Abstract: Solid waste resource recovery in space is effected by pyrolysis processing, to produce light gases as the main products (CH4, H2, CO2, CO, H2O, NH3) and a reactive carbon-rich char as the main byproduct. Significant amounts of liquid products are formed under less severe pyrolysis conditions, and are cracked almost completely to gases as the temperature is raised. A primary pyrolysis model for the composite mixture is based on an existing model for whole biomass materials, and an artificial neural network models the changes in gas composition with the severity of pyrolysis conditions.

Abstract: The refractory protected, replaceable insert for a gasifier includes a replaceable floor edge insert that is formed with a predetermined mating profile that is complementary to a finished mating profile of the gasifier floor. The geometry of the mating profiles of the replaceable floor edge insert and the gasifier floor permit removable engagement between the floor edge insert and the mating profile of the gasifier floor. The replaceable floor edge insert is protected by a ring-like arrangement of hanging refractory bricks that each include an appendage. Each brick appendage covers a portion of the inner radial edge of the replaceable floor edge insert and also covers an upper surface portion of an underlying quench ring, thus prolonging the life of the floor and the quench ring. A refractory ceramic fiber paper can be provided between the hanging brick and the floor edge and quench ring.

Abstract: A biomass gasifier apparatus (10) produces low BTU gas from biomass, while removing the char and ash in an efficient manner. A fluidized bed gasifier cell (20) receives biomass fuel from a fuel input system (280). A preferred fluidized bed gasifier cell includes a vertically oriented cylindrical enclosure. A layer of bed material (40), typically having a consistency similar to sand, is carried at the base of the enclosure. A plenum (60) supplies hot compressed gas to a plurality of parallel manifolds (80), each of which support a number of nozzles (100). Gas released by the nozzles fluidizes the bed, catalyzing the process of gasification of the biomass, while a low oxygen environment prevents excessive combustion. A bed change-out system (120) removes waste introduced into the fluidized bed gasifier with the biomass. Gas discharged from an upper portion of the fluidized bed gasifier includes low BTU gas that is the desired output of the system.

Abstract: Means of conveniently examining nephropathy; and a method of assaying substance(s) in association with nephropathy (for example, podocalyxin and/or nephrin) in the urine to be used in the above means. The above assay method can be provided by releasing proteins in association with nephropathy, which exist on the surface of podocytes, from the cell surface and thus assaying the substances existing on the cell surface and/or free substances contained in the urine.

Abstract: A fabric for use in safety apparel comprising a first set of yarns comprising modacrylic fibers, and a second set of yarns comprising anti-static fibers. The fabric meets the Federal Test Method Standard 191A, Method 5931 for electrostatic decay, and the Electrostatic Discharge Association Advisory ADV11.2-1995 voltage potential.

Abstract: This invention relates to light transmitting filters comprising: (a) a light absorbing layer of material having a front surface and a back surface, (b) transparent microspheres embedded in the light absorbing layer and contacting the front surface of the light absorbing layer with portions of the microspheres protruding through the back surface of the light absorbing layer for transmitting light through the light absorbing layer, and (c) a conformed layer of optically clear material having a front surface and a back surface wherein the front surface of the conformed layer is in contact with and conforming in shape with the protruding portions of the microspheres, and wherein the back surface of the conformed layer has a textured finish. The invention also relates to methods of making these light transmitting filters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor vessel and method for the gasification of carbon-containing fuel, residual and waste materials using an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent and in a reaction chamber which is designed as an entrained-bed reactor, at pressures between ambient pressure and 80 bar, preferably between ambient pressure and 30 bar, the contour of the reaction chamber being delimited by a cooling system, and the pressure in the cooling system always being held at a higher level than the pressure in the reaction chamber, and the cooling system withstanding the maximum possible pressure difference with respect to the reaction chamber, which has been depressurized to atmospheric pressure, which reactor vessel is distinguished by the fact that cooling channels are formed by webs which are in contact both with a refractory protective layer and with the pressure shell.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel system for a vehicle includes a fuel tank having a fuel inlet for receiving a borohydride fuel into a fuel holding portion of an internal cavity, and a waste inlet arranged to receive the waste liquid generated by an on-board hydrogen reaction process. The waste liquid is received into a waste liquid portion of the internal cavity. An expandable divider element is positioned within the tank to keep the fuel holding portion of the internal cavity separate from the waste liquid holding portion. The waste liquid holding portion can be positioned within the internal cavity so as to allow heat from the waste liquid to preheat the fuel stored in the fuel holding portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for starved air gasification of solid organic materials, including biomass and other wastes, to convert the chemical energy stored in such materials to thermal energy or gaseous products that may be used in biochemical and/or chemical synthesis. Specifically, the system utilizes a gasifier having a “moving bed of ash” hearth wherein the feedstock is partially oxidized at a low temperature (less than 1500 degrees F.) in a square or rectangular chamber having a vaulted, tapered or flat roof. Combustion gases from the gasifier are held at temperature using a recovery and regeneration chamber, and then undergo secondary oxidation in an oxidizer. The high temperature gases produced by the system can be utilized to advantage, for example, as the thermal energy source for a conventional heat recovery device such as a heat exchanger, steam generator, hot oil or air heater, or steam boiler.

