from the igniter by an expansion chamber surrounding the igniter and provided for the gas developing on deflagration of the ignition material.

Abstract: In order to fill an inflatable safety restraint device such as an air bag, a relatively small pyrotechnic charge is used to pressurize a chamber of water or other suitable liquid and force the liquid out of the chamber and through a conduit in a manner wherein it is caused to intimately mix and atomize in a high speed stream of gas resulting from the combustion of the pyrotechnic charge. The heat of the combustion gas is absorbed by the liquid which is then converted into a large volume. The vaporized liquid and combustion gas is used to inflate the air bag with an essentially non-toxic, low temperature, low particulate atmosphere. The resulting combustion gas and liquid mixture may also be used to extinguish a fire.

Abstract: An initiator for an inflator of an automotive airbag restraint system includes a housing and a wall dividing the housing into two parts, one for housing a firing element of the initiator, and one for receiving at least one application specific integrated circuit which performs functions of a portion of an electronic control unit. A mounting element is located in the second part of the housing, and at least one application specific integrated circuit is carried by the mounting element. The mounting element and two or more application specific integrated circuits may be provided as a package, in which at least two application specific integrated circuits are mounted in a stacked condition to form an application specific integrated circuit stack. The application specific integrated circuits are configured such that predetermined electrical circuit locations of adjacent ones of the application specific integrated circuits to be interconnected are aligned.

Abstract: An inflatable system which uses a fast-burning propellant material distributed within the inflatable component of the system to generate the gas inflating the system. The invention preferably includes a distributed fast-burning igniter material, which may be enhanced with additional gas-generating materials to increase the quantities of gas generated, an optional layer, coating, or sheath of supplemental gas-generating material, an environmentally-sealed sheath to protect the enclosed materials from contamination and to improve the burn rates and efficiencies of the propellant and ignition materials, and an electronic squib used to actuate the igniter material upon a signal from the electronic sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas microgenerator intended more particularly for automobile safety. The microgenerator (1) comprises an igniter support (2) provided with a central bore (3) extended by a cylindrical neck (4) in which an igniter body (5) is fixed by crimping, two electrodes (8, 9) passing through this igniter body. A resistor (10) embedded in an ignition composition (11) links the two electrodes together. A shatterable case (13) containing an ignition powder (14) surrounds the resistor and the ignition composition. The electrodes in their lower part include cutting slots into which are inserted two electrically conducting sheathed wires (20, 21) coming from a supply cable (19). A closure piece (24), which is snap-fitted into the central bore locks the microgenerator. The microgenerator can be used to operate a belt retractor or to ignite a generator intended to inflate an airbag.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) includes an inflator (16) which, when actuated, emits inflation fluid. The apparatus (10) further includes an electrically actuatable igniter (24) which, when actuated, actuates the inflator (16). The igniter (24) includes an ohmic heating element (44) connected between a pair of electrodes (40, 42). An ignition droplet (46) is adhered to the ohmic heating element (44). The ignition droplet (46) is a mixture of pyrotechnic material and a resin binder which is cured by UV irradiation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a blank cartridge for firearms, with a cartridge casing, whose dimensions correspond to a comparable live cartridge, a propellant charge, and a projectile which can decompose in the barrel of the firearm. The projectile is comprised of a material which contains particles of explosive material and, consequently, deflagrates automatically after the ignition caused by firing (while still in the barrel) and, thus, is consumed within an interval of time which is shorter than the time in which an otherwise identical noncombustible projectile requires to arrive at the muzzle. The decomposition of the projectile does not take place mechanically, but rather thermally and reactively, whereby only a mixture of gases comprising propellant gases and the gaseous remains of the projectile come out of the muzzle, thus substantially eliminating the need for any safety zone in front of the muzzle.

Abstract: A method for weakening a detonation in a container or piping system by dividing up the starting detonation front and bringing it together in an expansion space. The detonation front is divided into a main front and a secondary front and the main front is routed into the expansion space with a longer propagation time, in such a way that when the main front enters into the expansion space, the space contains combustion gases of the secondary front.

