Abstract: A gas generator, especially for an airbag of a vehicle having a cylindrical outer tube, open end faces of which are closed by cover elements, comprising an inner tube of smaller diameter which is arranged coaxially inside the outer tube and which has outflow openings, an ignitable gas-generating material inside the inner tube, filter elements in an annular space arranged between the inner tube and the outer tube, and an igniter unit for igniting the gas-generating material. In order to improve the damming and sealing of the outflow openings, there is arranged in the inner tube a rolled-up, self overlapping damming strip adjoining the wall at least partially. Also, the outflow openings are covered on the outside of the inner tube by a sealing strip having at least two mutually overlapping portions of differing widths.

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: The invention relates to a restraint system for vehicle occupants with a gas cushion and a gas generator that fills the gas cushion and equipped with a solid-matter propellent charge as well as an electrically activated ignition device designed as a laser and provided in order to ignite the solid-matter propellent charge. To increase the functional reliability, the laser which is designed as a semiconductor laser is situated in an ignition chamber of the generator whose beam is aimed or guided directly onto the gas-generating solid-matter propellent charge at the time of ignition.

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: A sodium-azide-free gas-generating composition includes an oxidizable inorganic fuel, such as a metal, and an oxidizing agent containing oxygen and a metal. The fuel and the oxidizing agent are selected such that water vapor is produced upon reaction between the inorganic fuel and the oxidizing agent. Although a number of inorganic fuels can be employed, a suitable fuel can be a transition metal, another element such as silicon, boron, aluminum, magnesium, an intermetallic compound, hydrides of these metals and mixtures thereof. The oxidizing agent comprises a metal hydroxide, a metal hydrous oxide, a metal oxide hydrate, a metal oxide hydroxide, or mixtures thereof. The fuel and oxidizing agent are selected such that essentially no gases other than water vapor are produced.

Abstract: An igniter tube for a gas-generating device comprising an elongate cylinder, a primary igniter powder within the cylinder, a closure at one end of the cylinder, and an auto ignition cup disposed at the end of the cylinder opposite the closure is improved by the use of a resin-blocked screen as the closure between the igniter powder and the auto ignition cup.

Abstract: A gas generator comprises a propellant container having an igniter at one end thereof for igniting a propellant, a secondary propellant charge comprising a plurality of circular grains having a diameter to thickness ratio greater than 2.5, and a primary propellant charge disposed between said igniter and said secondary propellant charge comprising a plurality of circular grains having a diameter to thickness ratio less than 2.

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

Abstract: A gas generator comprises a propellant container having a plurality of propellant grains therein, an igniter for igniting the propellant grains, and a shock wave barrier disposed in closely spaced relation to the igniter for attenuating a shock wave emanating therefrom so as to preclude fragmentation of the propellant grains.

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: 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 liquified 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 liquified gas channel system so that liquified 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. 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: An apparatus for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint, such as an air bag, includes a housing. A hermetically sealed canister in the housing includes a lower section and a cover. Gas generating material is located in the canister. The gas generating material, when ignited, generates gas for inflating the air bag. The canister is sealed with a single hermetic seal between the lower section and the cover.

Abstract: An inflator of an air bag device includes a cylindrical vessel having gas releasing openings disposed at the circumferential surface thereof, a gas generating agent disposed in the vessel, a boosting agent for starting a gas generating reaction of the gas generating agent, and an igniting agent having an ignition point lower than that of the boosting agent. The igniting agent is disposed over almost the entire inner surface of the vessel.

Abstract: The gas generator has two tubes, coaxial to each other, with different diameters, between which there is formed an annular intermediate chamber. The inner tube is filled with gas-producing material in the form of pellets, which develops pressure gas when ignited, the gas emerges via openings in both tubes. Projecting into the inner tube there is an ignition device, which extends through the cylindrical walls of both tubes. The ignition device is held by a ring or tubular holding body, which is substantially shorter than both tubes and fills out the intermediate chamber between both tubes. Both tubes are provided with peripheral openings aligning with each other, and the holding body has an installation through-hole, into which the ignition device is positioned. The holding body has furthermore a slot. The ignition device is held in a reliable manner by means of the holding body.

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: The present invention provides a gas generator for air bags that includes a first shell having a circular part and an outer wall. The outer wall is formed of a porous material which allows gas to pass freely therethrough. A second shell is attached to the first shell to form a housing into which is installed a gas generating device. A plurality of first and second blade members fasten the first and second shells together. The blade members are placed in contact with the circumferential surface of the canister and arranged along the circumference of the canister at periodic intervals to form a ring. The second blade members have a width at least equal to the circumferential interval between the first blade members and are spaced radially from the first blade members and shifted in the circumferential direction from the first blade members to positions facing the intervals between the first blade members.

Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag is provided which includes a housing having first and second outer shells each having a flange, a gas generation device disposed inside the housing and a gas jet portion for introducing a gas in the gas generation device into the air bag. The flanges of the first and second outer shells are fastened together by locally fastening the flange of the first outer shell and the flange of the second outer shell together with predetermined gaps therebetween. The flange portion has joint portions at which the flanges are attached to each other and contact portions formed between the joint portions at which the flanges are in mere contact with each other. The gas jet portion is formed of the contact portions. The contact portions are opened by buildup of gas pressure inside the housing after impact and the corresponding activation of gas generation device.

Abstract: First and a second sealing layers are provided inside an inner periphery of a casing layer having a plurality of gas ejecting bores in its outer peripheral wall, and a gas-generating agent is mounted between the sealing layers, while a compressed gas is filled inside the second sealing layer. When the gas-generating agent is fired due to a collision of a vehicle, the first sealing layer is cleaved in a region of the gas ejecting bores by the pressure of a generated combustion gas and, then, the second sealing layer is cleaved likewise in a region of the gas ejecting bores by the pressure of the compressed gas, thereby permitting the compressed gas to be ejected uniformly from the plurality of gas ejecting bores into an air bag. In this case, a reduction in temperature of the compressed gas due to an adiabatic expansion thereof is compensated for by mixing of the compressed gas with the combustion gas, thereby enabling an efficient expansion of the air bag.

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, rubber, rafts, and escape chutes. The present invention comprises combustion chambers accommodating gas generating agents formed with separating members in the both ends of an elongate cylinder having gas outlets in the middle thereof, a cylindrical final filter installed inside the middle of the cylinder, intermediary filters installed between the final filter and the separating members in the cylinder, and orifices, facing toward the intermediary filters, opened at the separating members. The present invention may generate much larger volume of combustion gas generated from gas generating agents than the prior generators, purify a large volume of combustion gas completely, and control the burning of gas generating agents.

Abstract: A housing for a gas generating composition comprises an igniter chamber for retaining an igniter material. A combustion chamber is formed around the igniter chamber, and a gas generating composition is disposed in the combustion chamber. A cooling chamber with a gas exhaust port is formed around the combustion chamber. A coolant for cooling gas is accommodated in the cooling chamber. The igniter chamber, the combustion chamber and the cooling chamber communicate with one another through ports. A first shell constitutes the top wall of the combustion chamber, an intermediate wall between the combustion chamber and the cooling chamber, and at least the bottom wall of the cooling chamber. The first shell is integrally formed of a metal plate with an even thickness, and opens downward at its center portion and is open at least upward at its outer surface. An igniter housing constitutes at least the peripheral wall of the igniter chamber.

Abstract: A gas generating device for supplying gas in an air bag or the like is provided with a gas generating composition, which is burned by an ignitor to generate gas, and a primary filter for filtering the burnt gas. The gas generating composition and the filter are placed in a combustion chamber having a primary gas exhausting port. The primary filter is chemically inactive with respect to the burnt procedure of the gas generating composition. The filter has a metal screen whose melting point is equal to or higher than the burning temperature of the gas generating composition. A cooling chamber is provided which communicates via the primary gas exhausting port with the combustion chamber. In the cooling chamber is disposed a secondary filter which cools gas coming out of the combustion chamber and filters the burning residue in the gas. A secondary gas exhausting port is formed in the cooling chamber to discharge the gas filtered by the secondary filter.

Abstract: A gas generation device for a vehicular passenger protecting system. The gas generation device is equipped with an auto ignition device that is ignitable at a predetermined temperature when the gas generator is heated from an external source. Thus a primary ignition agent having an ignition temperature lower than the ignition temperature of a secondary ignition agent ignites first, causing a pressure rise which in turn moves a sealing member. In one embodiment, the sealing member breaks a gas-tight container which causes the ignition of the secondary igniton agent, which in turn causes ignition of a gas generating agent. In a second embodiment, the sealing member causes ignition of the gas generating agent directly. In either case, the primary ignition agent ignites prior to sufficient loss in mechanical strength of the gas generation casing body housing the gas-tight container.

Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag has a combustion chamber (6), which is surrounded by an annular filter chamber (11), wherein the annular filter (14) of the filter chamber (11) has an exposed annular surface extending on its outside over its entire circumference for discharging the propellant gases into the air bag (24).

Abstract: The invention relates to a cold-gas pyrotechnic generator, in particular intended for automobile safety, as well as a method for manufacturing this generator.The generator according to the invention comprises a casing (2) of revolution consisting of a base (10) and a cover (20) establishing:a central channel (80) in which an ignition device is placed,an annular intermediate chamber (70) containing elements (40) of a gas-generating pyrotechnic composition,a peripheral annular chamber (60) containing a filter.A continuous lateral opening (71) is provided between the central channel (80) and the intermediate chamber (70).The method for manufacturing a generator of this type consists in assembling the cover (20) with the base (10) containing the filter by friction welding, in placing the casing (2) thus formed onto a lathe and in introducing, after setting in rotation, the pyrotechnic elements (40) into the chamber (70) through the opening (71) and, lastly, in installing the ignition device.

Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing a composite material such as titanium carbide and alumina from exothermic reaction of a sample followed by explosive induced consolidation of the reacted sample. The apparatus includes a lower base for holding a powdered composite sample, an igniter and igniter powder for igniting the sample to initiate an exothermic reaction and a piston for dynamically compressing the sample utilizing an explosive reaction.

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: A chemical oxygen generator has a chemical mixture based on an alkali-metal chlorate (NaClO.sub.3) which constitutes the charge of a cartridge having an ignition device and an oxygen outlet. This oxygen generator is improved so that the charge is insensitive to shock and so that it can be configured in any desired outer form and size and that an advancing reaction zone is assured without a further assisting device. The charge includes a tight bed of chemical pellets which lie one against the other to form the smallest possible contact surfaces.

Abstract: An automatic-ignition device for a vehicle crash protection device for passengers having a gas generator, whereby a reliable automatic releasing action is attained in case of an overheating, especially when a light-metal main gas generator housing is used. A primary ignition mixture is contained in a housing structure which is thermally insulated from the main gas generator housing. The primary mixture housing structure forms a heat seal thermally insulated from the main gas generator housing.

Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag, which can be manufactured in an advantageous manner, has at least two tubular pressure tanks wherein materials that release gas are combusted. The pressure tanks are connected radially with a central member containing an igniter element. The gas-releasing material fills up a tubular interior extensively in the form of stackable molded elements adapted to fit within the pressure tank. In most cases, an adequate path for the ignition vapors is constituted by a central channel within each element, while in case of rod-shaped molded elements, such adequate path is represented by the "natural" cavities; additionally, a free surface area should exist between the elements and may be provided by nubs and/or indentations on the lateral faces of these molded elements.

Abstract: A high flow sodium chlorate oxygen generator assembly (10) of a relatively small diameter. The generator assembly includes a chlorate candle (12) mounted within a containment vessel (14, 16, 18), the chlorate candle being provided with a deep conical recess (54) which is thinly coated with a rapidly combustible material (56). Ignition of the rapidly combustible material is achieved by extending a hollow ceramic tube (58) from a primer (38) located at one end of the containment vessel, the hollow tube directing the flame from the primer, when ignited, towards the center of the deepest part of the conical depression. The above construction provides a high surface area for burning, and also intensifies the heat flux within the chlorate candle thereby substantially increasing the rate of oxygen output over known chlorate candles of comparable diameters.

Abstract: In a gas generator for a vehicle protection system having an outer jacket and an inner housing attached thereto through an edge union and consisting of an ignition carrier and a thin-walled propellant vessel, which inner housing together with a primer and a propellant charge forms a hermetically encapsulated separate structural unit, an edge lip of the ignition carrier bent radially inward over the collar type enlarged propellant vessel edge is provided, which, when the inner housing is installed in the outer jacket, is pressed axially against a stepped abutment surface of the outer jacket and is thereby held in tight press-fit engagement on the collar-like vessel edge. Due to this the gas generator has, in terms of manufacture, a very simple construction in the region of the ignition carrier attachment to the propellant vessel but yet is highly burstproof.

Abstract: A chlorine gas filtering material suitable for use in a high temperature oxygen environment, and a method of making the filtering material. The filtering material is prepared by impregnating a porous manganese dioxide and copper oxide hopcalite catalyst prepared by the carbonate method with sodium hydroxide. The process of making includes the steps of mixing the catalyst into a sodium hydroxide solution and then vacuum baking the impregnated catalyst for at least 8 hours, and preferably for 16 hours at a temperature of 240.degree. F.-260.degree. F.

