Abstract: A feedstock gas, such as natural gas, is introduced into a mixing chamber. A combustible gas is introduced into a combustion chamber, for example simultaneously to the introduction of the feedstock gas. Thereafter, the combustible gas is ignited so as to cause the combustible gas to flow into the mixing chamber via one or more fluid flow paths between the combustion chamber and the mixing chamber, and to mix with the feedstock gas. The mixing of the combustible gas with the feedstock gas causes one or more products to be produced.

Abstract: An igniter assembly includes an igniter, a collar, and a holding part, a cup body having a cylindrical peripheral wall and a lid wall and a closing part defining an accommodating space with the cup body, the peripheral wall is sectioned, in an axial direction, into a contact region in contact with the closing part and a noncontact region not in contact with the closing part, the holding part includes a base part covering the contact region and a surrounding wall formed continuously to the base part and surrounding the noncontact region, and a fragile part is formed in the holding part between a first area including at least a part of the base part and a second area including a tip end of the surrounding wall, and thus the second area deforms radially outward preferentially when a load is applied to the surrounding wall by the igniter activated.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method for performing downhole optical fluid analysis including positioning an optical analysis tool in a downhole environment. The method also includes regulating a flow of a fluid sample into a reaction chamber of the optical analysis tool. The method further includes providing a catalyst within the reaction chamber that reacts with an analyte in the fluid sample to emit light. The method includes detecting the emitted light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for generating oxygen, comprising at least one oxygen source selected from chlorates and perchlorates, to an oxygen generator comprising such a composition, and a method for generating oxygen by decomposing such a composition. The present invention further relates to the use of transition metal ortho-phosphate compounds ortho-vanadate compounds and mixed ortho-phosphate-vanadate compounds as multifunctional components in the oxygen generating compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pole member (11) as prefabricated subassembly for a pyrotechnical igniter (10), especially for an inflator comprising two electrically conductive contact pins (14) embedded in an injection-molded part (13), wherein a fixing member (20) for anchoring the pole member (11) in the inflator is embedded in the injection-molded part (13), wherein the contact pins (14) extend through a through-hole (21) of the fixing member (20) and wherein one or more sealing components (32) are formed or arranged in or on the fixing member (20). Furthermore, the invention relates to an igniter, an inflator and an airbag module comprising such pole member.

Abstract: The present invention is a means of starting a controlled combustion reaction by introducing sodium borohydride or similar chemical to a liquid or gelatinous fuel. The present invention is also a device for transferring heat having a thermal conductor connected to a catalyst such that the thermal conductor is positioned within a liquid or gelatinous fuel held within a fuel container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for generating a volume of gas from solid and liquid generates. In one particular embodiment, a volume of nitrogen gas is generated by combining the output of Sodium Azide and liquid nitrogen. A vacuum is initially maintained about the liquid nitrogen container by way of a dewar jacket. The present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing the disclosed gas generating device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an auxiliary power system to provide supplemental power by compressed hydrogen. The system includes a motor configured to be driven by the compressed hydrogen. The motor includes a cartridge for the generation of hydrogen. The cartridge is configured to generate high pressure and high temperature hydrogen. The motor is configured such that hydrogen generated by the cartridge is directed through a manifold and moves pistons in a cylinder block such that the cylinder block rotates. A clutch assembly is provided to transmit power from the motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a motor powered by an expandable, combustible gas. The motor includes a cartridge for the generation of hydrogen. The cartridge is configured to generate high pressure and high temperature hydrogen. The motor is configured such that hydrogen generated by the cartridge is directed into a series of expandable chambers defined by at least one flywheel. The flywheel is connected to a shaft such that power generated by the hydrogen can be transmitted out of the motor. The motor is configured such that power can be generated by expansion of the hydrogen and subsequent combustion of the hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides assembly for use with a cartridge for the generation of hydrogen and a method for bonding metals with the cartridge. The cartridge includes a case, an igniter, and a structural component. The case defines an interior cavity and the igniter is positioned within the cavity. The structural component is also positioned within the cavity and is formed of a particulate embedded in a matrix and the particulate includes a metallic material. An oxidizing agent is positioned within the cavity. The structural component is configured such that the metallic material and the oxidizing agent react together to generate hydrogen after the igniter generates sufficient heat to remove the matrix from the structural component and to initiate the reaction between the metallic material and the oxidizing agent. The cartridge is positioned within the assembly relative to a metal flyer such that when the cartridge is discharged, the flyer is bonded to a metal anvil.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a solid, porous material, suitable for generating nitrogen gas, said material having a porosity of 20 to 75 vol. %, and a composition comprising, based on the weight of the material of 60 to 90 wt. % of sodium azide, 0.1 to 20 wt. % of an inert chemical coolant based on at least one inorganic salt having a heat capacity of at least 1400 J/K/kg, 0.1 to 20 wt. % of modifying agent selected from metal oxides and metal carbonates, and a binder, selected from the group consisting of at least one alkali metal silicate, preferably waterglass, or a poly-tetrazole, in an amount of between 3 and 15 wt. %.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for transporting and/or storing radioactive materials (10), comprising a closed enclosure (8) and a system (12, 16) for securing said closed enclosure, said system comprising catalytic means (12) for recombining hydrogen and oxygen into water, placed in said closed enclosure. According to the invention, the system for securing said closed enclosure further comprises a device (16) for the controlled release of oxygen in said closed enclosure (8).

