US4696705A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gas generating material
Assignee: ZF Passive Safety Systems US Inc
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Filing: 1986-12-24
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Granted: 1987-09-29
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Expires: 2006-12-24
Abstract
Abstract Structure for generating nitrogen gas for inflating an air bag vehicle occupant restraint comprises a grain made of an azide based material which generates gas upon combustion. The grain is made of a gas generating material which includes 61-68% by weight of sodium azide, 0-5% by weight of sodium nitrate, 0-5% by weight of bentonite, 23-28% by weight of iron oxide, 1-2% by weight of fumed silica, and from about 2 to about 6% by weight of graphite fibers having a diameter of 3-15 microns and an average length of 40 to 125 thousandths of an inch.
Inventors
- 👤 Brian K. Hamilton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 13:26
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/16; B60R21/26; B60R21/264; B60R21/2644; C; C06; C06B; C06B35/00; C06D; C06D5/00; C06D5/06; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S149/00; Y10S149/11; Y10S149/114
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
A structure for generating gas, said structure comprising: a grain made of an azide based material which generates gas and forms a sinter upon combustion; said gas generating material including from about 2 to about 6% by weight of graphite fibers, said graphite fibers having a diameter of 3-15 microns and an average length of 40 to 125 thousandths of an inch to reinforce the sinter which remains after combustion of the gas generating material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
75 words
A structure for generating gas, said structure comprising: a grain made of an azide based material which generates gas and forms a sinter upon combustion; said gas generating material including from about 2 to about 6% by weight of graphite fibers, said graphite fibers having a diameter of 3-15 microns and an average length of 40 to 125 thousandths of an inch to reinforce the sinter which remains after combustion of the gas generating material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The structure defined in claim 1 wherein, said grain has opposite ends and passages which extend through the grain and intersect said opposite ends.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said material comprises: 61-68% by weight of sodium azide, 0-5% by weight of sodium nitrate, 0-5% by weight of bentonite, 23-28% by weight of iron oxide, and 1-2% by weight of fumed silicon dioxide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
60 words
A structure for generating gas, said structure comprising: a grain which generates gas and forms a sinter upon combustion; said grain being made of an alkali metal azide based material and having 2-6% fibers therein which have a melting temperature above the combustion temperature of the grain and a thermal conductivity above about 200 watts per meter per degree kelvin.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
60 words
A structure for generating gas, said structure comprising: a grain which generates gas and forms a sinter upon combustion; said grain being made of an alkali metal azide based material and having 2-6% fibers therein which have a melting temperature above the combustion temperature of the grain and a thermal conductivity above about 200 watts per meter per degree kelvin.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
A structure as defined in claim 4 wherein said fibers are graphite fibers having a diameter of 3-15 microns and an average length of 40 to 125 thousandths of an inch.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A structure as defined in claim 4 wherein said grain further has an ignition enhancing coating thereon.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
A structure as defined in claim 5 wherein said material comprises: 61-68% by weight of sodium azide, 0-5% by weight of sodium nitrate, 0-5% by weight of bentonite, 23-28% by weight of iron oxide, and 1-2% by weight of fumed silicon dioxide.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-09-28 | 1991-03-30 | 1991-09-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-09-28 | 1995-03-30 | 1995-09-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-09-28 | 1999-03-30 | 1999-09-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |