Abstract: A modified inlet region of a turbofan engine for reducing or eliminating turbofan flutter. The modified inlet region is defined by annular inside surface and a fan. The modified inlet region is upstream and co-axial with the fan. A plurality of fins are disposed circumferentially around the annular inside surface and extend radially into the modified inlet region. Each fin may be attached normal to the annular inside surface or at an angle. The plurality of fins serve to disrupt the propagation of acoustic reflections leading to turbofan flutter.

Abstract: A modified inlet region of a turbofan engine for reducing or eliminating turbofan flutter. The modified inlet region is defined by annular inside surface and a fan. The modified inlet region is upstream and co-axial with the fan. A plurality of fins are disposed circumferentially around the annular inside surface and extend radially into the modified inlet region. Each fin may be attached normal to the annular inside surface or at an angle. The plurality of fins serve to disrupt the propagation of acoustic reflections leading to turbofan flutter.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) provides inflation fluid to an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The apparatus (10) includes an inflator (24) actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating the protection device (14). A conduit (22) directs inflation fluid into the protection device (14) from the inflator (24). A deflector (50) is arranged in fluid communication with the conduit (22) and has at least a portion in fluid communication with the protection device (14). The deflector (50) is configured to direct inflation fluid into the protection device (14) in opposing directions to reduce the magnitude of pressure waves experienced by a vehicle occupant (28).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) provides inflation fluid to an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The apparatus (10) includes an inflator (24) actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating the protection device (14). A conduit (22) directs inflation fluid into the protection device (14) from the inflator (24). A deflector (50) is arranged in fluid communication with the conduit (22) and has at least a portion in fluid communication with the protection device (14). The deflector (50) is configured to direct inflation fluid into the protection device (14) in opposing directions to reduce the magnitude of pressure waves experienced by a vehicle occupant (28).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a housing (22) containing a fluid (32) at a first pressure. A portion of the housing (22) includes a nickel-based alloy. The nickel-based alloy has a strain hardening index less than about 0.2. In one embodiment, the housing (22) has an outflow opening (42) closed by a membrane (44). A surface (110) of the membrane (44) extends across the opening (42) and includes a plurality of indentations (130).

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18) includes an inflatable curtain (14). The inflatable curtain (14) is inflatable away from the roof (18) between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant. The inflatable curtain has an inflatable volume (28). An inflation fluid source (30) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid to the inflatable volume (28) to inflate the inflatable curtain (14). A fill tube (32) delivers the inflation fluid from the inflation fluid source (30) to the inflatable curtain (14). The apparatus (10) includes an actuatable apparatus (60) for providing an opening (72, 226) in at least one of the fill tube (32) and the inflatable curtain (14) for directing the inflation fluid from the inflatable volume (28) to deflate the inflatable curtain (14). The actuatable apparatus (60) is actuatable in response to actuation of the inflation fluid source (30).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18) includes an inflatable curtain (14). The inflatable curtain (14) includes a front portion (74) and a rear portion (76). The inflatable curtain (14) is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) to a position adjacent the side structure (16). An inflation fluid source (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable curtain (14). A fill tube (22) directs inflation fluid from the inflation fluid source (24) into the inflatable curtain (14). The fill tube (22) has a portion (38) that extends into one of the front and rear portions (74 and 76) and terminates in the one of the front and rear portions. The fill tube (22) also has an open end portion (110) for directing inflation fluid to flow axially from the fill tube into the inflatable curtain (14) and at least one aperture (112) for directing inflation fluid to flow generally radially from the fill tube into the inflatable curtain.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18) includes an inflatable curtain (14). The inflatable curtain (14) is inflatable away from the roof (18) between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant. The inflatable curtain has an inflatable volume (28). An inflation fluid source (30) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid to the inflatable volume (28) to inflate the inflatable curtain (14). A fill tube (32) delivers the inflation fluid from the inflation fluid source (30) to the inflatable curtain (14). The apparatus (10) includes actuatable means (60) for providing an opening (72, 226) in at least one of the fill tube (32) and the inflatable curtain (14) for directing the inflation fluid from the inflatable volume (28) to deflate the inflatable curtain (14). The actuatable means (60) is actuatable in response to actuation of the inflation fluid source (30).

Abstract: An apparatus (12) includes an elongated pressure vessel (30) containing a source of inflation fluid for a vehicle occupant protection device (14). The apparatus (12) further includes an inflation fluid outlet manifold (32) at one end (34) of the pressure vessel (30). The manifold (32) has outlet openings (60, 62) defining first and second outlet flow areas. The manifold (32) is configured to direct inflation fluid flowing through the first outlet flow area to flow at least partially in a first direction parallel to a longitudinal axis (31) of the pressure vessel (30). The manifold (32) is further configured to direct inflation fluid flowing through the second outlet flow area to flow at least partially in a second, opposite direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (31) of the pressure vessel (30).