Abstract: The object of the invention is to increase the yield of the HPHT—(High-Pressure High-Temperature)—Technology for production of synthetic diamonds and diamond-like materials as well as to achieve the continuous production of large amounts or quantities of synthetic diamonds with perfect or high quality. The object of the invention will be reached by methods and devices according to the present invention, wherein the method comprises the following steps: cultivation or collection of biomass, preparing and chemical modification of biomass preferably by (adding or enriching with) salt or salts containing at least one catalyst, incineration of biomass to ash, adding to ash modifiers including salt or salts containing at least one catalyst, HPHT-treatment of the resulting carbon-containing matrix and the isolation of the products after the HPHT-treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a chemical oxygen generator to produce cool oxygen gas comprising: a. a charge housing, b. a solid but porous charge contained in the said housing, the charge being made of a chemical mixture that generates oxygen upon decomposition and that will undergo a self-sustained exothermal decomposition after initiation, the said charge containing at most 3.0 wt. % of binder material, the said porous charge allows the generated oxygen to pass through the charge without damaging the virgin material and without creating volumetric burning, the said charge is mounted in the housing in such a way that the generated oxygen passes through the charge and under the pressure difference flows from the moving decomposition front towards the vent, c. an ignition device mounted at one end of the cartridge in such a way that it is capable to initiate a self-sustained decomposition of the charge at the charge surface adjacent to the initiator, d.

Abstract: A method for producing a fuel composition from a feedstock which may contain biomass and municipal solid waste is described. The method includes the step of pyrolyzing the feedstock in the presence of a transition metal, using microwave energy, so that the level of oxygen in at least one product of the pyrolysis is reduced. An integrated process is also described, in which the transition metal can be regenerated. Moreover, pyrolysis products such as bio-oils can be upgraded to liquid fuel compositions. Related systems for producing fuel compositions are also described.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for the removal of particulates from a fluid. Accordingly, a system is provided that includes a particulate removal system. For example, the particulate removal system may include a plasma torch that is configured to remove particulate matter from a fluid downstream from a gasifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge for the generation of hydrogen. The cartridge includes a case, an igniter, and a structural component. The case defines an interior cavity and the igniter is positioned within the cavity. The structural component is also positioned within the cavity and is formed of a particulate embedded in a matrix and the particulate includes a metallic material. An oxidizing agent is positioned within the cavity. The structural component is configured such that the metallic material and the oxidizing agent react together to generate hydrogen after the igniter generates sufficient heat to remove the matrix from the structural component and to initiate the reaction between the metallic material and the oxidizing agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator including: a tubular housing, an ignition device attached at one end and a diffuser having a gas discharge port, attached at the other end, a tubular member, having a first end and a second end, being disposed inside the tubular housing such that the first end and the second end are oriented towards the ignition device side and the diffuser side, respectively, and a tubular gap leading to the gas discharge port is formed, a combustion chamber provided inside the tubular member for accommodating a gas generating agent, a first gas passage hole and a second gas passage hole formed on the first end side and the second end side, respectively, and an opening portion formed between the first gas passage hole and the second gas passage hole, such that they are communicating the combustion chamber with the tubular gap, a projecting portion provided in the opening portion such that the projecting portion projects into at least one of the combustion chamber and the tubu

Abstract: The invention is directed to a solid, porous material, suitable for generating nitrogen gas, said material having a porosity of 20 to 75 vol. %, and a composition comprising, based on the weight of the material of 60 to 90 wt. % of sodium azide, 0.1 to 20 wt. % of an inert chemical coolant based on at least one inorganic salt having a heat capacity of at least 1400 J/K/kg, 0.1 to 20 wt. % of modifying agent selected from metal oxides and metal carbonates, and a binder, selected from the group consisting of at least one alkali metal silicate, preferably waterglass, or a poly-tetrazole, in an amount of between 3 and 15 wt. %.

Abstract: A housing unit for a gas generating system is provided. The housing unit includes a housing and a thermal barrier covering a portion of the housing exterior. A gas generating system and a vehicle occupant protection system incorporating the housing unit are also provided.

Abstract: A gas generating system for use in an inflatable vehicle occupant protection system is provided wherein an end closure is coupled to an outer housing at a first end, in a metal-to-metal seal. The gas generating system may also include a baffle system having a plurality of flow orifices defining a flow path for generated gases through an interior of the gas generating system, and a plurality of particulate aggregation surfaces positioned along the flow path of the gases for changing a flow direction of gases impinging on the aggregation surfaces. Each aggregation surface of the plurality of aggregation surfaces is oriented such that a difference between a flow direction of the gases prior to impinging on the aggregation surface and a flow direction of the gases after impinging on the aggregation surface is at least approximately 90°, wherein particulates in gases impinging on the aggregation surfaces aggregate on the surfaces.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a wet wipe comprising a substrate that has tensile strength of at least 5 N/inch and which is biodegradable. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a flushable wet wipe comprising a substrate having a loading factor of at least 1.5 grams of cleaning composition per gram of substrate and which is biodegradable. The wet wipes is suitable for cleaning hard surfaces, especially lavatories and is flushable.

Abstract: An alcohol sensor having gas-sensitive layers made of polymers or inorganic oxides wherein a signal is read out by means of work function change which is produced in the form of a field-effect transistor.

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 a desiccating material thereby removing moisture and inhibiting moisture uptake by the propellant during manufacture of the gas generator. The elastomeric cushion is also able to manage the presence of chlorine-containing species during periods of inactivation of the gas generator. Accordingly, variables such as fractured propellant and/or moisture retained within the propellant are mitigated or eliminated, thereby enhancing repeatability of inflator performance.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and a reactor for safely destroying containers having toxic chemical and biological materials contained therein. The reactor comprises a pressure vessel having an internal reaction chamber and at least one heater disposed on an exterior of the pressure vessel. A fragment-suppression system is also disposed within the internal reaction chamber. The fragment-suppression system is adapted to receive a container therein, such as an energetic chemical munition, and is adapted to receive a charge for opening the container. An injection port is also provided so that oxidants can be injected into said reaction chamber to neutralize the chemical and biological materials after the container has been opened.

Abstract: Hydrogen storage fuel compositions and devices comprising a mixture of at least one chemical hydride compound and at least one proton source, and methods for thermally initiated hydrogen generation from fuel compositions are disclosed. The fuel compositions comprise an excess of hydridic hydrogens relative to protic hydrogens. Fuel cartridges suitable for use with compositions which generate hydrogen upon the application of thermal initiation and methods for operating the fuel cartridges are also disclosed.

Abstract: An explosive destruction system and method for safely destroying explosively configured chemical munitions. The system comprises a sealable, gas-tight explosive containment vessel, a fragment suppression system positioned in said vessel, and shaped charge means for accessing the interior of the munition when the munition is placed within the vessel and fragment suppression system. Also provided is a means for treatment and neutralization of the munition's chemical fills, and means for heating and agitating the contents of the vessel. The system is portable, rapidly deployable and provides the capability of explosively destroying and detoxifying chemical munitions within a gas-tight enclosure so that there is no venting of toxic or hazardous chemicals during detonation.

Abstract: An inflator for an airbag includes a container defining and outer surface and an inner compartment. A plurality of igniters are disposed within the inner compartment and are operably associated with a gas-generating unit. Each gas-generating unit is formed by a pair of matched stamped housings. Bushing separate and secure the gas-generating units in place along the outer surface of the container. Each gas-generating unit defines an annular chamber filled with gas generating material. Each of the igniters within the container are independently ignitable and are mechanically isolated from each other to prevent actuation of one igniter in response to the actuation of an adjacent igniter. The igniters are independently actuated to control the magnitude of inflation force of the airbag.

