Abstract: An airbag assembly may include an airbag and an inflator that provides inflation gas to inflate the airbag. A filter module may be positioned such that inflation gas exiting the inflator must first pass through the filter module. The filter module may be formed of a sheet of metal that is wrapped into a generally spiraling tubular shape. The filter module may have an inner layer, an intermediate layer, and an outer layer. The intermediate layer generally encircles the inner layer, and the outer layer generally encircles the inner layer and the intermediate layer in a spiraling fashion. The inner layer, the intermediate layer, and the outer layer each may have a pattern of holes and dimples that are separate from and/or displaced from each other. The dimples may protrude toward an adjacent layer to maintain spacing to enable relatively unrestricted gas flow from the holes of the inner layer through unaligned holes of the intermediate layer and the outer layer.

Abstract: An airbag assembly may include an airbag and an inflator that provides inflation gas to inflate the airbag. A filter module may be positioned such that inflation gas exiting the inflator must first pass through the filter module. The filter module may be formed of a sheet of metal that is wrapped into a generally spiraling tubular shape. The filter module may have an inner layer, an intermediate layer, and an outer layer. The intermediate layer generally encircles the inner layer, and the outer layer generally encircles the inner layer and the intermediate layer in a spiraling fashion. The inner layer, the intermediate layer, and the outer layer each may have a pattern of holes and dimples that are separate from and/or displaced from each other. The dimples may protrude toward an adjacent layer to maintain spacing to enable relatively unrestricted gas flow from the holes of the inner layer through unaligned holes of the intermediate layer and the outer layer.

Abstract: An airbag assembly may include an airbag and an inflator that provides inflation gas to inflate the airbag. A filter module may be positioned such that inflation gas exiting the inflator must first pass through the filter module. The filter module may be formed of a sheet of metal that is wrapped into a generally spiraling tubular shape. The filter module may have an inner layer, an intermediate layer, and an outer layer. The intermediate layer generally encircles the inner layer, and the outer layer generally encircles the inner layer and the intermediate layer in a spiraling fashion. The inner layer, the intermediate layer, and the outer layer each may have a pattern of holes and dimples that are separate from and/or displaced from each other. The dimples may protrude toward an adjacent layer to maintain spacing to enable relatively unrestricted gas flow from the holes of the inner layer through unaligned holes of the intermediate layer and the outer layer.

Abstract: An airbag assembly may include an airbag and an inflator that provides inflation gas to inflate the airbag. A filter module may be positioned such that inflation gas exiting the inflator must first pass through the filter module. The filter module may be formed of a sheet of metal that is wrapped into a generally spiraling tubular shape. The filter module may have an inner layer, an intermediate layer, and an outer layer. The intermediate layer generally encircles the inner layer, and the outer layer generally encircles the inner layer and the intermediate layer in a spiraling fashion. The inner layer, the intermediate layer, and the outer layer each may have a pattern of holes and dimples that are separate from and/or displaced from each other. The dimples may protrude toward an adjacent layer to maintain spacing to enable relatively unrestricted gas flow from the holes of the inner layer through unaligned holes of the intermediate layer and the outer layer.

Abstract: The improved steering apparatus is an invention that increases vehicular operational safety by providing means for a vehicle operator to control various vehicle functions and accessories while keeping both hands on the steering apparatus. The apparatus also automatically provides for the display of a variety of driver relevant information including automatic live video (160) feed of blind spots, rear vehicle cabin area, and road sign information (320), by displaying the information on the steering apparatus mounted video screen. The apparatus includes a built-in speaker (170) and is controlled by either voice commands or by a touching of the touch activatable video display screen (160).

Abstract: An airbag assembly may include an airbag and an inflator that provides inflation gas to inflate the airbag. A filter module may be positioned such that inflation gas exiting the inflator must first pass through the filter module. The filter module may be formed of a sheet of metal that is wrapped into a generally tubular shape. The filter module may have a first layer and a second layer that generally encircles the first layer. The first layer may have a pattern of holes and dimples that are separate from and/or displaced from each other. The dimples may protrude toward the second layer to maintain spacing to enable relatively unrestricted gas flow from the holes of the first layer through unaligned holes of the second layer. The resulting tortuous gas flow path may help to slow, cool, and/or purify the gas before it exits the inflator.

Abstract: An airbag assembly may include an airbag and an inflator that provides inflation gas to inflate the airbag. A filter module may be positioned such that inflation gas exiting the inflator must first pass through the filter module. The filter module may be formed of a sheet of metal that is wrapped into a generally tubular shape. The filter module may have a first layer and a second layer that generally encircles the first layer. The first layer may have a pattern of holes and dimples that are separate from and/or displaced from each other. The dimples may protrude toward the second layer to maintain spacing to enable relatively unrestricted gas flow from the holes of the first layer through unaligned holes of the second layer. The resulting tortuous gas flow path may help to slow, cool, and/or purify the gas before it exits the inflator.

Abstract: A packaging fixture may include a first member including a plurality of first generally round apertures and a plurality of first elongated apertures. The first member may include a thickness from a first side to an opposite second side and each of the plurality of first round apertures and the plurality of elongated apertures may extend through the thickness of the first member. Each of the plurality of elongated apertures may be connected to and extend from a corresponding one of the plurality of first round apertures. Each of the plurality of first round apertures may be adapted to receive a portion of a propulsive device. The first member may be adapted to retain the propulsive device when a protrusion of the propulsive device is misaligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of elongated apertures.

