Abstract: A device for dispensing hydrogen, in particular for supplying gaseous hydrogen for a fuel cell, has a reservoir, a gas connection for removing hydrogen from the reservoir and at least one heating device with which the reservoir is heatable for dispensing hydrogen. In addition, the reservoir is subdivided into at least two modules which are heatable independently of one another.

Abstract: A system for controlling with safety the transfer or control of high pressure fluids from a container for use as to an inflatable escape slide. The pressurized container houses valve mechanisms such as a first and second valve mechanism, with the first valve mechanism controlling by actuation the on off flow of high pressure fluids to the second valve mechanism. The second valve mechanism controls the rate of flow by reducing the pressure for delivery to the inflatable escape slide. A safety valve operates in conjunction with the first valve mechanism and upon breaking of the valve mechanisms from the pressurized container to prevent the contents of the pressurized container from rapid escape or uncontrolled release.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for depositing a flattened droplet on a surface. The method includes the steps of providing a tube with a distal end that contains a microvolume of liquid, issuing an outgoing flow of displacement gas for slowly discharging substantially the entire microvolume of liquid as a droplet on the surface, and controllably blowing one or more bubbles into the droplet for flattening the droplet on the surface.

Abstract: Methods of dispensing meted quantities of hyperpolarized gas to form a hyperpolarized gas mixture include pre-filling a gas syringe with a quantity of non-polarized gas, then introducing the hyperpolarized gas therein while the non-polarized gas is held therein, and expelling both the hyperpolarized gas and non-polarized gas from the syringe. Methods of inhibiting the presence of oxygen in gas flow paths and extraction systems are also described.

Abstract: A canister assembly includes a canister, a plug enclosure, a vent mechanism, a delivery valve mechanism, and a protective handle. The plug enclosure may be attached to the canister at an opening and forms a pressurized seal of the interior cavity of the canister. The vent mechanism automatically reduces pressure when pressure inside the canister exceeds a preset level. The delivery valve mechanism can be automatically and remotely activated subject to a user's control to provide gaseous flow from the canister. The protective handle is fastened to the canister and includes the handle docking element. A docking assembly includes a canister assembly, a manifold assembly, a docking station, and a docking mechanism. The docking mechanism includes a handle docking element and a port docking element. The manifold assembly includes a manifold and at least one port attached to the manifold. The docking station includes a canister bay, protective housing, and the port docking element.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus for transporting compressed gas includes a gas storage system having a plurality of pipes connected by a manifold whereby the gas storage system is designed to operate in the range of the optimum compressibility factor for a given composition of gas. The pipe for the gas storage system is preferably large diameter pipe made of a high strength material whereby a low temperature is selected which can be withstood by the material of the pipe. Knowing the compressibility factor of the gas, the temperature, and the diameter of the pipe, the wall thickness of the pipe may be calculated for the pressure range of the gas at the selected temperature. The gas storage system may either be modular or be part of the structure of a vessel for transporting the gas to the storage system. Since the pipe provides a bulkhead around the gas, the gas storage system may be used in a single hull vessel. The gas storage system further includes enclosing the pipes in a nitrogen atmosphere.

Abstract: A structure for fixing a washer for preventing the deviation of the structure engaged with the inner side of a injection molded pipe holder. A control valve for a gas cylinder comprises a pipe holder having a passage on the outer peripheral surface thereof and injection molded such that a space for engaging a structure and a liner recess having a periphery corresponding to the outer diameter of the structure are formed at the lower portion thereof, and a washer for preventing the deviation and the flowing of the structure with which the pipe is engaged. A plurality of embossed bosses are pressed to the lower portion of the washer by pressing the bosses along the periphery of the extending surface of the engaging inlet of the structure of the pipe holder from a liner recess formed at the lower portion of the pipe holder by using an exterior pressing device to fixing the washer to the pipe holder.

