Abstract: An inflator (20) comprising: a pressure vessel (22) made of a thin walled steel tubing (24), sealed at one end by an end plate or cap (30). The other end of the pressure vessel sealed by a propellant housing (50). A plurality of axial bores (56a-d) exiting through an adjacent part (58) of the housing (50) and a face of the adjacent part of the housing includes a second counter bore (70) and a plurality of radial bores (72a-d) radially extend therefrom. A rupture disk assembly (100) having a central portion (102) forms a rupture disk extending into the second counter bore (70) and a radially extending outer portion (104) fitted generally flat against the face (60) .

Abstract: A post depressurization device (30) for providing an indication of the pressure that existed within a fluid filled pressure vessel (22) just prior to depressurization of the pressure vessel, having a housing (102) and a piston (130) for temporality sealing an open end of the housing and outwardly movable in response to a pressure differential not less then a predetermined level generated subsequent to the depressurization of the pressure vessel. The piston and the housing cooperating to define a pressure storage cavity (156). The housing including a valve (122) for permitting the fluid within the pressure vessel to enter the pressure cavity and stabilize at a level substantially equal to the pressure level within the pressure vessel and for inhibiting a rapid decrease in the pressure within the pressure cavity immediately subsequent to depressurization of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: An inflator for an air cushion including a pressure vessel comprising a hollow sleeve for storing a quantity of inert gas such as Argon. One end of the sleeve is closed by a first pyrotechnic actuator assembly while the other end of the sleeve may include a closed end or another pyrotechnic actuator assembly. The pressure vessel is secured within a diffuser which directs inflation gases into the air cushion. The pressure vessel in cooperation with the diffuser defines various regions which assist in reducing the gas turbulence and heat transfer between the gas and the diffuser.

Abstract: An inflator for an air cushion including a pressure vessel comprising a hollow sleeve for storing a quantity of inert gas such as Argon. One end of the sleeve is closed by a first pyrotechnic actuator assembly while the other end of the sleeve may include a closed end or another pyrotechnic actuator assembly. The pressure vessel is secured within a diffuser which directs inflation gases into the air cushion. The pressure vessel in cooperation with the diffuser defines various regions which assist in reducing the gas turbulence and heat transfer between the gas and the diffuser.