Abstract: A new type of inflator that may be used to inflate an airbag is disclosed. The inflator will have a longitudinal axis, a first chamber, and a filter. The filter may be positioned outside of the first chamber. A first quantity of gas generant is positioned within the first chamber. A first strainer having a plurality of gas flow holes is also positioned within the first chamber. The first quantity of gas generant is located exterior of the strainer. Upon combustion of the first quantity of gas generant produces a first quantity of gas that flows towards the longitudinal axis while passing through the gas flow holes, enters the filter, and then flows away from the longitudinal axis while passing through the filter.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of apparatus, methods, and systems for cutting one or more tethers connected with an airbag cushion and simultaneously, or sequentially, closing one or more vent openings. In one embodiment, an airbag module is provided that includes a tether opening and at least one vent opening. The tether may extend through the tether opening adjacent to a cutter. The cutter may be configured to cut the tether upon deployment of an actuator. A vent door configured to block the vent opening(s) upon deployment of the actuator may also be provided. This embodiment may therefore provided for simultaneous, or sequential, cutting of the tether and closing of the vent opening(s) with a single actuator.

Abstract: A relief valve for use with a conduit includes a housing attached to the conduit and an engagement member slidably disposed within the housing and movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The engagement member pierces the conduit when moved from the retracted position to the extended position.

Abstract: A burst disk for use in an inflator having an orifice. The burst disk includes a surface that may be disposed adjacent to the orifice. This surface includes a first side, a second side, and a non-circular perimeter, wherein at least one diagonal across the first side is greater than or equal to the diameter of the orifice. The burst disk may be generally square or rectangular in shape. By forming the burst disk in this manner, a lesser amount of raw material is needed to make the burst disk. Also, a lesser amount of material is wasted during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of apparatus, methods, and systems for cutting one or more tethers connected with an airbag cushion and simultaneously, or sequentially, closing one or more vent openings. In one embodiment, an airbag module is provided that includes a tether opening and at least one vent opening. The tether may extend through the tether opening adjacent to a cutter. The cutter may be configured to cut the tether upon deployment of an actuator. A vent door configured to block the vent opening(s) upon deployment of the actuator may also be provided. This embodiment may therefore provided for simultaneous, or sequential, cutting of the tether and closing of the vent opening(s) with a single actuator.

Abstract: A new type of airbag inflator that may be used in an airbag system is disclosed. The inflator will generally include a housing and two initiators. Accordingly, the inflator is a “dual-stage” inflator. The two stages are disposed within the housing. The second initiator is disposed within a second stage generant cup. A cap is also used to engage the second stage cup. The cap maintains seated engagement with the second stage cup, even during deployment of the second stage. The second stage will also include one or more perforations, which constitute openings through which gas may flow. When the second initiator is in the unactuated state, these perforations will be isolated from the generant by the cap. Actuation of the second initiator unseals the one or more perforations but does not unseat the cap from the cup, due to constraints put in place to prevent such unseating.

Abstract: The present invention provides an airbag inflator assembled, in part, using ultrasonic welding. The inflator includes a housing adapted to receive an initiator assembly and an adaptor socket to connect the inflator to the electronic systems of the vehicle. The initiator and the adaptor socket are welded together at a point of interface through the housing of the inflator using an ultrasound welding process. Joint seals are provided that allow the production of a gas-tight seal upon completion of assembly of the airbag inflator.

Abstract: An airbag module has a rigid cushion with an integrated inflator. The cushion has a rear cushion panel and the inflator may have a front inflator plate attached to the rear cushion panel. A rear inflator plate is optionally provided and may be positioned within the cushion or outside the cushion. A pyrotechnic may be disposed within the space between the front inflator plate and the rear cushion panel and/or the rear inflator plate. An initiator may be seated in the rear inflator plate and/or the rear cushion panel to initiate combustion of the pyrotechnic. Instead of the front inflator plate, the inflator may have an expanse of tape that secures the pyrotechnic and/or the initiator to the interior of the cushion. The pyrotechnic may be sealed by the tape or by a foil pouch. The initiator may be secured by the tape or by a rear inflator plate.

Abstract: A relief valve and related systems and methods are disclosed for use in fluid distribution lines. The relief valve comprises a body defining a cavity and comprising at least first and second openings in fluid communication with the cavity. A connector piece is connected to the body at the first opening to connect the valve to a fluid distribution line. A rupture disc is disposed within and obstructs the first opening. When it is desired that fluid from the fluid distribution line be vented from the system, the rupture disc is punctured and thereby allows for fluid communication through the first opening of the valve.

Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes a tube that may be restricted to prevent gas venting. A cord is coupled to the tube and to a surface of the cushion. Upon airbag deployment, the cord extends until taut or extends until the cushion encounters an obstruction. If pulled taut, the cord tightens the tube and restricts gas venting. If the cushion encounters an obstruction, the cord remains lax and the tube is able to vent gas.