Abstract: Hydrogen is generated through the use of a fuel solution that is prepared using solid fuel component, e.g., a metal borohydride, and a liquid fuel component, e.g. water. Both of these components are dispensed in response to control signals. The solid fuel component can take different forms, including but not limited to granules, pellets and powder. Various devices, which operate in response to control signals, are disclosed for dispensing predetermined amounts of the solid and liquid components. Advantageously, this solution can be prepared, as needed, so as to obviate the need for storing and disposing of large amounts of highly alkaline fuel and discharged fuel solutions.

Abstract: The honeycomb structure of the present invention is formed from a nonwoven fabric in which a biologically soluble fiber is used, and exhibits superior biological solubility and high heat resistance.

Abstract: An apparatus for parallel processing of reaction mixtures, including a reactor block including reaction chambers for containing reaction mixtures under pressure, the reactor block further including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a first plurality of fluid flow paths providing fluid communication with the first sidewall and respective reaction chambers and the second sidewall and respective reaction chambers; a stirring system including a base plate defining a second plurality of flow paths, wherein respective flow paths of said second plurality of flow paths are in fluid communication with respective reaction chambers and respective fluid flow paths of said first plurality of flow paths, and the base plate also supports a plurality of stirring blade assemblies for mixing the reaction mixtures; interchangeable manifolds supported by the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the interchangeable manifolds defining a plurality of manifold inlet/outlet ports, wherein respective inlet/outlet ports of sa

Abstract: A solid fuel gasifier includes first wall structure (12) defining a gasification chamber (14) and means (50, 52) to collect particulate solid residue from gasification in the gasification chamber. Second wall structure (16) defines a gas combustion chamber (17) and means (19) is arranged for admitting a flow of hot gases from the gasification chamber to the gas combustion chamber as combustion takes place. Also provided is means (178, 170) to conduct hot gases from the gasification chamber and/or gas combustion chamber into thermal contact with said collected particulate solid residue, for facilitating post-combustion and/or post-reduction of the solid residue. Also disclosed are an agitator bed (52, 182) for fine particulate material, and a method of gasification of solid fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for recovering lithium cobalt oxide from spent lithium batteries. The method of recovering lithium cobalt oxide comprises the steps of: separating the anodes by dismantling the spent lithium batteries; obtaining lithium cobalt oxide by reacting the anodes with a strong alkali solution under a certain hydrothermal condition; cooling the lithium cobalt oxide to crystallize; and cleansing the synthesized lithium cobalt oxide to remove foreign objects. The apparatus for recovering lithium cobalt oxide comprises a reactor main body 300 having a sealing cap 320 on the upper section and an agitator 130; an outer reacting container 200 installed inside the reactor main body 300; and an inner reacting container 100 installed inside the outer reacting container 200. The inner reacting container 100 comprises a plurality of holes on the upper section and a separating cap 240.