Abstract: A pneumatic oxygen conserver for providing oxygen to a patient. The conserver includes a body having a cavity and a main diaphragm dividing the cavity into first and second chambers. A first inlet passage delivers oxygen from an oxygen supply to the first chamber, and a second inlet passage delivers oxygen from the supply to the second chamber. An outlet passage delivers oxygen from the first chamber to the patient. The main diaphragm is movable between a closed position to prevent oxygen flow through the outlet passage and an open position to permit such flow. Vent passaging vents the second chamber. A pressure sensitive valve is connectable to the patient for permitting flow through the vent passaging when the patient inhales and preventing flow through the vent passaging when the patient exhales.

Abstract: A canister assembly includes a canister, a plug enclosure, a vent mechanism, a delivery valve mechanism, and a protective handle. The plug enclosure may be attached to the canister at an opening and forms a pressurized seal of the interior cavity of the canister. The vent mechanism automatically reduces pressure when pressure inside the canister exceeds a preset level. The delivery valve mechanism can be automatically and remotely activated subject to a user's control to provide gaseous flow from the canister. The protective handle is fastened to the canister and includes the handle docking element. A docking assembly includes a canister assembly, a manifold assembly, a docking station, and a docking mechanism. The docking mechanism includes a handle docking element and a port docking element. The manifold assembly includes a manifold and at least one port attached to the manifold. The docking station includes a canister bay, protective housing, and the port docking element.

Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing system including a fluid storage and dispensing vessel enclosing an interior volume for holding a fluid. The vessel includes a fluid discharge port for discharging fluid from the vessel. A pressure regulating element in the interior volume of the fluid storage and dispensing vessel is arranged to flow fluid therethrough to the fluid discharge port at a set pressure for dispensing thereof. A controller external of the fluid storage and dispensing vessel is arranged to transmit a control input into the vessel to cause the pressure regulating element to change the set pressure of the fluid flowed from the pressure regulating element to the fluid discharge port. By such arrangement, the respective storage and dispensing operations can have differing regulator set point pressures, as for example a subatmospheric pressure set point for storage and a super atmospheric pressure set point for dispensing.

Abstract: A system for controlling with safety the transfer or control of high pressure fluids from a container for use as to an inflatable escape slide. The pressurized container houses valve mechanisms such as a first and second valve mechanism, with the first valve mechanism controlling by actuation the on off flow of high pressure fluids to the second valve mechanism. The second valve mechanism controls the rate of flow by reducing the pressure for delivery to the inflatable escape slide. A safety valve operates in conjunction with the first valve mechanism and upon breaking of the valve mechanisms from the pressurized container to prevent the contents of the pressurized container from rapid escape or uncontrolled release.

Abstract: A first strand of interconnected hollow polymeric chambers is connected to a second strand of interconnected hollow polymeric chambers. A connecting portion of the first strand has an outer surface contour conforming to a portion of the inner surface of a chamber. A partial chamber is formed on the end of the second strand, the partial chamber having an inner surface that conforms to the outer surface of the connecting portion. The connecting portion is inserted into the partial chamber and the two strands are held together by adhesive.

Abstract: A system for controlling with safety the transfer or control of high pressure fluids from a container for use as to an inflatable escape slide. The pressurized container houses valve mechanisms such as a first and second valve mechanism, with the first valve mechanism controlling by actuation the on off flow of high pressure fluids to the second valve mechanism. The second valve mechanism controls the rate of flow by reducing the pressure for delivery to the inflatable escape slide. A safety valve operates in conjunction with the first valve mechanism and upon breaking of the valve mechanisms from the pressurized container to prevent the contents of the pressurized container from rapid escape or uncontrolled release.

Abstract: An aerosol container 10 having a perforated nozzle member 11 disposed at a distal end of a container body 12 with a content stored therein and for discharging the content onto the sole of a foot by stepping on the perforated nozzle member 11, wherein projections are provided at a location surrounding a plurality of nozzle ports 14 formed in the perforated discharge nozzle member 11 and an interval between a sole side of the foot and the nozzle ports 14 is retained by the projection when the perforated discharge nozzle member 11 is stepped on. The projections surrounding the plurality of nozzle ports 14 are an annular wall 32 and an upper end of the annular wall 32 is defined as an opening having a size dimension able to be covered with the sole of a foot.

Abstract: A refrigerant dispensing tool includes a three section body with a top manifold section having an evacuation port, a refrigerant supply port and an oil supply port. The intermediate body section has three elongated and converging valve chambers which connect with the corresponding ports and receive corresponding elongated fluid pressure balancing valve members. The valve members are independently operated and precisely controlled by corresponding air actuated pistons which receive pressurized air from corresponding air ports within the manifold section. An air actuated and spring biased annular piston is supported between the intermediate and base sections of the body and operates a set of circumferentially spaced balls which releasably clamp the tool to a stem valve fitting for a refrigerant system.

Abstract: A dynamic blending gas delivery system and method are disclosed. A blended gaseous mixture produced in accordance with the method is used in chemical vapor deposition tools or similar process tools. One embodiment is a multi-step method for processing a plurality of fluids to form a blended gaseous mixture and supplying the blended gaseous mixture to a distribution header from which the blended gaseous mixture is delivered to at least one tool. The first step is to supply a first fluid. The second step is to heat the first fluid to a temperature where at least some portion of the first fluid is a vapor. The third step is to superheat the vapor portion of the first fluid to a temperature sufficient to avoid condensation of the blended gaseous mixture delivered to the at least one tool. The fourth step is to supply a second fluid.

Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing system including a vessel for holding a fluid, an adjustable set point pressure regulator in the interior volume of the vessel, a dispensing assembly in fluid flow communication with the regulator for dispensing fluid at a pressure determined by the set point of the regulator, and an adjusting assembly exterior to the vessel for in situ adjustment of the set point of the internally disposed regulator. By such arrangement, fluid storage and dispensing operations can have respectively differing regulator set point pressures, as for example a sub-atmospheric pressure set point for storage and a super-atmospheric pressure set point for dispensing.

Abstract: A valve for use in an inflation system wherein the valve has a spring regulated piston which regulates the flow rate through the valve into the inflatable member, such that if the flow rate gets too high, the regulating piston will divert some or all of the flow out a neutral thrust over pressure relief vent, which vents outside the inflatable member. The valve also has a secondary form of overpressure relief in the form of a neutral thrust diffuser which also dumps outside of the inflatable member. Fluid is prevented from flowing out of the neutral thrust diffuser by a burst disk, but if the fluid pressure is high enough, the burst disk will burst, and the fluid will flow out of the neutral thrust diffuser.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for loading pressurized liquefied natural gas (PLNG) into a plurality of containers containing pressurized vapor, wherein the containers are loaded in succession. The containers may be onshore or onboard a ship or other ocean transporting vessel. As a first step, the liquefied gas is introduced into the containers, thereby discharging the vapor therefrom. Vapor discharged from the containers is passed to auxiliary storage tanks comprising a first tank and a second tank. Vapor from at least one of the tanks is withdrawn and passed to a vapor utilization means such as a liquefaction plant for liquefaction of the vapor or to an engine or turbine for use of the vapor as fuel. Fluid flow to and from the first and second tanks is regulated to assure that the total flow rate of vapor to the vapor utilization means remains at a relatively constant flow rate.

Abstract: An air bag inflator providing a source of gas, releasable upon command, to inflate a supplemental inflation restraint (SIR) system commonly known as an automobile air bag. Provided is a pressure vessel containing one or more separate chambers for the purpose of storing gaseous fuel(s) and gaseous oxidizer(s) or liquid fuel(s) and liquid oxidizer(s) under pressure with helium as the primary filler gas. The primary function of the helium gas is to serve as a kinetic damper to modulate and control the reaction rate of the fuel(s) and oxidizer(s). Because of its low mass, high thermal conductivity and high heat capacity for its mass, helium is an excellent filler gas. In the case of the gaseous fuel(s) and oxidizer(s) a single chamber is provided. In the case of liquid fuel(s) and oxidizer(s), two or more separate housings are provided for storing the liquid fuel(s) and oxidizer(s).

