Chemical oxygen generator core stabilizer

Abstract

Described is a chemical oxygen generator including a chemical core for generating oxygen; and a stabilizing system, the stabilizing system having an inner skeleton embedded within the chemical core; and an exoskeleton surrounding an exterior surface of the chemical core, where the inner skeleton includes at least three elongate members that each extends along an entire length of the chemical core and form a circular pattern around a longitudinal axis of the chemical core.

Description

CHEMICAL OXYGEN GENERATOR CORE STABILIZERFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The field of the invention generally relates to chemical oxygen generator systems, and more particularly to core stabilizers for chemical oxygen generator systems.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Chemical oxygen generators generate oxygen by way of a chemical reaction and are used in a variety of applications and industries, including but not limited to aircraft, breathing apparatus for firefighters and mine rescue crews and the like, submarines, and any application where a compact emergency oxygen generator is needed. In some cases, the chemical oxygen generator generates oxygen by burning a chemical oxygen core. As the core ignites, the powder or other substance inside the core bums, turns to liquid and then re-solidifies. In this way, the burning core includes a solid, unspent core at a distal end, a re-solidified spent core at tire proximal end, and a. molten bum front in between the two ends. The molten portion of the core produces oxygen and is of low structural integrity and thus is susceptible to damage and affecting the oxygen production when exposed to vibration or other forces during operation. Additionally, the solid portions on either side of the molten portion are susceptible to movement relative to each other when exposed to shocks, vibrations, etc. Therefore, there is a need for a core stabilizer for a chemical oxygen generator system that can be used on both short and long duration systems.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[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 not be understood 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 claims 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 the entire specification of this patent, all drawings and each claim.

[0004] .According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a chemical core for generating oxygen includes a stabilizing system, the stabilizing system having an inner skeletonembedded within the chemical core; and an exoskeleton surrounding an exterior surface of the chemical core.

[0005] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a. chemical oxygen generator includes a. chemical core for generating oxygen; and a. stabilizing system, the stabilizing system having an inner skeleton embedded within the chemical core; and an exoskeleton surrounding an exterior surface of tire chemical core.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The features and componen ts of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures can be designated, by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a pressed chemical oxygen core according to certain embodiments.

[0008] FIGS. 2a-2b are end views of various pressed chemical oxygen cores according to certain embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a chemical oxygen generator according to certain embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of a. reinforcing structure according to certain embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a side view' of a chemical oxygen generator according to aspects of the current disclosure with a housing of the chemical oxygen generator shown as a section such that the interior of the chemical oxygen generator is visible.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a side view' of a chemical oxygen generator according to certain embodiments with various securing mechanisms for a perforated metal covering.

[0013] FIGS. 7a-7b are end views of a perforated metal covering with a snap-fit securing mechanism isolated from a chemical oxygen generator.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Idle 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 . Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “back,” among others are intended to refer to theorientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing. References herein to “consisting of1may, in at least some circumstances, encompass “consisting essentially of’ or “comprising.”

[0015] Described herein are stabilized core chemical oxygen generators. In particular, the chemical cores include at least one inner stabilizing skeleton that is embedded and integral with tire inside of the chemical core and at least one outer stabilizing skeleton fixed to the exterior surface of the chemical core. FIGS, 1 and 2a- 2b illustrate non-limiting chemical cores 10 that may be used, in any suitable chemical oxygen generator, such as but not limited to generator 30 shown in FIG. 3 and / or generator 100 shown in FIG. 5, according to certain embodiments. The core 10 includes compositions capable of generating oxygen for the generator 30 upon thermal decomposition of the core 10. In some embodiments, the composition includes a metal fuel, a transition metal oxide catalyst, and an oxygen source.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2a-2b, tire at least one inner stabilizing skeleton includes one or more reinforcing structures 18 may extend, at least partially through the core 10. The number of reinforcing structures 18 included in the core 10 may be determined based on the size of the core 10 and / or the side of the generator 30. The reinforcing structures 18 may be elongate members. In some embodiments, the one or more reinforcing structures 18 are generally parallel to a longitudinal axis 20 of the core 10, while in other embodiments, the one or more reinforcing structures may extend at any suitable tingle from the longitudinal axis 20. For the purposes of this disclosure, “generally parallel” shall mean within an error tolerance of between 5-10 degrees. If more than one reinforcing structure 18 is used, the one or more reinforcing structures 18 may be generally parallel to one another, although they need not be. The one or more reinforcing structures 18 may extend generally across the length of the core 10 as shown m FIG. 1, although they need not extend completely across the length of the core 10, as shown for example m FIG. 3. Any suitable reinforcing structure (such as, but not limited, to, rods, cones, tubes, U-shaped sections of a rod, pieces of metal of an arbitrary' shape, wire cloth, etc.) may be used.

