Patents by Inventor Darton E. Griest

Darton E. Griest has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6601872
    Abstract: A multi-level inflator for an air bag or other safety restraint device, comprising an elongated pressure vessel having a primary gas generating portion with a first open end and a gas storage portion with a second open end. The primary gas generating portion has a primary initiator and primary gas generating energetics disposed therein, the initiator being mounted on an igniter body secured to and closing the pressure vessel at the first open end thereof. A pressure vessel closure is secured to the second end of the pressure vessel, the closure having an aperture therethrough and a primary rupture disk secured thereto to close the aperture. The gas storage portion has an inert gas therein under a predetermined pressure. A secondary inflator of the all-pyrotechnic type is secured to the pressure vessel and closure at the second end thereof. The secondary inflator comprises a secondary housing having a secondary initiator and secondary gas generating energetics disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Atlantic Research Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Zimbrich, Brian O. Thomas, Douglas H. Freel, James M. Rose, Darton E. Griest
  • Publication number: 20030034641
    Abstract: A multi-level inflator for an air bag or other safety restraint device, comprising an elongated pressure vessel having a primary gas generating portion with a first open end and a gas storage portion with a second open end. The primary gas generating portion has a primary initiator and primary gas generating energetics disposed therein, the initiator being mounted on an igniter body secured to and closing the pressure vessel at the first open end thereof. A pressure vessel closure is secured to the second end of the pressure vessel, the closure having an aperture therethrough and a primary rupture disk secured thereto to close the aperture. The gas storage portion has an inert gas therein under a predetermined pressure. A secondary inflator of the all-pyro type is secured to the pressure vessel and closure at the second end thereof. The secondary inflator comprises a secondary housing having a secondary initiator and secondary gas generating energetics disposed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Robert C. Zimbrich, Brian O. Thomas, Douglas H. Freel, James M. Rose, Darton E. Griest