Abstract: A gas generator including a housing, at least one pipeline connected to the housing and directing generated gas to an airbag, a coupling piece which connects the housing with the pipeline, and at least one elastic seal. The seal is arranged between the coupling piece and the housing and also between the coupling piece and the pipeline. The seal has projections penetrating into recesses in the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering abrasive suspensions includes a reservoir containing an abrasive suspension, a loop for delivering the abrasive suspension to a point of use, the loop being connected to the reservoir, a pumping arrangement for circulating the abrasive suspension in the loop and for ensuring its return into the reservoir, the loop and the reservoir being arranged for recovering the abrasive suspension after circulation in the loop at a recovery point of the reservoir, and a control system for controlling the pumping arrangement so as to maintain a continuous circulation of the suspension.

Abstract: A container system for pressurized fluids that includes a plurality of generally ellipsoidal chambers connected by a tubular core. The tubular core is formed along its length with a plurality of apertures each of which is positioned within one of the chambers. The apertures are of comparatively small size so as to be able to control the rate of evacuation of pressurized fluid should a chamber be ruptured.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for unloading a plurality of containers having pressurized liquefied gas contained therein. A pressurized displacement gas is fed to a first container or group of containers to discharge the liquefied gas therefrom. The displacement gas is then withdrawn from the first container or group and it is separated into a first vapor stream and a second vapor stream. The first vapor stream is heated and passed to the first container or group. The second vapor stream is fed to a second container or group to discharge liquefied gas therefrom. Communication between the first container or group and the second container or group is severed and the foregoing steps are repeated for all of the containers in succession, with only the last container or group emptied of liquid remaining at the pressure of the displacement gas, and all of the containers at the end of the process except the last container or group being filled with a lower pressure vapor.

Abstract: An airbag inflator assembly is disclosed that includes a container containing a charge of pressurized gas and having a peripheral surface surrounding an opening in the container. A burst disc member has one side capacitive discharge welded to the peripheral surface of the container to seal the opening and thus confine the pressurized gas within the container. An ignitor assembly includes an ignitor assembly housing and ignition elements constructed and arranged to generate sufficient force to break the seal formed by the burst disc member and release the pressurized gas from the container. The ignitor elements are disposed substantially within the ignitor assembly housing. The ignitor assembly housing is an integrally formed unitary construction capacitive discharge welded to a side of the burst disc member opposite to the one side.

Abstract: A container system for pressurized fluids that includes a plurality of generally ellipsoidal chambers connected by a tubular core. The tubular core is formed along its length with a plurality of apertures each of which is positioned within one of the chambers. The apertures are of comparatively small size so as to be able to control the rate of evacuation of pressurized fluid should a chamber be ruptured.

Abstract: The present invention is an attachment that can pressurize a beverage container with carbon dioxide or other suitable pressurized gaseous fluid. The attachment has a first threaded opening that can be screwed onto the container and a second opening which can be coupled to either a pressurized gas cartridge or a pressurized gas tank. Extending from the carbonator is a button that is coupled to a valve which controls the flow of gas into the container. The button and valve are coupled to a spring that functions as a regulator which controls the gas pressure within the container. When the button is depressed, the valve is opened and gas flows into the container until the gas pressure overcomes the spring force and closes the valve. Varying the displacement of the button varies the spring force and the gas pressure within the container. The user can thus vary and control the gas pressure of the container by manipulating the button.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes an inflator structure (12), a rupturable closure member (48), and an initiator assembly (14). The inflator structure (12) defines a chamber (15) storing inflation fluid (16) at an elevated storage pressure. The closure member (48) is fixed and sealed to the inflator structure (12) to block the inflation fluid from flowing outward from the chamber (15), and is subjected to the storage pressure. The initiator assembly (14) includes pyrotechnic material (88) and a support structure (82, 84) which is mounted on the inflator structure. The support structure (82, 84) adjoins the closure member (48) in a load bearing relationship so as to transmit a storage pressure force from the closure member (48) to the inflator structure (12). When the pyrotechnic material (88) is ignited, it produces combustion products that rupture the support structure (82, 84).

