Bradley Wayne Nelson

US Patent:

6364353, Apr 2, 2002

Filed:

Jun 7, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/327770

Inventors:

Bradley W. Nelson - Mesa AZ
Robert E. Scott - Mesa AZ
Jess A. Cuevas - Scottsdale AZ
Thomas H. Deming - Mesa AZ

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Lyndhurst OH

International Classification:

B60R 2126

US Classification:

280736, 280742

Abstract:

An inflator ( ) comprises a housing ( ) defining first and second combustion chambers ( ). A first inflation fluid source ( ) in the first combustion chamber ( ) is actuatable to effect flow of inflation fluid. A first initiator ( ) in the housing ( ), when energized, effects actuation of the first inflation fluid source ( ). A second inflation fluid source ( ) in the second combustion chamber ( ) is actuatable to effect flow of inflation fluid. A second initiator ( ) in the housing ( ), when energized, effects actuation of the second inflation fluid source ( ). The housing ( ) deforms due to the pressure of inflation fluid in the housing upon actuation of one or both of the inflation fluid sources ( ). The housing ( ), after deforming, has a fluid passage ( ) for directing flow of inflation fluid out of the housing. The flow area of the fluid passage ( ) varies in accordance with the pressure of inflation fluid in the housing ( ).

US Patent:

59843527, Nov 16, 1999

Filed:

Apr 26, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/299342

Inventors:

Lloyd G. Green - Mesa AZ
Bradley W. Nelson - Mesa AZ
Robert E. Scott - Mesa AZ
Jess A. Cuevas - Scottsdale AZ
Thomas H. Deming - Mesa AZ

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Lyndhurst OH

International Classification:

B60R 2126
B60R 2128

US Classification:

280736

Abstract:

An inflator (10) comprises a housing (20) defining a combustion chamber (144). An inflation fluid source (152) in the combustion chamber (144) in the housing (20) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid under pressure. An initiator (94) is provided in the housing (20) for actuating the inflation fluid source (152). The housing (20) has a fluid passage (150) for directing flow of inflation fluid out of the housing. The housing (20) deforms due to the pressure of inflation fluid in the housing upon actuation of the inflation fluid source (152) by the initiator (94). The flow area of the fluid passage (150) increases due to deformation of the housing (20) and varies in accordance with the pressure of inflation fluid in the housing upon actuation of the inflation fluid source (152). The housing (20) comprises first and second housing parts (40, 30) having respective engageable portions (84, 46) that move, upon actuation of the fluid source (152), from a first condition in abutting engagement with each other to a second condition spaced apart from each other to vary the flow area of the fluid passage (150). The first housing part (40) comprises a one-piece metal member that supports the initiator (94) and at least partially defines the combustion chamber (144).

US Patent:

55369901, Jul 16, 1996

Filed:

Mar 27, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/675512

Inventors:

Bradley W. Nelson - North Ogden UT

Assignee:

Thiokol Corporation - Ogden UT

International Classification:

H01L 4108

US Classification:

310339

Abstract:

A device for producing an electrical output within a larger apparatus which generates the electrical output by use of energy already available within the apparatus. The device is particularly adaptable for use within an apparatus which incorporates an explosive charge which detonates during the operation of the apparatus. The device employs a piezoelectric cell which is positioned within the apparatus at a location such that when a force or shock wave is generated within the apparatus, that force is at least partially applied to the piezoelectric cell. Thus, an electrical voltage is generated by the piezoelectric cell. The device also includes a wire or other device for transporting the electrical energy to an appropriate location for use. The device may be placed within a flare of the type propelled by a rocket motor and also having an explosive charge for separating the rocket motor from the remainder of the flare. The piezoelectric cell is in turn placed in electrical communication with an igniter for the illuminate of the flare.