Abstract: A life-saving towel generates oxygen in the event of an emergency such as a fire to enable a user to survive for a long time. The life-saving towel includes: a filter sheet; an oxygen generating receptor in which an oxygen generating material is accommodated and which is coupled to one surface of the filter sheet; an oxygen generating receptor barrier frame in contact with the other surface of the filter sheet, which is coupled to the oxygen generating receptor with the filter sheet interposed therebetween and has a plurality of empty spaces formed therein; and an oxygen generating cover in contact with the other surface of the oxygen generating receptor barrier frame to cover all of the plurality of empty spaces of the oxygen generating receptor barrier frame and having a bonding portion formed on one surface to be bonded to the oxygen generating receptor barrier frame.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for using nonwoven materials for evacuation slides, life rafts, life vests, and other life-saving inflatable devices. The nonwoven materials have a substrate layer with continuous filaments formed in various directions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for using nonwoven materials for evacuation slides, life rafts, life vests, and other life-saving inflatable devices. The nonwoven materials have a substrate layer with continuous filaments formed in various directions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for using nonwoven materials for evacuation slides, life rafts, life vests, and other life-saving inflatable devices. The nonwoven materials have a substrate layer with continuous filaments formed in various directions. The substrate layer then has a layer (e.g., a coating or a film or both) on one or both surfaces of the substrate of nonwoven material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a main body including inner liners defining a freezer compartment and refrigerator compartment, doors rotatably coupled to the main body, gaskets installed at rears of the doors, each of the gaskets having a magnet provided therein, an intermediate partition wall formed by filling a space between the inner liners with an insulation material, an intermediate front plate disposed at a front of the intermediate partition wall to fix the inner liners, and a heat pipe installed at the front of the intermediate partition wall in a line to prevent dew from being formed on the intermediate front plate, wherein the intermediate front plate is formed in an asymmetric fashion so that the heat pipe installed at the front of the intermediate partition wall is fixed to a middle portion of the intermediate front plate in a tight contact fashion.

Abstract: The invention concerns copper azide containing carbon nanotubes. The invention also concerns methods of producing such nanotubes by placing CuO nanoparticles within carbon nanotubes to produce CuO-containing carbon nanotubes, contacting CuO-containing carbon nanotubes with hydrogen to produce reduced nanotubes; and contacting the reduced nanotubes with hydrazoic acid to produce copper azide containing carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a solid, porous material, suitable for generating nitrogen gas, said material having a porosity of 20 to 75 vol. %, and a composition comprising, based on the weight of the material of 60 to 90 wt. % of sodium azide, 0.1 to 20 wt. % of an inert chemical coolant based on at least one inorganic salt having a heat capacity of at least 1400 J/K/kg, 0.1 to 20 wt. % of modifying agent selected from metal oxides and metal carbonates, and a binder, selected from the group consisting of at least one alkali metal silicate, preferably waterglass, or a poly-tetrazole, in an amount of between 3 and 15 wt. %.

Abstract: A priming mixture is provided having a primary explosive and an oxidizer system containing bismuth oxide. The priming mixture generally is applicable to any application or device that employs ignition of a propellant or fuel, including, but not limited to, air bag gas generator systems, signaling devices, ejection seats, small or large arms ammunition primers, and the like.

Abstract: The invention concerns copper azide containing carbon nanotubes. The invention also concerns methods of producing such nanotubes by placing CuO nanoparticles within carbon nanotubes to produce CuO-containing carbon nanotubes, contacting CuO-containing carbon nanotubes with hydrogen to produce reduced nanotubes; and contacting the reduced nanotubes with hydrazoic acid to produce copper azide containing carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A non-toxic, non-hydroscopic percussion primer composition and methods of preparing the same, including at least one explosive component that has been traditionally considered a moderately insensitive explosive or secondary explosive, and at least fuel particle component having a particle size of about 1.5 microns to about 12 microns, which allows the use of moderately active metal oxidizers. The sensitivity of the primer composition is created by the interaction between the moderately insensitive explosive and the fuel agent such that traditional primary explosives such as lead styphnate or DDNP are not needed. The primer composition also eliminates the risks and dangers associated with traditional nano-sized fuel particles.

Abstract: A lead-free primer energetic composition including Cyanuric Triazide (60%), Tetracene (5%), Barium Nitrate (20%) and Antimony Trisulfide (15%) is produced. The lead-free primer energetic composition is used to construct a primary detonator including a transfer charge of Cyanuric Triazide, which produces a further initiation train that may subsequently detonate a secondary explosive, i.e., HDX, RDX, or a pyrotechnic device.

Abstract: An initiator explosive for detonating a second explosive that includes nanocrystalline silicon containing a plurality of pores and a solid state oxidant disposed within said pores.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to carbon nanotubes, and more particularly to the interaction of single wall carbon nanotubes with hydrazoic acid to introduce energetic azide groups into the nanotubes to form activated carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of making carbon nanotubes, and more particularly to the interaction of single wall carbon nanotubes with hydrazoic acid to introduce energetic azide groups into the nanotubes to form activated carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generating composition comprising a light rare earth compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simulant material comprising a primary explosive and a carrier.

Abstract: An ignition element consists of a combination of first and second ignition components. The first ignition component contains at least one primer, at least on heat-conducting additive selected from the group consisting of zirconium, aluminum, titanium, ferrotitanium, zirconium boride, zirconium hydride and mixtures thereof, at least one oxidant and a binder. The second ignition component contains at least one ingredient that produces hot re4action particles, an oxidant, and a binder.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a metal cation template, a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen, and sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex. The complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts, nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite ammine, metal nitrate ammine, and metal perchlorate ammine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. A binder and co-oxidizer can be combined with the metal complexes to improve crush strength of the gas generating compositions and to permit efficient combustion of the binder. Such gas generating compositions are adaptable for use in gas generating devices such as automobile air bags.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-stage gas bag inflator, operable initially, when activated, to cause the gas bag to deploy slowly and then, after a delay, to deploy rapidly, includes a housing having at least first and second chambers of preferably different size, separated by a bulkhead. One chamber is preferably smaller since it can be used to produce a smaller amount of gas to cause the initial slow deployment of the gas bag. A gas generant charge is ignited in the first chamber, and after some delay, a gas generant charge in the second chamber is ignited. The multi-stage inflator according to this invention can be used to provide the varying inflation rates needed to adjust the inflation of air bags to accommodate the severity of the collision and the position of the occupants. The inventive inflator is small in size and economical to produce.

Abstract: Provided is a gas generant composition which is improved in the self-retainability of a solid residue and has an excellent combustion speed. The gas generant composition contains a fuel comprising a metal azide or an organic compound, an oxidizing agent, and at least one additive selected from a ceramic whisker or fiber of aluminum borate, potassium titanate, alumina, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, and zinc oxide.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflating a vehicular inflatable device are provided wherein inflation gas is produced via a dissociative material wherein an initiator includes an enhanced fuel pyrotechnic formulation which, in addition to initiating dissociation of at least a portion of a quantity of gas source material contained within the inflator, forming dissociation products used to inflate the device, also forms particles to interact with one or more of at least a portion of the remaining quantity of gas source material contained within the inflator and the dissociation products to form additional inflation products for inflating the inflatable device.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions are formed from a fuel, one or more oxidizers and mica. The gas generant composition of this invention yields solid combustion products and inflating gases having a reduced content of undesirable gases such as NO.sub.x and CO.

Abstract: The air bag gas generating composition of this invention comprises a nitrogen-containing organic compound and at least one oxidizing agent selected from the group consisting of oxo halogen acid salts and nitrates. The invention provides an air bag gas generating composition without a high shock sensitivity and with an available burning velocity and gas output characteristics and featuring a comparatively low combustion temperature.

Abstract: A low temperature autoigniting composition for use in a mobile occupant restraint system comprising, a low temperature melting oxidizer and a fuel, wherein the low temperature autoigniting composition autoignites in the temperature range of about 130.degree. C. to about 175.degree. C. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises a low temperature melting oxidizer, a fuel, and a catalyst, wherein the composition autoignites in the temperature range of about 130.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. Preferably, the oxidizer comprises about 20 to about 70 percent by weight of the composition, the fuel comprises about 10 to about 50 percent by weight of the composition, and the catalyst comprises about 2 to about 50 percent by weight of the composition. The autoignition propellants of the invention are designed to function at low temperatures and before heat damage to an airbag deployment mechanism can occur, for example, during a fire.

