With Means To Rupture Or Open Fluid Source Patents (Class 280/737)
  • Patent number: 7588265
    Abstract: A gas generating system including a mechanism (10) for releasing a pressurized fluid from a storage container (12). The mechanism (10) includes an enclosure (39) for receiving a gas from a gas source therein. An actuator (66) is slidably mounted in fluid communication with an interior of the enclosure (39) for initiating release of the fluid by a sliding motion of the actuator (66). The actuator (66) is slidable in response to a force exerted by a gas from the gas source received in the enclosure (39). A stop portion is coupled to the enclosure (39) for restricting sliding motion of the actuator (66). A seal (86) is provided for sealing the container (12). A penetrator portion is formed on the actuator (66) for opening the seal (86) to release the fluid from the container (12). A diffuser (34) is provided for receiving pressurized fluid from the container (12) upon opening of the seal (86). The diffuser (34) includes gas exit apertures (36) formed therealong to enable distribution of the pressurized fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery S. Blackburn
  • Publication number: 20090206586
    Abstract: A stored gas inflator having a chamber. The chamber houses a quantity of stored gas. The chamber is sealed by a burst disk. A frangible support is also added. The frangible support is designed to support the burst disk. The frangible support breaks during deployment of the inflator. The inflator is further constructed such that when the temperature of the inflator exceeds a threshold level, the gas is vented out of the chamber through the frangible member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Perez, Scott Jackson, Anthony M. Young, Brent A. Parks, David Green, Greg Lanham
  • Patent number: 7544111
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas management device 10; 20; 30; 40; 50 comprising: a gas inlet 11; 32; 42; 52 adapted to secure a casing of a vessel 22, preferably a closure 26 sealing an opening of a gas cylinder containing pressurized gas; a gas outlet 12; 33; 43; 53 adapted to be secured to an inflatable unit 23; and a puncture device 10b; 31b; 41b; 51b for puncturing the casing of the vessel 22. The puncture device 10b; 31b; 41b; 51b comprises a pyrotechnical detonator 16 that, when activated, creates a chock wave which punctures the casing of the vessel 22, whereby gas from the vessel 22 is directed to the inflatable unit 23. The invention also relates to a method and a system for transferring gas from a pressurized vessel to an inflatable unit via a gas management device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: P&P AB
    Inventors: Erik Isberg, Tor Christiansson
  • Patent number: 7540306
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressurized gas charging method of charging a gas into the interior of a gas generator which has a pressurized gas chamber having an outer shell formed by a pressurized gas chamber housing, a gas generating chamber having an outer shell formed by a gas generating chamber housing, being connected to an opening portion at one end of the pressurized gas chamber, a diffuser portion having a gas discharge port, being connected to an opening portion at the other end of the pressurized gas chamber, and no charging hole, for charging a pressurized gas, provided in the pressurized gas chamber housing before charging the pressurized gas, comprising: a first step of connecting one of the gas generating chamber housing and the diffuser portion to the opening portion at one end of the pressurized gas chamber housing, which has opening portions at both ends, thereby sealing the opening portion; a second step of disposing the gas generating chamber housing or the diffuser portion, that
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Matsuda, Masayuki Nakayasu
  • Patent number: 7539804
    Abstract: An airbag ECU includes a communication bus connection circuit for connecting communication buses to communication circuits. A central control circuit connects some of the communication buses to the communication circuits with the communication bus connection circuit and sets addresses for some of slave sensor devices. When those addresses are set, the other communication buses are connected to the communication circuits by the communication bus connection circuit, and addresses for the other slave sensor devices are set. Thus, a circuit can be made simpler without any influence on address setting, thus reducing cost and size of an airbag apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Hisanori Miura
  • Publication number: 20090115172
    Abstract: In a knee airbag attached to a steering column, the knee airbag is inflated and deployed quickly to a small space between an instrument panel and the knees of a vehicle occupant in a collision. A knee airbag 36 of a knee airbag device 10 is formed of a first inflation portion 38 which extends in a vehicle lateral direction along an instrument panel 12 side, and a second inflation portion 46, which is deployed to a vehicle occupant knee side. A gas supply opening 42, to which gas ejected from an inflator 22 is supplied, is disposed at a first inflation portion 38 side. The gas supply opening 42, and the pair of protection portions 46 provided at left and right end portions of knee airbag 36, are provided on substantially the same line in a vehicle lateral direction, and the first inflation portion 36 communicates the two as a gas flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Osamu Fukawatase, Makoto Sekizuka, Kenji Imaamura, Takuya Nezaki
  • Patent number: 7527290
    Abstract: A mechanism (10) for releasably confining pressurized fluid in a container (18). The mechanism includes a rupturable membrane (22) configured to obstruct flow of the pressurized fluid from the container when externally supported against pressure exerted by the fluid. The membrane (22) is rupturable by pressure exerted by the fluid when not externally supported against the pressure exerted by the fluid. A support member (28) supports the membrane (22) against fluid pressure. The support member (28) fracturable upon exposure to combustion products formed by activation of a gas generator (66). Upon activation of the gas generator (66), the combustion products contact the support member (28) to decompose and/or fracture the support member (28), thereby removing support for the membrane (22) and enabling rupture of the membrane (22) by the pressurized fluid, releasing the pressurized fluid from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery S. Blackburn
  • Patent number: 7527291
    Abstract: A new type of airbag inflator is described. The airbag inflator includes a chamber that houses a quantity of inflation gas. The inflation gas is capable of filling and deploying an airbag. The inflator also includes a membrane that seals the chamber. A sliding baffle is also added to the inflator. The sliding baffle is positioned proximate the membrane. The sliding baffle has a membrane rupture mechanism and a plurality of gas flow holes. Upon initiation of the inflator, the sliding baffle slides to cause the rupture mechanism to fail the membrane. The rupture mechanism fails the membrane by detaching a single piece from the membrane. The single piece is sufficiently large such that it remains within the inflator (or within the sliding baffle) and does not pass through one of the gas flow holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Young, Kenneth J. Clark, Scott Jackson
  • Publication number: 20090108572
    Abstract: A new type of inflator that may be used to inflate an airbag is disclosed. The inflator will have a longitudinal axis, a first chamber, and a filter. The filter may be positioned outside of the first chamber. A first quantity of gas generant is positioned within the first chamber. A first strainer having a plurality of gas flow holes is also positioned within the first chamber. The first quantity of gas generant is located exterior of the strainer. Upon combustion of the first quantity of gas generant produces a first quantity of gas that flows towards the longitudinal axis while passing through the gas flow holes, enters the filter, and then flows away from the longitudinal axis while passing through the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, David W. Parkinson
  • Patent number: 7520531
    Abstract: An inflator device for an inflatable cushion restraint system. The inflator device includes a housing at least in part defining a chamber containing a stored gas. The housing includes a first outlet orifice and a second outlet orifice. A first rupturable seal is disposed over the first outlet orifice and a second rupturable seal is disposed over the second outlet orifice. The second outlet orifice is a pressure release orifice for releasing the pressurized gas upon unanticipated elevated temperatures, such as during bonfire conditions. A plug is disposed in the second outlet orifice. The plug includes a low melting temperature material adjacent the second rupturable seal. The low melting temperature material melts at or below an auto-ignition temperature of the inflator device to allow the second rupturable seal to rupture to vent the pressurized stored gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Gammill
  • Publication number: 20090091106
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a side airbag for an automotive vehicle comprising a venting regulation device formed by a part made of a flexible material (21) joined to the inflatable cushion (11) such that it can completely or partially close or free the venting opening (17), and a tension belt (23) joined by one part to said part made of a flexible material (21) and by another part to the inflatable cushion (11), the geometric configurations of said tension belt (23) and said part made of a flexible material (21) being determined such that the degree of closing/freeing of the venting opening (17) varies according to the width of the inflatable cushion (11) during its different deployment phases during the collision, being closed in the initial and end phases and freed in the intermediate phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Isabelle Denys, Luis Jose Duarte De Arez
  • Publication number: 20090079175
    Abstract: An actuator which has an operating pin of the invention includes a piston which has an operating pin, a squib, and a cylinder case for holding the piston, in which the piston is moved rearward along with the operating pin by a driving gas generated injected from the squib into the cylinder case. A cap portion for covering the side of the squib with a gas injection port comprises a cylindrical side portion and a front end wall portion, and the operating pin is projected from the center of this front end wall portion. The cap portion is arranged with injection holes through which the driving gas is injected. Forward movement of the piston before the actuator is operated is restricted by the front end wall portion of the cylinder case coming into contact with the ceiling wall portion of the cylinder case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bunpei Morita, Naohiko Ishiguro, Michihisa Asaoka, Shun Ito
