Joseph Darren Francis
Engineers in Ogden, UT
License number
Utah 265749-2202
Category
Engineer/Land Surveyor
Type
Professional Engineer
Address
Address
Ogden, UT
Professional information
Device For Pressure Relief During Bonfire And Tell-Tale Of Compressed Gas
US Patent:
5738372, Apr 14, 1998
Filed:
May 15, 1996
Appl. No.:
8/648459
Inventors:
Wm. Gregory Lowe - Ogden UT
Joseph D. Francis - Ogden UT
Joseph D. Francis - Ogden UT
Assignee:
Morton International, Inc. - Chicago IL
International Classification:
B60R 2126
US Classification:
280736
Abstract:
A device for sealing a gas fill port of an inflator of a vehicle restraint system, for providing pressure release of gases during bonfire of the inflator. During normal functioning of the inflator, the device can be examined to indicate the amount of compressed gas present in the inflator at the time of deployment. In one embodiment, a seal seals the fill port of the inflator. The seal is made of a material which melts at or just below auto-ignition temperature of the inflator during bonfire to allow the gases to vent from the inflator chamber, thereby preventing the inflator from experiencing extremely high internal pressures. Another embodiment of the device seals the fill port of the inflator and also acts as a tell-tale device, whereupon examination of the device after deployment, the amount of gas present in the inflator at the time of functioning can be determined.
Hybrid Inflator With Integral Diffuser
US Patent:
5615913, Apr 1, 1997
Filed:
Feb 6, 1996
Appl. No.:
8/597598
Inventors:
Joseph D. Francis - Ogden UT
Daniel L. Steimke - Ogden UT
Daniel L. Steimke - Ogden UT
Assignee:
Morton International, Inc. - Chicago IL
International Classification:
B60R 2128
US Classification:
280740
Abstract:
The invention replaces the diffuser that is slid over a non-symmetrical gas output inflator, or diffuser as part of the module assembly, with concentric low cost and low mass rings that are pressed onto the gas outlet area of the inflator. The concentric rings straighten the gas flow coming out of the inflator and serve also to cool the gas flow at the source instead of downstream.