Abstract: A spring actuated annular movable plate in the combustion chamber of a pyrotechnic gas generator exerts a constant pressure on gas generant pellets therein to prevent relative movement and consequent abrasion and reduction to powder form of the pellets regardless of the extent to which they continue to settle relative to one another as the result of age and continued vibration of the vehicle in which the generator is installed thereby improving the long duration stability of the generator and avoiding overpressurization of the generator that tends to result upon degradation of the gas generant pellets.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical housing construction for a light weight gas generator of minimum bulk includes two subassemblies, each of which have first and second concentric cylinders depending from a flat wall and which are joined together by inertia welding to form a central igniter chamber and an outer annular chamber. The outer chamber is divided into three axially extending annular chambers by two flat annular barriers. Solid fuel is contained in a first annular chamber. Communication between the three annular chambers is provided by openings in the barriers, the openings in the barrier adjacent the solid fuel being disposed on a circle adjacent the outer edge thereof while the openings in the other barrier are disposed on a circle adjacent the inner edge. A cooling and filtering means is provided in each of the second and third annular chambers, with an air space between the two subassemblies for clearance during welding.

Abstract: A chemical oxygen generator includes a candle in which oxygen is present and which is chemically combined and which is ignited by starting means to initiate the generation of the oxygen. This takes several seconds before a substantial quantity of oxygen is provided. Because a user of this oxygen must be supplied with the oxygen for respiration immediately, the invention includes a generator which has a pressure space, preferably above, below and around the oxygen candle which is located in the space and which is filled with compressed oxygen. The generator includes a member which is actuated upon release of the starting means for the oxygen to permit outward flow of the oxygen in the pressure space which is supplied until the oxygen being released from the candle is produced by the ignition of the candle.

Abstract: A starting device for a breathing apparatus employing chemically-fixed oxygen which incorporates a brick of oxygen generating material superposed by a resilient diaphragm giving support to an ampule with an ignition liquid. The ampule is broken by an ignition means located on the diaphragm under a gas-tight cap in an opening whereof there is provided a resilient bushing containing a removable detent arranged to interact with a retainer of the ignition means so as to keep same in a position ready for operation.

Abstract: A chemical oxygen generator is disclosed which includes a pressure vessel surrounding the container containing the chemical. In a space between the tank containing the chemical and the wall of the pressure vessel, a supply of pressurized oxygen is provided. A manually triggerable valve stem is operable to simultaneously open a passage from the pressurized supply and to initiate ignition of the chemical in the tank to generate a further supply of oxygen.

Abstract: A filter assembly is provided for fluid supplies for vehicle occupant restraint systems which employ a combustible gas generator to inflate a confinement upon the occurrence of a collision. The filter assembly includes two sets of layers of porous filter material.One set includes a plurality of layers of fibrous filter material of relatively high porosity such as steel wool. The other set includes a plurality of layers of filter material arranged in order of descending porosity between the gas generator and the confinement and positioned intermediate the layers of the former set. Each of the layers of this other set is of substantially lower porosity than those adjacent layers of the former set.

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.

Abstract: A gas generator construction particularly for the inflation of inflatable protective bags which are used in safety systems of vehicles comprises a housing with a central tubular housing part which contains an ignition device that is surrounded by a reaction chamber containing a gas generating charge which in turn is surrounded by an outer filter housing. The gases which are generated in the reaction chamber are directed through openings and into the filter housing and then outwardly through slots of the filter housing for use in expanding the protective bag. The reaction chamber and the filter chamber are formed by an annular substantially S-shaped wall member which has a bottom forming wall portion for the reaction chamber which is joined to the central tubular part, for example, by welding.

Abstract: A chemical oxygen generator which is operable by movement of a starter member or thrust member comprises an outer closed container having an end wall on the interior of which an ignition actuation liquid container is mounted. The ignition actuation liquid container is made of a foil material and it is mounted over an ignition mixture container having an ignition mixture which when mixed with the liquid ignites so as to ignite a spark plug for the oxygen generator material.

Abstract: A chemical cartridge for giving off oxygen for use in respirators, comprises, a container having an oxygen-liberating chemical therein, with a spark plug engaged in the chemical and developing heat and oxygen when started to ignite and aid in the combustion of the chemical. A container of a shape to extend around at least the sides and one end of the spark plug is filled with water and it has an opening which is closed by a plug. The plug is made so that it will open during the burning of the spark plug and supply water to the chemical.