Abstract: The present invention uses a flow restrictor in the form of a tube containing multiple capillary sized passages to minimize any discharge of toxic gases from compressed gas cylinders in the unlikely event of the control valve or regulator failure. The use of this arrangement to provide a flow restriction in combination with a regulator in the form of dispensing check valve provides a virtually fail safe system for preventing hazardous discharge of fluid from a pressurized cylinder or tank. The multiple capillary passage structure provides carefully sized openings that minimize any discharge of gas. Location of the inlet to the capillary tube at the midpoint of the cylinder can also prevent the discharge of liquid from the cylinder if the control valve system fails. Limiting the accidental discharge of fluid from the cylinder to gas phase fluids greatly reduces the uncontrolled mass flow rate at which fluid can escape from the cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflator device that is adapted for producing a sufficient quantity of a gaseous product to substantially inflate an inflatable member. The inflator device has a first stage gas source in fluid communication with a second stage gas source, which, in turn, is in fluid communication with the inflatable member. The second stage gas source contains a liquified gas in an amount sufficient to inflate the inflatable member upon vaporization of the liquified gas, and the first stage gas source is capable of providing a sufficient quantity of gas at a sufficiently high temperature to the second stage gas source to vaporize substantially all of the liquified gas in the second stage gas source.

Abstract: The invention provides A pneumatically sealed rapidly attachable and demountable A-clamp type yoke for filling compressed gas cylinders having valves designed for interengagement for A-clamp type yokes, the A-clamp type yoke comprising an A-clamp type yoke housing, an opening in the housing for receiving the spout of a tank valve, a stepped cylindrical bore in the housing connected to the opening, a stepped cylindrical piston-like element held in and guided for reciprocal movement in the stepped cylindrical bore, the piston-like element being provided with a through-going conduit for gas flow and with an annular surface surrounding the outlet of the conduit and sized for sealing abutment against a sealing surface of the spout of the tank valve inserted in the opening, a compression spring in the stepped cylindrical bore urging the piston-like element and the annular surface thereof into engagement with the spout, and means of attachment of the yoke to a source hose, the means including a conduit leading to th

Abstract: A gas delivery system includes a capsule for storing a propellant fluid, e.g. helium under pressure, e.g. between about 60 and 80 bar. The capsule is provided with a stopper having a stem formed with a frangible section. In use, mechanical means is employed to rupture the stem about the frangible section to release the fluid under high pressure.

Abstract: An insulated container that is open on top and contains phase change material travels along a conveyor. The container initially stops under an infrared sensor whereat its initial interior temperature is determined. A microprocessor uses the temperature data to determine the amount of cryogenic liquid that must be added to the container so that its phase change material will be frozen to a predetermined temperature. A cryogenic liquid dispenser charges the container with an amount of cryogenic liquid determined by the microprocessor. The cryogenic liquid dispenser includes a phase separator which depressurizes cryogenic fluid received from a bulk storage tank. Once the container is charged, it may be loaded with perishables, examples of which include food, blood or chemicals.

Abstract: A method and system for re-fueling natural gas vehicles, at home, utilizing a hydraulic pressurization-chamber instead of a conventional mechanical compressor, to boost low-pressure gas (usually about 1 psi) up to the 3500-4000 psi required to re-fuel automotive equipment. This Residential Refueling Facility (RFF) will acquire natural gas from a residential public utility gas line into a flexible bladder located inside a steel high-pressure vessel where it will be pressurized by pumping a hydraulic fluid into the annulus between the outside of the bladder and the inside walls of the steel vessel. When the increased pressure reaches a level above the pressure existing in the on-board storage tanks on the vehicle being re-fueled, the gas in the bladder will be squeezed out to the on-board storage tank. The process is then repeated until the on-board storage tanks are filled.

