Abstract: A control device for modifying the deployment characteristics of an inflatable cushion of an airbag module is disclosed herein, the control device having a releasable retention device releasably secured to an inner surface of the inflatable cushion at a first location and an actuator at a second location, the releasable retention device being configured to limit deployment of the inflatable cushion in a first direction when the releasable retention device is secured to the first location of the inflatable cushion and the actuator; and a venting system disposed within and comprising a portion of the inflatable cushion, the venting system providing at least one vent opening in the inflatable cushion when the releasable retention device is secured to the first location of the inflatable cushion and the actuator and the inflatable cushion is inflated by an inflation gas.

Abstract: An inflator for an air-bag comprises a single gas bottle (1) containing the pressurised gas. The pressurised gas is a mixture including at least one oxidisable gas and at least one oxidising gas. The inflator incorporates a mechanism (20) to open the gas bottle to enable gas to flow from the gas bottle to the interior of an air-bag (13). There is an initiating device (30) within the air-bag in the form of a spark generator which generates a spark across electrodes (31) to ignite the mixture of gas from the gas bottle.

Abstract: A novel compound, used for example, as a gas generating fuel, is defined as a compound having the structural formula of R3—R1—R2, wherein R1 is a benzene ring with nitro substitution, R2 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to the benzene ring, and R3 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to the benzene ring. A method of making the compound is also provided. A gas generating composition containing the novel compound as a fuel, and an oxidizer is also provided. The novel compound is contained within a gas generant composition, within a gas generator. The gas generator may be contained within a gas generating system such as an airbag inflator or seat belt assembly, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system.

Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle includes a gas sack that can be inflated with gas to protect an occupant, a gas generator for generating the gas provided for inflating the gas sack, and an additional cooling device comprising an openable reservoir for storing a coolant. The reservoir is opened when the gas sack is inflated, so that the coolant for cooling the gas used to inflate the gas sack can come into contact with the gas. The cooling device comprises a movement generating device that opens the reservoir to release the coolant.

Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle includes an airbag that may be inflated for restraining a person, at least one outlet opening for releasing gas out of the module and originating at least partially from the inflated airbag, and a reservoir containing coolant for cooling the gas released from the module through the outlet opening. The reservoir includes a wall that sealingly encloses the coolant and is opened to bring the coolant into direct contact with the released gas to cool the released gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides an airbag cushion structure with variable inner vent holes, which has at least two chambers into which an inflation gas is delivered from an inflator. According to the airbag cushion structure, safe inflation performance of an airbag is maximized in an early inflation by increasing the size of inner vent holes, passenger collision energy absorption performance of the airbag is secured in the latter inflation by decreasing the size of the inner vent holes. Further, it is possible to improve both the safe inflation performance and passenger collision energy absorption performance of the airbag when a passenger-contact portion of the airbag cushion that contacts with the passenger's head and chest is close to a region of the airbag cushion that inflates, such as a crash pad with an airbag cushion, by increasing the size of the inner vent holes and decreasing the size of the inner vent holes around a region where the passenger-contact portion contacts the passenger.

Abstract: An air bag system includes an inflator operable to release inflation fluid, a cushion inflatable upon release of inflation fluid, and an air bag housing having a vent substantially surrounding the cushion. A first plate includes a first portion defining a first opening and a second portion defining a second opening. The first plate is movable from a first position, wherein the first opening is aligned with the vent, to a second position, wherein the second opening is aligned with the vent. A second plate including a first portion defining a first opening and a second portion defining a second opening may also be provided. The second plate is preferably movable from a first position, wherein the first opening is aligned with the vent, to a second position, wherein the second opening is aligned with the vent. The first and second plates preferably interact to define four distinct vent areas.

Abstract: A filter for use in absorbing heat from gases generated in a gas generating system is disclosed. The filter includes a plurality of discrete, continuous gas flow passages extending therethrough. In one embodiment, the filter is incorporated into an inflator used for inflating an inflatable element of a vehicle occupant protection system. A gas generator incorporating the filter and a vehicle occupant protection system incorporating the filter are also described.