[0017] In some embodiments, e.g., as shown in FIG. 2b, the at least one inner stabilizing skeleton includes at least three reinforcing structures 18 extend at least partially through the core 10 and generally parallel to one another and the longitudinal axis 20. Each of the at least three reinforcing structure 18 may be the same size and shape or different sizes and shapes. Each of the at least three reinforcing structures 18 may be arranged equidistant from one another around the longitudinal axis 20 to form a circular pattern. A ratio of the diameter of the circular partem to the diameter of the core 10 may range between 0.40 to 0.55, 0.41 to 0.54,0.42 to 0.53, 0.43 to 0.52, 0.44 to 0.51, or 0.45 to 0.50. In certain embodiments, the diameter of the circular pattern is between 0.98 inches to 1 .04 inches, and the diameter of the core 10 is between 1.95 to 2.30 inches.

[0018] In further embodiments, e.g., as shown in FIG. 2a, the at least one inner stabilizing skeleton includes at least six reinforcing structures 18 extend at least partially through die core 10 and generally parallel to one another and the longitudinal axis 20. Each of the at least six reinforcing structures 18 may be arranged equidistant from one another around the longitudinal axis 20 to form a circular pattern. A ratio of the diameter of the circular pattern to the diameter of the core 10 may range between 0.60 to 0.70, 0.61 to 0.69, 0.62 to 0.68, 0.63 to 0.67, 0.63 to 0.66, or 0.55 to 0.75. In certain embodiments, the diameter of the circular pattern is between 1 .29 inches to 1 .52 inches, and the diameter of the core 10 is between 1 .95 to 2.30 inches.

[0019] In some embodiments, the at least one inner stabilizing skeleton includes one reinforcing structure 18 extending through the core 10 along the longitudinal axis 20 as well as the at least three reinforcing structures 18 forming the circular pattern around, the longitudinal axis 20. The center reinforcing structure 18 extending through the core 10 may be the same size, shape, and material as the at least three reinforcing structures forming the circular pattern or may be a different size, shape, and / or material.

[0020] The one or more reinforcing structures 18 may be formed of metal, such as but not limited to, stainless steel, nickel, or any other suitable metal. In other embodiments, the one or more reinforcing structures 18 may be formed of ceramic, glass, or any other suitable material that is not consumed during the bum process. In other words, the one or more reinforcing structures 18 have a melting point that is greater than the melting point of the chemical core 10.

[0021] In some embodiments, the one or more reinforcing structures 18 are anchored in the solid, unspent core at a distal end 14 and are also anchored in the re-solidified spent core at the proximal end 12, as described in further detail below. Because the core 10 is mol ten in a molten region 16 at a bum front in between tire two ends as the core burns, the molten region 16 itself has limited to no structural integrity. The one or more reinforcing structures 18 provide additional structural integrity in between the two ends of the core 10 and allow the core to bum properly during shocks, vibration, and other movement of the core 10. In certain embodiments, the material forming the one or more reinforcing structures 18 has a heat conductivity that heats up the non-reacted core 10, which may lead to preheating of the core 10. The material forming the one or more reinforcing structures 18 may further have a heat conductivi ty that reduces the heat at the reaction zone of the core 10 during oxygen generation, thus slowing down thereaction and reducing oxygen flow, which increases the duration of the reaction forming oxygen.

