Abstract: A gas generating pyrotechnic composition that in addition to a primary fuel component and a primary oxidizer component includes critical relative amounts of elemental carbon and cupric oxide. Also provided are associated methods for producing an inflation gas for an occupant restraint system of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A nitrogen-free gas generator 10 includes an autoignition composition that contains an alkali metal chlorate such as potassium chlorate as an oxidizer, a carboxylic acid such as DL tartaric acid as a fuel, and a desiccant in operable communication therewith. Gas generating systems 180 such as vehicle occupant protection systems 180, containing the gas generator 10, are also provided.

Abstract: A gas generator 10 includes an autoignition composition that contains an alkali metal chlorate such as potassium chlorate as an oxidizer, a carboxylic acid such as DL-tartaric acid as a fuel, and a desiccant in operable communication therewith. Gas generating systems 180 such as vehicle occupant protection systems 180, containing the gas generator 10, are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high-density rocket propellant and associated recoilless launching systems and methods with tungsten powder added providing substantial mass to the propellant for additional impulse, absorption of sound, optimization of back blast and carry weight, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the high-density rocket propellant includes tungsten mass percentages of between about 70%-about 80%, equivalent to about 17%-about 26% by volume.

Abstract: A cool-burning, smoke-generating signaling composition free of oxidized-carbon burning rate accelerant or a magnesium carbonate coolant, wherein the composition comprises a mixture of potassium bromate, KCYAH, an augmenting organic fuel, a solid particulate with selected signaling characteristics, and a polyvinyl alcohol binder.

Abstract: Alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions which, upon combustion, produce or result in an improved effluent and related methods for generating an inflation gas for use in an inflatable restraint system are provided. Such alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions include at least one alkali metal perchlorate present with a mean particle size in excess of 100 microns. Such alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions also include or contain a suitable non-azide, organic, nitrogen-containing fuel and at least one copper-containing compound selected from the group consisting of basic copper nitrate, cupric oxide, copper diammine dinitrate-ammonium nitrate mixture wherein ammonium nitrate is present in the mixture in a range of about 3 to about 90 weight percent, copper diammine bitetrazole, a copper-nitrate complex resulting from reaction of 5-aminotetrazole with basic copper nitrate and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A self igniting pyrotechnical sparkler. The sparkler includes a nonflammable support member or rod substantially covered with a pyrotechnic coating composition along one end and a pyrotechnical igniter coating covering over part of the pyrotechnic coating. The igniter coating including a mixture of potassium chlorate, antimony sulfate, powder aluminum, particulate magnesium, binder and/or glass beads.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions include a combination of melamine and maleic hydrazide as a primary fuel; and a primary oxidizer consisting of ammonium nitrate and potassium chlorate. Gas generators and vehicle occupant protection systems incorporating the present compositions are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pyrotechnic aerosol fire suppression compositions that burn rapidly, but coolly. The rapid burning of the compositions of the present invention produces a voluminous flame-suppressive aerosol that is useful in suppressing and/or extinguishing both small and large fires. The compositions of the invention contain at least one oxidizer and a fuel component comprising at least one organic acid salt, which combination produces a rapid burning composition that burns at low temperatures with little or no flame and have a low heat of combustion.

Abstract: Alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions which, upon combustion, produce or result in an improved effluent and related methods for generating an inflation gas for use in an inflatable restraint system are provided. Such alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions include at least one alkali metal perchlorate present with a mean particle size in excess of 100 microns. Such alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions also include or contain a suitable non-azide, organic, nitrogen-containing fuel and at least one copper-containing compound selected from the group consisting of basic copper nitrate, cupric oxide, copper diammine dinitrate-ammonium nitrate mixture wherein ammonium nitrate is present in the mixture in a range of about 3 to about 90 weight percent, copper diammine bitetrazole, a copper-nitrate complex resulting from reaction of 5-aminotetrazole with basic copper nitrate and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Propellant compositions are provided herein for use in small arms cartridges. Such propellant compositions include from about 70 to about 90% by weight of a cellulose-based organic fuel, from about 5 to about 30% by weight of a non-azide, nitrogen-containing primary organic oxidizer and from about 0.5 to about 10.0% by weight of a secondary nitrate, perchlorate, chlorate or peroxide oxidizer. Preferably, such compositions are in the form of extruded shaped hollow cylindrical grains having a length in the range of 0.030 to 0.200 inch, a diameter in the range 0.040 to 0.070 inch, and having a coaxial opening there through having a wall grain thickness in the range 0.008 to 0.016 inch. Ignition grains are also provided for use alone or in a mixture with the propellant compositions. When used in a small caliber firearm or muzzleloader, the temperature of combustion is at a level that ensures substantially complete combustion of the fuel during firing so that the products of combustion are mostly gaseous.

