Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.

Arizona State University

Indu B Mishra

Sean P Burns

Paresh S Khandhadia

Graylon K Williams

Donald B Patterson

Robert M Krupp

Chris A Adamini

William T Petuskey

Functionalized titanium nanotubes can be utilized to detect compounds of interest, for example peroxide-based explosives. The nanotubes may desirably be coated, for example with a silicon oxynitride coating, in order to improve detection performance and/or functionality in the presence of moisture, saline, or other conditions typically unfavorable to titanium nanotube detection devices and methods. Inexpensive, compact, reusable, and responsive sensors may be fabricated from the coated nanotubes.

Solid state sensor for detection of explosives

A vehicle protection system includes an exterior airbag system housed about a vehicle exterior. The system includes at least one first airbag, at least one second airbag, and an inflator system for inflation of the airbags. The inflation system includes at least one inflator operably communicating with the airbags. A sensor system senses impending or actual collision data. The sensor system includes at least one sensor and at least one central computer processing unit for receipt and processing of the data and for selective activation of the inflator system. Upon activation of the inflator system, the at least one first airbag is inflated. The at least one second airbag is sequentially deployable after the at least one first airbag based on measurement of system operating conditions and processing of the operating conditions by the central computer processing unit.

Airbag system

A vehicle protection systemcontains an airbag systememploying a plurality of sets of airbags-external to the vehicleEach set-contains one or more airbagswherein the plurality of sets-are sequentially operated based on initial collision data, and then based on operating parameters such as pressure differentials over time.

An inflator of a vehicle occupant protection system contains an elongated housing having a plurality of gas exit orifices spaced along the length thereof. An ignition body and propellant are provided in lengths substantially equivalent to the length of the housing wherein the ignition body is placed in physical contact with the propellant body for all or most of their respective lengths. Once the ignition body is ignited upon a crash event, resultant uniform ignition and combustion across the length of the propellant results in uniform gas generation and uniform inflation of an airbag , wherein the airbag is at least substantially coextensive with and in fluid communication with the housing . Preferred mixtures of propellant contain silicone, a perchlorate oxidizer, and a coolant.

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Scottsdale, AZ, United States of America

Indu B Mishra