Abstract: An electrical switch having a double liquid medium immersion sensing function is disclosed. The switch (121) particularly includes a battery (125) connected to a power outlet (126) via an electronic circuit (124) that only connects the battery to the outlet once a first pair of electrodes (131, 132) have sensed immersion in a predetermined medium, and a second pair of electrodes (133, 134) connected to a pressure sensor (135) have sensed a predetermined immersion depth. Said switch (121) is advantageously connected to a pyrotechnic device (75) for inflating emergency equipment such as life jackets.

Abstract: Hybrid inflators for an inflatable safety system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the hybrid inflator uses a dual function initiator in that the combustion products from the initiator both ignite the propellant by direct contact therewith and propel a projectile through a outlet closure disk to release the stored pressurized medium. In another embodiment, the hardware configuration of the hybrid inflator allows the propellant to be loaded into the inflator after all hardware connections proximate the propellant, which require a weld, have in fact been welded. In another embodiment, the main inflator outlet closure disk is disposed at substantially a mid portion of the inflator. In another embodiment, the propellant gases are required to flow from the combustion chamber and into the stored gas housing prior to exiting the inflator, such by using a projectile to rupture the main inflator outlet closure disk and to thereafter seal the gas generator.

Abstract: A non-lethal incapacitating device comprises a pair of projectiles and trailing wires packaged in a cartridge mountable on the head of a stungun. The cartridge assembly includes a pair of light and directionally stable and non-invasive projectiles having tubular plastic flares, expanded trailing wire coiled in double layers on a rotating magazine, a simple gas capsule side-piercing mechanism, and a compact housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically releasing a gas from a pressurized cartridge of the gas is provided, especially for the purpose of inflating an emergency balloon. The apparatus includes an automatic signal balloon inflator, having a support structure, an upper surface and a bottom plate. The bottom plate has at least a single cartridge mount, each with a vent and a pin port. The pin port connects to the cartridge mount. At least a single pressurized cartridge, containing a gas stored under pressure, is received into each cartridge mount in the support structure. A spring loaded piston is mounted upon the support structure. A plunger with a piston contact surface and a puncture pin is forced by the spring loaded piston to depress and penetrate the pressurized cartridge, releasing the gas contents of the pressurized cartridge through the vent. A firing spring forces the piston to engage the plunger.

Abstract: A gas-propelled toy comprises a vehicle body having opposed front and rear ends, a cartridge of pressurized gas carried by the vehicle body, the cartridge presents an elongated, tubular neck outlet and a frangible plug terminal adjacent to the end of the neck outlet for preventing release of gas from the cartridge, the cartridge is oriented adjacent to the rear end of the vehicle body with the neck outlet facing rearwardly, and an annular, thrust-enhancing exhaust nozzle having a sidewall disposed about the neck outlet, and an apertured end plate adjacent to and in substantial registry with the plug terminal. The aperture presents an arcuate wall, and is configured for permitting passage therethrough of a firing pin in order to pierce the plug terminal and enhancing the thrust due to the subsequent exhaust of said gas within the cartridge, in order to forwardly propel vehicle body.

Abstract: A tank closure (14) has first and second parts (60,62) which are friction welded to each other. The first part (60) of the tank closure (14) is formed of steel, and includes a rupturable closure wall (20). The second part (62) of the tank closure (14) is formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and has a fluid flow conduit (64) communicating the closure wall (20) with an outlet opening (22).

Abstract: A hybrid adaptive airbag inflator with initially low pressure upon deployment. The inflator includes two separate chambers, each containing a quantity of stored inert gas. Each chamber additionally includes a heating device to heat the stored gas. To provide adaptive performance, one, or the other, or both of the heating devices may be fired, depending upon the severity of the collision. At least one of the chambers includes a quantity of gas generating material associated with a projectile. The heating device causes combustion of the gas generating material, which in turn causes the projectile to move and pierce a burst disc sealing the chamber. This permits the gas to exit the inflator before substantial heating of the stored gas, and thus at a lower pressure, to reduce the possibility of the cushion injuring the passenger.

