Abstract: An airbag module assembly (400) has a module housing (402). An airbag (401) and an airbag inflator (200, 300) are positioned inside the module housing. The airbag inflator (200, 300) has an exhaust port end (85) extending external of the module housing (402) for venting inflation gasses directly from the airbag inflator (200, 300) externally of the module housing (402).

Abstract: An airbag inflator (200, 300) for inflating an airbag has a tubular inflator housing (11) having a first end (A) and a second end (B). A gas release mechanism (80) has an exhaust port end or housing (85) at the first end (A) for releasing gas directly from the tubular inflator housing (11) to ambient air, bypassing the airbag. A heater assembly (2) containing a gas generant is located and attached at the second end (B). An igniter (3) ignites the heater assembly (2). A primary gas vent port (70) vents gas from the tubular inflator housing (11) into an airbag during normal deployment of the airbag. The gas release mechanism (80) has a passageway or opening (84) for exhausting gas from the tubular inflator housing (11) to an exhaust port (85). A seal (82, 83) seals the passageway or opening (84) of the gas release mechanism (80). An igniter 3 for opens the seal (82, 83) thereby terminating or slowing deployment and normal inflation of the airbag through the primary vent port (70).