Abstract: Reinforced ceramic unitary filters for air bags. The filters have a first layer having a high porosity, and a second layer having a low porosity. The first layer is preferably formed of low-cost ceramic grit sintered into a rigid mass, or a rigid reticulated ceramic. The second layer is formed of metal particles, and provides increased strength for the brittle ceramic. The metal particles may be formed onto the second layer and then sintered in place. Alternatively, the second layer may be formed separately and secured in position on the first layer. As a third alternative, the second layer may be applied by plasma arc deposition upon the first layer. The metal particles provide increased strength to the filter, as well as providing a fine filtering layer. The metal layer can also place the ceramic in compression to pre-load the ceramic layer for increased resistance to breakage.

Abstract: A side impact airbag module including an inflator and a folded airbag is formed into a module by means of an extruded cover. The cover encircles the inflator and airbag and incorporates structure for releasing the airbag upon inflation. Optional end caps may be attached to one or both ends of the module.

Abstract: An inflator mount for attachment to an inflator having a cylindrical sidewall and a peripheral inflator flange radially extending from the sidewall, and for mounting the inflator within an airbag module. The inflator mount includes a generally flat annular bracket having an inside edge defining an opening that accommodates passage of the radially extending peripheral inflator flange. An inflator flange grip extends downwardly and inwardly from the inside edge of the annular bracket. The inflator flange grip slidingly receives and grippingly engages the inflator flange and embraces the underside thereof to thereby secure the inflator mount to the inflator and adapt the inflator and inflator mount for mounting in an airbag module by means of the annular bracket.

Abstract: A side impact airbag module assembly adapted to mount on the exterior of the side of a seat back of an automobile seat back having an access opening and receiving means within a internal structural member. The side impact airbag module assembly includes an airbag module frame having a mounting flange adapted to extend through the access opening in the seat cover and having thereon self fasteners that secure the flange in the receiving means of the internal structural member of the seat. An airbag cushion and inflator assembly is secured to the frame, and an airbag module cover is also secured to the airbag module frame to conceal and protect the airbag cushion and inflator assembly and the airbag module frame. The airbag module is provided in one variation with depth limiters that prevent the mounting flange from being inserted too far into the receiving means, and clamp supports which further secure the mounting flange to the internal structural member.

Abstract: A process for converting sheet stock into a seamless outer shell for a toroidal shaped hybrid inflator for air bag inflation systems. In the process a seamless toroidal shaped shell is fabricated from sheet stock by a sequence of process steps comprising first drawing the sheet into a cup shaped blank, with curved transitions between the bottom wall and the sidewall, and then shaping the open end of the cup to the desired toroidal shape while simultaneously thickening the areas adjacent to the perimeter of the open end of the cup and finally removing the central portion of the bottom of the cup--thereby producing the desired shell.