Hybrid inflator with reduced solid emissions
US5882036A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D39/12
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A hybrid inflator having a quantity of stored gas in a pressure vessel, and a quantity of gas generant stored within a generant housing having at least one port in its longitudinal end. Within the generant housing the gas generant is retained within a porous sleeve. This sleeve is spaced inward from the non-porous generant housing, such that a free flow area is formed between the sleeve and the generant housing. The inflation gas created by the gas generant will thus flow radially outward through the sleeve, and then be turned to flow longitudinally toward the port(s) in the generant housing. Providing the free flow area reduces the pressure drop across the generant sleeve, resulting in less slag being forced through the sleeve to be entrained within the created gas flow. Additionally, the changes in direction forced upon the created gas flow to exit the generant housing cause additional amounts of slag to be removed from the created gas flow. This results in a hybrid inflator having reduced solid emissions. A second embodiment employs longitudinal flow directly from the gas generant with a free flow area leading to radial ports on the generant housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.