Abstract: An airbag device according to the invention is applicable to an airbag device having an airbag that is housed in a state of being able to inflate and deploy in front of an occupant. The airbag has a center chamber positioned in the vicinity of the center on the occupant side in a deployed state, and side chambers positioned on both the left and right sides of the center chamber. Moreover the airbag is provided with a gas supply section that supplies inflation gas to inside of the side chambers, and a means for introducing inflation gas to inside of the center chamber after the side chamber. Furthermore, the side chamber has; a gas introduction space into which inflation gas from the gas supply section is introduced, an upper space that extends upward from the gas introduction space, and a lower space that extends downward from the gas introduction space.

Abstract: An airbag device includes an airbag, first and second inflators, a gas-supply mechanism and a release member for connecting between a holding structure and the airbag. Gas generated by the second inflator is supplied into the airbag when the release member is pulled by the airbag while gas generated by the first inflator inflates the airbag. According to the airbag device, a gas amount supplied into an airbag can be switched according to an occupant's seating position without equipping a sensor for measuring a distance between an occupant and the airbag or a control device for computing the gas amount supplied.

Abstract: An airbag assembly comprising a housing with an inflatable airbag cushion disposed therein and at least one vent aperture attached to the inflatable airbag cushion, wherein during inflatable airbag cushion deployment with an obstruction, the at least one vent aperture remains open, and during inflatable airbag cushion deployment without an obstruction, the at least one vent aperture at least partially closes.

Abstract: A method of producing a gas generator includes arranging an igniter in an inner chamber surrounded by a housing of the gas generator. The igniter is supported in a first direction on a part of the gas generator and in the first direction opposite a mounting orifice of the housing. The method includes arranging a sealing element in the mounting orifice to seal the mounting orifice. The sealing element presses over a bearing area deformable in the first direction with a force acting in the first direction against a first bearing area of the igniter and forms a gas-tight joint between the sealing element and the igniter. A side of the sealing element facing the part of the gas generator in the first direction abuts against a side of the part of the gas generator to limit deformation of the bearing area of the sealing element in the first direction.

Abstract: An airbag system is disclosed comprising a gas generator and an airbag having at least two inflatable airbag regions. The airbag regions are attached to the gas generator by an interconnecting a T-shaped connecting piece having symmetrically opposed outlet stubs with differently sized outlet cross-sections for inflating the airbag regions. In order to neutralize the thrust of the system in case of accidental fire, several means for controlling the outlet cross-section on at least one of the outlet stubs are disclosed.

Abstract: An inflator for an air-bag comprises at least one gas bottle (1, 2) containing pressurized gas. The gas bottle is sealed by a rupturable foil (9). There is a support member (15) engaging the rupturable foil to maintain it in an unruptured state. The support member (15) is retained in an initial position by a part (23) of a piston element (20) which directly engages the support member (15). The piston element (20) is associated with a squib (11) to drive the piston element from an initial position to a release position in which the piston element no longer engages the support member (15). This permits the support member (15) to move to a position in which the foil (9) will rupture to permit gas to escape from the bottle. The preferred embodiment has two gas bottles each sealed by a respective foil each maintained by a support member which directly engages a single piston member.

Abstract: The gas generator includes, a housing having a gas discharge port, a first combustion chamber defined by the housing, a first gas generating agent adapted to generate gas to inflate an air bag, the first gas generating agent having a first combustion temperature and disposed in the first combustion chamber, a second gas generating agent adapted to generate gas to inflate the air bag, the second gas generating agent having a second combustion temperature lower than the first combustion temperature and disposed in the first combustion chamber, and a first ignition unit for directly igniting at least one of the first gas generating agent and the second gas generating agent.

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 generating system is provided including a housing and a divider for dividing an interior of the housing into a first interior portion and a second interior portion. The divider defines a fluid flow path therethrough enabling fluid communication from the first interior portion to the second interior portion. A valve mechanism is operatively coupled to the divider for constricting the fluid flow path responsive to a pressure within the first interior portion, thereby enabling the pressure within the first interior portion to be maintained within a predetermined range. A vehicle occupant protection system including the gas generating system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for supporting a rupturable closure member of a pressure vessel, such as an airbag inflator has a hollow support with a tapered portion and an adjoining cylindrical portion. An exterior surface of the tapered portion has longitudinally extending grooves therein. An igniter is located adjacent the cylindrical portion of the support and a pyrotechnic substance is located in the cylindrical portion of the support between the igniter and the tapered portion of the support. A rupturable closure member being forced against an open first end of the tapered portion of the support by the gas in the pressure vessel such that a chamber is formed within the support.

