Abstract: An apparatus (12) includes an inflator (50) that is actuatable for providing inflation fluid. First structure (110) that is associated with the inflator (50) includes a plurality of first flow passages (150) that are sized and positioned relative to one another so as to provide thrust neutrality to the apparatus (10) when inflation fluid exits the apparatus (12) through the first flow passages (150) in a first condition of the inflator (50). The apparatus (10) also includes second structure (162) that is associated with the inflator (50). The second structure (162) blocks fluid flow through the first flow passages (150) and provides fluid flow through a second passage (172) in a second condition of the inflator (50).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). An inflator (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the protection device (14). A conduit (360) delivers the inflation fluid from the inflator (24) to the protection device (14). The inflator (24) includes an outlet passage (302) and a conduit receiving portion (300) for receiving an end portion (364) of the conduit (360). The conduit receiving portion (300) includes a wall portion (320, 330) that encircles the outlet passage (302) and is spaced from the end portion (364) of the conduit (360) to help define an annular space (372, 374) between the wall portion and the end portion.