Abstract: A process for the production of a gas-generating composition containing a redox-couple including a water soluble azide component, for example, azide of sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium or barium, and an oxidizer component, for example, sodium nitrate, sodium perchlorate, potassium nitrate, potassium perchlorate or an oxide of iron, nickel, vanadium, copper, titanium, manganese, zinc, tantalum, silicon or aluminium, said oxidizer component being capable of reacting with said azide component to generate gas, said process comprising the steps of:forming an aqueous dispersion of the redox-couple wherein the azide component is totally dissolved and the oxidizer is uniformly dispersed and stabilised in the azide solution;passing said aqueous dispersion through a spray nozzle to form a stream of droplets; andcontacting said droplets with hot air whereby the water is removed to produce solid particles of gas-generating composition.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a gas generating composition of a gas generator for an air bag, which composition produces less combustion residues and is easily adsorbed. This composition comprises azide of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, metallic silicide, and perchlorate or nitrate of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal. The combustion residues of the azide are changed to be glass silicate by the metallic silicide and caught by a filter of the gas generator, so that they do not pass through the filter of the gas generator nor make holes in the air bag unlike a conventional gas generator. And, the addition of silicon dioxide further improves the catching of the combustion residues of the azide.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic grain or body of a gas generant having a consolidated or pressed-on, particulate inert burn inhibitor layer thereon. The inhibitor may be a metal oxide, metal sulfide, silica, silicate compound or mixtures thereof. The metal oxide is preferably iron oxide. The metal sulfide is preferably molybdenum disulfide. The preferred inhibitor is a silicate compound, most preferably bentonite. The inhibitor layer most preferably covers only one face or side of the generant body, though it may cover both faces or less than the entire area of one or both faces. The generant may be any conventional formulation which generates nitrogen-containing gas, preferably an azide, and most preferably sodium azide. The generant body may be any shape, preferably a washer-shaped disc. An automotive gas bag inflator may contain a plurality of the composite, inhibited generant bodies, preferably a stack or side by side assembly of such composite, inhibited wafers.

Abstract: Convert infrared tracer compositions are provided. The compositions are formed using peroxide such as strontium peroxide and barium peroxide. Added to these materials is a burn rate catalyst such as boron, iron oxide, cupric oxide, manganese dioxide, carbon, silicon, graphite fibrils, amorphous silica, copper oxide, potassium dodecaborate, the dipotassium salt of bitetrazole amine, and the potassium salt of dilituric acid. The composition also includes alkali metal compounds in order to enhance the infrared emissions. The compositions are bound together using a binder such that the composition results in a granular material having a mean particle size in the range of from about 500.mu. to about 800.mu..

Abstract: A lead-free rim-fire primer mix which utilizes cupric azide, a highly sensitive chemical, as the primary explosive in lieu of lead styphnate. The cupric azide is mixed with carefully selected proportions of nitrocellulose, tetracene, fine particles of ground glass and a binder, typically gum tragacanth. When mixed in the proper proportions, this mix has the required sensitivity, stability, and non-hygroscopicity for regular commercial rim-fire ammunition. The tetracene is not required as a sensitizer, but is used as an ignition aid. The preferred range of percentages are 10-36% by weight of cupric azide, 5-10% by weight of tetracene, 15-30% by weight of nitrocellulose, 20-50% by weight of glass, and 1-2% by weight of a suitable gum.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic mixture in the form of granulates, encompassing a nitrogen-generating substance, an inorganic oxidizing medium and a binder constituted of silicone rubber. Also disclosed is a process for the production of this pyrotechnic mixture, as well as a gas generator for an airbag which contains the pyrotechnic mixture as a propellent charge. The pyrotechnic mixture is in the form of granulates for a propellent charge which generates a non-toxic gas, encompassing the nitrogen-generating substance, especially an alkali metal azide or earth alkali metal azide, an inorganic oxidizing medium consisting of alkali metal nitrate and/or alkaline earth metal nitrate and silicone rubber.

Abstract: The gas generator composition contains sodium azide and an oxidizing agent as major components. This gas generator composition additionally contains 2 to 8% by weight of magnesium aluminate. To produce this composition, sodium azide and the oxidizing agent are admixed to a colloidal silica having a silica concentration of 3 to 15% by weight to form a slurry, followed by granulation and drying of the slurry.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of primers/detonators with 90-99.99% reliability and achieving sensitivity of 0.8 inch-oz to 3.0 inch-oz, able to withstand temperatures within the range of 40.degree. C. to 200.degree. C. and able to withstand temperature cycling and humidity for 95% RH at 95.degree. C. to -40.degree. C. Mechanical and chemical sensitizers are utilized in lieu of tetracene, the utilization of oxidizers as sensitizers, the utilization of high energy fuels, and a method of co-precipitating the primary explosive and mechanical sensitizer.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is an explicit procedure for initiating a charcoal fire and afterward building the fire, including a plan for effective support of the fire by air after the fire has been built. Arrangements to direct the afterward flow of air to the same charcoal briquets which are on fire at the end of the firebuilding process are featured. Directing and concentrating the hot oxygen to establish a concentration of the fire (a nest of coals) is featured. The container of the oxidizing agent serves two purposes, the support of the oxidizing agent during the firebuilding activity, and, initially by combustion of a portion of itself, the provision of a hot oxygen mixture to effectively initiate the fire before a firebuilding feedback process begins. A better way to achieve tabletted form of the chemically active ingredients has been discovered, comprizing the use of a composition of matter in which all the ingredients are active in supplying oxygen.