  • Publication number: 20090066067
    Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle includes a gas sack that can be inflated with gas to protect an occupant, a gas generator for generating the gas provided for inflating the gas sack, and an additional cooling device comprising an openable reservoir for storing a coolant. The reservoir is opened when the gas sack is inflated, so that the coolant for cooling the gas used to inflate the gas sack can come into contact with the gas. The cooling device comprises a movement generating device that opens the reservoir to release the coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Dirk Meissner, Juan Fernandez, Kliment Vidolov, Dieter Markfort, Thomas Lube, Michael Hansel
  • Publication number: 20090058059
    Abstract: A new type of airbag inflator is described. The airbag inflator includes a chamber that houses a quantity of inflation gas. The inflation gas is capable of filling and deploying an airbag. The inflator also includes a membrane that seals the chamber. A sliding baffle is also added to the inflator. The sliding baffle is positioned proximate the membrane. The sliding baffle has a membrane rupture mechanism and a plurality of gas flow holes. Upon initiation of the inflator, the sliding baffle slides to cause the rupture mechanism to fail the membrane. The rupture mechanism fails the membrane by detaching a single piece from the membrane. The single piece is sufficiently large such that it remains within the inflator (or within the sliding baffle) and does not pass through one of the gas flow holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony M. Young, Kenneth J. Clark, Scott Jackson
  • Patent number: 7497466
    Abstract: An inflation device for an airbag module, the inflation device comprising: a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber having a first volume of inflation gas and the second chamber having a second volume of inflation gas; a first inflation opening for allowing the first volume of inflation gas to pass therethrough and a first sealing member, the first sealing member sealing the first inflation opening; a second inflation opening for allowing the second volume of inflation gas to pass therethrough and a second sealing member, the second sealing member sealing the second inflation opening, the second inflation opening being substantially smaller than the first inflation opening; a conduit member for providing fluid communication with the first inflation opening and the second inflation opening; an initiator for removing a portion of the first sealing member from the first inflation opening; and a puncture device disposed within the conduit member, the puncture device being configured to remove a por
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James L Webber, Shawn G Ryan
  • Publication number: 20090020990
    Abstract: A device for supporting a rupturable closure member of a pressure vessel, such as an airbag inflator has a hollow support with a tapered portion and an adjoining cylindrical portion. An exterior surface of the tapered portion has longitudinally extending grooves therein. An igniter is located adjacent the cylindrical portion of the support and a pyrotechnic substance is located in the cylindrical portion of the support between the igniter and the tapered portion of the support. A rupturable closure member being forced against an open first end of the tapered portion of the support by the gas in the pressure vessel such that a chamber is formed within the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: KEY SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: RICHARD TOWNSEND, ALEXANDER DEYCH
  • Publication number: 20090001698
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure control apparatus of an airbag, which can obtain the same performance as in case of using a dual stage inflator even in case of using a single stage inflator deploying an airbag cushion by an explosive force of an explosive charge caused by the ignition of one igniter by having a pressure control apparatus for selectively communicating the interior of an airbag cushion and the exterior of an airbag housing without using the dual stage inflator deploying the airbag cushion by an explosive force of an explosive charge caused by the ignition of two igniters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Kyong Cheol Kim
  • Patent number: 7461860
    Abstract: A combustible gas inflator and a method for filling and sealing the inflator are provided. The inflator includes an enclosure configured to receive and store the combustible gas under pressure. The enclosure has an outer wall comprising an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a fill aperture extending therethrough. The fill aperture has a first aperture portion and a second aperture portion. The first aperture portion is proximate the exterior surface and the second aperture portion is proximate the interior surface, wherein the first aperture portion is larger than the second aperture portion. The inflator further includes a sealing member configured to seal the fill aperture. The sealing member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to sealingly engage a portion of the second aperture portion and the second portion is configured to sealingly engage a portion of the first aperture portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn G. Ryan, Bryan T. Waid, Charles M. Woods
  • Publication number: 20080284148
    Abstract: An inflator for an air-bag comprises at least one gas bottle (1, 2) containing pressurised gas. The gas bottle is sealed by a rupturable foil (9). There is a support member (15) engaging the rupturable foil to maintain it in an unruptured state. The support member (15) is retained in an initial position by a part (23) of a piston element (20) which directly engages the support member (15). The piston element (20) is associated with a squib (11) to drive the piston element from an initial position to a release position in which the piston element no longer engages the support member (15). This permits the support member (15) to move to a position in which the foil (9) will rupture to permit gas to escape from the bottle. The preferred embodiment has two gas bottles each sealed by a respective foil each maintained by a support member which directly engages a single piston member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Kent-Ake Bjorklund, Mats Johansson, Peter Qvint
  • Patent number: 7445234
    Abstract: A foamed body (03) for the production of a seat of an automobile (01) has at least one airbag module (07), which is integrated into the lateral area of the seat (01). The airbag module (07) includes an expandable airbag (09) and a gas generator (08). The seat (01) has at least one normally closed exit opening (12), through which the airbag (09) can be expanded. The foamed body (03) has a cavity (06), and/or a recess, in which the non-expanded airbag (09) can be at least partially received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: F.S. Fehrer Automotive Foam GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20080265553
    Abstract: An airbag inflator bottle member comprising a tubular body having a reduced-diameter portion at an end portion for fitting an initiator or the like thereto in which the reduced-diameter portion has a good low temperature toughness comparable to that of the portion which is not reduced in diameter is manufactured by the following method. A steel tube having a composition comprising C: 0.05-0.20%, Si: 0.1-1.0%, Mn: 0.10-2.0%, Cr: 0.05-2.0%, sol. Al: at most 0.10%, Ca: 0.0003-0.01%, optionally one or more elements selected from Cu: at most 1.0%, Ni: at most 1.5%, Mo: at most 1.0%, V: at most 0.2%, Nb: at most 0.1%, and Ti: at most 0.1%, and a remainder of Fe and impurities in which P: at most 0.025% and S: at most 0.010% is subjected to cold working, then it is cut to a predetermined length, and the cut steel tube is subjected to reducing in at least one end portion thereof and then to quenching and tempering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Takashi Takano
  • Patent number: 7438313
    Abstract: A multi-level gas inflator for an air bag or other safety device, comprising an elongated pressure vessel having a primary gas generant portion with a first open end and a secondary portion with a second open end. The primary gas generant portion has a primary ignition device and primary gas generating energetics disposed therein. The primary ignition device is mounted on and closes the pressure vessel at the first open end thereof. The secondary portion may have a secondary ignition device and secondary gas generating energetics disposed therein. The secondary ignition device may be mounted on the pressure vessel at the second open end thereof. A suitable gas under a predetermined pressure is present in the primary and secondary portions. One or more separate dividers or divider walls are disposed within the midportion of the pressure vessel to separate the primary and secondary portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: ARC Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: David Anthony Bilbrey, Scott Joseph Colburn, C. Richard Husband, Robert William Rovito, Samuel Morgan Hancock
  • Patent number: 7434629
    Abstract: A vehicle having a tire fire suppression system includes a vehicle body for transportation of occupants or cargo. A plurality of combustible tires is connected to the body. The tires are susceptible to auto-ignition in response to exposure to an elevated temperature condition. The fire suppression system is connected to the body and includes a container of a fire suppressant. At least one temperature sensor is positioned in close proximity to at least one of the tires. The temperature sensor is adapted to be activated in response to the elevated temperature condition and before the auto-ignition. At least one nozzle is positioned to direct the suppressant toward the tire. An actuator connects the container to the nozzle for the suppressant to be dispersed from the nozzle in response to activation of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Kidde Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven Edward Hodges, Gregory Deane Simpson
  • Patent number: 7431337
    Abstract: An inflator for an air bag which can be assembled easily is provided. An igniter 30 is fixed inside a closure 20 using a resin 28 by charging molten resin through a resin charging hole 24 provided in the closure 20, and hardening the resin. The closure 20 is fixed to an inflator housing 12 by welding at a connecting portion 18. Since the number of components and the number of steps are smaller, favorable assembly workability is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Matsuda, Takao Kuroda
  • Patent number: 7431335
    Abstract: An inflator for use in an inflatable vehicle occupant protection system. The inflator includes a pressure vessel having an opening formed therein. A quantity of relatively unreactive pressurized gas is stored in the pressure vessel. A quantity of a gas generant composition is positioned in an interior of the pressure vessel and in fluid communication with the pressurized gas. An igniter is positioned proximate the gas generant for initiating combustion of the gas generant. A rupturable, fluid-tight seal is positioned to seal the opening in the pressure vessel for maintaining the pressurized gas within the pressure vessel prior to activation of the igniter. Activation of the igniter results in combustion of the gas generant. Pressure from the combustion gases, in combination with the pressure of the gases stored under pressure in vessel, cause the burst disk to rupture, providing an inflation gas to an associated vehicle airbag, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Paresh S. Khandhadia, Jeffery S. Blackburn
  • Publication number: 20080238058
    Abstract: The present invention provides an actuator including: a cylinder connected to an ignition device; a piston slidably accommodated inside the cylinder, the piston having, in a desired section in the length direction, an enlarged diameter portion in which an outer diameter is enlarged; a cylindrical stopper attached to an inner peripheral surface of the cylinder, the stopper including, a main body portion which is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder, and a nail portion which inwardly projects from the main body portion and is formed of an elastic material, wherein before activation of the ignition device, the piston is inhibited from moving in an axial direction by causing the nail portion to contact a part of the enlarged diameter portion, after activation of the ignition device, the piston is inhibited from moving in a backward direction by causing the nail portion to contact another part of the enlarged diameter portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: DAICEL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji NUMOTO, Mikio Yabuta
  • Patent number: 7419183
    Abstract: Stud bolts 51, 52 are fixed by welding to the side faces of a first closure 30 and a second closure 40, which are connected to a cylindrical housing 20. When connecting a gas introduction port of the air bag to a diffuser portion 43, the stud bolts 51, 52 do not cause an obstruction, and hence the attachability of an inflator 10 to a module case using the stud bolts 51, 52 is not impaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Tokuda, Masayuki Nakayasu, Nobuyuki Katsuda
  • Patent number: 7413217
    Abstract: A gas generator, includes, a cylindrical housing including a seamless peripheral wall extending in an axial direction thereof between a first end and a second end, and including a gas discharge port; a first protruding portion provided in the peripheral wall of the cylindrical housing between the first end and the second end, such that the first protruding portion projects inwardly into an interior of the cylindrical housing; a first rupturable member attached to the first protruding portion such that the interior of the cylindrical housing is divided axially into a pressurized gas accommodating space in the first end from an ignition device accommodating space in the second end; a pressurized gas charged in the pressurized gas accommodating space; and an ignition device provided within the ignition device accommodating space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Nakayasu, Naoki Matsuda
  • Patent number: 7407184
    Abstract: A micro gas generator 10 is provided primarily for supplying and directing gas from the combustion of pyrotechnic materials into a seatbelt pretensioner 26, for example. A perforated housing 12 of gas generator 10 provides a body for containment of the other gas generant constituents, and forms a propellant chamber 14. A propellant or gas generant 16 is contained within chamber 14 and provides combustion thereof. An annular bore 20 is centrally oriented within the bore seal 18 thereby providing a seat for an associated initiator 22. An initiator blast shield 36 is encased about the initiator 22 thereby attenuating or mitigating the force and progression of the combustion of an ignition compound (not shown) within the initiator 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Stevens, Steven M. G. Dunham
  • Patent number: 7401808
    Abstract: An inflator has a sealed vessel for containing compressed gas. The inflator has an axis. The vessel has a gas outlet passageway. The inflator has an elongated sealing cap closure with an internal chamber portion open to the compressed gas and sealed vessel to seal the opening of the gas outlet passageway. The elongated sealing cap is coaxial with the inflator. When a triggering device is activated it exerts a force against the elongated sealing cap closure in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the inflator that causes the elongated sealing cap closure to fail and allows gas to escape from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Rossbach, Guido Klettenheimer
  • Patent number: 7393009
    Abstract: A stored gas inflator (10) comprising a pressure vessel (12) for storing a pressurized medium therein. The pressure vessel (12) has a wall (14) defining an interior of the vessel. A gas flow conduit (26) extends through the interior of the pressure vessel (12). The conduit (26) has a first portion extending from the interior of the vessel (12) through a first portion of the wall (14) to an exterior of the vessel, and a second portion extending from the interior of the vessel through a second portion of the wall (14) to the exterior of the vessel. Rupturable barriers (40) are formed along a portion of the conduit (26) that extends through the interior of the vessel, for separating an interior of the conduit (26) from the interior of the pressure vessel (12) prior to activation of the inflator (10). The barriers (40) are rupturable upon activation of the inflator (10) to enable fluid communication between the interior of the conduit (26) and the interior of the pressure vessel (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl K. Rink
  • Patent number: 7393008
    Abstract: A gas generator comprising a pressure vessel containing a gas under a first predetermined pressure. An initiator housing closes one end of the pressure vessel and has an opening at the inner end thereof that is closed by an initiator rupture disk constructed to rupture at a second predetermined pressure in the initiator housing greater than the first predetermined pressure. A micro-gas generator or initiator is disposed within the initiator housing. A manifold closes the other end of the pressure vessel and has an opening at the inner end thereof closed by a manifold rupture disk constructed to rupture at a third predetermined pressure greater than the first predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: ARC Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Scott DiGangi, James Michael Rose, Robert William Rovito, John Keller, Clarence Richard Husband, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7374204
    Abstract: A new type of airbag inflator that may be used in an airbag system is disclosed. The inflator will generally include a housing and two initiators. Accordingly, the inflator is a “dual-stage” inflator. The two stages are disposed within the housing. The second initiator is disposed within a second stage generant cup. A cap is also used to engage the second stage cup. The cap maintains seated engagement with the second stage cup, even during deployment of the second stage. The second stage will also include one or more perforations, which constitute openings through which gas may flow. When the second initiator is in the unactuated state, these perforations will be isolated from the generant by the cap. Actuation of the second initiator unseals the one or more perforations but does not unseat the cap from the cup, due to constraints put in place to prevent such unseating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac Hoffman, Kirk Rassmussen, Bradley Smith
  • Patent number: 7360788
    Abstract: An inflator is a hybrid inflator constructed by coupling a tank charged with a pressurized gas and a gas generator containing a gas-generating chemical. A coupling mechanism is provided in each of the tank and the gas generator, and the tank and the gas generator are coupled to each other with the coupling mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Kanji Yano, Jun Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7357083
    Abstract: An initiator is incorporated in an inflator in order to trigger the inflator through propagation of flame from an initiating explosive to a gas generator of the inflator. The initiator includes a closed-bottomed tubular capsule for accommodating the initiating explosive. A tubular portion of the capsule includes a plurality of rupture-accelerating means (grooves each having a V-shaped cross section) for accelerating rupture upon ignition of the initiating explosive, whereby flame propagates from the initiating explosive to the gas generator of the inflator along a plurality of directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Hino Motors, Ltd., Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Isamu Takahara, Kazuo Nose, Akitoshi Yoshigai
  • Patent number: 7347449
    Abstract: An airbag inflator has a variable gas flow throttle disposed in a gas flow path. The throttle has at least one gas passageway through a base portion thereof. A tab extends from the base portion and is bendable towards the base portion by a selected amount of gas pressure to close, or at least partially closes, the gas passageway. The tab may have another gas passageway therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc
    Inventors: Thomas Rossbach, Manfred Rademacher, Guido Klettenheimer, Joachim Verheugen
  • Patent number: 7341276
    Abstract: An airbag module assembly (400) has a module housing (402). An airbag (401) and an airbag inflator (200, 300) are positioned inside the module housing. The airbag inflator (200, 300) has an exhaust port end (85) extending external of the module housing (402) for venting inflation gasses directly from the airbag inflator (200, 300) externally of the module housing (402).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Kelley, Richard M. Townsend, Michael F. Mulville, Anthony J. Curtis, Samir Heric, Marko Morhard, Axel Josef Wehrwein, Guido Klettenheimer
  • Patent number: 7338073
    Abstract: An inflator suitable for use in a curtain air bag system or the like is provided. A first passage 37 linking an ignition means chamber 30 and the interior of an inflator housing 20 is blocked by a first rupturable plate 38. The first rupturable plate 38 is formed integrally with a rod-form member 24. When an igniter 36 is activated, the first rupturable plate 38 is ruptured, thereby pushing the rod-form member 24 such that an arrowhead 24c of the rod-form member 24 ruptures a second rupturable plate 48. Pressurized gas is then discharged through gas discharge holes 46 to inflate the air bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayuki Nakayasu
  • Patent number: 7328914
    Abstract: An inflator comprises one igniter 36 and first and second gas discharge ports 34 and 46 disposed separately. After the first rupturable plate 38 is broken by an activation of the igniter 36, breaking energy moves inside the transfer tube 24, so that the second rupturable plate 48 is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Katsuda, Haruhiko Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7325829
    Abstract: An airbag inflator (200, 300) for inflating an airbag has a tubular inflator housing (11) having a first end (A) and a second end (B). A gas release mechanism (80) has an exhaust port end or housing (85) at the first end (A) for releasing gas directly from the tubular inflator housing (11) to ambient air, bypassing the airbag. A heater assembly (2) containing a gas generant is located and attached at the second end (B). An igniter (3) ignites the heater assembly (2). A primary gas vent port (70) vents gas from the tubular inflator housing (11) into an airbag during normal deployment of the airbag. The gas release mechanism (80) has a passageway or opening (84) for exhausting gas from the tubular inflator housing (11) to an exhaust port (85). A seal (82, 83) seals the passageway or opening (84) of the gas release mechanism (80). An igniter 3 for opens the seal (82, 83) thereby terminating or slowing deployment and normal inflation of the airbag through the primary vent port (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Kelley, Richard M. Townsend, Michael F. Mulville, Anthony J. Curtis, Samir Heric, Marko Morhard, Axel Josef Wehrwein, Guido Klettenheimer
  • Publication number: 20080023949
    Abstract: An inflation device for an airbag module, the inflation device comprising: a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber having a first volume of inflation gas and the second chamber having a second volume of inflation gas; a first inflation opening for allowing the first volume of inflation gas to pass therethrough and a first sealing member, the first sealing member sealing the first inflation opening; a second inflation opening for allowing the second volume of inflation gas to pass therethrough and a second sealing member, the second sealing member sealing the second inflation opening, the second inflation opening being substantially smaller than the first inflation opening; a conduit member for providing fluid communication with the first inflation opening and the second inflation opening; an initiator for removing a portion of the first sealing member from the first inflation opening; and a puncture device disposed within the conduit member, the puncture device being configured to remove a por
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: James L. Webber, Shawn G. Ryan
  • Patent number: 7320479
    Abstract: A hybrid inflator for inflating an airbag system has one or more heater assemblies with an enhancer charge contained in the heater with bypass ports or openings in direct communication with the inert gas. Upon ignition a portion of the enhancer charge bypasses the heater gas generant charge to pre-heat the inert gas prior to or simultaneously with a remaining portion of the enhancer charge igniting the heater gas generant charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Trevillyan, Michael E. Kelley, Michael F. Mulville, Carter L. Burroughs, John H. Adams, Edward R. Stembler
  • Patent number: 7316417
    Abstract: An inflator device including a pressure vessel forming a gas storage chamber having contents including a supply of stored pressurized gas. The pressure vessel forms a gas exit opening at a first end of the pressure vessel. An initiator assembly includes an initiator cover that extends through a sidewall of the pressure vessel at a first end portion of the pressure vessel, such that at least a portion of the initiator cover extends radially inwardly into the gas storage chamber. An initiator is positioned within the initiator cover, and produces a discharge effective to rupture a rupturable closure element normally covering the gas exit opening to allow flow of at least a portion of the gas storage chamber contents through the gas exit opening. A first radial aperture formed in the initiator cover is positioned at a direct discharge distance with respect to the closure element to focus the initiator discharge at the closure element to rupture the closure element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Young, Scott Jackson, Paul Dinsdale
  • Patent number: 7293797