Abstract: A packaging fixture may include a first member including a plurality of first generally round apertures and a plurality of first elongated apertures. The first member may include a thickness from a first side to an opposite second side and each of the plurality of first round apertures and the plurality of elongated apertures may extend through the thickness of the first member. Each of the plurality of elongated apertures may be connected to and extend from a corresponding one of the plurality of first round apertures. Each of the plurality of first round apertures may be adapted to receive a portion of a propulsive device. The first member may be adapted to retain the propulsive device when a protrusion of the propulsive device is misaligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of elongated apertures.

Abstract: A gas generation device includes an elongated housing and an ignitor tube. The elongated housing defines a generant bed. The ignitor tube is disposed within the housing and extends at least substantially along the entire length of the generant bed. The ignitor tube defines an unobstructed path for ignitor gases to travel into the generant bed. The ignitor tube is constructed of a consumable material.

Abstract: An inflator includes a generant chamber that houses a quantity of gas generant. The chamber has a plurality of gas exit holes that are positioned along the length of the generant chamber. A filter is added exterior of the chamber. In fact, the filter may be positioned on the exterior of the generant chamber. Straps may encircle the inflator. The straps are attached to studs that will operate to mount the inflator. The position of the straps may be adjusted and tailored to apportion the amount of inflation gas that is directed into each chamber of a multi-chambered or two-chambered airbag.

Abstract: An inflator includes a generant chamber that houses a quantity of gas generant. The chamber has a plurality of gas exit holes that are positioned along the length of the generant chamber. A filter is added exterior of the chamber. In fact, the filter may be positioned on the exterior of the generant chamber. Straps may encircle the inflator. The straps are attached to studs that will operate to mount the inflator. The position of the straps may be adjusted and tailored to apportion the amount of inflation gas that is directed into each chamber of a multi-chambered or two-chambered airbag.

Abstract: The improved steering apparatus is an invention that increases vehicular operational safety by providing means for a vehicle operator to control various vehicle functions and accessories while keeping both hands on the steering apparatus. The apparatus also automatically provides for the display of a variety of driver relevant information including automatic live video (160) feed of blind spots, rear vehicle cabin area, and road sign information (320), by displaying the information on the steering apparatus mounted video screen. The apparatus includes a built-in speaker (170) and is controlled by either voice commands or by a touching of the touch activatable video display screen (160).

Abstract: A gas generation device includes an elongated housing and an ignitor tube. The elongated housing defines a generant bed. The ignitor tube is disposed within the housing and extends at least substantially along the entire length of the generant bed. The ignitor tube defines an unobstructed path for ignitor gases to travel into the generant bed. The ignitor tube is constructed of a consumable material.

Abstract: An airbag inflator diffusion system having a thin profile. The diffusion system includes an airbag inflator that is inserted into a sleeve. The sleeve has overlapping longitudinal edges positioned so that the sleeve tightly circumscribes the inflator. Engagement tabs are formed in one longitudinal edge of the sleeve and fold through perforations formed adjacent the other longitudinal edge. Upon activation of the inflator, the sleeve expands radially forming an exhaust passage through which exhaust gas may travel. The folded engagement tabs and their corresponding perforations limit the radial expansion of the sleeve.

Abstract: A modular fire detection and extinguishing system is disclosed that is inexpensive, compact, and modular to allow easy aftermarket installation in a variety of vehicles. The system may include a detector, a trigger coupled to the detector and a gas generant fire extinguisher, a modular distribution line in fluid communication with the extinguisher and a nozzle. The system allows exhaust gas from the gas generant fire extinguisher to carry dry powdered fire suppressant from the fire extinguisher and through the nozzle to disperse the fire suppressant substantially uniformly throughout a fire hazard zone. The extinguisher is installed such that exhaust gas must aerate substantially all the fire suppressant before exiting the extinguisher.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic inflator for an airbag module is disclosed. The pyrotechnic inflator may have a generally tubular housing that contains an initiator, a baffle, and a quantity of inflation gas generant. The generant is disposed in a compartment defined by the baffle. The baffle has a passageway with a first end and a second end. Direct fluid communication between the first and second ends is restricted by a blockage within the passageway. Upon receipt of an activation signal, the initiator directs initiation gas into the first end. The initiation gas may exit the first end through a plurality of first end holes to reach and ignite the generant with or without requiring any intermediate igniter material. The generant combusts to produce inflation gas, which enters the second end of the passageway through a plurality of second end holes. The inflation gas exits the inflator to inflate a cushion.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic inflator for an airbag module is disclosed. The pyrotechnic inflator may have a generally tubular housing that contains an initiator, a baffle, and a quantity of inflation gas generant. The generant is disposed in a compartment defined by the baffle. The baffle has a passageway with a first end and a second end. Direct fluid communication between the first and second ends is restricted by a blockage within the passageway. Upon receipt of an activation signal, the initiator directs initiation gas into the first end. The initiation gas may exit the first end through a plurality of first end holes to reach and ignite the generant with or without requiring any intermediate igniter material. The generant combusts to produce inflation gas, which enters the second end of the passageway through a plurality of second end holes. The inflation gas exits the inflator to inflate a cushion.

Abstract: A modular fire detection and extinguishing system is disclosed that is inexpensive, compact, and modular to allow easy aftermarket installation in a variety of vehicles. The system may include a detector, a trigger coupled to the detector and a gas generant fire extinguisher, a modular distribution line in fluid communication with the extinguisher and a nozzle. The system allows exhaust gas from the gas generant fire extinguisher to carry dry powdered fire suppressant from the fire extinguisher and through the nozzle to disperse the fire suppressant substantially uniformly throughout a fire hazard zone. The extinguisher is installed such that exhaust gas must aerate substantially all the fire suppressant before exiting the extinguisher.

Abstract: Apparatuses for inflating inflatable devices and associated methods of leak detection relying on the inclusion of a radioactive isotope leak trace material.