Abstract: A gas-generating mixture for an air bag, which has a rate of burnoff exceeding 40 mm/sec and good ignitability, but leads to a relatively low combustion temperature. The mixture is formed of an alkali or alkaline earth azide as the principal component, a metal oxide as the oxidizing agent and slag-forming agent, and 5 to 23 wt. % of an accelerator consisting of a metal nitrate and silicon dioxide, wherein the ratio of the metal nitrate to the silicon dioxide ranges from 4:1 to 1:4, and the silicon dioxide content is at least 4 wt. % of the mixture.

Abstract: A nitrogen gas-generating composition for use in airbags is prepared from an alkali metal azide and a heavy metal sulfide. The gas-generation is initiated by ignition of the composition and results in low residues of solid particulate material.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic mixture in the form of granulates, encompassing a nitrogen-generating substance, an inorganic oxidizing medium and a binder constituted of silicone rubber. Also disclosed is a process for the production of this pyrotechnic mixture, as well as a gas generator for an airbag which contains the pyrotechnic mixture as a propellent charge. The pyrotechnic mixture is in the form of granulates for a propellent charge which generates a non-toxic gas, encompassing the nitrogen-generating substance, especially an alkali metal azide or earth alkali metal azide, an inorganic oxidizing medium consisting of alkali metal nitrate and/or alkaline earth metal nitrate and silicone rubber.

Abstract: In a gas generant composition for automotive airbag inflation, a gas generant composition comprises a fuel and an oxidizer the composition includes a metal oxide or metalloid oxide and a processing aid which is a mixture of mica and a salt of a fatty acid.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a body of material which is ignitable to generate a gas for inflating an air bag. The body of material comprises at least two layers of ignitable gas generating material which are pressed together. One of the layers comprises a nitrogen generating composition which is easily ignited and burns rapidly. The other of the layers comprises a nitrogen generating composition which is less easily ignited and burns less rapidly than the one layer.

Abstract: A gas-generating module for an airbag utilized in motor vehicles, which includes a gas-generating composition and an igniting composition arranged within a container. The gas-generating composition is presently in the shape of a foil-like layer or coating, or alternatively consists of a granulate, and is constituted from components which are a mixture of a composition which is based on a metal azide and an oxidizing agent; a first binder for the granulation of the composition; a second elastic binder and a rapidly combusting igniting mixture whereby the elastic foil layer is arranged in a casing which is pressure-resistant up to a specified degree and which consists of a relatively gas-tight fabric.

Abstract: A process for forming a grain (10) of gas generating material includes the step of forming pieces (86) of gas generating material, and further includes the step of forming the grain (10) as a compacted agglomeration of the pieces (86) of gas generating material. The pieces (86) of gas generating material are formed by pressing a particle mixture (60) under a first pressure. The grain (10) is formed by pressing the pieces (86) together under a second pressure which is less than the first pressure.

Abstract: A propellant composition comprising an admixture of a first hydrogen rich material and a second metal material which is capable of reacting exothermically with the first material. The ratio of the first material to the second material is selected such that the exothermic reaction forms a solid phase and a gas phase which contains substantial amounts of hydrogen. Preferably, the first hydrogen rich material comprises a material capable of providing nitrogen upon decomposition thereof, and the second metal material comprises a material capable of reacting exothermically with the nitrogen generated by the decomposition of the first material such that the solid phase comprises a solid nitride of the second metal material. In a preferred embodiment, the first material comprises ammonium azide, and the second material comprises boron, titanium, titanium hydride, or mixture thereof.

Abstract: The gas generator composition contains sodium azide and an oxidizing agent as major components. This gas generator composition additionally contains 2 to 8% by weight of magnesium aluminate. To produce this composition, sodium azide and the oxidizing agent are admixed to a colloidal silica having a silica concentration of 3 to 15% by weight to form a slurry, followed by granulation and drying of the slurry.

