Randall W Clark

US Patent:

55337511, Jul 9, 1996

Filed:

Apr 17, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/423261

Inventors:

Leland B. Kort - Lakewood CO
Walter A. Moore - Ogden UT
Randall J. Clark - Pleasant View UT
Kelly B. Johnson - Layton UT
L. John Pierotti - Huntsville UT
Brett Hussey - Bountiful UT

Assignee:

Morton International, Inc. - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B60R 2126

US Classification:

280737

Abstract:

A hybrid inflator for an inflatable restraint system has a center frame and two tubular end caps forming an elongated housing defining a chamber storing pressurized inert gas. Unit means for heating and delivering the stored gas are mounted in the center frame and positioned to deliver inflation gasses centrally with respect to the elongated housing. In a two unit embodiment, one unit includes a squib and a pyrotechnic gas generant, and the other unit defines an outlet orifice and baffle plate. In another two unit embodiment, the second unit includes an essentially non gas-producing heating composition which, when activated, heats and expands the pressurized gas. In a third embodiment, a unit includes heating material and ignition means and defines the outlet orifice. The center manifold is extruded metal stock with two opposing flat surfaces adapted to mount one or more units.

US Patent:

54235707, Jun 13, 1995

Filed:

May 9, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/239692

Inventors:

Leland B. Kort - Lakewood CO
Randall J. Clark - Pleasant View UT
Bradley W. Smith - Ogden UT

Assignee:

Morton International, Inc. - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B60R 2126

US Classification:

280736

Abstract:

A hybrid inflator for a vehicle passenger restraint system comprises a center tie having upper and lower ends, and a curved, continuous vessel wall secured to the upper and lower ends of and surrounding the center tie to define a pressure chamber storing inert compressed gas. The center tie defines a combustion chamber extending from the lower end thereof, the combustion chamber receiving pyrotechnic gaseous heat source material and a squib for igniting it. The center tie further defines a directional inlet port extending from the combustion chamber into the pressure chamber and a rupturable diaphragm seals the inlet port until ignition of the pyrotechnic generant. The center tie also defines a directional outlet vent extending from the pressure chamber adjacent the upper end of the center tie, the directional outlet vent being oriented substantially opposed the inlet port. The outlet vent is part of an outlet passage from the pressure chamber through the upper end of the center tie, including an orifice cavity and outlet orifice, oriented to provide further turns in the gas flow path. A rupturable diaphragm seals the outlet passage until ignition of the gas generant.

US Patent:

54823153, Jan 9, 1996

Filed:

Jun 7, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/255147

Inventors:

William A. Chandler - Murr, DE
Leland B. Kort - Lakewood CO
Randall J. Clark - Pleasant View UT

Assignee:

Morton International, Inc. - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B60R 2126

US Classification:

280741

Abstract:

An elongated tubular hybrid gas generator for the inflation of air bags in which the ratio of length to diameter is at least ten. The device may be substituted for a structural element in a motor vehicle, e. g. a steering column or a beam in a door panel with consequent savings in weight and size.