Inflation Fluid Source Patents (Class 280/741)
  • Patent number: 11958136
    Abstract: A metal assembled body including a first member formed by forging a metal material, the first member including a peripheral wall portion in which a metal flow is formed along an axial direction and an extending portion extending from the peripheral wall portion and having an opening, the peripheral wall portion and the extending portion being formed integrally, and a closing member welded to a welding surface on the extending portion to close the opening, before the closing member is welded, the extending portion being formed to expose an end portion of the metal flow at the welding surface, and a welding position of the closing member on the welding surface being set to make a width of a first region larger than a width of a region excluding the first region, the first region being a region divided by a welding site, where arrival of a gas is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akifumi Noda
  • Patent number: 11951931
    Abstract: A gas generator includes, a housing having a first container including a first bottom surface portion and a second container including a second bottom surface portion, the housing being formed by joining the first container and the second container, and an igniter attached to a mounting hole formed in the second bottom surface portion of the second container, the mounting hole including a passing region in the mounting hole, through which the igniter is passing, and a tip region around the passing region, the tip region being located, in a radial direction of the housing, outside an imaginary outer contour line when the igniter is projected onto the second bottom surface portion, in which paired edge portions intersect with each other to form a tip portion having a convex shape protruding outward in the radial direction of the housing on the outermost side of the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Nishikawa, Masato Hirooka
  • Patent number: 11865998
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator (10), especially for a vehicle safety system, comprising a sleeve (60) positioned inside the gas generator (10) which sleeve has first flow orifices (68) and encloses an ignition chamber (52) including first propellant (50), wherein a combustion chamber (56) filled with a second propellant (54) is connected to the outside of the sleeve (60), the combustion chamber being surrounded by a diffusor (70) located inside the gas generator (10) and having second flow orifices (78), and comprising a baffle plate (12) which has third flow orifices (14) and surrounds the diffusor (70), wherein the sleeve (60), the diffusor (70) and the baffle plate (12) are adhesively bonded to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: ZF AIRBAG GERMANY GMBH
    Inventor: Bernd Weber
  • Patent number: 11724664
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gas generator for a vehicle safety system, comprising a first ignition stage, and a second second ignition stage. The first ignition stage comprises a cup-shaped diffuser with a diffuser base and an adjacent diffuser sidewall (57). The first ignition stage, the diffuser and the second ignition stage are arranged along an axial longitudinal axis of the gas generator and the diffuser is positioned between the first and second ignition stages such that the second ignition stage is fastened on an outer area of the diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: ZF Airbag Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Englbrecht, Johannes Ebner, Hans-Peter Neumayer, Benedikt Peters
  • Patent number: 11718263
    Abstract: An adaptor for connecting a fill tube to an inflator includes a sleeve configured to fit over a discharge end portion of the inflator and to be connected to the inflator. The adaptor also includes an end portion comprising a nipple configured to receive and connect with the fill tube, wherein the sleeve is configured to direct inflation fluid discharged from the inflator toward the nipple, and the nipple is configured to direct the inflation fluid into the fill tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: ZF PASSIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS US INC.