Abstract: An an inflator for the inflation of inflatable articles such as life vests and the like, such inflator being operated automatically upon being subjected to water as upon the ditching or parachuting of an aviator wearing a life vest provided with such inflator. In the preferred embodiment of the inflator disclosed, the automatic operating portion of it is embodied as an attachment to a known manually operated inflator, the resulting inflator being capable of operation both manually and automatically. The automatic operating portion of the inflator incorporates a releasable blocking device which holds an actuator pin operated by a coil compression spring in cocked condition until the releasable blocking device releases the actuator pin, which thereafter thrusts a piercing pin against and through the sealing diaphragm of a gas-containing capsule.

Abstract: To provide a device (100) for inflating a container or a floating body, more particularly a life jacket, with the aid of a cartridge filled with pressure gas, which device comprises a releasing mechanism being independent of a tablet and being easily ready for operation, allowing a flexible operation and permitting an easy adjustment of the delay time in the case of release, it is suggested that, in said releasing unit (11; 11a-c), said first means comprise a sensor (49, 60, 73) which transmits an electric signal and that said second means comprise an electrically controllable locking means which, in the operative state, holds said retaining element in the retaining position and releases the same in the case of release.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher has a pipe member for containing a cylinder filled with liquefied extinguishing gas, and a pusher guide member and a nozzle having an ejection hole formed therein are fitted to upper and lower openings, respectively, of the pipe member. A cylinder receiver to which the cylinder is fitted is mounted to the pusher guide member, and a pusher having a needle provided with a striker pin is movably arranged within the pusher guide member. Axial movement of the pusher is inhibited by a safety plate fitted in a groove formed in the outer peripheral surface of the pusher.

Abstract: A pressure vessel (10) includes a tank (12) and a closure structure (14) with a breakaway part (90) exposed to fluid pressure in the tank (12). The breakaway part (90) is severable from the closure structure (14) for movement outward from the tank (12) under the influence of elevated fluid pressure. The pressure vessel (10) further includes a probe (144) which moves forcefully against and through the closure structure (14) to puncture a hole (210) through the breakaway part (90). The probe (144) guides the breakaway part (90) to move outward from the tank (12) telescopically over the probe (144) under the influence of the elevated fluid pressure.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator for an airbag system using a projectile is disclosed. The projectile includes a rod portion and a stop end portion larger in diameter than the rod portion, a plurality of grooves functioning as a passageway of the gas flow are formed on the rod portion, and an end of the rod portion tapers to a point. The inflator includes an actuator assembly in which the projectile and a propellant are retained. The actuator assembly is secured to a container storing a pressured gas so that a portion of the actuator assembly projects into the container. A blocking cap isolates the container from the actuator assembly. When the airbag system initiates activating, projectile ruptures a circular upper surface of the blocking cap and a burst disk and the hot combustion gases tear away portions of side wall of the blocking cap.

Abstract: The constant quantity injection valve (1) comprises a valve housing (2), a first and a second valve (3, 4) respectively including valve pins (8, 9) and ring-like packings (10, 11), and a measuring chamber (5) formed in the valve housing between the two valves. The valve housing has a gas blow-out passage extending along its axis. The individual valves are located on the upstream and downstream sides (7a, 7b) of the blow-out passage, and the valve pins are axially movable and respectively include closing sections (12, 13), opening sections (14, 15) and inclined sections (16, 17) connecting the two sections. The ring-like packings are made of an elastic material with a rubber hardness of 90.degree. or above, the three sections of each of the valve pins being detachably mounted on the peripheral wall of the blow-out passage.

Abstract: An inflator (20, 220) for inflating an air bag comprises a housing (22, 222) having a central axis (A, A1). The housing (22, 222) defines a substantially toroidal chamber (46, 246) disposed around the central axis (A, A1). An outlet opening (64, 264) in the housing (22, 222) provides fluid communication between the toroidal chamber (46, 246) and the air bag. A mixture of gases is stored in the toroidal chamber (46, 246) and comprises a combustible gas and a substantially noncombustible inflation gas for inflating the air bag. A closure (102, 302) of the housing (22,222) has a first condition blocking the flow of gas from the toroidal chamber (46, 246) to the outlet opening (64, 264). The closure (102, 302) has a second condition allowing the flow of gas from the toroidal chamber (46, 246) to the outlet opening (62, 262).

