Abstract: An inflator (26) provides inflation fluid for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (24). The inflator (26) comprises an electrically conductive container (64) defining a chamber (66) for holding fluid at a first pressure. An electrically actuatable device (48) is located in the chamber (66) for effecting a change in the pressure of the fluid in the chamber to a second pressure greater than the first pressure. A first surface (206) defines a tapered portion (202) of a passage (200) extending through the container (64). An electrical conduit (220) extends through the tapered portion (202) to deliver electrical energy to the electrically actuatable device (48). The electrical conduit (220) has opposite connector ends (224, 226) and a tapered body (222) contacting the first surface (206) to provide a fluid seal. One connector end is located in the chamber (66) and is electrically connectable with the electrically actuatable device (48).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for igniting a body (60) of ignitable gas generating material which generates gas for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (12). The method includes the step of igniting a body (202) of pyrotechnic material which, when ignited, emits combustion products. The method further includes the step of igniting the body (60) of gas generating material by dispersing the combustion products over an ignitable surface portion (116) of the body (60) of gas generating material. The combustion products are dispersed by moving the body (202) of pyrotechnic material from a first location to a second location when the body (202) of pyrotechnic material is burning. The first and second locations are spaced from each other across the ignitable surface portion (116) of the body (60) of gas generating material.

Abstract: Novel structure within the squib provides an internal spark gap for discharge of radio-frequency as well as static electricity, and isolation of the spark gap from the pyrotechnic charge. The preferred structure is in the form of a cup mounted inside the squib case and containing the pyrotechnic material; the bottom of the cup is partly cut away to permit the igniting filament to contact the pyrotechnic material, while the remainder of the cup bottom is welded to a terminal lead. The top of the cup is flanged outward toward the inside of the case, forming an annular spark gap. This invention is particularly advantageous in a two-pin squib with an electrically floating case, but under certain circumstances is also beneficial in a single-pin or "coaxial" squib.