Abstract: A gasification reactor apparatus (10) comprising a gasification vessel (12), a gas-fired combustion chamber (70) and a combination fan and cyclone unit (20) in an upper part (12′) of the vessel (12) with two functions: first, the fan (62, 64) impels incoming feedstock (14, 14′) centrifugally into contact with the hot inside surface of the vessel to produce rapid onset of gasification. Second, the unit (20) exerts a cyclonic motion on the product gas causing outward separation of particulate matter from the gas, which passes to the outlet via a path through the middle of the vessel (12).

Abstract: The refractory protected, replaceable insert for a gasifier includes a replaceable floor edge insert that is formed with a predetermined mating profile that is complementary to a finished mating profile of the gasifier floor. The geometry of the mating profiles of the replaceable floor edge insert and the gasifier floor permit removable engagement between the floor edge insert and the mating profile of the gasifier floor. The replaceable floor edge insert is protected by a ring-like arrangement of hanging refractory bricks that each include an appendage. Each brick appendage covers a portion of the inner radial edge of the replaceable floor edge insert and also covers an upper surface portion of an underlying quench ring, thus prolonging the life of the floor and the quench ring. A refractory ceramic fiber paper can be provided between the hanging brick and the floor edge and quench ring.

Abstract: A system of two fuel ampoules that can deliver a reactant by diffusion through one of the ampoule walls to the other, such that when said reactant enters the second ampoule, it reacts with another reactant in said second ampoule, making hydrogen gas as a product. Both ampoules are stored in a fuel impermeable container. These ampoules used with small low power fuel cells which need a steady controlled uniform delivery of vaporous fuel such hydrogen and alcohols. This fueling system provides a simple safe fuel interactive system for small hydrogen fuel cells that prevents inadvertent hydrogen production by any single ampoule being exposed to water or typical consumer environments.

Abstract: A biomass gasifier apparatus (10) produces low BTU gas from biomass, while removing the char and ash in an efficient manner. A fluidized bed gasifier cell (20) receives biomass fuel from a fuel input system (280). A preferred fluidized bed gasifier cell includes a vertically oriented cylindrical enclosure. A layer of bed material (40), typically having a consistency similar to sand, is carried at the base of the enclosure. A plenum (60) supplies hot compressed gas to a plurality of parallel manifolds (80), each of which support a number of nozzles (100). Gas released by the nozzles fluidizes the bed, catalyzing the process of gasification of the biomass, while a low oxygen environment prevents excessive combustion. A bed change-out system (120) removes waste introduced into the fluidized bed gasifier with the biomass. Gas discharged from an upper portion of the fluidized bed gasifier includes low BTU gas that is the desired output of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest in a sample based upon measurement of clectrochemiluminescence at an electrode surface comprising: (a) a cell defining a sample; (b) an electrode adjacent a portion of the sample containing volume; (c) a voltage control device for impressing electrochemical energy upon the electrode sufficient to generate luminescence; (d) means for magnetically collecting particles along the electrode surface; and (e) a light detection device for measuring the luminescence.

Abstract: A flue gas conditioning system (FGC) for conditioning the flue gas flowing in a flue from a boiler to an electrostatic precipitator by injecting sulfur trioxide into the flue gas upstream of the electrostatic precipitator. The FGC has a source (52) of granulated sulfur which is transported by a conveyor (54) to a sulfur furnace (60) where it is combusted in sulfur dioxide. The sulfur dioxide flows from the sulfur furnace (60) into a catalytic converter 62 which generates sulfur trioxide therefrom. The sulfur trioxide flows from the catalytic converter 62 into probes 64 which are mounted in the flue duct. Alternatively, the FGC has a source (70) of emulsoid sulfur which is pumped by a sulfur pump (72) to the inlet of an atomizing spray nozzle (200) which atomizes the emulsoid sulfur and sprays it into sulfur furnace (50).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a reactor for producing sodium or potassium silicate. The reaction vessel includes submerged burners. A trough extends downwards and away from the reaction vessel. The trough connects to an outlet in the reaction vessel where molten silicate produce is removed, molded, and allowed to cool. The reactor also includes first and second heat exchangers, both located in the exit path of the exhaust gases from the reactor. The exhaust gases pass through a first heat exchanger and exchange heat with incoming combustion gas. This preheated combustion gas is then used as the oxidizer to burn fuel gas through the burners. The hot exhaust gases are then passed through a second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger exchanges heat between the hot flue exhaust gases and feed sand. The hot exhaust gases can also be passed through a third heat exchanger to make hot water. The hot water is used to dissolve the silicate product.

