US4157648A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Composition and method for inflation of passive restraint systems
Assignee: Dow Chemical Co
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Filing: 1975-06-12
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Granted: 1979-06-12
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Expires: 1995-06-12
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is a composition and method for the inflation of passive restraint systems, i.e., crash bags. The method, which uses the gases produced by the ignition of certain alkali metal azides in combination with certain metal halides for inflation of the bag, provides a non-toxic gas for inflation. Use of sufficient metal halide to provide halogen in an amount at least stoichiometric with the alkali metal prevents the formation of free alkali metal, the latter considered to be toxic and to present an unsuitable material in passive restraint systems.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard L. Brennan
- 👤 George A. Lane
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 06:45
CPC Classifications
C; C06; C06B; C06B35/00; C06D; C06D5/00; C06D5/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A method of rapidly generating nitrogen which comprises: igniting an intimate mixture of a metal azide of the formula AN 3 where A is lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, or cesium; and a metal halide selected from the group consisting of SnCl 2 , ZnBr 2 , ZnCl 2 , and TiCl 3 ; said method being further defined in that the amount of metal halide employed is an amount sufficient to provide halogen in at least a stoichiometric ratio with the alkali metal so that the combustion products are substantially free of elemental alkali metal.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
95 words
A method of rapidly generating nitrogen which comprises: igniting an intimate mixture of a metal azide of the formula AN 3 where A is lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, or cesium; and a metal halide selected from the group consisting of SnCl 2 , ZnBr 2 , ZnCl 2 , and TiCl 3 ; said method being further defined in that the amount of metal halide employed is an amount sufficient to provide halogen in at least a stoichiometric ratio with the alkali metal so that the combustion products are substantially free of elemental alkali metal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the mixture of metal azide and metal halide is ignited in close proximity to and in fluid communication with a flexible container, thereby filling the container with combustion gases on ignition of the mixture.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
116 words
A composition which burns to produce gases which are rich in nitrogen and substantially free of elemental alkali products, said composition being substantially free of elemental metals, which comprises: an intimate mixture of a metal azide of the formula AN 3 where A is lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, or cesium; and a metal halide selected from the group consisting of SnCl 2 , ZnBr 2 , ZnCl 2 , and TiCl 3 ; said composition being further defined in that the metal halide is present in an amount sufficient to provide halogen in at least a stoichiometric ratio with the alkali metals so that combustion products produced upon burning are substantially free of elemental alkali metal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
116 words
A composition which burns to produce gases which are rich in nitrogen and substantially free of elemental alkali products, said composition being substantially free of elemental metals, which comprises: an intimate mixture of a metal azide of the formula AN 3 where A is lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, or cesium; and a metal halide selected from the group consisting of SnCl 2 , ZnBr 2 , ZnCl 2 , and TiCl 3 ; said composition being further defined in that the metal halide is present in an amount sufficient to provide halogen in at least a stoichiometric ratio with the alkali metals so that combustion products produced upon burning are substantially free of elemental alkali metal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 2 wherein A is sodium and the metal halide is SnCl 2 .
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 2 wherein A is sodium and the metal halide is ZnCl 2 .
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 2 wherein A is sodium and the metal halide is ZnBr 2 .
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 2 wherein A is lithium and the metal halide is SnCl 2 .
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The composition of claim 3 wherein A is sodium and the metal halide is SnCl 2 .
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The composition of claim 3 wherein A is sodium and the metal halide is ZnCl 2 .
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The composition of claim 3 wherein A is sodium and the metal halide is ZnBr 2 .
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The composition of claim 3 wherein A is lithium and the metal halide is SnCl 2 .
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-06-11 | 1982-12-11 | 1983-06-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-06-11 | 1986-12-11 | 1987-06-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-06-11 | 1990-12-11 | 1991-06-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |