Abstract: An inflator includes a housing and a gas source material enclosed in a rupturable container in the housing. The gas source material is adapted to undergo decomposition to form an inflation gas. A reactant material is adapted to react with the gas source material to produce decomposition thereof, and is positioned in a cavity extending between a housing outer wall and an enclosure positioned within the housing. The container and an expandable bladder are positioned in the enclosure. Ignition of a propellant within the bladder generates combustion gases, thereby expanding the bladder. Bladder expansion forces portions of the container into openings formed along the enclosure, thereby stressing and rupturing the portions of the container in the openings and releasing gas source material to flow through the openings into the cavity, where it reacts with the catalyst to produce inflation gas.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for use in an airbag inflation system are disclosed. An explosively formable projectile piece is positioned adjacent to an opening and, upon deployment of an initiator, is forced through the opening, thereby changing the shape of the projectile piece. The projectile piece is projected towards a rupturable wall. Once the projectile piece has ruptured the wall, the airbag inflation gas can pass through the opening in the wall and inflate the airbag.

Abstract: An inflator for an airbag including an elongated pipe containing an inert gas and a pair of igniters. The igniters are positioned at opposite ends of the tube so that the inert gas can be generally evenly distributed out of a plurality of spaced apart openings positioned along the length of the tube. The openings are sealed until the inert gas reaches a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A one-piece initiator device including an end closure having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The end closure forming a passage between the first end portion and the second end portion. A squib is at least partially positioned within the passage. A canister is mounted to the squib and extends outwardly from the end closure first end portion. The canister defines a charge chamber having a reactive charge disposed within the charge chamber. A permeable fill material is disposed within the passage and joins the squib to the end closure to form the one-piece initiator device. The permeable fill material insulates the squib from electrical contact with the end closure and provides a controlled gas flow path through the one-piece initiator device.

Abstract: When a gas generating agent 9a inside a first combustion chamber 5a is burnt, a gas generating agent 9b is prevented from being burnt by function of a metal thin plate 11 closing a communication hole 10 with a second combustion chamber 5b. A cup 1190 having a hole 1191 is covered on an igniter 1112, and the flame thereof advances into a transfer charge 1116 straightly in a narrow width. Accordingly, since the transfer charge 1116 is burnt completely, sufficient flame for burning a gas generating agent 1109 can be generated securely. A communication hole 3010 between a first combustion chamber 3005a and a second combustion chamber 3005b is closed by double-layered seal tape 3011 laminated through an adhesive layer. After activation, the seal tapes 3011 are not ruptured due to increase in the internal pressure of the first combustion chamber 3005a, but they are peeled off easily due to increase in the internal pressure of the second combustion chamber 3005b.

Abstract: A gas generator for an occupant protection system of a vehicle includes a compressed gas store, first and second bursting devices, and a gas generating triggering device. The compressed gas store has a discharge opening and is configured to store a compressed gas. The first bursting device can close the discharge opening. The triggering device can open the discharge open. The bursting devices can be supported against one another when the compressed gas store is closed, and an increased pressure for bursting a bursting device being able to be built up between the bursting devices by gas generated by the triggering device.

Abstract: Inflation assemblies, associated inflation assembly combinations and methods for inflating an inflatable restraint device and which assemblies, combination and methods employ a gas treatment element to effectively treat gas being discharged into an associated inflatable restraint device from either of at least two chambers, e.g., a hot gas-producing chamber and a cold gas-supplying chamber, such that heat is effectively conveyed to the cold gas such as to result in the desirable expansion thereof and the dissipation of residual heat from the gas treatment element.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflator reduced in size and improved in rupturability of a rupturable plate. A rupturable plate 29 is fixed between a gas introducing chamber 22 and an igniter accommodating chamber 26, and the central axes of an igniter 24 and the rupturable plate 29 are coincident with each other. For this reason, rupturability of the rupturable plate can be improved at the time of actuation.