Abstract: A variable venting assembly for an inflator, the assembly comprising: a nozzle having an inlet opening and an outlet opening; a valve member movably mounted to the nozzle for movement between an open position and a closed position, the valve member having a shaft member and a head portion secured to the shaft member, the head portion being configured to seal the outlet opening when the valve member is in the closed position; a biasing member located between a portion of the nozzle and a surface of the shaft member, the biasing member providing a biasing force to maintain the valve member in the closed position; and a bleed orifice providing a fluid path through the nozzle, the bleed orifice providing the fluid path regardless of the position of the valve member.

Abstract: An occupant protection device includes a plurality of gas generators that actuate respective mechanisms, and a control portion that actuates the gas generators. If a condition for actuating at least one of the gas generators is fulfilled and a condition for actuating the other gas generators are unfulfilled, the other gas generators are controlled by the control portion at a timing that is uninfluential on an actuation state of one of the mechanism actuated by the one of the gas generators and that is different from a preset timing for actuating the other mechanisms actuated by the other gas generators.

Abstract: The disclosed airbag device for a vehicle may comprise an airbag and at least one connection member. The airbag may have first and second side surfaces, wherein the first side surface has upper and lower ends. The at least one connection member may connect the lower end of the first side surface to an intermediate position on the first side surface located between the upper and lower ends of the first side surface.

Abstract: Described is a gas generator unit comprising of a cylindrical gas generator (10), the lateral surface (10a) of which demonstrates emission holes (12) arranged in a thrust-neutral manner within a ring-shaped area (10b), and a deflector element (20), which is rigidly connected to the gas generator (10) and is made of a heat resistant material and at least surrounds the ring-shaped area (10b) at least partially. To make the gas generator harmless in the event of a fire, the deflector element (20) demonstrates, in an inflow area (20a) opposite the ring-shaped area (10b), borings (22), which are sealed by at least one blocking element (24, 32) made of a meltable or combustible material, the borings being arranged in such a manner that the gas generator unit is thrust-neutral in the absence of the blocking element (24).

Abstract: The invention relates to a module (1) for an occupant-protection device of a motor vehicle. Said module containing a functional element (2), which can be activated if the motor vehicle is involved in a collision and which comprises an electrically conductive material and a fixing device (3) mechanically fixing the functional element (2) to the bodywork of the motor vehicle. According to the invention, the functional element (2) is electrically insulated in relation to the bodywork of the motor vehicle. According to the invention, the functional element (2) is electrically insulated in relation to the bodywork of the motor vehicle. This guarantees that the functional element, which can be activated in a collision, cannot electrically interact with the bodywork of the motor vehicle, is particular in the form of a voltage surge. The invention permits the reliability of a module for an occupant-protection device of a motor vehicle to be increased and prevents potential malfunctions in a simple manner.

Abstract: A gas generating system for use in an inflatable vehicle occupant protection system is provided wherein an end closure is coupled to an outer housing at a first end, in a metal-to-metal seal. The gas generating system may also include a baffle system having a plurality of flow orifices defining a flow path for generated gases through an interior of the gas generating system, and a plurality of particulate aggregation surfaces positioned along the flow path of the gases for changing a flow direction of gases impinging on the aggregation surfaces. Each aggregation surface of the plurality of aggregation surfaces is oriented such that a difference between a flow direction of the gases prior to impinging on the aggregation surface and a flow direction of the gases after impinging on the aggregation surface is at least approximately 90°, wherein particulates in gases impinging on the aggregation surfaces aggregate on the surfaces.