Abstract: An inflation system for automotive airbags which comprises a pyrogenic solid grain with igniter strips provided in grooves on its external surface. Upon ignition, the solid grain burns from its external surface inwardly while allowing the generated gas to pass freely from its external surface. Preferably both the pyrogenic solid grain and the igniter strips are extrusions, providing a simplified, less expensive manufacture.

Abstract: Particulate-free non-toxic gases are generated in a hybrid generator device by conducting the ignition of the propellant with an effective oxidizer, using a mixture of a molecular oxygen-containing gas and argon by varying the ratio of said gas to argon to provide only non-toxic reaction products in the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic air bag inflator utilizing non-azide gas generating material such as mixtures of copper oxide and amino tetrazol includes a unitary, rigid, drop-in type, filter for cooling and filtering high temperature, high pressure corrosive gas generated when the air bag inflator is activated to inflate an associated air bag. The filter comprises a reticulated structure formed of strong, porous, metal, metal alloy or ceramic material having a high thermal diffusivity and surface area for absorbing heat from the gas and defining a plurality of tortuous passages for entrapping contaminants from the gas passing through the filter.

Abstract: An improved black liquor recovery system for use in a kraft pulping mill is provided. Molten kraft smelt from a black liquor recovery boiler or recovery system is fed into a fluidized bed reactor where it is cooled and solidified to form solid kraft smelt particles. The solid kraft smelt particles are then fed into a dissolving tank containing an aqueous solution to form a green liquor. The green liquor, after clarification, is treated with lime to form a white liquor containing the regenerated pulping chemicals. Waste steam is an especially preferred fluidizing gas for use in the fluidized bed reactor. This process provides improved energy recovery and process productivity, reduction in gaseous sulfur-containing emissions, reduction in landfilled wastes, and improved safety as compared to a conventional kraft smelt treatment process.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a pasteurized substrate by biological decomposition of organic refuse is characterized by the following processing steps:a) A container (1) is half filled with a mixture of solid refuse to be decomposed, liquid substances are added, and the mixture is stirred for a first residence time of 2 to 3 hours.b) A quantity not greater than one-third of the weight of the mixed refuse of decanted clarified sludge at a temperature equal to that of the mixed refuse is added. A quantity of white lime may also be added, and stirring is continued for a further residence time of 69 to 70 hours. An apparatus for carrying out the process comprises a parallelepipedal container (1) with a pentagonal profile in the shape of an inverted house roof with its ridge pole sunk in the ground and whose width (b) is greater than its length (l). The base of the container includes two identical, obtuse-angled, mutually inclined half-bases (1.1, 1.

Abstract: An inflator (20) comprising: a pressure vessel (22) made of a thin walled steel tubing (24), sealed at one end by an end plate or cap (30). The other end of the pressure vessel sealed by a propellant housing (50). A plurality of axial bores (56a-d) exiting through an adjacent part (58) of the housing (50) and a face of the adjacent part of the housing includes a second counter bore (70) and a plurality of radial bores (72a-d) radially extend therefrom. A rupture disk assembly (100) having a central portion (102) forms a rupture disk extending into the second counter bore (70) and a radially extending outer portion (104) fitted generally flat against the face (60) .

Abstract: A new and improved airbag inflator including a varying permeability filter. The inflator includes a housing for holding gas generating materials and has an outer diffuser wall with a plurality of discharge or diffuser ports arranged to direct the gas into an airbag for rapid inflation. The housing includes a ring of diffuser ports spaced apart around the periphery of the outer diffuser side wall and these ports are generally closer to one of the top or bottom end walls of the container than they are to the opposite end wall. A new and improved gas filter of varying permeability is mounted in the housing inside the periphery of the outer diffuser wall adjacent to the ring of ports. The annular filter has a gas permeability characteristic that varies between a maximum permeability rating in a first region farthest away from the ring of ports to a minimum permeability rating adjacent a second region closer to the ports.