Abstract: A thermally activated relief valve is used with a compressed gas storage cylinder. A valve body has a passage for communication with the interior of the cylinder. A metal disc sealing the passage has a first side exposed to the interior of the cylinder and a second side opposite the first side. A cutting end of a movable hollow bayonet is positioned in the passage of the valve body adjacent to the second side of the metal disc. A spring biases the bayonet toward the metal disc. A thermal trigger is operably coupled to the bayonet for holding the bayonet in spaced relation to the metal disc until the thermal trigger reaches a predetermined temperature threshold. Upon reaching the predetermined temperature threshold, the thermal trigger releases the bayonet thereby allowing the cutting end of the hollow bayonet to move toward the metal disc under force exerted by the spring to pierce the metal disc and thereby expose a flow path through the hollow bayonet.

Abstract: A gas cartridge introduced into the housing of the invention is punctured by a pin moved by an arm designed to show through a window whether the cartridge is full or empty. A pulling on a tab rotates the arm to action, in puncturing the cartridge and a spring then locks the visual display in position. The pin is provided with a cone-shaped head which prevents any re-arming of the arm from changing the display to show that the cartridge is full, when in fact the cartridge has been spent.

Abstract: A tire inflation device for delivering a fluid, such as carbon dioxide, from a liquid gas cartridge to a pneumatic tire wherein the device has a capability of controlling inflation to enable the user to achieve a preset desired tire pressure. A cartridge activating mechanism is provided. A cartridge securing mechanism is provided which prevents removal of an activated, unspent cartridge from the inflating device.

Abstract: Integrally incorporated in a squib is a locking feature that allows a projectile to be attached to it any time between assembly of the squib and installation of the squib into the inflator. This design enhances the safety of the squib by permitting handling without the projectile attached. It also minimizes the number of parts required to perform the function of rupturing a burst disk in an inflator by combining the function of the projectile with the protective covering of the squib body.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher has a pipe member for containing a cylinder filled with liquefied extinguishing gas, and a pusher guide member and a nozzle having an ejection hole formed therein are fitted to upper and lower openings, respectively, of the pipe member. A cylinder receiver to which the cylinder is fitted is mounted to the pusher guide member, and a pusher having a needle provided with a striker pin is movably arranged within the pusher guide member. Axial movement of the pusher is inhibited by a safety plate fitted in a groove formed in the outer peripheral surface of the pusher.

Abstract: An inflator for the inflation of inflatable articles such as life vests and the like, such inflator being operated automatically upon being subjected to water as upon the ditching or parachuting of an aviator wearing a life vest provided with such inflator. In the preferred embodiment of the inflator disclosed, the automatically operating portion of it is embodied as an attachment to a known manually operated inflator, the resulting inflator being capable of operation both manually and automatically. The automatically operating portion of the inflator incorporates a releasable blocking device which holds an actuator pin operated by a coil compression spring in cocked condition until the releasable blocking device releases the actuator pin, which thereafter thrusts a piercing pin against and through the sealing diaphragm of a gas-containing capsule.

Abstract: The present invention is an inflation system utilizing an inflation device and an adaptor therefor. The inflation device includes a cylindrical housing which receives a pressurized cartridge of gas, a head unit, and a nozzle. The head unit of the device includes structure for creating and delivering a metered bolus of gas per each actuation of the device. The device audibly indicates to the user when a single bolus of gas has been successfully delivered to an inflatable bladder. In another aspect of the invention, an elastomeric inflation port which serves as an adaptor for connecting the inflation device of the invention to an inflatable bladder is provided. The inflation port of the invention may also function as a fluid release mechanism to vent fluid from the bladder.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator comprises a housing formed of welded-together metal stampings defining a toroidal gas chamber surrounding a center tie and storing pressurized gas therein. The center tie has a generally cylindrical sidewall and an outlet wall at an upper end thereof defines a rupturably sealed outlet orifice. An inverted stamped metal cup is matingly received in the center tie. The lip of the cup is welded to the lower end of the center tie, and the cup sidewall is circumferentially grooved for separating a sliding piston portion under pressure. A squib support wall and squib closes the lower end of the center tie and inverted cup to define a combustion chamber containing a pyrotechnic gas generant which, upon ignition, causes the inverted cup to separate at the groove and drive the sliding piston upwardly to an open position uncovering inlet openings from the combustion chamber to the gas storage chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable device, such as an air bag (12) for restraining a vehicle occupant, comprises a pressure vessel (40), an ignitable propellant material (154) and a cup member (150). The pressure vessel (40) defines a sealed storage chamber (44) containing inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable device. The propellant material (154) produces combustion products including heat for heating the inflation fluid in the storage chamber (44). The cup member (150) has a piston portion (290) which is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The piston portion (290) of the cup member includes a plunger portion (160) which opens the pressure vessel (40) upon movement of the piston portion (290) from the unactuated position to the actuated position. The cup member (150) further has a rupturable portion (178) which holds the piston portion (290) in the unactuated position.