Abstract: An inflator for a side collision allows adjustment of an inflation condition for an air bag according to a variety of builds of passengers and reduction of size. Gas discharging ports are provided at both sides with regard to an axial direction of an inflator having two igniters, and a total opening area of gas ejecting ports formed at one side is made different from a total opening area of gas ejecting ports formed at the other side.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compressed gas cylinder that is capable of storing a compressed fluid at high pressures. The cylinder of the present invention includes a body terminating in an inwardly domed cap. The dome included in the cap of the compressed gas cylinder of the present invention is formed such that the material near the tip of the dome is relatively thinner than the material near the base of the dome. The tip of the dome, therefore, creates a pierce region in the cap that can be pierced through the application of a relatively low pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for making the combustion of a pyrotechnic compostion independent of the ambient temperature when combusting a pyrotechnic composition in a preinflator or combustion chamber (2) incorporating outlets but being otherwise enclosed. As claimed in the present invention this is enabled by controlling the burning pressure of the pyrotechnic composition so that it does not exceed a predetermined value. The characteristic feature of the present invention is that the preinflator (2), in which combustion of the pyrotechnic composition takes place, incorporates a plurality of gas discharge perforations (6–9) or outlets, each of which is initially sealed by a bursting disc or foil seal (10) that is designed to rupture when the said burning pressure in the combustion chamber (2) is exceeded.

Abstract: An inflator 10 of a vehicle occupant protection system, for example, contains an elongated housing 12 having a first end 14 and a second 16. The gas generator 10 includes a sealed pressurized gas supply or gas tank 18 in fluid communication with the first end 14 upon inflator 10 operation. A first seal 36 seals the first end 14 prior to gas generator 10 operation. A notched support member 56 is wedged within the housing 12 and fixes the first seal 36 against a sealed opening 24 of the gas tank 18, thereby preventing fluid flow during gas generator 10 inactivity. Upon gas generator 10 activation, the support member 56 is fractured by a force produced by an initiator 68 thereby releasing pressurized gas into the first end 14 and through the housing 12.

Abstract: Combustion residues of a gas generating agent remain in an inflator due to composition of the gas generating agent, temperature difference between combustion gas and pressurized gas isolated by a rupturable plate, collision of the combustion gas against a wall surface and the like. The inflator inflates an air bag with pressurized gas and combustion gas, while satisfying the following requirements: (1) pressurized gas contains an inert gas and substantially no oxygen; (2) in the gas generating agent, a pressure is 0.8 or less; (3) a mole ratio of an amount of pressurized gas and the combustion gas is 1 to 10; (4) a ratio of a mass of pressurized gas and the gas generating agent is 1 to 10; (5) a mass of a gas generating agent is 1 to 30 g; and (6) the pressurized gas is charged at 30,000 to 67,000 kPa.

Abstract: An inflator (22) for providing inflation fluid ( ) to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a container (30) storing the inflation fluid under pressure. The container (30) has an outlet passage (80) through which the inflation fluid flows from the container. A rupturable closure member (92) fixed to the container (30) blocks flow of inflation fluid through the passage (80). A support (100) for the rupturable closure member (92) defines a chamber (110) adjacent the rupturable closure member (92). The rupturable closure member (92) has a first portion (122) deformed into the chamber (110) by the pressure of the inflation fluid and a second ring-shaped portion (124) encircling the first portion (122). An initiator (98) ruptures the closure member (92) when actuated by shearing the first portion (122) from the second portion (124).

Abstract: An inflator (22) for providing inflation fluid ( ) to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a container (30) storing the inflation fluid under pressure. The container (30) has an outlet passage (80) through which the inflation fluid flows from the container. A rupturable closure member (92) fixed to the container (30) blocks flow of inflation fluid through the passage (80). A support (100) for the rupturable closure member (92) defines a chamber (110) adjacent the rupturable closure member (92). The rupturable closure member (92) has a first portion (122) deformed into the chamber (110) by the pressure of the inflation fluid and a second ring-shaped portion (124) encircling the first portion (122). An initiator (98) ruptures the closure member (92) when actuated by shearing the first portion (122) from the second portion (124).

Abstract: An inflator (12) includes structure (40, 50, 82) defining a chamber (130). First and second passages (92 and 116) extend through the structure (40, 50, 82). A burst disk (120) closes the first passage (116). A valve housing (142) is received in the second passage (92) and defines a fill passage (154). A fluid (186) is stored under pressure in the chamber (130). An igniter (70) is actuatable for opening the burst disk (120) for enabling the fluid (186) to flow out of the chamber (130) through the first passage (116). A valve member (144) enables flow of the fluid (186) through the fill passage (154) of the valve housing (142) into the chamber (130) and prevents flow out of the chamber (130) through the fill passage (154).

Abstract: An inflator (22) includes a structure (30, 32) that defines a first chamber (50) and a second chamber (80). The first chamber (50) contains a volume of fluid under pressure and the second chamber (80) is in fluid communication with an outlet passage (76). The inflator (22) also includes a closure member (90) openable to release the fluid to flow out of the first chamber (50). An initiator (100) is actuatable to open the closure member (90). The inflator (22) further includes a filter (130) disposed in the second chamber (80). The fluid is directed from the first chamber (50) into the second chamber (80) and through the filter (130) into the outlet passage (76) upon opening of the closure member (90).

