Inflation system with aspirator for inflatable safety device

Abstract

Described are inflation systems having a gas generator and an aspirator. The gas generator may be configured to generate gas from an electric propellant for an inflatable safety device. The aspirator may be separate from the gas generator, and the aspirator may be coupled with the gas generator to receive the gas to entrain ambient air to cause the inflatable safety device to inflate. The inflatable safety device may be coupled with the aspirator to receive the ambient air for inflating the inflatable safety device.

Description

Attorney Docket 037514-1450331Client Ref. No. B-030480PCT01 Patent Application INFLATION SYSTEM WITH ASPIRATOR FOR INFLATABLE SAFETY DEVICEFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The field of the invention relates generally to passenger vehicles, and, more specifically, though not necessarily exclusively, to an inflation system with an aspirator that may be used to provide gas to an inflatable safety device using gas generated from an electric propellant.BACKGROUND

[0002] Passenger vehicles often include equipment that may be used in case of emergency. For example, the passenger vehicles may include inflatable slides, slides / rafts, ramps, life rafts, inflatable rafts, inflatable life jackets, helicopter floats, and the like. Passenger vehicles may also be limited with respect to weight, for example due to regulations, due to fuel efficiency, due to operational limitations, and the like. Minimizing the weight or payload of the passenger vehicles may be difficult, and providing functional safety equipment with the foregoing limitations may be difficult. Additionally, or alternatively, transporting a charged gas cylinder may be difficult and subject to additional compliance with respect to regulations and licensing requirements.SUMMARY

[0003] The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims1US2008 30105709 1Attorney Docket 037514-1450331 Client Ref. No. B-030480PCT01 Patent Application below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings and each claim.

[0004] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, an inflation system can include a gas generator and an aspirator. The gas generator may be configured to generate gas from an electric propellant for an inflatable safety device. The aspirator may be separate from the gas generator, and the gas generator may be coupled with the gas generator to receive the gas to entrain ambient air to cause the inflatable safety device to inflate. The inflatable safety device may be coupled with the aspirator to receive the ambient air for inflating the inflatable safety device.

[0005] In some embodiments, the gas may have a first temperature that exceeds a threshold temperature, and temperatures above the threshold temperature may be configured to enhance, compared to other temperatures, entrainment of the ambient air in the aspirator.

[0006] In certain embodiments, the inflatable safety device may include a material having a melting point that is a second threshold temperature. The ambient air may have a second temperature that is approximately less than the melting point, and a combination of the ambient air and the gas may have a third temperature that is approximately less than the second threshold temperature.

[0007] In various embodiments, the aspirator may include an inlet port that is coupled with the gas generator, and the inlet port may be configured to direct the gas from the gas generator and into one or more nozzles within the aspirator.2US2008 30105709 1Attorney Docket 037514-1450331Client Ref. No. B-030480PCT01Patent Application

[0008] In some embodiments, the one or more nozzles may be positioned in the aspirator to direct the gas toward the inflatable safety device, and the ambient air may be capable of being entrained in response to the gas being directed toward the inflatable safety device via the one or more nozzles.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the gas and the ambient air may be combinable into inflation input that is providable to the inflatable safety device to inflate the inflatable safety device.

[0010] In various embodiments, the aspirator may additionally include a mixing tube coupled with the inlet port, and the mixing tube may be sized and shaped to combine the gas and the ambient air into the inflation input.

[0011] In some embodiments, the mixing tube may have a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end may be coupled with the inlet port, and the second end may be coupled with the inflatable safety device.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the gas generator may be coupled with an electric power source that may be configured to provide electric current to the gas generator.

[0013] In various embodiments, the electric current provided to the gas generator may be adjustable to control (i) a rate of production of the gas by the gas generator and (ii) a temperature of the gas produced by the gas generator.

[0014] In some embodiments, the inflation system may additionally include a conduit that extends from the gas generator to the aspirator, and the conduit may be sized to transport the gas from the gas generator to the aspirator.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the conduit may be a gas-cooling conduit that reduces a temperature of the gas as the gas is transported through the gas-cooling conduit.