Abstract: This inflator of this invention includes a casing with a chamber containing an oxidizer gas. An exit port is located at one end of the casing which is closed by a burst disk. An exit tube extends into the chamber from the exit port to provide an orderly path for generated gases to leave the chamber. A fuel cell holding a liquid fuel is located at another end of the casing. A piston is driven in the fuel cell by gases from an igniter to drive the liquid fuel into the chamber. An igniter channel interconnects a region containing hot gases from the igniter to a region in the chamber where the liquid fuel and the oxidizer gas are mixed together. An injector tube conveys the fuel from a discharge end of the liquid fuel cell to a combustion region adjacent the igniter channel.

Abstract: An inflator for a safety restraint system includes a gas storage vessel having a mouth, and a diffuser extending outwardly from the mouth and defining gas outlet ports. A combustion chamber having a flared open end is secured to the gas storage vessel peripherally adjacent the mouth and defines throttle orifices for releasing inflation gas from the gas storage vessel. A breakaway closure member is secured across the mouth of the gas storage vessel and the open end of the combustion chamber housing, the breakaway closure member including a periphery ring, a translating boss having an initiator mounted therethrough and a skirt slidingly received in the open end of the combustion chamber housing, and a frangible web connecting the boss to the periphery ring. The combustion chamber housing further defines exhaust ports opening to the gas storage vessel, and contains combustible material, which may be pyrotechnic gas generator or fluid fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device includes a container (302) defining a primary combustion chamber (333), a secondary combustion chamber (343), and a gas flow path (312) extending from the primary combustion chamber (333) to the exterior (345) of the container (302) through the secondary combustion chamber (343). The container (302) has first and second opposite end walls (308, 310), and further has inner and outer tubular wall structures (304, 306) extending longitudinally from one to the other of the end walls (308, 310). The secondary combustion chamber (343) has an annular shape defined between the tubular wall structures (304, 306). The primary combustion chamber (333) is one of a pair of primary combustion chambers (333, 335) having cylindrical shapes defined within the inner tubular wall structure (304).

Abstract: A gas generator, in particular for vehicle passive restraint systems, is constructed without pyrotechnical components for gas production, gas release, or gas heating. The gas generator includes a compressed gas container having an opening that is releasably closed by a closure such as a burst diaphragm, and at least one electrical and/or magnetic device arranged to destroy or release the closure upon triggering. It is also possible to achieve gas heating without the use of pyrotechnical components by coupling electrical and/or magnetic energy from the electrical and/or magnetic device into the gas container and particularly into the gas contained therein.

Abstract: A smoke generator for smoke testing heat exchangers of gas furnaces for the presence or absence of leakage or fluid-tight integrity, the generator having: a smoke chamber housing having upper and lower portions; at least one heating element in the upper portion of the smoke chamber housing; a pump which supplies a gas to the smoke chamber housing; a liquid which fills the lower portion of the smoke chamber housing, wherein the at least one heating element is suspended above the liquid; an applicator of liquid to the at least one heating element; and a smoke vent in the upper portion of the smoke chamber housing.

Abstract: An aerator valve assembly adapted to provide selective fluid communication between a supply of pressurized gas and a pressure vessel and adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the pressure vessel and a bulk material handling structure. The valve assembly includes a valve housing including a valve body, an end cap adapted to be connected to the supply of pressurized gas, and a piston seat having an outlet port adapted to provide fluid communication with the bulk material handling structure. The valve body includes a port adapted to provide fluid communication with the pressure vessel. A piston is located within a chamber of the valve body between the end cap and the piston seat. The piston is selectively slidable between an extended position wherein the piston creates a metal-to-metal seal with the piston seat to seal the outlet port closed and a retracted position wherein the seal is broken.

Abstract: A capsule for storing a propellant fluid, for example, helium under pressure comprises a hollow body which includes a frangible area. An anchor member attaches an arm to the frangible area such that when a force is applied to the arm, said force together with the helium under pressure will cause the frangible area to rupture outwardly of the hollow body thereby to release the helium.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical powder cartridge for powder inhalers for receiving a medicament depot for a large number of pharmaceutical powder doses, having an integrated metering device which comprises at least one metering cavity for receiving a predetermined quantity of a pharmaceutical powder, the integrated metering device being capable of being moved at least out of a filling position into an emptying position approximately transversely with respect to the flow direction of the pharmaceutical powder, and an inhaler for powdered medicaments, in which inhaler the medicament can be received by a patient by means of an air stream and which has a receptacle for such a pharmaceutical powder cartridge.

