Abstract: A method is provided for assessing whether a container (12) for a stored gas can maintain a predetermined gas pressure. The method includes the steps of: producing a magnetic field with an inductive heating element (19, 35); placing the container (12) containing a quantity of the stored gas in the magnetic field; inductively heating the container (12) to elevate the pressure of the stored gas to an elevated pressure greater than the predetermined gas pressure; and thereafter testing the container (12) for an indication of potential inability of the container to maintain the stored gas at the predetermined gas pressure.

Abstract: A method of filling containers (50) with gases (12) provides each container, when filled, with a first predetermined amount of a first gas and a second predetermined amount of a second gas. The method comprises the step of forming a mixture comprising first and second amounts of the first and second gases, respectively. The first and second amounts are greater than and are in proportion to the first and second predetermined amounts, respectively. The method further comprises the steps of: determining a sum of the first and second predetermined amounts; and adding a third amount of the mixture to each of the containers. The third amount is equal to the sum of the first and second predetermined amounts.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (32) comprises a container (20) defining a gas storage chamber (14), and inflation fluid (66) under pressure in the gas storage chamber. An opening (40, 42) in the container (20) enables fluid flow from the gas storage chamber (14) to the inflatable device (32). A rupturable burst disk (60, 62) extends across the opening (40, 42). An assembly (80) in the gas storage chamber (14) is provided for producing combustion products for heating and pressurizing the inflation fluid (66). The assembly (80) includes a housing (82) and a separator (100) in the housing defining first and second chambers (112, 114). A first pyrotechnic charge (122) in the first chamber (112) has a first burn rate. The housing (82) has first fluid outlets (96) for enabling flow of combustion products from the first chamber (112) to the gas storage chamber (14).

Abstract: An inflator (10) for providing inflation fluid to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device includes a pressure vessel (12) defining a chamber (30) for inflation fluid. The pressure vessel (12) has a passage (40) through which inflation fluid flows from the chamber (30). A burst disk (52) blocks fluid flow through the passage (40). A member (80) is disposed adjacent to and on one side of the burst disk (52) prior to the inflation fluid entering the pressure vessel (12). The burst disk (52) deforms toward the one side due to the pressure of the inflation fluid when the inflation fluid is disposed in the chamber (30). The member (80) limits deformation of the burst disk (52) by contacting the burst disk. An actuatable igniter assembly (66), when actuated, moves the member toward the burst disk (52) to rupture the burst disk and enable the inflation fluid to flow from the chamber (30) through the passage (40).