Abstract: A solid state moderated chemical reaction for use with a heating device comprises the complete reaction between iron powder and the oxidizer sodium chlorate in stoichiometric balance such that the oxygen, rather than being emitted externally to the device, is fully reacted internally in the heating device to a solid oxide. A heating device comprises a heating chamber defining an interior space for receiving and storing a substance to be heated, a heater for use as a source of heat which includes a reaction chamber, a solid state reaction composition disposed within the reaction chamber such that it is physically isolated from and in thermal communication with the interior space of the heating chamber, an activation mechanism in communication with the composition disposed within the reaction chamber, and wherein the reaction composition is inert until the activation mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: Alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions which, upon combustion, produce or result in an improved effluent and related methods for generating an inflation gas for use in an inflatable restraint system are provided. Such alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions include at least one alkali metal perchlorate present with a mean particle size in excess of 100 microns. Such alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions also include or contain a suitable non-azide, organic, nitrogen-containing fuel and at least one copper-containing compound selected from the group consisting of basic copper nitrate, cupric oxide, copper diammine dinitrate-ammonium nitrate mixture wherein ammonium nitrate is present in the mixture in a range of about 3 to about 90 weight percent, copper diammine bitetrazole, a copper-nitrate complex resulting from reaction of 5-aminotetrazole with basic copper nitrate and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Methods of making and resultant compositions thereof, which include copper-oxalyldihydrazide-based complexes, such as pyrotechnic compositions, gas generants, and ignition materials, which are useful, for example, in inflatable restraint systems. Synthesis of one or more copper-oxalyldihydrazide complexes with nitrate and/or hydroxide counter ions provides a composition that may auto-ignite at a low enough temperature to be based with thermally sensitive gas generants. The present copper-oxalyldihydrazide complexes may also be used in conjunction with various oxidizers to produce compositions with sufficient energy to auto-ignite practically any known pyrotechnic composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to the development of a low-density granular Oxidizing Agent (PAN), the ingredients of which do not segregate and are conferred with explosive properties through the simple mixture thereof with combustible ingredients, thereby producing a low density granular Blasting Agent (PANFO). PANFO has many applications in the mining industry, in both open-pit and underground operations, said agent being suitable for use alone in applications intended to control damage to the banks or mixed other explosives typically used in the industry. According to the invention the density of the mixture can be adjusted to the conditions of the rock to be blasted and, consequently, the fragmentation requirements can be maximised.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a composition for a pyrotechnic compound that can be used as a thermal fuse in a gas generator comprising a pyrotechnic charge, said pyrotechnic compound having a self-ignition temperature that is lower than that of the pyrotechnic charge of the generator so as to be capable of initiating combustion of the pyrotechnic charge in the event of abnormal heating of the generator before said pyrotechnic charge reaches its self-ignition temperature. This composition is characterized in that it can be metered out and deposited in the form of an adhesive onto any appropriate support of the generator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tracer composition for tracer bullets and other projectiles. One preferred formula of the tracer composition generally includes about 58 parts by weight of magnesium, about 38 parts by weight of polytetraflouroethylene, about 4 parts by weight of acrylic rubber, and a burn rate stabilizer such as about 1.5 parts by weight of carbon black or graphite. Tracer bullets including the tracer composition of the invention tend to exhibit a projectile path that is almost unnoticeable to the naked eye but quite visible through the use of equipment detecting energy in the near infrared range.