Abstract: An inflator (10) includes a striker (20) movable into engagement with a burst disk (16) to rupture the burst disk and allow stored gas to flow from a container (14) through passage means (60-64) into an air bag (not shown). A piston (30) connected for movement with the striker (20) is disposed in a cylinder (80). An initiator (32), upon actuation, moves the piston (30) in the cylinder (80) to move the striker (20) into engagement with the burst disk (16). An end portion (154) of the striker (20) removes a portion (142) of the burst disk (16) which includes an area of intersection of score lines (132-138) on the burst disk. Combustion products of the initiator (32) flow into the cylinder (80). The combustion products flow through openings (180, 152) around the piston (30) and around the striker (20) into the passage means (60-64) prior to and after rupturing of the burst disk (16).

Abstract: An inflator adapted to be heat-sealed directly to an inflatable article thereby obviating the need for inflation manifolds and the like. The inflator of the invention comprises a housing having an integrally formed mounting flange composed of a plastic material such as polyurethane, polyester or polyether capable of being easily sealed to the materials conventionally used in the manufacture of inflatable articles such as personal floatation devices, rafts, buoys and emergency signaling equipment. A pierce pin assembly is reciprocatably mounted within a bore in the housing. A firing lever is pivotably connected to the rear of the housing in alignment with the rearward end of the bore and is operatively configured such that upon pivotable movement by means of a lanyarded ball, the pierce pin assembly is forced forwardly within the bore to pierce the frangible seal of the gas cartridge.

Abstract: A device as provided for the inflation of a container or a floating body of an item of lifesaving equipment with compressed gas. A compressed gas container sealed with the aid of a diaphragm is provided which, within the region of the container neck, possesses an external thread that can be screwed into a receiving aperture in a housing which is provided with a corresponding internal thread. The gas content of the container is released by opening the diaphragm with the aid of an opening striker disposed in the housing, which can be moved against the diaphragm by a hand lever and/or by the force of a spring. An indicating part indicates the screwing-in state of the compressed gas container, i.e., whether the compressed gas container is screwed-in so far into the receiving aperture that reliable operation of the device is guaranteed.

Abstract: An inflator (20) for inflating a vehicle air bag (22) comprises a housing (42, 44) defining a toroidal chamber (46) containing an inflation fluid for inflating the air bag. The toroidal chamber (46) extends around a central axis (A) of the housing (42, 44). A rupturable closure member (102) is fixed to the housing (42, 44) for blocking fluid communication from the toroidal chamber (46) to the air bag (22) when the closure member (102) is in an unruptured condition. The closure member (102) is located along the central axis (A) of the housing (42, 44). A first actuatable initiator (142) is supported in the housing (42, 44). The first initiator (142), when actuated, effects the rupture of the closure member (102) to allow inflation fluid to flow from the toroidal chamber (46) to the air bag (22). A second initiator (182) is also supported in the housing (42, 44).

Abstract: A self-cooling fluid container includes a fluid chamber for containing the fluid-to-be-cooled. A refrigerant chamber, containing a pressurized refrigerant, is integral with the base of the fluid chamber and extends at least partially into the fluid chamber. The interior region of the refrigerant chamber is fluidicly isolated from and thermally coupled to the interior region of the fluid chamber. A refrigerant dispersal assembly defines a vented dispersal region including a portion adjacent to the refrigerant chamber and separated from the interior of that chamber by a perforatable wall. A cooling activator is adapted to selectively form a fluidic path from the interior of the refrigerant chamber to the dispersal region through the perforatable wall, permitting release and expansion of the pressurized refrigerant.

