Pyrotechnic gas generator

Claim 3

An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 including vortex generator means disposed between the downstream end of said conduit means and said outlet means whereby a cool gas stream generated in said vortex generator means is directed into said outlet means.

Claim 4

An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first and said second combustion stages are disposed in the peripheral section of said container means in communication with said conduit means for communication of the gas generated in said stages with said gas bag.

Claim 5

An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said conduit means comprises a cylindrical opening in said container means provided with a venturi nozzle, defined by said inner boundry of said moisture absorbing means.

Claim 6

An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said container means comprises a cylindrical shell.

Claim 7

An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said moisture absorbing means comprises a multiplicity of hydrate forming, water sorbing crystals encased in a compartment whereby said combustion stages are maintained free of moisture prior to the ignition of said generator.

Claim 8

A gas generator in accordance with claim 1 wherein said ignition means comprises a squib.

Claim 9

A gas generator in accordance with claim 1 wherein said ignition delay means comprises an enclosed solid mixture of gun powder and decelerators.

Claim 10

A gas generator in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first and second combustion stages each comprise a solid combustible material disposed in a single enclosed compartment in communication with said conduit means.

Claim 11

A gas generator in accordance with claim 9 wherein said combustible material is a solid mixture of rubber and ammonium nitrate.

Claim 12

A gas generator in accordance with claim 9 wherein said combustible material is a solid mixture of polyvinyl chloride and ammonium oxylate.

Claim 13

A gas generator for inflation of a gas bag disposed in a vehicle comprising: a. a container means provided within with conduit means in gas flow communication with said gas bag; b. a first combustion stage for generating gas in said container including separated first and second compartments in gas flow communication with said conduit means; c. an ignition means connected to said first compartment of said first combustion to ignite said first combustion stage upon impact of said vehicle; d. a second combustion stage for generating gas in gas flow communication with said conduit means, comprising separated first and second compartments disposed adjacent to and downstream of said first combustion stage; e. an ignition delay means disposed within said second compartment of said first combustion stage for ignition of said first compartment of said second combustion stage after combustion of said first combustion stage is completed; f. a water removal means through which at least a portion of said generated gas flows disposed downstream of And adjacent to said second combustion stage, said water removal means in gas flow communication with said conduit means through aperture means in said conduit means and characterized by an inner boundry defining a nozzle means in said conduit means; and g. an outlet means adjacent to and connected to said conduit means and said gas bag, whereby combustion gases generated in said first and second combustion stages and water vapor liberated from said water removal means during ignition of said combustion stages flow into said gas bag.

Claim 14

A gas generator for inflation of a gas bag disposed in a vehicle comprising: a. a container means provided within with conduit means in gas flow communication with said gas bag; b. a first combustion stage for generating gas in said container including separated first and second compartments in gas flow communication with said conduit means; c. an ignition means connected to said first compartment of said first combustion to ignite said first combustion stage upon impact of said vehicle; d. a second combustion stage for generating gas in gas flow communication with said conduit means, comprising separated first and second compartments disposed adjacent to and downstream of said first combustion stage; e. an ignition delay means disposed within said second compartment of said first combustion stage for ignition of said first compartment of said second combustion stage after combustion of said first combustion stage is completed; f. a water removal means through which at least a portion of said generated gas flows disposed downstream of And adjacent to said second combustion stage, said water removal means in gas flow communication with said conduit means through aperture means in said conduit means and characterized by an inner boundry defining a nozzle means in said conduit means; and g. an outlet means adjacent to and connected to said conduit means and said gas bag, whereby combustion gases generated in said first and second combustion stages and water vapor liberated from said water removal means during ignition of said combustion stages flow into said gas bag.

Claim 15

A gas generator in accordance with claim 7 including vortex generator means disposed between the downstream end of said conduit means and said outlet means, whereby a cool gas stream generated in said vortex generator means is directed into said outlet means.

Claim 16

A gas generator in accordance with claim 12 wherein said second compartment of said first and second compartments comprises a solid combustible material contained within wall means in communication with said conduit means and said first compartment.

Claim 17

A gas generator in accordance with claim 14 wherein said combustible material is a solid mixture of ammonium nitrate and carbon.

Claim 18

A gas generator in accordance with claim 12 wherein said first compartment of said first and second combustion stages comprises a solid combustible material provided with cylindrical air tubes, contained within wall means separating said first compartment from said conduit means and said second compartment, said wall means, separating said first and second compartments, provided with a plurality of openings for communication between said first and said second compartments.

Claim 19

A gas generator in accordance with claim 16 wherein said combustible material is black powder.

Claim 20

A gas generator in accordance with claim 16 wherein said combustible material is a mixture of rubber and aluminum nitrate.

Claim 23

A method in accordance with claim 19 including the step of separating said combined stream into a hot and a cool stream upstream of said gas bag whereby only the cool stream is used to inflate said gas bag.