Abstract: A multi-level output inflator for air bags or the like, comprising a center bulkhead, a primary gas generating unit connected at its inner end to one side of the bulkhead, and a secondary gas generating unit connected at its inner end to the opposite side of the bulkhead. The primary gas generating unit comprises a primary pressure vessel disposed adjacent to the bulkhead and in communication therewith, with an inert gas under pressure in the primary pressure vessel. The secondary gas generating unit comprises a secondary pressure vessel disposed adjacent to the bulkhead and in communication therewith, with an inert gas under pressure in the secondary pressure vessel. The bulkhead comprises a first opening therein in communication with the primary pressure vessel and a primary outlet port in communication with the first opening. A second opening is provided in the bulkhead with is in communication with the secondary pressure vessel and a secondary outlet port.

Abstract: An inflator and method of constructing the inflator comprising: a pressure vessel (22) in which inflation gas is stored; the pressure vessel including a first opening (114), pyrotechnic generator (42, 130) situated remote from the pressure vessel for generating products of to heat the inflation gas, a first burst disk (160, 150, 150') mounted to the pressure vessel to seal the first opening thereof after the pressure vessel has been charged to a determinable pressure with inflation gas and in communication with the pyrotechnic generator such that the products of combustion assist in the opening of the first burst disk.

Abstract: An inflator comprising: a pressure vessel (10) for storing a quantity of stored inflation gas under pressure. The pressure vessel comprising a first burst disk (46) and a seal disk (310) both for selectively sealing same. The inflator (10) including a gas release mechanism (52, 300) for permitting the controlled, staged release of the inflation gas at determinable inflation rates. The gas release mechanism includes: a first pyrotechnic device, positioned outside of the pressure vessel and spaced from the first burst disk (46), including a piston (72) moved into a disk piercing position to rupture the first burst disk (46) in response to the buildup of pressure caused burning of a first quantity of propellant material (218).

Abstract: A pressure switch (30) adapted to be placed within a pressurized chamber for generating a logical signal when the pressure within the chamber reduces to a determinable pressure P.sub.1. The pressure switch (30) comprises: a pressure vessel (32) sealed at one end (34) by a snap action diagram (40) and having an inner stop (42) and an outer stop (60, 62) respectively positioned on opposing sides of the diaphragm (40) for limiting diaphragm motion. The outer stop comprises: a first cylindrical portion (78), a first pair of parallel slots (80a, b) formed therein and a through bore (70, 72, 74) extending therethrough. A switch assembly is loosely mounted to the outer stop. The switch assembly (90) comprises an upper housing member (92), a lower housing member (94), first and second electrical contacts (96a, 96b) and a pin (98).

Abstract: An inflator (110) including: a pressure means (12, 14, 16, 20) for storing a quantity of stored inflation gas under pressure. The pressure means including a first burst disk (46) in communication with the stored inflation gas and preventing egress of the gas from the chamber and a hollow sliding piston (172) having at one end thereof cutting edges (174) for puncturing the first burst disk (46). A shear disk (180) having a stationary outer portion (187) and a central portion or second disk (186), central portion is secured to one end of the piston (172) opposite the cutting edges (174). The central portion is capable of separating from the outer portion and moving with the piston (172). A quantity of propellant material (218) is provided near the second burst disk (80) to produce gaseous combustion products when burned.

Abstract: A device (20) for inflating an air bag (37) comprising: a pressure vessel (34) formed by a vessel part (22) and a generator body assembly (30). The generator body assembly is received within opposing openings (24, 26) in the vessel part (22) and secured thereto to provide a gas tight seal (28). The generator body assembly (30) includes: a first bore (38) to receive a quantity of propellant (150) and initiator assembly (120) to cause the propellant (150) to burn in response to a control signal indicative of a vehicle crash. Various passages are provided in the gas generator assembly and oriented to permit the products of combustion of the burning propellant to impinge on inner walls of the pressure vessel to reduce particulate emission.

Abstract: An inflator (10) comprising: a pressure tank (12, 14, 16, 20) for storing a quantity of stored inflation gas under pressure. The pressure tank comprising a first burst disk (46) in communication with the stored inflation gas; a sliding piston (72) including at one end thereof a sharp edge (74) for puncturing the first rupture disk and at its other end a second rupture disk (80). The sliding piston (72) movable into engagement with the first rupture disk in response to the build up of pressure acting on the second rupture disk (80) in response to the burning of propellant material (90) thereby permitting egress of the stored inflation gas. The second burst disk being ruptured by the continued build up of pressure due to the burning propellant whereupon after the rupturing of same the heated products of combustion resulting from the burning propellant flow through the sliding piston (72) to increase the temperature of the stored inflation gas prior to its exit from the inflator.