Abstract: An external containment device for an inflator of an inflatable cushion is provided, the external containment device having: an outlet plate having an outlet opening; a burst disk disposed over the outlet opening; an initiator having an initiator cap; a support pin having a shaft portion and a head portion, the shaft portion being supported by the initiator cap and the head portion contacts the burst disk when the outlet opening is sealed by the burst disk; and wherein activation of the initiator causes the initiator cap to move shearing a portion of the shaft portion from the support pin which allows the burst disk to rupture.

Abstract: A closure assembly for an inflator comprises a housing and an outlet plate disposed within the housing. The outlet plate has an outlet opening configured to receive a burst disk. The outlet plate is joined to the housing by a deformation resistance weld. The deformation resistance weld is formed by contacting the outlet plate with a first electrode, contacting an exterior portion of the housing with a second electrode, and applying a voltage through the first and second electrodes to adhere a portion of the housing to a portion of the outlet plate.

Abstract: An external containment device for an inflator of an inflatable cushion is provided, the external containment device having: an outlet plate having an outlet opening; a burst disk disposed over the outlet opening; an initiator having an initiator cap; a support pin having a shaft portion and a head portion, the shaft portion being supported by the initiator cap and the head portion contacts the burst disk when the outlet opening is sealed by the burst disk; and wherein activation of the initiator causes the initiator cap to move shearing a portion of the shaft portion from the support pin which allows the burst disk to rupture.

Abstract: A closure assembly for an inflator comprises a housing and an outlet plate disposed within the housing. The outlet plate has an outlet opening configured to receive a burst disk. The outlet plate is joined to the housing by a deformation resistance weld. The deformation resistance weld is formed by contacting the outlet plate with a first electrode, contacting an exterior portion of the housing with a second electrode, and applying a voltage through the first and second electrodes to adhere a portion of the housing to a portion of the outlet plate.

Abstract: A closure assembly for an inflator comprises a housing and an outlet plate disposed within the housing. The outlet plate has an outlet opening configured to receive a burst disk. The outlet plate is joined to the housing by a deformation resistance weld. The deformation resistance weld is formed by contacting the outlet plate with a first electrode, contacting an exterior portion of the housing with a second electrode, and applying a voltage through the first and second electrodes to adhere a portion of the housing to a portion of the outlet plate.

Abstract: A closure assembly for an inflator comprises a housing and an outlet plate disposed within the housing. The outlet plate has an outlet opening configured to receive a burst disk. The outlet plate is joined to the housing by a deformation resistance weld. The deformation resistance weld is formed by contacting the outlet plate with a first electrode, contacting an exterior portion of the housing with a second electrode, and applying a voltage through the first and second electrodes to adhere a portion of the housing to a portion of the outlet plate.

Abstract: A containment device for an inflator, the containment device comprising: an outlet plate having an outlet opening; a burst disk disposed over the outlet opening; an initiator having a support member; a movable support disposed between the support member and the burst disk, the support providing support to the burst disk; wherein activation of the initiator causes the movable support to move which allows the burst disk to rupture.

Abstract: A closure assembly for an inflator comprises a housing and an outlet plate disposed within the housing. The outlet plate has an outlet opening configured to receive a burst disk. The outlet plate is joined to the housing by a deformation resistance weld. The deformation resistance weld is formed by contacting the outlet plate with a first electrode, contacting an exterior portion of the housing with a second electrode, and applying a voltage through the first and second electrodes to adhere a portion of the housing to a portion of the outlet plate.

Abstract: A containment device for an inflator, the containment device comprising: an outlet plate having an outlet opening; a burst disk disposed over the outlet opening; an initiator having a support member; a movable support disposed between the support member and the burst disk, the support providing support to the burst disk; wherein activation of the initiator causes the movable support to move which allows the burst disk to rupture.

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 improved flowmeter system is described, together with circuitry, hardware, and techniques for its utilization for determining the rate of flow of fluids in conduits at a situs substantially remote from the information gathering and analysis situs. Arrangements are provided for utilization of the system in conduits, including deep water wells, having diameters as small as 2 inches, and wherein very low flowrates of liquid therein can be quite accurately measured to depths in the range of hundreds to thousands of feet.

Abstract: An improved flowmeter system is described, together with circuitry, hardware, and techniques for its utilization for determining the rate of flow of fluids in conduits at a situs substantially remote from the information gathering and analysis situs. Arrangements are provided for utilization of the system in conduits, including deep water wells, having diameters as small as 2 inches, and wherein very low flowrates of liquid therein can be quite accurately measured to depths in the range of hundreds to thousands of feet.

Abstract: A linear fire extinguisher includes a high strength elongated tube containing a pressurized fire extinguishant such as HALON 1301. A pair of opposed shaped charges is placed along the exterior or interior of the tube and when actuated provides cutting lines which cause a directed distribution of the fire extinguishant along the lines in an opposed manner to provide a net reaction force of substantially zero on the tube. A helical geometry is also provided which provides a substantial reduction in reactive forces.

Abstract: A linear fire extinguisher, includes a high strength elongated tube containing a pressurized fire extinguishant such as HALON 1301. A shaped charge is placed along the exterior of the tube and when actuated provides a rupture line which causes a directed distribution of the fire extinguishant along the rupture line.