Abstract: An air bag inflator (10) comprises a vessel (12) having a chamber (30). An air bag inflation gas (32) is stored in the chamber (3). A fill passage (38) is provided in the vessel (12) for directing the air bag inflation gas (32) into the chamber (30). Blocking means (60) is provided in the fill passage (38) for blocking flow of the air bag inflation gas (32) from the chamber (30) through the fill passage. A closure (70) is welded to the vessel (12) and blocks gas flow past the closure. A detectable gas (84), different than the air bag inflation gas (30), is stored in the fill passage (38) between the blocking means (60) and the closure (70). The presence of the detectable gas in the fill passage (38) is checked to determine whether the closure (70) is properly sealed.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a plasma generation device particularly adapted to an electrothermal-chemical propulsion system. The device comprises a membranous conductive substance having structural compositions which enable the formation of a continuous and volumetrically distributed, segmentally varied plasma arc. The membranous substance is versatile and operates, inter alia, as a fuse wire, plasma incubator, plasma container, plasma distributor, plasma infusion and permeation media as well as a fuel container.

Abstract: A regenerative monopropellant inflator having improved initiation of the regenerative cycle and improve operating efficiency. The inflator may direct the flow of the monopropellant into a localized volume to create a "hot spot" to increase combustion. This serves to ensure that the regenerative cycle is initiated. Various arrangements are provided to increase the residence time of the combusting monopropellant within the inflator, to ensure complete combustion of the monopropellant, and thus increased efficiency. These arrangements include inducing a helical gas flow to increase the length of the path traveled by the gas. Various barriers may also be placed within the gas flow to force direction changes, which reduce the velocity of the gas.

Abstract: A gas generating inflator assembly for a vehicle safety restraint system including an inflator housing having two walls, an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner and outer walls form a combustion chamber therebetween. A filter pack is disposed within the combustion chamber along an inner diameter of the outer wall. Gas generant is also disposed within the combustion chamber. An internal structure is disposed within the combustion chamber for diffusing the ignitor blast and retaining slag produced by the ignited gas generant. The internal structure is spaced from the filter pack and the inner wall such that a portion of the gas generant is located between the internal structure and the inner wall and another portion of the gas generant is located between the internal structure and the filtration pack.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic ignition device for a gas generator (G), in which: (i) at least in the vicinity of the primary charge (CP), the transmission line (L) is at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X--X) of the outer case (E) of the generator (G); (ii) the end of the transmission line, provided with a deflagrating terminal lead charge (r), emerges in a sealed intermediate chamber (CI); and (iii) the intermediate chamber (CI) is connected to the primary charge (CP) via at least one throttling vent (e) having an axis (1--1) at least approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis (X--X) of the outer case (E).

Abstract: A solid propellant gas generator incorporating staged gas cooling and filtration so as to generate cool, clean gasses having a composition suitable for use as an automobile airbag inflator. An intermediate cooling and filtration stage consists of aluminum beads that function as both a filter and heat sink.

Abstract: A method for propelling a projectile by applying a high power pulse of elrical current to a metal fuel element (of Al, Al-Li, or Al-Mg) causing the element to explode dispersing molten metal fuel into water with which it reacts to rapidly generate hydrogen gas at high pressure; the hydrogen gas is used to push the projectile. After the peak current is reached, an inductive electrical energy source drives the electrical current into the molten metal fuel/water mixture thus driving the reaction to completion.

Abstract: A gas generator (10) which generates propellant gas for inflating a gas bag in an air bag system comprises a housing (11) having a combustion chamber (21) which is formed by an upper part (12) of the housing and a lower part (13) of the housing in the interior of the housing (11), discharge openings (32) in the housing (11) for the exit of the propellant gas from the housing (11) into the gas bag, a filter device (30) upstream of the discharge openings (32) and an ignition device (23) for igniting a solid propellant (22) contained in the combustion chamber (21), the propellant gas escaping from the combustion chamber (21) being directed out of the housing (11) via flow chambers (29).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cartridge for use in fracturing materials, such as rock. The cartridge includes a base member, a body member, a propellant, and a device for sealing a surface of the cartridge to the surface of a hole in the material. Upon ignition of the propellant, gas pressure rapidly rises in the hole due to the sealing device. The gas pressure causes the material to form a penetrating cone fracture. Various cartridge configurations are presented depending upon the specific needs of each application.