Abstract: The present invention is a pressurized gas inflation device for inflating an inflatable article of manufacture. In the preferred embodiment, the device includes a cylindrical housing which receives a cartridge of pressurized gas, a head unit and a nozzle. The head unit includes a valve assembly for controlling the flow of gas through the device. The nozzle includes a means for controlling the flow rate of the gas flowing through the nozzle and a means for relieving the build-up of excess pressure. The nozzle of the device may be structured to couple in a fluid-tight manner with an adaptor of an inflation valve. The adaptor of the present invention includes a top surface, at least one side wall and several apertures for receiving fluid from an inflation device or for venting fluid from a bladder.

Abstract: An inflator (10) includes a piston (136) which is welded in a housing (40). The piston (136) has a single circular stress riser (192). A diffuser portion (190) of the piston (136) has an outer surface (214) disposed in a plane of an end wall (54) of the housing (40). Upon actuation of the inflator (10), ignitable material (220) ignites in a combustion chamber (156) in the piston (136). The pressure increases in the combustion chamber until the stress riser (192) on the piston (136) ruptures. The diffuser portion (190) of the piston (136) separates from a mounting portion (180) and moves to a position out of the plane of the end wall (54).

Abstract: An autoinflator for automatically actuating a gas cartridge upon sensing of water. The autoinflator includes a fusible link actuator assembly positioned within a longitudinal bore. The fusible link assembly includes an actuator housing with a blind link hole, an actuator cap, and a pair of retaining balls protruding from the sides of said actuator housing which engage into a corresponding slot in the longitudinal bore to retain the actuator housing in a cocked position. A slidable link, positioned within the blind link hole, includes an annular groove positioned about its circumference at a rearward portion thereof and a taper positioned at a forward position thereof. A fusible link interconnects the actuator cap and the slidable link for retaining the slidable link rearwardly in a cocked position within the blind link hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a small utility air storage tank that includes a pressure gage and an air flow regulator. The storage tank may be used alone or in conjunction with a second storage for storing and supplying a larger amount of air for use with an airbrush or air blower. The storage tank and second storage tank may be filled with air from an air source. One of the storage tanks may be filled by discharging gas cartridges into the storage tank. An auxiliary tank may be attached to the storage tank for use in sand blasting or to create a vacuum.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflating a vehicular inflatable device adaptable to a variety of fuels and oxidants wherein a fluid fuel is burned and mixed with stored, pressurized gas to produce inflation gas containing little or no particulate.

Abstract: A hybrid air bag inflator is provided including an elongated first pressure chamber storing a compressed gas with first and second apertures; a first membrane sealing the first aperture; a second membrane for sealing the second aperture; a tube fluidly connecting with the first aperture and extending a substantial portion of the length of the first pressure chamber; a second pressure chamber mounted adjacent the first pressure chamber exposed to the first membrane; an igniter within the second chamber; a pyrotechnic material packaged within the second pressure chamber; a piston with a first end mounted in the tube and a second end for puncturing the second membrane, the piston being held in position within the central opening of the diffuser cap by a rupturable retainer; and a deflector ring mounted on the piston and encircling the same.

Abstract: An inflator assembly (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (12) includes a pressure vessel (14) with a storage chamber (18) containing a combustible mixture of gases. An ignitable material (122), when burning, ignites the combustible mixture of gases in the storage chamber (18). The storage chamber (18) has an axis (61), first and second opposite ends which are spaced from each other a distance along the axis (61), and a substantially circular cross sectional shape at all locations along the axis (61). The storage chamber (18) has a shape such that the ratio of the distance between the opposite ends of the storage chamber (18) to the greatest cross sectional diameter of the storage chamber (18) is within the range of 0.75-1.25.

Abstract: A luggage stuffer for soft-wall luggage comprises an air-tight bladder containing a gas supply mechanism which is activatable to inflate the bladder to fill a storage volume of the luggage. In this way, the luggage is inflated for display.

Abstract: An inflator assembly (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (12) includes a pressure vessel (14) with a storage chamber (18) containing a combustible mixture of gases. An ignitable material (122), when burning, increases the pressure of the mixture of gases by igniting the mixture of gases. The mixture of gases is released to exit the storage chamber (18) at a first flow rate and subsequently at a second, greater flow rate. A first gas outlet opening (172) is provided in the pressure vessel (14) when the inflator assembly (10) is actuated, and a second gas outlet opening (186) is subsequently provided in the pressure vessel (14) at a predetermined time. A diffuser (176) directs gas from the gas outlet openings (172) and (186) into the inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (12).

