Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gas generator fora vehicle safety system. The gas generator has a longitudinal axis, an outer housing in the form of a compressed-gas container. In an inoperative state of the gas generator, the housing is filled with compressed gas. The housing is closed at one housing end with a closure element by a welded joint, which extends along the longitudinal axis from the welded joint into the housing. The housing has at least one bead for mechanically relieving the welded joint of load. A bead base of the bead is provided in a region of an axial longitudinal extent of the closure element.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an assembly having a middle console and a first airbag and second airbag each supported by and inflatable upwardly from the middle console to an inflated position. The first airbag and the second airbag each have a top distal to the middle console in the inflated position. A tether is external to the first airbag and the second airbag. The tether is connected to the top of the first airbag and the top of the second airbag.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inflator (10) comprising an ignition unit (30) having an igniter (31), a chamber (20) arranged axially downstream of the ignition unit (30) and a diffuser chamber (40) arranged axially downstream of the chamber (20) which is comprised by a diffuser (42), wherein a combustion chamber screen (50) having an igniter-side end (51) and a diffuser-side end (52) is disposed in the chamber (20), the combustion chamber screen (50) being tapered, especially conically, in the longitudinal direction (L) of the inflator (10) from the igniter (31) toward the diffuser (42).

Abstract: A pressure vessel formed by either by: a) mating a first end or closure to a second end or closure or b) mating a first end to an intermediate body member and mating the intermediate body member to a second end; the first end comprising a hollowed thin walled dome (14) having an exterior surface (15a) and an interior surface (15b) and the dome terminating in an edge surface (14a), the dome (14) having an axis Y extending through its geometric center of the exterior surface, the dome supporting at least one thin hollow walled projection (16, 18, 20) having an exterior (19a) and interior surface (19b), the at least one projection extending outwardly from the dome outer surface (15a), and terminating in a top surface (16a, 23).

Abstract: An airbag system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes an airbag cushion that is deployed from the upper portion of a seatback to cover the head of an occupant, thereby absorbing impacts applied to the head of the occupant and preventing neck bending attributable to movement of the head of the occupant. In addition, injury to the occupant is minimized by variably adjusting the deployment timing of the airbag cushion depending on the collision direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: An injector can include an ignition device including a partition wall member forming a first space for housing a gunpowder and made from a rigid material to be destroyed by a rise in pressure in the first space in a case that the gunpowder is combusted. The actuator can also include a casing including a base portion being fixed to the actuator body near the ignition device, and being disposed in a space inside the actuator body covering the ignition device. The casing can define a second space between the casing and the partition wall member of the ignition device, and seal, inside the second space, a combustion product generated by combustion of the gunpowder by the ignition device. When pressure inside the second space arises due to combustion of the gunpowder, a portion of the casing can stretch to approach a predetermined end portion of the output piston portion.

Abstract: An airbag module comprises a control unit, a source of electric current managed by the control unit, a container wherein a gas is stored under pressure, and a hollow body with an inlet duct, in which an outlet of the container sealed by a pierceable membrane is tightly fitted, and an outlet duct on which an inflatable bag is tightly assembled. The airbag module further comprises an actuator assembly configured to pierce open the membrane sealing the container, said actuator assembly comprising a piercing member movably restrained to the body and at least one linear shape memory alloy wire actuator member that is electrically connected to the source of electric current and operably restrained to the piercing member so as to cause it to move beyond the pierceable membrane.

Abstract: A method and system for diagnosing a fault condition in common connected squib loops is disclosed. A current source supplies current to the feed terminal for the first squib loop and current is returned through the feed terminal for the second squib loop. The voltage is measured between the feed terminal for the first squib loop and the feed terminal for the second squib loop.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator, including; a combustion chamber accommodating an igniter and a gas generating agent; a pressurized gas chamber filled with a gas selected from a rare gas or a nitrogen gas; a diffuser chamber located between the combustion chamber and the pressurized gas chamber and provided with a gas discharge port; a first closing member closing between the combustion chamber and the diffuser chamber, a second closing member closing between the pressurized gas chamber and the diffuser chamber; the combustion chamber having at least one of a space in which the first closing member deforms or moves, and a member which forms the space for enabling the first closing member to deform or move, when the gas generator is placed in a high-temperature atmosphere, due to a pressure increase or an impact caused by the gas inflow into the diffuser chamber, the first closing member being deformed or the first closing member being moved toward the combustion chamber, thereby making the c