[0022] In some embodiments, the core 10 is initially composed of powder or any other suitable substance that is used in the chemical process to generate oxygen. When forming the core 10, tiie one or more reinforcing structures 18 may be inserted into the powder before the core 10 (and the powder or other substance contained within the core) is pressurized. Once subjected to sufficient pressure, the particles of the powder or other structure contained within the core adhere to one another and also adhere to the one or more reinforcing structures 18. As such, after the core 10 is pressed, the one or more reinforcing structures 18 become integral with the core much like a wick is integral with a candle.

[0023] In some embodiments, the one or more reinforcing structures 18 may be threaded or have grooves or other texture that further lock each reinforcing structure 18 in place with respect to the core when pressed. For example, a reinforcing structure 18 having threads 102 according to certain embodiments is shown in FIG. 4. Additionally, the one or more reinforcing structures 18 may be sandblasted to create a. roughened exterior surface of each reinforcing structure 18 that enables the composition of the core 10 to adhere well to the exterior surface both when tire core 10 is manufactured and after the molten region re-solidifies during use of the generator 30 to improve the structural stability7of the core 10 during use.

[0024] .As the core 10 bums, the powder within the core 10 turns to liquid. Proximal end 12, which is the ignition end, bums first while the distal end 14 initially remains in a solid, unburned state. As the bum front moves from the proximal end 12 to the distal end 14, the liquid re-hardens around the one or more reinforcing structures 18 and fuses with the one or more reinforcing structures 18. As previously stated, in between the burned sections and unburned sections, there is a gap between the ends of the core 10 where the core 10 is in a molten state, which, without the presence of the one or more reinforcing structures 18, would make the core structurally unstable. Because, however, the one or more reinforcing structures 18 are an integral part of the core 10 and become fused with the core 10 after burning, the one or more reinforcing structures 18 help maintain the structural integrity between the burned and unbumed sections of the core 10 during operation.

[0025] In some embodiments, the at least one inner stabilizing skeleton includes a plurality of highly-distributed structural elements embedded within the core 10. The plurality of highly- distributed structural elements may be intermixed with the composition forming the core 10 resulting in an even distribution of the plurality of highly-distributed structural elements throughout the formed solid core 10. In some embodiments, the plurality of highly-distributedstructural elements may make up 2% - 6%, 1% - 8%, 0% - 10%, or 3% - 5% of the volume of the core 10. Hie percentage of the volume of the core 10 that the highly-distributed structural elements make up may be determined so as to avoid negatively impacting the oxygen generation potential of the core 10. The incorporation of the highly-distributed structural elements within the core 10 reinforces and further stabilizes the core 10. During the bum and within the liquid melt phase, these highly-distributed structural elements, have a rheological stabilizing effect, e.g., reducing the viscosity within the liquid, melt with respect to vibration and displacement. In certain embodiments, the at least one inner stabilizing skeleton includes the one or more reinforcing structures 18 and the plurality of highly -distributed structural elements.

[0026] The plurality of highly-distributed structural elements may include fibers and / or chips formed from metal, glass, crystal, ceramic, or any other suitable material that is not consumed during the burn process. In some embodiments, the fibers and / or chips may each have a diameter to length ratio ranging from 0.01 to 1.

[0027] According to certain aspects of the current disclosure, the core 10 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-4 may be used in the generator 100 shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the chemical oxygen generator 100 includes a housing 101 defining a housing cavity 104. The core 10 may be positioned, within the housing cavity 104. The housing 101 also includes an ignition end 106 and an outlet end 108. In various examples, the ignition end 106 includes an ignition sy stem that is configured to ignite the chemical oxygen core 10 and start the chemical reaction that produces oxygen. The ignition system may be triggered in various circumstances, such as by a passenger pulling an oxygen supply mask from a. passenger service unit. The outlet, end 108 is configured to direct oxygen out of the chemical oxygen generator 100 as it is generated by tire core 10.

