Abstract: The invention relates to a propellant pellet for pyrotechnical safety devices in vehicles, such as airbag modules, belt tensioners, micro-inflators and igniters. The propellant pellet according to the invention has a substantially cylindrical shape and can be obtained by dry injection of a powdered propellant composition. The pellets have a maximum diameter of 2 mm and preferably a relative bulk density, defined as ratio of bulk density of the propellant pellets to the maximum theoretical density of the propellant composition, of at least 0.5. A propellant charge, an igniter and an inflator each comprising a plurality of said propellant pellets are provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an inflator comprises the following steps: Providing a casing (12) that includes a tubular connecting portion (10) having a cylindrical wall (14), providing a closing member (19) that includes a closing portion (18) having a cylindrical contact surface (20) the cross-section of which has small oversize or undersize compared to the cross-section of the connecting portion (10), and axially pressing the closing member (19) into or onto the connecting portion (10) while simultaneously supplying electric current which flows between the cylindrical wall (14) and the contact surface (20) so that the closing member (19) is pressure-welded with the connecting portion (10).

Abstract: A gas generator for a vehicle occupant restraint system a rigid outer housing (12), a chamber (14) formed in the outer housing (12), in which a compressed gas is present at least upon activation of the gas generator (10), a component immovable (20; 34; 62) relative to the outer housing (12), at least one outflow opening (22) formed in the immovable component (20; 34; 62), and a least one resilient element (26), which is clamped inside the outer housing (12) and rests against the immovable component (20; 34; 62) at least in its normal position. In its normal position, the resilient element (26) closes a flow path between the chamber (14) and external surroundings of the gas generator (10) and is deformed elastically under the influence of compressed gas, whereby it clears a flow cross-section (30) whose size is increasing with increasing pressure.

Abstract: A gas generator, in particular for a vehicle occupant restraint system, has a rigid outer housing (12), a chamber (14) formed in the outer housing (12), in which a compressed gas is present at least upon activation of the gas generator (10), a component immovable (20; 34; 62), at least one outflow opening (22) formed in the component immovable (20; 34; 62) relative to the outer housing (12), and at least one substantially flat, resilient element (26), which is clamped inside the outer housing (12) and rests against the immovable component (20; 34; 62) at least in its normal position. In its normal position, the resilient element (26) closes a flow path between the chamber (14) and external surroundings of the gas generator (10) and is deformed elastically under the influence of compressed gas, whereby it clears a flow cross-section (30) whose size is increasing with increasing pressure.