Abstract: A gas generator to provide gases under pressure to inflate a vehicular air bag. A capsular enclosure contains a fluid gas-generating charge. The enclosure has a non-pyrotechnic initiator, a frangible wall portion, and a chamber with a major portion of its volume on the other side of the frangible wall portion from the initiator. Various chamber and nozzle configurations provide for different initial pressures and temperatures, and times from maximum pressure or ambient pressure. Successive bursts are possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical initiator which can be used with an automobile air bag or seat belt pretensioner. The initiator comprises a header, a cup, conducting pins, epoxy pin seals, a bridgewire, a primer, and an output charge. The header and the cup are composed of an insulating dielectric material capable of being ultrasonically welded together. The header secures the pins. Each pin is electrically conductive and each is formed with a buttress knurl to form a seal when each pin is inserted into the header. Additionally, the pins are further sealed to the header by an epoxy sealant. The bridgewire connects the pins together on one side of the header. An electrical signal through the bridgewire generates heat igniting the primer. Primer reacts with the output charge that in turn ignites a solid gas generant that produces gas that fills air bags or activates the gas generator that drives seat belt pretensioners. The primer contacts the bridgewire. The output charge contacts the primer.

Abstract: An auto ignition system for use as part of an airbag inflator having an ignitor tube. The auto ignition system includes an elongated auto ignition chamber having an open end and a length to width ratio of at least three. The auto ignition chamber is adapted to be positioned within the airbag inflator with the open end facing the ignitor tube. Auto ignition material is contained within the auto ignition chamber, and a metal foil retention disk closes the open end of the auto ignition chamber. According to one embodiment, the auto ignition chamber is a recess defined by an endwall of the airbag inflator with the open end of the recess facing the ignitor tube. According to another embodiment of the invention, a solid press-fit closure plug closes the open end of the auto ignition chamber, and according to an additional embodiment, the press-fit closure plug is a porous metal fiber or powder press-fit closure plug.

Abstract: A gas generator for passive restraint systems in motor vehicles. The generator includes a lower shell part having a cylindrical inner wall and a cylindrical outer wall coaxial with the cylindrical inner wall, the lower shell part further including first mechanical latch elements disposed on each of its inner wall and outer wall. An upper shell part of the gas generator has a cylindrical inner wall and a cylindrical outer wall coaxial with the cylindrical inner wall, the upper shell part further including second mechanical latch elements disposed on each of its inner wall and outer wall. The upper shell part is assembled with the lower shell part such that the first mechanical latch elements and the second mechanical latch elements are latched to one another.

Abstract: A modular artillery charge system consists of two distinct solid propellant harge modules. Each module consists of a three-piece combustible cartridge case design and bi-directional center core core ignition system. The three-piece combustible cartridge case consists of a combustible case body, having an open end and a end; a cap, having a closed end and an open end; and a center tube. The closed ends of the body and the cap have a hole in the center. The center core tube is positioned longitudinally through the combustible case body, and contacts the closed ends of both the cap and the body. The bi-directional center core ignition system comprises a core igniter bag and two end igniter bags. The core igniter bag occupies the center core tube, and the end igniter bags contact the core igniter bag. The bi-directional center core ignition system may be ignited by percussion primers or a laser ignition system. The first module is used individually or in groups of two.

Abstract: In an inflator of a vehicle safety restraint system utilizing liquid propellant as the inflation gas generator, decomposition of residual liquid propellant within the inflator produces undesirable gases which can result in unacceptable inflator effluent. The injection termination features of the present invention are formed onto an encapsulation or plug of a regenerative piston inflator. Upon completion of the piston stroke, the injection termination feature makes contact with the injection ports and plugs the injection ports to prevent combustion and decomposition reactions from propagating through the piston.