Abstract: An air bag for a driver's seat of a vehicle that utilizes an inflator gas of low and high pressures, in which a twofold tether composed of first and second tethers is established inside the air bag for a driver's seat that is unfolded toward the driver when the vehicle collides with a collision object and the sewn portions of the first and second tethers are burst selectively according to the high and low pressures of gas generated from an inflator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag system comprising an airbag module, which has an opening mechanism for the airbag tear seam of a seat cover for the airbag accommodated underneath the cover in a non-visible manner, wherein the opening mechanism is configured such that the deploying force of the airbag tears a hole or holes into the tear seam, which bring(s) about a slight opening of the seam according to the physics of a ‘run,’ wherein a strip, or plurality of strips, or strip ends sewn into the airbag tear seam of the seat cover in more than one locations is/are torn from the seam driven by the deploying force of the airbag. The invention further relates to a vehicle seat comprising such an airbag system, and to a deployment method for such an airbag system.

Abstract: The air bag gas generator comprises a housing having a gas discharge port, an ignition unit chamber in which ignition units are accommodated, and a combustion chamber in which a gas generating agent is accommodated, a cylindrical coolant/filter disposed between the combustion chamber and the gas discharge port, so that combustion gas passes through the coolant/filter prior to discharge through the gas discharge port, and the air bag gas generator meeting the following requirements (a), (b), and (c): (a) that the gas generating agent has an amount of heat generation of 10 to 30 kcal/mol; (b) that the mass (g) of the coolant/filter in relation to 1 mol of gas generated during combustion of the gas generating agent be 20 to 65 g/mol; and (c) that the coolant/filter has a thickness of not less than 4.0 mm.

Abstract: Method for controlling flow of gas into an airbag includes generating gas, directing the gas into the airbag, and controlling the flow of gas into the airbag based on conditions at the time of deployment such that the airbag is variably deployed dependent on ambient conditions. A related arrangement for controlling flow of gas into an airbag includes a system for generating gas, a system for directing the gas into the airbag and a system for controlling the flow of gas into the airbag based on conditions at the time of deployment such that the airbag is variably deployed dependent on ambient conditions.

Abstract: A pressurized actuator system for independent deployment of at least two inflatable structures having a first primary section adapted for deployment of a primary inflatable structure and second section for deployment of a secondary inflatable structure and an auxiliary source of pressurized fluid for operating said device. A control assembly for controlling a flow of pressurized fluid from the auxiliary source of pressurized into the second system is provided. Thus, the system assures independent deployment of the primary and secondary inflatable structures.

Abstract: An inflator employing a pressurized gas and used for a restraining system of a vehicle, including an adsorbent and a gas charged into a gas charging chamber of the inflator, the gas being adsorbed to the adsorbent and also charged into a space in which the adsorbent does not exist.

Abstract: A gas generator (10) is provided including a housing (12). A gas generating composition (16) produces expanded gases upon activation of the inflator (10), thereby increasing the internal pressure and compressing the spring (50) operably coupled to the gas release member (40). As the spring (50) is compressed, at least one gas exit aperture (44), sealed prior to gas generator (10) activation, is opened as the gas release member (40) slidably engages an inner wall (11) of the housing (12). After gas generator (10) activation, the spring energy of the spring (50) gradually equalizes and then exceeds the gas pressure of the system gases, thereby once again attenuating the gas exit opening to maintain an optimum average system pressure as the gas is released from the housing (12).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and apparatus for inflating airbags. In one embodiment, an initiator is deployed to open an exit gas port, through which the airbag is inflated. The airbag is primarily inflated via gas from a first gas chamber and is substantially maintained in an inflated state for a predetermined period of time primarily via gas from a second gas chamber. In one embodiment, an airbag inflator is provided which comprises a first gas chamber, a second gas chamber, and an intermediate chamber assembly. The intermediate chamber assembly comprises a first gas port positioned adjacent to and in fluid communication with the first gas chamber and a second gas port positioned adjacent to and in fluid communication with the second gas chamber. The inflator is configured to allow a greater flow rate of gas through the first gas port upon deployment than through the second gas port.

Abstract: A gas generator has a first chamber containing a first amount of substance of a solid propellant providing filling gas and a second chamber containing a second amount of substance providing filling gas. An igniter is associated with the first chamber only. The first chamber has outflow openings providing a flow connection with an environment of the gas generator. After activation of the gas generator, the second chamber is connected with the environment of the gas generator with regard to flow exclusively via the first chamber.

