Metal complexes for use as gas generants
First Claim
1. A method for inflating an inflatable air bag which comprises the steps of:
- generating substantially non-toxic gas consisting essentially of nitrogen gas and water vapor by combusting an at least essentially azide-free composition adapted for generating gas for use in inflating an air bag which comprises a metal ammine complex having a metal cation of a transition metal or an alkaline earth metal, sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex, and a neutral ligand comprising ammonia; and
inflating said air bag using said gas.
12 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Gas generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a cationic metal template, sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex, and a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen. The complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite ammine, metal nitrate ammine, and metal perchlorate ammine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. Such complexes are adaptable for use in gas generating devices such as automobile air bags.
183 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for inflating an inflatable air bag which comprises the steps of:
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generating substantially non-toxic gas consisting essentially of nitrogen gas and water vapor by combusting an at least essentially azide-free composition adapted for generating gas for use in inflating an air bag which comprises a metal ammine complex having a metal cation of a transition metal or an alkaline earth metal, sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex, and a neutral ligand comprising ammonia; and inflating said air bag using said gas. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 21)
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2. A method for inflating an inflatable air bag or balloon which comprises the steps of
generating substantially non-toxic gas comprised of nitrogen gas and water vapor by combusting a gas generant composition which consists essentially of at least one metal ammine complex which contains a metal cation of a transition metal or an alkaline earth metal, sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex, and a neutral ligand comprising ammonia; - and
inflating said air bag or balloon using said gas.
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3. An at least essentially azide-free method for deploying an inflatable air bag from a supplemental safety restraint system which contains said air bag and a gas generating device, which contains an least essentially azide-free gas generant composition, for generating gas which can be used for inflating said air bag, said method comprising the steps of:
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generating substantially non-toxic gas consisting essentially of nitrogen gas and water vapor by combusting an at least essentially azide-free gas generant composition comprising a metal ammine complex which comprises a metal cation of a transition metal or alkaline earth metal, sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex, and a neutral ligand comprising ammonia; and inflating said air bag using said gas. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20)
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22. An at least essentially azide-free method for deploying an inflatable air bag from a supplemental safety restraint system in a vehicle wherein said system includes a gas generating device, which contains an least essentially azide-free gas generant composition, for generating gas useful for inflating said air bag, said method comprising the steps of:
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generating a substantially non-toxic gas consisting essentially of nitrogen gas and water vapor by igniting and combusting said gas generant composition, said gas generant composition consisting essentially of at least one metal ammine complex which comprises a metal cation of a transition metal or alkaline earth metal, sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex, and a neutral ligand comprising ammonia; and inflating said inflatable air bag using said gas.
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Specification