[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the at least one outer stabilizing skeleton, or exoskeleton, may be fixed to the exterior surface of the core 10. Tire exoskeleton may surround and support the core 10 to further reduce or prevent damage and separation of the composition of the core 10 during operation and non-operation of the generator 1 10. Additionally, the exoskeleton may be friction fit. with the exterior surface of the core 10 to fix the exoskeleton with the exterior surface of the core 10 and increase the stability that the exoskeleton provides to the core 10.

[0029] In some embodiments, the exoskeleton is a perforated metal covering 114 having a plurality of openings 116 surrounds the core 10 with the integral reinforcing structures 18. The perforated metal covering 114 may surround the core 10 along a length of the core 10. In various examples, the perforated metal covering 114 is a wire mesh, a mesh sheet, a perforatedmetal sheet, or other similar structure with a plurality of openings 1 16 and surrounding the core 10. In some examples, the perforated metal covering 114 includes a nickel-chrome alloy, stainless steel (e.g., AISI. 304 or other suitable stainless steel), copper, brass, monel, bronze, nickel, CrNiMoTi-alloys, various other suitable metals, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the perforated metal covering 114 has a heat conductivity that heats up the nonreacted core 10, which may lead to preheating of the core 10. The perforated metal covering 114 may further have a heat conductivity that reduces the heat at the reaction zone of the core 10 during oxygen generation, thus slowing down the reaction and reducing oxygen flow, which increases the duration of the reaction forming oxygen.

[0030] In some embodiments, the perforated metal covering 114 comprises an axial opening 122 extending through the perforated metal covering 114 along the length of the perforated metal covering 114. The axial opening may permit flexing of the perforated metal covering 114 to assist with the installation and fixing of the perforated metal covering 114 to the core 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a first end 123 and second end 125 of the perforated metal covering 114 may be inserted into respective end caps 124 to close and secure the axial opening 122 and fix the perforated metal covering 114 to the exterior surface of the core 10. Additionally, as shown m FIG. 6, metal wires 126 and / or clamps 128 may be used to close the axial opening and fix the perforated metal covering 114 to the core 10. In further embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7a-7b, a first side 129 of the perforated metal covering 114 and a second side 131 of the perforated metal covering 114, which are arranged on opposite sides of the axial opening, include snap-fit mating feature 130 to snap-fit the first end to the second end of the perforated metal covering 114 and fix the perforated metal covering 114 to the exterior surface of the core 10.[0031 j In certain examples, the perforated metal covering 114 has an opening ratio of 0 % to 100 %, In some cases, the perforated metal covering 1 14 has an opening ratio of 0 % to 60 %. In various aspects, the opening ratio may depend on the type or shape of the openings 116. As one non-limiting example, a perforated metal covering 114 having concentric or oval openings 116 may have an opening ratio of 0 % to 91 %, although it need not in other examples. As another non-limiting example, a perforated metal covering 1 14 having rectangular openings 116 may have an opening ratio of 0 % to 100 %. As a further non-limiting example, a wire mesh perforated metal covering 114 may have an opening ratio of 0 % to 100 %. In various cases, the opening ratio changes (increases, decreases, other patterns, etc.) from one end of the perforated metal covering 114 to an opposite end of the perforated metal covering 114 (e.g., from proximate the ignition end 106 to proximate the outlet end 108). In other words, thepercentage of the perforate metal covering 114 that is open along a length of the perforated metal covering 114 may change (increase, decrease, etc.) from one end to another. In some examples, the opening ratio increases in a stepwise pattern, a linear pattern, a polynomic- functional pattern, or various other suitable patterns. As mentioned, the openings 116 may have various suitable shapes as desired, including, but not limited to, concentric shapes, ovals, rectangles, other free-forms, stars, asterisk, combinations thereof, or various other suitable shapes. In various examples, the perforated metal covering I 14 may allow, reduce, or prevent the ejection of undesirable salt dust (that is formed during decomposition of the core 10) from the core reaction zone. In some cases, by reducing the ejection of the salt dust, the perforated metal covering 1 14 may reduce or prevent an undesirable heat transfer from the salt dust to the generator housing, which can create undesirable high surface temperatures on the generator housing.

