Abstract: An apparatus and method for autoignition operation of a fluid fueled inflator used in inflating a vehicle occupant restraint. The inflator device in addition to a fluid fuel, also contains stored pressurized gas.

Abstract: An elongated tubular hybrid gas generator for the inflation of air bags in which the ratio of length to diameter is at least ten. The device may be substituted for a structural element in a motor vehicle, e.g. a steering column or a beam in a door panel with consequent savings in weight and size.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing inflation gas for use in inflating a vehicle occupant restraint are provided wherein a filter housed within a chamber of the apparatus effects gas redirection and particulate removal from at least a portion of the hot gas released from a gas generating material-containing first chamber of the apparatus, forming a hot gas having a significantly reduced particulate content. The apparatus includes a diffuser having one or more controlling orifices and exit ports to provide for the passage of inflation gas therethrough into the vehicle occupant restraint. There is at least an approximately 180.degree. cumulative change in gas direction between contacting the filter and the passage of the inflation gas into the diffuser.

Abstract: An improved device for controlling the rate at which gas is exhausted from an air bag cushion which is used in passenger vehicles. A novel gas vent is incorporated into the material from which the air bag is made, The vent comprises a dynamic vent that is impermeable to gas below a critical temperature and is permeable to gas above a critical temperature. The dynamic vent provides additional venting of gas during a high impact collision or when a larger than average occupant impacts onto the air bag cushion.

Abstract: A gas generator apparatus for an air bag is provided and includes a pressure container for receiving a high pressure, highly compressed gas. The container includes an opening closed by a seal. While the seal, by itself, would not withstand the pressure in the gas-filled container, the apparatus also includes a supporting element, which supports the side of the seal opposite the opening. The supporting element is displaceable by action of a release mechanism to effect release of gas from the container.

Abstract: A diffuser device, an air bag/diffuser subassembly and an air bag module assembly for use in an inflatable air bag restraint system for use in a motor vehicle are provided. The diffuser device can function as a structural member, gas flow diffuser, heat shield and bag retainer and can serve to reduce the cost/weight of air bag module manufacture and assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflating a vehicular inflatable device adaptable to a variety of fuels and oxidants wherein a fluid fuel is burned and mixed with stored, pressurized gas to produce inflation gas containing little or no particulate.

Abstract: A closure element for an air bag deployment opening of an inflatable restraint system is provided. The closure element includes tear ways defining one or more doors which permit an air bag to deploy therethrough. The closure element includes at least one integral retention bridge joining such a door with the remainder of the closure.

Abstract: A retainer for attaching an inflator having a substantially constant cross section to an air bag canister is disclosed. The retainer comprises a coupling ring having a first rim adjacent to one end of the coupling ring and a second rim adjacent to the other end of the coupling ring. A band having a diameter less than the diameter of the rims is formed by a gap between the two rims. The coupling ring is inserted over one end of the inflator and the inflator is installed into an air bag canister through an aperture in one end of the canister. The canister side wall surrounding the aperture is held between the two rims thereby coupling one end of the inflator to the canister. The other end of the inflator is secured to the canister by a mounting stud integral to the inflator which stud passes through an opening in the other side wall of the canister.

Abstract: A carrier structure which may serve as an end fitting for roll assemblies in connection with packaging film materials is disclosed.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing an opening in an interior trim structure of an automotive vehicle for the deployment of an air bag therethrough which minimizes the visual and/or tactile impression of the presence of the closure and the air bag deployment opening thereunder and which is not susceptible to significant fragmentation and projection of such fragments into the passenger compartment upon the opening thereof.

Abstract: A device for securing an inflator to a module housing without the use of fasteners is disclosed. Flanges on the inflator pass through slots in the module housing when the inflator is rotated onto the housing. The module housing is clamped between the flanges and an inflator base plate in one embodiment. In a second embodiment the flanges engage with pockets formed on the module housing adjacent the inflator opening. Also, tabs mounted to the module housing can be engaged with flanges formed on a retention bracket by rotating the bracket into position. The retention bracket secures the inflator onto the module housing.

Abstract: An air bag inflator subassembly is described which when installed onto a dashboard substrate forms a complete air bag inflator unit. The air bag inflator subassembly comprises a plurality of flanges formed integral to the body of the inflator. An air bag cushion and retainer cover are attached to the inflator subassembly. The subassembly eliminates the need for a separate canister and simplifies the process of installing the air bag inflator unit. The subassembly is installed on the dashboard substrate and is attached to the appropriate electrical connections. The subassembly utilizes existing vehicle hardware to form part of the air bag canister.

Abstract: An air bag module door and installation method whereby an air bag module door is joined to an air bag module unit by of one or more flexible legs. The flexible leg(s) permit the so joined module door to be desirably positioned within an opening in a vehicular interior trim. Once so positioned, the module unit is rigidly secured to the vehicle.

Abstract: An air bag cushion retention clip that, when used in conjunction with a two-part canister, distributes the deployment forces over the length of the clip. Further, the retention clip reduces the possibility that the sharp edges on the canister will cut through the air bag cushion during deployment thereof.

Abstract: A one-part polysulfide sealant composition comprises a mercaptan-terminated liquid polysulfide, an oxidising agent to cure the catalyst a desiccant such as a molecular sieve, to keep the composition dry and thus prevent premature activation of the catalyst, and a cure accelerator having an acrylate or methacrylate functionality of 2 or more, preferably an acrylated liquid polysulfide or a polyfunctional methacrylate monomer. The use of this accelerator avoids the need for toxic amounts of barium oxide desiccant and substantially shortens the tack-free time on curing.

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: Featured for use as a part of a reaction canister of an inflatable restraint system is a reaction canister body part having an integrally shaped inflator holder of partial, generally circular cross section.

Abstract: A reaction canister body part having an integral inflator chamber and an inflatable restraint system using reaction canister assemblies with such a body part are provided.

Abstract: A device is provided for increasing the surface area of the gas generant used in an automotive safety air bag module. Depending on crash conditions, the surface area of the gas generant is increased by shattering the gas generant wafers. One embodiment utilizes a squib having a high brisance zone which upon activation shatters the gas generant wafers. Alternatively, a dual function squib is used which can produce mechanical forces which force a breaking object to impact on the gas generating wafers thereby shattering them and increasing the surface area of the gas generant.