Abstract: A gas generator for an airbag includes a first gas reserve with a first orifice, a first mechanism arranged for opening the first gas reserve, and a diffusion chamber arranged for diffusing the discharge gases. The generator additionally includes a mixing chamber comprising at least one first communication surface with the diffusion chamber. The gas generator further including a second mechanism comprising a second actuator and a mobile obturator between a first obstruction position, in which it obstructs a second communication surface with a diffusion chamber and a second passage position, in which the second communication surface is free.

Abstract: A gas generator for an airbag includes a first gas reserve with a first orifice, a first mechanism arranged for opening the first gas reserve, and a diffusion chamber arranged for diffusing the discharge gases. The generator additionally includes a mixing chamber comprising at least one first communication surface with the diffusion chamber. The gas generator further including a second mechanism comprising a second actuator and a mobile obturator between a first obstruction position, in which it obstructs a second communication surface with a diffusion chamber and a second passage position, in which the second communication surface is free.

Abstract: An airbag inflator (1) for motor vehicles, more specifically an airbag inflator which is adapted to reduce high sound levels generated by the streaming of a gas flow out of the outlet into ambient air, which airbag inflator comprises at least one gas outlet (9) which is adapted to reduce high sound level generated by the streaming of a gas flow out of the outlet into ambient air. The gas outlet (9) of the airbag inflator (1) has an orifice (10;18) that is non-circular. When in use, the non-circular orifice (10; 18) of the gas outlet (9) enhances the mixing of the gas flow with the ambient air and thus provides for a reduction of the sound level caused by the gas flow.

Abstract: An inflator (1) is disclosed for use in a safety device within a motor vehicle, for example, for inflating an air-bag. The inflator comprises at least one gas outlet (23) having an initial predetermined gas flow area. The or each gas outlet incorporates a deformable part (41) which is configured to deform, in response to a predetermined gas pressure, so as to increase the gas flow area of the gas outlet. The deformable part (41) may be surrounded by a slot (40) which initially constitutes the outlet. The deformable part includes a neck (42) which bends so that the deformable part (41) opens like a flap. The invention is particularly suited for incorporating in a hybrid multi-stage gas generator comprising two or more pyrotechnic charges that can be actuated in combination or independently. The variable-area gas flow outlet provides an arrangement to vary the cross-section or area of a gas flow passage in response to a high pressure of gas.

Abstract: An inflator (1) is disclosed for use in a safety device within a motor vehicle, for example, for inflating an air-bag. The inflator comprises at least one gas outlet (23) having an initial predetermined gas flow area. The or each gas outlet incorporates a deformnable part (41) which is configured to deform, in response to a predetermined gas pressure, so as to increase the gas flow area of the gas outlet. The deformable part (41) may be surrounded by a slot (40) which initially constitutes the outlet. The deformable part includes a neck (42) which bends so that the deformable part (41) opens like a flap. The invention is particularly suited for incorporating in a hybrid multi-stage gas generator comprising two or more pyrotechnic charges that can be actuated in combination or independently. The variable-area gas flow outlet provides an arrangement to vary the cross-section or area of a gas flow passage in response to a high pressure of gas.