    Abstract: An igniter 26 accommodated in a diffuser portion 20 has, on a peripheral face of a cup 28 covering an igniting portion, a hole 29 covered with a sealing tape from the inside of the cup, and the hole 29 exactly opposes the rupturable plate 19. When the igniter 26 is actuated, a rupturing energy is intensively discharged from the hole 29 to the rupturable plate 19, so that the rupturing ability of the rupturable plate 19 can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Nakayasu, Nobuyuki Katsuda
  • Patent number: 7290796
    Abstract: Inflator with improved reliability wherein charge holder 37 that gives directivity to a detonation wave generated due to combustion of priming 36 is provided to igniter 26, thereby promoting rupture of plate 19. Diffuser portion 320 is connected in the opening portion side of housing 312, and gas discharging port 340 is connected to diffuser portion 320. Diffuser portion 520 is connected in the opening portion side of inflator housing 512, and gas discharging port 540 is connected to diffuser portion 520. Outflow directions of the pressurized media within each gas discharging port 340, 540 and each respective axial direction of inflator housings 312, 512 are coincident with each other at actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Katsuda, Masayuki Nakayasu, Naoki Matsuda, Yuzo Goto
  • Patent number: 7290797
    Abstract: An inflator device for an inflatable restraint system. The inflator device includes a tubular body with a center discharge opening disposed in a center portion of reduced diameter. First and second end closures each join an initiator to a respective opposing end of the tubular body to define a sealed chamber. First and second generant housings are disposed within the sealed chamber, define generant chambers containing a supply of generant material and include a plurality of openings providing fluid communication between the generant chambers and the sealed chamber. Rupturable initiator seals are disposed between the initiators and a respective generant chamber. A supply of pressurized stored gas and the supply of generant material are disposed within the sealed chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Lang, William D. Staheli, Robert E. Lewis, Steve Taylor
  • Patent number: 7263929
    Abstract: An initiator includes a pair of electrode pins, a conductive header, an insulator, a bridge wire, an explosive, and capsules. A bottom wall of the inner capsule has a protrusion projecting from the bottom wall. The thickness of an end wall portion of the protrusion is determined in such a manner that the end wall portion is the thinnest among a plurality of wall portions of the inner capsule. The thicknesses of the wall portions are set so as to increase gradually from the end wall portion of the protrusion toward the side wall of the inner capsule. Therefore, when the explosive is ignited for detonation, breakage of the inner capsule occurs in the vicinity of the end wall portion of the protrusion, and flame propagation energy generated by detonation of the explosive propagates in an intended direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isamu Takahara
  • Publication number: 20070187934
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal-sealing material-feedthrough for igniters of airbags or belt tensioning devices, especially glass-metal-feedthrough, including at least one metal pin which is located in a feedthrough opening in the base body in a sealing material, wherein the base body has a front side and a back side. Structure is provided between the front and the back side in order to avoid a relative movement of sealing material in the direction toward the back relative to the inside circumference of the feedthrough opening. At least the feedthrough opening is punched out of the base body. The base body is configured so that the ratio of thickness (D) of the base body to the maximum dimension of the feedthrough opening vertical to the axis direction of the feedthrough opening is in the range of between and including 0.9 to 1.6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Fink
  • Patent number: 7252303
    Abstract: An inflator has an inflator housing accommodating a pressurized medium, a diffuser portion attached to an end portion of the inflator housing and provided with a gas discharging port for discharging the pressurized medium flowing out of the opening at the time of actuation of the inflator, the gas discharging port being constantly open, such that pressure inside the diffuser portion is under an atmospheric pressure, a rupturable plate that seals a flow-path through which the pressurized medium flows when the inflator is actuated, a rupturing unit for rupturing the rupturable plate to allow the pressurized medium to flow through the flow-path, and a filter provided directly over and covering the discharging port by making contact with a surface of the diffuser portion at a portion defining the gas discharging port, such that the pressurized medium is discharged from the gas discharging port through the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Katsuda, Masayuki Nakayasu, Naoki Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20070176404
    Abstract: An occupant protection system includes an airbag with inflator that directs a projectile into a burst disk. As the burst disk ruptures, high pressure gas releases into the airbag for inflating the airbag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Kanji Yano