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

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

Abstract: A cartridge is made up of a synthetic resin case member and a synthetic resin lid. The case member contains a first receiving chamber for receiving an igniter charge and a second receiving chamber for the accommodation of a propellant charge. A synthetic resin ignition pin flexibly connected to the lid extends into the first receiving chamber. Upon the exertion of pressure by a striker on the rear end of the ignition pin, the pin is advanced further into the first receiving chamber, a pointed forward percussion end of this ignition pin acting on the igniter charge to ignite the charge. The igniter charge is accommodated in funnel shape in a conical depression of the first receiving chamber. The percussion end of the ignition pin, extending into the igniter charge, upon displacement, causes friction in the igniter charge material and thus generates frictional heat therein.

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

Abstract: A gas generator is provided with a housing which is open at two opposing end faces and a housing wall in which several gas orifices are arranged. The housing is formed as an extruded hollow profile of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. A combustion chamber is accommodated in the housing, in which combustion chamber gas-generating material which is ignitable by means of an ignition unit is accommodated. The combustion gases arising with the ignition of the gas-generating material are cleaned within the housing by filter elements and discharged by means of the gas orifices. The filter elements are supported by holding sections integral with the extruded hollow profile and are inserted by means of one of the open end faces of the extruded hollow profile. In the installed state the filter elements extend in a straight line between the holding sections associated therewith.

Abstract: An ignition unit is provided with an internal housing defining a chamber in which an ignition charge and an ignition element igniting the charge are accommodated. The housing defining the chamber consists of a cover and a container which are connected to one another along a circumferential groove. A distributor housing is mounted on to the housing forming the chamber, in which distributor housing gas outlet openings are provided which are closed by a cap-shaped cover of the chamber. The V-shaped circumferential groove represents a predetermined breaking or separation position of the chamber, for which reason the cover is separated from the container when the ignition charge is ignited. The cover moves away from the container into a space until it strikes the upper end of the distributor housing. With its movement relative to the distributor housing, the cover releases the gas outlet openings so that the gases and flames can emerge from the ignition unit.

Abstract: First and a second sealing layers are provided inside an inner periphery of a casing layer having a plurality of gas ejecting bores in its outer peripheral wall, and a gas-generating agent is mounted between the sealing layers, while a compressed gas is filled inside the second sealing layer. When the gas-generating agent is fired due to a collision of a vehicle, the first sealing layer is cleaved in a region of the gas ejecting bores by the pressure of a generated combustion gas and, then, the second sealing layer is cleaved likewise in a region of the gas ejecting bores by the pressure of the compressed gas, thereby permitting the compressed gas to be ejected uniformly from the plurality of gas ejecting bores into an air bag. In this case, a reduction in temperature of the compressed gas due to an adiabatic expansion thereof is compensated for by mixing of the compressed gas with the combustion gas, thereby enabling an efficient expansion of the air bag.

Abstract: A housing for a gas generating composition comprises an igniter chamber for retaining an igniter material. A combustion chamber is formed around the igniter chamber, and a gas generating composition is disposed in the combustion chamber. A cooling chamber with a gas exhaust port is formed around the combustion chamber. A coolant for cooling gas is accommodated in the cooling chamber. The igniter chamber, the combustion chamber and the cooling chamber communicate with one another through ports. A first shell constitutes the top wall of the combustion chamber, an intermediate wall between the combustion chamber and the cooling chamber, and at least the bottom wall of the cooling chamber. The first shell is integrally formed of a metal plate with an even thickness, and opens downward at its center portion and is open at least upward at its outer surface. An igniter housing constitutes at least the peripheral wall of the igniter chamber.

Abstract: A device for igniting a propellant charge is provided with a housing defining a cavity wherein a piston is displaceably guided. The cavity is connected via a bore acting as a nozzle to a chamber wherein a case member of a cartridge is arranged for accommodating the propellant charge. A bottom wall of the case member is equipped with a bore aligned with the bore acting as a nozzle. A primer wafer is disposed on the inner surface of the bottom wall, this wafer being thinner in its central zone than in its marginal zone. The central zone of the primer wafer is a region under mechanical thermal stress during compression, the ignition energy being introduced to the primer wafer via this region in the form of hot compressed air from the compression chamber.

Abstract: A propellant strip assembly for use in propellant actuated fastener driving tools. The assembly includes a carrying strip which contains a plurality of pockets which each hold a propellant charge and a sensitizer to activate the charge. The carrying strip is adhesively joined to a cover strip to isolate the individual charges, and each pocket is also sealed around its periphery to further improve the isolation. The cover strip may contain a ribbed section to physically separate the charge and sensitizer within each pocket to aid in prevention of accidental ignition.