[0032] According to various examples, each opening 116 has a maximum diameter such that the molten core 10 does not drip through the openings 1 16 at maximum g-forces of 0 g to 15 g. In some cases, the melting of the chemical oxygen core may depend on the viscosity in each particular chemical mix.

[0033] Through the perforated metal covering 114, heat transfer to the outside (i.e., between the perforated metal covering 1 14 and the housing 101) is reduced, and heat generated by the core 10 is retained which in turn increases die bum front temperature. In addition, the perforated metal covering 114 provides additional support and stability to the core 10 such that the impact of vibrations or other physical influences on the core 10 is minimized.

[0034] A chemical oxygen generator incorporating both the inner stabilizing skeleton (e.g., elongate members and / or highly-distributed structural elements) and stabilizing exoskeleton (e.g., perforated metal sheet and / or mesh metal sheet) provides increased stabilization to the chemical core as the core bums, thus reducing the potential deflection of the ends of the core on either side of the molten portion of the core when the generator is exposed to shocks, vibrations, etc.

[0035] In the following, further examples are described to facilitate the understanding of the invention;

[0036] Example I is a chemical core (which may incorporate features of any of the subsequent examples) for generating oxygen comprising a stabilizing system, the stabilizing system comprising: an inner skeleton embedded within the chemical core; and an exoskeleton surrounding an exterior surface of the chemical core.

[0037] Example 2 is the chemical core of example(s) 1 or any preceding or subsequent example(s), wherein the inner skeleton comprises at least three elongate members that each extends along an entire length of the chemical core and form a. circular pattern around a longitudinal axis of the chemical core.

[0038] Example 3 is the chemical core of example(s) 2 or any preceding or subsequent example(s), wherein each of the at least three elongate members comprises a roughened external surface.

[0039] Example 4 is the chemical core of example(s) 2 or any preceding or subsequent example(s), wherein a ratio of the diameter of the circular pattern to the diameter of the chemical core ranges between 0.40 to 0.55.

[0040] Example 5 is the chemical core of example(s) 1 or any preceding or subsequent example(s), wherein the inner skeleton comprises at least six elongate members that each extends along an entire length of the chemical core and form a circular pattern around a longitudinal axis of the chemical core,

[0041] Example 6 is the chemical core of example(s) 5 or any preceding or subsequent example(s), wherein a ratio of the diameter of the circular pattern to the diameter of the chemical core ranges between 0.60 to 0.70.

[0042] Example 7 is the chemical core of example(s) 1 or any preceding or subsequent example(s), wherein the exoskeleton comprises a metal mesh or a perforated metal sheet fixed to the exterior surface of the chemical core.

[0043] Example 8 is the chemical core of example(s) 7 or any preceding or subsequent example(s), wherein the exoskeleton has a friction fit with the exterior surface of the chemical core to fix the exoskeleton to the exterior surface of the chemical core.

[0044] Example 9 is the chemical core of example(s) 7 or any preceding or subsequent example(s), wherein the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet comprises an axial opening.

[0045] Example 10 is the chemical core of example(s) 9 or any preceding or subsequent example(s), wherein the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet comprises at least one of a wire or a clamp that secures the axial opening closed and. fixes the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet to the exterior surface of the chemical core.

[0046] Example 11 is the chemical core of example] s) 9 or any preceding or subsequent example(s), wherein the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet comprises a first side and a second, side on opposite sides of the axial opening, and the first side and the second side snap- fit to each other to secure the axial opening closed and fix the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet to the exterior surface of the chemical core.

