Abstract: A multi-level output inflator for air bags or the like, comprising a center bulkhead, a primary gas generating unit connected at its inner end to one side of the bulkhead, and a secondary gas generating unit connected at its inner end to the opposite side of the bulkhead. The primary gas generating unit comprises a primary pressure vessel disposed adjacent to the bulkhead and in communication therewith, with an inert gas under pressure in the primary pressure vessel. The secondary gas generating unit comprises a secondary pressure vessel disposed adjacent to the bulkhead and in communication therewith, with an inert gas under pressure in the secondary pressure vessel. The bulkhead comprises a first opening therein in communication with the primary pressure vessel and a primary outlet port in communication with the first opening. A second opening is provided in the bulkhead with is in communication with the secondary pressure vessel and a secondary outlet port.

Abstract: A method for accelerating a gas turbine engine (10) with an air turbine starter (14) employs sensor data (48, 50) indicative of both starter speed and engine speed to enable speed-synchronized engagement of the starter output shaft (16) with an engine input shaft (18), thereby minimizing clutch damage and engine restart time.

Abstract: A torque limiting decoupler shaft transmits driving torque in a first sense without torque limiting action. However, torque applied to the shaft in a reverse sense opposite the driving torque results in an axial separating force between two portions of the decoupler shaft. When the reverse torque reaches a certain level a frangible tensile bar member fractures to permit decoupling of the shaft portions. A component of the shaft prevents undesirable recoupling of the shaft portions while also insuring that the relatively rotating portions of the shaft do not flail. An air turbine starter includes such a decoupler shaft.