Abstract: An apparatus (20) for supplying inflation fluid for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device comprises an enclosure (22) having a chamber (66) partially defined by an end wall portion (28) of the enclosure. A gas generating material (80) is located within the chamber (66) and spaced a distance from the end wall portion (28). The gas generating material (80) is ignitable at a first temperature. Auto-ignition material (180) is located within the chamber (66). The auto-ignition material (180) is ignitable at a second temperature below the first temperature. The auto-ignition material (180), when ignited, ignites the gas generating material (80). A filter element (70) is disposed between the gas generating material and the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. A resilient member (140) is located within the chamber (66).

Abstract: An inflator (10) includes a housing (12) containing a body (60) of ignitable gas generating material, an igniter (36), and a support structure (28,220) for supporting the igniter (36) in a position for igniting the body (60) of gas generating material. The inflator (10) further includes a spring (280) which biases the body (60) of gas generating material away from the support structure (28,220). The spring (280) has a part (282) which engages the support structure (220) so as to connect the spring (280) to the support structure (220) separately from the housing (12).