Patents by Inventor Richard W. Kirby

Richard W. Kirby has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Method and apparatus for filling and sealing an inflator for an automotive airbag module
    Patent number: 5845461
    Abstract: An inflator having a base containing a diffuser and a canister having a chamber for receiving and holding gas under pressure are inserted in aligned, separated position in a pressure chamber. The pressure chamber is closed, sealed and filled with gas, thereby filling the canister. When the gas fill reaches the desired pressure, an integral top press is activated, thereby joining the base with the filled inflator canister. The base is then welded or crimped to the inflator chamber, thereby assembling a complete airbag inflating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventors: Harry W. Miller, II, Richard W. Kirby, Gregory J. Lang, Don T. Jensen