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid inflator (10) comprising a combustion chamber (20) and a pressure gas tank (30), wherein in the idle state of the hybrid inflator (10) an outlet opening (31) of the pressure gas tank (30) is closed by a bursting element (32) which in the case of function of the hybrid inflator (10) can be destroyed by means of a penetration element (40), wherein a mixing chamber (70) is formed between the pressure gas tank (30) and the combustion chamber (20). In accordance with the invention, between the combustion chamber (20) and the mixing chamber (70) at least in portions a partition wall (80) having a combustion chamber side (81) and a mixing chamber side (82) is formed, wherein the partition wall (80) includes at least one combustion chamber opening (85) which in the idle state of the hybrid inflator (10) is closed by a cover (88) formed on the mixing chamber side (82) of the partition wall (80).

Abstract: A gas generator includes, a cylindrical housing provided with an ignition device and a diffuser, and an inner cylindrical member defining a gap with an inner circumferential wall surface of the cylindrical housing and leading to a gas discharge port. The inner cylindrical member is formed of a plurality of cylindrical members having gas inlet-outlet holes and connected in an axial direction. An opening of each of the cylindrical members has concave-convex portions for fitting the cylindrical members together. Both ends of the connected cylindrical members have a first protrusion on a side of the ignition device serving as a first abutment portion, and a second protrusion on the side of the diffuser portion serving as a second abutment portion. The first and second abutment portions abut the inner circumferential wall surface of the cylindrical housing and have a hole or a cutout to allow a gas to pass.

Abstract: A gas generator includes a housing and a partition portion dividing a space in the housing into a combustion chamber accommodating a gas generating agent and a filter chamber accommodating a filter. The partition portion includes a first region which opens at the time of activation by being located to be opposed to a hollow portion of the filter and an annular second region which does not open even at the time of activation by being located to be opposed to a portion of an axial end surface of the filter except for the hollow portion. The second region is provided with a large-thickness portion constructed to be greater in thickness than the first region and opposed to an outer edge portion of the axial end surface of the filter, and the large-thickness portion is constructed to gradually be greater in thickness from an inner circumferential end portion toward an outer circumferential end portion.

Abstract: A pressurized gas mechanism contains a sealed gas container containing a sealed first end, and, a burst cup sealing the first end and containing a rupturable portion. A housing encases the burst cup and is juxtaposed to at least a portion of the sealed gas container, the housing containing a surface juxtaposed to the rupturable portion. Upon actuation of the mechanism, the rupturable portion is adapted to rupture as the rupturable portion is leveraged against the surface, thereby releasing gas from the sealed gas container.

Abstract: An apparatus (12) provides inflation fluid for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The apparatus (12) includes a primary housing (20), a primary inflation fluid source (100), a secondary housing (70), and a secondary inflation fluid source (200). The primary housing (20) is constructed from sheet metal by stamping. The primary inflation fluid source (100) is located in the primary housing (20). The primary inflation fluid source (100) is actuatable to effect a primary flow of inflation fluid out of the primary housing (20) to inflate the inflatable device (14). The secondary housing (70) is constructed from sheet metal by stamping. The secondary housing (70) is disposed within the primary housing (20). The secondary inflation fluid source (200) is located in the secondary housing. The secondary inflation fluid source (200) is actuatable to affect a secondary flow of inflation fluid to supplement the primary flow of inflation fluid.

Abstract: A personal protection arrangement in a vehicle includes a gas generator for fluid communication with a reservoir and a control unit. The control unit is arranged to activate the gas generator upon fulfillment of at least one predetermined criterion such that gas is released by the gas generator into the reservoir and the pressure in the reservoir is increased. The gas generator comprises at least one electrochemical cell which is arranged to generate gas when the electrical status of the electrochemical cell is changed from a first state to a second state by a state-changing action.