    Inventors: Douglas Gould, Gabriela Diaz, David Varcoe, Jason Bare
  • Patent number: 11680027
    Abstract: Cool burning hydrate fuels are provided for gas generant compositions for automotive inflatable restraint systems. The cool burning hydrate fuel is a compound comprising carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, a transition metal, and optionally nitrogen. The cool burning hydrate fuel is a transition metal salt of an organic compound or transition metal complex salt having (i) at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of: amide, imide, hydroxyl, carboxylic acid, and combinations thereof, (ii) an oxygen-to-carbon mole ratio of greater than or equal to about 0.5, (iii) at least one-half a water molecule of hydration, and (iv) an exothermic heat of formation of at least about ?400 KJ/mole. The fuel may have a water release temperature of ?about 140° C. The cool burning hydrate fuel may be one or more of copper cyanurate dihydrate, a copper melamine oxalate dihydrate, and a copper malonate hydrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan V. Mendenhall, Gary K. Lund, Jadd Shelton
  • Patent number: 11572030
    Abstract: An inflator assembly arranged in an airbag system for use in a vehicle includes an elongated inflator with at least one mounting stud for mounting the inflator assembly in the vehicle and a gas deflector having a back plate and a front cover with at least one opening to diffuse gas generated from the inflator. The front cover is slid on the back plate along a longitudinal axis of the inflator such that the front cover is slidably engaged with the back plate to enclose a portion of the inflator. Further, the front cover and the back plate are securely engaged with each other by a crimp process to prevent opening or deforming of the gas deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: David Walker Parkinson, Matt Cox, Louis A. Mueller, Nathaniel Lee Gerlach, Terry Alan Wheelwright
  • Patent number: 11543223
    Abstract: An ammunition cartridge including a case, an ignitable material within the case and an optical primer for igniting the ignitable material. The optical primer includes a conductive cylindrical cup electrically coupled to the case and a circular conductive button including a top button portion positioned in the cup and a bottom button portion extending through an opening in the cup, where the button and the cup are electrically isolated. The optical primer further includes a first bracket electrically coupled to the button, a second bracket electrically coupled to the cup, and a pair of laser diodes electrically coupled in a reverse parallel direction and being electrically coupled to the first and second brackets, where one of the laser diodes generates a laser beam that ignites the ignition material in response to a current flow in either direction through the case, the cup and the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin L. Callan, Andrew M. Singleton, Ryan M. Crittenden, Michael L. Fisher, Wade Collins, Francis L. Struemph, Edward F. Stephens, IV
  • Patent number: 11536551
    Abstract: A laser ignition assembly comprises first and second mounting surfaces opposed to each other. A central cavity is formed through the surfaces and sized to receive energetic material therein. A vertical solder bridge is formed between the surfaces and an edge emitting laser diode disposed between the surfaces. The laser diode is oriented such that a light fluence therefrom is directed in a radial direction into the central cavity. The surfaces can be circuit boards, e.g., copper clad, rigid circuit boards, and have an annular shape. The central cavity can be further defined by an interboard gap between the surfaces. The ignition assembly can fit within a primer cup of a munition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Stephen Redington, John Hirlinger, Gregory Burke
  • Patent number: 11479205
    Abstract: A dual stage inflator a dual stage inflator for an inflatable vehicle safety device includes a housing defining a first chamber containing a first gas generant material. An ignitor cup is disposed in the first chamber and defines an interior containing an ignitor material. A first ignitor device extends into the interior of the ignitor cup. A combustion cup and a lid are disposed in the first chamber and cooperate to define a second chamber containing a second gas generant material. The combustion cup includes a cup sidewall extending between a first axial end and a second axial end. The first axial end is an open end. The lid is normally in a closed position relative to the combustion cup to close the open end of the combustion cup and is moveable away from the combustion cup in response to an increase of pressure within the combustion cup for venting combustion gas out of the combustion cup. A second ignitor device extends into the combustion cup and closes the second axial end of the combustion cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Romain Danielou
  • Patent number: 11447088
    Abstract: An airbag module for a roof opening of a vehicle having an expandable safety device configured to be deployed after a dynamic vehicle event, such as a vehicle rollover. The airbag module includes a mechanism and an inflator in order to deploy the expandable safety device across the roof opening of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: JOYSON SAFETY SYSTEMS ACQUISITION LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Young, Kurt Kastelic
  • Patent number: 11433839
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for a vehicle. The device comprises a component for the vehicle and an explosive module. The explosive module is configured so as in response to a trigger signal to cause the component to fragment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Heiko Freienstein, Mustafa Kamil
  • Patent number: 11407378
    Abstract: An airbag system and related method of inflating an airbag is disclosed. The airbag system has an airbag cushion having an interior cavity. At least one pyrotechnic gas generating compound is positioned within the interior cavity of the airbag cushion. At least one ignition source is in communication with the at least one pyrotechnic gas generating compound. A control unit is in communication with the at least one ignition source, wherein activation of the at least one ignition source by the control unit causes the at least one pyrotechnic gas generating compound to inflate the airbag cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Inventors: Andras Fenyves, Christopher Swatta
  • Patent number: 11370384
    Abstract: Cool burning gas generant compositions for an automotive inflatable restraint system are provided that include a bismuth-containing compound selected from the group consisting of: bismuth citrate, bismuth subsalicylate, bismuth hydroxide, copper bismuth hydroxy nitrate, bismuth subcarbonate, bismuth suboxalate, and combinations thereof. The gas generant comprises at least one copper-containing component. The gas generant includes at least one oxidizer, fuel, and optional coolant. The maximum flame temperature at combustion (Tc) of less than or equal to about 1700K (1,427° C.). The cool burning gas generant composition generates liquid phase combustion products making it suitable for use in a filterless inflatable restraint system. Copper and bismuth present in the cool burning gas generant composition react to form an alloy having a melting point at or near the maximum flame temperature at combustion (Tc).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan V. Mendenhall, Gary K. Lund, Steven M. Cannon
  • Patent number: 11324254
    Abstract: In one aspect, apparatus is provided for generating an inhalable medium. The apparatus has a container for holding a liquid and a heater for volatilizing liquid held in the container. The apparatus further has a chamber for receiving a material. The apparatus has an outlet. In use liquid volatilized by the heater passes, in the form of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol, through material received in the chamber to thereby entrain one or more constituents from the material to produce the inhalable medium which passes out of the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
    Inventors: Walid Abi Aoun, Oleg Jurievich Abramov, Gary Nicholson, Pavel Firmin, Helena Digard
  • Patent number: 11221197
    Abstract: A gas generator including a housing, an igniter disposed inside the housing, a combustion chamber accommodating the igniter, a gas discharge port provided in the housing, and a filter having a cylindrical shape and disposed between the combustion chamber and the gas discharge port. The filter is positioned inside the housing such that a portion of at least one end surface of two end surfaces in an axial direction of the filter is supported by contact, an outer area positioned outward in a radial direction of the portion that is supported by contact is adjacent to a predetermined space, and a predetermined outer peripheral area of an outer peripheral surface of the filter near the at least one end surface is supported by contact. According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress a short path of combustion gas in a gas generator equipped with a filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11173868
    Abstract: A gas generator including an igniter, a combustion chamber, and a restriction part, the igniter including an accommodating chamber accommodating an explosive therein, an ignition portion provided in the accommodating chamber, and a separating part including a pressure receiving surface, the separating part being configured to be separable from the igniter and movable in a predetermined direction, the combustion chamber being configured to burn a gas generating agent filled outside the accommodating chamber, by the combustion of the explosive, the restriction part provided in a predetermined position in the predetermined direction from the igniter and restricting a movement of the separating part, and the separating part including a guide that directs the combustion product of the explosive by the pressure receiving surface toward the igniter, in a state where the movement of the separating part in the predetermined direction is restricted by the restriction part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Yamamoto, Mikio Yabuta
  • Patent number: 11137234
