Abstract: A vehicular inflatable restraint system inflator device, particularly a passenger inflator device is provided which includes a housing having a disk form and defining a first chamber. The first chamber in a static state contains a quantity of a first gas generant material ignitable to produce first combustion products including a first inflation gas. The housing has at least two rows of spaced apart gas exit ports adapted to permit passage of the first inflation gas from the inflator device into an associated inflatable airbag cushion. The first chamber also contains at least one inflation gas-permeable treatment element disposed adjacent the spaced apart gas exit ports, wherein passage of gas through the treatment element results in treatment thereof. The first chamber further contains a second chamber which, in a static state, has an enclosed volume containing a quantity of a second gas generant material ignitable to produce second combustion products.

Abstract: An airbag inflator which can supply airbag inflation gas in an adaptive output is provided. The subject inflator includes two discrete and isolated chambers of gas generant materials. At least one of the chambers includes a lid closure adapted to open to place the combustion products formed within the associated chamber in fluid communication with the contents of the other chamber. The subject inflator permits several distinct inflation performance scenarios while desirably employing a single set of inflation gas treatment components, such as filters, for the treatment of products of both chambers.

Abstract: An adaptive multi-stage inflator for inflating an air bag in an air bag safety system. The adaptive multi-stage inflator comprises a housing, a primary igniter assembly and a secondary igniter assembly. The housing has a top wall, a bottom wall and a side wall, which together define an interior chamber therebetween. The primary igniter assembly is disposed in the interior chamber of the housing and is configured to initiate the generation of a primary inflation fluid to inflate an air bag. The secondary igniter assembly is also disposed in the interior chamber of said housing. The secondary igniter assembly is configured to augment the primary inflation fluid by producing a secondary inflation fluid to further inflate the air bag. The inflator also includes a bypass assembly that is configured to provide the secondary inflation fluid to the air bag at substantially the same temperature as it was produced by the secondary igniter assembly, thereby increasing the pressure of the primary inflation fluid.

Abstract: An airbag inflator which can supply airbag inflation gas in an adaptive output is provided. The subject inflator includes two discrete isolated chambers of gas generant materials and permits several distinct inflation performance scenarios while desirably employing a single set of inflation gas treatment components such as filters for the treatment of products of both chambers.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator, suitable for use on the driver side. The inflator includes a disk-shaped housing. Within the housing there is a first chamber for housing a stored gas charge. The housing also includes second chamber housing an initiator and a heating charge. The first chamber containing the stored gas includes a filter and various obstacles to force the hot gas from the second chamber to fully mix with the cool stored gas.

Abstract: A slide-on combustion chamber for an automotive airbag module has a pair of side rails extending along its tubular outer wall which are designed to slide into matching grooves in the reaction canister. Portions of the side rails are removed at one or both ends of the combustion chamber, thereby allowing the side wall to be radially formed over a base member housed within the chamber.