Abstract: An inflator (22) for providing inflation fluid ( ) to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a container (30) storing the inflation fluid under pressure. The container (30) has an outlet passage (80) through which the inflation fluid flows from the container. A rupturable closure member (92) fixed to the container (30) blocks flow of inflation fluid through the passage (80). A support (100) for the rupturable closure member (92) defines a chamber (110) adjacent the rupturable closure member (92). The rupturable closure member (92) has a first portion (122) deformed into the chamber (110) by the pressure of the inflation fluid and a second ring-shaped portion (124) encircling the first portion (122). An initiator (98) ruptures the closure member (92) when actuated by shearing the first portion (122) from the second portion (124).

Abstract: An inflator (22) for providing inflation fluid ( ) to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a container (30) storing the inflation fluid under pressure. The container (30) has an outlet passage (80) through which the inflation fluid flows from the container. A rupturable closure member (92) fixed to the container (30) blocks flow of inflation fluid through the passage (80). A support (100) for the rupturable closure member (92) defines a chamber (110) adjacent the rupturable closure member (92). The rupturable closure member (92) has a first portion (122) deformed into the chamber (110) by the pressure of the inflation fluid and a second ring-shaped portion (124) encircling the first portion (122). An initiator (98) ruptures the closure member (92) when actuated by shearing the first portion (122) from the second portion (124).

Abstract: An inflator (22) for providing inflation fluid ( ) to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a container (30) storing the inflation fluid under pressure. The container (30) has an outlet passage (80) through which the inflation fluid flows from the container. A rupturable closure member (92) fixed to the container (30) blocks flow of inflation fluid through the passage (80). A support (100) for the rupturable closure member (92) defines a chamber (110) adjacent the rupturable closure member (92). The rupturable closure member (92) has a first portion (122) deformed into the chamber (110) by the pressure of the inflation fluid and a second ring-shaped portion (124) encircling the first portion (122). An initiator (98) ruptures the closure member (92) when actuated by shearing the first portion (122) from the second portion (124).

Abstract: A pretensioner (50) tensions vehicle seat belt webbing (18). The pretensioner (50) has a member (52) movable by an actuating fluid to tension the seat belt webbing (18). The pretensioner (50) further has at least one microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device (120) energizable to supply actuating fluid to move the member (52).

Abstract: An inflator (10) includes an assembly (31) comprising a plurality of individually energizable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices (30) for, when energized, actuating the inflator. The assembly (31) further comprises a sensor mechanism (60) for sensing a condition of the inflator (10) and for generating a control signal indicative of the sensed condition. The plurality of MEMS devices (30) are responsive to the control signal to control actuation of the inflator (10).

Abstract: An instrument panel assembly (22) comprises a structural carrier member (30) which is formed as one piece and has a first section (40) defining a first chamber (54) for receiving and supporting a first component (110). The structural carrier member (30) has a second section (80) defining a second chamber (92) for receiving and supporting a second component (130). The first component (110) comprises a first inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (114) received in the first chamber (54). The structural carrier member (30) further defines a deployment opening (55) through which the first protection device (114) is inflatable from the first chamber (54). The second component (130) comprises an occupant knee protection device (132) received in the second chamber (92) for helping to protect the vehicle occupant's legs in the event of a vehicle collision.

Abstract: An inflator (22) for providing inflation fluid ( ) to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a container (30) storing the inflation fluid under pressure. The container (30) has an outlet passage (80) through which the inflation fluid flows from the container. A rupturable closure member (92) fixed to the container (30) blocks flow of inflation fluid through the passage (80). A support (100) for the rupturable closure member (92) defines a chamber (110) adjacent the rupturable closure member (92). The rupturable closure member (92) has a first portion (122) deformed into the chamber (110) by the pressure of the inflation fluid and a second ring-shaped portion (124) encircling the first portion (122). An initiator (98) ruptures the closure member (92) when actuated by shearing the first portion (122) from the second portion (124).

Abstract: An inflator (10) includes an assembly (31) comprising a plurality of individually energizable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices (30) for, when energized, actuating the inflator. The assembly (31) further comprises a sensor mechanism (60) for sensing a condition of the inflator (10) and for generating a control signal indicative of the sensed condition. The plurality of MEMS devices (30) are responsive to the control signal to control actuation of the inflator (10).