Abstract: A gas generator apparatus for generating gas for inflating a motor vehicle airbag comprises an ignition device including a first housing and a first pyrotechnic charge disposed in the first housing; a gas generator including a second housing having an opening, a sealing membrane covering the opening for hermetically sealing the second housing and being located adjacent to the first pyrotechnic charge in the first housing, a second pyrotechnic charge located in the second housing adjacent to the membrane, and a gas generating pyrotechnic material arranged in the second housing to be responsive to a combustion of the second pyrotechnic charge, wherein a combustion of the first pyrotechnic charge initiates a combustion of the second pyrotechnic charge through the membrane which in turn initiates combustion of the gas generating pyrotechnic material.

Abstract: An air bag inflator for inflating an air bag includes a housing for generating gas having only two walled chambers, including a centrally disposed ignition chamber and an outer chamber in coaxial relation therewith. The outer chamber provides a dual function of containing a quantity of gas generating material in an inner portion thereof and holding a filter for cooling and collecting contaminants from the generated gas in an outer portion thereof. The filter is mounted with an inlet face of substantial area in direct contact with and surrounding a body of gas generating material and no wall is provided between the filter and the generating material.

Abstract: An essentially cylindrical gas generator for generating combustion gases. The gas generator includes a housing having gas outlet openings; a combustion chamber surrounded by the housing; gas-generating fuel disposed in the combustion chamber; an igniting device disposed in the combustion chamber for igniting the fuel; a first filter disposed between the fuel and the gas outlet openings for prefiltering generated gases upon passage thereof from the combustion chamber through the first filter toward the outlet openings; a second filter disposed between the first filter and the outlet openings for filtering the gases upon passage thereof from the first filter through the second filter; and a generally tubular body surrounding the second filter. The tubular body is surrounded by the housing, and is composed of a plurality of third filters and a plurality of guide plates circumferentially alternating with the third filters.

Abstract: A separator plate for a chemical oxygen generator candle includes an elongate rigid thermal insulating section; and at least a first conduit section on one side of the rigid section having a multiplicity of gas flow paths for conducting released oxygen from a burning candle longitudinally along the plate for increasing the burning action of the burning portion of the candle and pre-heating the unburned portion of the candle, and for retaining gas to act as a thermal insulator when the candle is not burning. A plurality of such plates are combined to form a separator assembly for surrounding a candle and a number of such separator assemblies are combined to form a multi-candle oxygen generator.

Abstract: Gas generator for an inflatable impact cushion for protecting an occupant of a motor-vehicle from injury, has a housing, in which is formed a storage chamber for liquid gas. The storage chamber is separated by a partition wall from a combustion chamber also formed in the housing. An ignition device is positioned in a precombustion chamber, and has an ignition charge to generate combustion gases during ignition. In the precombustion chamber there is guided, in a displaceable manner, a piston which, because of the combustion gases of the ignition charge, moves into and through the combustion chamber in a direction of the partition wall, in order to penetrate the partition wall. When the partition wall is penetrated there is a connection between the storage chamber and the combustion chamber by way of a liquid gas channel system so that liquid gas can flow into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemical oxygen generator having a chemical charge arranged within a housing. This chemical charge is brought to an exothermal oxygen-releasing reaction by an ignition device with the reaction running through the chemical charge in the form of a reaction front defining a surface and starting from the ignition-end wall of the housing. The oxygen generator has at least one reaction-control member arranged within the chemical charge. In one embodiment, the reaction-control member is disposed transversely to the direction of movement of the reaction front and overlaps a part of the surface of the reaction front. In another embodiment, the reaction-control member extends parallelly to the direction of movement of the reaction front. The oxygen generator of the invention is improved in that the oxygen flow and the duration of supply can be influenced beyond that obtained with a purely geometric extension of the reaction path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemical oxygen generator having a chemical charge arranged within a housing. This chemical charge is brought to an exothermal oxygen-releasing reaction by an ignition device with the reaction running through the chemical charge in the form of a reaction front defining a surface and starting from the ignition-end wall of the housing. The oxygen generator has at least one reaction-control member arranged within the chemical charge. A generator of this kind is improved in that the oxygen flow and the supply duration can be influenced by the material and/or the shape of the reaction-control member. The improvement is achieved in that one or more reaction-control members made of sheet metal are arranged parallel to the direction of movement of the reaction front. As an alternative, the reaction-control member can be configured in the form of a spiral conveyor which is made of sheet metal or a thermally-insulating material.