[0016] In various embodiments, the gas may have a first temperature at a first end of the gas-cooling conduit. The gas may have a second temperature at a second end of the gas-3US2008 30105709 1Attorney Docket 037514-1450331Client Ref. No. B-030480PCT01Patent Application cooling conduit opposite the first end, and the second temperature may not exceed a threshold temperature that corresponds to a melting point of a material of the inflatable safety device.

[0017] In some embodiments, the inflatable safety device may be an inflatable slide, inflatable raft inflatable, an inflatable slide / raft, a ramp, a life raft, a life jacket, or a helicopter float.

[0018] In certain embodiments, an aircraft may include the inflation system, and the inflatable safety device may be an inflatable slide.

[0019] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, an inflation system may include an aspirator and an inflatable safety device. The aspirator may include a gas generator that is configured to generate gas from an electric propellant, and the aspirator may be positioned to receive gas from the gas generator to entrain ambient air to cause an inflatable safety device to inflate. The inflatable safety device may be coupled with the aspirator to receive the ambient air for inflating the inflatable safety device.

[0020] In some embodiments, the gas generator may be coupled with an electric power source that is configured to provide electric current to the gas generator, and the electric current provided to the gas generator may be adjusted to control (i) a rate of production of the gas by the gas generator and (ii) a temperature of the gas produced by the gas generator.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the gas may have a first temperature that exceeds a threshold temperature, and temperatures above the temperature threshold may be configured to enhance, compared to other temperatures, entrainment of the ambient air in the aspirator. The inflatable safety device may include a material having a melting point that is a second threshold temperature. The ambient air may have a second temperature that is approximately less than the melting point, and a combination of the ambient air and the gas may have a third temperature that is approximately less than the second threshold temperature.4US2008 30105709 1Attorney Docket 037514-1450331Client Ref. No. B-030480PCT01Patent Application

[0022] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, an inflation system may include a gas generator, an aspirator, and a gas-cooling conduit. The gas generator may be configured to generate gas from an electric propellant for an inflatable safety device. The aspirator may be separate from and coupled with the gas generator to receive the gas to entrain ambient air to cause the inflatable safety device to inflate. The gascooling conduit may extend from the gas generator to the aspirator to transport the gas from the gas generator to the aspirator while cooling the gas, and the inflatable safety device may be coupled with the aspirator to receive the ambient air for inflating the inflatable safety device.

[0023] In various embodiments, the gas-cooling conduit may be a gas-cooling conduit that reduces a temperature of the gas as the gas is transported through the gas-cooling conduit, and the gas may have a first temperature at a first end of the gas-cooling conduit. The gas may have a second temperature at a second end of the gas-cooling conduit opposite the first end, and the second temperature may not exceed a threshold temperature that corresponds to a melting point of a material of the inflatable safety device.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an inflation system that uses an electric propellant and an aspirator according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the inflation system of Figure 1.

[0026] Figure 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of an aspirator of the inflation system of Figure 1.

[0027] Figure 4 is a diagram of another embodiment of an aspirator of the inflation system of Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a process for using the inflation system of Figure 1.5US2008 30105709 1Attorney Docket 037514-1450331Client Ref. No. B-030480PCT01Patent ApplicationDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

[0030] The described embodiments of the invention provide inflation systems for passenger vehicles. While the inflation systems are discussed for use with inflatable safety devices, they are by no means so limited. Rather, embodiments of the inflation systems may be used in passenger vehicles of any type or otherwise as desired.

[0031] In some embodiments, an electric propellant may differ from traditional solid or liquid pyrotechnic propellants like those used in airbag inflators or propulsion thrusters. For example, the electric propellant may only capable of being activated through contact with a significant electric current and may be resistant to flame and shock. Once the current is taken away the reaction stops. Additionally or alternatively, the reaction that produces gas in electric propellant activation may not be an oxidation reaction, which is common in airbag inflators and proposition thrusters. The electric propellant reaction may be an pyroelectric reaction that generates gas and heat. In some embodiments, a “propellant”, as used herein, may refer to any material that may be used to generate a gas.

