Abstract: A resistant initiator for an automobile passenger restraint system which includes a shell casing having an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Contact pins connect the initiator to a mating electrical connector of a vehicle. A metal oxide varistor disposed in the shell casing provides electrostatic discharge and EMI/RFI rotection for the initiator. A glass to metal seal header is formed in the shell casing and includes an integrated circuit for igniting the pyrotechnic material disposed in a charge holder attached to the shell casing.

Abstract: Multiple bridgewires are distributed through the length of the elongated tubular igniter of an automotive vehicle passenger side inflator. Upon receipt of an electrical stimulus the bridgewires ignite sensitive booster charges which ignite ignition powder within the igniter tube at the multiple distributed bridgewire locations. The use of this system eliminates the need for high velocity pyrotechnics in the ignition system to ignite the inflator gas generant within acceptable time constraints when the tubular igniter is ignited from one end by an initiator, and replaces the squib initiator.

Abstract: A gas generant composition contains as a fuel a mixture of a major portion of a triazole or tetrazole and a minor portion of a water soluble fuel; and an oxidizer component, at least 20 wt % of said oxidizer component being a transition metal oxide, such as CuO. Generant compositions in accordance with the invention autoignite in a range around 170.degree. C., providing autoignition of the generant without the need for separate autoignition devices. Also, the generant compositions are useful as autoignition pyrotechnic in autoignition devices.

Abstract: A device is provided for ignition of a pyrotechnic or hybrid inflator for use in motor vehicles by the input of energy provided by a laser source. The laser energy is conducted through an optical fibre and an optical window in the inflator housing where the ignition of a propellant initiator is triggered. This apparatus eliminates the potential for ignition of the inflator by radio frequency energy or static electricity acting on the electrical squib which is standardly used to ignite an inflator. This design further simplifies the igniter assembly for use in an inflator.

Abstract: A metal bridge initiator, with or without a spark gap feature, for firing an air bag inflator is deposited on a thin plastic film substrate. The bridge can be tuned by adjusting the width and thickness of the substrate. The bridge is of compact size enabling an increase in the strength of the inflator in the initiator area thereof. If there is an initiator structural failure, the very small feed through slot into the interior of the inflator will plug up with the products of combustion of the inflator. The intimate contact between the deposited metal bridge and plastic substrate makes the initiator resistant to vibration, bending and damage. The method of manufacturing is simpler than for conventional inflator initiators and is adapted to mass production.

Abstract: A universal squib connector for automobile driver and passenger air bag collision protection systems includes a ferrite bead having two holes in spaced relation with an electric terminal positioned in each hole for making electrical contact with an associated one of the protruding pins of a pin type electric squib. The arrangement enables the use of a single configuration of gas generator and a single configuration of electric initiator or squib for the igniter system of the gas generator while providing EMI/RFI protection and the advantages realizable from both pin type and pig tail type connection of the collision sensor to the input conductors or lead wires to the squib and also the electrical system of the vehicle according to the preferences of individual automobile manufacturers.

Abstract: A universal squib connector for automobile driver and passenger air bag collision protection systems includes a ferrite bead having two holes in spaced relation with an electric terminal positioned in each hole for making electrical contact with an associated one of the protruding pins of a pin type electric squib. The arrangement enables the use of a single configuration of gas generator and a single configuration of electric initiator or squib for the igniter system of the gas generator while providing EMI/RFI protection and the advantages realizable from both pin type and pig tail type connection of the collision sensor to the input conductors or lead wires to the squib and also the electrical system of the vehicle according to the preferences of individual automobile manufacturers.