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: An inflator for inflating a vehicle air bag discharges, when actuated, gas to inflate the air bag. An initiator has a terminal for electrical contact with an electrical connector of the vehicle circuitry. The initiator is actuatable in response to receiving an electrical signal from the connector through the terminal to initiate actuation of the inflator. A latch pin is attached by a body of plastic material to the initiator. The latch pin maintains the connector in electrical contact with the terminal of the initiator. The latch pin is preferably made of a material different from the body of plastic material.

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: Because of the length of the airbag gas generator that is used on the passenger side of an automotive vehicle, it has been extremely difficult and expensive to provide an ignition system that would ignite solid gas generant pellets and wafers uniformly throughout the entire length thereof. In order to effect ignition of all pellets throughout the length of the gas generator combustion chamber substantially simultaneously, there is positioned in concentric relation therein an elongated BKNO.sub.3 dipped igniter tube having similarly dipped disks positioned thereon in spaced relation, transversely thereof, BKNO.sub.3 powder initiated by a squib directs fire down the igniter tube to produce a rapid flash of fire that ignites the BKNO.sub.3 dipped igniter tube and disks and surrounding gas generant pellets. The hot gas from the gas generant pellets is cooled and filtered by a screen pack assembly prior to exiting through holes in the cylindrical wall of the gas generator and directed to an airbag for inflation.

Abstract: An electropyrotechnic device for sequentially triggering the operation of a battery of gas generators. The ignition of double-base propellant blocks is obtained by the combination of EFI and an IFOC, arranged so that the airtight barrier between the cavity containing the donor secondary explosive and the downstream chamber containing the secondary receiving explosive is only one part of the closing element of the back end carrying the nozzles, integral with the ring. The control electronics of the EFI are contained inside a housing capping the back end of the powder generator with the entire system being closed by a cap.

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 control assembly is described for controlling the flow of gas from a gas generating unit into a gas bottle to be charged. The bottle cannot be charged until a latch has been pushed clear by means of a button and until an operating lever has been moved into an unactuated position. The button is then released to latch the bottle and the operating lever is moved to the actuated position to close a micro-switch in series with a second micro-switch which is only closed when the neck of the bottle is properly inserted. These micro-switches electrically energize an ignition unit and gas generation starts. Gas passes through a bore in a piston and a pin carried thereby and initially escapes around the outside of the gas bottle neck thus purging contaminants. The piston and pin now commence to move under the action of the gas pressure and the distal end of the pin sealingly enters the bottle. Gas pressure opens a check valve in the bottle neck and charges the bottle.

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 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 gas generator for automobile gas bags and the like includes a grain wherein a plurality of wafers of combustible gas generating material is arranged in a side by side array and a plurality of meshed cushion members is disposed in alternating relation between the wafers and compressed between the wafers in order to provide improved burn surface neutrality for more uniform inflator gas flow and better utilization of the gas generant, increased retention of solid residue in the combustion chamber for reduced plugging of the gas filters and cleaner inflation gas, a higher volumetric loading fraction so that the size and weight of the inflator may be reduced, and structural suspension of each individual wafer between the adjacent compressed cushion members to reduce breakage and damage of the wafers during the many years the inflator may remain in an automobile.

Abstract: A gas generator which has a high volume combustion chamber for increased gas production and which is sized small enough to be confined within a vehicle steering wheel circumference with a minimum impact on the aesthetics of the steering wheel and general interior of the vehicle is used for inflating a vehicle inflatable restraint cushion in the event of an accident. The inflater is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a centrally disposed combustion chamber flanked by a pair of diffuser chambers.

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 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 gas generator or inflator particularly for the inflation of inflatable protective bags that are used in vehicle safety systems includes first and second aluminum structural components. The first component, a diffuser shell having outlet ports, includes integrally formed concentric cylinders which define chambers containing ignition materials, a solid gas generant composition and filters and provide ports for the passage of generated gases from chamber to chamber and then through the outlet ports. The second component, a base shell, has an attachment flange, includes an initiator, and is provided with three concentric surfaces that mate with the ends of the concentric cylinders of the first component. The three concentric cylinders of the first component are simultaneously joined with the concentric mating surfaces of the second component by a single inertia welding operation.

Abstract: A multi-firing exploding film system for enhancing a chemical and/or physical reaction which is capable of being fired several times without replacing the explodible element. The explodible element is formed of an explodible material, e.g. metal or semi-conductor material which is deposited as a film on the interior of a reactor. A pulse power supply is electrically connected to the film and is cyclically actuated to repeatably fire the explodible element upon demand. The present system basically functions as a continuous vaporization-deposition-revaporization process wherein at least a portion is vaporized upon each firing and is then recondensed onto the interior of the reactor before the next firing.

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: .beta.-type silicon carbide having exceedingly high purity is stably and continuously produced in an apparatus comprising a vertical type reaction vessel having an inlet, a preheating zone, a heating zone, a cooling zone and a closable outlet which are sequentially communicated in this order in vertical direction, and a heat insulating layer composed essentially of fine powders of graphite and carbonaceous materials arranged on at least outside of the heating zone, the heating zone of the reaction vessel being made of graphite and having a heating means to indirectly and electrically heat charged materials, the preheating zone having a horizontal cross-sectional area larger than that of the heating zone at any level above an arbitrary position of the preheating zone.

Abstract: An air bag inflator for the passenger side of an automobile includes an elongated, tubular housing having a plurality of perforations in its cylindrical wall for discharging gas. Within the housing are a gas generant composition, an igniter and filtering screens. The perforations are normally sealed with 0.003 inch (0.0762 mm.) thick non-tempered aluminum foil which is easily ruptured by the gas pressure when the inflator is ignited. The foil, in addition to serving as a hermetic seal for protecting the gas generant and igniter from moisture and dust, insures that the gas pressure will reach a certain, threshold level before being discharged into an air bag. In very cold weather the inflator attains its peak pressure considerably more slowly than in warm weather. As a result, the air bag may be inflated either too slowly or insufficiently to perform its intended purpose.

Abstract: An oxygen supply apparatus, particularly for use by a coal miner, has a plurality of housings mounted on a belt, which is worn by the miner, with each housing having a cartridge of oxygen generating material therein and removable from the bottom thereof for replacement. Each housing has a cover with a resiliently biased shaft supported thereby for relative movement to activate the oxygen generating material in the cartridge. The shaft functions as a timer activator so that the timer is set when the shaft is activated. The timer produces an alarm signal just prior to the expiration of time for depletion of oxygen from the cartridge within the housing. Each of the covers has a chamber receiving the oxygen from the cartridge and supplying it through tubing to oxygen receiving means worn by the miner such as a mask, for example.

Abstract: In an apparatus for successively igniting a plurality of incense sticks or other elongated combustible articles, a series of timer discs on a common shaft is rotated by an electric motor. The rim of each disc is provided with a bore for holding one end of an incense stick. The opposite end of the stick is supported beneath an igniter element. As the motor shaft rotates, the timer discs are successively rotated to move the incense sticks, one at a time, into contact with the igniter element. Following ignition, each incense stick is further rotated for exposure to the atmosphere until fully consumed. The speed of rotation of the timer discs is controlled to provide complete consumption of an incense stick during each shaft revolution.

Abstract: A gas generator for instantaneously supplying a gas to an inflatable bag such as a gas bag for protection of a car passenger from injuries in a collision, of the type comprising a solid gas-generating composition confined in a reaction chamber defined in a housing having a perforated wall. The reaction chamber is bounded by a wire screen which is spaced from the perforated wall, and another wire screen is arranged along the inside of the perforated wall. Adequately sized granules of SiC are packed in a space bounded by the two wire screens to efficiently absorb heat and remove solid matter from the generated gas without offering an unduly great resistance to the gas flow. Best cooling and filtering effects can be gained by the use of .alpha.-SiC granules of a sharp-edged particle shape.