[0032] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, and as illustrated in Figures 1-4, an inflation system 100 comprises an inflatable safety device 102, a gas generator 104, and an aspirator 106. The inflatable safety device 102 may be or include an6US2008 30105709 1Attorney Docket 037514-1450331 Client Ref. No. B-030480PCT01Patent Application inflatable slide, inflatable raft inflatable, an inflatable slide / raft, a ramp, a life raft, a life jacket, or a helicopter float, or other suitable inflatable safety devices. The inflatable safety device 102 may be coupled with the aspirator 106 to receive at least ambient air entrained by gas from the gas generator 104. For example, the inflation system 100, or any subset thereof, may be positioned underneath the inflatable safety device 102 when the inflatable safety device is deployed. In some embodiments, the inflation system 100, or any subset thereof (e.g., the gas generator 104 or the aspirator 106, etc.), may be positioned on a door of an aircraft, may be integrated into the inflatable safety device 102, may be positioned on the aircraft, may be adjacent to the inflatable safety device 102, may be positioned on another component of the inflation system 100, etc. In some embodiments, an aircraft may include or otherwise use the inflation system 100.

[0033] In some embodiments, the inflation system 100 may include a conduit 108. The conduit 108 may extend from the gas generator 104 to the aspirator 106, and the conduit 108 may be sized to transport gas from the gas generator 104 to the aspirator 106. The conduit 108 may be or include a gas-cooling conduit, such as a heat-exchanger hose or other suitable gas-cooling conduit, that may reduce a temperature of the gas as the gas is transported through the gas-cooling conduit from the gas generator 104 to the aspirator 106. In some embodiments, the gas may have a first temperature, such as an elevated temperature, at a first end of the gas-cooling conduit, and the gas may have a second temperature at a second end of the gas-cooling conduit opposite the first end. The second temperature may not exceed a threshold temperature that corresponds to, or is otherwise approximately identical to, a melting point of a material of the inflatable safety device 102.

[0034] In some examples, the gas generator 104 may generate gas, and the aspirator 106 may receive the gas and may entrain ambient air using the gas to cause the ambient air to inflate the inflatable safety device 102. In some embodiments, the gas may be generated with7US2008 30105709 1Attorney Docket 037514-1450331 Client Ref. No. B-030480PCT01 Patent Application an elevated temperature. The aspirator 106 may be coupled with the inflatable safety device 102 to provide the ambient air, and in some embodiments the gas, to the inflatable safety device 102. A combination of the ambient air and the gas may be or include inflation input that may have a threshold temperature. In some embodiments, the threshold temperature may be approximately less than or equal to a melting point of materials, such as a substrate, a fabric, a flexible composite, a textile, an inflation hose, an aspirator, a relief valve, or the entirety of the inflatable safety device 102, included in, or otherwise associated with, the inflatable safety device 102. As used herein, approximately indicates that a recited value may vary, such as above or below, by 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, from 5% to 10%, from 10% to 20%, and the like.

[0035] As best illustrated with respect to Figures 2-4, an inflation system 100 includes a gas generator 104 and an aspirator 106. In some embodiments, the inflation system 100 may additionally include an inflatable safety device 102. The gas generator 104 may be configured to generate gas from an electric propellant 202 for the inflatable safety device 102. The aspirator 106 may be separate from and coupled with the gas generator 104 to receive the gas to entrain ambient air to cause the inflatable safety device 102 to inflate. The inflatable safety device 102 may be coupled with the aspirator 106 to receive the ambient air for inflating the inflatable safety device 102.