    Abstract: A gas generator including, an igniter, a housing made of metal and including a gas discharge port and a combustion chamber for burning a solid gas generating agent, the solid gas generating agent being filled at a position where the solid gas generating agent can be burned by actuation of the igniter, and the housing being configured to accommodate the igniter and an isolating member including an isolating wall interposed, inside the housing, between the gas generating agent disposed in the combustion chamber and a bottom surface and a side surface of the combustion chamber, the isolating wall being made from a predetermined resin material and being in contact with the gas generating agent to apply a predetermined holding force to the gas generating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Yamamoto, Mikio Yabuta
  • Patent number: 11091118
    Abstract: A cylindrical inflator has an elongated tubular housing, a hollow tubular filter and a plurality of gas generant pellets. The elongated tubular housing has a first end sealed by an igniter assembly and an opposite second end sealed by a diffuser assembly. The diffuser assembly has a first set of discharge openings sealed by frangible foil, and a combustion chamber interposed and extending between the igniter assembly and the foil sealed diffuser assembly. The hollow tubular filter is positioned inside the combustion chamber and has an enlarged first end compressed against an inner wall of the elongated tubular housing and an elongated narrow portion extending from the enlarged first end of the hollow tubular filter toward the second end of the tubular housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Qiong Lin
  • Patent number: 10981534
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator including: a housing having a top plate, a bottom plate located axially opposite to the top plate, and a circumferential wall located between the top plate and the bottom plate and provided with a gas discharge port; a partition wall provided with a single first communication hole, the partition wall being radially disposed in the housing to partition an interior of the housing into a first combustion chamber on the side of the top plate, which accommodates a first gas generating agent, and a second combustion chamber on the side of the bottom plate, which accommodates a second gas generating agent; a cylindrical guide member disposed between the first igniter attached to the bottom surface and the first communication hole, and provided with a second communication hole in a cylindrical wall thereof, the cylindrical guide member being disposed so as to enclose the first igniter, such that a second end opening thereof is connected to the first communication hole
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoharu Kobayashi, Mikio Yabuta, Yuki Fukui
  • Patent number: 10976139
    Abstract: An igniter assembly including, an igniter, a metal collar arranged around the igniter, and a resin joining portion, the collar including, a joining surface portion having an annular surface covered with the resin joining portion, a first joining groove opened in the annular surface and including a first inner circumferential edge that has a first corner portion formed on the entire circumference of the first inner circumferential edge, and a second joining groove opened in an inner wall surface of the first joining groove and including a second inner circumferential edge that has a second corner portion formed on the entire circumference of the second inner circumferential edge, and the joined state being established when the resin joining portion enters the first joining groove and the second joining groove in a state in which the resin joining portion presses the first corner portion and the second corner portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akifumi Noda, Shinichiro Ukita, Mikio Hirano
  • Patent number: 10926729
    Abstract: A hollow article such as an active bolster for an automobile is formed of an injection molded panel having a ridge and furrow adjacent a panel perimeter and an injection molded sheet having a bonding section at a sheet outer periphery, wherein the bonding section is within the furrow. An injection molded bond is formed between the bonding section and furrow, wherein a compression area where the sheet overlies a region of the panel adjacent the furrow is configured to constrain the bond to the furrow. An associated process and system facilitates mold alignment, part alignment, material strength, design adaptability, efficient processing, reduced labor, increased production rates, reduced energy consumption per part, aesthetically pleasing surfaces, and reduces or eliminates the need for a separate welding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Raj S. Roychoudhury
  • Patent number: 10875489
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator, including an outer shell housing having a top plate, a bottom plate and a circumferential wall provided with a gas discharge port, a combustion chamber accommodating a gas generating agent, a cylindrical filter and an ignition device disposed in a cup-shaped ignition device chamber housing, the bottom surface of the cup-shaped ignition device chamber housing facing the top plate and an end surface of the opening thereof abutting against the bottom plate, a length from an upper end surface to a lower end surface of the cylindrical filter being shorter than a distance from the top plate to the bottom plate of the outer shell housing, and the cylindrical filter being disposed such that the upper end surface faces the top plate and the lower end surface faces the combustion chamber, a cup-shaped cover member which has a bottom surface, a circumferential wall and an opening, further being disposed between the cup-shaped ignition device chamber housing and the cylindr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masato Hirooka, Koji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10821932
