Abstract: An inflator for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint includes an annular slag screen or filter which is disposed between a combustion cup and a diffuser cup. A canister of gas generating material is disposed in the combustion cup. Upon igniting the gas generating material in the canister, gas flows through openings in the side wall of the combustion cup to the slag screen or filter. The gas then flows through a final filter assembly and out of the diffuser cup. The slag filter is preassembled on the combustion cup by radially contracting a surface of the filter to grip the side wall of the combustion cup. This enables the combustion cup and slag filter to be positioned as a unit relative to the diffuser cup and final filter.

Abstract: An inflator for inflating an air bag includes a housing having a housing cover. A gas generating material is disposed within the housing. The gas generating material when ignited generates gas for inflating the air bag. An igniter is actuatable to ignite the gas generating material. A body of injection molded plastic material adheres to both the igniter and the cover to attach the igniter to the cover. The cover is welded to another part of the inflator housing.

Abstract: An inflator generates gas for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint. The inflator comprises a housing. The housing has a chamber for gas generating material and gas outlet openings through which gas flows from the housing into the restraint. A filter in the housing provides a gas flow path to the gas outlet openings. The filter filters and cools the gas as it flows in the gas flow path. The filter comprises a plurality of filter layers. At least one of the filter layers has a higher resistance to gas flow than at least one other of the filter layers. The filter layer of higher resistance to gas flow has a portion extending between and engaging the housing and the other filter layer to provide a gas flow sealing zone adjacent the housing. The gas flow sealing zone has a resistance to gas flow higher than the resistance to gas flow of the gas flow path.

Abstract: A method of assembling an inflator for a vehicle occupant restraint is disclosed. The inflator comprises a housing that provides a gas flow path, a filter that includes a plurality of successive filter layers extending across the flow path, and a seal that is disposed between the housing and the filler. The method comprises the step of assembling the seal and filter by embedding a part of the filter into the material of the seal to provide a sealing relationship between the seal and filter. Thereafter, the preassembled filter and seal is positioned in the housing.