[0036] In some embodiments, the gas generated by the gas generator 104 may have a first temperature that exceeds a threshold temperature, and temperatures above the threshold temperature may be configured to enhance, compared to other temperatures, entrainment of the ambient air in the aspirator 106. The inflatable safety device 102 may include a material having a melting point that is a second threshold temperature, the ambient air may have a second temperature that is approximately less than the melting point, and a combination of8US2008 30105709 1Attorney Docket 037514-1450331 Client Ref. No. B-030480PCT01 Patent Application the ambient air and the gas from the gas generator 104 may have a third temperature that is approximately less than the second threshold temperature.

[0037] As best illustrated in Figure 3, the aspirator 106 may include an inlet port 302 that is coupled with the gas generator 104. The inlet port 302 may direct the gas from the gas generator 104 and into one or more nozzles 304 within the aspirator 106. In some embodiments, the one or more nozzles 304 may be positioned in the aspirator 106 to direct the gas toward the inflatable safety device 102, and the ambient air may be entrained in response to the gas being directed toward the inflatable safety device 102 via the one or more nozzles 304.

[0038] Additionally or alternatively, the gas and the ambient air may be combined into inflation input that may be provided to the inflatable safety device 102 to inflate the inflatable safety device 102. Inflation input may be or include a gas or other fluid-like material that includes a combination of at least the gas, generated by the gas generator 104, and the ambient air. In some embodiments, the aspirator 106 may include a mixing tube 306 coupled with the inlet port 302, and the mixing tube 306 may be sized and shaped to combine the gas and the ambient air into the inflation input. The mixing tube 306 may have a first end 308a and a second end 308b opposite the first end 308a. The first end 308a may be coupled with the inlet port 302, and the second end 308b may be coupled with the inflatable safety device 102.

[0039] In some embodiments, the gas generator 104 may be coupled with an electric power source that is configured to provide electric current to the gas generator 104. The electric current provided by the electric power source to the gas generator 104 may be adjusted to control (i) a rate of production of the gas by the gas generator 104, (ii) a temperature of the gas produced by the gas generator 104, or a combination thereof.9US2008 30105709 1Attorney Docket 037514-1450331 Client Ref. No. B-030480PCT01 Patent Application

[0040] As best illustrated with respect to Figure 4, the inflation system 100 may include an aspirator 406 that may include the gas generator 104. The gas generator 104 may be positioned within the aspirator 406 and may generate gas from the electric propellant 202.

[0041] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a process 500 for using the inflation system 100. At block 502, gas is generated by the gas generator 104 and by using an electric propellant. The gas may be generated for the inflatable safety device 102 for example by providing the gas to the aspirator 106 to entrain ambient air for inflating the inflatable safety device 102. In some embodiments, an electric propellant may be or include a solid material and / or a liquid material that, when exposed to an electric current, transforms into a gas having an elevated temperature compared with the propellant. The electric current applied to the electric propellant may be controlled, such as increased or decreased, to control a rate at which the electric propellant converts into the gas with the elevated temperature. For example, more electric current may be applied to speed up the conversion and vice versa. Additionally or alternatively, the electric current applied to the electric propellant may be controlled to control a temperature of the gas. For example, more electric current may be applied to increase a temperature of the gas and vice versa. The gas may be provided to the aspirator 106. In some embodiments, the gas generator 104 and the aspirator 106 may be a single unit that generates the gas and uses the gas to entrain the ambient air.

[0042] At block 504, the ambient air is entrained by directing the gas into and / or through the aspirator 106. The aspirator 106 may receive the gas from the gas generator 104, and the gas may be directed within the aspirator 106 to cause the ambient air to be entrained. For example, the gas may be directed through the inlet port 302 and into the one or more nozzles 304, which may direct the gas into the mixing tube 306. By directing the gas from the one or more nozzles 304 into the mixing tube 306, the ambient air may be entrained. A10US2008 30105709 1Attorney Docket 037514-1450331 Client Ref. No. B-030480PCT01 Patent Application temperature of the gas may influence the entrainment of the ambient air. For example, gas with a higher temperature than other gasses may entrain more ambient air.