Abstract: A cover for a fill port of a flow controller of a high pressure fitting for filling a cylinder with a pressurized gas. The cover has a slidable cover plate having elongated flexible members attached thereto, such member having a locking projection that cooperatively fits into a locking recess on the cover plate. The cover plate is movable from a first position covering the fill port to a second position away therefrom. Elastomeric means bias the cover plate towards the first position. A fill port adaptor is used to fill the cylinder through the fill port, and may have a cover that prevents operation when the cover is in place. Both covers are adapted to open when the flow controller is properly placed in a cradle that forms part of the fill port adaptor.

Abstract: A compressed gas inflator to be used in passive restraint airbag systems is disclosed. The inflator includes a manifold which discharges the inflation gas in the direction the airbag cushion is intended to inflate, resulting in less damage being inflicted on the airbag cushion during inflation and more consistent airbag inflation performance.

Abstract: A spool valve controls the release of gas from a pressure vessel into an airbag upon the release of the gas in the event of a collision. The valve uses pilot pressure acting on either end of the spool to actuate the spool. The position of the spool within the valve determines the flow rate through the valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for inflating an inflatable device, methods for inflating an inflatable safety device and a method of manufacturing an apparatus for inflating an inflatable device are provided having a fuel containment assembly to contain a fuel in the form of a fluid. The fuel, upon proper initiation, is burned to produce gas used in the inflation of the inflatable device.

Abstract: A pressure vessel (12) contains a source of inflation fluid for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (11). The pressure vessel (12) includes a surface (52) which defines a passage (54) for inflation fluid to flow from the pressure vessel (12) into the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. A device (68 and/or 96) inside the pressure vessel (12) sends or receives electrical signals. An energy transmitting device (70) transmits energy into or out of the pressure vessel (12) through a wall portion (24) of the pressure vessel (12). The energy transmitting device (70) includes a first portion (72) outside the pressure vessel (12) and a second portion (74) inside the pressure vessel (12). One of the first and second portions (72, 74) of the energy transmitting device (70) converts the energy into electrical current. The second portion (74) of the energy transmitting device (70) is electrically connected with the device inside the pressure vessel (12).

Abstract: An air bag inflator (20) comprises a container (40) defining a chamber (48) for storing inflation fluid at a first pressure. A rupturable closure or rupture disk (102) extends across an opening (60) in the container (40). Each one of a pair of inflation fluid heating assemblies (122, 124) is located in the chamber (48) and includes an actuatable igniter (222) and an ignitable material (168). The igniter (222) in one inflation fluid heating assembly (122) upon actuation, ignites the ignitable material (168) in the one inflation fluid heating assembly to produce combustion products. The combustion products heat the inflation fluid and increase the pressure of the inflation fluid in the chamber (48) to a second pressure to rupture the rupture disk (102).

Abstract: A rapid gas/fluid deploying apparatus for use in a variety of inflating and dispersing applications includes a superatmospheric pressure compressed gas/fluid storage container which is equipped with an explosively rupturable membrane surface element and an explosively rupturing micro miniature charge assembly. When the explosive charge is detonated a pressure equilibrating force compels the gas or fluid into/onto a receiving volume or target.

Abstract: An apparatus for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint includes containing means for receiving gases to provide a combustible mixture of the gases. An igniter is activated to effect ignition of the mixture of gases in response to sudden vehicle deceleration. A directing means directs a flow of gas from containing means into the inflatable occupant restraint. In the preferred embodiment the gases are an inert gas, a fuel gas, and an oxidizer gas. Also, a lean mixture of a fuel gas and oxidizer gas could be used. An improved igniter transmits energy through an imperforate portion of a wall of the containing means to ignite a charge in the containing means. The igniter may include an elongate core disposed in a frangible sheath which is shattered as the core is burned.