    Abstract: A passenger protection apparatus includes an airbag and an inflator. The airbag is configured to hold a passenger sitting on a seat of a vehicle when the airbag deploys, and the inflator is configured to supply gas to expand the airbag. The airbag includes: a main bag configured to hold a head and an upper body of the passenger; sub bags configured to protrude to the passenger to deploy between the main bag and the passenger; and connectors configured to swingably couple the sub bags to the main bag at positions out of a center of the seat in a vehicle width direction, so that the sub bags can swing when a force is applied to the sub bags in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shota Kanegae, Kazuya Yamane, Toru Yamashita, Kenshi Eda
  • Patent number: 10676061
    Abstract: A gas generator includes a cylindrical housing including a top plate portion and a bottom plate portion, an igniter including an ignition portion charged with an ignition agent, and a fixing portion which is formed from a resin molding and fixes the igniter to the bottom plate portion. The fixing portion includes an annular wall portion surrounding an outer circumferential surface of the ignition portion. The annular wall portion has a lower cover portion provided as being continuous in a circumferential direction on a side of the bottom plate portion so as to cover the outer circumferential surface of the ignition portion as being secured to the outer circumferential surface of the ignition portion and an upper enclosing portion provided on a side of the top plate portion at a distance from the outer circumferential surface of the ignition portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: NIPPON KAYAKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yusuke Tanaka, Hiroaki Koyama, Motohiro Kanaji, Shinya Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 10336288
    Abstract: An ignition device includes an igniter fixed to an igniter collar, a first cup member filled with a gas generating component therein, and a second cup member. The first cup member covers the igniter collar to enclose a portion including an ignition portion of the igniter. The second cup member covers the igniter collar to enclose the first cup member. A gap is formed between an outer surface of the first cup member and an inner surface of the second cup member to function as a heat insulating layer. The first cup member has a first opening, and the second cup member has a second opening. At least one of the first opening and the second opening is closed before actuation and is opened only when gas is generated from the gas generating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshihiro Izuma
  • Patent number: 10330261
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a heated gas cylinder assembly are disclosed. The heated gas cylinder assembly may comprise a cylinder shell and a heat exchanger disposed within the cylinder shell. The heat exchanger and the cylinder shell may define an interior chamber configured to hold a gas mixture. The heat exchanger may comprise an inner bore configured to receive a pyrotechnic composition. In response to igniting the pyrotechnic composition, the heat exchanger may provide thermal conduction to the gas mixture. The gas mixture may be simultaneously heated and released, or the gas mixture may be preheated before release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eric McFarland
  • Patent number: 10086790
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator in which no positioning device for a cylindrical filter is needed, and a method of assembling the gas generator. The inside of a combustion chamber is filled with a predetermined amount of a molded article of a gas generating agent in a state in which an outside positioning jig is disposed between a cylindrical filter and a circumferential wall portion of a diffuser shell, and an inside positioning jig is disposed between the cylindrical filter and an inner tube. Upon completion of the filling, the two positioning jigs are removed, and the molded article of the gas generating agent is pressed in by an annular underplate. The cylindrical filter is positioned by this pressing-in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Katsuta
  • Patent number: 10046728
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inflator (10), especially for a vehicle safety system, comprising a combustion chamber (20) containing a pyrotechnical solid propellant bed (21). In accordance with the invention, an igniting mixture (25) is located in the combustion chamber (20), wherein a filler element (30, 30?) is arranged to be movable between the igniting mixture (25) and the solid propellant bed (21) in the idle state of the inflator (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: TRW AIRBAG SYSTEMS GmbH
    Inventor: Sebastian Bierwirth
  • Patent number: 9994188
    Abstract: A gas generating system includes a first housing and a second housing contained within the first housing and engaging the first housing in an interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition LLC
    Inventors: Kyle W. G. Herfert, Gene G. Bishop
  • Patent number: 9969348