Abstract: A gas generating composition of the present invention contains at least one fuel selected from carboxylic acids, salts of carboxylic acids, and polymers; at least one perchlorate salt; and/or at least one metal oxide or metal hydroxide. A gas generating system 200 containing a gas generant in accordance with the present invention is also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid inflator including: a pressurized gas and a solid gas generating agent that generates a combustion gas as a gas source, the solid gas generating agent including at least an oxidizing agent and a binder, the pressurized gas including 15 mol % or more of oxygen.

Abstract: An azide-free gas-generating composition for use in gas generators for safety arrangements, in particular in gas generators for vehicle occupant restraint systems, includes a fuel and an oxidizer. The fuel is a compound having a melting point of at least 120 degrees C., and is selected from the group of nitrogenous organic compounds and of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, and mixtures, derivatives and salts thereof. The oxidizer comprises tetrakis(2,2,2-trinitroethyl)orthocarbonate (TNEOC), with the TNEOC being present in a proportion of at least 10% by weight of the composition.

Abstract: A novel compound, used for example, as a gas generating fuel, is methoxy carbonyl-5 amino tetrazole. A method of making the compound is also provided. A gas generating composition, containing the novel compound as a fuel, and an oxidizer is also provided. The novel compound may be contained within a gas generant composition 12, within a gas generator 10. The gas generator 10 may be contained within a gas generating system 200 such as an airbag inflator 10 or seat belt assembly 150, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system 180.

Abstract: Sulfur-free and carbon-free, white propellant compositions for use as a blackpowder substitute in firearms, munitions, and pyrotechnics to form combustion byproducts that are water soluble and are free of corrosive sulfur compounds and black carbon residues. Formulations include a fuel agent selected from the group consisting of sodium benzoate, lactose, sodium salicylate, sodium m-nitrobenzoate, and mixtures thereof. The fuel agent is combined with dextrin, potassium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, and tricalcium phosphate. Dicyanodiamide may be incorporated in the formulation as a burn rate modifier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pyrotechnic aerosol fire suppression compositions that burn rapidly, but coolly. The rapid burning of the compositions of the present invention produces a voluminous flame-suppressive aerosol that is useful in suppressing and/or extinguishing both small and large fires. The compositions of the invention contain at least one oxidizer and a fuel component comprising at least one organic acid salt, which combination produces a rapid burning composition that burns at low temperatures with little or no flame and have a low heat of combustion.

Abstract: A solid state thermite reaction composition is provided comprising a fuel component, an initiating oxidizer, a primary oxidizer, a fluxing agent and a thermal diluent. According to another aspect, a heating device is provided comprising a heating chamber for receiving and storing a substance to be heated having at least two walls, a reaction chamber affixed to a wall of the heating chamber, a solid state thermite reaction composition located within the reaction chamber and an actuatable trigger mechanism affixed to the reaction chamber such that the trigger mechanism is in contact with the reaction composition. According to another aspect, a solid-state thermite reaction activation mechanism is provided comprising a first compound substantially in contact with a thermite reaction fuel, a second compound and a removable barrier located between the first and second compounds preventing any contact between the first and second compounds.

Abstract: A process for producing a pyrotechnic delay composition includes admixing an oxidizer, a fuel, a surfactant and a liquid, to form a paste or slurry. The paste or slurry is dried to remove the liquid and to obtain a solid product which, if necessary, is rendered into particulate form. Optionally, the solid particulate product is classified to obtain a pyrotechnic delay composition in particulate form.

Abstract: A gas generating composition 12 containing a polyvinylazole is contained within an exemplary gas generator 10. A gas generating system 200 incorporates the polyvinylazole therein. A vehicle occupant protection system 180 incorporates the gas generating system 200.

Abstract: The invention provides an explosive composition obtained by milling a fuel component and an oxidizer component with an aqueous emulsion of a hydrophobic tackifier and drying them, which is high in the water resistance and good in the extrusion moldability and cleanability of a shaping machine and less in the production problem. Also, the explosive composition according to the invention is preferable to be applied as a shaped body to a gas generating agent, an autoignition agent, an enhancer agent or the like. Further, the explosive composition shaped body according to the invention is particularly preferable to be used for a gas generator actuating an automobile safety device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic agent containing at least one azotetrazolate as a component thereof.

