Abstract: An inflator 10 of a vehicle occupant protection system contains an elongated housing 12 having a plurality of gas exit orifices 14 spaced along the length thereof. An ignition body 30 and propellant 16 are provided in lengths substantially equivalent to the length of the housing 12 wherein the ignition body 30 is placed in physical contact with the propellant body 16 for all or most of their respective lengths. Once the ignition body 30 is ignited upon a crash event, resultant uniform ignition and combustion across the length of the propellant 16 results in uniform gas generation and uniform inflation of an airbag 26, wherein the airbag 26 is at least substantially coextensive with and in fluid communication with the housing 12. Preferred mixtures of propellant 16 contain silicone, a perchlorate oxidizer, and a coolant.

Abstract: A gas generator of an airbag passenger restraint device wherein the gas generator comprises a propellant tube having first and second end closures. The second end closure contains an end cap dual spring subassembly that substantially reduces the vibrations within the generator assembly and propellant. The liberation of fluorocarbons and other undesirable byproducts caused by end cap reactivity is eliminated by employing an inert end cap. By reducing the vibratory effect, inflator performance variability and noise level are substantially reduced.

Abstract: A filter for an air bag inflator comprises juxtaposed layers of pierced sheet metal, wire cloth of a first relatively low mesh, ceramic filter media and wire cloth of relatively larger mesh in a radially outwardly extending array.