Abstract: An inflator for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint includes an annular slag screen or filter which is disposed between a combustion cup and a diffuser cup. A canister of gas generating material is disposed in the combustion cup. Upon igniting the gas generating material in the canister, gas flows through openings in the side wall of the combustion cup to the slag screen or filter. The gas then flows through a final filter assembly and out of the diffuser cup. The slag filter is preassembled on the combustion cup by radially contracting a surface of the filter to grip the side wall of the combustion cup. This enables the combustion cup and slag filter to be positioned as a unit relative to the diffuser cup and final filter.

Abstract: An inflator for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint is assembled by welding various components of the inflator together, inserting a canister of gas generating material into the inflator, and then welding a closure member to the other components of the inflator. The step of welding the closure member to the other components of the inflator is the only welding step which is performed after inserting the canister of gas generating material. Prior to insertion of the canister of gas generating material, an end wall and a flange of a combustion cup are positioned in abutting engagement with an end wall and a flange of a diffuser cup. The end walls and flanges of the combustion and diffuser cups are welded together. An initiator assembly for igniting the gas generating material in the canister is connected with the closure member.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cold-gas pyrotechnic generator of the type having a casing including a base and a cover with an internal chamber accessed by a central opening for the reception of pyrotechnic elements includes the steps of placing the cover on the base with filtering material inserted, rotating the casing while introducing the pyrotechnic elements through the central opening and then inserting an ignition device in the central opening.

Abstract: In a mechanical ignition type gas generator including a housing which consists of an upper outer shell container (diffuser) and a lower outer shell container (closure) fitted to each other in such a manner as to define an annular space for storing therein a gas generating agent, a priming charge, a cooling material and a filter, and in which said closure has a cylindrical space capable of fitting to, and storing, a cylindrical mechanical igniter on its lower surface and a plurality of caps ignited by an ignition pin of said igniter are disposed on the top wall of said space, a hole for communicating a priming charge room with the front surface of said caps is disposed inside said closure of said housing besides a cap hole for communicating the back surface of said caps with said priming charge room so as to prevent delayed ignition of said caps.

Abstract: An inflator for inflating a vehicle air bag discharges, when actuated, gas to inflate the air bag. An initiator has a terminal for electrical contact with an electrical connector of the vehicle circuitry. The initiator is actuatable in response to receiving an electrical signal from the connector through the terminal to initiate actuation of the inflator. A latch pin is attached by a body of plastic material to the initiator. The latch pin maintains the connector in electrical contact with the terminal of the initiator. The latch pin is preferably made of a material different from the body of plastic material.

Abstract: An electropyrotechnic device for sequentially triggering the operation of a battery of gas generators. The ignition of double-base propellant blocks is obtained by the combination of EFI and an IFOC, arranged so that the airtight barrier between the cavity containing the donor secondary explosive and the downstream chamber containing the secondary receiving explosive is only one part of the closing element of the back end carrying the nozzles, integral with the ring. The control electronics of the EFI are contained inside a housing capping the back end of the powder generator with the entire system being closed by a cap.

Abstract: An inflator (10) comprising: a pressure tank (12, 14, 16, 20) for storing a quantity of stored inflation gas under pressure. The pressure tank comprising a first burst disk (46) in communication with the stored inflation gas; a sliding piston (72) including at one end thereof a sharp edge (74) for puncturing the first rupture disk and at its other end a second rupture disk (80). The sliding piston (72) movable into engagement with the first rupture disk in response to the build up of pressure acting on the second rupture disk (80) in response to the burning of propellant material (90) thereby permitting egress of the stored inflation gas. The second burst disk being ruptured by the continued build up of pressure due to the burning propellant whereupon after the rupturing of same the heated products of combustion resulting from the burning propellant flow through the sliding piston (72) to increase the temperature of the stored inflation gas prior to its exit from the inflator.

Abstract: A projectile is accelerated through a barrel by a high pressure hydrogen gas jet that is derived by exothermically reacting water or a water-hydrogen peroxide liquid mixture with metal or a metal hydride. The temperature of the reaction is controlled by controlling the power in a plasma discharge applied to a reaction chamber containing the liquid and particles of the metal or metal hydride. A non-vaporous metal oxide resulting from the reaction is centrifugally separated from the hydrogen that drives the projectile.