[0043] At block 506, inflation input that includes the ambient air may be provided to the inflatable safety device 102 to inflate the inflatable safety device 102. In some embodiments, the aspirator 106 may be coupled with the inflatable safety device 102, and the ambient air may be drawn in, via entrainment, and through the aspirator 106, combined with the gas from the gas generator 104, and directed into the inflatable safety device 102. In some embodiments, the inflatable safety device 102 may be inflated using the inflation system 100 within approximately six seconds and in environmental temperatures from approximately -40 °F to approximately 160 °F.

[0044] In some embodiments, a gas generator, such as the gas generator 104, may generate gas with an elevated temperature with respect to propellant used to generate the gas. The gas generator may be coupled with a liquid or cool gas source, and the gas with the elevated temperature may be combined with the cool gas or liquid, for example to cool the temperature of the gas with the elevated temperature. After being combined with the cool gas or liquid, the gas with the elevated temperature, combined with the cool gas or liquid, may be provided to an aspirator and into the inflatable safety device 102.

[0045] In the following, further examples are described to facilitate the understanding of the invention:

[0046] Example 1. An inflation system comprising: a gas generator configured to generate gas from an electric propellant for an inflatable safety device; and an aspirator separate from and coupled with the gas generator to receive the gas to entrain ambient air to cause the inflatable safety device to inflate, wherein the inflatable safety device is coupled with the aspirator to receive the ambient air for inflating the inflatable safety device.11US2008 30105709 1Attorney Docket 037514-1450331 Client Ref. No. B-030480PCT01 Patent Application

[0047] Example 2. The inflation system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the gas has a first temperature that exceeds a threshold temperature, and wherein temperatures above the threshold temperature are configured to enhance, compared to other temperatures, entrainment of the ambient air in the aspirator.

[0048] Example 3. The inflation system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the inflatable safety device comprises a material having a melting point that is a second threshold temperature, wherein the ambient air has a second temperature that is approximately less than the melting point, and wherein a combination of the ambient air and the gas has a third temperature that is approximately less than the second threshold temperature.

[0049] Example 4. The inflation system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the aspirator comprises an inlet port that is coupled with the gas generator, and wherein the inlet port is configured to direct the gas from the gas generator and into one or more nozzles within the aspirator.

[0050] Example 5. The inflation system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the one or more nozzles are positioned in the aspirator to direct the gas toward the inflatable safety device, and wherein the ambient air is capable of being entrained in response to the gas being directed toward the inflatable safety device via the one or more nozzles.

[0051] Example 6. The inflation system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the gas and the ambient air are combinable into inflation input that is providable to the inflatable safety device to inflate the inflatable safety device.

[0052] Example 7. The inflation system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the aspirator further comprises a mixing tube coupled with the inlet port,12US2008 30105709 1Attorney Docket 037514-1450331Client Ref. No. B-030480PCT01Patent Application and wherein the mixing tube is sized and shaped to combine the gas and the ambient air into the inflation input.

[0053] Example 8. The inflation system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the mixing tube has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first end is coupled with the inlet port, and wherein the second end is coupled with the inflatable safety device.

[0054] Example 9. The inflation system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the gas generator is coupled with an electric power source that is configured to provide electric current to the gas generator.

[0055] Example 10. The inflation system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the electric current provided to the gas generator is adjustable to control (i) a rate of production of the gas by the gas generator and (ii) a temperature of the gas produced by the gas generator.

[0056] Example 11. The inflation system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, further comprising a conduit that extends from the gas generator to the aspirator, wherein the conduit is sized to transport the gas from the gas generator to the aspirator.

[0057] Example 12. The inflation system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the conduit is a gas-cooling conduit that reduces a temperature of the gas as the gas is transported through the gas-cooling conduit.

[0058] Example 13. The inflation system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the gas has a first temperature at a first end of the gas-cooling conduit, wherein the gas has a second temperature at a second end of the gas-cooling conduit opposite the first end, and wherein the second temperature does not exceed a threshold temperature that corresponds to a melting point of a material of the inflatable safety device.13US2008 30105709 1Attorney Docket 037514-1450331 Client Ref. No. B-030480PCT01 Patent Application

[0059] Example 14. The inflation system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the inflatable safety device is an inflatable slide, inflatable raft inflatable, an inflatable slide / raft, a ramp, a life raft, a life jacket, or a helicopter float.