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: A waste is dry-distilled in a gasification furnace and generated combustible gas is combusted in a combustion furnace. A temperature in the combustion furnace is set to be substantially constant at a first preset temperature or more. When the temperature in the combustion furnace is greater than the first preset temperature by combustion of other fuels, the combustible gas is introduced. When the temperature in the combustion furnace reaches a second preset temperature or more by the combustion of only the combustible gas, the combustion of the other fuels is finished. When the temperature in the combustion furnace falls below a third preset temperature the combustion of the other fuels is resumed. When the temperature in the gasification furnace falls below a fourth preset temperature, the combustion of the other fuels is finished.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of and apparatus for forming a coating having at least one fade zone over a substrate. The method and apparatus include positioning a coating composition dispenser above a surface of a substrate with the coating composition dispenser oriented to dispense a coating composition spray generally normal to the surface of the substrate. A gas dispenser is also positioned above the surface of the substrate and adjacent the coating composition dispenser with the gas dispenser oriented to dispense a gas stream generally normal to the surface of the substrate. The coating composition spray and the gas stream are spaced from each other so as to develop an interference effect therebetween adjacent the surface of the substrate. Preferably the substrate is maintained at a temperature which pyrolyzes the coating composition. The interference effect directs the coating composition to deposit over the substrate as a coating having a fade zone.

Abstract: Components of a chemical processing system are disclosed. In particular, a chemical processing system is disclosed which includes a chemical mixing or reacting zone, an inlet to the zone, an outlet to the zone, and a vacuum or fluid flow source located downstream of the outlet. The chemical processing system further includes a device to control the amount of vacuum or fluid flow through the zone. Also disclosed is a continuous feeder system having a first loss-in-weight and a second loss-in-weight feeder and a device for measuring a lower limit of feed in each feeder. There is also a device to activate the second feeder when the lower limit is obtained in the first feeder and a device to deactivate the first feeder when the lower limit is detected in the first feeder. A sample port assembly is also disclosed for obtaining a sample of material flowing through a processing system.

Abstract: A solid propellant gas generator incorporating staged gas cooling and filtration so as to generate cool, clean gases having a composition suitable for use as automobile airbag inflator.

Abstract: A consumable igniter tube for a solid fuel passenger side airbag inflator is provided. The igniter tube is composed of a thin metallic material, such as aluminum foil, that has it walls being at least partially, and preferably essentially fully devoured, almost instantaneously upon ignition of the primary igniter charge that is initially confined within the tube. The entire combustion products produced from the burning igniter charge, including hot gases as well as hot burning particulates, are thereby released through the openings created in the consumed igniter tube walls and vented into the adjacent combustion chamber that contains the solid fuel gas generant. All of the burning igniter products are thus used to ignite the solid fuel gas generant, which, upon ignition, generates inflation gases that eventually exit the inflator into a folded airbag in order to inflate and deploy the airbag into the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A chemical oxygen generator with a chemical mass, which is accommodated inside a container, generates oxygen by a chemical reaction, and is held in the container by a gas-permeable fibrous material. The fibrous material is arranged around the chemical mass. The fibrous material is designed as a chemical sorption filter.

Abstract: Unitary filters for airbags. The filters may be formed from various combinations of ceramic grit, ceramic fiber, metal grit, metal fiber, and non-metal fibers. Combinations of disparate particle sizes may be used to increase filter diffusion and reduce the size of particles filtered. The disparate size particles may be uniformly mixed, or may be in relatively discrete layers. Fibers may be used to increase the strength of the filter. The fibers may be mixed with an initial slurry, or the slurry may be pressed into a mat of the fibers.

Abstract: A cell block for housing a sensor cell within a gas analyzer is mounted on the front panel of the analyzer, holding the sensor within a horizontal plane. The cell block is made of inexpensive and non-permeable material such as aluminum which is brazed and anodized. Entry and exit of sample gas is unique as is sample gas exposure to the sensor. Dead space is minimized and response time is improved. An insulated thermister in the cell block maintains accuracy over a wide range of temperatures. The device is RFI and EMI protected.

Abstract: A candle type chemical oxygen generator which insures complete thermal decomposition of the candle with a predetermined flow rate of oxygen while maintaining the generator housing at a low temperature. Oxygen generated as a result of the thermal decomposition of the oxygen generating candle (32) by triggering the ignition device (F'), passes through cylindrical thermal insulation (36) and an annular gap between the cylindrical thermal insulation (36) and the cylindrical member (37) which houses the candle to thereby cool the cylindrical member, and is supplied to the exterior through the oxygen supply device (S').

Abstract: An autoignition charge for pyrotechnic automotive airbag in inflation devices is provided in the form of a foil of a synthetic polymer or of a metal, having an adhesive on one surface of the foil and an autoignition material on the opposite surface of the foil. Pieces of foil are readily attached to inflator housings at any suitable location and are secured to the housing by the adhesive on one surface of the foil.

