Abstract: A gas generating system includes a housing and a nozzle coupled to the housing. The nozzle includes at least one bi-directional gas exit passage configured to provide a thrust-neutral release of gases from the nozzle.

Abstract: A piston rod assembly for a pressurized fluid-powered actuator is provided. The assembly includes a piston rod having a fluid flow passage extending along an interior thereof, and a cap secured to the piston rod at a position along the fluid flow passage. Sealing means is positioned between the piston rod and the cap so as to provide a fluid-tight seal between the piston rod and the cap.

Abstract: A gas generating system includes a housing, a quantity of gas generant material positioned within the housing, and a quantity of booster material positioned in the housing spaced apart from the gas generant. A movable first screen is positioned in the housing such that the booster material is on a first side of the screen and the gas generant material is on a second side of the screen opposite the first side of the screen. The screen is structured to enable fluid communication between the first and second sides of the screen.

Abstract: A gas generating system includes a housing, a gas generant combustion chamber within the housing, and a liquid coolant chamber within the housing. A mixing chamber is positioned within the housing so as to enable fluid communication with the combustion chamber and the coolant chamber after activation of the gas generating system.

Abstract: A gas source includes a housing with a cavity formed therein, and a connecting passage configured to enable fluid communication between the housing cavity and an exterior of the connecting passage. The connecting passage includes a first end and a second end. A cross-sectional area of the connecting passage second end is less than a cross-sectional area of the passage first end. A seal is configured so as to prevent fluid communication between the connecting passage second-end and the exterior of the connecting passage prior to activation of the gas source. Means are coupled to the housing for providing a pressure wave transmissible via a medium positioned in the cavity to the connecting passage first end.

Abstract: A gas generating system includes a housing and a nozzle coupled to the housing. The nozzle includes at least one bi-directional gas exit passage configured to provide a thrust-neutral release of gases from the nozzle.

Abstract: A gas generating system includes a housing, a quantity of gas generant material positioned within the housing, and a quantity of booster material positioned in the housing spaced apart from the gas generant. A movable first screen is positioned in the housing such that the booster material is on a first side of the screen and the gas generant material is on a second side of the screen opposite the first side of the screen. The screen is structured to enable fluid communication between the first and second sides of the screen.

Abstract: An initiator housing assembly includes a preformed initiator receiving portion defining a first cavity and a body portion affixed to the receiving portion and defining a second cavity. An opening leading into the first cavity is positioned within the second cavity. An initiator assembly, as gas generating system, and a vehicle occupant protection system incorporating the initiator housing assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A gas generating system includes a housing, a gas generant combustion chamber within the housing, and a liquid coolant chamber within the housing. A mixing chamber is positioned within the housing so as to enable fluid communication with the combustion chamber and the coolant chamber after activation of the gas generating system.

Abstract: An initiator housing assembly includes a preformed initiator receiving portion defining a first cavity and a body portion affixed to the receiving portion and defining a second cavity. An opening leading into the first cavity is positioned within the second cavity. An initiator assembly, as gas generating system, and a vehicle occupant protection system incorporating the initiator housing assembly are also provided.