Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) includes a tubular body (30). Fluid may flow through a plurality of discharge openings (54) in the tubular body (30). An ignitable material (64) is located within the tubular body (30) for producing, when ignited, combustion products including gas for inflating the protective device (12). A filter (70) is located within the tubular body (30) and around the ignitable material (64). A plenum chamber (100) is located between the filter (70) and the tubular body (30) for combustion products to enter after flowing from the filter. A flow directing member (80) is attached to the filter (70) and is located in the plenum chamber (100).

Abstract: An inflator (14) for inflating an air bag (12) includes a source of gas (62) for inflating the air bag, and a tubular wall (52) with a plurality of gas flow openings (86) for directing the gas to flow from the inside of the tubular wall (52) toward the air bag (12). The inflator (14) also includes a rupturable pressure controlling member (60) and a cylindrical filter assembly (56) with a plenum screen (76). The pressure controlling member (60) extends circumferentially around the inside of the tubular wall (52) and across the gas flow openings (86) to block the gas from flowing into the gas flow openings (86). The cylindrical filter assembly (56) is located between the source of gas (62) and the pressure controlling member (60). The plenum screen (76) extends circumferentially around the inside of the pressure controlling member (60), and has an edge (180) adjoining the pressure controlling member (60).

Abstract: An apparatus for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint such as an air bag comprises a source of gas for inflating the air bag. A filter is disposed outward of the gas source and has an outer surface. A pressure controlling member is spaced outward of the filter an encircles the gas source and the filter. A helical strand is interposed between the filter and the pressure controlling member to create a plenum between them. Gas supplied by the gas source accumulates in the gap until it builds up enough pressure to burst the pressure controlling member. The strand has a smooth cylindrical outer surface. Thus, any contact between the strand and the foil layer is line contact.

Abstract: A reaction device for an air bag module includes a pair of spaced apart side walls adapted to support a cylindrical air bag inflator. A pair of spaced apart transverse walls extend between and connect the side walls. The side walls and the transverse walls cooperate to define (i) an air intake opening, (ii) a gas outlet opening, (iii) a venturi channel terminating in the gas outlet opening, and (iv) an air aspiration passage between the air intake opening and the venturi channel. The side walls are adapted to support the cylindrical inflator in a manner such that the cylindrical housing of the inflator spans the width of the reaction device. In addition, the gas dispensing nozzles of the inflator face the throat of the venturi channel. The reaction device, and the orientation of the inflator in the reaction device, facilitate the aspiration of significant quantities of ambient air during operation of the inflator.

Abstract: A quickly detachable guard assembly for the tip of a chain saw guide bar, including a pair of wing plates hinged along one side and urged by a torsion spring to a clasping condition with the guide bar therebetween. A pair of pins projecting from the inner face of one plate pass through openings in the guide bar and are received in holes in the other plate to positively lock the guard assembly to the guide bar. A selectively operable latching arrangement allows the plates to be held apart against the urging of the spring urging to facilitate installation and removal.