[0060] Example 15. An aircraft comprising the inflation system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the inflatable safety device is an inflatable slide.

[0061] Example 16. An inflation system comprising: an aspirator comprising a gas generator that is configured to generate gas from an electric propellant, the aspirator positionable to receive gas from the gas generator to entrain ambient air to cause an inflatable safety device to inflate; and the inflatable safety device coupled with the aspirator to receive the ambient air for inflating the inflatable safety device

[0062] Example 17. The inflation system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the gas generator is coupled with an electric power source that is configured to provide electric current to the gas generator, and wherein the electric current provided to the gas generator is adjustable to control (i) a rate of production of the gas by the gas generator and (ii) a temperature of the gas produced by the gas generator.

[0063] Example 18. The inflation system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the gas has a first temperature that exceeds a threshold temperature, wherein temperatures above the temperature threshold are configured to enhance, compared to other temperatures, entrainment of the ambient air in the aspirator, wherein the inflatable safety device comprises a material having a melting point that is a second threshold temperature, wherein the ambient air has a second temperature that is approximately less than the melting point, and wherein a combination of the ambient air and the gas has a third temperature that is approximately less than the second threshold temperature.

[0064] Example 19. An inflation system comprising: a gas generator configured to generate gas from an electric propellant for an inflatable safety device; an aspirator separate14US2008 30105709 1Attorney Docket 037514-1450331Client Ref. No. B-030480PCT01Patent Application from and coupled with the gas generator to receive the gas to entrain ambient air to cause the inflatable safety device to inflate; and a gas-cooling conduit extending from the gas generator to the aspirator to transport the gas from the gas generator to the aspirator while cooling the gas, wherein the inflatable safety device is coupled with the aspirator to receive the ambient air for inflating the inflatable safety device.

[0065] Example 20. The inflation system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the gas-cooling conduit is a gas-cooling conduit that reduces a temperature of the gas as the gas is transported through the gas-cooling conduit, wherein the gas has a first temperature at a first end of the gas-cooling conduit, wherein the gas has a second temperature at a second end of the gas-cooling conduit opposite the first end, and wherein the second temperature does not exceed a threshold temperature that corresponds to a melting point of a material of the inflatable safety device.

[0066] Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims below.15US2008 30105709 1

Claims

Atorney Docket 037514-1450331Client Ref. No. B-030480PCT01Patent ApplicationCLAIMSThat which is claimed is:

1. An inflation system comprising: a gas generator configured to generate gas from an electric propellant for an inflatable safety device; and an aspirator separate from and coupled with the gas generator to receive the gas to entrain ambient air to cause the inflatable safety device to inflate, wherein the inflatable safety device is coupled with the aspirator to receive the ambient air for inflating the inflatable safety device.

2. The inflation system of claim 1, wherein the gas has a first temperature that exceeds a threshold temperature, and wherein temperatures above the threshold temperature are configured to enhance, compared to other temperatures, entrainment of the ambient air in the aspirator.

3. The inflation system of claim 2, wherein the inflatable safety device comprises a material having a melting point that is a second threshold temperature, wherein the ambient air has a second temperature that is approximately less than the melting point, and wherein a combination of the ambient air and the gas has a third temperature that is approximately less than the second threshold temperature.

4. The inflation system of claim 1, wherein the aspirator comprises an inlet port that is coupled with the gas generator, and wherein the inlet port is configured to direct the gas from the gas generator and into one or more nozzles within the aspirator.

5. The inflation system of claim 4, wherein the one or more nozzles are positioned in the aspirator to direct the gas toward the inflatable safety device, and wherein the ambient air is capable of being entrained in response to the gas being directed toward the inflatable safety device via the one or more nozzles.16US2008 30105709 1Atorney Docket 037514-1450331Client Ref. No. B-030480PCT01 Patent Application6. The inflation system of claim 5, wherein the gas and the ambient air are combinable into inflation input that is providable to the inflatable safety device to inflate the inflatable safety device.

