Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid-type device for inflating vehicle safety equipment with gas chamber for acceptance of compressed gases and at least two charges for the production of gas. The inflation devices is distinguished in that the two charges each have a mass of at least 5% of the mass of the compressed gas so that each charge can substantially increase the temperature of the gas and in that they are each arranged outside the gas chamber, on different sides thereof They can thus be ignited simply and precisely at predetermined without reciprocal impact.

Abstract: A gas generator for generating gas for use in a vehicle safety device includes a pressure vessel containing a compressed gas including at least one oxidizing component, the pressure vessel having defined therein at least one opening which is normally closed and means to open the at least one opening in response to a signal including a duct leading from the at least one opening towards an outlet that communicates with the safety device, and a solid fuel located within the duct arranged to be oxidized with the oxidizing gas when the oxidizing gas passes through the duct after the opening has been opened, the solid fuel being in the form of a structure that is restrained within the duct.

Abstract: A gas generator for generating gas under pressure. The gas generator comprises a device for providing a first gas including a pressure vessel containing the first gas, the first gas being an oxidizing gas; a device for providing a second gas adapted to be oxidized by the first gas and including a pyrotechnic charge for generating the second gas when ignited. An oxidation zone of the gas generator includes an outlet, the first gas and the second gas being adapted to undergo an oxidation reaction in the oxidation zone for generating the gas under pressure. The first gas and the second gas are directed to the oxidation zone such that the oxidation zone contains a mixture of the first gas and the second gas for the oxidation reaction thereof, the second gas being of a sufficiently elevated temperature to initiate the oxidation reaction in the oxidation zone. A back-up catalytic device ensures initiation of the oxidation reaction of the mixture.

Abstract: A gas supply device for supplying gas to an air-bag comprises a bottle containing compressed gas. The bottle is provided with a valve mechanism which operates to pen in a controlled way a flow passage for the compressed gas. The valve mechanism operates in response to a change in pressure in a region within the bottle. The valve mechanism comprises two valve members each with a tubular portion terminating with an inwardly turned lip directed towards a tubular member. The valve members are initially retained by frangible solder sports until a predetermined change of pressure has occurred in the region. The flow passage is defined between the free end of the lip and the exterior of the tubular member. Various grooves or depressions are provided in the outer surface of the tubular member so that the flow passage area for gas increases gradually as the valve is opened. Each tubular portion carries a portion extending across the interior of the bottle to define the region.