    Abstract: Influence from a rear bag section is prevented or suppressed from being applied to an occupant out of position. In a state in which a side airbag inflates and deploys frontward of a side support section of a seat back, a front-rear partition cloth that partitions a bag body into a front bag section and a rear bag section brings an intermediate portion in a vehicle width direction of a front surface of the rear bag section to be recessed toward a vehicle rearward direction so as to be a valley-shaped recessed portion. Through this, even if the side airbag inflates and deploys while the occupant is located frontward of the side support section, it is possible to prevent or suppress influence from the rear bag section to this occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yusuke Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 9950688
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator in which an effect of decreasing the temperature of a combustion gas and an effect of capturing mist of the combustion gas are adjusted. A cup member disposed in a cylindrical housing has one gas passage hole selected from a first gas passage hole, which is formed in part of a circumferential wall on the side of an opening, a second gas passage hole, which is formed in part of a circumferential wall on the side of a bottom portion, and a third gas passage hole, which is formed between the first gas passage hole and the second gas passage hole. By selecting one of the above gas passage holes, the effect of decreasing the temperature of the combustion gas and the effect of capturing mist of the combustion gas are adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Haruhiko Yamashita, Yusuke Komine
  • Patent number: 9945645
    Abstract: An igniter assembly for which an igniter and a conductive igniter collar are integrated via an insulating layer, wherein the igniter comprises a metal eyelet, a metal cover that retains the eyelet therein, an ignition charge that is disposed in the cover and in a space in contact with an end face of the eyelet, a heating body that is connected to the end face of the eyelet, and a conductive pin that passes through the insulating layer and is electrically connected to the heating body. The other end of the conductive pin is exposed from the insulating layer so that a current supplying circuit is connected. An IC tag is disposed in the insulating layer and near the conductive pin. The IC tag has an IC chip and a coil antenna that is wound around the IC chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignees: HITACHI SYSTEMS, LTD., DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeru Yamauchi, Takaaki Yui, Kenichiro Tomoi, Toshiyuki Sakai, Shingo Oda
  • Patent number: 9919173
    Abstract: A fire suppression system for producing an inert gas mixture having a minimal amount of carbon monoxide, particulates, or smoke. The inert gas mixture may be generated by combusting a gas generant. The gas generant may be a composition that includes hexa(ammine)-cobalt(III)-nitrate. The fire suppression system also includes a heat management system to reduce a temperature of the inert gas mixture. In one embodiment, the system includes multiple gas generators and is configured to ignite the respective gas generant of each gas generator in a predetermined, time based sequential order. For example, the gas generant of each gas generator may be ignited in a sequential order at specified time intervals. Methods of extinguishing fires are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Orbital ATK, Inc.
    Inventors: Reed J. Blau, James D. Rozanski, Richard M. Truitt, Gary K. Lund, William P. Sampson
  • Patent number: 9840279
    Abstract: A steering-wheel assembly includes an actuator, an actuator controller, a steering wheel, an attachment, and a data connector (referred to hereinafter as a first data connector). The actuator controller includes a processor and a memory and is communicatively coupled to the actuator. The steering wheel is rotatably coupled to the actuator. The attachment is coupled to the actuator. The first data connector is mounted on the attachment and in communication with the actuator controller. The actuator controller is programmed to instruct the actuator to rotate the steering wheel based on steering-wheel control data provided via the first data connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Samer Abbas, John P. Joyce, Scott J. Lauffer, Steven R. El Aile
  • Patent number: 9834169
    Abstract: A device for activating a passenger protection unit for a vehicle. The device includes a fuel element chamber having at least one fuel element, which is designed to generate a hot gas for activating the passenger protection unit by combustion, the fuel element chamber having an outlet opening for releasing the hot gas into the passenger protection unit, and the pressure container being designed to store a pressurized cold gas, the pressure container having at least one opening for the controlled release of the cold gas into the fuel element chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Klaus Heyer, Rudolf Heinz, Horst Jung, Uwe Iben, Raed Hamada, Werner Nitschke
  • Patent number: 9809191
