Abstract: An inflator (40) includes a chamber (220) for storing inflation (222) fluid under pressure. A first member (82) has an inner perimeter that defines an opening (92) for discharging the inflation fluid (222). A rupturable closure member (100) extends across the opening (92) and blocks inflation fluid flow though the opening. A second member (110) supports a central portion (302) of the closure member (100) against the pressure of the inflation fluid (222) in the chamber (220). Inflation fluid (222) flows through a passageway (270) defined by an outer perimeter of the second member (110) and the inner perimeter of the first member (82). An initiator (152) ruptures the closure member (100), forming petals (254) of the closure member that deflect into the passageway (270). The petals (254) slide along an outer surface (258) of a portion (132) of the second member (110) while deflecting into the passageway (270).

Abstract: An actuatable fastener (50) includes a body (80) including a head (82) and a shank (84). The body (80) includes an interior chamber (120) partially defined by a side wall (132) extending from the head (82) into the shank (84) and an end wall (138) positioned in the shank. A member (140) is disposed in the chamber (120). An initiator (160) is actuatable to produce combustion products in the chamber (120) that act on the member (140) to move the member in a first direction in the chamber to strike the end wall (138). The member (140) strikes the end wall (138) creating a fracture (222) in the shank (84) separating at least a portion of the shank from a remainder (220) of the shank. The combustion products moving the member (150) beyond the fracture (222) at least a predetermined distance (226) to move the portion of the shank (84) at least the predetermined distance from the remainder (220) of the shank.

Abstract: An inflator (40) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes structure that defines a chamber (220) and inflation fluid stored in the chamber. The inflation fluid includes in mixture a fuel gas, an oxidizer gas, and an inert gas mixture. The inflator (40) also includes an actuator for initiating a combustion reaction between the fuel gas and the oxidizer gas. The inert gas mixture includes at least two different inert gases and has a composition selected to produce desired performance characteristics of the inflator (40).

Abstract: An inflator (10) includes a container (12) having a chamber (120). An exit opening (48) is provided in the container (12) and is connected to the chamber (120). A substance (122, 180) is stored in the chamber (120) and is responsive to heat for providing inflation fluid. An igniter (130) is associated with the container (12) and is actuatable to provide combustion products for heating the substance (122, 180). A nozzle (80) is interposed between the igniter (130) and the chamber (120). A passage (90) extends from the igniter (130) and through the nozzle (80). The passage (90) includes a divergent portion (110) for focusing a flow of combustion products from the igniter (130) into the chamber (120).

Abstract: An apparatus (12) includes an inflator (50) that is actuatable for providing inflation fluid. First structure (110) that is associated with the inflator (50) includes a plurality of first flow passages (150) that are sized and positioned relative to one another so as to provide thrust neutrality to the apparatus (10) when inflation fluid exits the apparatus (12) through the first flow passages (150) in a first condition of the inflator (50). The apparatus (10) also includes second structure (162) that is associated with the inflator (50). The second structure (162) blocks fluid flow through the first flow passages (150) and provides fluid flow through a second passage (172) in a second condition of the inflator (50).

Abstract: An actuatable fastener (50) includes a body (80) including a head (82) and a shank (84). The body (80) includes an interior chamber (120) partially defined by a side wall (132) extending from the head (82) into the shank (84) and an end wall (138) positioned in the shank. A member (140) is disposed in the chamber (120). An initiator (160) is actuatable to produce combustion products in the chamber (120) that act on the member (140) to move the member in a first direction in the chamber to strike the end wall (138). The member (140) strikes the end wall (138) creating a fracture (222) in the shank (84) separating at least a portion of the shank from a remainder (220) of the shank. The combustion products moving the member (150) beyond the fracture (222) at least a predetermined distance (226) to move the portion of the shank (84) at least the predetermined distance from the remainder (220) of the shank.