Abstract: An air bag system (10) includes an inflator (14) containing ignitable gas generating material (60) which, when ignited, generates gas for inflating the air bag (12). The system (10) further includes a collision sensor (96), a first actuator assembly (64) and a second actuator assembly (62). The collision sensor (96) senses a predetermined amount of vehicle deceleration which is indicative of a collision, and provides a collision signal upon sensing such deceleration. The first actuator assembly (64) ignites the gas generating material (60) in response to the collision signal. The second actuator assembly (62) ignites the gas generating material (60) when the ambient temperature of the inflator (14) reaches a predetermined elevated level. The second actuator assembly (62) includes a bi-metal disk (112) which deflects from a concave shape to a relatively convex shape when the ambient temperature increases to the predetermined elevated level.

Abstract: A device is provided for the inflation of a floating body of a life jacket with pressure gas from a pressure gas container sealed with a diaphragm. The pressure gas container is screwed into a receiving aperture of a housing bore in a housing, and the gas content of the pressure gas container is released by opening the diaphragm with the aid of an opening striker disposed in the housing, which, by means of a hand lever, can be moved against the diaphragm. The opening striker is retained in its initial position with the aid of a spring. The housing bore communicates with a branch duct, wherein a non-return valve is disposed, while the branch duct terminates within the region of a life jacket connecting piece for supplying the gas content of the pressure gas container to the floating body on the housing outer surface with a gas outlet orifice. The housing can be fabricated in a single manufacturing process and is of one-piece construction.

Abstract: An inflating device, more particularly for life jackets, includes a cartridge filled with pressure gas, which possesses a neck sealed with a diaphragm, and a cutter which, in the event of a release, penetrates with a sharp or pointed bottom portion the membrane on the cartridge. A releasing means, in the event of a release, acts upon the cutter with a force for penetrating the diaphragm. The diaphragm is distinguished by a simplified construction, which in particular permits the employment of a greatly simplified and very inexpensive cutter. It is proposed that the cutter be movably accommodated in a disposable part separated from the releasing means. The disposable part is rigidly connected with the cartridge and, together with the cartridge, can be detachably inserted into the releasing means.

Abstract: An electric autoinflator for inflating inflatable devices such as personal flotation devices, life rafts, buoys and emergency signalling equipment. The electric autoinflator comprises an actuator assembly including a fusible link. A water-sensing electrical circuit and battery supplies electrical current to the fusible link actuator assembly upon immersion in water for a predetermined period of time. Upon fusing of the link, the actuator assembly forcibly causes a firing pin of the inflator to pierce the frangible seal of a compressed gas cartridge. The escaping gas then inflates the inflatable device.

Abstract: A attachment that can be attached to the opening of a container to pressurize the same with a gas. The attachment has a housing which holds a removable cartridge that contains either pressurized nitrogen or CO.sub.2. Extending from the attachment is a button that is connected to a valve which controls the flow of gas into the container. The button and valve are coupled to a spring which functions as a regulator that controls the gas pressure within the container. When the button is depressed, the valve is opened and the gas is allowed to flow into the container. The spring maintains the valve in the open position until the gas pressure overcomes the spring force and closes the valve. Varying the movement of the button varies the spring force and the gas pressure within the container.

Abstract: The invention related to a process for quickly inflating a gas cushion in a safety system of the air bag type in which at least two pressurized filling gases are stored being shielded from each other. Instead of the filling gases, initially only the starting material(s) of one or both filling gases can be stored. In case of need, for instance upon a crash-characteristic signal, the filling gases are released from their reservoirs; if necessary, the starting material(s) of one or more filling gases is/are first ignited due to the crash-characteristic signal and then produce(s) the filling gas. The released filling gases are then concentrated and finally inflate the gas cushion or air bag.