Abstract: An inflator (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) comprises a storage container (30), a primary inflation fluid under pressure in a gaseous state in the container, and a secondary inflation fluid under pressure in the container. The container (30) is openable to enable the primary inflation fluid to flow out of the container into the inflatable device to inflate the inflatable device (14). At least a portion of the secondary inflation fluid is in a non-gaseous state in the container (30) during flow of the primary inflation fluid into the inflatable device. The portion of the secondary inflation fluid in the non-gaseous state thereafter changing to the gaseous state and flowing into the inflatable device to maintain the inflatable device in the inflated condition.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) comprises an inflatable protection device (32). The apparatus (10) also comprises an actuatable inflator (30) remote from the protection device (32) for providing inflation fluid under pressure for inflating the protection device. The apparatus (10) further comprises a conduit (48) connected in fluid communication between the inflator (30) and at least a portion of the protection device (32) for directing inflation fluid from the inflator to the protection device. The conduit (48) includes at least one quick disconnect coupling (50) through which inflation fluid flows from the inflator (30) upon actuation of the inflator.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a vehicle seat (10) having a tubular seat frame (60) defining a fluid manifold (66). The apparatus also includes at least two deployable vehicle occupant protection devices (120, 130, 140, 142) for helping to protect a vehicle seat occupant from injury in the event of a vehicle collision. The protection devices (120, 130, 140, 142) are spaced apart from each other. The protection devices (120, 130, 140, 142) are in fluid communication with the fluid manifold (66) and are deployable by fluid directed into the protection devices from the fluid manifold. A single actuatable device (150) provides pressurized fluid for deploying one or more of the protection devices (120, 130, 140, 142). The actuatable device (150) is in fluid communication with the fluid manifold (66).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a frame structure (32) defining a deployment opening (40), an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) aligned with the deployment opening (40), and a deployment structure (24) extending across the deployment opening (40). The deployment structure (24) has first and second locking portions (70, 72) in releasably interlocked engagement with the frame structure (32) at locations spaced apart across the deployment opening (40). The deployment structure (24) is configured to undergo non-rupturing deflection under the influence of inflation fluid pressure forces applied by the protection device (14). Such non-rupturing deflection of the deployment structure (24) moves the first locking portion (70) partially out of interlocked engagement with the frame structure (32), and moves the second locking portion (72) fully out of interlocked engagement with the frame structure (32).

Abstract: A pretensioner (50) tensions vehicle seat belt webbing (18). The pretensioner (50) has a member (52) movable by an actuating fluid to tension the seat belt webbing (18). The pretensioner (50) further has at least one microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device (120) energizable to supply actuating fluid to move the member (52).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) is inflatable into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. The apparatus (10) includes an inflator (22) for inflating the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) and for maintaining the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device in an inflated condition for at least five seconds. The inflator (22) contains a stored inflation fluid under pressure. The inflation fluid consists essentially of helium.

Abstract: A vehicle component comprises a biodegradable material. The biodegradable material includes a polyhydroxyalkanoate resin.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) comprises a container (14) defining a chamber (16). The container (16) has an opening (24) through which fluid can flow from the chamber (16). A quantity of inflation fluid (20) is in the chamber (16). A burst disk (30) closes the opening. The burst disk (30) has first and second opposite major side surfaces (34, 36). The burst disk (30) has a first score line (40, 42) on the first major side surface (36) and a second score line (46, 48) on the second major side surface (34). The burst disk (30) is rupturable at the first and second score lines (40, 42, 46, 48) to permit inflation fluid (20) to flow out of the chamber (16) through the opening (24) in the container (14).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use with a removable child seat (12) in a vehicle (14) comprises a vehicle seat (20) on which a removable child seat may or may not be present, and a seat belt webbing pretensioner (40) for retracting seat belt webbing (30) associated with the vehicle seat. A first sensor (58) provides a first output signal in response to a vehicle collision of a magnitude above a predetermined threshold. A second sensor (60) provides a second output signal in response to the presence of a child seat (12) on the vehicle seat (20). A controller (50) receives the first and second output signals and, in response to the first output signal, actuates the seat belt webbing pretensioner (40) when a child seat (12) is not present on the vehicle seat (20) and inhibits actuation of the seat belt webbing pretensioner when a child seat is present on the vehicle seat.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) into a position between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant. The apparatus (10) also includes a plastic housing (26) for storing the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) in a stored position. An inflation fluid source (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). A fill tube (22) directs the inflation fluid into the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. The fill tube (22) is connected to the housing (26) by plastic connection portions (160) of the housing that have a surface (162) in continuous engagement with portions of an outer surface (164) of the fill tube.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) includes a pivotal deployment door (82) and a decorative emblem structure (52) having an installed position on the deployment door (82). The deployment door (82) is configured to open under the influence of inflation fluid pressure forces applied by an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The apparatus (10) further includes a first fastener structure (110) on the deployment door (82) and a second fastener structure (114) on the emblem structure (52). The fastener structures (110, 114) are configured to snap together to establish a mechanical interlock between the deployment door (82) and the emblem structure (52) upon movement of the emblem structure (52) to the installed position on the deployment door (82).

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) includes a pivotal deployment door (82) and a decorative emblem structure (52) having an installed position on the deployment door (82). The deployment door (82) is configured to open under the influence of inflation fluid pressure forces applied by an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The apparatus (10) further includes a first fastener structure (110) on the deployment door (82) and a second fastener structure (114) on the emblem structure (52). The fastener structures (110, 114) are configured to snap together to establish a mechanical interlock between the deployment door (82) and the emblem structure (52) upon movement of the emblem structure (52) to the installed position on the deployment door (82).