Abstract: A passive restraint system in an aircraft utilizing a seat structure of the aircraft to store a source of pressurized gas or solid fuel necessary to expand the passive restraint is disclosed. The seat structure of the aircraft comprises multiple hollow tubes, and these hollow tubes can be utilized to either store pressurized gas or solid fuel directly, or to house a vessel that stores pressurized gas or solid fuel. Thus, no additional aircraft seat space is required to house a pressurized gas vessel. By using the existing seat structure to house the source of pressurized gas or solid fuel, significant space and weight savings can be realized, both of which are important factors in aircraft seat design.

Abstract: A passive restraint system in an aircraft utilizing a seat structure of the aircraft to store a source of pressurized gas or solid fuel necessary to expand the passive restraint is disclosed. The seat structure of the aircraft comprises multiple hollow tubes, and these hollow tubes can be utilized to either store pressurized gas or solid fuel directly, or to house a vessel that stores pressurized gas or solid fuel. Thus, no additional aircraft seat space is required to house a pressurized gas vessel. By using the existing seat structure to house the source of pressurized gas or solid fuel, significant space and weight savings can be realized, both of which are important factors in aircraft seat design.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in passenger inflatable air-bag safety systems for preventing activation of an activator inflator from causing premature activation of any inflator not yet activated by system programming. The apparatus includes structure for isolating the pressure releasing construction from shock waves created when an inflator is activated and takes the form of mechanical barriers that isolate each inflator release structure from exposure to shock waves.

Abstract: A vehicle passenger safety system for use where independent power is required. The system includes as cooperating elements: an independent source of power; a passenger restraining belt; an inflatable bag stored in the belt; crash event sensors; belt orientating structure; a source of inflating gas; and, in the preferred embodiment programmed electronics that control functioning of the safety system and prolong the service life of the independent power source.

Abstract: An inflator (10) includes a housing (12) containing a body (60) of ignitable gas generating material, a body (48) of pyrotechnic material, and an electrically conductive structure (40,44,46) for igniting the body (48) of pyrotechnic material. A closure cap (28) closes the housing (12), and has a passage (190) extending along an axis (18). A tubular structure (220) directs combustion products from the body (48) of pyrotechnic material toward the body (60) of gas generating material, and has an installed position extending axially in the passage (190). The tubular structure (220) and the closure cap (28) have interlocking structures (198,232) for interlocking the tubular structure (220) with the closure cap (28) upon movement of the tubular structure (220) to its installed position in the passage (190).

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).

Abstract: An inflator (14) for inflating an air bag (12) includes a housing (50) containing ignitable gas generating material (60), and an initiator (240) for igniting the gas generating material (60). The inflator (14) further includes a closure cap (56) for closing an end portion (352) of the housing (50), and a retainer (242) for supporting the initiator (240) on the closure cap (56). The closure cap (56) and the retainer (242) have metal surface portions (220,286,290) which extend circumferentially around an axis (40,172) and which are pressed radially against each other to form a seal (332) for blocking gas from exiting the housing (50) between the retainer (242) and the closure cap (56). The metal surface portions (286,290) of the retainer (242) include a cylindrical surface (286) and a frusto-conical surface (290). The frusto-conical surface (290) extends radially inward from the cylindrical surface (286) and is inclined at an angle (A1) from a plane (292) perpendicular to the axis (40).