Abstract: Refrigerant discharge pliers for removing refrigerant from the lines of refrigeration systems comprising a first rigid bar having a handle formed on one end and a lower jaw formed on the other end. A second rigid bar having a handle formed on one end and an upper jaw formed on the other end. A pivotal mechanism for coupling the jaws and allowing one bar to pivot with respect to the other. A spacer mechanism coupled between the handles for biasing the jaws. A positioning mechanism coupled to the jaws for holding and positioning a line. A piercing mechanism coupled to jaws for piercing a line held by the positioning mechanism, and a discharge mechanism coupled to the piercing mechanism for draining a pierced line held by the positioning mechanism.

Abstract: A device (100) is provided for inflating, more particularly, a container or a floating body of a piece of lifesaving equipment with pressure gas from a pressure gas container (11) sealed with a diaphragm (14). The pressure gas container, within the area of a container neck (12), has an external thread (13) which can be screwed into a receiving aperture (15) in a housing (10). The gas content of the container (11) is released by opening the diaphragm (14) with the aid of an opening striker (24) disposed in the housing which may possibly be movable by means of a hand lever and by the force of a spring element against the diaphragm (14). The spring element in a pretensioned position, is retained with the aid of an automatic element (35) that loses its solidity in water. The pressure gas container (11) can be screwed into the receiving aperture (15) of the housing while simultaneously pretensioning the spring element.

Abstract: For the sudden release of a gas from a container (10, 12; 60) adapted to store it for a long period of time under a high pressure for the inflation of a gas bag in vehicle occupant restraining system, an obstructing member (26), manufactured of pre-stressed glass, is arranged upstream from the outlet opening (66) of the container (60). On its end surface facing into the interior of the container the obstructing member (26) bears a sealing film (64). On its opposite end surface the obstructing member bears an rectangularly projecting, pin-shaped extension (26a). By fracturing this extension (26a) by a vehicle-sensitive mass (70) the structure of the obstructing member (26) is shattered with the result that the member spontaneously breaks up into small or powder-like particles and frees the outlet opening (66).

Abstract: An inflator comprising: a pressure vessel (10) for storing a quantity of stored inflation gas under pressure. The pressure vessel comprising a first burst disk (46) and a seal disk (310) both for selectively sealing same. The inflator (10) including a gas release mechanism (52, 300) for permitting the controlled, staged release of the inflation gas at determinable inflation rates. The gas release mechanism includes: a first pyrotechnic device, positioned outside of the pressure vessel and spaced from the first burst disk (46), including a piston (72) moved into a disk piercing position to rupture the first burst disk (46) in response to the buildup of pressure caused burning of a first quantity of propellant material (218).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in inflating a vehicle occupant restraint includes a storage chamber (22b) which stores a gas under pressure, and an ignitable material (46b) which produces combustion products when burning. The ignitable material (46b) is contained in a combustion chamber (108b). The combustion chamber (108b) communicates with the storage chamber (22b) before the ignitable material is ignited. The combustion chamber (108b) is closed and isolated from the storage chamber (22b) when the ignitable material (46b) is burning. A burst disk (200) is ruptured by the combustion products in the combustion chamber (108b) to permit passage of the combustion products into the storage chamber (22b) when the combustion products reach a predetermined elevated pressure.

Abstract: An inflator assembly (10) comprises a break away wall portion (58 ) that partially defines a storage chamber (18) for storing gas which is releasable to inflate a vehicle occupant restraint (12). A first ignitable material, when ignited, produces first combustion products to pressurize and supplement the stored gas. A second ignitable material (122), when ignited, produces second combustion products to ignite the first ignitable material. A movable container (104) contains the second ignitable material (122). The movable container (104) is propelled toward the break away wall portion (58) to penetrate and break away the break away wall portion and then to carry away the break away wall portion across the storage chamber (18) when the second ignitable material (122) is burning.

Abstract: An inflation device including a pressure tank having stored therein a quantity of inflation gas under pressure, the pressure tank including a burst disk which prevents egress of the inflation gas from the tank, a sleeve member extending in substantially axial alignment with the burst disk, a piston having a first end portion slidably received in the sleeve member and having a second end portion which includes a cutting edge thereon for puncturing the burst disk. A first pyrotechnic material is positioned adjacent the first end portion of the piston, and a second pyrotechnic material is positioned externally of the sleeve member. Upon ignition of the first pyrotechnic material, a first combustion gas is produced which drives the piston to rupture the burst disk and permit the egress of the stored inflation gas.