Abstract: A solid fuel gas generator generates extremely clean odorless nitrogen gas by a combustion process that involves the burning in an annular combustion chamber having gas discharge orifices of a gas generant composition having combustion product residues including alkali metal oxides and hydroxides and which may also include iron particulates, and features the provision between the composition and the gas discharge orifices of an annular primary cooling and filtering pack in the combustion chamber for maximum retention therein of such combustion product residues, the cooling and filtering pack including a fine mesh screen surrounding the gas generant composition and one or more layers of fiberglass woven fabric around the screen, the fabric being selected for its characteristic property at the combustion chamber temperature of reacting with the caustic soda in the combustion products to form innocuous sodium silicate and of becoming tacky to enhance particle entrapment, and further features in surrounding relat

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 system useful in an assembly intended for use in a deep ocean environment for generating gas within the assembly to equalize the internal pressure with the external underwater pressure. In one embodiment, the gas is generated by a chemical reaction between a stored substance and the ocean water itself and, in another embodiment, the gas is generated by a reaction initiated by a pyrotechnic charge.

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 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 replaceable cartridge-type oxygen generator is described including a quick-opening pressure casing containing a chemical oxygen-generating cartridge having a severable hermetically-sealed container and an ignition device, the casing further including an actuating device capable of actuating the ignition device only when the cartridge is disposed within the casing and the casing is closed. The casing further includes a high-volume vent automatically effective in case of the sudden build-up of a high pressure, such as may be caused by the ignition of a contaminant. Also described is an oxygen supply system including a plurality of such generators connected to an outlet manifold having pressure sensing means controlling the ignition of the cartridges.

Abstract: A metal hydride fuel system incorporating a plurality of storage elements that may be individually replaced to provide a hydrogen fuel system for combustion engines having a capability of partial refueling is presented.

Abstract: A control and monitoring system for an oxygen generation device having a plurality of chemical oxygen generation elements sequentially decomposed to continuously generate oxygen.

Abstract: An all-pyrotechnic inflator, for generating an inflating gas, includes: an elongated enclosure means, a linear ignitor, and a pyrotechnic material. The elongated enclosure means has a longitudinal axis and an outlet means for passage of the gas. The linear ignitor is arranged within the enclosure means and extends along at least part of the longitudinal axis of the enclosure means. The pyrotechnic material is disposed within the enclosure means and extends along at least part of the longitudinal extent of the enclosure means for combustion and generation of gas upon ignition by the linear ignitor. The enclosure means further includes an inner wall, an outer wall, a nozzle means, and a means for maintaining substantially constant pressure during generation of the gas. The pyrotechnic material is the sole source of the inflating gas.

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 gas generating device is disclosed which includes a substantially cylindrical outer sleeve defining groups of gas exit ports and a substantially cylindrical inner sleeve for containing a reactable gas-generating material defining groups of gas entrance ports with the inner sleeve being mounted generally coaxial to the outer sleeve. Annular side walls define a plurality of alternating first and second filter chambers in the annular space between the inner and outer sleeves. The first filter chambers are defined by adjacent pairs of annular side walls having a group of gas entrance ports therebetween and contain first filter means. The second filter chambers are defined by adjacent pairs of annular side walls having a group of gas exit ports therebetween and contain second filter means. The second filter chambers communicate with the first filter chambers by means of openings in the annular side walls. Means are provided for initiating reaction of the reactable gas generating material.

Abstract: The disclosed gas flow sensor has an orifice connected in an oxygen conduit and a pressure switch connected to the conduit by having a pressure chamber communicating with the conduit. The chamber terminates at a diaphram which is operatively coupled to a normally open microswitch by a spring loaded rod. As the flow rate of oxygen flowing through the conduit drops below a permissible minimum magnitude, back pressure on the orifice decreases so as to close the microswitch to provide a control signal. A bypass valve is connected across the orifice to prevent the oxygen pressure within the conduit from excessively increasing.

Abstract: Three chlorate candles are connected to a common conduit to which a normally open pressure switch is connected on the downstream side. The switch closes in response to a flow rate less than its predetermined minimum magnitude of oxygen from each candle flowing through the conduit. The pressure switch and one thermal switch for each candle except the last one are serially interconnected across a DC source through a resistor. When that candle first ignited is weakened in generation of oxygen, the next candle is ignited with the closure of the two serially connected switches and through the resulting heating of the associated resistor. The third candle is similarly ignited.