Abstract: A hybrid gas inflator utilizes a combustion chamber to generate a gas of hot jet. The gas pushes a piston downward and flows through a hole of the piston along its axis so as to break a pressure-resisting disc. The gas is then injected into a high-pressure gas container to heat up another gas therein. The hybrid gas gets expanded and is ejected through a plurality of exhaust outlets. This hybrid gas inflator can produce larger gas volume and therefore can reduce the size and weight of an inflator. Further, the impurities in the hybrid gas are congealed fast after two stages of pressure drop and can be removed easily by a filter.

Abstract: An inflator for an air bag comprises, a diffuser portion having a gas discharging port and a gas discharging duct extending from the gas discharging port in an axial direction of an inflator housing, wherein the total opening area of a plurality of openings provided at distal ends of a branched portion in the gas discharging duct is larger than the opening area of an orifice portion provided inside the diffuser portion.

Abstract: An inflator for safety system for a vehicle includes: an inflator housing having a gas discharging port, the inflator housing accommodating a pressurized medium accommodation chamber charged with a pressurized medium, and an igniter chamber for accommodating an igniter; a first retainer defining, therein, a first passage for guiding an activation energy of the igniter towards the pressurized medium accommodation chamber, and defining, outside thereof, a second passage, for guiding the pressurized medium to the gas discharging port; a second retainer arranged in alignment with the first cylindrical peripheral wall portion and defining, therein, the first passage, and defining, outside thereof, the second passage; and a single rupturable plate extending through a communicating space, formed between opposing ends of the first retainer and the second retainer and communicating the first passage with the second passage, for sealing the pressurized medium accommodation chamber from the igniter chamber and the disch

Abstract: A dual stage hybrid inflation device includes a first stage gas source having a pressurized gas stored in a first stage pressure vessel and a second stage gas source having a pyrotechnic gas generator having a gas output directed into the first stage pressure vessel. The first stage pressure vessel is in fluid communication with an inflatable device such as an aircraft emergency evacuation slide via an externally actuated valve upstream of a pressure actuated valve such as a rupturable diaphragm. A control circuit provides a signal to the externally actuated valve to begin a flow of gases from first stage pressure vessel to a chamber on the upstream side of the burst diaphragm. The control circuit also sends a signal to the squib that initiates the pyrotechnic second stage gas source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflator for inflating a cushion of an airbag module. The inflator induces expansion of a gas by application of an electric voltage to the gas or to a plurality of filaments disposed within the gas. The voltage may be applied between a nozzle and a conductor in such a manner that an arc forms within the nozzle. Gas passing through the nozzle then forms an arc-jet that further heats adjacent gas. Multiple gases may be used, including gases designed to combust and/or dissociate to produce additional moles of inflation gas. The voltage may alternatively be applied within the housing in such a manner that a corona is formed in the gas, thereby at least partially ionizing the gas to heat the gas. As yet another alternative, the voltage may be applied to some of the filaments to provide gas expansion via filament combustion.

Abstract: An inflator for an air bag, which inflates the air bag by a pressurized medium, has a rupturable plate that seals a pressurized portion of an inflator prior to an activation of the inflator. The rupturable plate is attached to the inflator by fixing a peripheral edge portion thereof to the inflator, and has at least one of the following parameters: (a) a ratio of diameter/thickness is 14 to 50, (b) a tensile strength is 880 to 1100 N/mm2, and (c) elongation is 25% or more.

Abstract: A multiple-chamber inflator (10) for a vehicle occupant protection system. The inflator (10) includes a housing (12) having a first end and a second end, and a divider disc (18) positioned in an interior of the housing (12) intermediate the housing ends to form a first (primary) propellant chamber (20) and a second (secondary) propellant chamber (22) within the interior of the housing (12). The divider (18) has a first surface (59) in communication with the first propellant chamber (20), a second surface (57) in communication with the second propellant chamber (22), and at least one aperture (60) extending between the first and second surfaces to provide fluid communication between the first propellant chamber (20) and the second propellant chamber (22). A pressure-resistant shim (62) fabricated from a low-melting point material is fixed on the divider first surface (59) over the at least one aperture (60) to block the aperture.