Abstract: A generant cartridge for incorporation into an airbag inflation module, is produced by shrink wrapping a plastic envelope around gas generant pellets or wafers thereby completely encapsulating the gas generant in a hermetically sealed envelope. The gas generant cartridge may be prepared at one location and brought to an assembly line located at another location. As a result, the assembly of the generant into the module inflator is simplified. The gas generant may be shrink wrapped with an entire filter assembly or with only a portion of the filter assembly and then inserted into an inflator. A booster charge for rapid ignition of the gas generant may also be inserted in the cartridge.

Abstract: An inflator of a vehicle safety restraint system includes a housing having a reservoir of liquid propellant. A combustion chamber is disposed in the housing in communication with the liquid propellant reservoir. A regenerative piston is movably disposed within the housing for separating the liquid propellant reservoir and the combustion chamber. The piston head includes a plurality of injection ports for delivering the liquid propellant to the combustion chamber in a controlled manner. A pressure relieving bore, normally sealed by the piston stem, is disposed in the housing for relieving pressure in the liquid propellant reservoir. Decomposition or combustion within the propellant storage reservoir will move the piston to open the pressure relief bore which depressurizes the liquid propellant and prevents rupture and fragmentation of the inflator.

Abstract: A solid propellant gas generator incorporating staged gas cooling and filtration so as to generate cool, clean gasses having a composition suitable for use as an automobile airbag inflator. An intermediate cooling and filtration stage consists of aluminum beads that function as both a filter and heat sink.

Abstract: A two part cartridge has a rearwardly recoiling inner piston and a choked orifice at its forward end to develop a blow-back thrust that will cycle a recoil operated automatic firearm. The piston operates by thrusting off the inner end wall of the firearm chamber in which the cartridge is loaded.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator including an inflator housing having an outer wall and a pop-out diffuser. The outer wall defines a compressed gas reservoir and contains a combustion chamber separated from the compressed gas reservoir by a rupturable burst diaphragm. An initiator and pyrotechnic gas generant are contained within the combustion chamber of the inflator housing. The initiator is connectable to a remote collision or deceleration sensor through an initiator port defined by the outer wall. Compressed inert gas is contained within the compressed gas reservoir. The pop-out diffuser includes a diffuser plate forming a unitary part of the outer wall and a rupturable seam divides the diffuser plate from the remainder of the outer wall. A diffuser sleeve extends from the diffuser plate into the compressed gas reservoir to a diffuser flange extending radially outwardly from the diffuser sleeve and having an outer diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of the diffuser plate.

Abstract: To achieve programmed inflation of an airbag in a vehicle occupant restraint apparatus, movement of a piston, that separates a combustion chamber from a liquid propellant reservoir, is utilized to vary the opening size of an injection port through which liquid propellant is regeneratively pumped from the reservoir into the combustion chamber for combustion, such that the rate at which the bag inflation gas is generated during an inflation period may be controlled.

Abstract: A linear gas generant to be used in, for example, a gas generator for rapidly launching a flier such as a rocket or for rapidly inflating an air bag in a motor vehicle characterized by disposing a fibrous substance, such as copper, silver, aluminum or carbon, along the axial direction thereof. This linear gas generant can be stably deflagrated under a lower ambient pressure, irrespective of a large specific burning area.Disclosed further is a filter structure for a gas generator to be used in an air bag restraint system, which is produced by winding a continuous high-tensile-strength fiber bundle or yarn at a predetermined pitch around an outer surface of a member (a gas generation member) comprising ignition means and gas generation means actuated by the ignition means. This filter structure attains the reduction in weight of the gas generator.