Abstract: Alkali metal azide particles most of which have a nearly spherical shape and take a spongy structure and whose volume average particle size ratio in the ultrasonic dispersion treatment is desirously 0.4 or less. Since self-decomposition characteristics of the alkali metal azide particles according to this invention are quite mild, they can be simply handled in large amounts and are quite useful as a gas generating agent for an automobile air bag.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a vehicle occupant restraint assembly (12). The assembly comprises a vehicle occupant restraint (20), a housing (14), a gas generating composition (16) within the housing, an igniter (18) for igniting the gas generating composition, and gas flow means (22) for directing gas into the vehicle occupant restraint. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle occupant restraint (20) is an air bag. The gas generating composition (16) comprises lithium azide (Li.sub.3 N) and a metal oxidant (MeO), wherein O can be either oxygen or sulfur. The metal oxidant is present in a sub-stoichiometric amount relative to the lithium azide. The gas generating composition (16), on ignition, burns under reaction conditions which produce lithium nitride (Li.sub.3 N) and a combustion product which is essentially free of elemental lithium.

Abstract: Slurry and spray dried azide-based gas generant intermediates are made having a hydrazoic acid content of less than about 3.times.10 EXP(-3) M/L, a pH of greater than 8.0 up to about 12.5, and impurity metal ions Ca, Mg, Pb, Fe, Mn and Cu, each below about 25 ppm. These intermediates are made by slurrying powdered ingredients of the azide and oxidizer/reactant in water, wet grinding the slurry and spray drying to form a particulate material which is molded into pellets or tablets which are useful as the gas generant in vehicle crash bags or inflators. The basicity of the water is adjusted to a pH of greater than 8.0 up to about 12.5, preferably about 10, by the addition of a base, such as NaOH, followed by the addition of such solid ingredients as S, MoS.sub.2 and NaN.sub.3, and preferably the NaN.sub.3 is added last, whereby hydrazoic acid production is minimized. The contaminant Ca and Mg ions are minimized by softening the water supplied.

Abstract: In a process for recovering an alkali metal azide from a waste gas generating material containing the alkali metal azide and a metal oxide reactable with the azide, the gas generating material is mixed with a solvent for the alkali metal azide. This produces a slurry comprising (i) a solution comprising the solvent and the alkali metal azide, and (ii) the metal oxide. The slurry is separated into a liquid stream comprising primarily the solution and a sludge stream comprising primarily the metal oxide. The liquid stream is filtered in a filter to produce a filtrate which is substantially free of metal oxide and is then concentrated by evaporation of the solvent to produce crystals of the alkali metal azide. The separation may be carried out by a filter or centrifuge to produce a filter or centrifuge cake. The sludge obtained from the slurry is reslurried to recover additional azide, and the resulting slurry is again separated into a sludge and a liquid stream by a filter or centrifuge.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a gas generating material includes preparing a hot solution of a metal azide, preferably sodium azide, with metal oxide particles, preferably iron oxide particles, suspended in the solution. The metal azide is precipitated from the solution. The step of precipitating the metal azide from the solution includes cooling the hot solution to decrease the solubility of the metal azide in the solute. The metal azide precipitate and the iron oxide particles are then separated from the liquid.

Abstract: Gas generant pyrotechnic compositions especially suitable for inflating vehicle occupant restraint systems with nitrogen gas are described. The compositions are comprised (in wt. %) of about 65-74% of an azide, preferably sodium azide; about 17-29.5% of iron oxide, preferably ferric oxide; and about 1.0-6% metal nitrite or nitrate co-oxidizer, preferably sodium nitrate; to which base composition is added about 0.5-8% silica, alumina, titania or mixtures thereof; up to 6% bentonite and up to 4% molybdenum disulfide. Preferred driver and passenger side formulations are disclosed. The compositions burn from about 0.8 to 1.5 inches per second, have excellent slag and clinker properties, as well as excellent aging and mechanical strength characteristics when formed into cylindrical pellets or wafers. The formulation ingredients are amenable to water slurry mixing, spray drying and machine pressing into cylindrical pellets or wafers for insertion into a suitable gas generating device.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint assembly (12) has an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (20), a housing (14), a gas generating material (16) within the housing, an igniter (18) for igniting the gas generating material, and gas flow channel (22) for directing the gas which is generated into the vehicle occupant restraint. The vehicle occupant restraint is preferably an air bag. The gas generating material (16) contains (a) an alkali metal azide, alkaline earth metal azide or aluminum azide and (b) a metal oxidant which is the gamma form of ferric oxide (Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3). The metal oxidant is present in the gas generating composition in an approximately stoichiometric amount with regard to the metal azide, or in an amount slightly in excess of stoichiometric.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint assembly comprises a vehicle occupant restraint (20), a housing (14), gas generating material (16) within the housing, an igniter (18) for the gas generating material, and gas flow means (22) for directing gas from the housing to the vehicle occupant restraint.