Abstract: A gas generating apparatus for outputting a gas is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus is an inflator having a propellant for supplying inflation gas(es) to an inflatable located in a vehicle. A confining member is located adjacent to the propellant. A number of spaced holes are provided in the confining member, either before or after activation of the propellant. Inflation gas is received through the spaced holes for subsequent passage to the inflatable. In that regard, the inflation gas first passes through a chamber defined in a timing member that has metering orifices. Such orifices regulate the flow of the inflation gas to the inflatable. The confining member is able to withstand significant pressures without rupturing. Each of the confining member and the timing member is preferably made of a non-metallic material. The propellant includes a fuel-rich material and an oxidizer material, preferably ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: A method for making a propellant composition that results in a desirable gas output when combusted. The propellant can be part of an inflator used in a vehicle for inflating an air bag. The propellant has a relatively low burn rate exponent of no greater than about 0.7. The propellant is substantially dense, with the propellant having a density that is at least 85% of theoretical density. In making the propellant, its density can be reduced using a roller mill that flattens the propellant to a controlled thickness. The propellant preferably includes phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate and fibrous cellulose.

Abstract: A low-smoke producing pyrotechnic composition including a high-nitrogen content, low-carbon content energetic material, an oxidant and a colorant is disclosed together with the use of selected metal salts of a high-nitrogen content, low-carbon content energetic material as the colorant.

Abstract: An oxidizer coated with inorganic particles is provided. A method for reducing the mechanical energy sensitivity of an oxidizer is also provided, which comprises coating the oxidizer with inorganic particles. Further, a combustible composition comprising the oxidizer coated with inorganic particles and a fuel as well as a gas generator comprising the oxidizer coated with inorganic particles and a fuel is provided.

Abstract: A family of water-based gas-generating liquid compositions is described. A composition of the present invention includes: a first compound which may be hydrazinium mononitrate or methylhydrazinium mononitrate; ammonium nitrate; and water. Compositions of the present invention may be mixed with fuels to make monopropellants or used in bipropellant or hybrid systems. Alternative uses of the present invention include breathable gas generation.

Abstract: Liquid monopropellants for passive vehicle restraint systems (e.g., air bags) include an aqueous solution of a water-soluble oxidizer and a water-soluble organic fuel miscible with the oxidizer. The oxidizer is most preferably ammonium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide or nitric acid, while the fuel is a lower alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, propanol or glycerol. The liquid monopropellants will advantageously have an oxidation ratio (OR) of greater than about 0.90.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20) and a gas generating composition (16). The gas generating composition (16), when ignited, produces gas to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20). The gas generating composition (16) comprises phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) and an organic fuel. The organic fuel comprises nitroguanidine (NQ) and a supplemental, non-salt fuel selected from the group consisting of 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole-5-one (NTO) and cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (16) and a gas generating composition which when ignited produces gas to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (16). The gas generating composition comprises a non-azide nitrogen containing organic fuel, an inorganic salt oxidizer, and a metal organic coolant selected from the group consisting of alkali metal formates, alkaline earth metal formates, alkali metal oxalates, and alkaline earth metal oxalates. The amount of metal organic coolant in the gas generating composition is a cooling amount.

Abstract: A dry water resistant ANFO-explosive, containing one or more organic fuels, one or more inorganic salts, one or more water thickening agents, and a gas generating substance which develops a gas when it gets in contact with water in a blast hole, and thereby transforms itself into a watergel slurry.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic material comprising at least one fuel and an oxidizer of ceric ammonium nitrate or a mixture of ceric ammonium nitrate and one or more other oxidizers, and, optionally, sub-micron (i.e., having an average particle size of less than about 1 &mgr;m) fumed silica for use as a low-solids gas generating composition. When the oxidizer-fuel mixture is within about 4 percent of stoichiometric balance, the pyrotechnic material provides a low solids gas generant less than about 30 percent solids on combustion, and may be formed as pressed pellets, grains, or granules for use in automotive passive restraint systems.

Abstract: A gas generating composition comprises an organic fuel and an ammonium nitrate oxidizer which is phase stabilized with an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt. The composition also comprises an ammonium salt coolant selected from the group consisting of an ammonium halide, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium sulfamate. A preferred coolant is ammonium chloride.

Abstract: A family of water-based gas-generating liquid compositions is described. A composition of the present invention includes: hydrogen peroxide; ammonium nitrate; and water. Compositions of the present invention may be mixed with fuels to make monopropellants or used in bipropellant or hybrid systems. Alternative uses of the present invention include breathable gas generation.