Abstract: A dual stage inflater for providing an extended flow of inflation gas to an airbag or inflatable curtain is disclosed. The inflator includes a first gas chamber having an exit orifice, the exit orifice having an open configuration and a closed configuration. Additionally, the inflator has a second gas chamber in gaseous communication with the first gas chamber. The first and second gas chambers are separated by a flow restrictor positioned between them. This restrictor controls the flow of gas out of the second gas chamber. The inflator includes an initiator in communication with the interior of one of the gas chambers that is configured to selectively initiate a flow of gas through the exit orifice of the first gas chamber. The exit orifice of the inflator may be disposed within an inlet port of an inflatable curtain to cause inflation gases exiting the inflator through the exit orifices to enter directly into the airbag or inflatable curtain.

Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag capable of easily and unfailingly closing a gas discharging port formed in a housing. An amount of accommodated gas generating agent can be varied and the gas generating agent can be ignited and burnt unfailingly even by ignition devices having normal output. The gas generator has sealing structures as small as possible and a simple structure, and can be manufactured easily. Activation performance and activation timing can be adjusted at multiple stages. For instance, the air bag housing may be provided at its peripheral wall with a plurality of gas discharging ports, an ignition device to be actuated upon impact, and a gas generating agent to be ignited and burnt by the ignition device, wherein the gas discharging ports are arranged in the axial direction of the housing to form a gas discharging port line. Other configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas generator 10 for an inflatable occupant restraint system is provided. The gas generator 10 includes a projectile firing barrel 20 having a touch hole 26 on a side thereof for ignition of a propellant 24 within the barrel 20. Ignition of the propellant 24 drives a projectile 50 through the barrel 20 and into a rupturable seal 36 on a stored gas canister 32. After rupturing the seal 36, the projectile 50 is positively retained between a base end 21 of the barrel 20 and the gas canister 32.

Abstract: An integral initiator assembly and an inflator device including the integral initiator assembly. The integral initiator assembly including a body having a first end including an opening. An initiator canister including a reactive charge and a conductive pin is joined to the body in discharge alignment with the first end opening by an injection-molded material. At least two gas exit holes are included in the body and positioned radially relative to a longitudinal axis of the initiator canister. The gas exit holes in gas flow communication with a gas flow space between an inside surface of the body and the initiator canister to allow inflation gas to exit the integral initiator assembly. A rupturable disk seals the opening of the first end. The integral initiator assembly is attached to the body at the first end over the sealed opening and filled with inflation gas to form an inflator device.

Abstract: A airbag restraint system for inhibiting passengers in bucket seats from colliding with one another during an accident. The airbag restraint system includes a housing member being designed for being coupled to an interior of the vehicle whereby the housing member is positioned between the bucket seats. An inflation assembly is positioned in the housing member and is operationally coupled to the vehicle. An airbag member is operationally coupled to the inflation assembly. The airbag member is positioned in the housing when the airbag member is deflated. The inflation assembly inflates the airbag member whereby the airbag member extends from the housing member when the inflation assembly is actuated by an accident. The airbag member is designed for extending between the bucket seats to inhibit collision of the passengers with each other.

Abstract: The present invention is an inflator with an improved reliability wherein a charge holder 37 for giving directivity to an detonation wave generated due to combustion of a priming 36 is provided to an igniter 26, thereby promoting rupture of a rupturable plate 19. A cross-shaped notch is applied to a surface of the rupturable plate 19, and when the rupturable plate 19 receives a rupture pressure from the igniter 26, four portions of the rupturable plate lap so that the outflow of the pressurized medium can be secured and fragments cannot be made. An inflator housing 12 and a diffuser 20 are connected by screwing a male screw portion on an outer surface of the end portion in the inflator housing 12 into a female screw portion on an inner surface of the end portion in the diffuser portion 20. An existing gas cylinder can be used in this method. A diffuser portion 320 is connected in the opening portion side of a housing 312, and a gas discharging port 340 is connected to the diffuser portion 320.

Abstract: A gas generator for deploying and inflating an impact cushion of a passenger restraint system, with a gas generator housing, which has at least one seal, for holding a propellant for generating the required quantity of inflating gas for the impact cushion. The required amount of inflating gas is generated exclusively with water that vaporizes virtually instantaneously, when an emergency occurs, i.e., when the restraint system is activated. When the restraint system is activated, the required vaporization is brought about by depressurization of the heated water, which is contained in a closed pressure chamber.

Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag, which can ensure a reliable activation and an operation performance as designed without adding further members. The gas generator includes a moving body for rupturing a first rupturable plate that closes a first opening provided between a first gas generating chamber and a pressurized medium accommodating chamber, and a second opening and a second rupturable plate for closing the second opening provided at a position deviated from a hitting portion of the moving body rupturing the first rupturable plate.

Abstract: A safety device against a crash for a motorcycle is equipped with an air jacket, a cartridge and an opening device. Before the moving motorcycle collides with an obstacle existing ahead, a control signal is outputted and the opening device is operated when a first condition where interval between the motorcycle and the obstacle becomes a certain distance, and a second condition where relative velocity of the motorcycle toward the obstacle becomes over a certain value, are fulfilled. When this occurs, a seal plate of the cartridge is opened and pressurized gas filled in the cartridge flows into and expands an airbag of the air jacket whereby a rider of the moving motorcycle is protected.

Abstract: A dual stage inflator is disclosed in the present invention. The dual stage inflator comprises a diffuser subassembly and a gas generator subassembly. Also disclosed is a multiple stage inflator, which comprises a diffuser subassembly, a first gas generator subassembly, and a second gas generator subassembly. Both the dual stage inflator and the multiple stage inflator have numerous output characteristics or output profiles associated therewith to protect different size and position vehicle occupants. The dual stage inflator and the multiple stage inflator release either stored gas or stored gas mixed with combustion gaseous products from the burning of gas generant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid gas generator (1), used for motor vehicle safety to inflate an airbag, comprising a body (2) containing an ignition device (16) and a reservoir (3) connected to the body and containing a pressurized gas (31), together with initially closed-off discharge orifices (10). The body possesses a first pyrotechnic charge (14) capable of generating a quantity of gas which, coupled to the volume of gas (31) contained in the reservoir, allows the airbag to be inflated in a time period of less than 50 milliseconds, and a second pyrotechnic charge (13) capable of generating, after combustion of the first pyrotechnic charge, a quantity of gas sufficient to keep the airbag inflated for a time period of several seconds.

Abstract: An inflator has a tubular member with a sealing element hermetically sealing the open end of the tubular member. The tubular member and the sealing element form a pressure vessel for storing inert gas. The inflator has a support member for supporting the sealing element. The support member prevents the forces associated with the inert gas from driving the sealing element apart from the tubular member. During a crash situation, the support member is displaced, which allows the inert gas to burst the sealing element. Consequently, the inert gas has an unobstructed path to flow out of the inflator.

Abstract: An airbag or inflatable curtain inflator for producing two differing gas flows is disposed. The inflator has a gas chamber, a first orifice, and a second orifice. The first orifice has a different effective cross-sectional area than the second orifice. The two different cross-sectional areas allow the first orifice to produce a mass flow rate of gas that is different from the second orifice. The mass flow rates of gas may be related to the volume of an inflatable curtain into which the gas is ejected. Thus, two differently sized volumes of an inflatable curtain may be simultaneously inflated with a single inflator.

Abstract: An airbag inflator having two individual sections coupled together by a connection member is disclosed. The vessel may be configured to have different airbag inflation characteristics. The sections may have different gas generants, volumes, and orifice sizes. The inflator may also include modular components. Various vessels having different inflation characteristics may be attached to a connection member. The use of modular components allows multiple inflator configurations to be created from a smaller number of components.

Abstract: An inflatable curtain module is disclosed, where the inflatable curtain module has an inflator, and an inflatable curtain. The inflator may have a biaxial flow providing a gas input into two separate inflatable cushions. The cushions may be different sizes or volumes. Alternatively, other inflatable curtain modules may incorporate multiple inflators and multiple cushions to create an inflatable curtain module. The multiple inflators can be employed to provide two gas inputs into a single inflatable cushion. An inflatable curtain module may also be created from a number of generically sized cushions and inflators that are assembled into an inflatable curtain module for a wide range of vehicles.

Abstract: An inflator includes a bottle for storing a high pressure gas having an opening, a sealing plate attached to the bottle for sealing the opening, a housing having a curved air passage therein and being arranged such that an end faces the sealing plate, an initiator for generating an air blast disposed to communicate with the air passage, and a piston provided inside the housing to communicate with the curved air passage. Upon actuation of the initiator, the piston is urged toward the sealing plate by the air blast to rupture the same to allow the high pressure gas to linearly eject from the bottle.