Abstract: A starting device for a chemical oxygen generator comprises a casing which has a chemical oxygen generating material therein and with a first wall above the material with an opening bounded by an annular sealing face and an opposite second wall below the oxygen generating material with at least one passage for the passage therethrough of an oxygen which is generated. A liquid ampule is disposed above the oxygen generating material and a thrust bolt is mounted in the opening of the casing over the liquid ampule and is movable when actuated from a starting position overlying and spaced from the ampule to an actuated position in which it penetrates and breaks the ampule. The coil spring is associated with the bolt and it biases the bolt in a direction toward the ampule. A sealing ring is disposed around the bolt and is located initially above the opening and moves with the bolt to engage into the opening and seal the top of the container when the bolt is in the actuated position.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a chemical oxygen generator using two plates and a chemical substance which produces oxygen through a chemical reaction and an isostatic pressing device, comprising, forming at least one depression between two flat portions of each plate, placing the plates together by superimposing their flat surfaces together in the isostatic press, and arranging their depressions so that they oppose each other, and filling the depressions with the chemical by inserting the chemical axially into the depression and deforming the plates by pressing the pressing device to close the depressions along the flat surfaces at each end and to compress the chemical within the depressions. The invention construction advantageously includes plates having two sets of depressions or one continuous serpentine depression in each plate, which are arranged in mirror orientation and closed at one end and contain an ignition device for the chemical at the opposite end.

Abstract: A candle for producing oxygen when ignited is mounted in the bottom of a chemical canister that is to be inserted in an open-bottom breathing apparatus receptacle provided with a depending projection. A primer for igniting the candle extends through the bottom of the canister and is exposed in the top of a firing mechanism housing secured to the canister bottom. At one side of the primer a hammer has one end pivotally connected to the housing on a transverse axis, with a spring urging the free end of the hammer into contact with the primer. Pivotally mounted in the housing on a transverse axis below the hammer is a trigger having one end engaging the bottom of the free end of the hammer in its cocked position, with the opposite end of the trigger positioned to be engaged by the receptacle projection when the canister is moved up into the receptacle, whereby to turn the trigger to disengage it from the hammer in order to release the hammer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for pyrotechnically generating a mixture of at least two gases, substantially in a predetermined ratio, for an extended period of time, with separate pyrotechnic charges generating each component of the resultant mixture. At least one of the pyrotechnic charges is capable of sustained burning at a rate corresponding to the rate of total gas generation, and the remaining charges, not in themselves capable of sustained burning, are caused to sustain ignition by maintaining their burning surface in thermal communication with that of the first charge, so that all charges burn at substantially the same linear rate.

Abstract: A chemical oxygen generator using a chemical which generates oxygen by thermal reaction and an ignition device for the chemical is made by forming a continuous depression in a first plate, filling the plate depression with the chemical so as to completely fill the depression or to slightly overflow it, locating the ignition device in the depression adjacent one end thereof and covering the first plate with a second flat plate and pressing the two plates together to compact the chemical and deform the depression of the first plate. The plates are subsequently secured together with a gas-tight connection around the depression. The generator advantageously comprises a continuous serpentine-like depression in one plate and has a closed end located in the plate and an open end extending to the edge of the plate which may be sealed by a foil when the two plates are pressed together.

Abstract: A chemical canister for use in a respirator has opposed openings, one for connection to a mouthpiece and the other for connection to the rest of the respirator. The canister contains a carbon dioxide removing and oxygen liberating chemical, and there also is a chemical which, upon being heated, will liberate nitrogen to mix with the oxygen liberated in the canister.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for refining platinum group metal concentrates and the separation therefrom of silver and of the majority of base metals which are present with them. In more detail, the apparatus comprises means for reacting together gaseous hydrogen and chlorine so as to produce a flame and means for passing into the reaction zone of the said flame the said mineral concentrate in finely divided particulate form.The apparatus comprises a tubular burner having a hydrogen-chlorine flame discharging into an inner heat resistant tube, means for the passage of the said mineral concentrates in particulate form through the reaction zone of the hydrogen chlorine flame, means for maintaining the reaction zone of the flame at a temperature within the range 900.degree. C. to 2500.degree. C. and means for scrubbing the reaction products after passage through the flame with an aqueous solution.