Abstract: An apparatus (12) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20) comprises a gas generating material (16) which when ignited produces gas to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20). The gas generating material (16) comprises a solid solution of a water soluble liquid oxidizer, a cross-linked hydrophilic gelling agent, and water. The cross-linked hydrophilic gelling agent comprises an effective amount of carbon atoms to provide a combustible mixture with the liquid oxidizer. The cross-linked hydrophilic gelling agent forms a reticulated structure in which the liquid oxidizer and water are immobilized.

Abstract: A gas-generating preparation suitable for being used in an air bag includes ammonium nitrate, a derivative of guanidine and one or more metal carbonates as a deflagration catalyst. By using one or more metal carbonates as a deflagration catalyst, higher burning rates and a lower burning temperature are achieved than if metal oxides such as copper(II) oxide are used as a deflagration catalyst.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection device comprises a body of gas generating material which comprises a solid solution of a water soluble liquid oxidizer and a hydrophilic polymeric gelling agent. The gelling agent comprises carbon atoms in an effective amount to function as a fuel with the liquid oxidizer. The solid solution also comprises water, preferably in the amount of about 5% to about 25% based on the weight of the body of gas generating material. The water reduces the temperature of the gas which is produced and also increases its volume, making the gas generating material suitable for a vehicle occupant protection device. A preferred oxidizer is hydroxyl ammonium nitrate or derivative thereof. A preferred gelling agent is polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: As has been established, the use of energetic materials, generated by manufacturer's excess and/or demilitarization projects, as ingredients in commercial blasting explosives is a feasible and environmentally acceptable method of handling them. Ammonium picrate is used as an explosive charge in the manufacturing of conventional ammunition rounds, such as large caliber navy guns. The present invention is directed to the use of recovered ammonium picrate in commercial blasting agent compositions, that include watergel slurries, ANFO, HANFO-blends and emulsion based blasting agents. These new blasting agents exhibit favorable cost for performance characteristics and have found a use for recovered ammonium picrate, which would heretofore have been incinerated or otherwise disposed of at significant cost.

Abstract: High nitrogen nonazide gas compositions, useful in inflating passenger restraint gas inflator bags, comprise a nonmetal salt of triazole or tetrazole fuel, phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) as a primary oxidizer, a metallic second oxidizer, and an inert component such as clay or mica. The combination of these constituents results in gas generants that are relatively more stable and less explosive, have improved ignitability and satisfactory burn rates, have sustained combustion throughout the various combustion pressures at the inflator level, and generate more gas and less solids than known gas generant compositions.

Abstract: Water in oil emulsion explosive compositions comprises a discontinuous aqueous phase comprising at least one oxygen-supplying component, a continuous organic phase, an emulsifying amount of an emulsifier composition comprising: the reaction product of an amine (C) characterized by the presence within its structure of at least one H—N group and an intermediate formed in the reaction of (A) at least one olefinic compound containing at least one group of the formula  and (B) at least one carboxylic reactant selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formula R3C(O)(R4)nC(O)OR5  (III)  wherein each of R3 and R5 is independently H or a hydrocarbyl group, R4 is a divalent hydrocarbylene group, and n is 0 or 1, and reactive sources thereof and optionally, from about 0.5 to about 2 moles, per mole of (B), of (D) at least one aldehyde or ketone; and optionally a sensitizer.

Abstract: An ammonium nitrate and paraffinic material based gas generating composition is provided. The gas generating composition includes ammonium nitrate as a oxidizer, mixed with a paraffinic material as a fuel. Examples of paraffinic material include paraffin wax, and broadly includes polyolefins. Polyolefins include polyethylene, polypropylene and polybutylene. Additionally, as alternatives, the gas generating composition of the present invention can also include a small quantity of magnesium stearate, potassium perchlorate or alternatively, RDX. The ammonium nitrate oxidizer, the paraffinic material fuel and the additional alternative components are combined and mixed in a predetermined stoichiometric ratio. The gas generating composition is devoid of metal oxides and produces virtually no particulate and slag upon ignition.

