Abstract: An assembly comprising: an inflator (20) for providing inflation gas, including a cylindrical body (22, 44) having at least one exhaust port (42a,b) located on a wall thereof through which a stream of inflation gas (40) exits, and a retainer (140) for securing the inflation means, including a hollow cylindrical retainer body for receipt of the inflation means and for diverting the inflation gas stream into a diffuser. The diffuser (210) comprises an inflatable gas permeable portion (212) for receiving the inflation gas stream such that when the inflation gas exits the gas permeable portion such inflation gas is generally uniformly distributed therethrough and communicated to an air bag. The diffuser includes a first portion (216a,b) attached the gas permeable portion and secured to the retainer. The air bag (230) is secured about the diffuser, for receipt of the inflation gas exiting the diffuser.

Abstract: A reaction can (40) formed from a light weight typically non-structural material, comprising: a housing (42) comprising sides (24a, b, 26a, b) defining an open mouth and a bottom (28) generally opposite the mouth; and a reinforcement collar the sides, about the mouth to reinforce the housing.

Abstract: A method of assembling an air bag comprising the steps of: providing at least one piece of material used to form the air bag; placing generally near a first edge of the material which is to be sewn a series of target markings; providing generally near a second edge of material to be sewn to the first edge a series of indicator markings; overlaying the first and second edges together; and sewing the edges together along a preferred sew line such that the indicator markings fall within the target markings.

Abstract: An assembly comprising:a hollow cylindrical member or can including an opening into which a gas generator may be inserted, the gas generator of the type responsive to a control signal, for generating gas to inflate an air bag. The assembly including the air bag, for protecting, when activated, an occupant of a vehicle, comprising an inflatable bag or sack, disposed in a compacted or stored condition, during periods prior to deployment, proximate a side of the cylindrical member containing at least one aperture, the inflatable bag, including an open end disposed about the cylindrical member to receive the gas and including relatively opposing flaps extending from proximate the open end and adapted to envelop the cylindrical member, the flaps, proximate a side of the cylindrical member, away from the at least one aperture, disposed in an overlapping, condition, one to the other. A band of tearable material is provided to secure the air bag in its stored or predeployment condition.

Abstract: An assembly comprising: a hollow cylindrical member or can including an opening into which a gas generator may be inserted, the gas generator of the type responsive to a control signal, for generating gas to inflate an air bag. The assembly including the air bag, for protecting, when activated, an occupant of a vehicle, comprising an inflatable bag or sack, disposed in a compacted or stored condition, during periods prior to deployment, proximate a side of the cylindrical member containing at least one aperture, the inflatable bag, including an open end disposed about the cylindrical member to receive the gas an including relatively opposing flaps extending from proximate the open end and adapted to envelop the cylindrical member, the flaps, proximate a side of the cylindrical member, away from the at least one apature, disposed in an overlapping, condition, one to the other. A band of tearable material is provided to secure the air bag in its stored or predeployment condition.

Abstract: A device (20) comprising a planar metal sheet (21;21') having formed thereon at least a first set of opposing shaped slots (60a,b) such that upon forming the planar sheet as an open ended (122) generally cylindrical member or cylinder (28) first portions of the sheet, defined by the slots, extend away from the surface of the formed cylindrical member and form in conjunction with other surfaces of the sheet a plurality of first apertures (62a,b), and the extending first portions serving to define a heat sheet for shielding a portion of an air bag (100), adapted to be secured thereabout, from hot gas generated by a gas generator (50), the device including securement means, interacting with a rearward portion of the cylinderical member and adapted for urging a gas generator (50) into forward facing portions of the cylindrical member, for securing same in place.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved solenoid operated fluid control valve particularly adapted for use as a vacuum control switch in a motor vehicle. One aspect of this invention is the provision of a coil assembly adapted to be wound and terminated using completely automated processes. This feature is provided through the use of a bobbin structure having protruding coil winding posts which position the start and finish ends of the coil wire. Terminal members are installed onto the bobbin and have terminal contact portions which can be folded onto the wire. Another feature of this invention involves means for reducing noise generated from actuation of the valve device. In conventional solenoid employing a "C" frame member, direct mechanical contact exists between the "C" frame member and another component of the magnetic circuit of the solenoid.

Abstract: A vacuum regulator for automotive vehicles of the type having an engine exhaust system and a computer-controlled exhaust gas recirculation system, the regulator having a housing provided with a pair of spaced outlets intercommunicating through a flow restrictive orifice and adapted to be connected to the engine exhaust system and to the exhaust gas recirculation system, respectively; an inlet for atmospheric air connected by a passageway to the outlets; and a solenoid-operated spring-biased valve in the housing controlling flow of atmospheric air to the outlets; the housing being fashioned in two parts or sub-assemblies which are interconnected at final assembly by the flux collector which is part of the solenoid, the operating parts of the regulator being uniquely formed and arranged to minimize noise of operation, and the entire assembly being uniquely constructed to minimize cost of manufacture.