Abstract: A multiple squib assembly is provided for use in a chaff deployment system. A method of manufacture is also provided. The assembly of this invention represents an improvement over prior art squib assemblies, such as the BBU48. In preferred embodiments, the assembly comprises a brass base plate, a pair of squibs, a center contact connected to the squibs, and a zener diode connected between one of the squibs and the baseplate. All of those components are retained within a molded rubber or plastic body, which is shaped to hold the components in the desired relative position and to form sealing elements around each of the squibs. A reliable, integral assembly is thus provided using a minimal number of parts and electrical connections. In alternative embodiments, a larger number of squibs may be incorporated into the assembly, and alternative discrimination elements may be employed.

Abstract: In a set of airbag igniters, each igniter has a mounting ring connected to and surrounding a portion of its body. Each igniter is supported in a retainer having an X-ray permeable wall surrounding the mounting ring. The mounting ring has a radially outwardly facing surface having a pattern of annular grooves hidden from visual inspection by the wall of the retainer. The pattern of grooves is the same for all of the igniters in the set having the same sensitivity, and any two igniters in the set having different sensitivities have different patterns of grooves. The grooves are inspected automatically by X-rays.

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

Abstract: A gas generator igniting capsule for air bags and belt tensioning means has one or more contact pins connected to an igniting element constructed as a glow wire, located in a first detonator layer of a multiple charge detonator construction.

Abstract: An airbag inflator including a stack of gas generant wafers, each having a central core opening and the stack contained in an elongated housing having an initiator at one end. The initiator is aligned with an elongated passage formed by aligned core openings of the stack of gas generant wafers contained in the housing. A thin disk extends across the elongated passage dividing the passage into smaller separate core chambers. A charge of granular pyrotechnic ignition material is contained in one of the core chambers formed between the disk and the initiator. Activation of the initiator causes ignition of the pyrotechnic material in the adjacent core chamber which in turn ignites the adjacent gas generant wafers. Ignition of the pyrotechnic ignition material and the gas generant wafers causes the thin disk to be consumed or rupture so that the gas generant wafers forming the other chamber are also ignited.

Abstract: An air bag inflator (20, 200) comprises first and second tubes (24, 26, 204, 206) defining respective first and second chambers (44, 46, 244, 246) for storing inflation fluid under pressure. A manifold (22, 202) has a manifold passage (42, 222). Each of the first and second tubes (24, 26, 204, 206) is secured to the manifold (22, 202) with the first and second chambers (24, 26, 204, 206) in fluid communication with the manifold passage (42, 222). A diffuser housing (28, 208) is fixed to the manifold (22, 202) and defines a third chamber (104, 242) for fluid communication with the manifold passage (42, 222). Passages (106, 244) in the diffuser housing (28, 208) provide fluid communication between the third chamber (104, 242) and an air bag. A rupturable wall (142, 248) is fixed to the diffuser housing (28, 208) to block fluid communication of the third chamber (104, 242) with the manifold passage (42, 222).

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

Abstract: A gas generator for an airbag which contains the pyrotechnic mixture as a propellent charge. The propellent charge is in the form of granulates which generate a non-toxic gas. A space encompasses the container for the propellant charge and is separated from the airbag by a gas-permeable separator so as to generate a higher pressure in the space than in the airbag during inflation of the airbag.

Abstract: An initiator assembly (140) comprises a retainer (46), which can be the cover for an inflator housing (10), and an igniter (142). An opening (85) is formed in the retainer (46). The igniter (142) has a longitudinal axis (143) and comprises a pyrotechnic material (152, 156) on the axis. The pyrotechnic material (152, 156) on ignition exerts a force along the axis (143). The assembly further comprises a preformed compressible plastic coupler plug (148) which includes a plug portion (170) received within the retainer opening (85). The coupler plug (148) comprises locking surfaces (184, 188) which engage the igniter (142) and the retainer (46) and hold the igniter in a spaced relationship with respect to the retainer. The plastic coupler plug (148) further comprises an inwardly extending compressible web (174) integral with the locking surfaces (184, 188). The compressible web (174) provides a seal in the space between the igniter (142) and the retainer (46).