Abstract: A gas generating apparatus for outputting a gas is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus is an inflator having a propellant for supplying inflation gas(es) to an inflatable located in a vehicle. A confining member is located adjacent to the propellant. A number of spaced holes are provided in the confining member, either before or after activation of the propellant. Inflation gas is received through the spaced holes for subsequent passage to the inflatable. In that regard, the inflation gas first passes through a chamber defined in a timing member that has metering orifices. Such orifices regulate the flow of the inflation gas to the inflatable. The confining member is able to withstand significant pressures without rupturing. Each of the confining member and the timing member is preferably made of a non-metallic material. The propellant includes a fuel-rich material and an oxidizer material, preferably ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: A family of water-based gas-generating liquid compositions is described. A composition of the present invention includes: hydrogen peroxide; ammonium nitrate; and water. Compositions of the present invention may be mixed with fuels to make monopropellants or used in bipropellant or hybrid systems. Alternative uses of the present invention include breathable gas generation.

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: A gas generating composition, when ignited, produces gas to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. The gas generating composition comprises ammonium nitrate phase stabilized with a moisture indicating material. The moisture indicating material exhibits a color that changes with change in the concentration of moisture within the ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: A body of gas generating material for a vehicle occupant protection device comprises about 40 to about 85 weight percent ammonium nitrate. The body of gas generating material also comprises an amount of a glycidyl azide polymer (GAP). The GAP is cured with a polyfunctional acrylate. The acrylate cured GAP can be used as a binder in the gas generating composition or as an energetic coating on tablets prepared from the composition. The acrylate cured GAP can also function as the sole fuel component in the gas generating composition, the composition being essentially free of an added fuel component. The acrylate cured GAP improves the burn and/or ignition rates of the ammonium nitrate based gas generating composition.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20) and a gas generating composition (16) which when ignited produces gas to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20). The gas generating composition (16) comprises an oxidizer and a fuel component. The oxidizer is an inorganic salt. The fuel component is a keto derivative of RDX or HMX, more specifically a fuel component selected from the group consisting of 2-oxo-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (keto-RDX), 2,4-dioxo-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (di-keto-RDX), 2,4,6-trioxo-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (tri-keto-RDX), 2-oxo-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazacyclooctane (keto-HMX), 2,4-dioxo-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetracyclooctane (di-keto-HMX), 2,4,6-trioxo-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetracyclooctane (tri-keto-HMX), and 2,4,6,8-tetraoxo-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetracyclooctane (tetra-keto-HMX).

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20) and a gas generating composition (16). The gas generating composition (16), when ignited, produces gas to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20). The gas generating composition comprises an oxidizer and an energetic binder system. The energetic binder system comprises at least 90% by weight of a thermoplastic elastomer and from 0 to about 10% of a component selected from the group consisting of a plasticizer, a burn rate modifier, a processing aid and combinations thereof. The thermoplastic elastomer is a copolymer of bis-3,3-nitratomethyl-oxtane (BNMO) and nitratomethy-methyl-oxetane (NMMO).

Abstract: An improved thermally stable, storage stable gas generating composition characterized by both an increased burning rate and a decreased pressure exponent for producing a clean, nontoxic, substantially ash- and solids-free gas for inflating inflatable structures such as vehicle airbags is provided. Optimum combustion efficiencies and operating pressures are achieved in the improved gas generating composition by adding an effective amount of a copper or copper compound catalyst to a gas generating composition that is preferably a eutectic mixture or solid solution of ammonium nitrate, at least one highly oxygenated fuel, potassium or cesium perchlorate or nitrate and an optional binder.

Abstract: Gas generant compositions, such as may be suited for use in inflating automotive inflatable restraint airbag cushions, are provided. Such gas generant compositions generally contain a mixture of guanidine nitrate, ammonium nitrate, and a transition metal ammine nitrate, such as copper diammine dinitrate and preferably also contain one or more ballistic additives.

Abstract: A water resistant blasting explosive comprises an organic carbonaceous fuel, an inorganic oxidizing salt, and particulate filler material, wherein prior to exposing the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt to the organic carbonaceous fuel, from about 15 to about 60 wt % of the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt are retained on a Tyler 10 sieve, from about 15 to about 60 wt % of the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt are retained on a Tyler 14 sieve and from about 20 to about 60 wt % of the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt are retained on a Tyler 20 sieve. The explosive is further characterized in that it is effectively free of gelling agents. The explosive has good water resistance and explosive energy.

Abstract: In a process for the manufacture of explosives from old explosive materials, especially from cyclonite or mixtures containing cyclonite, wherein the old explosive materials are wetted with an organic solvent and transformed into a crumbly mass, the crumbly mass is directly fed into a mixer in which it is mixed with at least an inorganic nitrate and in the process dried into the finished explosive through evaporation of the solvent.