[0047] Example 12 is the chemical core of example(s) 9 or any preceding or subsequent example(s), wherein the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet comprises a first end and a second, end on opposite sides of the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet, and wherein the first end and the second end are each insertable into a respective end cap to secure the axial opening closed and fix the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet to the exterior surface of the chemical core.

[0048] Example 13 is the chemical core of example(s) 1 or any preceding or subsequent example(s), wherein the inner skeleton comprises a plurality of highly-distributed structural elements intermixed throughout a composition forming the chemical core.

[0049] Example 14 is the chemical core of example(s) 13 or any preceding or subsequent example(s), wherein the plurality of highly-distributed structural elements comprises at least one of a plurality of fibers or a plurality of chips each having a diameter to length ratio ranging from 0.01 to 1.

[0050] Example 15 is the chemical core of example(s) 1 or any preceding or subsequent example(s), wherein the chemical core is positionable within a housing of a chemical oxygen generator.

[0051] Example 16 is a chemical oxygen generator (which may incorporate features of any of the preceding or subsequent examples) comprising: a chemical core for generating oxygen; and a stabilizing system, the stabilizing system comprising: an inner skeleton embedded within the chemical core; and an exoskeleton surrounding an extenor surface of the chemical core.

[0052] Example 17 is the chemical oxygen generator of example(s) 16, wherein the inner skeleton comprises at least three elongate members that each extends along a length of the chemical core and form a circular pattern around a longitudinal axis of the chemical core, wherein each of tire at least three elongate members comprises a roughened external surface, and wherein a ratio of the diameter of the circular pattern to the diameter of the chemical core ranges between 0.40 to 0.55.

[0053] Example 18 is the chemical oxygen generator of example(s) 16 or any preceding or subsequent example(s), wherein the inner skeleton comprises at least six elongate members that each extends along a. length of the chemical core and form a circular pattern around a longitudinal axis of the chemical core, and wherein a ratio of die diameter of the circular pattern to the diameter of the chemical core ranges between 0.60 to 0.70.

[0054] Example 19 is the chemical oxygen generator of example(s) 16 or any preceding or subsequent example(s), wherein the exoskeleton comprises a. metal mesh or a perforated metal sheet fixed to the exterior surface of the chemical core, the metal mesh or the perforated metalsheet comprising an axial opening and: at least one of a wire or a clamp that secures the axial opening closed and fixes the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet to the exterior surface of the chemical core; a first side and a second, side on opposite sides of the axial opening, and the first side and the second side snap-fit to each other to secure the axial opening closed and fix the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet to the exterior surface of the chemical core; or a first end and a second end on opposite sides of the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet, wherein the first end and the second end are each insertable into a respective end cap to secure the axial opening closed and fix the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet to the exterior surface of the chemical core.

[0055] Example 20 is the chemical oxygen generator of example(s) 16 or any preceding or subsequent example(s), wherein the inner skeleton comprises a plurality of highly-distributed structural elements intermixed throughout a composition forming the chemical core, the plurality of highly-distributed structural elements comprising at least one of a plurality of fibers or a plurality of chips each having a. diameter to length ratio ranging from 0.01 to 1.

[0056] The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of the present invention. Further modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention . 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 can be made without departing from the scope of the claims below.

Claims

CLAIMSThat which is claimed is:

1. A chemical core for generating oxygen comprising a stabilizing system, the stabilizing system comprising: an inner skeleton embedded within the chemical core; and an exoskeleton surrounding an exterior surface of the chemical core.

2. The chemical core of claim 1, wherein the inner skeleton comprises at least three elongate members that each extends along an entire length of the chemical core and form a circular pattern around a longitudinal axis of the chemical core.

3. The chemical core of claim 2, wherein each of the at least three elongate members comprises a. roughened external surface.

