Abstract: An ignition delay module (10) for use in an airbag inflator (100, 200) has an ignition delay module housing (11). The ignition delay module (10) separates the inflator (100, 200) into two chambers (40, 60). A pyrotechnic tablet (2) is positioned inside the ignition delay module housing (11). Upon activation of the inflator (100, 200) the ignition delay module (10) prevents a gas generant (62) in a second chamber (60) of the inflator (100, 200) from igniting until at least a portion of the pyrotechnic tablet (2) is burnt. Preferably a burn inhibitor layer (3) is affixed or otherwise applied to a surface of the pyrotechnic tablet (2).

Abstract: An ignition delay module (10) for use in an airbag inflator (100, 200) has an ignition delay module housing (11). The ignition delay module (10) separates the inflator (100, 200) into two chambers (40, 60). A pyrotechnic tablet (2) is positioned inside the ignition delay module housing (11). Upon activation of the inflator (100, 200) the ignition delay module (10) prevents a gas generant (62) in a second chamber (60) of the inflator (100, 200) from igniting until at least a portion of the pyrotechnic tablet (2) is burnt. Preferably a burn inhibitor layer (3) is affixed or otherwise applied to a surface of the pyrotechnic tablet (2).

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.

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.

Abstract: The dual stage inflator has a divider plate that separates gas generant in the primary chamber from gas generant in the secondary chamber. Burning of the gas generant yields inflation gas that is useful for inflating a vehicle airbag. The gas generant from the primary chamber is ignited from a separate ignition train than the gas generant in the secondary chamber. The divider plate in the inflator is capable of moving during the operation of the inflator. Before the inflator is fired, the divider plate rests against the inner surface of the lower housing. The divider plate prevents inflation gas from the primary chamber from igniting the secondary chamber. However, when the internal pressure of the secondary chamber exceeds the internal pressure of the primary chamber, the divider plate is displaced in an upward direction thereby permitting the inflation gas from the secondary chamber to flow around the divider plate and out of the inflator.

Abstract: The dual stage inflator has a divider plate that separates gas generant in the primary chamber from gas generant in the secondary chamber. Burning of the gas generant yields inflation gas that is useful for inflating a vehicle airbag. The gas generant from the primary chamber is ignited from a separate ignition train than the gas generant in the secondary chamber. The divider plate in the inflator is capable of moving during the operation of the inflator. Before the inflator is fired, the divider plate rests against the inner surface of the lower housing. The divider plate prevents inflation gas from the primary chamber from igniting the secondary chamber. However, when the internal pressure of the secondary chamber exceeds the internal pressure of the primary chamber, the divider plate is displaced in an upward direction thereby permitting the inflation gas from the secondary chamber to flow around the divider plate and out of the inflator.

Abstract: A dual stage invention is designed to autoignite an autoignition material before a low temperature gas generant melts. Low temperature gas generants include a high nitrogen content organic fuel with ammonium nitrate as the oxidizer. The dual stage inflator has a first gas generant and a second gas generant that are ignited by separate igniters. The first gas generant and the second gas generant are insulated from the inflator housing to delay the heat transfer from the housing to the first gas generant and second gas generant during a bonfire test, which needs to be passed to receive Department of Transportation classification. The dual stage inflator also has an autoignition cartridge for disposing of the second gas generant by the first gas generant after the first gas generant burns for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A dual stage invention is designed to autoignite an autoignition material before a low temperature gas generant melts. Low temperature gas generants include a high nitrogen content organic fuel with ammonium nitrate as the oxidizer. The dual stage inflator has a first gas generant and a second gas generant that are ignited by separate igniters. The first gas generant and the second gas generant are insulated from the inflator housing to delay the heat transfer from the housing to the first gas generant and second gas generant during a bonfire test, which needs to be passed to receive Department of Transportation classification. The dual stage inflator also has an autoignition cartridge for disposing of the second gas generant by the first gas generant after the first gas generant burns for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A dual stage gas generator for inflating an airbag used in vehicle occupant restraint systems. Wherein the gas generator contains primary and secondary combustion chambers and a common gas exiting port for controlling the combustion pressure in both combustion chambers. Said gas generator when activated can cause an airbag to inflate at different rates dependent on the firing sequence used. The low output performance level occurs when only the primary stage is deployed. Simultaneous firing of both the primary and secondary stage constitutes the upper performance limits, while staging results from deployment of the primary stage and some time later deployment of the secondary stage. The staging provides a means to supply inflation gas in a variable rate fashion.

Abstract: An inflator for inflating air bags has a housing for holding a self-sufficient initiator, i.e. an initiator containing a crash sensor and a small explosive charge set off by the sensor. The housing also includes a gas generating material set off by the small charge and filters for filtering the gases. The filters and gas generator material are separated by a choke plate. Advantageously, a portion of the housing is arranged to secure the initiator while the choke plate is securely clamped between two housing members.