7. The inflation system of claim 6, wherein the aspirator further comprises a mixing tube coupled with the inlet port, and wherein the mixing tube is sized and shaped to combine the gas and the ambient air into the inflation input.

8. The inflation system of claim 7, wherein the mixing tube has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first end is coupled with the inlet port, and wherein the second end is coupled with the inflatable safety device.

9. The inflation system of claim 1, wherein the gas generator is coupled with an electric power source that is configured to provide electric current to the gas generator.

10. The inflation system of claim 9, wherein the electric current provided to the gas generator is adjustable to control (i) a rate of production of the gas by the gas generator and (ii) a temperature of the gas produced by the gas generator.

11. The inflation system of claim 1, further comprising a conduit that extends from the gas generator to the aspirator, wherein the conduit is sized to transport the gas from the gas generator to the aspirator.

12. The inflation system of claim 11, wherein the conduit is a gas-cooling conduit that reduces a temperature of the gas as the gas is transported through the gas-cooling conduit.

13. The inflation system of claim 12, wherein the gas has a first temperature at a first end of the gas-cooling conduit, wherein the gas has a second temperature at a second end of the gas-cooling conduit opposite the first end, and wherein the second temperature does not exceed a threshold temperature that corresponds to a melting point of a material of the inflatable safety device.17US2008 30105709 1Atorney Docket 037514-1450331Client Ref. No. B-030480PCT01 Patent Application14. The inflation system of claim 1, wherein the inflatable safety device is an inflatable slide, inflatable raft inflatable, an inflatable slide / raft, a ramp, a life raft, a life jacket, or a helicopter float.

15. An aircraft comprising the inflation system of claim 1, wherein the inflatable safety device is an inflatable slide.

16. An inflation system comprising: an aspirator comprising a gas generator that is configured to generate gas from an electric propellant, the aspirator positionable to receive gas from the gas generator to entrain ambient air to cause an inflatable safety device to inflate; and the inflatable safety device coupled with the aspirator to receive the ambient air for inflating the inflatable safety device.

17. The inflation system of claim 16, wherein the gas generator is coupled with an electric power source that is configured to provide electric current to the gas generator, and wherein the electric current provided to the gas generator is adjustable to control (i) a rate of production of the gas by the gas generator and (ii) a temperature of the gas produced by the gas generator.

18. The inflation system of claim 16, wherein the gas has a first temperature that exceeds a threshold temperature, wherein temperatures above the temperature threshold are configured to enhance, compared to other temperatures, entrainment of the ambient air in the aspirator, wherein the inflatable safety device comprises a material having a melting point that is a second threshold temperature, wherein the ambient air has a second temperature that is approximately less than the melting point, and wherein a combination of the ambient air and the gas has a third temperature that is approximately less than the second threshold temperature.

19. An inflation system comprising: a gas generator configured to generate gas from an electric propellant for an inflatable safety device;18US2008 30105709 1Atorney Docket 037514-1450331 Client Ref. No. B-030480PCT01 Patent Application an aspirator separate from and coupled with the gas generator to receive the gas to entrain ambient air to cause the inflatable safety device to inflate; and a gas-cooling conduit extending from the gas generator to the aspirator to transport the gas from the gas generator to the aspirator while cooling the gas, wherein the inflatable safety device is coupled with the aspirator to receive the ambient air for inflating the inflatable safety device.

20. The inflation system of claim 19, wherein the gas-cooling conduit is a gas-cooling conduit that reduces a temperature of the gas as the gas is transported through the gas-cooling conduit, wherein the gas has a first temperature at a first end of the gas-cooling conduit, wherein the gas has a second temperature at a second end of the gas-cooling conduit opposite the first end, and wherein the second temperature does not exceed a threshold temperature that corresponds to a melting point of a material of the inflatable safety device.19US2008 30105709 1

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