Abstract: A resistant initiator for an automobile passenger restraint system which includes a shell casing having an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Contact pins connect the initiator to a mating electrical connector of a vehicle. A metal oxide varistor disposed in the shell casing provides electrostatic discharge and EMI/RFI rotection for the initiator. A glass to metal seal header is formed in the shell casing and includes an integrated circuit for igniting the pyrotechnic material disposed in a charge holder attached to the shell casing.

Abstract: An improved inflator featuring a more reliable and more readily assembled reservoir is described. The reservoir features an interlocking channel lock connection with an adapter which is separately attached to the inflator housing. The reservoir is particularly intended for storing liquid fuels, but is applicable to a variety of fluids.

Abstract: An inflator having a base containing a diffuser and a canister having a chamber for receiving and holding gas under pressure are inserted in aligned, separated position in a pressure chamber. The pressure chamber is closed, sealed and filled with gas, thereby filling the canister. When the gas fill reaches the desired pressure, an integral top press is activated, thereby joining the base with the filled inflator canister. The base is then welded or crimped to the inflator chamber, thereby assembling a complete airbag inflating device.

Abstract: Apparatus for inflating an inflatable device, methods for inflating an inflatable safety device and a method of manufacturing an apparatus for inflating an inflatable device are provided having a fuel containment assembly to contain a fuel in the form of a fluid. The fuel, upon proper initiation, is burned to produce gas used in the inflation of the inflatable device.

Abstract: An integral label/gasket for use in crimped sealing engagement with an airbag inflator. The integral label/gasket combines a flat, generally annular label, an annular, deformable outer gasket seal and an annular, deformable inner gasket seal into one component. The outer gasket seal is secured to and extends downwardly from a bottom surface of the label adjacent an outer edge of the label, and the inner gasket seal is secured to and extends downwardly from the bottom surface of the label adjacent an inner edge of the label. The label, for printing handling and operational warnings and other information thereon, has adhesive on a top surface thereof for securing the label to a baseplate of an airbag inflator.

Abstract: The use of unitary liquid fuel storage chambers provides advantages in the manufacturing and assembly of inflators for use in airbag passive restraint systems. A unique process of injecting liquid fuel through a conduit which is controlled to discharge the liquid fuel beneath the rising surface of the liquid fuel in the container and then sealing the storage chamber with a unique stopper provides consistently accurately filled unitary fuel containing storage chambers. The filled and sealed unitary storage chambers can then be either stored or assembled into an inflator. The assembly of the inflator can be at a location separate from that at which the storage container is loaded with fuel, whereby the relatively hazardous loading and handling of liquid fuels can be separated from the inflator assembly area.

Abstract: Unitary filters for airbags. The filters may be formed from various combinations of ceramic grit, ceramic fiber, metal grit, metal fiber, and non-metal fibers. Combinations of disparate particle sizes may be used to increase filter diffusion and reduce the size of particles filtered. The disparate size particles may be uniformly mixed, or may be in relatively discrete layers. Fibers may be used to increase the strength of the filter. The fibers may be mixed with an initial slurry, or the slurry may be pressed into a mat of the fibers.

Abstract: A unitary storage structures for the fluid components of a inflator of a vehicular airbag passive restraint system. The unitary storage structures facilitate the storage, testing, transportation and assembly of such components in the inflator. Advantageous methods of filling the storage chambers and of testing the filled structures for leaks prior to their transportation and assembly into the inflator housing are also disclosed.

Abstract: An airbag module incorporates an inflatable airbag cushion having an inflatable body and a collar defining an open mouth for receiving inflation gas, with a stiffening collar ring secured to the collar. The airbag module also includes an inflator and a module housing, the inflator having a peripheral bracket extending radially outwardly and the module housing having an opening. The collar of the airbag cushion extends through the opening and the inflator fits within the open mouth of the airbag cushion with the collar ring and collar seated between the module housing and the peripheral bracket. Clamping structure secures the airbag cushion to the airbag module. The clamping structure is an inwardly facing c-shaped ring having a top leg secured to or integral with the module housing and a bottom leg, with the peripheral bracket, the collar ring and the collar clamped between the legs.

Abstract: An air bag inflator including a housing formed of sheet metal includes an annular base having a central opening and a cover for containing gas generating pyrotechnic material including an annular top wall spaced from the base having a central opening in coaxial alignment with the central opening of the base and a cylindrical, ported, outer side wall integrally formed around a periphery of the top wall extending downwardly thereof and having a lower edge secured to a portion of the base outwardly of the central opening. The housing includes a hollow, igniter-containing, rivet having an upper end wall closing over the central opening of the top wall and having a tubular, ported, side wall integrally formed with the upper end wall thereof extending downwardly through the central openings of the base and the top wall.

Abstract: A method for debittering soybeans to destroy and extract the bitter taste therefrom. Soybeans are loaded into open baskets with foraminous bottoms suspended from links on a chain conveyor successively and intermittently indexed by rachet driven sprockets through three zones of a processing tank having an exhaust hood. Water preheated to approximately 198.degree. F. flows through the tank and each zone thereof has a steam manifold therein whereby steam is injected into the first zone to raise the water temperature to approximately 214.degree. F. and bubble and agitate the water and the beans loaded in the baskets. The baskets and beans then travel through the second zone wherein they continue to be agitated by action of steam but wherein the temperature is lowered by the injection of tempering water to approximately 212.degree. F. Thereafter, upon entry into zone three, agitation of the beans continue with temperature also being approximately 212.degree. F.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for debittering soybeans and the like to destroy and extract the bitter taste therefrom caused by enzymes lying next to the bean surface directly beneath the skin. Soybeans are loaded into open baskets with foraminous bottoms suspended from links on a chain conveyor successively and intermittently indexed by ratchet driven sprockets through three zones of a processing tank having an exhaust hood. Water preheated to approximately 198.degree. F. flows through the tank and each zone thereof has a steam manifold therein whereby steam is injected into the first zone to raise the water temperature to approximately 214.degree. F. and bubble and agitate the water and the beans loaded in the baskets immersed therein to expand the skins and explode the jackets to release the volatile gases therefrom.