Abstract: A gas generator for an airbag includes a storage container and at least one chamber defined by the storage container. The at least one chamber infludes a metal wall and contains at least gaseous hydrogen. A coating layer of iron oxide is disposed on at least a surface portion of the metal wall to prevent diffusion of hydrogen atoms through the metal wall.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator device for a passive restraint air bag system includes a housing defining a first chamber and a baffle passing through the first chamber. A supply of gas generant material is disposed in the first chamber and surrounds the baffle. An initiator is operative for creating a shock wave to open a burst disk and further operative to generate a hot gas to ignite the gas generant material. The initiator is disposed proximate a first end of the baffle. The baffle includes a reduced inner diameter portion and an unobstructed path extending along the length of the baffle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an airbag including: an inflator; and an airbag cushion which is deployed by gas flowing into the airbag cushion from the inflator, in which the airbag cushion has a burst portion at least a part of which is torn from the airbag cushion so as to form a burst hole through which gas flowing into the airbag cushion is discharged to the outside.

Abstract: A gas generating system includes a housing and a nozzle coupled to the housing. The nozzle includes at least one bi-directional gas exit passage configured to provide a thrust-neutral release of gases from the nozzle.

Abstract: A gas generator includes: a pressurized gas chamber formed by a cylindrical pressurized gas chamber housing filled with a pressurized gas; a combustion chamber connected to a first end portion of the pressurized gas chamber and including an ignition device and a gas generating agent therein, a diffuser portion connected to a second end portion of the pressurized gas chamber and provided with a gas discharge port; a first rupturable plate blocking a first communication passage between the pressurized gas chamber and the combustion chamber; a second rupturable plate blocking a second communication passage between the pressurized gas chamber and the diffuser portion; and a filter disposed and positioned in the pressurized gas chamber to cover the second rupturable plate, allowing, during actuation, the combustion gas from the combustion chamber and the pressurized gas to pass therethrough and be discharged therefrom in response to rupturing the second rupturable plate.

Abstract: In a present side airbag device for a vehicle, a side airbag has a main bag and an inner bag that is disposed within the main bag. When gas for inflation and expansion is supplied from an inflator to an interior of the inner bag, the inner bag, while inflating and expanding, supplies supplied gas to the main bag. Due thereto, the main bag inflates and expands. At a time of this inflation and expansion, internal pressure of the inner bag becomes higher than internal pressure of the main bag. However, the inner bag is structured so as to be positioned further toward a vehicle rear side than a front edge portion of a door-side side portion of a seat back as seen in side view.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an airbag including: an inflator; and an airbag cushion which is deployed by gas flowing into the airbag cushion from the inflator, in which the airbag cushion has a burst portion at least a part of which is torn from the airbag cushion so as to form a burst hole through which gas flowing into the airbag cushion is discharged to the outside.

Abstract: A duplex firing inflator structural component and related assemblies are provided. The component includes a molded element that contains a duplex firing initiator assembly including a primary initiator operatively associated with a primary pyrotechnic output composition and a secondary initiator operatively associated with a secondary pyrotechnic output composition. The component also includes a single connector in electrical operative association with the primary and the secondary initiators.

Abstract: A device for activating an air bag for a vehicle, the device having a pressure vessel for supplying a gas under pressure using at least one exit opening for letting out a first volume flow of the gas to the air bag, a valve element connected to the pressure vessel, which is configured to close the exit opening at least partially in a resting position and, in a motion into a triggering position, to release the exit opening, and a bursting element for the gas-tight closing of the pressure vessel. The device further includes a bypass region for letting out a second volume flow of the gas to the air bag, the bypass region being situated before an end region of the exit opening in relation to the main flow direction of the first volume flow.

Abstract: A method for controlling the filling of an airbag for a vehicle includes closing a valve of a gas generator for the airbag, this valve being connected to an interface to a gas sack of the airbag, after a main volume of a gas has flowed out of the gas generator, through the valve into the gas sack in a first gas mass flow, and opening the valve to direct a residual volume of gas out of the gas generator, through the valve into the gas sack in a second gas mass flow, the second gas mass flow being smaller than the first gas mass flow.

Abstract: A gas generator includes two reserves of reactive gases, an ignition device capable of being triggered in order to open lids of the reserves and initiating combustion of the reactive gases, and an orifice for letting out combustion gas towards the outside. The gas reserve, a device for diffusing the combustion gas towards the outside and the second gas reserve are successively positioned along a longitudinal direction. A guiding wall is provided in the reserve for guiding the pressure wave generated by the device up to the lid in order to open this first lid. The diffusing device includes a conduit for guiding the pressure wave from the first lid to the second lid so as to open the latter, and which communicates with the orifice.