Abstract: An apparatus for igniting a gas generating propellant grain which is susceptible to shattering when suddenly exposed to pressure above a predetermined pressure. The apparatus comprises a housing having a peripheral side surface, an axial end surface and a longitudinal central axis. An ignitable material is contained in the housing. The ignitable material develops hot gases, flame and pressure within said housing upon combustion of the ignitable material. The peripheral side surface of the housing ruptures at a pressure which is substantially less than the predetermined pressure at which the propellant grain shatters to direct the hot gases and flame radially of the longitudinal central axis of the housing to ignite the propellant grain.

Abstract: A power booster bushing for obturating powder gases in a cartridge case employed by power actuated tools used for connecting power cables. The power booster bushing supports an explosive power cell and is slidably positioned in the cartridge case bore and has a series of ribs defined by grooves engaging the cartridge case bore. The interface between the cartridge case bore and the bushing is sealed during detonation of the power cell by means of the circumferential ribs. The bushing undergoes an "accordion effect" during detonation characterized by axial compression of the bushing and resulting in the prevention of powder gas escape through the open breech end of the cartridge case.

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

Abstract: A gas generator for inflating an inflatable article such as a safety bag or raft, has a reaction chamber (1) surrounded by a ring-shaped filter chamber (2). First gas exit openings (10 to 15) permit generated gas to flow from the reaction chamber into the filter chamber. Second gas exit openings (22) lead from the filter chamber into the inflatable article. A temperature responsive flow control is provided to make sure that the inflation efficiency or the inflation pressure inside the inflated article is substantially constant and substantially independent of the temperature of the gas generator at which the ignition of a gas generating fuel begins.

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

Abstract: An elongate gas-tight elastic bag has one open end unitarily secured to an inflator/thruster which can be actuated to rapidly fill the bag with gas. The bag and inflator/thruster are located within a missile launch tube and the bag expands upon being filled with gas to launch the missile.

Abstract: An improved cartridge for use with explosively-operated industrial tools. More particularly the cartridge includes a gas check having a rigid washer between opposite ends which causes the deformation of the gas check in cooperation with the gases from burning powder.

Abstract: A crash bag propellant composition and method for generating non-toxic nitrogen gas comprising an azide salt and an oxidant component in which metal oxides are substantially replaced with one or more bi-metallic complexes containing copper or iron in combination with chromium, molybdenum or tungsten.

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 has an ignition enhancing coating thereon consisting essentially of 20 to 50% by weight of an alkali metal azide, 25 to 35% by weight of an inorganic oxidizer, 10 to 15% by weight of a fluoroelastomer binder, 15 to 25% by weight of magnesium, and 1 to 3% by weight of fumed silicon dioxide. The coating may also include 1 to 6% by weight of graphite as a roughening agent.

Abstract: An explosive perforating tool has an elongated barrel having a piston disposed substantially within. A radial passage extends from the outer surface of the barrel into the longitudinal cavity, thereby allowing the piston to be explosively driven from the tool through the radial passage. The piston has a longitudinal opening therethrough. When an explosive charge is set off increasing the pressure of a lubricating fluid within the longitudinal cavity, pressure is uniformly built up all around the piston and is the primary mode of force propelling the piston against the tubing. Vent openings are provided in the elongated chamber to allow the lubricating fluid to escape, thereby regulating the rate of pressure dissipation within the cavity to control the force with which the piston is propelled against the tubing. Spacers of varying size can be attached to the barrel to allow the tool to be used in different sizes of tubing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sidewall core gun attached to the lower end of a drill string, enabling the taking of core samples from within a deviated borehole. The gun also includes an improved charge assembly, including a detonatable cord and one or more deflagratable cartridge assemblies for propelling a coring bullet from the gun to the sidewall of the borehole. Coring bullets imbedded in the sidewall remain connected to the gun via steel cables, whereby the bullets may be retrieved by raising the drill string.

Abstract: A gas generating composition containing glycidyl azide polymer and a high trogen content additive selected from the group consisting of guanylaminotetrazole nitrate, bis(triaminoguanidinium)5,5'azotetrazole, ammonium 5-nitraminotetrazole and high bulk density nitro guanidine generates large quantities of nitrogen gas upon burning and can be used to extinguish fires.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical housing construction for a light weight gas generator of minimum bulk includes two subassemblies, each of which have first and second concentric cylinders depending from a flat wall and which are joined together by inertia welding to form a central igniter chamber and an outer annular chamber. The outer chamber is divided into three axially extending annular chambers by two flat annular barriers. Solid fuel is contained in a first annular chamber. Communication between the three annular chambers is provided by openings in the barriers, the openings in the barrier adjacent the solid fuel being disposed on a circle adjacent the outer edge thereof while the openings in the other barrier are disposed on a circle adjacent the inner edge. A cooling and filtering means is provided in each of the second and third annular chambers, with an air space between the two subassemblies for clearance during welding.