Abstract: A solid pyrotechnic composition having a flame temperature and exhibiting ballistic performance comparable to that of black powder, but which does not contain charcoal or sulfur, is provided, as is a method for making such composition. A solid pyrotechnic composition, and method for making the same, which has a flame temperature and exhibits ballistic performance comparable to that of boron/potassium nitrate and that is preferably free of boron is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new type of gas generant that may be used in airbag inflators. This new type of gas generant is designed to be flexible such that it may be used in side-curtain airbag applications and other situations where flexibility of the gas generant is required or desirable. The gas generant will generally include a flexible igniter, which in some instances, will be an electrical wire. The gas generant also includes one or more beads that are made from a gas-generating material. Each of the beads has a connector passage that is designed such that the flexible igniter may be strung through the connector passage in the beads. In some instances, the connector passage will be a hole in the bead through which the flexible igniter may be passed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pyrotechnic aerosol fire suppression compositions that burn rapidly, but coolly. The rapid burning of the compositions of the present invention produces a voluminous flame-suppressive aerosol that is useful in suppressing and/or extinguishing both small and large fires. The compositions of the invention contain at least one oxidizer and a fuel component comprising at least one organic acid salt, which combination produces a rapid burning composition that burns at low temperatures with little or no flame.

Abstract: Ammonium perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions which, upon combustion, produce or result in an improved effluent and related methods for generating an inflation gas for use in an inflatable restraint system are provided. Such ammonium perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions include ammonium perchlorate present with a mean particle size in excess of 100 microns. Such ammonium perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions also include or contain a chlorine scavenger present in an amount effective to result in a gaseous effluent that is substantially free of hydrogen chloride when the gas generant is combusted, wherein at least about 98 weight percent of the chlorine scavenger is a copper-containing compound.

Abstract: A solid heterogeneous, high performance rocket propellant, operable at high pressure with a burn rate relatively insensitive to changes in pressure and temperature, is disclosed. The propellant includes a binder formed from the reaction of a hydroxy terminated polybutadiene with a diisocyanate, ammonium perchlorate as an oxidizer, aluminum as a fuel, and iron oxide as a burn rate modifier. The ammonium perchlorate is a multimodal mixture of large paryticles with a weight mean diameter of about 70 to about 110 ?m and small particles having a weight mean diameter of about 7.5 to about 15 ?m. The propellant may also include bonding agents, curing catalysts, a plasticizer, antioxidant/peroxide scavengers, and pot life extenders.

Abstract: The invention relates to granulated gas charges and their use. Said granulated gas charges, whose combustion fumes are nitrogen-free and low in carbon monoxide, contain a) between 5 and 50% by weight binders; b) between 0 and 90% by weight oxidizing agents; and/or c) between 0 and 75% of an organic, notably nitrogen-free, fuel.

Abstract: A low density slurry bridge mix for use in an inflatable restraint system is provided. The low density slurry bridge mix includes zirconium metal, a thermal conductivity enhancer such as aluminum metal, potassium perchlorate oxidant, and a binder material and has a dry density of about 45 to about 65 percent of theoretical density. The low density slurry bridge mix may be used in an initiator including an unground header attached to a raised bridgewire wherein the low density slurry bridge mix surrounds and adheres to the bridgewire.

Abstract: A nitrocellulose-free, gas-generating composition for use in vehicle occupant restraint systems, in particular in a belt tensioner gas generator, substantially consists of at least one nitrogen-containing organic fuel in a proportion of 55 to 70% by weight, an inorganic oxidator in a proportion of 30 to 45% by weight, at least one combustion moderator in a proportion of up to 10% by weight and up to 5% by weight conventional adjuvants and additives, each in relation to the overall weight of the composition. The composition has a pressure exponent of less than 0.35 and a combustion rate at 200 bar of at least 40 mm/s.