Abstract: A dual flow inflator for airbags is disclosed, together with related manufacturing, installation, and deployment methods. The inflator includes a primary gas chamber with a first exit orifice and a secondary gas chamber in gaseous communication with the primary gas chamber. The inflator also includes a flow restrictor positioned between the gas chambers. In use, the inflator provides primary and secondary flows of gas from the exit orifice. The primary gas chamber may include multiple exit orifices in order to provide axial gas flows in opposite directions upon activation so that each gas flow neutralizes the thrust of the other. The exit orifices may comprise frangible structures such as burst discs, scored surfaces, and compression closures.

Abstract: A hybrid gas inflator utilizes a combustion chamber to generate a gas of hot jet. The gas pushes a piston downward and flows through a hole of the piston along its axis, so as to break a pressure-resisting disc. The gas is then injected into a high-pressure gas container to heat up another gas therein. The hybrid gas gets expanded and is ejected through a plurality of exhaust outlets. This hybrid gas inflator can produce larger gas volume and therefore can reduce the size and weight of an inflator. Further, the impurities in the hybrid gas are congealed fast after two stages of pressure drop and can be removed easily by a filter.

Abstract: A cold gas generator for an airbag system has a storage device having an interior filled with a gas under pressure. The interior is divided into at least two partial chambers. Gas outlet openings closed in a rest state of the cold gas generator are provided, wherein one of the gas outlet openings is correlated with one of the at least two partial chambers, respectively. An opening mechanism is provided for actuating, when needed, all of the gas outlet openings together and for filling several airbags with the gas.

Abstract: A hybrid gas generator for use in an occupant restraint system for vehicles comprises a pressure chamber (10), a combustion chamber (14) delimited by a combustion chamber wall (16) and containing a pyrotechnic charge (12), and a passage element (20) arranged between the pyrotechnic charge and the pressure chamber. For a form-fitting securing of the passage element (20) on the combustion chamber wall (16), the passage element (20) and the combustion chamber wall (16) have at least in part a conical shape. On the side facing the pyrotechnic charge (12), the passage element (20) has a collar (38) which acts as a spacer between the passage element (20) and the pyrotechnic charge (12).

Abstract: The compressed gas inflator has a movable pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is biased away from an impinger by a spring. At the occurrence of a car crash, the igniter in the compressed gas inflator is fired. The burning of the pyrotechnic material in the igniter produces sufficient output energy to overcome the biasing force of the spring and propel the pressure vessel into the impinger. The impinger ruptures a hole in the burst disk of the pressure vessel and the gas in the pressure vessel is able to quickly exit the pressure vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflator reduced in size and improved in rupturability of a rupturable plate. A rupturable plate 29 is fixed between a gas introducing chamber 22 and an igniter accommodating chamber 26, and the central axes of an igniter 24 and the rupturable plate 29 are coincident with each other. For this reason, rupturability of the rupturable plate can be improved at the time of actuation.

Abstract: A pressure container stores gas therein, and includes a tube facing a gas exit at one end thereof. An initiator is fitted into a rear end of the tube. A burst disk closes the gas exit and is arranged to break upon receipt of a shock wave. A closure disk closes a distal end of the tube. The tube is filled with a gas with a pressure lower than that in the container. The initiator ejects a high-pressure gas into the tube to generate a shock wave. The shock wave breaks the closure disk and propagates in the container, and then bursts the burst disk when it reaches the gas exit.

Abstract: An inflator has a tubular member with a sealing element hermetically sealing the open end of the tubular member. The tubular member and the sealing element form a pressure vessel for storing inert gas. The inflator has a support member for supporting the sealing element. The support member prevents the forces associated with the inert gas from driving the sealing element apart from the tubular member. During a crash situation, the support member is displaced, which allows the inert gas to burst the sealing element. Consequently, the inert gas has an unobstructed path to flow out of the inflator.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator which easily controls the amount of outflow of a pressurized medium or the like is provided. Part of a plurality of nozzles 166 positioned in a flow-passage of a pressurized medium or the like are closed by a tape 160 to be ruptured due to increase of an internal pressure. When the internal pressure is low, the tape 160 is not ruptured, but when the internal pressure is high, the tape 160 is ruptured. Therefore, the opening area of the nozzles 166 are changed in accordance with the change in internal pressure so that the amount of the outflow of the pressurized medium and the like can be controlled.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator having improved inflating performance of an air bag is provided. A gas generator provided in a housing 102, in which a pressurized medium is charged under a high pressure, includes a first gas generating chamber 120 and a second gas generating chamber 130. By allowing the two gas generating chambers to generate high-temperature combustion gas, respectively, the inflating speed and the like of the air bag are further improved.