Abstract: A gas generator includes a case enclosing a combustion chamber containing at least one pyrotechnic charge, a diffusion chamber, and a chamber for storing a material releasable from the chamber during combustion of the charge, to change state endothermically under the effect of gas coming from this combustion, then be evacuated via the diffusion chamber. The material is a liquid stored at atmospheric pressure. The chamber has at least one inlet opening, and a series of outlet openings. The outlet openings are arranged within a wall separating the chamber from the diffusion chamber. The charge and the combustion and diffusion chambers are dimensioned such that during combustion, at least one portion of gas flow generated by the charge opens at least the inlet opening and penetrates into the chamber provoking the escape of the material via the outlet openings, then its endothermic change in state, mainly in the diffusion chamber.

Abstract: An igniter for a passenger vehicle safety airbag module includes a housing with apertured walls, gas-generating tablets filling the housing, and, in direct contact with gas-generating tablets, an initiator containing combustible material. A plurality of four malleable flaps of substantially identical shape and size are secured about the squib in an upstanding circumscribing array with spaced-apart, opposed lateral edges between adjacent of the flaps interconnected by fluid seals in the form of webbing that is structurally less robust than the flaps. The ends of the flaps remote from the squib curl radially inwardly into a spaced-apart edge-to-edge disposition beyond the combustible material. The webbing and the flaps together enclose an interior space and the combustible material. Pressure from the ignition of the combustible material causes the fluid seals to burst and the flaps to pivot outwardly crushing the gas-generating tablets in the housing.

Abstract: A safety restraint system having a seat belt (51) and an inflatable air bag (200), the air bag including first (220) and second (222) opposing panels, the first panel including one or more loops (234) and slots (232) to receive a seat belt (51), the air bag and/or seat belt configured to slide relatively to each other along the length of the seat belt.

Abstract: A gas generator includes, an ignition device chamber housing, a pressurized gas chamber housing, a closing member closing a boundary surface between the ignition device chamber housing and the pressurized gas chamber housing, a plenum chamber enclosed by the ignition device chamber housing having a gas discharge port facing thereto, a gas generating agent charging chamber, a multifunctional member disposed inside the ignition device chamber housing and including, a base plate portion, and a wall portion extending from one surface of the base plate portion and including an inclined end surface inclined with respect to the base plate portion, and a movement restriction member restricting a moving distance in an axial direction of the multifunctional member before and after activation such that a longest portion of the cylindrical wall portion passes through the closing member but a shortest portion thereof does not pass through the closing member.

Abstract: A gas seal for containing a pressurized fluid in a container. The gas seal includes a rupturable portion having a stress riser formed therein, and an extension coupled to the rupturable portion proximate the stress riser such that a predetermined minimum force applied to the extension is transferred to the stress riser to produce a rupture of the rupturable portion.

Abstract: A gas generator includes: a pressurized gas chamber formed by a cylindrical pressurized gas chamber housing filled with a pressurized gas; a combustion chamber connected to a first end portion of the pressurized gas chamber and including an ignition device and a gas generating agent therein, a diffuser portion connected to a second end portion of the pressurized gas chamber and provided with a gas discharge port; a first rupturable plate blocking a first communication passage between the pressurized gas chamber and the combustion chamber; a second rupturable plate blocking a second communication passage between the pressurized gas chamber and the diffuser portion; and a filter disposed and positioned in the pressurized gas chamber to cover the second rupturable plate, allowing, during actuation, the combustion gas from the combustion chamber and the pressurized gas to pass therethrough and be discharged therefrom in response to rupturing the second rupturable plate.

Abstract: An inflator (40, 40a) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes structure that defines a chamber (120, 120a) and an initiator (200) comprising a shaped charge that is actuatable to rupture the structure to open the chamber.

Abstract: A gas generator includes a cylindrical ignition device chamber, a cylindrical pressurized gas chamber, a closing member having a fragile portion, a multifunctional member inside the ignition device chamber, and having a base plate portion with a first through-hole and a cylindrical wall portion with a second through-hole, an opening portion of the cylindrical wall portion abutting against the fragile portion, first and second plenum chambers, a discharge port in the ignition device chamber housing facing the second plenum chamber, and the multifunctional member movable in the axial direction to rupture the closing member. Gas passing through the first through-hole, the first plenum chamber, the second through-hole and the second plenum chamber is discharged from the gas discharge port. Gas inside the pressurized gas chamber housing entering the first plenum chamber, passes through the second through-hole and the second plenum chamber and is discharged from the gas discharge port.