Abstract: A gas generating composition is obtained in which an amount of a combustion residue based on a unit amount of a gas generated is reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to pyrotechnic primer charges produced on the basis of metal powders or metal hydride powders, potassium perchlorate and binders. In order to obtain a homogenous mixture, the powdery components are mixed with a liquid dispersing agent in a suspension with the aid of ultrasound and dosed having said consistency. Mixing for obtaining a suspension can also be carried out directly in a casing receiving the pyrotechnic primer charges.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic compositions such as used in initiator devices and corresponding initiator devices having a low firing energy are provided. The pyrotechnic composition includes a mixture containing a fuel component which includes a quantity of at least one Iron Blue Pigment and an oxidizer component which includes at least one oxidizer effective, upon reaction initiation with at least a portion of the quantity of the at least one Iron Blue Pigment, to produce gaseous reaction products. The pyrotechnic composition may additionally include a burn rate enhancing additive such as zirconium metal powder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-based explosive having detonation properties similar to dynamite. It comprises an emulsion explosive formed by blending an emulsion phase with cast particles. The emulsion phase comprises a continuous organic liquid fuel phase, a discontinuous inorganic oxidizer solution phase and an emulsifier. The cast particles comprise a mixture of sodium perchlorate, water and diethylene glycol. The cast particles can be added to the emulsion phase before the particles are completely cured and thus before they reach final sensitivty.

Abstract: An improved seismic method comprises the steps of generating seismic waves by exploding an explosive composition in a subterranean formation, wherein the explosive composition comprises a first explosive material and an oxidizable metal material, and detecting the seismic waves and/or reflections thereof with seismic detectors. Also disclosed are geophysical survey systems that comprises a seismic energy source comprising a first explosive material and an oxidizable metal material, the seismic energy source being located in a subterranean formation, and a plurality of seismic detectors that are adapted to detect seismic waves generated when the seismic energy source explodes and reflections of these waves. A method of preparing an explosive composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nitrocellulose-free, gas-generating composition for use in vehicle occupant restraint systems, in particular in a belt tensioner gas generator, substantially consists of at least one nitrogen-containing organic fuel in a proportion of 55 to 70% by weight, an inorganic oxidator in a proportion of 30 to 45% by weight, at least one combustion moderator in a proportion of up to 10% by weight and up to 5% by weight conventional adjuvants and additives, each in relation to the overall weight of the composition. The composition has a pressure exponent of less than 0.35 and a combustion rate at 200 bar of at least 40 mm/s.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic compositions such as used in initiator devices and corresponding initiator devices having a low firing energy are provided. The pyrotechnic composition includes a mixture containing a fuel component which includes a quantity of at least one Iron Blue Pigment and an oxidizer component which includes at least one oxidizer effective, upon reaction initiation with at least a portion of the quantity of the at least one Iron Blue Pigment, to produce gaseous reaction products. The pyrotechnic composition may additionally include a burn rate enhancing additive such as zirconium metal powder.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic compositions such as used in initiator devices and corresponding initiator devices having a low firing energy are provided. The pyrotechnic composition includes a mixture containing a fuel component which includes a quantity of at least one Iron Blue Pigment and an oxidizer component which includes at least one oxidizer effective, upon reaction initiation with at least a portion of the quantity of the at least one Iron Blue Pigment, to produce gaseous reaction products.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic burster composition combines high explosive energy when confined, with reduced ignition hazard when unconfined. The composition includes pyrotechnic mixtures of KClO4, metal powders, and pentaerythritol or terephthalic acid.

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: The oxygen generation compositions include about 0.5-15% by weight of a substantially carbon-free metal fuel, and about 0.1-20% by weight of alkali metal silicate, stannate, titanate or zirconate as a reaction rate and core rheology modifier and chlorine suppresser. The oxygen generating compositions also contain about 0.1-15% by weight of a transition metal oxide catalyst; and the remainder is substantially an alkali metal chlorate or perchlorate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low temperature autoignition composition for safely initiating combustion of a main pyrotechnic charge in a gas generator or pyrotechnic device exposed to flame or a high temperature environment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fire suppression composition, comprising a propellant comprising a fuel and an oxidizer, said propellant capable of generating inert gas; and a fire suppression additive selected from the group consisting of iron-containing compounds, non-halide potassium salts, and combinations thereof. Useful iron-containing compounds include ferric oxide, ferric carbonate, ferric oxalate, and iron cyanide dyes. Useful potassium salts include potassium acetate, potassium acetylacetonate, potassium bicarbonate, and potassium carbonate. The invention is also directed to a fire suppression apparatus that utilizes the above fire suppression composition.

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.