Abstract: Gas generant compositions and methods of processing are provided which produce or result in a relatively high burning rate and low burning rate pressure exponent, while also desirably providing a high gas output, as compared to normal or typical gas generant formulations such as used in association with vehicle occupant restraint airbag cushions.

Abstract: Gas generant compositions and methods of processing are provided which produce or result in a relatively high burning rate and low burning rate pressure exponent, while also desirably providing a high gas output, as compared to normal or typical gas generant formulations such as used in association with vehicle occupant restraint airbag cushions.

Abstract: An ignition enhanced gas generant material and method of making the same utilizing a solvent effective to partially solubilize at least one component of each of a selected ignition composition and, upon application to the gas generant material, at least one component of an associated gas generant material.

Abstract: Thermally stable gas generant compositions incorporate a combination of one or more primary nonazide high-nitrogen fuels selected from a group including tetrazoles, bitetrazoles, and triazoles, and salts thereof; and one or more secondary nonazide high nitrogen fuels selected from azodicarbonamide and hydrazodicarbonamide. The primary and secondary fuels are combined with phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate that when combusted, results in a greater yield of gaseous products per mass unit of gas generant, a reduced yield of solid combustion products, lower combustion temperatures, and acceptable burn rates, thermal stability, and ballistic properties. These compositions are especially suitable for inflating air bags in passenger-restraint devices.

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 present invention is directed to an age-stabilized and/or strengthened ammonium nitrate propellant composition wherein the strengthening agent is selected from the group consisting of azodicarbonamide, dicyandiamide, oxamide and mixtures thereof and wherein the age-stabilizing agent is a molecular sieve having a pore size of 13 angstroms or less.

Abstract: A buffered emulsion blasting agent is disclosed, particularly suited for use in connection with sulfide and pyrite ores. The buffered emulsion blasting agent comprises an emulsifier, an organic fuel in continuous phase, an oxidizer salt solution in discontinuous phase, and a buffering agent comprising a low molecular weight amine. The low molecular weight amine is preferably an alkylamine or alkanolamine having carbon chain lengths of from 2 to 5 and is more preferably diethanolamine. The buffering agent is present in the buffered emulsion blasting agent in a weight percent that is preferably within a range of from approximately 0.1% to 5%, more preferably within a range of from approximately 0.5% to 1%, and most preferably approximately 0.75%.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an airbag explosive composition comprising a fuel ingredient, an oxidizing agent and a binder for binding them, said binder being hydrotalcite group expressed by the following general formula (1), and a producing method therefor:[M.sup.2+.sub.1-x M.sup.3+.sub.x (OH).sub.2 ].sup.x+ [A.sup.n-.sub.x/n. mH.sub.2 O].sup.x- (1)whereM.sup.2+ represents a bivalent metal such as Mg.sup.2+, Mn.sup.2+, Fe.sup.2+, Co.sup.2+, Ni.sup.2+, Cu.sup.2+ and Zn.sup.2+ ;M.sup.3+ represents a trivalent metal such as Al.sup.3+, Fe.sup.3+, Cr.sup.3+, Co.sup.3+ and In.sup.3+ ;A.sup.n- represents an n-valence anion such as OH.sup.-, F.sup.-, Cl.sup.-, NO.sub.3.sup.-, C0.sub.3.sup.2-, SO.sub.4.sup.2-, Fe(CN).sub.6.sup.3-, CH.sub.3 COO.sup.-, oxalate ion and salicylate ion; and0<x.ltoreq.0.33.

