Abstract: An integral airbag cushion retainer, filter and diffuser for use with an inflator assembly for generating inflation gas, a first filter material, a second filter material and an inflatable airbag cushion, as part of an inflatable restraint system. The integral airbag cushion retainer, filter and diffuser comprises a shaped plate member which has a top panel that joins to a filter chamber wall extending to a radially extending airbag cushion retaining ring. The shaped plate member fits over and encloses a portion of the inflator assembly comprising a plurality of gas exhaust openings, with the retaining ring attaching to the inflator assembly, retaining the airbag cushion therebetween in a gastight manner. A filter chamber, enclosing the gas exhaust openings and retaining the first filter material, is formed by the inflator assembly, the top panel and the filter chamber wall.

Abstract: An air bag module uses a tubular inflator that is mounted off center in the module with the diffuser lying in the plane of the bottom of the module housing. The housing and inflator retaining bracket combine to make a pocket which changes the direction of some of the gas produced by the inflator and allows all of the gas to flow up into the inflatable cushion. A different housing, retaining ring, cushion and inflator retaining bracket are used in the assemblage of the module than are employed in air bag modules of current production. The appearance and function of the module, however, is not changed to a purchaser of the automotive vehicle in which the module is installed, only the internal components of the module are changed.

Abstract: A clamping device for clamping an automotive air bag to an automotive air bag inflator. The clamping device includes an annular retainer ring and module housing. Axial descending members, in the form of tabs, pins, or circular posts are attached to the bottom of the annular retainer and pass through holes in the air bag and module housing. The axial descending members provide additional places wherein the shear stress of the air bag fabric can resist the forces applied to the air bag during deployment. Undersized fastener openings in the module housing in conjunction with annular retainer tabs bent to grasp the module housing clamp the air bag during assembly of the air bag module without installation, thus securing the inflator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a cosmetic container or enclosure for a high performance inflatable air bag utilizing a new and improved hinge structure especially designed to allow a cover to be fractured into pivotally openable panels or doors adapted to open during inflation of the air bag but yet the hinges are strong enough to positively retain the panels of the cover to a fixed portion of the container after opening occurs so that damage to the air bag or injury to persons does not result with the consequent adverse affects to the safety and operation of the air bag deployment.

Abstract: Cold pressurized pure inert gas (i.e., argon, nitrogen) is delivered to an air bag with the addition of mechanical energy to aid in filling the bag by an inflator comprising a high strength container or bottle having a cylindrical section that is filled with inert gas. A piston is located at one end of the cylindrical section with a high energy pyrotechnic behind it. Both sides of the piston are at the same pressure during storage. An initiator is located in the high energy pyrotechnic. A burst disk is located at the opposite end of the cylindrical section. When the initiator is fired, the piston is driven down the length of the cylindrical section. When the pressure in the container exceeds the burst disk strength, the inert gas expands into the air bag or apparatus needing to be filled.

Abstract: A universal squib connector for automobile driver and passenger air bag collision protection systems includes a ferrite bead having two holes in spaced relation with an electric terminal positioned in each hole for making electrical contact with an associated one of the protruding pins of a pin type electric squib. The arrangement enables the use of a single configuration of gas generator and a single configuration of electric initiator or squib for the igniter system of the gas generator while providing EMI/RFI protection and the advantages realizable from both pin type and pig tail type connection of the collision sensor to the input conductors or lead wires to the squib and also the electrical system of the vehicle according to the preferences of individual automobile manufacturers.

Abstract: A floating, serviceable, horn blowing switch consists of a shoulder bolt and stud which in conjunction with an assembly retainer and lock nut hold an air bag module assembly to the steering wheel of an automotive vehicle. The horn switch assembly includes a pre-stressed compression spring and two concentric housings that are arranged to snap together. The housings act as an electrical insulator and house the compression spring and electrical contacts. Lead wires connect the electrical contacts to a power source and the horn mechanism. The electrical contact gap is governed by the vibration requirements of the vehicle and stiffness of the compression spring.

Abstract: A universal squib connector for automobile driver and passenger air bag collision protection systems includes a ferrite bead having two holes in spaced relation with an electric terminal positioned in each hole for making electrical contact with an associated one of the protruding pins of a pin type electric squib. The arrangement enables the use of a single configuration of gas generator and a single configuration of electric initiator or squib for the igniter system of the gas generator while providing EMI/RFI protection and the advantages realizable from both pin type and pig tail type connection of the collision sensor to the input conductors or lead wires to the squib and also the electrical system of the vehicle according to the preferences of individual automobile manufacturers.

Abstract: A clamping device for clamping an automotive air bag to an air bag inflator. The clamping device includes an annular ring and a module housing wherein walls are attached perpendicular to the bodies of the clamping members at their inflator-side boundaries. When the periphery of the gas inlet opening is placed between the walls and the bodies of the clamping members the air bag is held in place by both radial and axial clamping thus securing the air bag during deployment. Undersized fastener openings in the module housing in conjunction with radial clamping provide clamping of the air bag during assembly of the air bag module without installation and securing of the inflator.

Abstract: Particles of glass or silica type material are added to pellets of gas generating material as the gas generating material is being loaded into the combustion chamber of a gas generator or inflator. When the inflator is fired, the liquids and gases produced by the resulting rapid combustion process are cooled and condensed by the particles of glass or silica type material to a solid inside the combustion chamber near the exit ports or outlet holes thereof. This dramatically reduces the amount of combustible particle residue or particulates that leave the inflator.