Abstract: A gas generator includes: a housing having a gas discharge port; a molded article of gas generating composition disposed within the housing and generating gas on combustion, the molded article of the gas generating composition having a single or plural combustion starting end surfaces where ignition and combustion is started by the ignition means; ignition means provided within the housing and igniting and burning the molded article of the gas generating composition; and the ignition means being a surface heating element which is in contact with the combustion starting end surface.

Abstract: An air bag inflator has a cylindrical housing defining an internal space therein and having a convex portion protruding towards the internal space, and a cup member provided inside the cylindrical housing and having a cylindrical wall, provided with a vent hole that communicates inside the cup member with a space defined by the cup member and an inner surface of the cylindrical housing, and an end wall closing a first end of the cylindrical wall. The cup member is supported inside the cylindrical housing by making contact with the convex portion. An inflator assembly method includes, forming the convex portion, providing the cup member, and inserting the cup member inside the internal space of the cylindrical housing, such that the cup member abuts the convex portion.

Abstract: A gas generator has a cylindrical gas generator housing (22) and a connecting piece (14) which is welded to the gas generator housing (22). The connecting piece (14) has extensions (28) spaced apart in peripheral direction on the side facing the gas generator housing (22) and has a recess (31) between the extensions (28). The connecting piece (14) is welded to the gas generator housing (22) at the extensions (28).

Abstract: An airbag inflator that includes a pyrotechnic material capable of producing a quantity of gas during deployment. The inflator also includes a filter. The filter may be an expanded metal filter that is wrapped about the pyrotechnic material. When this filter is wrapped about the pyrotechnic material, the filter forms a plurality of layers having holes that are a different size. This filter also includes a first set of barriers and a second set of barriers that are positioned exterior of the first set of barriers, the second set of barriers being offset from the first set of barriers. Gas passing through the filter will encounter the first set of barriers, be re-directed, encounter the second set of barriers, be re-directed, and then flow out of the filter.

Abstract: An inflatable passenger restraint airbag having an inflatable and transferable gas vent is disclosed. A system and method is provided whereby the force of airbag deployment may be reduced in real time if the airbag strikes an out of position seat occupant. This force reduction is made possible by release of inflation gas at an early stage of deployment through an adjustable gas vent. This gas vent is operable between an open venting position and a closed non-venting position. Whether or not the transfer of the vent occurs in a given deployment situation is determined by the presence or absence of an out of position obstruction in the pathway of the airbag.

Abstract: A side airbag apparatus includes an airbag 30 and an inflator assembly 20 incorporated in the airbag 30. The airbag 30 is formed by first and second inflation sections 31, 42. An insertion portion 49 in an upper portion of the second inflation section 42 is located in a lower portion of a receptacle portion 38 of the first inflation section 31. The gas discharge passages 57 for discharging inflation gas G in the first inflation section 31 to the outside of the airbag 30 are formed between the overlapped insertion portion 49 and receptacle portion 38. In this state, the first and second inflation sections 31, 42 are connected to each other. When the first inflation section 31 is not restraining the occupant, the inflation gas G in each inflation section 31, 42 causes the insertion portion 49 to closely contact the receptacle portion 38, so that the gas discharge passages 57 are closed.

Abstract: A system and method for venting an airbag is provided. The system includes a set of vent doors, thereby reducing the overall package spaced that would otherwise be required to allow the doors to swing open. The vent doors are connected by a single tether or by multiple tethers to the primary surface of the airbag cushion.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection system includes a plurality of inflatable devices, at least one fluid source for supplying a pressurized fluid for the vehicle occupant protection system, and at least one gas-tight manifold coupled to the at least one fluid source for receiving pressurized fluid from the at least one fluid source. The at least one manifold is also coupled to the plurality of inflatable devices such that, upon activation of the vehicle occupant protection system, the plurality of inflatable devices receive from the at least one manifold sufficient pressurized fluid to inflate the plurality of inflatable devices.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus comprising an airbag that expands between a vehicle occupant and a side wall of a vehicle body. The airbag is divided into a plurality of expanding chambers that are connected by a plurality of gas flow channels. Among the expanding chambers, the cross-sectional area of the gas flow channel leading to the expanding chamber that expands first is the largest, the cross-sectional area of the gas flow channel leading to the expanding chamber that expands last is the smallest, and the expanding chambers expand in stages.