Abstract: Water in oil emulsion explosives are prepared by a process in which diazonium salts are incorporated into the explosives matrix and decomposed in-situ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gas-generating pyrotechnic compositions.The compositions according to the invention contain a small amount of epoxy binder, stabilized ammonium nitrate, optionally potassium perchlorate or an organic oxidant containing nitrogen and, characteristically, a reactive organic nitrogen compound selected from nitroguanidine, guanidinium nitrate and oxamide. This reactive nitrogen compound may advantageously be combined with cupric oxide. The compositions according to the invention produce nitrogen-rich gases with very low levels of nitrogen oxides, and find their preferred application in the form of pellets as pyrotechnic charges in gas generators for pyrotechnic extinguishers, for devices designed to inflate external structures or for devices designed to protect the occupants of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The invention pertains to propellants that have a substantially reduced CO concentration in the gas vapors compared to NC propellants. These propellants contain nitroaminoguanidines as main component, explosives as additives and oxidising agents.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions contain a non-azide fuel, phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) and silicon. These gas generant compositions yield inflation gases having a reduced content of undesirable gases such as NO.sub.x and CO. The gas generanting compositions preferably contain 5-aminotetrazole at a concentration of 15-30 wt. % as the fuel, an oxidizer system at a concentration of 35-80 wt. % which comprises phase stabilized ammonium nitrate, at least 0.5 wt. % silicon, about 1 wt. % iron oxide and at least one material selected from binders and processing aids. The gas generating compositions are useful for inflating vehicle occupant restraint devices and for pyrotechnically operated fire suppression devices. The high level of gases produced by the compositions of the invention allow for smaller inflators which reduce the costs of production and the saving of weight.

Abstract: A nonazide gas generant that may be used in an inflation device, such as a vehicle passenger restraint system, comprising a hydrated or anhydrous mixture of nonazide fuel, an oxidizer and a quantity of copper phthalocyanine, otherwise known as Monarch Blue and/or azodicarbonamidine dinitrate. Specifically, the nonazide gas generant composition of the present invention may include phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN), high bulk density nitroguanidine (HBNQ), one or more nonazide fuels, a quantity of copper phthalocyanine and/or azodicarbonamidine dinitrate and optionally a binder. The gas generant composition of the present invention is capable of self-sustained burning at low or ambient temperatures and pressures, important for use in dual stage "smart" inflator automotive passenger restraint systems, while exhibiting a relatively high gas volume to solid particulate ratio upon combustion at acceptable flame temperatures.

Abstract: A liquid monopropellant having(1) from about 10 to about 80 weight percent of an substituted ammonium nate which is methylammonium nitrate, dimethylammonium nitrate, trimethylammonium nitrate, ethylammonium nitrate, diethylammonium nitrate, n-propylammonium nitrate, isopropylammonium nitrate, ethanolammonium nitrate, diethanolammonium nitrate, triethanolammonium nitrate, or mixtures thereof,(2) from about 5 to about 60 weight percent of ammonium nitrate, and(3) from about 5 to about 50 weight percent of water.A second embodiment of this invention is a monopropellant in which ammonium nitrate is omitted and from about 60 to about 95 weight percent of the substituted ammonium nitrate and from about 5 to about 40 weight percent of water is used.

Abstract: A dual explosive charge is described that simultaneously enhances blast and fragmentation characteristics of the charge, including an inner driven charge of a non-ideal explosive surrounded by an outer charge sleeve of a more nearly ideal explosive, detonation of the outer charge resulting in an extremely high temperature, high pressure environment that accelerates reaction kinetics in the inner charge, resulting in enhanced blast and fragmentation performance of the explosive charge.

Abstract: Solvent is extracted by distillation from a residue filtrate generated in producing aluminium paste by filtering a slurry of aluminium particles, at least one fatty acid and a solvent. The distillation produces a residue wax. The wax is used to form a coating composition for coating onto prills of ammonium nitrate to provide at least a part substitute or replacement for conventional fuel oil coatings, especially for use in commercial explosives.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of sensitizing a base emulsion of the water-in-oil type, and the invention provides also a sensitized emulsion explosive comprising an emulsion of the water-in-oil type when produced by the method. The method comprises dispersing, in the base emulsion, a sensitizing solution having a solvent which comprises at most 50% by mass water, the balance of the solvent being organic, and a solute which is a chemical sensitizing agent.

Abstract: A liquid oxidizer for propellants or explosives comprising nitric acid (Hsub.3), ammonium nitrate (NH.sub.4 NO.sub.3), and water.

Abstract: Nonazide gas generant compositions, useful for inflating passenger restraint gas inflator bags, comprise a multimetallic coordination complex oxidizer selected from coordination complexes comprised of anionic nitro and nitrito ligands coordinated with a transitional metal template, and a cationic component comprised of two or more different metals. The gas generant compositions generate relatively more gas and are significantly less toxic than known azide gas generant compositions, and furthermore, generate solids that are readily filterable.

Abstract: A gas generating composition, particularly for inflating devices such as air bag inflators, includes an effective amount of an exploded aluminum powder to both increase the burning rate and lower the composition's pressure exponent.