4. The chemical core of claim 2, wherein a ratio of the diameter of the circular pattern to the diameter of the chemical core ranges between 0.40 to 0,55.

5. Hie chemical core of claim 1, wherein the inner skeleton comprises at least six elongate members that each extends along an entire length of the chemical core and form a circular pattern around a. longitudinal axis of the chemical core.

6. The chemical core of claim 5, wherein a ratio of the diameter of the circular pattern to the diameter of the chemical core ranges between 0.60 to 0,70.

7. lire chemical core of claim L wherein the exoskeleton comprises a metal mesh or a perforated metal sheet fixed to the exterior surface of the chemical core.

8. The chemical core of claim 7, wherein the exoskeleton has a friction fit with the exterior surface of the chemical core to fix the exoskeleton to the exterior surface of the chemical core.

9. The chemical core of claim 7, wherein the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet comprises an axial opening.

10. The chemical core of claim 9, wherein the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet comprises at least one of a wire or a clamp that secures the axial opening closed and fixes the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet to the exterior surface of the chemical core.

11. The chemical core of claim 9, wherein the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet comprises a first side and a second side on opposite sides of the axial opening, and the first side and the second side snap-fit to each other to secure the axial opening closed and. fix the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet to the exterior surface of the chemical core.

12. The chemical core of claim 9, wherein the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet comprises a first end and a second end on opposite sides of the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet, and wherein the first end and the second end are each insertable into a respective end cap to secure the axial opening closed and fix the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet to the exterior surface of the chemical core.

13. The chemical core of claim 1, wherein the inner skeleton comprises a plurality of highly-distributed structural elements intermixed throughout a composition forming the chemical core.

14. The chemical core of claim 13, wherein the plurality of highly -distributed structural elements comprises at least one of a plurality of fibers or a plurality' of chips each having a. diameter to length ratio ranging from 0.01 to 1 .

15. The chemical core of claim 1, wherein the chemical core is positionable within a housing of a chemical oxygen generator.

16. A chemical oxygen generator comprising: a chemical core for generating oxygen; and a stabilizing system, the stabilizing system comprising: an inner skeleton embedded within the chemical core; and an exoskeleton surrounding an exterior surface of the chemical core.

17. The chemical oxygen generator of claim 16, wherein the inner skeleton comprises at least three elongate members that each extends along a length of the chemical core and form acircular pattern around a longitudinal axis of the chemical core, wherein each of the at least three elongate members comprises a roughened external surface, and wherein a ratio of the diameter of the circular pattern to the diameter of the chemical core ranges between 0.40 to 0.55.

18. The chemical oxygen generator of claim 16, wherein the inner skeleton comprises at least six elongate members that each extends along a length of the chemical core and form a. circular pattern around a longitudinal axis of the chemical core, and wherein a ratio of the diameter of the circular pattern to the diameter of the chemical core ranges between 0.60 to 0.70.

19. The chemical oxygen generator of claim 16, wherein the exoskeleton comprises a metal mesh or a perforated metal sheet fixed to the exterior surface of the chemical core, the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet comprising an axial opening and: at least one of a. wire or a clamp that secures the axial opening closed and fixes the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet to the exterior surface of the chemical core; a first side and a second side on opposite sides of the axial opening, and the first side and the second side snap-fit to each other to secure the axial opening closed and fix the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet to the exterior surface of the chemical core: or a first end and a second end on opposite sides of the metal mesh or tire perforated metal sheet, wherein the first end and the second end are each insertable into a respective end cap to secure the axial opening closed and fix the metal mesh or the perforated metal sheet to the exterior surface of the chemical core.

20. The chemical oxygen generator of claim 16, wherein the inner skeleton comprises a plurality of highly-distributed structural elements intermixed throughout a composition forming the chemical core, the plurality of highly-distributed structural elements comprising at least one of a plurality' of fibers or a. plurality of chips each having a diameter to length ratio ranging from 0.01 to 1 .

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