Abstract: A pressure vessel for an air bag inflator. The pressure vessel has a portion that is deformable by internal pressure resulting from combustion of gas generant therein. The deformable portion of the pressure vessel has at least one exit orifice therein. Upon deformation of the pressure vessel portion by internal pressure, the size of the exit orifice is increased to expedite the release of pressurized combustion gas from the pressure vessel.

Abstract: Power sources and methods for applying a force to an object include use of thermite in a quantity sufficient to generate a thermite reaction, and a gas producing substance disposed in association with the thermite. The gas producing substance produces a gas when the thermite reaction occurs. The thermite reaction, the gas, or combinations thereof provide a force to the object. The gas can slow the thermite reaction to enable slower or continuous application of force while being non-extinguishing of the thermite reaction. The gas can further control heat transfer from the thermite reaction to adjacent objects.

Abstract: A gas generator includes a housing and a diffuser connected to the housing. The diffuser has a cup-like shape and includes an opening portion joined to the housing and a circumferential wall portion provided with gas discharge ports. A partition plate is attached to the opening between the housing and the diffuser for closing the opening. The diffuser has first and second tubular space portions therein communicating with each other, the first tubular space portion facing the partition plate, and the second tubular space portion communicating with the gas discharge ports. A step is formed between the first and second tubular space portions such that the inner diameter of the first tubular space portion is larger than the inner diameter of the second tubular space portion, and a cross-sectional area of the second tubular space portion is smaller than the total opening area of the gas discharge ports.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an inflator device for a passive restraint device, like an airbag. In certain aspects, a fuel-rich gas generant grain is located in actuating proximity to an initiator device. The grain has at least one flow channel through which a shock wave generated by the initiator device passes. The shock wave opens a burst disc between the inflator housing and downstream airbag to permit gases to flow into the airbag. A chamber storing pressurized gas (having at least one oxidant, e.g., O2) is also disposed within the inflator. Upon initiator actuation, the oxidant can react with combustion products of the initiator and the fuel-rich gas generant and flow into the airbag for rapid inflation. Methods of inflating airbags and improving airbag deployment reliability are provided. Such inflators are particularly suitable for large volume (greater than 60 liter) airbags.

Abstract: An inflator (10), especially for a vehicle occupant restraint system, comprising a combustion chamber (24) in which solid propellant (28) adapted to be burnt off while forming a gas is accommodated, a storage chamber (26) containing a pressure gas (30), an igniter (14) and a component (20) arranged between the combustion chamber (24) and the storage chamber (26). There is at least one flow communication between the storage chamber (26) and the combustion chamber (24). The component (20) includes an additional weakened zone (22) adapted to be destroyed upon activation of the inflator (10) so as to permit flow of gas from the combustion chamber (24) into the storage chamber (26).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hybrid inflator of an airbag. The hybrid inflator of the airbag includes a main casing, a central channel, a vent tube, a rupture disc, an inner cover group, an igniter group, a first buffering pad, a second buffering pad and a diffuser. The main casing includes a bottom housing and an upper housing. The central channel is fixed with the bottom housing and passed through the upper housing. A convective hole is disposed on the central channel. The vent tube is covered onto the external central channel and has a throttle bore thereon. The first buffering pad is disposed on a bottom of the inter air chamber. The second buffering pad is disposed in the inner air chamber to separate a space for propellant. The diffuser is correspondingly covered and fixed on the main casing.

Abstract: A gas source includes a housing with a cavity formed therein, and a connecting passage configured to enable fluid communication between the housing cavity and an exterior of the connecting passage. The connecting passage includes a first end and a second end. A cross-sectional area of the connecting passage second end is less than a cross-sectional area of the passage first end. A seal is configured so as to prevent fluid communication between the connecting passage second-end and the exterior of the connecting passage prior to activation of the gas source. Means are coupled to the housing for providing a pressure wave transmissible via a medium positioned in the cavity to the connecting passage first end.

Abstract: An inflator for producing inflation gas from a propellant has a housing for storing the propellant, a diffuser for attachment to the inflator housing and a sealing member. The diffuser has one or more open passages for passing inflation gas upon ignition of the propellant and a plurality of sealed passages oriented opposite to the one or more open passages. The sealing member covers the sealed passages. The sealing member is consumed when exposed to an open flame thereby opening the sealed passages to vent inflation gases opposite the opposed one or more open passages to create a thrust neutral exhaust upon an inadvertent ignition of the propellant due to exposure to fire.