Abstract: A new and improved single side wall air bag inflator includes a housing containing an ignition device, a quantity of pyrotechnic gas generant material and a filter. The housing includes a cup-shaped base member having an annular bottom wall with a central opening for access to the ignition device and an integrally formed, upstanding ported side wall extends upwardly of the bottom wall. The side wall has a radially inwardly deformable, free upper end portion forming a retaining flange for securing a top wall in place spaced above the bottom wall and closing off an upper end portion of the housing. The top wall has a depressed outer peripheral edge portion facing and sealed with the downwardly and radially inwardly deformed upper end flange of the single side wall.

Abstract: An air bag inflator is manufactured by sandwiching a wire mesh filter between a pair of flat elongated perforate strips of steel, thereafter rolling the sandwiched steel strips and wire mesh concomitantly to form a right circular cylindrical tube with the edge portions of the steel strips orientated in juxtaposed relation to one another, respectively; and welding the juxtaposed edge portions of the strips by a common weld that extends radially across the edge portions of both of the steel strips.

Abstract: A two-part igniter for inflators used to inflate inflation devices such as air bags, lift rafts, slide chutes, and the like which includes a heterogeneous mixture of an ignition material and a consolidated mass of either i) a pyrotechnic component or ii) a composite propellant. The ignition material can be in a granular form or pelletized. The pyrotechnic component or composite propellant is provided as a pellet which is in immediate contact with the ignition material. The pyrotechnic component or composite propellant lowers the auto-ignition temperature of the two-part igniter. The two-part igniter can be used in inflators which generate all inflation gases from gas-generating compositions and in inflators which include a supply of stored pressurized inflation gases.

Abstract: A two part cartridge has a rearwardly recoiling inner piston and a choked orifice at its forward end to develop a blow-back thrust that will cycle a recoil operated automatic firearm. The piston itself may serve to contain propellant and preferably contains all propellant within the cartridge.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic inflator for an air bag includes a housing for containing gas generating material for inflating an air bag. The housing has a wall formed of rigid, porous material and serves both as a filter for entrapping contaminants from the gas that is generated within as the gas passes outward through the wall into the air bag and cools the gas by absorbing heat therefrom. Gas generating material and an ignition train is hermetically sealed in a bag or packet inside the porous housing which serves triple duty as a solid pyrotechnic container, a gas filter and a gas cooler.

Abstract: A launching device with a work-controlled gas generator employs a dampening piston in combination with an accumulator volume to provide substantially uniform acceleration of a launching piston.

Abstract: A gas generating device is constructed of a gas generator, a hammer pin trigger device and a gas guide slot. The gas generator has a detonator. The hammer pin trigger device has a hammer pin arranged movably toward the detonator so that the hammer pin is caused to strike and fire the detonator. The gas guide slot is formed at a joint portion between the gas generator and the hammer pin trigger device for guiding gas, which occurs upon firing the detonator, in a specific direction to an outside of the gas generating device.

Abstract: An inflator assembly (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (12) includes a pressure vessel (14) with a storage chamber (18) containing a combustible mixture of gases. An ignitable material (122), when burning, ignites the combustible mixture of gases in the storage chamber (18). The storage chamber (18) has an axis (61), first and second opposite ends which are spaced from each other a distance along the axis (61), and a substantially circular cross sectional shape at all locations along the axis (61). The storage chamber (18) has a shape such that the ratio of the distance between the opposite ends of the storage chamber (18) to the greatest cross sectional diameter of the storage chamber (18) is within the range of 0.75-1.25.

Abstract: Gas generators having mechanical triggering have a cylindrical casing in which the various component parts are accommodated. The assembly of known gas generators is rather complex because of the different component parts. In the gas generator according to the invention the individual component parts are distributed in such a manner that essentially three units are formed, namely a priming agent, a pyrotechnic charge and an ignition unit comprising a holder means and an ignition charge. The priming agent is separated from the pyrotechnic charge by the ignition unit. The gas generator constructed in this way permits simple charging of the casing with the priming agent, the pyrotechnic charge and the ignition unit.

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.