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic igniter includes at least one pyrotechnic material designed to be ignited by a heating element, a case enclosing the at least one pyrotechnic material, and a plastic overmoulding of the case, forming a fixation interface of the igniter and designed to be inserted into a fixation orifice of a support up to an inserted position. The fixation interface of the plastic overmoulding includes at least one deformable part designed to elastically deform during passage into the fixation orifice and assume during an elastic return a blocking position against the support when the igniter is in the inserted position in order to prevent any withdrawal of the igniter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Marcus Weber, Raimund Nebel, Andreas Guggenberger
  • Patent number: 9556078
    Abstract: A gas generator is provided, the gas generator having a propellant cushion that prevents movement of propellant tablets or grains by providing a bias thereagainst. Furthermore, the cushion is formed from an auto-igniting material thereby functioning not only as a cushion, but also as an enhanced auto-ignition charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Deborah L. Hordos
  • Patent number: 9463765
    Abstract: A gas generating system includes a first chamber activatable to provide a first quantity of gas and a second chamber activatable independently of the first chamber to provide a second quantity of gas. A single opening enables fluid communication between the second chamber and the first chamber. A barrier seals the opening to prevent fluid communication between the first and second chambers prior to activation of the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Brian A. Mayville
  • Patent number: 9301116
    Abstract: A device configured to be removably coupled to a vehicle is described. The device includes at least one sensor configured to detect an impact on the vehicle and a wireless communication device configured to transmit an impact indication signal upon said at least one sensor detecting an impact on the vehicle. Additionally, a method for automatically initiating a cellular phone emergency function in response to an impact on a vehicle is provided. Additionally, an emergency notification system for a vehicle is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignees: Amber Tomer, Clint Tomer
    Inventor: Rex Franklin Tomer
  • Patent number: 9221420
    Abstract: An airbag assembly may include an airbag and an inflator in fluid communication with the airbag. The inflator may have a gas source chamber containing a gas source and a centrifugal flow chamber into which the gas flows from the gas source chamber through a centrifugal flow barrier. As the gas moves through the centrifugal flow barrier, it may be urged to move along a pathway that encircles at least a part of a longitudinal axis of the inflator. The gas may then move toward the longitudinal axis to flow through an orifice of an inward flow barrier. this inward flow may occur at a velocity that is generally too large for entrained particulates. Thus, such particulates may remain in the centrifugal flow chamber. The gas may flow from the orifice into a plenum chamber that releases the gas to the airbag via a plurality of apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Laubacher, Christopher K. Fischer, Bradley W. Smith
  • Patent number: 9199603
    Abstract: A gas generator includes a bottom plate part which is a part of a housing, a cup-shaped member accommodating a transfer charge, a cylindrical filter accommodated in the housing, and an annular first pad member situated in a part on the side of the bottom plate part of a combustion chamber. The cup-shaped member is arranged to project toward inside the combustion chamber, and has a first extension part extending outwardly in the radial direction from a part on the side of an open end along the bottom plate part. The first pad member has a second extension part extending inwardly in the radial direction from an abutting part abutting on the inner circumferential face of the filter along the bottom plate part. By sandwiching the first extension part between the bottom plate part and the second extension part, the cup-shaped member is fixed to the bottom plate part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: NIPPON KAYAKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoshi Ohsugi, Yusuke Tanaka, Naoki Izaki, Yoshitaka Iwai
  • Patent number: 9079808
    Abstract: A gas generator includes a holder made of metal having assembled thereto a cup filled with a gas generating agent and an igniter for burning the gas generating agent. The holder includes a body part, and an igniter fixing engagement part and a cup fixing engagement part projecting from the body part. These engagement parts are bent, so that the igniter and the cup are fixed by crimping to the holder. The engagement parts are both finish shaped by forging processing. A metal flow appearing in superficial layers of the engagement parts extends continuously from the body part through the engagement parts to return to the body part, without being divided in surfaces of the engagement parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: NIPPON KAYAKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshio Matsuura, Shigeru Maeda, Eiji Komatsu, Masahiro Kato, Kenichirou Yamashita
  • Patent number: 9051225
    Abstract: A gas generator contains a housing containing an end closure assembly. An annular end closure is fixed within an annular igniter retainer thereby forming an annular wall for retention of an associated igniter. A first base portion of the annular end closure, and a second base portion of the annular igniter retainer are fixed together, by projection-welding for example, thereby facilitating a cost-effective seal about the igniter when assembled therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Eduardo L. Quioc