Abstract: A power source for applying a force to an object includes thermite in a quantity sufficient to generate a thermite reaction, and a gas producing substance disposed in association with the thermite. The gas producing substance produces a gas when the thermite reaction. The thermite reaction, the gas, or combinations thereof provide a force to the object.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for releasably blocking a flow of pressurized fluid through a housing. The apparatus includes a seal member having a rupturable portion, and a support structure configured for supporting the seal member along the rupturable portion so as to substantially prevent outward bulging of the rupturable portion.

Abstract: A gas generating system includes a first enclosure containing a gas, and a second enclosure having a gas generant material contained therein. The second enclosure is operatively coupled to the first enclosure so as to enable fluid communication between the first enclosure and the second enclosure. After activation of the gas generating system, the gas in the first enclosure passes through the second enclosure prior to exiting the system.

Abstract: A gas generator includes, a housing having a defining a first combustion chamber, an ignition chamber cup, defining an ignition chamber, and a combustion chamber cup, defining a second combustion chamber, being aligned at a distance in a radial direction, a first communication hole communicating the ignition chamber with the first combustion chamber being provided in a circumferential wall portion of the ignition chamber cup, a second communication hole communicating the second combustion chamber with the first combustion chamber being provided in a circumferential wall portion of the combustion chamber cup, a cup-shaped cover member covering the combustion chamber cup and closing the second communication hole, a disk-shaped retainer retaining a gas generating agent, being provided with a first opening for fitting the ignition chamber cup and a second opening for fitting the combustion chamber cup, an annular gap being formed between the second opening and the cover member.

Abstract: A rupture feature releases pressurized gas into a diffuser through an egress opening in an inflator wall responsive to a pressure impulse in the inflator. A sturdy rupture fragment is positioned opposite the egress opening. A thin rupture membrane continuously circumscribes and sealingly interconnects the rupture fragment to the inflator about the egress opening. Rupture membrane thickness is less than rupture fragment thickness or inflator wall thickness at the egress opening. The rupture membrane is upstanding from the inflator wall about the egress opening to a constant height. The rupture fragment and the rupture membrane are integrally-formed with each other and with the inflator wall at the egress opening. The pressure impulse impacts the rupture fragment, urges the rupture fragment away from the inflator, detaches the rupture fragment from the inflator by fully transversely fracturing the rupture membrane, and drives the rupture fragment into containment within the diffuser.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an inflator device for a passive restraint device, like an airbag. In certain aspects, a fuel-rich gas generant grain is located in actuating proximity to an initiator device. The grain has at least one flow channel through which a shock wave generated by the initiator device passes. The shock wave opens a burst disc between the inflator housing and downstream airbag to permit gases to flow into the airbag. A chamber storing pressurized gas (having at least one oxidant, e.g., O2) is also disposed within the inflator. Upon initiator actuation, the oxidant can react with combustion products of the initiator and the fuel-rich gas generant and flow into the airbag for rapid inflation. Methods of inflating airbags and improving airbag deployment reliability are provided. Such inflators are particularly suitable for large volume (greater than 60 liter) airbags.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator, including: a tubular housing, an ignition device attached to one end of the tubular housing, a diffuser portion having a gas discharge port and being attached to the other end of the tubular housing, in the tubular housing, a first combustion chamber defined by a first perforated-plate member on one end side in the tubular housing and filled with a first gas generating agent, a tubular member disposed in the remaining inner space of the tubular housing and having a communication hole on a peripheral wall portion thereof, a second-perforated plate member disposed between the first perforated-plate member and the tubular member, a second combustion chamber defined by the tubular member and filled with a second gas generating agent, the tubular member being disposed so that a gap is formed between the peripheral wall portion of the tubular housing and the tubular member, the tubular member having a first opening end portion abutting against the inner peripheral

Abstract: An external containment device for an inflator of an inflatable cushion is provided, the external containment device having: an outlet plate having an outlet opening; a burst disk disposed over the outlet opening; an initiator having an initiator cap; a support pin having a shaft portion and a head portion, the shaft portion being supported by the initiator cap and the head portion contacts the burst disk when the outlet opening is sealed by the burst disk; and wherein activation of the initiator causes the initiator cap to move shearing a portion of the shaft portion from the support pin which allows the burst disk to rupture.