Abstract: An air-bag (1) is provided with a vent aperture (2). A membrane (3) extends across the vent aperture, the membrane defining a smaller aperture (4) than the vent aperture (2). The periphery of the aperture is defined by a thickened part of the membrane. The membrane is formed of an elastic material such as a silicone rubber material. When a very high pressure exists in the air-bag the vent becomes deformed, thus increasing the size of the aperture defined by the membrane, permitting a relatively large flow of air from the air-bag to reduce the pressure within the air-bag.

Abstract: An adaptive valve for an airbag inflator having a manifold with an exhaust opening for fluid communication with an airbag. The adaptive valve is constructed for connection to a manifold so that it is in fluid communication therewith. The adaptive valve has an exhaust orifice and is constructed to selectively open the exhaust orifice to divert inflation gas away from an inflator manifold when it is connected thereto to lower the rate of inflation of an airbag in fluid communication with the exhaust opening of the manifold. The adaptive valve may have a valve member movably mounted therein for movement between a first position wherein it closes the exhaust orifice and a second position wherein it opens the exhaust orifice. An initiator is provided in the adaptive valve to generate sufficient gas pressure to move the valve member to the first or second position.

Abstract: An inflator includes: a pressurized gas filled with a pressurized gas and having a first end and a second end; a gas generator being connected to the first end, and including therein an ignition device and a molded article of a gas generating; a diffuser portion connected to the second end, and being provided with a gas discharge port; a communication path provided between the pressurized gas chamber and the gas generator and closed by a rupturable plate; a cap provided to cover the rupturable plate from the pressurized gas chamber side and having a plurality of gas holes formed at a circumference thereof, the minimum diameter (d min) of the gas hole being equal to or smaller than the larger one of the minimum diameter (D min) and the length (L) of the molded article of the gas generating composition.

Abstract: A gas generator that can prevent erroneous operation in which the combustion of a gas generating agent inside one combustion chamber is caused by the combustion of a gas generating agent in the other combustion chamber. Two combustion chambers 30, 50 are separated by a partition wall 35. The partition wall 35 is fixed by discontinuous protrusions 61, 62 formed in a housing 11. Air tightness between two combustion chambers 30, 50 is ensured by two retainers 80, 90.

Abstract: An airbag module comprising a planar airbag and an elongate gas generator including discharge ports at least partially extending into the airbag. The airbag includes two side walls connected together by an edge region and made of fabric. An opening is disposed in the edge region of the airbag. The gas generator extends through the opening such that an elongate first section of the gas generator is arranged inside the gas bag. A gas-conducting element protects the fabric and is located in the airbag adjacent the opening. The gas-conducting element is made of plastic and includes a forward section having an arcuate cross section including an opening formed between at least two substantially parallel legs.

Abstract: To provide a passenger protective device and method that can achieve a stable protective performance even when deploying the airbag from the seat belt, thus allowing for appropriate restraint of the passenger's head. Passenger protective device 1 makes the timing in which the internal pressure of thigh airbag 12 peaks slower than the timing in which the internal pressure of head airbag 11 peaks. In addition, it also makes the timing in which the capacity of thigh airbag 12 reaches the maximum slower than the timing in which the capacity of head airbag 11 reaches the maximum. In this manner, the passenger's head, which moves due to inertial force, is caught by head airbag 11 and head airbag 11 is supported by thigh airbag 12, which is softer than said airbag 11. Therefore, the passenger's head can be caught softly.

Abstract: An inflator device for inflating an inflatable cushion of an inflatable cushion restraint system. The inflator device includes a reaction housing defining a reaction chamber containing a supply of gas generant material. An initiator device is connected to the reaction housing and is in reaction initiating communication with the supply of gas generant material. A filter housing is disposed around at least a portion of the reaction housing and at least in part defines a filter chamber. The filter housing includes an annular discharge opening. The produced inflation gas discharges from the filter housing to the inflatable cushion through the annular discharge opening. A filter is disposed in the filter chamber and external of the reaction housing.

Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes at least one gas deflector which directs gas to a closeable vent to allow gas to be vented out of the cushion when an obstruction is encountered.