Abstract: An inflator assembly having an inflator base including a simple stamping. The inflator base includes an end wall, first and second openings in the end wall, a base side wall generally perpendicularly extending from the end wall, and an attachment collar generally perpendicularly extending from the base side wall at a side opposite the end wall. A first initiator assembly is disposed through the end wall first opening. The first initiator assembly includes a first stamped adapter that is resistance welded joined to the inflator base. A second initiator assembly is disposed through the inflator base second opening. The second initiator assembly includes a second stamped adapter that is resistance welded joined to the inflator base.

Abstract: A “hybrid” inflator having an extended filling capacity is disclosed. This inflator is designed to deploy an inflatable curtain airbag. The inflator will have an inner chamber that is connected to an outer chamber by a bleed hole. The inner chamber has a first supply of gas and a pyrotechnic material. This first supply of gas is sufficient to inflate an inflatable curtain after ignition of the pyrotechnic material. The outer chamber has a second supply of gas. The second supply of gas bleeds out of the outer chamber through the inner chamber and into the inflatable curtain. The inflatable curtain may be initially filled by the first supply of gas in the inner chamber while the second supply of gas slowly bleeds out of the inflator into the curtain to maintain the curtain at a desired pressure sufficient to provide impact protection to the vehicle occupant.

Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes a vent that, prior to cushion deployment, extends from the cushion exterior. A tether is coupled to the vent and to an interior surface of the cushion. Upon airbag deployment, the tether extends until taut or extends until the cushion encounters an obstruction. If pulled taut, the tether pulls the vent into the cushion interior where the interior air pressure effectively closes the vent. If the cushion encounters an obstruction, the tether remains lax, and the vent remains on the cushion exterior. Structures are provided for retaining the vent in the closed position during occupant ride down.

Abstract: A novel active hood system is disclosed. The active hood system is designed such that in the event of a pedestrian/vehicle accident, the active hood system will soften the impact between the pedestrian and the vehicle by moving the vehicle hood into an elevated position. In some embodiments, the active hood system is constructed such that during a pedestrian/vehicle collision, the active hood system will raise the vehicle hood into an elevated position by having the hood move through a first travel distance and a second travel distance. The active hood system includes an actuator and a hinge. The actuator may be attached to the hinge. The actuator is designed such that if it is deployed, the actuator will raise the hood into the elevated position. Additional embodiments may also be made in which the actuator is vented during deployment. A dampener is also added to the active hood system. The dampener is designed to dampen the movement of the hood as the hood is moved through the second travel distance.

Abstract: An inflator device for inflating an inflatable cushion of an inflatable cushion restraint system. The inflator device includes a reaction housing defining a reaction chamber containing a supply of gas generant material. An initiator device is connected to the reaction housing and is in reaction initiating communication with the supply of gas generant material. A filter housing is disposed around at least a portion of the reaction housing and at least in part defines a filter chamber. The filter housing includes an annular discharge opening. The produced inflation gas discharges from the filter housing to the inflatable cushion through the annular discharge opening. A filter is disposed in the filter chamber and external of the reaction housing.

Abstract: A modular inflator device for inflating an inflatable cushion of an inflatable cushion restraint system. The inflator device has an elongated cylindrical configuration and includes a supply of gas generant material to produce inflation gas upon reaction initiation. The inflator device includes a reaction housing defining a reaction chamber containing the supply of gas generant material. An initiator device is connected to the reaction housing and in reaction initiating communication with the supply of gas generant material. The reaction housing includes a plurality of radially oriented chamber discharge openings. Upon reaction initiation of the supply of gas generant material, the inflation gas discharges from the reaction chamber through the discharge openings. An initiator diffuser is disposed between the initiator device and the supply of gas generant material.

Abstract: An impact energy management system for absorbing or displacing kinetic energy during a collision. The system includes a housing defining a chamber and a contact element disposed at least partially within the chamber and longitudinally movable therein. At least a first load bearing pin is disposed between the energy adsorbing member and the housing. Prior to the collision, the contact element is disposed in an impact position, and upon the collision, the contact element moves within the chamber and the first pin deforms a segment of at least one of the housing or contact element, thereby reducing the force of the impact by transferring energy into the deformation.

Abstract: An airbag restrain system is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag restraint system includes an inflatable airbag cushion having a tether coupled to the interior surface of the cushion. The airbag restraint system further includes first and second inflators for dual mode airbag cushion deployment. Upon a pre-impact condition, the first inflator deploys to partially inflate the cushion and release the tether. The second inflator also deploys to inflate the cushion to approximately full capacity. Upon an impact condition, only the second inflator deploys and the tether extends until taut to limit expansion of the cushion. Means are provided to retain and release the tether in response to the first inflator.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of methods and apparatus for inflating an airbag with a tether release system. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second inflators are employed. A tether is operatively connected with one of the inflators such that the system is configured to release the tether upon deployment of one of the inflators and to allow the tether to restrict the full inflation size of the airbag upon deployment of the other inflator.

Abstract: An initiator assembly for an inflator device having at least one inflator device mating lug. The initiator assembly includes an initiator having an initiator cup at least in part defining a storage chamber containing a reactive charge. The initiator also includes at least one electrical connector in reaction initiating communication with the reactive charge. The initiator assembly has a molded body fitting over at least a portion of the initiator. The molded body includes at least one locking flange that is adapted to lockingly engage the at least one inflator device mating lug.