Abstract: An inflatable cushion for a side of a vehicle is disclosed herein, the inflatable cushion having: a first cushion section formed from a first material, the first cushion section having a plurality of separate inflatable cells each of which having an inlet opening for receipt of an inflation gas; an internal passageway formed in the first cushion section, the internal passageway linking and fluidly coupling to each of the plurality of separate inflatable cells via the inlet opening of each of the plurality of separate inflatable cells; a diffuser member disposed in the internal passageway, the diffuser member being configured to supply the inflation gas to each of the plurality of separate inflatable cells, wherein the diffuser member consists essentially of a non-rigid fabric member formed from a permeable material, the non-rigid fabric member is independent of the first material used to form the first cushion section and the permeable material of the non-rigid fabric member is the main source of fluid flow i

Abstract: A pressurized container includes a vessel defining a chamber therein. A housing that is connected to the vessel defines an outlet that is fluidly separated from the chamber by a closure member. A moveable member may be seated within and form a seal with the housing and abut the closure member. Activation of an initiator propels the moveable member through the closure member, thereby fluidly connecting the chamber and the outlet. The pressurized container might include an obstruction partially blocking an outlet path and another initiator that breaks the obstruction when activated, thereby further opening the outlet path. The pressurized container might include a main path fluidly connected to the outlet, a first secondary path that connects the main path to the chamber, and a second secondary path that also connects the main path to the chamber.

Abstract: A pressurized container includes a vessel defining a chamber therein. A housing that is connected to the vessel defines an outlet that is fluidly separated from the chamber by a closure member. A moveable member may be seated within and form a seal with the housing and abut the closure member. Activation of an initiator propels the moveable member through the closure member, thereby fluidly connecting the chamber and the outlet. The pressurized container might include an obstruction partially blocking an outlet path and another initiator that breaks the obstruction when activated, thereby further opening the outlet path. The pressurized container might include a main path fluidly connected to the outlet, a first secondary path that connects the main path to the chamber, and a second secondary path that also connects the main path to the chamber.

Abstract: A pressurized container includes a vessel defining a chamber therein. A housing that is connected to the vessel defines an outlet that is fluidly separated from the chamber by a closure member. A moveable member may be seated within and form a seal with the housing and abut the closure member. Activation of an initiator propels the moveable member through the closure member, thereby fluidly connecting the chamber and the outlet. The pressurized container might include an obstruction partially blocking an outlet path and another initiator that breaks the obstruction when activated, thereby further opening the outlet path. The pressurized container might include a main path fluidly connected to the outlet, a first secondary path that connects the main path to the chamber, and a second secondary path that also connects the main path to the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes an inflator structure (12) and a modular valve assembly (18). The inflator structure (12) defines an inflation fluid pressure chamber (15), a fluid exit opening (60), and a fluid flow path (62) extending between the chamber (15) and the exit opening (60). The modular valve assembly (18) has a plurality of parts that are interconnected separately from the inflator structure (12), including a metering member (182) and a tubular valve housing (180) containing and supporting the metering member (182) for movement within the valve housing (180). The modular valve assembly (18) has an installed position in which the valve housing (180) extends longitudinally across the flow path (62) defined by the inflator structure (12). The inflator structure (12) further defines a valve compartment (76) in which the valve housing (180) is receivable and movable longitudinally across the flow path (62) upon movement of the modular valve assembly (18) to its installed position.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes an inflator structure (12), a rupturable closure member (48), and an initiator assembly (14). The inflator structure (12) defines a chamber (15) storing inflation fluid (16) at an elevated storage pressure. The closure member (48) is fixed and sealed to the inflator structure (12) to block the inflation fluid from flowing outward from the chamber (15), and is subjected to the storage pressure. The initiator assembly (14) includes pyrotechnic material (88) and a support structure (82, 84) which is mounted on the inflator structure. The support structure (82, 84) adjoins the closure member (48) in a load bearing relationship so as to transmit a storage pressure force from the closure member (48) to the inflator structure (12). When the pyrotechnic material (88) is ignited, it produces combustion products that rupture the support structure (82, 84).

Abstract: Combined air bag device and steering column, for use on a vehicle having collision-sensing means and a steering wheel to communicate steering directions to steering mechanism, comprises in one embodiment a hollow tubular steering column connected at its upper end to the steering wheel and at its lower end to the steering mechanism. An elongated tubular reservoir containing pressurized fluid prior to collision is mounted within the hollow tubular steering column, and has an outlet at the upper end thereon. An inflatable cushion is mounted on the steering wheel and closure means is interposed between the outlet of the reservoir and the inlet of the cushion. Opening means, responsive to a signal generated by the collision-sensing means, rapidly opens the closure means thereby to inflate the cushion.

Abstract: Air bag device, for use on a vehicle having collision sensing means, comprises a reservoir of pressurized fluid sealed by a frangible plate and an inflatable cushion connected to the reservoir. A striking member, having a piston at one end and a conical point at the other end, is slidably mounted in a cylinder in the reservoir. Lead styphnate and a length of electrically heated nichrome wire are positioned in the cylinder adjacent the piston. If a collision occurs, the collision sensing means sends an electrical signal, through wiring passing through a hermetic seal in the reservoir, to the length of nichrome wire which ignites the lead styphnate, generating combustion gases which bear against the piston thereby rapidly driving the conical point of the striking member into the frangible plate to shatter it, releasing pressurized fluid from the reservoir into the cushion to inflate it.