Abstract: A continuous flow-rate gas generator fueled by liquid mono-propellant includes a propellant storage tank, a motor-driven pump (or other pressurization technique) to force the propellant into a combustion chamber having an enclosed volume, an injector to effectively break up the incoming liquid propellant into droplets that facilitate ignition and sustain combustion, an igniter to initiate the combustion process, a nozzle to expand the exhaust gases in order to optimize the pressure and temperature of the working fluid, and exhaust ducting to direct the flow and handle the further heat transfer requirements. If desired, the output may be varied through two mechanisms: either by including an exit gas valve used to vary the exit gas flow to match delivery needs; or by having a plurality of continuous gas generators connected in parallel to a manifold assembly and relying on the combination of mixed flow-rates to match a required gas output.

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 gas generator for generating gas under pressure. The gas generator comprises a device for providing a first gas including a pressure vessel containing the first gas, the first gas being an oxidizing gas; a device for providing a second gas adapted to be oxidized by the first gas and including a pyrotechnic charge for generating the second gas when ignited. An oxidation zone of the gas generator includes an outlet, the first gas and the second gas being adapted to undergo an oxidation reaction in the oxidation zone for generating the gas under pressure. The first gas and the second gas are directed to the oxidation zone such that the oxidation zone contains a mixture of the first gas and the second gas for the oxidation reaction thereof, the second gas being of a sufficiently elevated temperature to initiate the oxidation reaction in the oxidation zone. A back-up catalytic device ensures initiation of the oxidation reaction of the mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an inflator housing (12) and gas generating material (90) within the housing (12). The apparatus has an initiator (20) for igniting the gas generating material (90). The initiator (20) has a heat conductive member (180). The heat conductive member (180) contains an auto ignition material (190). The auto ignition material (190) ignites at a temperature lower than the ignition temperature of the gas generating material (90). The heat conductive member (180) has a surface (184) external to the housing (12). The external surface (184) senses a high temperature such as one created by a fire. This temperature is transmitted to the auto ignition material (90), igniting the auto ignition material. The auto ignition material (190), when ignited, starts an ignition train which ignites the gas generating material (90).

Abstract: Gas generator system of lightweight design, especially of an impact protection system for occupants of vehicles, containing a central area with an igniter for a combustion chamber enclosing the igniter for solid propellant, which combustion chamber in turn is enclosed by a filter chamber with discharge openings for inflating a downstream receiver, containing, in combination: a housing, consisting of an upper part and a lower part, which are screwed together, and which accommodate and hold between them the igniter, the propellant, and the filter, so that they are sealed tightly and in a pressure-proof manner from the outside, and that one of the two housing parts that can be connected to one another has an approximately mushroom-shaped cross section, as well as special filter designs and brackets for holding same during screwing together, and the selected ducting for the flow of the gas generated.

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: An inflator for inflating air bags has a housing for holding a self-sufficient initiator, i.e. an initiator containing a crash sensor and a small explosive charge set off by the sensor. The housing also includes a gas generating material set off by the small charge and filters for filtering the gases. The filters and gas generator material are separated by a choke plate. Advantageously, a portion of the housing is arranged to secure the initiator while the choke plate is securely clamped between two housing members.

Abstract: An inflator includes a housing formed by two cups interlocked to provide a tamper-proof enclosure with at least one of the cups formed with indentations for grasping by a tool to facilitate assembly of the cups. In a chamber of the housing is an initiator secured in place by a snap-fit. A canister containing tablets of gas generating material is held in the chamber by an interference fit. A filter is held in place in the housing by a ring-shaped retainer member. Passages within the housing direct gases from the initiator to the canister through the filter out of the housing into an air bag with the path of travel changing direction by at least 90.degree. to create turbulent flow for enhanced inflator gas production.

Abstract: A gas generator for providing gases in which the gas generating propellant is ignited by a multiple charge primer. In one embodiment the primer includes a primer housing which contains a sensitizer and output charge pill which are maintained in spaced relationship. When a firing pin is driven into engagement with the primer, the sensitizer frictionally engages with the output charge pill to cause ignition of at least the output charge pill. This ignition of the output charge pill, directly or indirectly, ignites the propellant to provide gases for a desired function. In this regard, the gas generator is suitable for use in a pretensioner for a seat belt restraint system and in an inflator for expanding an air/safety bag.

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.