Abstract: Gas generator of lightweight construction, especially of an impact protection system for occupants of a vehicle, wherein a housing shell and a cover are made in one piece, formed of light metal such as aluminum, and have internally located screw-threaded parts which are screwed against each other, so that they are connected to one another tightly in a press fit positive lock manner and in a compression-proof manner, and also accommodate and hold between them the igniter, the propellant, and the filter. This leads to considerably reduced production costs for series production. Despite the weight reduction achieved, the gas generator is resistant to high temperatures, and the propellant gases discharged are sufficiently cool and muffled.

Abstract: Gas-filter in the form of an axisymmetric one-part cartridge (1), characterised in that it is essentially constituted by:a) a rigid ring (2) comprising an axisymmetric lateral wall (21) bounded by a flat-forming extremity (23) and by another, fold-down extremity (24), openings (22) being disposed on the wall (21) between the extremities (23) and (24),b) a gas-impermeable backing piece (3) surrounding on the outside the lateral wall (21) of the ring (2) by bearing on the plane extremity (23) of the ring (2) and crimped into the fold-down extremity (24) of the ring (2),c) filter elements (4) disposed between the ring (2) and the backing piece (3).

Abstract: A filter filters the gas generated by an air bag inflator. The gas comprises an alkali metal oxide. The inflator comprises a non-woven metal fibrous mat and small particles of a silicon compound, reactive with the alkali metal oxide, adhered to strands of the mat.

Abstract: An apparatus for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint includes a container which stores gas. A body of pyrotechnic material is ignitable to supply combustion products to heat the gas in the container and to add generated gas to supplement the gas in the container. The combustion products from the ignitable body of pyrotechnic material are conducted along a helical path in the container chamber to separate certain materials from gaseous materials in the combustion products while heating the gas in the chamber with the combustion products. A flow of combustion products is directed along a first portion of the helical path toward a closed end of the container opposite to an outlet from the container. The flow of combustion products contacts the closed end of the container and is deflected back toward an outlet end of the container along a second portion of the helical path. The second portion of the helical path has a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the first portion of the helical path.

Abstract: A sublimating and cracking device which may be used to produce a collimated beam of molecules from a solid source. The device includes an elongated sublimating tube and an elongated cracking tube adapted to be axially oriented off axis to each other. The sublimating and cracking tubes are interconnected and heated in use.

Abstract: A furnace having a sublimating section, a cracking section oriented off axis to the sublimating section, and a valve for controlling flux between the sections. The valve includes an annular plug having at least one longitudinal slot. The plug is retractable from a fully closed position where the slot is completely covered, to a fully open position where the slot is completely exposed. The slot becomes increasingly exposed as the plug is moved from the fully closed position to the fully opened position, thereby increasing flux from the sublimating section to the cracking section.

Abstract: This invention relates to an air bag inflation gas generator to feed gas for inflation of air bags such as air bags for absorbing collision shocks, life jackets, rafts, and escape chutes. The air bag inflation gas generator according to the present invention has a combustion chamber comprising a bottom-closed cylinder of a housing body and a lid covering the opening of the bottom-closed cylinder. The housing body comprises the bottom-closed cylinder, a flange extending outward and formed integrally with the opening of the bottom-closed cylinder, and an external cylinder formed on the periphery of the flange and bent toward the bottom of the housing body. A plenum chamber is formed by covering the external and bottom-closed cylinders with a covering member from the bottom of the housing body and by welding the covering member to the cylinders.