  • Patent number: 9051224
    Abstract: A gas generating system is provided including a first housing formed from a polymeric material, and a pyrotechnic gas generant material contained in the first housing. The first housing forms a combustion chamber for the gas generant. An airbag system and a vehicle occupant protection system, each incorporating a gas generating system as described herein, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Mason, David M. McCormick, Richard W. Morgan, Jeffrey Anderson
  • Publication number: 20150137496
    Abstract: An airbag apparatus that prevents a reverse flow of a gas between chambers to allow internal pressures of the chambers to be maintained. The airbag apparatus includes: a cushion portion with a divided internal space including a first chamber and a second chamber; a deflector surrounds a periphery of an inflator with a first gap therebetween to cover a gas ejection port of the inflator. The deflector has a first end portion projecting in a longitudinal direction and forming a space between the first end portions of the deflector and the inflator. A cloth cylindrical member surrounds a periphery of the deflector with a second gap therebetween. The cylindrical member projects from the first end portion of the deflector by a predetermined length so as to allow the first gap and the second gap to be covered in the first end portion side of the deflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kato, Koichi Miyagi
  • Publication number: 20150123387
    Abstract: An airbag device including an inflator, an airbag and a silicone rubber sheet. The silicone rubber sheet is used for a flow passage to feed gas from an inflator to an airbag and is produced by stacking 0.5 mm or more of silicone composition comprising: 100 parts by weight of organopolysiloxane which is represented by the following average composition formula R1SiO(4-n)/2, where in the formula, R1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon group and n represents a positive number of 1.95 to 2.05, and which exhibits an average degree of polymerization of 1,000 or more; 20 to 80 parts by weight of reinforcing silica powder having a specific surface area of 50 m2/g or more; and a curing agent on at least an inner surface of a fiber fabric constituting the flow passage and performing heat curing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicants: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD, TAKATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji Nakamura, Shuichiro Miyata, Masakatsu Hotta, Tsutomu Yoneyama, Masaki Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20150123386
    Abstract: An active bolster for an interior trim surface of an automotive vehicle has a plastic-molded outer trim panel with a closed-loop bonding section on an inside surface. A plastic-molded expandable bladder member has a central attachment section configured to attach to a support structure of the vehicle, a bonding flange along an peripheral edge, and a baffle section between the central attachment section and the bonding flange. The closed-loop bonding section and the bonding flange are configured to define a substantially closed toroidal region therebetween. An attachment body is molded in-situ to substantially fill the toroidal region. As a result of the in-situ molding of the attachment body in the toroidal region, the trim panel and bladder member become bonded via the attachment body resulting in a high bonding strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stacey H. Raines, Sean B. West
  • Publication number: 20150115583
    Abstract: A chamber required to be inflated and deployed at an early stage in an airbag is inflated and deployed in advance so as to protect an occupant at an early stage. An airbag device (1A) is provided with an airbag (10A) which protects an occupant (90) in a vehicle by inflation and deployment by gas, and an inflator (3) which supplies the gas to the airbag (10A). The airbag (10A) has a first chamber (20), a gas distribution port (14) provided in the first chamber (20), and a second chamber (30). The first chamber (20) stores an inflator (3) and is inflated by the gas supplied from the inflator (3). The second chamber (30) surrounds a part of the first chamber (20) including the distribution port (14) and is inflated by the gas supplied from the distribution port (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: ASHIMORI INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hidetaka Azuma, Katsunori Imai, Miwa Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 9010803
    Abstract: A duplex firing inflator structural component and related assemblies are provided. The component includes a molded element that contains a duplex firing initiator assembly including a primary initiator operatively associated with a primary pyrotechnic output composition and a secondary initiator operatively associated with a secondary pyrotechnic output composition. The component also includes a single connector in electrical operative association with the primary and the secondary initiators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, David W. Parkinson, Alan R. Larsen