Abstract: A cartridge magazine for holding cartridges for feeding to the barrel of an explosion driven fastener setting tool comprises an elongated flat flexible strip or band preferably made of an inexpensive material such as plastic. The strip includes a plurality of stepped projections defining cartridge holding recesses arranged at equally spaced locations along the strip and lateral recesses for advancement. Each cartridge holding recess is defined by a stepped projection extending upwardly from the strip which on its exterior is stepped inwardly in a direction toward the tip of the cartridge. The angular taper of each of the outside walls of this portion on the cartridge magazine is slightly less than one cone angle of the cartridge chamber of a gun barrel with which it is to be employed, so that there will be more than one sealing point between the projections and the inner wall of the cartridge chamber.

Abstract: A gas generator or inflator particularly for the inflation of inflatable protective bags that are used in vehicle safety systems includes first and second aluminum structural components. The first component, a diffuser shell having outlet ports, includes integrally formed concentric cylinders which define chambers containing ignition materials, a solid gas generant composition and filters and provide ports for the passage of generated gases from chamber to chamber and then through the outlet ports. The second component, a base shell, has an attachment flange, includes an initiator, and is provided with three concentric surfaces that mate with the ends of the concentric cylinders of the first component. The three concentric cylinders of the first component are simultaneously joined with the concentric mating surfaces of the second component by a single inertia welding operation.

Abstract: A firedamp-safe propellant charge comprising a pyrotechnical gas-yielding propellant, said propellant coated with a polymer and/or amides of C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 dicarboxylic acids and/or ammonium oxalate, which composition, upon ignition of the propellant, disintegrates into radicals, said coating being present on said popellant in an amount of 15 to 30 weight percent based upon the weight of said propellant charge.

Abstract: A container and a method for making the same for a gas generating propellant such as used in vehicle air bag systems. The container comprises an elongated thin wall metal cylinder having a plurality of perforations extending substantially the length thereof. A hermetic liner is attached to the inner surface of the cylinder to seal the perforated area of the wall. The hermetic liner comprises a laminated plastic film and metal foil composite having a thickness less than that of the cylinder wall and being rupturable under the pressure of gas generated within the cylinder. The ends of the cylinder are closed by metal end caps.

Abstract: An explosive propellant cartridge for use in propellant-actuated devices. e cartridge contains only the explosive propellant which is stable and safe when not confined in a vessel capable of high pressure containment and does not contain the less stable fusing element. The propellant is contained in an annular space between concentric tubes with the inner tube being perforated. An elongated fusing element is inserted into the inner tube after the cartridge is secured in the propellant-actuated device.

Abstract: An improved rocket motor using a solid propellant is shown to include a perforate shield disposed between a combustion chamber and a nozzle to prevent any portion of the solid propellant from entering the nozzle during operation.

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. The filter has a metal strip wound in the form of a helix, the turns of the helix being spaced from one another to permit side entry of the gas between the turns. Protuberances spaced along one side of the strip establish filter gaps between the turns. A closed, convoluted structural support runs through the center of the helix from one end to the other of the filter in order to support the shape of the helix. The convoluted structural support also defines a plurality of axial flow passages between its closed surface and the helix, the passages communicating with the filter gaps to allow axial gas flow along the inside of the filter for end exit.

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. The filter has at least one metal strip wound in the form of a flat spiral about a central member, the turns of the flat spiral being spaced from one another to permit axial entry of gas between the turns. A further flat spiral filter may be similarly constructed about the central member and axially displaced from the first filter, and both such filters may have different filtering capacities. On each flat spiral, protuberances are spaced along one side of the metal strip to establish filter gaps between the turns. The one or more flat spirals are restrained at their outer circumference by a cylindrical casing having inlet and outlet ends for the hot gas.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic charge for generating gases, for example for the propulsion of an engine, comprising elongate strands of propellant fixed, such as by adhesive or mechanical fastening devices, to at least one band of flexible material which is wound into a spiral having several turns so that each strand of propellant is positioned radially between adjacent turns of the band and lies in an axial plane. The flexible band has an inhibiting effect on the combustion characteristics of the strands of propellant.

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.