Abstract: A gas generator which may be used for ejecting submunitions. The gas generator comprises a diffuser chamber which is flanked by differently sized combustion chambers whereby three different ejection velocities may be achieved by firing only one of the combustion chambers or by firing both of them together. The generated gas is exited from the gas generator at the same central location, i.e., the centrally located diffuser chamber, to control submunition yaw and loading locations. The provision of combustion chambers at opposite ends of the diffuser chamber permits minimization of gas generator diameter, and a tie member in the diffuser chamber permits a non-complicated and inexpensive structure which is rugged and reliable. The gas generator may have other applications such as for inflating airbags for automobiles.

Abstract: A gas generator for inflating a safety bag for the protection of persons in a vehicle, is equipped with a combustion chamber that is divided into a smaller section and into a larger section by a sheet metal insert. The sheet metal insert also divides the fuel into two portions, whereby a smaller fuel portion is located closer to the ignition openings of an ignition device while the larger fuel portion is located further away from the ignition device. The divider or insert provides a passage or gas flow openings which are so located that the combustion gas generated in the smaller section must flow entirely through the smaller section before it enters into the larger section. Thus, the smaller fuel portion is combusted substantially first and the larger fuel portion is combusted thereafter to provide an inflation characteristic for the safety bag such that the bag is initially filled slower and then rapidly.

Abstract: A gas generating apparatus for inflating an air bag which comprises a housing with an open joint portion connecting to the air bag and having a combustion chamber formed at the center inside the housing body wherein a high pressure gas is generated upon combustion of a gas generating agent. A partition is provided which defines a mixing chamber in a ring-like configuration by being concentrically disposed so as to be spaced apart from the opening of the housing body by a pre-selected interval whereby the high pressure gas forming a combustion chamber is introduced into the mixing chamber. A nozzle formed in a ring-like configuration is provided at the high pressure gas introducing portion so that the high pressure gas is ejected toward the opening of the mixing chamber and an air intake portion is formed along the nozzle on the housing body.

Abstract: An impact extruded perforated aluminum housing contains a two-stage gas generator having a perforated bulkhead positioned between the stages. Each stage includes a combustion chamber having an igniter and pyrotechnic charge therein with cooling and filter screens surrounding the combustion chamber. The igniter of the first stage is fired by a squib responsively to an external electrical signal. A rupturable barrier and a ball valve associated with the bulkhead control the flow of gas through the bulkhead and provide mechanical timing for ignition delay in the firing of the second stage after the first stage has been fired, and also provide pressure control after ignition of both stages to prevent repressurizing the first stage. A rupturable foil barrier surrounding the combustion chamber in the first stage promotes a rapid rise in pressure therein and thus breakout sooner therefrom of gas to an airbag to be inflated.

Abstract: A gas generating composition is disclosed for generating nitrogen gas free from noxious and toxic impurities consisting of an alkali metal azide, at least a stoichiometric amount of a metal oxide or a mixture of metal oxides and an ammonium perchlorate burn rate enhancer. The nitrogen gas can be used to inflate an impact protection air cushion of an automotive restraint system.

Abstract: An apparatus for the storage and production of hydrogen from a solid compound.The solid compound is a compound of at least one rare earth and a metal of group VIII of the periodic system, which can selectively fix hydrogen by hydrogenation. It is placed within a sealed container and is in a compact and machinable or workable form.

Abstract: An adjustable gas spring shock absorber, a control device therefore, and a control device for a fluid mechanism. The control device employs adsorption to regulate the shock absorber or fluid mechanism.

Abstract: A gas generator comprises a housing accommodating a combustion chamber with a hollow solid-reactant charge, and a cooling chamber with a solid sublimating coolant, separated by a partition with an axial passage, and a sleeve with a perforated side surface. The gas generator is also provided with guides secured in the axial passage of the partition. The sleeve having a collar on the side of the open portion is disposed in the guides and adapted to move along the longitudinal axis of the gas generator. The present invention makes it possible to improve the operational reliability of power drives and offers a most simple solution to a number of problems associated with inflation of inflatable life-saving appliances, lifting of loads from under water, starting of engines.