Abstract: An airbag inflator which can supply airbag inflation gas in an adaptive output is provided. The subject inflator includes two discrete and isolated chambers of gas generant materials. At least one of the chambers includes a lid closure adapted to open to place the combustion products formed within the associated chamber in fluid communication with the contents of the other chamber. The subject inflator permits several distinct inflation performance scenarios while desirably employing a single set of inflation gas treatment components, such as filters, for the treatment of products of both chambers.

Abstract: An adaptive multi-stage inflator for inflating an air bag in an air bag safety system. The adaptive multi-stage inflator comprises a housing, a primary igniter assembly and a secondary igniter assembly. The housing has a top wall, a bottom wall and a side wall, which together define an interior chamber therebetween. The primary igniter assembly is disposed in the interior chamber of the housing and is configured to initiate the generation of a primary inflation fluid to inflate an air bag. The secondary igniter assembly is also disposed in the interior chamber of said housing. The secondary igniter assembly is configured to augment the primary inflation fluid by producing a secondary inflation fluid to further inflate the air bag. The inflator also includes a bypass assembly that is configured to provide the secondary inflation fluid to the air bag at substantially the same temperature as it was produced by the secondary igniter assembly, thereby increasing the pressure of the primary inflation fluid.

Abstract: An airbag inflator which can supply airbag inflation gas in an adaptive output is provided. The subject inflator includes two discrete isolated chambers of gas generant materials and permits several distinct inflation performance scenarios while desirably employing a single set of inflation gas treatment components such as filters for the treatment of products of both chambers.

Abstract: A sequencing system is provided for varying the output of an inflator in a vehicle safety restraint system. The inflator has a housing including at least one combustion chamber. Gas generant for producing an inflation gas is disposed in the housing. Ignition material for igniting the gas generating means is disposed in the at least one combustion chamber. A first electric squib is disposed in the inflator housing for initially igniting the ignition material. At least one additional electric squib is disposed in the inflator housing for further igniting the ignition material. A delay sequencing unit is disposed outside of the inflator housing for activating the at least one additional electric squib after a predetermined time from the activation of the first electric squib. Upon activation of the first electric squib by an electrical pulse, an initial amount of inflation gas is generated and the electrical pulse is also received by the delay sequencing unit.

Abstract: An improvement in an airbag system for a motor vehicle relating to an adaptive output fluid fueled airbag inflator and method of operation thereof are provided. Such an inflator, in addition to a stored gas chamber, a combustion chamber wherein, upon actuation, a first fluid fuel and an oxidant are burned, and a first initiator device for initiating the combustion of the first fuel and the at least one oxidant, includes a combination of a fluid fuel container, which holds a supply of a second fluid fuel, and a second initiator device for initiating the combustion of the second fuel. Various selected performance levels can be obtained through the proper selection, actuation and sequencing of actuation of the initiator devices and burning of fuels contained within the inflator.

Abstract: Integrally incorporated in a squib is a locking feature that allows a projectile to be attached to it any time between assembly of the squib and installation of the squib into the inflator. This design enhances the safety of the squib by permitting handling without the projectile attached. It also minimizes the number of parts required to perform the function of rupturing a burst disk in an inflator by combining the function of the projectile with the protective covering of the squib body.

Abstract: An air bag module assembly wherein an air bag and an inflator device are housed within a cylindrical container and the installation of such an assembly within a vehicular steering shaft.

Abstract: An inflator adapter is provided for mounting a generally cylindrical inflator in an airbag module. The adapter has a hollow cylindrical shape with an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the inflator being mounted therein. The adapter contains a plurality of internal inwardly protruding teeth located around the circumference of one end thereof. When the adapter is pressed on to the inflator, the inwardly facing teeth bite into the exterior of the inflator, thereby mechanically locking the adapter onto the inflator which is then mounted in the airbag module.

Abstract: An adapter permits a cylindrical airbag inflator to be housed in a longer inflator housing, even if the diameter of the inflator varies from optimal. The adapter is in the form of a split tube. One end of the adapter forms a socket receiving the base of the inflator. The other end forms a base which is received in a circular opening in the inflator housing end wall.

Abstract: A passenger side airbag module assembly is formed from a plastic extrusion which includes both a trough and an integral cover. The airbag itself has a rectangular mouth bounded on two opposite sides by stiff rods. The inner surface of the trough includes channels into which the rods are inserted to secure the airbag.